LGBTQ Cleveland

Cleveland’s LGBTQ history exhibits the classic components of a Hollywood blockbuster. At the heart of the story are unforgettable characters–heroes, big and small–united by their vision of a city where everyone stands tall together. Clevelanders bravely went to battle in their quest for equal rights, fighting racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. Unyielding in times of desperation, the community bound together to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic and comfort those left in its wake. A nefarious billboard-maker, an adversarial state senator, and unidentified arsonists played villainous parts promoting a repressive antigay agenda. Epic crowd scenes showcase scores of determined individuals gathered for candlelight vigils, Dancing in the Streets, and the Gay Games, illustrating Cleveland’s swelling pride and appeal before a local, national, and international audience.