Ohio is home to a number of vibrant and thriving LGBTQ+ communities. From Cincinnati to Columbus, many cities across the state offer welcoming spaces for members of the LGBTQ+ community to live, work, and play. In recent years, several Ohio cities have been recognized as among the “gayest” in the state. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at one question that’s often asked: what is the gayest city in Ohio?
The Ranking Criteria
To determine the “gayest” cities in Ohio, Community Research Partners, a Columbus-based research organization, looked at data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Specifically, they analyzed the number of same-sex couples per 1,000 households in each city and village in Ohio. This data set allowed them to rank cities and villages based on the proportion of same-sex households in their populations.
The Top Five “Gayest” Cities in Ohio
So, what cities in Ohio came out on top? Here are the top five “gayest” cities and villages in Ohio, according to Community Research Partners:
1. Cleveland
2. Lakewood
3. Canton
4. Toledo
5. Columbus
Cleveland: Ohio’s Gayest City
According to Community Research Partners, Cleveland is the “gayest” city in Ohio, with a same-sex couple rate of 17.3 per 1,000 households. Cleveland is home to a number of LGBTQ+ bars and spaces, including the popular Leather Stallion Saloon, Bounce Nightclub Hinge Lounge and the Twist Social Club. The city also hosts the annual Cleveland Pride celebration, which draws thousands of LGBTQ+ visitors and allies to the city each year.
Lakewood: A More Suburban Option
Coming in at a close second, Lakewood has a same-sex couple rate of 14.1 per 1,000 households. Many LGBTQ+ residents of Cleveland choose to live in this vibrant suburb. Lakewood boasts several LGBTQ+-owned businesses, including the popular LGBTQ+ bookstore and gift shop, A Room of One’s Own. The city is also home to several LGBTQ+ events, including the annual Lakewood Pride Festival.
Canton: Oh Gay-tlinnburg
Though perhaps not as well-known as Cleveland or Lakewood, Canton is a thriving LGBTQ+ community in its own right. With a same-sex couple rate of 12.2 per 1,000 households, it’s the third “gayest” city in Ohio. Canton is home to several LGBTQ+ organizations, including the Canton LGBTQ+ Center and the local chapter of PFLAG.
Final Thoughts
While these data sets are helpful in understanding the LGBTQ+ populations of Ohio cities, it’s important to keep in mind that they don’t tell the whole story. Many smaller cities and towns across Ohio have thriving LGBTQ+ communities and offer safe and welcoming spaces for residents and visitors alike. Ultimately, the “gayest” city in Ohio is the one where LGBTQ+ residents feel most at home and supported.
FAQ
Is Akron LGBT friendly?
Akron, a city located in Ohio, has been making great strides in becoming more welcoming and inclusive towards the LGBTQ+ community. For the past five years, Akron has received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index, which measures a city’s policies and practices related to the LGBTQ+ community. This shows that Akron is committed to ensuring equal rights and protections for all of its residents, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
There are several factors that contribute to Akron’s reputation as an LGBT-friendly city. One of the most significant is the existence of strong anti-discrimination laws and policies. Akron prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other areas. The city also has a Human Rights Commission, which actively investigates reports of discrimination and works to promote awareness of LGBTQ+ issues.
In addition to legal protections, Akron also has a thriving LGBTQ+ community and many organizations and resources that are dedicated to supporting its members. The Gay Community Endowment Fund is one such organization, providing financial support for local nonprofits that serve the LGBTQ+ community. Other groups, such as the Akron Pride Initiative, host events and activities throughout the year that celebrate and promote acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Despite these positive developments, it’s important to note that there is still work to be done in terms of achieving full equality for the LGBTQ+ community in Akron. For example, transgender individuals may still face challenges accessing healthcare or changing their legal gender markers. Nevertheless, the fact that Akron has consistently received a high score on the Municipal Equality Index and has made concerted efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents is a testament to its commitment to equality and justice.
What is the gayest neighborhood in Cleveland?
Determining the “gayest” neighborhood in Cleveland is not a straightforward task. While no single ward or area has become an identifiable gay area, at various times a number of areas of the city have housed large concentrations of the gay population. One such area is Cleveland Heights, a suburb located on the east side of the city. Cleveland Heights has historically been a liberal and progressive community, and its relatively affordable housing has attracted a sizeable number of LGBTQ residents.
Another area that has had a significant LGBTQ presence is the neighborhood around Shaker Square, located on the eastern edge of Cleveland proper. This area was a center of gay nightlife in the 1970s and 1980s, and many LGBTQ-owned businesses were located in the area. While the neighborhood has changed in recent years, with many of these businesses closing and the local LGBTQ community becoming more dispersed, it remains an important part of Cleveland’s LGBTQ history.
Ohio City, a neighborhood located to the west of downtown, has also been home to a sizeable LGBTQ community at various times. Ohio City is known for its diverse mix of residents, historic architecture, and vibrant arts scene, all of which have helped attract LGBTQ residents. Additionally, neighboring Lakewood, a city located just west of Cleveland, has also been a popular destination for LGBTQ residents due to its affordable housing, walkable neighborhoods, and thriving LGBTQ community.
While there is no single neighborhood in Cleveland that can be identified as the “gayest,” Cleveland Heights, the area around Shaker Square, Ohio City, and the western edge of the city along with neighboring Lakewood have all been important areas for the city’s LGBTQ residents. These neighborhoods offer affordable housing, vibrant arts scenes, and diverse mix of residents, all of which continue to attract LGBTQ individuals and families to the area.
Is Columbus Georgia LGBTQ friendly?
Columbus, Georgia, is a city that is growing and thriving every day in terms of its diverse community. Experience Columbus, the city’s tourism organization, is a member of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), showing their commitment to creating an inclusive environment for LGBT travelers. This membership demonstrates their willingness to educate themselves on LGBT issues and create an environment that is welcoming and accepting of diversity.
Columbus is home to several resources and organizations for the LGBT community. There is an LGBT Center of Columbus that provides essential support services, resources, and community programs to residents. Columbus also hosts a BiCity Pride parade and celebration each year which brings people from all around the region together to celebrate diversity.
In terms of legal protection, Georgia does not have a statewide law protecting LGBT individuals from discrimination in areas of housing, employment, and public accommodations. However, the City of Columbus has undertaken several initiatives to ensure the protection and inclusion of LGBT individuals. In 2017, Columbus passed a resolution in support of Georgia House Bill 663, which aims to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The Columbus police department has also made efforts to improve the relationship with the LGBT community. They have held training sessions for police officers to better understand and serve the unique needs of the community and also have a liaison officer who serves as a point of contact for the LGBT community.
Columbus, Georgia might not have specific laws to protect the LGBT community, but the city is making strides towards inclusion. The city’s tourism industry is showing heartening efforts with its membership of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, and there are organizations and resources available to provide support and safety to LGBT residents. While there is no perfection, the city has managed to create an environment that is friendly and welcoming to the LGBT community.
