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Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender

The word is out on Columbus. Andrew Collins' blog on About.com: Gay & Lesbian Travel labeled Columbus as "one of the nation's most underrated gay cities." In addition, The Advocate rated Columbus one of the best places in the country for gays and lesbians to live (March 2007).

Columbus is a wonderfully diverse and accepting community. Visitors are pleasantly surprised at how this Midwest city embraces culture and individuality. Residents cherish the openness and want visitors to feel welcome to experience the vibrancy of entertainment, arts, attractions and fine cuisine that Columbus offers.

In fact, May 25-31, 2010, the International Gay Bowling Organization will hold its annual meeting and tournament in Columbus. Then, in August 2010, thanks to the work of the dedicated local organizing committee, NAGAAA (North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance) will host its World Series in Columbus at Berliner Park.

Short North - The Short North Arts District is a vibrant, eclectic area just north of downtown Columbus, primarily along High Street. It is known for its art, dining, nightlife, fashion, home decor and unique gifts. Art infuses the area from exhibits in galleries and restaurants to the murals that decorate the streetscapes. The district is very gay-friendly and many of the establishments are gay-owned. Enjoy bars such as Havana, Axis, Union Cafe and Level. Of the many retailers lining High Street, TORSO sells mens fashion clothing, designer underwear and clubwear; and Posh Pets specializes in accoutrements for your favorite cat or dog. And each September is a gay and lesbian theater festival in the Short North. Read some Insiders tips on the Short North posted on Gay.com.

German Village - German Village is a beautiful historic district on the southern edge of downtown Columbus. Most striking is the architecture of the impeccably kept brick homes and streets. Lovely gardens and parks are sprinkled throughout the pedestrian-friendly 233-acres. In the 1960s, German Village was threatened by modern development. It was a coalition of local gays and lesbians that lead the charge to save it. Even today, gay and lesbian home ownership is prevalent. Check out Barcelona Restaurant, named a "Top 10 Restaurant" by The Columbus Dispatch and a great place for a romantic meal.
Tour the village on foot with a map from the German Village Society Meeting Haus and Visitor Center (588 S. Third St.; open Mon.-Sat.). Eat, drink and shop your way through German Village in terrific restaurants, delis, coffee shops, pubs, bookstores, art galleries and craft stores. Each June, the Society hosts the annual Haus und Garten Tour and provides the opportunity to look inside the doors and fences of some of the village's most intriguing homes.

The Ohio State University, plus Clintonville and Beechwold - Ohio State is located 4 miles north of downtown Columbus and has one of the largest student populations in the county. On campus is the Wexner Center for the Arts, an internationally known contemporary arts center. The Wex offers exhibitions, performances, films, artistic residencies and educational programs. The building is a landmark of postmodern architecture and houses galleries, performance spaces, a film video theater, store and café. In March, the Center hosts Out at Wex, a three-day queer film festival with screenings, visiting filmmakers and a celebration party.
The Clintonville/Beechwold area, immediately north of the University District, ranks among the highest per capita donations to GLBT political causes in the U.S. More lesbians live in this are than anywhere in the country, based on the number of subscriptions per capita for gay publications.

Arena District - The Arena District is an area in the northern part of downtown that surrounds Nationwide Arena, home of the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL Hockey team. Enjoy dinner and drinks before or after a game. Also in the district are Huntington Park baseball stadium, home of the Columbus Clippers, farm team for the Cleveland Indians, the LC Pavilion, an indoor/outdoor concert venue, and the Arena Grand movie theater.

Grandview Heights is another fun district for GLBT visitors. Located northwest of downtown, there is a unique mix of food, drinks and shopping along Grandview Avenue between 1st adn 5th avenues. The Grandview Hop is an open house-type celebration of the area held the last Saturday of the month from April through November, 5-9 p.m.

Columbus Crew - Catch the action of Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew in the 22,555-seat Crew Stadium, located at the Ohio Expo Center at I-71 and 17th Avenue.

Pride Festival - Columbus has the second largest Gay Pride celebration of its kind in the Midwest and one of the top 10 in the country. Held each June since 1981, the event includes a march, festival and rally with more than 100,000 people in attendance. Pride Holiday is a fundraiser for Stonewall Columbus, to support their pursuit of equality, fairness and safety for the entire GLBT community. In addition to the parade and festival, the celebration includes an art exhibit, a GLBT history panel, a GLBT theatre shorts festival, diverse entertainment, a Poker Run for motorcycle enthusiasts, an antique car show and a 5K race. A more recent addition is an area featuring family entertainment.

Columbus Association for the Performing Arts - CAPA, as it is known locally, owns and operates three beautifully restored theatres in downtown Columbus: Ohio, Palace and Southern. The theatres are home to organizations such as The Columbus Symphony, BalletMet, Opera Columbus, Broadway Across America-Columbus, Columbus Jazz Orchestra and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. In addition, CAPA operates three theatres in the Riffe Center, also located downtown. Companies that make the Riffe Center their home include the Contemporary American Theatre Company (CATCO) and Phoenix Theatre Circle (family theater).
CAPA presents nationally known performers in the theatres, ranging from Lyle Lovett & His Large Band to Playhouse Disney. In the summer, the Summer Movie Series screens classic films such as North by Northwest, Dr. No and Grease in the ornate Ohio Theatre.

Columbus Gay Men's Chorus - The Chorus has been part of the local performing arts scene since 1990. Its repertoire ranges from traditional standards and show tunes to popular favorites and classic choral music. Each year, they present a holiday concert at King Avenue United Methodist Church and spring and summer shows at the Capitol Theatre in the Riffe Center downtown. They also perform at AIDS Walk and Pride Festival. The Chorus' acceptance as a legitimate arts organization in Columbus is evident through its partnerships with other organizations such as Opera Columbus and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra.

Shadowbox - Shadowbox is a locally founded, owned and operated sketch comedy and rock 'n roll theater company. They produce original works of funny shows a la old Saturday Night Live mixed in with the great live music by Bill Who?, the house band that really rocks. The warehouse-type theater is located in Easton Town Center.

Many individuals in high profile positions represent the GLBT community, including:

Gregg Dodd, deputy director of communications and education for the Capitol Square

Cindy Dunigan, realtor and member of the board of directors for the Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization

Bruce Dooley, realtor and Charter Member of the Columbus Board of Realtors

Mary Jo Hudson, director of the Ohio Department of Insurance and former member of Columbus City Council

Terry Penrod, realtor and member of the board of directors for the Human Rights Campaign

Out in Columbus
Outlook: Columbus
Visit Gay Columbus
Equality Ohio