As you may have heard, Cleveland is the host city for Gay Games 9 - if you have questions like "what's the point of the Gay Games", please visit the following site
http://www.gg9cle.com/gay-games/faqs/
We were fortunate to attend the opening event thanks to the generosity of a good friend. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this event was spectacular - they somehow managed to get a widely diverse group of entertainers, politicians and of course the participants pulled together and the energy and excitement was palpable during and after the event.
First, a view of the skyline from University Road in Tremont - the Terminal Tower was lit in the colors of LGBT Pride, and there was a rainbow shaded laser projection from the Great Lakes Science Center:
We arrived just as the first groups were being introduced - the international groups led the way. When you realize how far so many people traveled, and especially those coming from countries with an LGBT-hostile political climate, it really sinks in what the Games are about
:
Argentina:
Australia:
Canada - quite a large contingent:
Although every nation represented was applauded, the crowd poured it on a little more for singles and smaller groups:
The cheerleaders were amazing - I've seen competitions where they do acrobatics, pyramids, etc. but those usually involved petite collegiates.
France:
Mexico:
No way are those cheerleaders going to do what I *think* they're about to do...
Oh YES they did!
If you're familiar with what the LGBT community in Russia has been dealing with, you understand why their group got a standing ovation and easily the loudest applause:
Switzerland:
Next was the IGRA - International Gay Rodeo Association - another large group:
Next up, the participants from the USA - Alabama:
Arizona:
California was another big group:
Delaware:
In case you were wondering why the country/state name signs weren't all a uniform shape/size:
Florida had quite a large group:
Aloha!
Make some noise for Illinois!
Indiana:
Michigan:
Missouri:
New Jersey:
Big group from New York:
Even Buffalo made the trip!
North Carolina:
Pennsylvania:
Puerrrrto Ric-o!!!
The stars at night, are big and bright - deep in the heart of Cleveland!
Washington:
Appalachia, repreSENT!
And of course, the Great State of Ohio!!!
Next up, a huge LGBT Pride flag display:
As you probably heard, quite a few of the competitions and events are being held in the Akron area. Still, I saw them roll out a bunch of Goodyear tires around a soapbox derby car and I thought "seriously, we HAVE to have product placement here?". And then three drag queens took the stage (including Veranda L'ni - one of the tallest EVER), and did a great rendition of "Proud Mary" and mixed it up a little with "... Cleveland's on a river..." and a dance crew using the tires as props. I was happy to stand corrected thinking it was just marketing for Goodyear tires!
Senator Sherrod Brown and Connie Schultz (his wife, a Pulitzer Prize winning writer), longtime advocates for LGBT rights, who both made great speeches:
Quite a few jaws dropped when President Obama came on the jumbotrons - it was a surprise appearance:
Lance Bass did a great job as emcee/host:
Props for his performance:
Of course, in the birthplace of Rock and Roll, you have to start the Games with a guitar smash!
Group cheerleading performance:
Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Louganis:
Like I said, a widely diverse group of performances!
Broadway star Andrea McArdle:
Native Clevelander Anne E. Dechant:
With a nod to being the birthplace of Superman, a dance performance to "I Need a Hero"
They did a great job but I recall the character Edna Mode in the film 'The Incredibles' saying "NO CAPES!" - she might have had a point
Andrea McArdle and Alex Newell (star of 'Glee') performing. I didn't get a photo but I *have* to mention Alex's performance of "I Know Where I've Been" - I don't think there was a dry eye in the house and hands down, one of my favorites of the entire evening - and it was one hell of an evening.
Time for the torch, delivered by local members of the LGBT community and representatives of the Gay Games.
The Pointer Sisters were outstanding and had everyone on their feet:
Not sure what or how this happened, but I kind of like it!
Giant puppets joined the revelry on the main floor:
Hope you enjoyed!
CLEVELAND - Gay Games 9 Opening Ceremony
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