The passage of Cleveland’s Domestic Partner Registry not only puts Cleveland on the national stage politically, it is yet another step in the nationwide pursuit of equal rights for and by the LGBT community, and can be counted as momentous a decision as the passage of marriage rights laws in Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa.

“This is quite a victory in a conservative city like Cleveland,” observed Todd Saporito, Board President/CEO of Cleveland Pride.

“The Stonewall Riots in 1969 mark the formal beginning of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender community’s pursuit of equal rights. Just as that group made history, so, too, did the Cleveland City Council by passing this important registry,” he added.

The registry, though non-binding, could prompt employers, hospitals and other organizations to grant privileges typically reserved for married couples, advocates say. The registry is a revenue booster and a symbolic gesture that Cleveland is gay-friendly. As a result, it could mean increased economic growth and revenue for Cleveland, because LGBT persons will be more inclined to include Cleveland as a travel destination. Additionally, it helps local LGBT persons feel more comfortable about spending their money in Cleveland, vs. spending it elsewhere for the goods/services tailored to their needs.

Saporito acknowledges that several local organizations were instrumental in lobbying for the passage of the Domestic Partner Registry.

“Specifically, I extend gratitude and a world of thanks to Cleveland Families Count and Ask Cleveland for their support of the registry. They were instrumental in moving this legislation forward,” he said.

“Last, on behalf of Cleveland’s entire LGBT community, I wish to thank publicly the Cleveland City Council for their intelligent debates about this registry, as well as their humanity in passing a piece of legislation that in this day and age should not be in question,” Saporito remarked.

Below is important information about the registry, and what you can do to help:

• Legislation is for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples
• May 7th is the effective date of the legislation
• Cleveland is asking all same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partners to register; http://www.lgcsc.org/thecenter/300couples.php
• The domestic partner register is only $55 per couple

Come Two, Come All
8am – 4:30pm Register as Domestic Couple’s at City Hall
12noon – 2pm Rally and Celebration at City Hall
7pm – 8:15pm Ecumenical Workshop Celebration at Pilgrim Church
8:30pm Celebration at Bounce/Union Station

To Register as Domestic Partners bring valid photo ID and $55 (financial assistance may be available…email Sue Doerfer at sdoerfer@lgbtcleveland.org).

There are several events happening that day at City Hall. Parking will be very limited. Please use RTA or Park in the Municipal Lot (E. 9th and South Marginal).

All participants in City Hall events must enter through the front door. A valid photo I.D. is required for entry.

The Wyndham Hotel at Playhouse Square and Cleveland Pride are pleased to announce they will be working together as partners for this year’s Cleveland Pride celebration in Voinovich Park on June 20. The Wyndham Hotel at Playhouse Square has become a GOLD-level sponsor of Cleveland Pride’s parade and festival, the city’s largest annual event.

By partnering, the Wyndham and Cleveland Pride will promote a worthy cause—to bring awareness and acceptance of the LGBT community to the Northeast Ohio region, as well as putting Cleveland Pride’s “Equality through Unity” theme into practice.

“Cleveland Pride is pleased to announce the Wyndham Hotel at Playhouse Square as a GOLD sponsor for Cleveland Pride’s 2009 festival and parade. The Wyndham Hotel at Playhouse Square is in the heart of our city’s theater district, and is vital to the economy of Cleveland,” observed Todd Saporito, 2009 Cleveland Pride Board President/CEO. “We are pleased to be aligned with them,” he added.

The Wyndham Hotel at Playhouse Square is just minutes from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Progressive Field, the Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Great Lakes Science Center and Quicken Loans Arena.

Saporito encourages any local residents and out-of-towners coming to Cleveland that weekend to book their stay at the Wyndham.

“You and your partner or friends can stay at the Wyndham at Playhouse Square, and make a weekend of it. With new guest rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center, you can’t go wrong,” Saporito said.

“You can have a local place to stay the weekend of June 20 so that you may enjoy the festivities along the lakefront” he said.

“Just wake up and it’s a short walk to the parade and festival!” he added.

Founded in 1989, Cleveland Pride has been an integral part of the Northeastern Ohio region for the past 21 years. Cleveland’s Pride celebration is among the first half-dozen such events launched in the U.S., making our Parade and Festival among the longest continuing Pride events in the country.

On an ongoing basis, Cleveland Pride brings awareness, education and knowledge of the queer community to the general public to discourage/eliminate prejudice and discrimination on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Cleveland Pride openly recognizes and embraces all individuals of the queer community who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer questioning, intersex and straight allies, while understanding that each group identified exists in all ages, races, national origins and physical abilities.

Please visit http://www.clevelandpride.org/home/festival/hotel-accomondations/ for more information.