Metro Weekly, D.C.'s gay and lesbian news magazine, writes in an article titled "Planning for Gay Games in 2014 is ahead of schedule" that "Many people around the world were shocked when Cleveland beat Boston and Washington, D.C., in the battle to host the Gay Games in 2014. However, Ohio's second largest city is proving it is not just up for the task but ready to set the bar for future Gay Games."

Leading up to the Gay Games, which will take place in Cleveland August 9 to 16, 2014, organizers are ahead of schedule when it comes to planning. Organizers announced that 26 hotels in Cleveland and Akron, which is co-hosting the games, have been officially contracted to provide than 20,000 rooms to accommodate more then 11,000 expected participants.

Approximately 35 sports and culture events will be a part of Gay Games. Events will run the gamut from softball, track & field, soccer and swimming to volleyball, bowling, marathon and rowing to band, orchestra and cheer.

"Cleveland has long been active in promoting the city as a welcoming destination for LGBT visitors. Positively Cleveland launched its gay travel marketing campaign in 2007 that included the creation of an LGBT section of its website."

Following the move to be the host city for the Gay Games, Cleveland created a domestic partnership registry and granted domestic partner benefits to city employees.

In 2011, The Advocate named Cleveland among its list of "Gayest Cities in America."

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