The Gay Games 2014 is the largest single sporting event ever hosted by the state of Ohio. GAME ON!
WE BEGAN BY TELLING A STORY OF INCLUSION: A GLOBAL CELEBRATION OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT
As a culture, our community has arrived. We were outliers, but today our culture is embraced, emulated, imitated and appreciated. We have power and we have influence. We have success and we are grateful for our progress and thankful to those whose shoulders we have stood upon so we may experience the joy of this moment. It is for this reason we celebrate, not just ourselves, but all people everywhere.
WHAT DOES CLEVELAND’S PURSUIT OF THE GAY GAMES SAY ABOUT THE CITY?
To build and express the brand of the games, the team at TWIST sought to articulate the true value that this unique pairing brought. It turns out that both parties’ selection of each other are emblematic of their level of acceptance. The Games not being held in large, progressive coastal metropolis, but in a rust belt Midwest town, said the Games wanted to truly push and live its message of inclusion. Cleveland’s active solicitation of the Games said the city was serious and strong in its desire to be viewed as a progressive metropolis ready for inspection on a global scale.
CREATING A NEW IDENTITY THAT IS REFLECTIVE OF THE GAMES’ ATHLETICISM AND CULTURE
The obvious answer for the identity for the Games is to look at the traditional iconography related to Pride events and movements and incorporate them. The Cleveland/Akron Games represent a moment when the Games become more about the sport, the culture, the fun and inclusion, but a bit less about the narrative of the Pride movement. The Games required sexy, sleek and versatile moments that celebrated and championed every event, every city and every individual involved.