Connect with us

Local

Multi-million dollar Gay Games lawsuit settled

Cleveland foundation that bested DC for games settled with City of Cleveland, Federation of Gay Games after being ousted as organizers

Published

on

A Cleveland-based foundation that beat LGBT sports groups in D.C. and Boston for the right to host the 2014 Gay Games agreed to an out-of-court settlement in July that ended its multi-million dollar lawsuit against the City of Cleveland, the Federation of Gay Games and other Cleveland-based sports groups.

The Cleveland Synergy Foundation filed the lawsuit in the fall of 2010 after the FGG revoked its contract to organize the Gay Games on grounds that it allegedly failed to meet the terms of the contract. The foundation denied it had breached its contract and accused the FGG and Cleveland city officials of conspiring to break a legal and binding contract calling for the Synergy Foundation to organize and operate the games in the Cleveland-Akron area.

The Gay Games is an international LGBT sports competition modeled after the Olympics and held every four years. It usually draws more than 10,000 athletes and spectators to the host city.

Due to public reporting requirements, Cleveland officials disclosed that the city paid $475,000 to Cleveland Synergy Foundation to settle the lawsuit. But the settlement terms with the other parties named in the suit, including the Federation of Gay Games, were sealed by the court at the request of the parties involved.

A spokesperson for the FGG declined to disclose what, if anything, the non-profit LGBT sports organization paid as part of the settlement.

“The Federation of Gay Games confirms all litigation involving the Gay Games has been terminated and the parties have resolved to ensure that the 2014 Gay Games in Cleveland-Akron are a success,” said FGG spokesperson Kelley Stevens in a statement to the Blade.

At the time it ousted Cleveland Synergy the FGG hired a new entity called the Cleveland Special Events Corporation to organize and operate the 2014 Gay Games.

In its 2010 finance report to the IRS, which is required for all non-profit, tax-exempt groups, the FGG reported that it incurred a deficit of $55,349, with $99,641 in revenue and $154,349 in expenses. FGG spokesperson Stevens did not respond to a question asking if expenses associated with the lawsuit were responsible for some or the entire 2010 deficit.

Advertisement
FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM
SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST

World Pride 2025

D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride

Gay bars, other liquor-serving establishments can stay open 24 hours

Published

on

Sasha Colby performs at Pitchers in 2023. Liquor-serving establishments in D.C. will be able to remain open for 24 hours during WorldPride. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board, which regulates liquor sales for the city’s bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments licensed to serve alcoholic beverages, has approved extended hours for alcohol service and sales during the days when most WorldPride events will be held in the nation’s capital.

In a May 2 announcement, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, which works with the board, said the extended liquor serving and sales hours for WorldPride will take place beginning Friday, May 30, through 4 a.m. Monday, June 9.

Although the official schedule for WorldPride events shows the events will take place May 17-June 8, most of the large events, including a two-day Pride street festival, parade, and concert, were expected to take place between May 30 and June 8.

According to the ABCA announcement and an ABCA spokesperson, liquor servicing establishments with the appropriate license can stay open for 24 hours and serve alcoholic beverages from 6 a.m. through the day and evening until 4 a.m., with no liquor sales allowed from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. during the May 30-June 9 period.

The ABCA announcement says liquor serving establishments must apply for the extended hours option and pay a $100 registration fee by a deadline on May 27.

Sources familiar with the liquor board have said the board has for many years approved the extension of liquor serving and sales hours for important events and for certain holidays such as New Year’s Eve.

At the time it approved the extended hours for WorldPride the liquor board also approved extended hours during the time when games for a World Cup soccer tournament will be held in the city on June 18, June 22, and June 26.

It couldn’t immediately be determined how many of D.C.’s 22 LGBTQ bars plan to apply for the extended drinking hours. David Perruzza, owner of the Adams Morgan gay bar Pitchers and its adjoining lesbian bar A League of Her Own, said he will apply for the 4 a.m. extended hours option but he does not intend to keep the two bars open for the full 23 hours.

Under the city’s current alcoholic beverage regulations, licensed liquor serving establishments may serve alcoholic beverages until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends.

Continue Reading

World Pride 2025

Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride human rights conference

Trump demanded apology from Mariann Edgar Budde over post-Inauguration sermon

Published

on

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde. (Screen capture via PBS NewsHour/YouTube)

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde is among those who are scheduled to speak at the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference that will take place from June 4-6.

Budde, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, in January urged President Donald Trump “to have mercy” on LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others “who are scared right now” during a post-Inauguration service that he and Vice President JD Vance attended at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump criticized Budde’s comments and demanded an apology.

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde speaks at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21, 2025. (PBS NewsHour clip)

A press release the Washington Blade received notes Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, UK Black Pride founder Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, and Bob the Drag Queen are among those who are also expected to participate in the conference.

The conference will take place at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) and registration is open here.

Continue Reading

World Pride 2025

Pabllo Vittar to perform at WorldPride

Brazilian drag queen, singer, joined Madonna on stage in 2024 Rio concert

Published

on

Pabllo Vittar (Screen capture via Pabllo Vittar/YouTube)

A Brazilian drag queen and singer who performed with Madonna at her 2024 concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach will perform at WorldPride.

The Capital Pride Alliance on Thursday announced Pabllo Vittar will perform on the Main Stage of the main party that will take place on June 7 at DCBX (1235 W St., N.E.) in Northeast D.C.

Vittar and Anitta, a Brazilian pop star who is bisexual, on May 4, 2024, joined Madonna on stage at her free concert, which was the last one of her Celebration Tour. Authorities estimated 1.6 million people attended.

Continue Reading

Popular