Courtesy of Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau:

The word is out on Columbus. Andrew Collins' blog on About.com: Gay & Lesbian Travel labeled Columbus as "one of the nation's most underrated gay cities." In addition, The Advocate rated Columbus one of the best places in the country for gays and lesbians to live (March 2007).

Columbus is a wonderfully diverse and accepting community. Visitors are pleasantly surprised at how this Midwest city embraces culture and individuality. Residents cherish the openness and want visitors to feel welcome to experience the vibrancy of entertainment, arts, attractions and fine cuisine that Columbus offers.

Columbus has the second largest Gay Pride celebration of its kind in the Midwest and one of the top 10 in the country. Held each June since 1981, the event includes a march, festival and rally with more than 100,000 people in attendance. Pride Holiday is a fundraiser for Stonewall Columbus, to support their pursuit of equality, fairness and safety for the entire GLBT community. In addition to the parade and festival, the celebration includes an art exhibit, a GLBT history panel, a GLBT theatre shorts festival, diverse entertainment, a Poker Run for motorcycle enthusiasts, an antique car show and a 5K race. A more recent addition is an area featuring family entertainment.

Columbus Association for the Performing Arts - CAPA, as it is known locally, owns and operates three beautifully restored theatres in downtown Columbus: Ohio, Palace and Southern. The theatres are home to organizations such as: 

• The Columbus Symphony
• BalletMet
• Opera Columbus
• Broadway Across America-Columbus
• Columbus Jazz Orchestra 
• ProMusica Chamber Orchestra

In addition, CAPA operates the Lincoln Theatre on the near east side and three theatres in the downtown Riffe Center.  CAPA presents nationally known performers in the theatres, ranging from Kathy Griffin to Playhouse Disney. In the summer, the Summer Movie Series screens classic films such as Steel Magnolias, Dr. No and Grease in the ornate Ohio Theatre.

Columbus Gay Men's Chorus - The Chorus has been part of the local performing arts scene since 1990. Its repertoire ranges from traditional standards and show tunes to popular favorites and classic choral music. Each year, they present a holiday concert at King Avenue United Methodist Church and spring and summer shows at the Capitol Theatre in the Riffe Center downtown. They also perform at AIDS Walk and Pride Festival. The Chorus' acceptance as a legitimate arts organization in Columbus is evident through its partnerships with other organizations such as Opera Columbus and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra.

Photos Courtesy of Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau