After the abrupt cancellation of
Cleveland's annual Pride Parade, several groups are planning a new
LGBT event to take its place.
Last week, the group behind Cleveland's
march, Cleveland Pride Inc., cited security concerns in canceling the
event, scheduled to take place Saturday, August 13.
“Because of the changing social
climate, Cleveland Pride did not have enough time to engage in the
development of awareness programs and training that we believe is
critical in today’s environment. Therefore, we regretfully canceled
our 28th annual parade, rally and festival this year,” the group
said in a statement.
The new event will take place on the
same date, but few details have been released.
Cleveland ABC affiliate NewsNet5
reported that the event is being organized by The LGBT Community
Center Executive Director Phyllis Harris; Cleveland City Councilman
Kerry McCormack; state Representative Nikie Antonio; and Cleveland
Department of Economic Development official Kevin Schmotzer.