Akron, Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati all had scores of 100 on the HRC Municipal Equality Index last year. That's the score given to every major city in the United States by the Human Rights Campaign, based on overall equality and acceptance of the LGBT community.
Cleveland scored an 81.
That's a problem, for multiple reasons.
"Cleveland is a very welcoming city but we want to make sure that in all categories we are as welcoming and as open to everyone as possible," said Cleveland City Councilman, Kerry McCormack.
McCormack is spearheading the movement to get Cleveland's Human Right's Campaign, Municipal Equality Index score from 81 to 100. He thinks he can do it by the end of the year.
"It's not only important for our community members and our residents, but also for job growth and business attraction," he said.
A high score is critical for cities looking to market themselves to prospective companies, as well as attract and grow a talented job pool.
Toledo scored 89 on the index and every other major Ohio city scored 100.
Cleveland, lagging behind, needs to have, specific, well identified LGBT liaisons in city departments, make sure school curriculum includes anti-bullying measures, and outlaw controversial conversion therapy.
Local business owner, Alex Budin is excited to hear the city is moving in that direction.
"I'm a big supporter and proponent of anytime Cleveland gets to showcase what a culturally diverse, welcoming, and inclusive city that it can be and is and this neighborhood is emblematic of that," said Budin, the owner of JukeBox in Ohio City.
"More and more cities are looking to be rated on the index," said Melanie Falls who sits on the HRC Board of Directors.
Falls, also a Northeast Ohio resident, was quick to acknowledge, cities across the country took notice, when states like North Carolina, Georgia, and Indiana tried to pass controversial anti-LGBT bills. In all instances, many businesses threatened to, or pulled altogether, their operations from those states.
"I got involved with the Human Rights Campaign so I could represent this part of our country, Ohio and Cleveland and try to make some changes," said Falls.
