Piano concert, 'Laramie Project' top Out in Akron

by Eric Resnick

Akron--A presentation of the Laramie Project by the North Canton Players headlined Akron’s annual LGBT pride festival.

Out in Akron has, been a celebration of LGBT culture and arts for 11 years, coinciding with National Coming Out Day on October 11 and LGBT History Month.

This year’s festival had daily programs from October 11-19 at venues including the Akron Summit County Library, the University of Akron, the historic Civic Theater, Club Amsterdam and the Akron City Center Hotel.

The festival had three themes: Out Health and Education, Out Politics and Faith, and Out Business.

Events included a homecoming dance, LGBT films, and a concert with world-renowned San Francisco gay pianist Tatsuya Nagashima to raise awareness of anti-LGBT hate crime.

The festival’s second weekend featured “A Decade of Decadence,” the Iron Eagles’ tenth annual Leather Round-Up run at the City Center hotel. This included the Mr. Ohio Leather contest at Daddy’s bar.

A special event sponsored by Cascade Community Church called “The Bible and Homosexuality: God Loves You Just the Way You Are” debunked biblical verses taken out of context to condemn gays and lesbians.

The festival ended with Cabaret Q, a celebration of local LGBT talent at the Civic.

Proceeds from Out in Akron went toward renovation of the Akron Pride Center so it can quickly reopen at its new Aster Street location.

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