This story is actually a couple of months old, but I just heard about it on the news last week and then found this Web article:

http://governing.com/articles/10gays.htm

This prompted me to look and see if Cincinnati was singled out in the 'Worst gay city' thread on the Non-Sports forum, but surprisingly it wasn't mentioned at all. I knew the city has had its share of racial problems, but wasn't aware that it is especially homophobic. Perhaps someone who lives in Cincinnati or at least has been there (I haven't, myself) would like to comment. Anyway, kudos to Proctor & Gamble for its progressive action.

The article is quite long, so in case the link doesn't work, or for those who don't want to sift through the whole thing, I've copied the most relevant paragraphs below:


"There is a growing sense among Cincinnati's business leaders that the city's reputation for hostility toward gays and lesbians is taking an economic toll on the region and its ability to attract a top-quality workforce. Article 12, they say, is symptomatic of a mindset that turns away not only talented gay workers but also legions of creative straight people who are the key to growing jobs and wealth in the global economy.

And even more surprising, much of the momentum within business ranks is coming from the Cincinnati corporation with perhaps the stodgiest historical reputation: Procter & Gamble. P&G thinks Cincinnati must become more gay-friendly if it wants to reverse its steady decline in population. Internally, the company has changed policies so that the domestic partners of gay employees get the same benefits package as the spouses of married workers. Now P&G wants Cincinnati to take the next step and repeal Article 12."

I happily grew up in Cincinnati, but left for San Diego 23 years ago. 25 years ago, I marched on Fountain Square, downtown Cincinnati. I was one of about 15 people. I shook in my boots! I knew then that the political atmosphere (anti-gay-anything) and on-going racism (black vs. white) would stifle and poison me, had I stayed. I have never regretted leaving.

Curiously, P&G has had a long reputation for being progressive. But then, it is a Fortune 25 company, and must attempt to attract top talent. A dear gay friend from high school recruits accounting college grads from only the best schools.

Not so with the other employers in Cincinnati. Not so with the politicos. Not so with the press. No so with the people, excepting a few. Cincinnati in more ways beyond the gay issue, is socially retarded by maybe 10 or 12 years, as I compare it to other majormets.

And let's remember the cast of characters most notable in modern times from this hotbed of advanced social thinking: Charles Keating, S&L fame; Larry Flint, "Hustler" mag, Margie Schott, racist & former REDS owner; Pete Rose, Baseball & gambler; Ted Turner, Cable, he got out early. Help me with whom I am missing?

All that said, there is a marvelously proud gay community, hardly eager cower before Cincinnati's self-rightousness and misguided pervue.