Obama Backs Orlando For Gay Games

Orlando wants to host the 2018 Gay Games and President Obama seems to think that's a good idea. Via Lou Chibarro at Washington Blade:

“I am pleased to voice my support for the City of Orlando’s bid to host the Gay Games 2018,” the president said in a letter to Orlando 2018, the organization working on the bid. “As President of the United States, I am committed to advancing equality for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community, both in America and around the world,” he said. Mikael Audebert, project director for Orlando 2018, said Obama’s endorsement letter is believed to mark the first time a U.S. president has expressed support for the Gay Games or any LGBT event of that size.

Cleveland will host the 2014 Gay Games and some observers believe it's unlikely that an American city would be chosen twice in a row. The most recent Games were held in Cologne, Germany and previous host cities include Chicago, Sydney, Amsterdam, New York City, Vancouver, and San Francisco.

Obama's letter includes this message: “Orlando’s vibrant tourism industry makes it ideally suited to host a record-breaking number of more than 200,000 attendees – including over 14,000 athletes – and the city would be honored to provide the guests and athletes a wonderful, unique experience. I strongly support Orlando’s bid, and I urge the Federation of Gay Games to approve it.”