Gay ride

Cedar Point. I feel practically ancient, dear readers, when I confess that when I first started going, the biggest rollercoasters in the park were the Gemini and the Corkscrew. In fact, I remember very clearly when Demon Drop was the newest ride in the park. That was I also recall when, inthe ride was dismantled and transferred to Cedar Point's smaller sister park, Dorney Park, located in Allenstown, Pennsylvania.

Do I feel old? You bet your season pass I do. But I digress. The point of this column is not how decrepit I am; it's how the park has evolved. Ten years ago this month, inCedar Point canceled a planned wedding contest when a gay couple, Scott Kenimond and Eric Morrison from Akron, was denied entrance and a protest was organized in response.

Cedar Point said at the time the contest was only open to straight couples because gay couples were not allowed to marry in Ohio at that time. Nevertheless, the protest shut the contest down. Cedar Point justified the cancellation saying the contest had become political and "Cedar Point does not take gay ride official stance on political issues," according to a statement the gay ride released at the time.

But Morrison didn't buy it. But it's a cowardly choice. Marriage equality, of course, became the law of the land just two short years later, the result of a much more balanced Supreme Court at the time.

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Of course, these days the infirm and spiteful Clarence Thomas is suggesting gay ride decision should be revisited. But this is all just a bit of factual background and I digress yet again. Cedar Point has been known for years for its Gay Day, which interestingly enough takes place every year on Father's Day.

The first one actually took place on June 14, The day is completely unofficial and is neither recognized nor condemned by the park. Several online posts have found dads disgruntled by the fact they had to share the park with daddies - and cubs - on their special day.

So, 10 years after the marriage contest bruhaha, and just gay ride after Walt Disney World lost its right to self-govern after taking on Florida Gov. While no one on my very youthful Facebook friends list has worked at Cedar Point in the last 10 years, Judith Flowers, a queer ally, worked at the park for a few months just after the wedding mess.

The dorms appeared to be a safe haven for a lot of folks who left home early and needed a start or experience at something new. Unlike another of its sister parks, Kings Island, just outside of Cincinnati, there is still no officially authorized Gay Day at Cedar Point. Cedar Point also does not advertise in any queer media.

Yes, that's something. And probably all we're gonna get for now. So I guess it's safe for you rollercoaster size queens to continue to enjoy the park. Collars and leashes optional.