Cleveland Loses Convention Over LGBTQ Laws

By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – LGBT Politics

CLEVELAND, OH — (August 23, 2025) — Cleveland has officially lost out on a major international convention after the International Studies Association (ISA) announced it would not consider the city as a host site, citing Ohio’s anti-LGBTQ legislation and pending immigration laws.

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The ISA, a 7,000-member organization representing scholars from more than 80 countries, said in a letter to Governor Mike DeWine that recent state laws restricting transgender rights, along with proposed legislation requiring cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, raised serious safety concerns for its members.

Why Cleveland Was Rejected

The ISA makes hosting decisions based on whether attendees can participate free from discrimination. Its leaders argued Ohio’s legal climate fails that test.

Although the association will move forward with its 2026 annual convention in Columbus — an event expected to draw 5,000 to 6,500 attendees — Cleveland has been blacklisted from future consideration.

“We hope that you will do everything in your power to ensure that our attendees can enjoy Columbus … without regard to their sexuality or gender identity,” wrote ISA President Siba Grovogui and Executive Director MJ Bosia.

Economic Blow for Cleveland

The decision represents a major setback for the city’s tourism industry. Destination Cleveland CEO David Gilbert said conventions bring “hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefit to the city, county, and state each year.”

“ISA’s decision highlights the ripple effect our laws can have on travel and tourism,” Gilbert said. “We are proud of Cleveland’s reputation as a welcoming city … and we hope ISA members will someday see that firsthand.”

The Laws in Question

Ohio has passed — or attempted to pass — a slate of restrictions impacting LGBTQ and transgender residents:

Ban on gender-affirming care for minors, currently on hold pending Ohio Supreme Court review after an ACLU lawsuit.
“Two-sex” definition law recognizing only male and female, effectively erasing trans and intersex identities.
Medicaid restrictions against mental health services affirming gender transition.
Ban on menstrual products in men’s restrooms in public buildings.

Governor DeWine vetoed several proposals, including bans on pride flags at state property and restrictions on LGBTQ-supportive homeless shelters and libraries.

Pending Immigration Bill: HB26

The ISA also cited House Bill 26, pending before the Ohio General Assembly.

If passed, HB26 would force cities to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement or risk losing state funding. Critics argue this would create a hostile environment for immigrant scholars and attendees.

Read Ohio House Bill 26 (Full Text)

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