DAYTON -- For the first time ever Dayton tops an annual list of the 'Queerest Cities' in America.
The list by The Advocate magazine recognized the most gay-friendly and thriving cities across the country.
If you haven't heard the news, maybe you've seen it.. Masque nightclub has the ranking displayed proudly on it's Jefferson St. billboard.
"We even ranked higher than Atlanta," The Greater Dayton LGBT Center President Randy Phillips said Monday. "Its mind-blowing that they ranked little Dayton, Ohio."
One of the criteria for making the list was a thriving LGBT nightlife. Dayton boasts five gay bars and clubs.
Also factored in were the 12 different LGBT groups and organizations and a vibrant art scene.
But the ranking is interesting considering Ohio is still one of 14 states that does not recognize gay marriage.
But acceptance and equality by local government. was part of the list's criteria. Activist Randy Phillips says Dayton does have legislation that protects gay rights.
Gay couples can register with the city, which acknowledges them as a domestic partnership.
"You cannot be fired within the City of Dayton from your job if your are perceived as gay and lesbian. You cannot be evicted from your home," Phillips explained.
"That piece of legislation that we adopted here in Dayton has been used as the model for many other states and many other cities."
Members of Dayton's gay community hope this ranking is a good sign that times are changing and gay marriage is on the horizon.
The Supreme Court is set to take on gay-marrriage legislation in June.
The list by The Advocate magazine recognized the most gay-friendly and thriving cities across the country.
If you haven't heard the news, maybe you've seen it.. Masque nightclub has the ranking displayed proudly on it's Jefferson St. billboard.
"We even ranked higher than Atlanta," The Greater Dayton LGBT Center President Randy Phillips said Monday. "Its mind-blowing that they ranked little Dayton, Ohio."
One of the criteria for making the list was a thriving LGBT nightlife. Dayton boasts five gay bars and clubs.
Also factored in were the 12 different LGBT groups and organizations and a vibrant art scene.
But the ranking is interesting considering Ohio is still one of 14 states that does not recognize gay marriage.
But acceptance and equality by local government. was part of the list's criteria. Activist Randy Phillips says Dayton does have legislation that protects gay rights.
Gay couples can register with the city, which acknowledges them as a domestic partnership.
"You cannot be fired within the City of Dayton from your job if your are perceived as gay and lesbian. You cannot be evicted from your home," Phillips explained.
"That piece of legislation that we adopted here in Dayton has been used as the model for many other states and many other cities."
Members of Dayton's gay community hope this ranking is a good sign that times are changing and gay marriage is on the horizon.
The Supreme Court is set to take on gay-marrriage legislation in June.