Cleveland hires first full-time LGBTQ+ liaison

State of play: Carey Gibbons, a longtime advocate who's worked with the LGBT Community Center and the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, started the role in July.

• The position connects LGBTQ+ Clevelanders with city resources and services.

What they're saying: "This is Cleveland's time to meet the moment," Gibbons told The Buckeye Flame.

• "My role is not to stand in front, but to stand at the threshold to ensure the door is open and no one is left outside."

Zoom out: Gibbons estimated to the Buckeye Flame that only about a dozen U.S. cities have similar full-time, paid positions.

• Gibbons hopes to build internal support across city departments and keep visibility high beyond Pride Month, including through a National Coming Out Day display Oct. 11.