Welcome to Gay in the CLE!
Gay. Fifty-Something. Queer Spirit. Chronic Illness. Cleveland Stories.
Hey there—I’m Keith. I’m a writer, photographer, spiritual wanderer, and longtime lover of 80s pop culture. I’m also a gay man in my fifties living with cirrhosis, finding healing and joy in the city I’ve called home since 2016: Cleveland, Ohio.
Gay in the CLE started in 2018 as a personal blog to explore my life in Cleveland—from LGBTQ+ spaces and hidden local gems to the drag shows, art, and stories that make this city feel like home. Over time, it became something deeper. A chronicle of healing. A record of aging queerly and spiritually. A platform for truth, humor, and survival.
This blog is where I show up as all of me—messy, growing, curious, and grounded in place.
What You’ll Find Here
I write through four main lenses—each shaped by my life, my struggles, and the joy I still believe in:
Cleveland + Queer Life
From local LGBTQ+ events to forgotten landmarks and quirky oddities, I highlight the rich, strange, and beautiful corners of Cleveland through a queer lens. This is more than a city—it’s a character in my story.
Queer Health
After being diagnosed with cirrhosis in 2020, I began documenting my wellness journey—mind, body, and soul. I share practical tips, emotional reflections, and ongoing lessons in resilience, all from the perspective of a gay man over 50 trying to stay alive and thrive.
Spirituality
I blend Romantic Satanism, queer mysticism, ritual, and modern spiritual practice into my daily life. Here, I explore sacredness outside of dogma—spirituality rooted in autonomy, self-reflection, and queer liberation.
Pop Culture
I was raised by VHS tapes, synth beats, and midnight movie marathons. Expect reflections on 80s/90s nostalgia, goth and industrial music, and how pop culture shaped my identity as a queer man growing up—and growing older.
Why This Blog Exists
Because aging as a queer person is still a revolutionary act.
Because living with illness doesn’t mean giving up your story.
Because Cleveland has more to offer than people give it credit for.
Because queer spirituality deserves to be seen.
Because you’re not alone.
If you’re a queer person navigating life, memory, aging, healing, and spirit—especially in the Midwest—this space is for you.
Thanks for being here.
– Keith
Are you interested in writing for Gay in the CLE?
See our Contribution page!
Gay in the CLE 