ABOUT US

Stonewall Union Pride March circa 1980s.

Mission: increase visibility, inclusion, and connection for the LGBTQ+ community.

Vision: An Ohio where every LGBTQ+ individual is visible, included, and connected, leading fulfilling lives without fear of discrimination–an Ohio where all of us thrive!

Values: History. Visibility. Inclusion. Connection. Accountability.

Stonewall Columbus is a center for the LGBTQ+ community in Central Ohio; founded in 1981, as Stonewall Union, with the goal of “increasing the visibility and acceptance of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community.” During the course of Stonewall’s 40+ year existence, Columbus and the LGBTQ+ community has changed. The City of Columbus is now the 14th largest city in the country and recognized as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the United States.

What We Do:

Advocacy and Education: We champion LGBTQ+ rights and provide training on diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence to various organizations.
Support Services: Our services include counseling, emergency assistance through the CARES program, support groups, and referrals for HIV/STI testing and affirming health care.
Community Building: We host events like the annual Pride Festival, attracting over 750,000 visitors, and offer social and support groups for different LGBTQ+ identities.

Our Impact:

Access to Services: Ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals have the support and resources they need.
Enhanced Visibility and Inclusion: Raising awareness and promoting acceptance of LGBTQ+ issues.
Community Engagement: Connecting people across the LGBTQ+ spectrum to foster a sense of belonging.

In addition to an evolving array of programs Stonewall produces Lavender Listings, a listing of local products and services from LGBTQ+ friendly businesses and organizations, and Columbus Pride; started in 1981 Pride now welcomes over 750,000 visitors to the Columbus region.

Clipping from Ohio Gay Pride Parade 1982 program–fundraising ask.

As the community has changed so has Stonewall’s mission and vision–now to “increase visibility, inclusion, and connection for the LGBTQ+ community so we see a community where ALL of US thrive.”

At Stonewall Columbus, we stand at the intersection of culture, community, and advocacy, proudly serving as a vibrant organization dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community in Central Ohio and beyond.

As we forge ahead we will…

always remember our history as we build our future brick by brick;
be visible, reminding the world that we are strong, vital members of humanity;
be inclusive, because we know what it means to be left out;
be connected, linking needs to resources and people to one another;
stand up for everyone in our community, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, sex, age, race, color, national origin, religion, military status, familial status; or disability.

Programs and Services

Stonewall aims to be an organization that serves the full spectrum of our LGBTQ+ rainbow, Stonewall is a vital hub for providing access to information and resources that address the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Each year, the Stonewall Center welcomes over 9,000 visitors to the facility and the Stonewall staff provides connections to services for nearly 30,000 people (walk-in, phone call, email and website), prioritizing programs for the most vulnerable among us. Each month Stonewall offers a number of programs including coming out support, men and women’s support groups, alcohol and drug addiction groups, ballroom dance, counseling, health and wellness programs, book clubs, networking/community opportunities and more. Stonewall is proud to have 500+ volunteers and partner with numerous local organizations. Our strategy will always be to work closely with existing community organizations to identify gaps in services that we can fill and create timely initiatives where Stonewall’s community-wide reach brings added value.

Program Pillars:

Economic Empowerment: Stonewall’s Economic Empowerment work is dedicated to providing the LGBTQ+ community with the tools and resources necessary to achieve financial stability and career success. Through job training, resume workshops, and networking events, we aim to bridge the gap between opportunity and achievement, ensuring that every individual has the chance to thrive economically.
Family Expansion: At Stonewall, we believe in the power of family in all its forms. Our family programming supports LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in their journey to build and nurture families. From adoption and surrogacy resources to parenting workshops and family support groups, we provide a compassionate and inclusive environment for every step of the family-building process.
Identity Enrichment: Stonewall’s Identity Enrichment programming aims to celebrate the diverse and intersectional identities within the LGBTQ+ community. We offer a range of cultural, educational, and social activities that honor and explore the unique experiences of our community members. From support groups and cultural events to educational workshops and creative expressions, we help individuals embrace and enrich their authentic selves.
Personal Wellness/Health: Promoting a strong sense of well-being is at the core of Stonewall’s mission. Our Personal Wellness/Health work provides comprehensive support for physical, mental, and emotional health. We offer counseling services, health and wellness workshops, support groups, and physical activities, striving toward providing access to the resources needed for a healthy and fulfilling life for every community member.

Advocacy

Stonewall Union (now known as Stonewall Columbus) was incorporated by local Columbus, Ohio gay activists in 1981, in response to Jerry Falwell’s attempt to establish a Columbus based Moral Majority headquarters. The founding members established three primary goals for Stonewall Union: political lobbying and legislative reform, community building, and education. Today Stonewall Columbus continues its legacy work through community building, education, and advocacy by up lifting key issues central to LGBTQ+ identities.

Finances

**COVID / *Capital Campaign

Stonewall Columbus, Inc. IRS 990 Forms – Provided by ProPublica
(ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism with moral force.)

Your Support

Stonewall is not just a building, it is greater than a seeming menagerie of programs and people. For over forty years Stonewall has represented a belief in civil rights, freedom of expression, and an inclusive community for all people. Your monetary support is an investment that is used to support the first and only LGBTQ+ community center in Central Ohio, and the valuable programs and services we provide the LGBTQ+ community. To learn more about individual donor, corporate partnerships, foundation funding or volunteer opportunities contact us!