At Stonewall Columbus, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and affirming community for LGBTQ+ individuals across Central Ohio and beyond. This commitment extends to our partnerships and collaborations, which must align with our organization’s values—some of which are inclusion and accountability.
The reports, and affirmations, of corporations eliminating diversity programs and aligning with policies, or administrations, that are dismantling policies of diversity are deeply troubling. I am keenly aware of the responsibility we have to hold our corporate partners accountable for their actions and commitments—or lack thereof. As we navigate this challenging political climate, we will actively engage in conversations with our corporate partners to better understand their priorities.
Our approach includes:
- Advocacy Through Engagement: We are addressing concerns directly with corporate sponsors who have reduced or eliminated DEI programs. We believe that transparency and dialogue are critical to pushing these companies to uphold their stated commitments to diversity and equity.
- Accountability Measures: Stonewall Columbus is reassessing partnerships where there are significant misalignments between a corporation’s actions and our organizational values. If a partner does not demonstrate tangible progress or intent to support the LGBTQ+ community authentically, we will reevaluate the relationship.
I assure you that Stonewall Columbus will not waver in its responsibility to the community—but we will also not jump on a trend to set fire to a situation without first trying to find a solution for the communities we aim to serve. Our partnerships must be part of the solution, not part of the problem. We remain vigilant, holding ourselves and our partners accountable for building a more inclusive and equitable society, even when it requires difficult conversations or decisions.
At Stonewall Columbus the I.D.E.A is simple: we commit to humanity. When we put the needs of others ahead of our own, we acknowledge their humanity through intentional actions of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. https://stonewallcolumbus.org/idea/
Densil Porteous (he/they)
Executive Director
