By Densil R. Porteous (he/they)
Executive Director, Stonewall Columbus
As the year comes to a close, I find myself less interested in tallying “wins” and more compelled to sit with how this year felt…what it almost demanded of us, what it revealed, and how it shaped the community we continue to build together.
This year was not simple. It required flexibility, patience, and care–lots of care. It asked us to hold complexity while remaining grounded in our values. And through it all, Stonewall Columbus remained what it has strived to be for decades: a place of connection, visibility, and belonging for LGBTQ+ people across Central Ohio.
Over the past year, hundreds of people walked through our doors–and many connected with us through programs, partnerships, and community spaces beyond the Center. In June Pride once again reminded us of the power of collective joy, and it pushed, drove us to ensure our year-round work reaffirmed that Pride is not a season–it is a commitment. A promise to show up consistently, thoughtfully, and with intention.
We honored history–through remembrance, through storytelling, and through the ways we continue to make LGBTQ+ lives visible in the fabric of this city. We also looked forward, expanding how we think about space, leadership, and community voice. From the continued evolution of our community center, The Center, to the public expressions of Pride and identity that now surround it, this year affirmed that visibility matters–especially in moments when it feels contested.
At the same time, we were reminded that much of the most important work happens quietly. In conversations. In navigation. In follow-up. In care. In holding space for people as they arrive exactly as they are. That work doesn’t always make headlines, but it is the heartbeat of Stonewall.
As we move toward a new year, we do so with clarity and humility. The landscape ahead will continue to shift. The needs of our community will continue to evolve. And our responsibility remains the same: to listen deeply, act with integrity, and ensure that LGBTQ+ people are not only supported, but seen and thriving.
Stonewall Columbus has never been just a building or recognition of a singular moment in time. It is a collective–shaped by the people who show up, who stay engaged, who believe in the power of community even when the work is hard. This year reminded me, once again, that the strength of Stonewall lives in us.
Thank you for being part of this community–for your trust, your care, and your continued presence. We step into the year ahead together, grounded in what we’ve built and committed to what still lies ahead.
With pride and appreciation,
Densil
Executive Director January 2021 – present
Interim Executive Director June 2020 – December 2020
