The Big (Queer) Table: Where do we go from here?

Every year, since 2016, the Columbus Foundation’s “The Big Table” brings central Ohio residents together for a day of connection and community-building, usually through in-person conversations. While we can’t gather in person this year, the Columbus Foundation is encouraging the community to consider creative ways of “coming together” to show the strength and resiliency of the Columbus region.

• Connect through conversation.
• Connect through assistance.
• Connect through action.

If any community understands resiliency it is that of the LGBTQ+ community.

This year Pride month was wrought with social unrest as our nation was re-awakening to the systemic racism that has plagued this country; with one of the greatest communities of need existing within our LGBTQ+ community as the multiplied lenses of injustices take the lives of our Black Trans siblings. And what do we do? What can we do? 

During this year’s The Big Table event Stonewall encourages the LGBTQ+ community to consider “Connect through conversation.”

Where do we go from here? How do we work together as a community to radically change the systems by which we have and continue to fail those who are most in need among us? What does our community need and what steps, no matter how small, can we take to meet those needs? How do we coexist in service to our individual identities and our collective humanities? How do we hold ourselves accountable?

Gather [safely or virtually] with a group [8-12 recommended] to talk about how, together, we can create a stronger and more connected community.