To Our Pride Marchers:
As we gather this Saturday for the Stonewall Columbus Pride March, we do so in the spirit of unity, visibility, and resistance. In a time when protests across the country are surfacing deep pain and calling for justice, we recognize that many in our community are carrying heavy hearts, righteous anger, and a desire to be heard.
We see you. We hear you. And we march together.
Pride was born from protest. It is a tradition rooted in courage, resilience, and the refusal to be erased. But Pride is also about community—about showing up for one another with respect, compassion, and care.
As we step into this moment—marching United in Power—we ask that you do so with purpose and respect for your fellow marchers, our community, and the collective experience we are creating together.
Here are a few important reminders for this year’s march:
- Keep marching. For everyone’s safety, you must continue moving with the flow of the march. Stopping in the route disrupts the movement and can pose safety risks.
- Do not throw items. This includes beads, candy, or any objects—regardless of intention. This is a matter of safety and compliance with city regulations.
- Engage with kindness. Do not heckle or engage hecklers. We know tensions can rise—but this is not the place for conflict. Your power lies in your presence, not in confrontation.
- Respect our shared space. Our Pride March welcomes all LGBTQ+ affirming people and organizations. We honor diversity of expression, but we do not tolerate anti-identity behavior of any kind. That includes language or signs that demean people based on race, gender, sexuality, nationality, disability, religion, or any lived experience.
- Review our march rules here: https://tinyurl.com/MarchRules2025
Let us remind the world why we march—not for ourselves, but for each other. Let’s lift up the stories, struggles, and joy of our beautifully diverse community. Let’s be loud, proud, and peaceful. Let’s be united—not just in message, but in action.
Thank you for showing up. Thank you for marching with intention. Thank you for helping us build a future where all people can live openly, authentically, and with dignity.
With deep appreciation and Pride,
Densil Porteous
Executive Director
Stonewall Columbus
