By Densil Porteous, Executive Director, Stonewall Columbus
In June 2020, I stepped into to help guide Stonewall Columbus during one of the most pivotal times for our organization, our city, our Country, and our intersectional LGBTQ+ community. That moment was not only about managing leadership and organizational change at Stonewall, but also about pushing for change across Columbus and the region.
Since that time, I have consistently asked our elected leaders, and our community, to do more for LGBTQ+ people. I’ve called for structural shifts, not just symbolic gestures: LGBTQ+ business certification, a paid LGBTQ+ liaison within the City, and most notably, a formal LGBTQ+ commission or council. In emails, in community conversations, in boardrooms, and at the podium, I have asked again and again: what more can we do to make Columbus not just an inclusive city, but a structurally affirming one?
On the eve of the 2025 Stonewall Columbus Pride March, I stood in Columbus’ City Hall as part of the public announcement of the LGBTQ+ Commission proposal. Like many executive directors of Stonewall before me, I was proud to stand with other leaders in the community to support and push forward another small step toward lasting change. Now, as we await the Council’s vote, I am filled with hope—but also with clarity. This commission, if passed, is not the end of the work. It is a new beginning. A platform. A structure that will require community input, engagement, and vigilance.
On Monday, July 15, 2025, the Columbus City Council will vote on the creation of a citywide LGBTQ+ Commission.
While it may seem that Stonewall Columbus is not at the center of this historic moment, I assure you we are a part of this historic moment. Since our founding more than 40 years ago, Stonewall Columbus has played a persistent, and often behind-the-scenes, role in advocating for the progress we now see coming to fruition. Real, lasting change doesn’t always make headlines and often takes time. Sometimes, it looks like showing up to meeting after meeting. Sometimes it looks like being told “not now” until “now” finally comes.
In April of this year, I wrote yet again to our city leaders:
“Hello friends,
I am nothing if not consistent—and persistent. Since joining Stonewall Columbus in the summer of 2020, I’ve often found myself reflecting on how cities across the country are stepping up to meet the evolving needs of their LGBTQ+ residents. And I’ve asked: What more could we be doing here in Columbus?
While our city has made meaningful strides, it is time to consider bolder, structural moves that align with the urgency of this moment. I’ve put together the below brief, which outlines recommendations for expanding our city’s infrastructure of support and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals—both residents and those who come here seeking opportunity and an affirming community.
I invite you to take a look. I believe we have a real opportunity to lead—not just in spirit, but in structure.”
This Monday’s vote will be a powerful step forward.
To be clear: this commission is not a final solution. It is a beginning—a long-overdue, deeply necessary structure that will help ensure that LGBTQ+ people in Columbus are not just visible, but heard, considered, and included in city policy and planning.
As a queer Black leader, as a father, as a naturalized American citizen, and as someone who has dedicated their life to building better systems of care and inclusion, I see this moment for what it is: a milestone that reminds us that incremental change, when grounded in community and persistence, does eventually move the needle. Progress may not always come as swiftly as we hope. But it comes. It comes when people show up, speak out, and refuse to give up. I am proud to be one of those people—and proud that Stonewall Columbus continues to be one of those organizations.
And to the broader LGBTQ+ community: this is yours. You made this possible. Your marches, your organizing, your stories, your bravery—they all pushed Columbus to take this step.
Stonewall Columbus stands ready to support this new commission, collaborate as needed, and continue the work to ensure our city not only embraces LGBTQ+ people in name but in action, policy, and resourcing.
With gratitude and pride,
Densil R. Porteous
Executive Director, Stonewall Columbus
You Can Fight City Hall: Lesbian and Gay Rights in the Midwest is documentary which describes the lobbying efforts of LGBTQ activists and protestors at a Columbus, Ohio City Council meeting debating legislation of employment and job protection based on sexual orientation. The film is comprised of clips from the 1984 Columbus City Council meeting juxtaposed with interviews of people who were at the meeting.
