COLUMBUS, OH—Stonewall Columbus Pride events return boasting “Purpose. Passion. Power.” just as the 2023 Pride 365 theme suggests; with events throughout June and the traditionally annual festival and march occurring June 16th and 17th. “This year we aim to share a story of community that creates space for storytellers who are fighting for queer rights by using their art and showing up as the most authentic version of who they are meant to be,” said Stonewall Columbus Executive Director, Densil Porteous. Across 1.5 days the organization will feature over 20 performers including vocalists, DJs, and drag artists.
This year’s event coordinators Cassey Helm and Sierra Prince worked thoughtfully to consider entertainers that would represent various voices in the LGBTQ+ and allied communities that would build celebrate and pay homage to the fight for pride these 50+ years post the Stonewall Riots of 1969. “We’ve split our mainstage entertainers across two themed days the first being “Allies & Accomplices” on June 16th and June 17th, “Purpose. Passion. Power. [We Persist]”, we will feature an all LGBTQ+ lineup” noted Cassey Helm.
The day and half festival and march is one of the largest such events in the Midwest, and amid the top in the nation, with over 700,000 people in attendance across both days. “We realize the great opportunity we have to make space for various voices in our community by uplifting a variety of talent impacting our community through their art” said Sierra Prince “These entertainers truly bring a powerful message to this year’s Pride events.”
- “Allies & Accomplices” on Friday, June 16th will be hosted by Amber Knicole of Mojo Flow with featured entertainer Vesperteen.
- “Purpose. Passion. Power. [We Persist]” on Saturday, June 17th with host Alli Bellairs, special guest co-host Austin Armacost, and featured entertainers Tunde Olaniran, Mariah Counts, and Siena Liggins.
Retuning in 2023 will be the Pride Gazebo stage, presented by Stonewall Columbus’ Red [Space] programming, featuring some of Ohio’s most celebrated drag artists and performers. The Stonewall DJ deck will once again be spearhead by local Columbus DJ Industrial Badger. Additional entertainers and performers to be announced; for updates and information visit stonewallcolumbus.org/pride.
Stonewall Columbus, an independent 501(c)(3)nonprofit, is one of the oldest LGBTQ+ community organizations in the country–founded in 1981. Today Stonewall Columbus’ mission is to “increase visibility, inclusion, and connection for the LGBTQ+ community”. Stonewall represents more than 10,000 LGBTQ+ and allied community members in the Central Ohio region. Stonewall provides an array of evolving programs and resources to the LGBTQ+ and allied communities supported by community donations, corporate partnerships, and grants. Annual Stonewall Columbus PRIDE events and march are produced by Stonewall Columbus. Stonewall’s physical home is the Stonewall Columbus Community Center on High–a community center for all. Stonewall envisions a community where we all THRIVE.
