Columbus, Ohio — June 4th, 2024 — Stonewall Columbus is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Leaders of Pride Award, recognizing extraordinary individuals who have used their voices to boldly support the LGBTQ+ community in Columbus, Ohio, and inspire collective action throughout Central Ohio.
“This year’s Leaders of Pride are not just voices of change, they are stewards of change and demonstrations of resilience in our community,” said Densil Porteous, Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus. “Their tireless efforts to combat discriminatory legislation and empower our community remind us that the fight for equality requires both courage and compassion.”
Maria Bruno, Esq. (she/her)
As the Public Policy Director at Equality Ohio, Maria Bruno has been a stalwart advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. With a deep background in public policy and civic engagement, she has played a crucial role in advancing supportive legislation and initiatives focusing on civil rights, economic justice, and voting rights since joining Equality Ohio in 2021.
Dr. Rhea Debussy (she/her)
Dr. Rhea Debussy, serving as the Director of External Affairs for Equitas Health and founding Executive Director of the Ace and Aro Alliance of Central Ohio, is celebrated for her unwavering commitment to advocacy and community engagement. Her strategic efforts in communication and policy development are vital in the fight against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and promoting inclusivity.
Dara Adkison (they/them)
Dara Adkison, the inaugural Executive Director of TransOhio and a trailblazer in legislative advocacy, has significantly impacted the LGBTQIA+ community at local, state, and national levels. Their roles in various organizations, including the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats and the Rural Lorain Precinct Association, underscore a decade of dedicated advocacy and community support.
Siobhan Boyd Nelson (she/her)
Siobhan Boyd Nelson has enriched the Ohio LGBTQ+ community through roles such as Deputy Director and Interim Executive Director at Equality Ohio. Her leadership extends through her work at Kaleidoscope Youth Center and Stonewall Columbus, where she has been instrumental in advancing the rights and visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals.
For more information about Stonewall Columbus and the upcoming Pride Festival, please visit https://stonewallcolumbus.org/pride/.
About Stonewall Columbus: Founded in 1981, Stonewall Columbus serves Central Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community by providing a wide array of advocacy, educational, cultural, community programming and connection to resources that affirm the lives of LGBTQ+ people and their accomplices. As a community-focused organization, Stonewall Columbus is committed to fostering a climate of respect and diversity within the Central Ohio area. Stonewall Columbus, an independent 501(c)(3)nonprofit, is one of the oldest LGBTQ+ community centers in the country.
