COLUMBUS, Ohio—Stonewall Columbus announced that Executive Director Densil Porteous (he/they) will conclude his tenure with the organization effective July 1st, 2026. The announcement comes after more than six years of leadership, including serving as Interim Executive Director beginning in 2020 and Executive Director since January 2021.
Porteous will depart Stonewall Columbus to accept a national leadership position with the Human Rights Campaign, one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organizations.
Under Porteous’ leadership, Stonewall Columbus navigated unprecedented challenges while strengthening its role as a cornerstone institution for the LGBTQ+ community in Central Ohio. During his tenure, the organization expanded community programming, increased philanthropic support, strengthened operational infrastructure, deepened community partnerships, launched new initiatives serving LGBTQ+ individuals and families, and guided the continued evolution of the Stonewall Columbus Community Center as a hub for visibility, inclusion, and connection.
“Densil has led Stonewall Columbus through a period of growth, change, and impact,” said K Terry Smith, President of the Stonewall Columbus Board of Trustees. “His leadership helped position the organization for long-term success while ensuring Stonewall remained responsive to the evolving needs of our community. We are grateful for his service and excited to see him continue advancing LGBTQ+ equality on a national stage”.
Reflecting on his time with the organization, Porteous emphasized the collective nature of Stonewall’s accomplishments.
“Stonewall Columbus has never been about any one person,” said Porteous. “It is the result of thousands of community members, volunteers, staff, board members, donors, sponsors, and advocates who have chosen, year after year, to invest in a vision of a more visible, inclusive, and connected community. It has been the honor of my professional life to serve alongside them.”
He continued, “When I arrived in 2020, the question before us was how we would navigate uncertainty. Today, the question is how far this organization can go. I leave with immense confidence in Stonewall’s future, gratitude for the community that shaped me, and excitement for what comes next”.
The Board of Trustees has initiated a transition process and will share additional information regarding interim leadership and a search process in the coming weeks. Founded in 1981, Stonewall Columbus remains committed to its mission of increasing visibility, inclusion, and connection for the LGBTQ+ community. The organization recently adopted a new strategic framework focused on advancing Pride 365, strengthening the Stonewall Columbus Community Center as a trusted third space, elevating Stonewall’s public voice and impact, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
About Stonewall Columbus
Stonewall Columbus is a center for the LGBTQ+ community in Central Ohio. Founded in 1981, Stonewall Columbus works to increase visibility, inclusion, and connection through community programming, education, advocacy, support services, and the annual Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival & March. Stonewall Columbus envisions an Ohio where every LGBTQ+ individual is visible, included, and connected, leading fulfilling lives without fear of discrimination.
