FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stonewall Columbus Celebrates Community and Advocacy at Annual Pride Brunch
Columbus, Ohio — June 4, 2024 — On Sunday, June 2, Stonewall Columbus held its annual Pride Brunch and fundraiser, gathering over 400 attendees, including elected officials, community organizations, sponsor partners, Stonewall Columbus members, and community supporters. The event celebrated the achievements and ongoing efforts of key community partners and advocates who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community in Central Ohio and beyond.
Event Highlights:
- Speakers: The brunch featured Franklin County Administrator Kenneth Wilson and Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign and Senior Fellow at the Kettering Foundation, as well as Densil Porteous, Stonewall Columbus’ Executive Director.
- Honorees: This year, Stonewall Columbus recognized several outstanding individuals and organizations for their advocacy and leadership:
- Cornerstone Award
- Mike Miller
- 2024 Leaders of Pride [Read Release]
- Maria Bruno, Esq.
- Dr. Rhea Debussy
- Dara Adkison
- Siobhan Boyd Nelson
- 2024 Champion of Pride [Read Release]
- Travis Shumake
- Central Ohio Ally of the Year – Business [Read Release]
- Grange Insurance
- 2024 Patron of Pride [Read Release]
- Zhané Dawlingz
- Cornerstone Award
Entertainment: The event was delighted with live music by Anisa Love, the 2021 Patron of Pride, who brought joy and entertainment to the attendees, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere of the brunch.
Looking Forward: A $20,000 anonymous donation has been leveraged to raise another $10,000 in support by the end of June. Funds raised during the Pride Brunch support Stonewall Columbus’s ongoing programs and initiatives, which aim to provide resources, education, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community throughout the year.
“This year’s Pride Brunch was not only a fundraiser but a vibrant celebration of the strength and diversity of our community,” said Densil Porteous, Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus. “We are thrilled to honor those who have used their voices and resources to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ individuals–in Columbus, Central Ohio, and beyond.”
About Stonewall Columbus:
Stonewall Columbus, an independent 501(c)(3)nonprofit, is one of the oldest LGBTQ+ community organizations in the country–founded in 1981. Stonewall Columbus serves Central Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community by providing a community center and organizing an evolving array of programming, and making connections to services that enhance the well-being and visibility of our diverse community through discovery, affirmation, and celebration.
