Columbus, OH – October 23, 2025 — Stonewall Columbus will host the annual Donald R. Hallman LGBTQ+ Veterans Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, November 13, 2025, honoring the service and sacrifice of LGBTQ+ veterans and military spouses. This year’s theme, “Honoring LGBTQ+ Service: A Legacy of Courage,” celebrates the bravery of those who have served authentically and the ongoing fight for equality within the armed forces.
The evening’s program will feature a banquet-style meal, a reflection segment titled “Legacy Lives Here” recognizing past honorees, and a special presentation, “A Legacy of Courage,” highlighting notable LGBTQ+ veterans across history. Guests will also hear from local veterans in a conversation on “What It Means to Serve with Pride: Looking Back, Looking Forward.”
“Our community’s story is not separate from the story of this nation,” said Densil Porteous, Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus. “The courage of LGBTQ+ veterans—from the fields of Normandy to the deserts of Iraq—reminds us that patriotism is not limited by identity, but expanded by authenticity. Their bravery shaped the path toward open service and continues to inspire all who serve with pride.”
The annual ceremony, first established to honor LGBTQ+ veterans who served at a time when they could not live openly, was renamed in memory of Donald R. Hallman, a 2015 honoree and advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in military service.
The event is free and open to the public, though RSVPs are encouraged due to limited space capacity.
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Location: Stonewall Columbus Community Center, 1160 N. High Street, Columbus, OH
Time: 5:30 PM Doors Open | 6:15 PM Program Begins
For more information or to RSVP, visit stonewallcolumbus.org/veterans
