Stonewall Columbus Honors Zhané Dawlingz as Patron of Pride for 2024
Columbus, Ohio — June 4th, 2024 — Stonewall Columbus is delighted to announce Zhané Dawlingz as its Patron of Pride for the year 2024. This designation is given to those who exemplify living their truth, out loud and proud, and who ensure our community is not only present but seen. Zhané’s work and presence in the world of pageantry and beyond exemplify the virtues that Stonewall Columbus upholds.
Zhané Dawlingz has recently claimed the prestigious title of Miss Continental 2024, becoming an iconic figure in the LGBTQ+ community. Her historic victory is a beacon of diversity, representation, and perseverance, aligning perfectly with the values of Stonewall Columbus and the broader movement towards equity and equality.
Following in the footsteps of past Patrons of Pride such as Caleb Mikayla Goins Robinson (2023), Carmen Carrera (2022), and Corey Williams/Anisa Love (2021), Zhané is recognized for her advocacy, visibility, and unwavering support of LGBTQ+ rights and representation. As an advocate and a trailblazer, she has made her mark not only through her triumphs in pageantry but also by championing the cause of inclusion in all spaces.
Stonewall Columbus’ Patron of Pride is more than a title — it is a celebration of individuals who, like Zhané Dawlingz, lead the way in making an impact within the community. It is for those who have worked tirelessly to ensure that our stories are heard and our rights are recognized, just as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera did when they stood up against police brutality in 1969, symbolically launching the LGBTQ+ Pride movement.
“As we prepare for the Columbus Pride events of 2024 and celebrate the theme “Live Out Loud,” we cannot think of a more fitting representative than Zhané Dawlingz. Her voice, her artistry, and her strength continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations to live openly and authentically” said Densil Porteous, Executive Director, of the Stonewall Columbus organization.
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.
