To our community,
This year’s Stonewall Columbus Pride events welcomed over 750,000 people to the Central Ohio community. We saw the biggest Stonewall Columbus Pride March and Festival yet with over 22,000 registered marchers, 180+ vendors, and over 40 incredible entertainers. We instituted the first ever “Red Space” at Pride comprised of over 50 Central Ohio community health and wellness organizations that provide necessary and life-affirming resources to the LGBTQ community 365 days a year.
When we think about the success of Pride, we must acknowledge the foundation and driving force of that success–you, our community. You continue to show up, authentically and unapologetically to show Central Ohio and beyond that we are here, and we will not be silenced. Your ability to persist despite the looming anti-trans legislation and systems that beg for our failure, both inspires us and reinforces the reason why we do what we do.
During her first Pride season as a Pride Event Coordinator and as an individual with more than 10 years of experience in healthcare and disabilities, Cassey was most excited to expand our accessibility efforts at Pride 2023, including the introduction of our Quiet Zone, a space where folks could step away from the noise and crowds to enjoy a moment of stillness. Sierra’s first Pride as the Pride Event Coordinator was met with the goal of providing a more inclusive group of vendors to represent our rich and vibrant community and helping organize the Red Space wellness area at the largest LGBTQ Resource Fair in Ohio.
Each year, we are reminded that Pride is a moment for us to remember, honor, celebrate and then continue in the fight for queer and trans liberation. Our Pride thrived this year in large part because over 300 incredible volunteers showed up for their community. Our small but mighty Steering Committee led selflessly, with grace and ease, allowing our community to enjoy a safe and exciting Pride weekend, and we as the Pride Event Coordinators could not do what we do without the generous contributions of their time, energy, and hard work.
Our 2023 theme of “Purpose. Passion. Power.” was more evident than ever over the course of Pride weekend and reverberated an echo of resilience and strength. It shows our importance and permeates through the city when our community and supporters show up to march 20,000 strong. We are so grateful to you, our community, for consistently showing up with your purpose, sharing your passion, and exemplifying our intersectional queer community’s collective power.
With Pride,
Cassey and Sierra
2023 Pride Event Coordinators
To learn more about Cassey and Sierra visit here.
