Connection. Community. Belonging — at every stage of life.
Stonewall Columbus Trailblazers is a program designed for LGBTQ+ community members and allies ages 55 and older. Trailblazers creates welcoming spaces where older adults can connect, learn, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships rooted in lived experience, resilience, and joy. The Trailblazers program started with a generous gift from The Legacy Fund over 15 years ago. Today, as one of Stonewall’s longest running programs roughly 20% of the Center’s visitors participate in our Trailblazer’s program.
Trailblazers honors the generations who helped build our community while recognizing that connection, curiosity, and growth matter at every age.
What Is Trailblazers?
Trailblazers is about showing up—together.
Through social gatherings, educational programs, cultural experiences, and opportunities for conversation, Trailblazers offers space for LGBTQ+ older adults to engage with one another in ways that feel affirming, relaxed, and accessible. Whether you’re newly retired, still working, newly out, or deeply rooted in community, Trailblazers welcomes you as you are.
Programs are designed to reduce isolation, strengthen social bonds, and celebrate the richness of LGBTQ+ life across decades.
What to Expect
Trailblazers programming may include:
- Social gatherings and happy hours
- Educational talks and facilitated discussions
- Arts, culture, and history-focused programs
- Wellness and enrichment activities
- Intergenerational conversations and community events
- Special spaces at Pride for Trailblazers
All Trailblazers programs are optional, informal, and designed with accessibility and comfort in mind.
Who Trailblazers Is For
Trailblazers is open to LGBTQ+ people and allies ages 55+.
You do not need to be a long-time community member to participate—many Trailblazers are joining Stonewall programs for the first time.
If you’re looking for connection, conversation, and community in a welcoming LGBTQ+-affirming space, Trailblazers may be for you.
Where We Gather
Trailblazers programs take place at the Stonewall Columbus Community Center and at partner locations throughout Central Ohio. The Center serves as a trusted third space—welcoming, affirming, and accessible—where community can gather and belong.
Stay Connected
Trailblazers events are shared through:
- The Stonewall Columbus events calendar
- Trailblazers newsletters and email updates
- Stonewall Columbus social media: Facebook
To receive updates about upcoming Trailblazers programs, be sure to sign up for Stonewall Columbus email communications.
Sign-up TODAY for the LGBTQ+ Senior Adults (55+) Mailing List!
LEARN ABOUT OUR UPCOMING STONEWALL COLUMBUS TRAILBLAZERS DIGITAL LEARNING SERIES HERE
Membership giving is what sustains Stonewall’s programs and operations--we couldn’t do any of our work without the annual and monthly donations from individuals and families coupled with support from our business partners.
A sustaining membership is an unrestricted monthly gift that you can pay in a convenient, ongoing way. Each month, we will charge your credit or debit card or withdrawal from your checking account the amount you specify. Your sustaining membership will automatically continue unless you choose to cancel or change it. You can increase, decrease or stop your donation at any time by contacting us. Sustainers are crucial to providing an ongoing base of community support on which Stonewall can rely.
Your monthly gift helps ensure we thrive by supporting our Arts & Culture, Education, Identity, and Wellness programming...and more. Become a sustaining member and join a group of dedicated people whose generosity makes so much possible.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP LEVELS AND BENEFITS
Upcoming Trailblazer Events
List of events in Photo View
For more information please contact Stonewall Columbus at vasb@fgbarjnyypbyhzohf.bet or 614-299-7764.
