Community—
Over the past year, many of you took the time to share your experiences, needs, and hopes for Stonewall Columbus through our community research process.
We want to begin by saying thank you.
Your voices helped us pause, reflect, and more clearly understand both where Stonewall is meeting the moment—and where we must grow.
Over the last several months your input has been actively shaping the direction of our work. Today, we want to begin sharing what we heard and how it is informing what comes next.
What We Heard
Across conversations, surveys, and engagement, a few themes came through clearly:
- A desire for connection, community, and safe space—a place where LGBTQ+ people can gather, belong, and be seen
- A need for clearer understanding of Stonewall’s role and how to engage with the organization
- The importance of access to affirming resources and support, even when Stonewall is not the direct provider
- Continued interest in mental health, youth support, and community-building opportunities
- A recognition that Pride is powerful, but that connection should extend beyond a single moment
How This Shaped Our Direction
This input directly informed Stonewall Columbus’s 2026 – 2030 Strategic Priorities, which focus on:
- Establishing The Center as a trusted space for connection and belonging
- Elevating Stonewall’s visibility, voice, and public impact
- Advancing Pride as a year-round framework for engagement
- Securing the organization’s long-term sustainability
These priorities reflect what we heard from you—and our responsibility to respond with clarity, focus, and intention.
What This Means Moving Forward
We are approaching this next phase of our work thoughtfully.
This is not about doing everything at once. It is about building a strong, sustainable foundation so that Stonewall can continue to serve and evolve alongside our community for years to come.
You can learn more about our Strategic Priorities here!
Thank You
We are grateful to everyone who shared their voice, perspective, and lived experience. Your input continues to shape this organization in meaningful ways.
Stonewall exists because of this community—and we remain committed to showing up with clarity, care, and purpose in the work ahead.
With appreciation,
Densil (he/they), Executive Director
Stonewall Columbus
