Join CMC as we explore what has changed in the last forty years, the challenges that have been overcome and those that remain, and what the future holds for Central Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community. Featuring Densil Porteous, Executive Director, Stonewall Columbus; Jose Rodriguez, Director of Community Relations, Equitas Health, LeeAnn Massucci, Owner and Principal, Massucci Law Group LLC; with host, Megan Kilgore, City Auditor, City of Columbus.
Founded forty years ago as the Stonewall Union, Stonewall Columbus marks 40 years of community service in 2021. The Short North-based community organization was created in September 1981 as a response to an attempt by the late pastor Jerry Falwell to establish a chapter of the Moral Majority movement in Columbus. With the goal of “increasing the visibility and acceptance of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community,” Stonewall Columbus today supports the needs of the LGBTQ+ community in Central Ohio with a new $3.8 million dollar community center, an evolving array of programs, a listing of local products and services from LGBTQ+ friendly businesses and organizations, and the annual Columbus Pride march.