Latest news with #OutinOhio
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Out in Ohio: Best of the 2025 Stonewall Columbus Pride March
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Continue celebrating Pride Month with an encore presentation of the best moments from the 2025 Stonewall Columbus Pride March on a special edition of NBC4's LGBTQ+ show 'Out in Ohio.' The first Pride march in Columbus was held in June 1981 with only 200 in attendance, and was in remembrance of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, a series of conflicts between police and LGBTQ+ protesters that stretched over six days. As Stonewall Columbus executive director Densil Porteous said on the first 'Out in Ohio' episode, many from that initial 1981 march wore bags over their heads to conceal their identities. Marysville, Westerville LGBTQ+ groups rally Pride funds as businesses pull support Today, while Pride remains a protest for many, it's also a vibrant display of central Ohio's LGBTQ+ community. This year, the Stonewall Columbus Pride March paraded down High Street in Downtown on June 14 and featured thousands of marchers, representing 247 non-profits, activists, community organizations, corporate sponsors, small businesses, and more. NBC4 streamed the Columbus Pride March from Pride on High, an annual ticketed viewing area that benefits central Ohio LGBTQ+ organizations. NBC4 anchor Colleen Marshall hosted alongside Columbus drag queen Virginia West and Amber Nicole. While the Columbus Pride March and Festival may be over, several other central Ohio communities are holding their celebrations later in June. View another 'Out in Ohio' episode to hear from grassroots leaders bringing Pride to towns like Granville, Grove City and Gahanna. Find a Pride festival near you here. Ohio lawmakers call for 2026 ballot measure to overturn same-sex marriage ban Hosted by digital reporter David Rees, NBC4's 'Out in Ohio' amplifies the voices, stories and work of Ohio's LGBTQ+ community. Watch this and future 'Out in Ohio' episodes on and the 'NBC4 Columbus' streaming app on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Out in Ohio: 10 years after Obergefell, advocates warn marriage equality still at risk
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A decade after the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, a civil rights expert and an Ohio lawmaker join NBC4's LGBTQ+ show 'Out in Ohio' to warn that marriage equality may no longer be safe. Digital Reporter David Rees hosts 'Out in Ohio' and chats with ACLU of Ohio executive director Bennett Guess and state Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin). Guess explains that the case began in Ohio with Jim Obergefell and his longtime partner, John Arthur. After Arthur was diagnosed with ALS, the couple married in Maryland in 2013 — but Ohio's ban meant their marriage wasn't recognized in their home state. Just three days after their wedding, they sued Ohio so Obergefell could be listed as Arthur's surviving spouse. Their case was one of six same-sex marriage lawsuits consolidated and appealed to the Sixth Circuit Court. When that court upheld state bans, the group appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. On June 26, 2015, the court ruled 5–4 in favor of marriage equality. Out in Ohio: How Granville, Grove City and Gahanna are celebrating Pride 2025 'This is all personal for me, I'm in a 24-year relationship with a man who's now my husband,' said Guess, noting that he and his husband were among the first out-of-state same-sex couples to marry in Massachusetts in 2004. 'It was an incredible, incredible day.' But Guess said he shares growing concerns that the Supreme Court may revisit Obergefell. In a concurring opinion to the 2022 ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas suggested the Court should reconsider past due process precedents, including Obergefell. 'We need to recognize that marriage equality is very much in danger right now,' Guess said. 'Just because something has been around for awhile, even because it enjoys broad public support as abortion rights do and as same-sex marriage now does, it could be taken away by the court in the same way that abortion protections have been taken away.' If overturned, Ohio would default to a 2004 constitutional amendment stating: 'Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state.' The federal Respect for Marriage Act, signed in 2022, would still require Ohio to recognize same-sex marriages from other states. However, it wouldn't require the state to issue new licenses if Obergefell falls and Ohio's ban remains in place. List: 2025 Pride Month events, festivals in central Ohio 'If Obergefell is overturned, then all of those laws and those constitutional bans… go back into effect,' Guess said. 'The only way to take that constitutional amendment out of the constitution is for the voters of Ohio to be given the opportunity to vote again to remove that.' Guess also warned that rising anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation in Ohio could embolden the Court to reverse Obergefell. 'We're seeing that state legislatures are also mimicking what's happening at a federal level here in the state, so we're faced with a number of anti-LGBTQ+ measures, particularly those that are targeted against the transgender community,' Guess said. 'We have every right to be frightening, to be nervous, to be, frankly, speaking up all the more loudly for the protections that our community needs and deserves.' Somani echoed these concerns and is pushing for change. She has reintroduced the Marriage Equality Act, a House Joint Resolution that would place a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot to protect same-sex and interracial marriage in Ohio. 'Ohio has a ban from 2004, so those couples that legally married currently would then face the same difficulties and problems that they did before in terms of having the right to insurance or health care or having benefits through your partner,' Somani said. 'All of those things would become extremely challenging if those legally recognized marriages were lost.' Out in Ohio: Best of the 2025 Stonewall Columbus Pride March A similar measure failed to advance last year, but this new version is the first to include a ballot initiative. Somani said the success of Issue 1 in 2023, which added abortion rights to Ohio's constitution, shows that voters are ready. 'We know now that there's a strong approval for same-sex marriage in the country,' Somani said. 'Taking it to the people, just like we did with the reproductive rights amendment, just like we did with legalizing marijuana, there's a huge discontent between what we see happening at the Statehouse and what the people of Ohio really want.' NBC4's 'Out in Ohio' amplifies the voices, stories and work of Ohio's LGBTQ+ community. Watch this and future 'Out in Ohio' episodes on and the 'NBC4 Columbus' streaming app on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Out in Ohio: How Granville, Grove City and Gahanna are celebrating Pride 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Organizers behind Pride Month festivals in Granville, Grove City and Gahanna join NBC4's LGBTQ+ show 'Out in Ohio' to talk about how they're bringing the celebration to your neighborhood. Digital Reporter David Rees hosts 'Out in Ohio' and chats with Granville Pride president Mark Carr, Pride in Grove City board chair Leslie Anderson, and Gahanna Pride founder Katie McBroom. 'Pride Act' aims to protect Ohio parents with LGBTQ+ children Carr explains that Granville Pride grew from a 2021 resolution passed by the village council denouncing discrimination based on sexual orientation. But, that effort was met with resistance from certain residents and business owners who protested the village's first Pride festival that year. 'It was a positive thing that the village had done, but it really did then allow the other side of the coin to come out as well,' Carr said. 'We've had protestors every single year, but the majority of Granville believes in equality for all.' Since then, Granville Pride has only grown. While that first year drew about 700 attendees, the festival has steadily increased, with more than 1,000 participants in 2022 and about 2,000 in 2023 and 2024. This year's festival on Denison's front lawn on June 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. is expected to be Granville's biggest yet, Carr said. 'I believe that Granville was waiting for the opportunity to show their support,' Carr said. 'Pride actually gives many, many in Granville and the surrounding counties a place to come and support people like me and my husband and my family.' Beyond the festival, Granville Pride also facilitates an 'allies directory' that Carr said makes it easier for LGBTQ+ Ohioans to decide where to shop, eat and visit when they're in the village. If they see an 'ally' sticker on the door or on a business website, visitors can trust they are entering a LGBTQ-safe environment. Nissan, Walmart dial back Stonewall Columbus sponsorships for Pride 2025 '[It] came out of, again, that very first negative reaction [in 2021] that we got from a business owner in the village, and so we said, we're no longer going to spend our dollar at establishments that don't support us,' Carr said. 'So, we developed the Granville Pride business ally and it is a large, large list and growing every single day.' Like many other Pride organizers in central Ohio, Granville Pride has experienced a change in sponsorships as corporations reevaluate donations related to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Still, Carr said the festival has received increased funding from first-time sponsors. 'We have new people who are stepping up because they see the increased need,' Carr said. 'As I converse with other Pride organizers, it's sorta the same thing, where some of the old sponsors are no longer there, the bigger corporate ones, but the local-owned businesses are stepping up to fill in that gap.' Anderson explains that Pride in Grove City is also young and grew as other central Ohio suburbs established their own festivals after the COVID-19 pandemic. While Grove City's past three festivals were held in October or September to allow for more flexibility with vendors and other resources, the organization has moved the celebration to June this year. 'Switching to June this year felt like the right time to make that shift and align with national Pride Month and be more a part of the boarder celebration,' Anderson said. Stonewall Columbus gets ready for Pride 2025 Anderson said this year's festival on June 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Town Center Park will be 'a vibrant Pride fest with something for everyone,' including a live DJ, local performers, a special appearance from the gay men's chorus, food trucks and an expanded resource fair. Anderson noted that a protest by a hate group at last year's Pride festival was difficult for Grove City's LGBTQ+ community, but an outpouring of support strengthened the organization's commitment to foster a safe and joyful space, she said. 'The overwhelming support from the community showed that hate doesn't have a place here in Grove City,' Anderson said. 'With the changes we're facing this year in national politics, uniting with our allies feels more important than ever this year.' A member of the Gahanna community for years, McBroom said she wanted to create Gahanna Pride after she saw a need for 'visibility, celebration, and a safe space for residents and youth.' What started as a small effort has grown into a city-wide event, she said. 'We have a huge outpouring of support of local businesses, families, allies that really affirmed Gahanna really needs this and we're ready for this,' McBroom said. 'It's about building the community and showing that inclusion and love really is what we have here in Gahanna.' List: 2025 Pride Month events, festivals in central Ohio This year's festival on June 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Headley Park features live drag shows, a DJ, food trucks, various vendors, family-friendly games, a bounce house, face painting and more. Like other central Ohio Pride festivals, Gahanna has also felt hesitation from some sponsors this year. McBroom said it's pushed the organization to be 'more intentional and bold about how we show up.' 'We really just wanna show up about love, support, joy for everybody,' McBroom said. 'Pride's about visibility and resilience, and that's especially important for us this year, and that's how we're gonna show up.' While McBroom didn't set out to be a driving force for Gahanna Pride, she said organizing the festival has been one of the most fulfilling things she's ever done. 'To know that I have helped to create a safe space, it's kind of emotional to think about it,' McBroom said. 'It's been really incredible and I'm super excited to see what's to come.' NBC4's 'Out in Ohio' amplifies the voices, stories and work of Ohio's LGBTQ+ community. Watch this and future 'Out in Ohio' episodes on and the 'NBC4 Columbus' streaming app on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nissan, Walmart dial back Stonewall Columbus sponsorships for Pride 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WMCH) — Stonewall Columbus said a few corporations that previously backed the Pride march and festival are cutting off support this year amid efforts to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Densil Porteous, executive director of Stonewall Columbus, said the organization has seen a reduction in corporate sponsorships totaling about $150,000 for this year's Pride celebrations. Notably, companies such as Lowe's, Walmart, Nissan, and Anheuser-Busch, which supported Stonewall's events in 2024, are not participating this year. Out in Ohio: Stonewall Columbus gets ready for Pride 2025 'This trend aligns with a broader national pattern where corporations are reevaluating their diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments amid political pressures and economic uncertainties,' Porteous said. Lowe's, Walmart, and Anheuser-Busch didn't respond to NBC4's request for comment. Nissan said in a statement it's 'currently reviewing all marketing and sales spending — including select consumer auto shows, sports properties and other entertainment activations — to maximize both efficiency and breakthrough effectiveness.' Despite these setbacks, Porteous said, 'The support from our community and remaining partners has been heartening.' Anticipating some shifts in economic support, Porteous said the organization worked to secure a $276,000 grant from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners to offset the shortfall. List: 2025 Pride Month events, festivals in central Ohio Porteous noted many local businesses and organizations continue to stand with Stonewall, as the organization has raised additional support from the community totaling about $34,000. The organization's Pride events remain scheduled as planned, with the march taking place at 10:30 a.m. on June 14. 'We anticipate a vibrant turnout, celebrating under this year's theme, 'United in Power,'' Porteous said. Learn more about the Stonewall Columbus Pride march and festival on 'Out in Ohio,' NBC4's streaming show amplifying the voices, stories and work of Ohio's LGBTQ+ community. Stonewall is losing some corporate backing as several other central Ohio Pride festivals have also had their sponsors dial back. The Union County Rainbow Coalition, host of Marysville's Pride Fest, said it has encountered funding challenges as the coalition has spoken out against anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. That advocacy has yielded a drop in support from some local companies, organizers Christian Downey-Thompson and Betty Elswick said. The Rainbow Coalition has forged ahead with the Marysville Pride Fest, taking place June 14 from 3 to 9 p.m. in Partners Park, in part because of several Marysville families who stepped up to replace those local businesses with even larger donations. The coalition was also the recipient of prize money from Folx Health, an online healthcare provider for LGBTQ+ people. Locals paint rainbow fence at German Village bar that had Pride flags stolen The Westerville Queer Collective, the group behind Westerville's Pride Festival, said this June's festival has about the same number of sponsors as last year, even though the collective has needed 'to do a little bit of extra campaigning' in the wake of President Donald Trump's reelection and anti-LGBTQ+ proposals at the Ohio Statehouse. Delaware Ohio Pride, the organizers behind the city of Delaware's Pride festival, told NBC4 in March that some local entrepreneurs who previously backed the organization have cut off support and no longer offer their businesses as event space since Trump's reelection. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Out in Ohio: Stonewall Columbus gets ready for Pride 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Kick off Pride Month with Stonewall Columbus organizers, who join NBC4's LGBTQ+ show 'Out in Ohio' to talk about Columbus Pride weekend and the history of Pride. Digital Reporter David Rees hosts 'Out in Ohio' and chats with Stonewall Columbus executive director Densil Porteous, Pride coordinator and business manager Sierra Prince, and marketing and business coordinator Leo Rodriguez. Porteous explains that the month-long celebration each June recognizes the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community and remembers the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, a series of conflicts between police and LGBTQ+ protesters that stretched over six days. Today, Pride commemorates the Stonewall movement with parades, festivals, memorials and more. 'What we then now see today are sort of ancestors or artifacts of what used to be, our Pride marches today are a little bit of celebration, a little bit of history, and most important, remembrance,' Porteous said. In the wake of federal measures and Ohio Statehouse legislation deemed 'anti-LGBTQ+' by opponents, Porteous said Stonewall is very 'thoughtful and intentional about the message' for Pride. This year's Pride theme, 'United in Power,' is a call for community members to come together 'to see their neighbors' and 'to be free to live as they so choose and to love as they so choose.' 'It's about saying that when we come together we are stronger, we can accomplish more, we can achieve more and we can move forward faster when we work together,' Porteous said. 'I think in isolation we miss the opportunity to help others get to a place of joy and freedom.' Stonewall's Pride festival begins at 4 p.m. on June 13 at Goodale Park and runs until 10 p.m. with food, vendors, nonprofit organizations, community resources, and live entertainment. The celebration continues at 10:30 a.m. on June 14 with the Pride parade at Broad and High streets. While the city's first march happened in 1981 with just 200, Stonewall Columbus Pride welcomes more than 700,000 visitors today. 'We're just really excited to have nearly 200 businesses comprised of LGBTQ-owned businesses, community organizations, faith-based organizations that are affirming for our community, and we can bring them all to one place,' Prince said. As Stonewall's parade expands, Prince said it's 'a bit of an untamable beast' with 17,000 to 20,000 Ohioans taking part in this year's march. But, the Pride coordinator is encouraged and energized to see the annual event continue to grow. 'We're there for a purpose and we're there for a protest,' Prince said. 'We encourage folks to stay through the end because we have so many incredible organizations that right up until the end are marching through and we wanna make sure that their voices are heard.' Part of Stonewall's Pride celebration includes designating this year's Leader of Pride, recognizing an individual or group who use their voice to speak out in support of members of the LGBTQ+ community in central Ohio and beyond. This year's recipient is Slammers, a storied lesbian bar at 202 E. Long St. 'It's a staple in our community,' Rogriguez said. 'Slammers is one of the last lesbian bars in the country and they're really a pillar of our queer community here in Columbus.' Stonewall's Pride festival and march also serve as the organization's largest annual fundraiser that secures the needed funds to support annual operations and community programs, like support groups and career fairs, at Stonewall's Short North center at 1160 N. High St. 'We are a community center, first and foremost,' Rodriguez said. 'We have a wide variety of in-house programs and community events, but we also open our doors for other community partners to host their events, typically for low cost or for free.' NBC4's 'Out in Ohio' amplifies the voices, stories and work of Ohio's LGBTQ+ community. Watch this and future 'Out in Ohio' episodes on and the 'NBC4 Columbus' streaming app on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
