Stonewall Union

Stonewall Union. Stonewall Columbus. , Stonewall Union (later Stonewall Columbus) was founded in 1981 by central Ohio LGBTQ+ activists. The organization focused on activism on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as providing physical spaces where that community could prosper. Deriving its name from the 1969 Stonewall Uprisings in New York City, Stonewall Union formed with the goals of bringing legislative reform, community building, and education to Columbus for the benefit of the LGBTQ+ community. Stonewall Union organized its first Pride March, on June 26, 1982, with over 500 participants. Additionally, Stonewall Union launched such community-building initiatives as the 1982 television program Gay Pride Report and the 1984 Lavender Listings business guide. In 1985, Stonewall Union moved into its first building., Stonewall Union was integral in advancing LGBTQ+ equity measures in Ohio. In 1983, Stonewall Union aided in developing the Governor's Executive Order that banned discrimination based on sexual orientation in state employment. Lobbying continued to extend employment discrimination bans into the private sector and, as a result, Columbus amended its citywide employment protections ordinance in 1988. Additionally, Stonewall Union sought to equip the LGBTQ+ community with political knowledge by publishing voter guides that outlined candidates' positions on LGBTQ+ issues. In 1995, Stonewall Union moved their headquarters to 1160 N. High Street and later opened the Stonewall Columbus Community Center, providing a space for central Ohio's LGBTQ+ community. In 1997, Stonewall Union officially changed its name to Stonewall Columbus.