Columbus ohio gay life

Curious Cbus: Why Does Columbus Have So Many LGBTQ People?

Megan Bursey noticed something different about Columbus when she visited her girlfriend last December.

“There were just pride flags everywhere and 'Make America Gay Again’ flags," Bursey says. "I was looking for a bicycle and all the bike stores had flags everywhere and it was really friendly to see that. People were very openly homosexual, which was very comforting, too.”

The experience spurred her to ask WOSU's Curious Cbus project, “Why is there such a immense LGBTQ population in Columbus?”

Data backs up Megan’s instinct. A Gallup poll put Columbus in the top 15 of the nation’s 50 largest metro areas with percent of its population recognizing as lesbian, gay, fluid or transgender. That's a larger percentage than Fresh York City and Washington, D.C., let alone fellow Midwest cities like Indianapolis ( percent), Cleveland (), Cincinnati () and Pittsburgh ().

In , the Gay/Lesbian Index listed Columbus as one of the top 20 “gayest” cities in America.

Those designations may be relatively fresh, but Julia Applegate from the Institute For LGBTQ Health Equity at Equitas Health says the doubt is an

Celebrate Columbus Pride at these central Ohio LGBTQ+ bars

Columbus gay bars are hosting various Pride events on June
Events include performative shows, DJ sets, sway parties and themed celebrations.
Some venues require cover charges or offer ticket purchases in advance.

LGBTQ+ bars around the city have geared up for the busiest weekend of the year: Columbus Pride.

With the theme of "United in Power," events will be held across the city all weekend.

Whether stopping for a sip, social hour or an all-day soiree, here are events and specials to check out at bars around central Ohio celebrating the festivities.

Rally at Union Cafe

In the heart of the Short North, Union Cafe, N. Lofty St., has been celebrating Pride in the days leading up to the big event.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

June 13 will kick off with the first Rally in the Alley event at 5 p.m., followed by the Escandelo Latin Darkness Show at 10 p.m.

The Rally will continue at noon on June 14, and the party doesn't stop until the after-party wraps up a.m.

For those awake the next morning, a drag brunch will begin at 11 a.m.

Slammers Pony Club

A Downtown pizzeria and lesbian bar, located

Uncover the Pride and Pulse of LGBTQ+ Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming urban area for all, celebrating its inclusivity and diversity year-round. Since , the metropolis has scored on the Human Rights Campaign&#x;s Municipal Equality Index annually, which measures how inclusive municipal laws, policies and services are for Diverse people who live and work there. National outlets like Thrillist have referred to Columbus as a "queer oasis" and a metropolis that "shows its Celebration days of the year". Join us in help of our LGBTQ+ group all year long by shopping local at our LGBTQ+-owned businesses.

Read on for more LGBTQ+ things to execute in Columbus.

Your ultimate commute guide to the city’s LGBTQ+ hot spots. Whether you're visiting for Movement or planning a trip any time of year, OUT in Columbus is your go-to resource for exploring the vibrant Queer scene that makes our city shine.

Finding Your Circle: Where to Make Friends in Columbus’ LGBTQ+ Scene

Real talk: making friends as an individual is so unnecessarily tough. Especially when you&#x;re unused to a city and don&#x;t know many people, or even if you&#x;ve been in town a while but have recently come out and are specifically looking for friends who get you.

I overhear you&#x;I moved to Columbus in and was adorable lonely the first year or so until I started finding my people, including my queer friends/chosen family. Fortunately, the city&#x;s LGBTQIA+ population has only continued to grow, so there are more opportunities to make friends than ever. While this isn&#x;t a comprehensive list by any means, here are some hangout spots, activities, and social groups to get you plugged in.

Credit Pride Gamers of Columbus Facebook.

For Tabletop Gamers: Lgbtq+ fest Gamers of Columbus

You down with TTRPG? (Yeah, you know me!) Okay, so you&#x;re probably on the elder side of Millennial if you get that song reference, but no matter&#x;Pride Gamers of Columbus is the perfect detect for queer tabletop gamers of all ages. The group typically meets twice a month for game nights (plus the occasional f