Explore LGBTQ businesses and organizations in Ohio serving your community. Find law firms, medical practices, restaurants, retail stores, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and community services owned by or dedicated to serving the LGBTQ community. Connect with establishments that understand your cultural values and provide services in your language.
If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice is a student organization rooted in the University of Cincinnati College of Law's distinguished legacy of social justice education and community engagement. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, this organization embodies UC Law's core mission to educate and inspire leaders committed to pursuing justice and advancing the role of law in society.
Built on nearly two centuries of legal education excellence since the law school's founding in 1833, If/When/How carries forward UC Law's tradition of training lawyers dedicated to positive social change. The organization operates within a law school consistently recognized among the nation's leading institutions for public interest law and social justice work. This positioning allows members to engage with a community of faculty, students, and alumni who share a commitment to lifting underserved communities and advancing human rights.
The Cincinnati location provides If/When/How with unique advantages rooted in the region's thriving legal ecosystem and collaborative spirit. Members benefit from UC Law's deep partnerships with the local legal profession, courts, government agencies, and business community. The law school's Ohio Innocence Project, which has helped release 42 individuals who together served more than 800 years in prison for crimes they did not commit, exemplifies the institution's commitment to justice-centered legal work that inspires the values embodied in If/When/How.
As a student organization at UC Law, If/When/How connects members to a supportive community dedicated to developing their professional identity as future attorneys committed to reproductive justice. The organization benefits from UC Law's alumni network and mentorship opportunities, creating pathways for students to engage meaningfully with reproductive rights advocacy and policy work in Cincinnati and beyond.
UC Law Out & Allies is a student organization at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, serving as a cornerstone of community and belonging within one of the nation's oldest and most distinguished law schools. Founded in 1833, the University of Cincinnati College of Law stands among an elite group of institutions alongside Harvard, Yale, and UVA, with a two-century legacy of training lawyers committed to pursuing justice.
This organization creates meaningful connections among students who share values of inclusivity, diversity, and professional growth. Members are part of a supportive law school community that prioritizes intimate, distinctive legal education while leveraging the resources of a major research university. The Cincinnati Law experience emphasizes both personal development and professional excellence, with students benefiting from mentorship by accomplished alumni and faculty who are leaders across corporate boardrooms and influential public interest organizations.
UC Law Out & Allies operates within a law school recognized nationally for its social justice commitment and innovation in legal education. The institution's Ohio Innocence Project has freed 42 individuals who together served over 800 years in prison for crimes they did not commit—a testament to the school's dedication to defending the wrongfully convicted and fighting for human rights. Located in the vibrant Clifton Heights neighborhood, the organization connects students to Cincinnati's thriving legal community and a network of over 800 law firms, courts, and government agencies.
Members of UC Law Out & Allies benefit from the school's FlexTime program, international partnerships, and three dual-degree offerings. The organization exemplifies Cincinnati Law's mission to educate and inspire leaders who elevate justice and create positive, lasting change in their communities and beyond.
The Lambda Law Students Association is a student organization at Case Western Reserve University located in Cleveland, OH, dedicated to fostering community and connection among law students. This organization plays an important role in the student life experience at one of Ohio's premier law schools, providing a gathering place for students to build relationships and support one another throughout their legal education journey.
Based in Cleveland, the Lambda Law Students Association operates through Case Western Reserve University's official campus community platform, CampusGroups, which connects students with the broader university community. The organization's mission centers on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where law students can engage with their peers, participate in meaningful activities, and develop lasting friendships that extend beyond the classroom.
At Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, the association recognizes the importance of student connection and community building during the demanding law school experience. By maintaining an active presence on campus and coordinating regular events, the organization ensures that law students have opportunities to celebrate milestones, support one another, and create memories together.
The Lambda Law Students Association represents the collaborative spirit of Case Western Reserve University's law school, where students come together to enhance their educational experience and build the professional relationships that will sustain them throughout their legal careers. Through its commitment to community engagement and student connection, the association contributes meaningfully to the vibrant student culture at this respected Cleveland institution.
Founded in June 2020 by leading members of the real estate industry, the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance emerged from a vision to create an inclusive voice in real estate. Based in Cleveland, OH, this nonprofit organization was established to bring together real estate professionals, allies, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who share a commitment to advancing the industry with authenticity and purpose. Since opening membership to professionals across the real estate and housing sectors in October 2020, the Alliance has cultivated a vibrant community of over 3,100 active members connecting through its social platforms. The organization's mission centers on enhancing the professional lives of its members while simultaneously empowering consumers with the knowledge and resources they need to confidently buy, sell, and enjoy their homes. Recognized with 501(c)(6) nonprofit status, the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance represents a meaningful shift toward diversity and inclusion in the housing industry. By fostering relationships between professionals and consumers, the organization in Cleveland, OH demonstrates that real estate is strengthened when built on foundations of respect, authenticity, and community support.
Based in Gahanna, Ohio, the Ohio Women's Alliance represents a statewide coalition of self-identifying female leaders united by a shared vision for reproductive justice and community empowerment. This grassroots membership organization emerged from founder Rhiannon Carnes' commitment to centering the voices and priorities of women of color, gender-expansive folks, and young people across Ohio. The organization's foundation rests on the belief that when women thrive, entire communities thrive. Through extensive listening tours and community engagement, Ohio Women's Alliance developed its Pillars of Prosperity—a values-based platform reflecting the real challenges and hopes of Ohio constituents. The organization prioritizes holistic investment in grassroots leaders by providing financial support, connecting leaders across the state, and fostering a culture of community care. Ohio Women's Alliance believes that adequately resourced leaders with access to tailored development opportunities and supportive communities can create meaningful cultural narrative shifts. The organization's work has garnered national recognition, with Founder Rhiannon Carnes named a 2024 Woman of Vision by the Ms. Foundation and a Reproductive Justice Hero by the Tides Foundation. Ohio Women's Alliance remains committed to building collective power with diverse communities throughout Ohio, affirming the humanity in all people and championing policies that ensure safety, education, economic prosperity, and bodily autonomy for every woman.
Founded in 2005, TransOhio stands as Ohio's largest trans equality organization, rooted in the Cleveland, OH community and serving the greater Ohio transgender and ally communities with unwavering commitment. The organization exists to serve as a bridge connecting the transgender community to other LGBTQ+ and ally networks, creating a visible and tangible presence of support for those navigating their identities and experiences.
At its core, TransOhio is driven by a vision of fostering Ohio transgender community pride while promoting opportunities and networking that increase awareness of the unique needs and concerns facing transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. The organization recognizes the importance of safe spaces and peer support, offering forums for confidential discussion, social activities, and access to comprehensive local and national resources. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, TransOhio works to build understanding and cultural awareness across all communities.
What distinguishes TransOhio is its holistic approach to supporting the transgender community—combining education, advocacy, and direct support services with an emphasis on community connection and relationship-building. The organization believes in the power of visibility and affirmation, creating spaces where transgender individuals and their allies can gather, share experiences, and access the resources they need. Through nearly two decades of service to Ohio communities, TransOhio has become a trusted advocate for protecting and advancing the rights of trans, nonbinary, intersex, and gender nonconforming people throughout the state.
Founded in 2016 by Tim Bortner, Payton Cram, and Emily Coelho, Full Spectrum Community Outreach Center emerged from a simple but powerful recognition: Youngstown, OH lacked adequate support systems for the local LGBTQIA+ community. What began as conversations in coffee shops and living rooms has grown into a vital community institution dedicated to building an inclusive Mahoning Valley where LGBTQIA+ people thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society. The organization's founders were determined to provide not just services, but genuine connection and advocacy. From its first home at St. John's Episcopal Church on Wick Avenue in Downtown Youngstown, Full Spectrum quickly expanded through grassroots community partnerships and visibility efforts. In 2019, the organization launched Warren, Ohio's first Pride festival, Pride in the Valley, which continues to draw the community together annually. That same year, Full Spectrum began work on what would become the region's first LGBTQIA+ housing initiative. Today, operating from its current location at 660 West Earle Avenue in Youngstown, Full Spectrum serves as a year-round hub for support groups, events, trainings, and organizational offices. The center provides a safe, welcoming space where LGBTQIA+ individuals can access peer support, resources, and advocacy. With the anticipated 2026 opening of the region's first LGBTQIA+ adult transitional homeless shelter, Full Spectrum continues to fulfill its founding vision of comprehensive, compassionate care for the community it serves.
Based in Painesville, Ohio, LGBTQ+ Allies Lake County represents a powerful grassroots movement composed of both LGBTQ+ community members and dedicated allies working together to create meaningful change. The organization emerged from recognizing an overwhelming need for accessible resources across every aspect of LGBTQ+ life, driven by the urgency of addressing substance abuse, violence, and suicide affecting community members. What sets LGBTQ+ Allies Lake County apart is the personal sacrifice and courage of their staff and volunteers who openly advocate for equality despite real risks—some face potential ridicule of their children or estrangement from family members who oppose their activism.
The organization's heart lies in reaching those still living in fear and hiding, whether due to concerns about housing loss, child custody, or employment discrimination. Currently, Lake County lacks comprehensive nondiscrimination ordinances to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, making the work of LGBTQ+ Allies Lake County essential. They believe education and vocal advocacy are the most effective drivers of change, refusing to let ignorance bloom into discrimination. By prioritizing support and education over debate, they work toward the fundamental belief that communities are healthiest when all members are genuinely cared for and valued. Their mission fosters a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community through compassion, advocacy, education, and services—creating visibility for those who have lived their lives in secrecy and building a more inclusive Lake County.
Love on a Mission was born from a deeply personal journey in Mansfield, OH, when founder and Executive Director Deena discovered her twin sons' coming out letters and experienced a transformative spiritual awakening. What began as a mother's commitment to understanding and supporting her own children evolved into a grassroots movement addressing a critical gap in community resources. In 2015, after learning of a high school senior forced to leave home following his coming out, Deena's vision crystallized into Love on a Mission—a safe haven for LGBTQ+ youth seeking unconditional love and acceptance. The organization operates on a simple but powerful philosophy: you matter, you belong, and love is love. Today, Love on a Mission creates authentic spaces where young people in Mansfield can be themselves without fear of judgment, building friendships and discovering their authentic identities alongside supportive peers and caring adults. The organization's impact extends beyond individual students to encompass entire families through its Pride at Home support group, recognizing that acceptance and understanding must grow within households and communities. Led by a dedicated Board of Directors comprising community leaders with expertise in training, advocacy, and education, Love on a Mission represents the transformative power of turning personal struggle into community healing. The organization's long-term vision includes establishing a dedicated facility and emergency shelter services, ensuring that no young person in the Mansfield area faces homelessness or isolation simply for being authentic to themselves.
Since its founding in 2018, COLORS+ Youth Center has been transforming lives in Fairview Park, Ohio by creating the affirming, judgment-free space that LGBTQ+ youth desperately need. Established by two licensed professional mental health counselors who recognized a significant service gap in their community, COLORS+ operates on a fundamental belief: everyone deserves a place to feel safe and be themselves. The organization serves as a vital refuge for LGBTQ+ youth and their families throughout Northeast Ohio, offering a peer-run, community-centered approach to wellness that celebrates identity and builds lasting connections. What sets COLORS+ apart is its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity—all programming is completely free, and the organization welcomes youth from anywhere in the state, whether they visit the center in Fairview Park or participate virtually. The center has grown exponentially since opening its doors, now supporting over 400 LGBTQ+ individuals annually while collaborating with local organizations including the Cuyahoga County Suicide Prevention Coalition, Northeast Ohio Pride in Action Coalition, and numerous mental health and community partners. With generous support from foundations and community partners, COLORS+ expanded into its current home in 2021, creating a vibrant space where youth can relax, connect, express themselves through art and music, and build community with others who understand their journey. Today, COLORS+ represents a beacon of hope and belonging for LGBTQ+ youth and families throughout the region, embodying the mission to strengthen community through advocacy, support, education, and celebration.