LGBTQ Non-Government Organizations in Ohio

PFLAG Oxford Area is a local chapter of PFLAG, the nation's first and largest organization dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals alongside their families and allies. Rooted in a mission to build loving families united with LGBTQ+ people, PFLAG Oxford Area serves the Oxford, Ohio community by fostering respect, value, and affirmation for all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. With nearly 400 chapters and 250,000 members nationwide, PFLAG's reach extends across major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas—and the Oxford Area chapter brings this national commitment to local action. The organization envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are affirmed, working tirelessly to educate the community and advocate for systemic change. PFLAG Oxford Area demonstrates its dedication through grassroots initiatives like the Rainbow Reading List, community forums addressing contemporary LGBTQ+ issues, and collaborative programs with local organizations such as Oxford Citizens for Peace and Justice. By providing multiple avenues for community members to engage—from membership options to volunteer opportunities—PFLAG Oxford Area creates a welcoming space where families can find support, learn from one another, and collectively advocate for a more inclusive Oxford, Ohio community.

PFLAG Dayton brings together LGBTQ+ individuals, parents, family members, and allies united by a shared commitment to equality and inclusion in the Dayton, OH area. Founded on the principle of meeting people where they are, this grassroots organization has become a vital pillar of support and advocacy for the region's LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones. Members gather regularly to build meaningful connections, share experiences, and provide mutual support through peer-led initiatives and community events that celebrate diversity and foster belonging. Beyond internal support, PFLAG Dayton dedicates itself to educating the broader community about the unique challenges and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, offering accessible resources and hosting programs that promote understanding and awareness. The organization believes that real change happens through collaboration and collective action, which is why it actively partners with other organizations to advocate for policies and laws that achieve full equality. PFLAG Dayton envisions a world where every person—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression—is celebrated, respected, and valued for who they are. By combining heartfelt community support with strategic advocacy efforts, PFLAG Dayton continues to create tangible progress toward a more equitable and just community for all.

Since 1985, PFLAG Cleveland has been a beacon of hope and acceptance for LGBTQ individuals and their families in the Berea community and across northeast Ohio. Founded by Jane Daroff, LISW-S and Dr. Jes Sellers, this volunteer-driven nonprofit organization emerged from a simple but powerful vision: creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. What began as a small gathering of eight to twenty people has grown into a thriving community of over forty regular participants who share their journeys and support one another through monthly meetings. PFLAG Cleveland's unique strength lies in its diverse membership—parents, families, friends, and LGBTQ individuals themselves—all working together toward shared understanding and equality. The organization has remained deeply rooted in the Berea area, maintaining its original commitment to meeting people where they are and collaborating authentically with community partners. Through decades of presence, PFLAG Cleveland has become known for its genuine, inclusive approach to support and its unwavering advocacy for policy changes that protect and affirm LGBTQ rights. The chapter's volunteer leadership, including current President Tom Falcone and long-standing facilitators, continues the legacy established by its founders. Today, PFLAG Cleveland stands as a testament to the power of families standing together, offering not just support and education, but a vision of a more just and equitable future for all members of the LGBTQ community and those who love them.