LGBTQ Businesses & Organizations in Columbus, OH

Since 1981, Stonewall Columbus has stood as a beacon of visibility, inclusion, and connection for the LGBTQ+ community in Columbus, OH. What began as Stonewall Union with a mission to increase visibility and acceptance of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community has evolved into a comprehensive organization serving the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ rainbow. The organization's mission remains clear: increase visibility, inclusion, and connection for the LGBTQ+ community so that all can thrive. Stonewall Columbus operates from five core values—History, Visibility, Inclusion, Connection, and Accountability—that guide every program and initiative. The organization prioritizes the most vulnerable members of the community, recognizing what it means to be left out and committed to ensuring no one is left behind. As Columbus has transformed into one of the nation's most LGBTQ-friendly cities, Stonewall Columbus has grown alongside it, deepening its commitment to serve individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex, age, race, color, national origin, religion, military status, familial status, or disability. The Stonewall Center at 1160 North High Street serves as a vital gathering place where community members find not just services but genuine connection. With a vision of an Ohio where every LGBTQ+ individual is visible, included, and connected, leading fulfilling lives without fear of discrimination, Stonewall Columbus continues building its future brick by brick, honoring its history while forging pathways toward a thriving community in Central Ohio.

Founded in 1994, Kaleidoscope Youth Center stands as the largest and longest-serving organization in Ohio solely dedicated to LGBTQIA+ youth support. Operating from Columbus, OH, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit has spent nearly three decades building a community where young people ages 12-24 can belong authentically and without fear of oppression. The mission of Kaleidoscope Youth Center centers on partnership with young people throughout Central Ohio to create empowering environments through advocacy, education, support, and community engagement. What sets KYC apart is its deeply youth-centered philosophy—everything designed and delivered reflects input from the young people it serves, creating programming that feels relevant, respectful, and truly representative of their needs and voices. The organization recognizes and celebrates the intersecting identities of LGBTQIA+ youth, demonstrating particular commitment to racial justice and equity work. Beyond programs and services, Kaleidoscope cultivates a sense of genuine belonging where youth can stand in their strengths and power. The diverse, experienced staff and board of directors function as mentors and resources, extending support not just within the Columbus center but across Ohio through statewide initiatives. Kaleidoscope Youth Center's vision reflects a world where youth across all spectrums of sexual orientation and gender identity live healthy, whole lives with acceptance and freedom from oppression—a vision actively realized through daily work in the Columbus community and across the state.