Saturday, June 27, 11am-2pm, Goodale Park, 120 W. Goodale St.; and Ohio Statehouse

Join us Saturday, June 27 for an educational rally and march to demand justice and police divestment here in Columbus and across the state of Ohio.

In the age of *rump, oppressed groups must stand in solidarity with one another as our rights and freedoms are constantly under attack. No group is safe except the cis, straight, white man. With it being Pride Month, and in light of recent events involving the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and so many others, along with the violence perpetrated by the CPD [Columbus Police Department], the LGBTQ+ community is here to support and stand in solidarity with the Black community in demanding justice and police divestment.

This event will begin at 11am at Goodale Park with a rally featuring speakers and current elected officials as well as candidates running for office in the state of Ohio. Then, at noon, we will march to the Statehouse, where we will then hold a protest calling on our current elected officials to enact change. We will also have folks there registering people to vote throughout the day and will have other educational literature digitally available for all participants.

The LGBTQ+ community is no stranger to police brutality. On June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Riots began and lasted for five nights in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. Marsha P. Johnson, a trans black woman, and Stormé DeLarverie, a butch, black lesbian, started the riots and encouraged the patrons to fight back. And while it may not be nearly as prevalent today, Tony McDade, a black trans man, was shot and murdered by police on May 27, just two days after George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis.

Organizations and individuals taking part:

• Ohio Young Black Democrats

• Out of the Closet Columbus

• AIDS Health Foundation

• Stonewall Democrats of Central Ohio

• GLSEN [Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network], Columbus chapter

• Kiara Yakita, local artist and activist

• Maria Holland, founder of #hydrohelpers

• Christian N. Johnson, candidate for Ohio State Senate District 20

• Crystal Lett, candidate for Ohio State Senate District 16

• Rev. Nancy Day-Achauer, candidate for State House Representative District 23

• Mark Carr, candidate for State House Representative District 71

• More to come!

Arrive at Goodale Park a little early and do some yoga before we march: https://facebook.com/events/s/pride-for-blm-peaceful-protest/3459695617397226/

This is an event for anyone and everyone, not just those that are part of the black and/or LGBTQ* communities. We encourage our cis, straight, and/or white allies to join us.

This event is not affiliated with Stonewall Columbus or any other organization.