“A lot of people don’t realize what goes into creating the largest free Pride celebration in the Midwest. Most Prides require a paid ticket, but we manage to make ours accessible to everyone — funded entirely through corporate sponsorships, membership drives, and community fundraising.

But we don’t take money from just anyone. We’re intentional about who we partner with. These relationships are strategic — not transactional. We’re not afraid to turn down a six-figure check if a corporation’s values don’t align with ours. We’ll find a donor who truly believes in our vision and is willing to invest in our community.

Right now, many LGBTQ+ folks are feeling uncertain — about next year, or even next week. But this march started with just 200 people, and today we have over 22,000 marchers. You can see the joy, the diversity of experience, the different lives people are proud to live. Pride is not one-size-fits-all. It’s vibrant, it’s complex — it’s everything society tells us not to be, celebrated openly.

Sure, there may be people who show up in protest. But 40 voices of hate can’t drown out 22,000 voices of pride.

So go ahead and bring your hatred — we’ll be clacking our fans, walking right past you, celebrating the joy of the day. We’re here. We’re loud. We’re proud. And we will be seen United in Power.”

CJ Martin is the Director of Business Development for Stonewall Columbus — an organization dedicated to increasing visibility, inclusion, and connection for the LGBTQ+ community in Central Ohio.