Gay cities columbus
Curious Cbus: Why Does Columbus Own So Many LGBTQ People?
Megan Bursey noticed something other about Columbus when she visited her girlfriend last December.
“There were just identity festival flags everywhere and 'Make America Homosexual Again’ flags," Bursey says. "I was looking for a bicycle and all the bike stores had flags everywhere and it was really nice to see that. People were very openly gay, which was very comforting, too.”
The experience spurred her to ask WOSU's Curious Cbus venture, “Why is there such a grand LGBTQ population in Columbus?”
Data backs up Megan’s instinct. A 2015 Gallup poll place Columbus in the top 15 of the nation’s 50 largest metro areas with 4.3 percent of its population spotting as lesbian, same-sex attracted, bisexual or gender nonconforming. That's a larger percentage than Fresh York City and Washington, D.C., authorize alone fellow Midwest cities like Indianapolis (4.2 percent), Cleveland (3.7), Cincinnati (3.2) and Pittsburgh (3.0).
In 2010, the Gay/Lesbian Index listed Columbus as one of the superior 20 “gayest” cities in America.
Those designations may be relatively new, but Julia Applegate from the Institute For LGBTQ Health Equity at E
Rainbow City: How Columbus Became So LGBT-Friendly
Staff Writer | Columbus Monthly
It's 1984, and an ordinance that would bar employers from discriminating based on sexual orientation has been brought to City Hall. Council members have agreed to hear testimony from opponents and proponents. A preacher is the first to take the stand.
"Homosexuality is an unclean practice," the preacher spits, his voice rising as blood rushes to his face. "They should not be forced to be hired in to spread diseases that have no cure-it's foolishness. You don't let a leper person in among clean people." The AIDS crisis was in full swing, exacerbating anti-gay sentiments.
"I can't believe that the great town of Columbus is considering the channel of a bill of this nature," another speaker, also a preacher, shouts. "I believe if we pass it, it'll give Columbus a bad label. Homosexuals from surrounding states will flock here. They'll understand they can be protected in Columbus."
He closes with a rhetorical question: "Who in the society wants Columbus to be known as the gay capital of the Midwest?"
Today, those words-captured in a grainy video-are so pointed they elicit a jaw drop.
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Uncover the Pride and Pulse of LGBTQ+ Columbus
Columbus is a welcoming municipality for all, celebrating its inclusivity and diversity year-round. Since 2013, the municipality has scored 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index annually, which measures how inclusive municipal laws, policies and services are for LGBTQ+ people who inhabit and work there. National outlets like Thrillist have referred to Columbus as a "queer oasis" and a city that "shows its Pride 365 days of the year". Join us in support of our LGBTQ+ community all year long by shopping local at our LGBTQ+-owned businesses.
Read on for more LGBTQ+ things to do in Columbus.
Your ultimate travel guide to the city’s LGBTQ+ steaming spots. Whether you're visiting for Pride or planning a trip any period of year, OUT in Columbus is your go-to resource for exploring the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene that makes our city shine.
Columbus: A Rich History of LGBTQ Diversity
Cowtown, Cbus, Columbus has many aliases but one thing that holds true is the acceptance and diversity of the region. The city has a reputation for being gay-friendly and flying the most rainbow flags you will ever see. It’s that kind of inclusion that makes it an incredible metropolis to work and live in.
A Rapid History of Columbus
Columbus is the 14th most populous city in the United States. It was founded in 1812 at the junction of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers. Before that, it was under the control of the French nominal empire. The region was often caught between warring factions of Native American and European interests.
Today, Columbus has a diverse economy based on government, education, banking, insurance, and more. The area is place to the world’s largest intimate research and development foundation. Ohio State University is also located in Columbus.
Fun Columbus Facts
- 48% of Americans live within 600 miles of Columbus (it’s very central).
- Burger chain White Castle is based in Columbus.
- The Ohio Historical Center has a genuine two-headed calf.
- Resident Geraldine “Jerrie” Mock was