Shining a Light on Ohio’s Untold Histories: The “Illuminate” Project
The significance of LGBTQ+ history in Ohio has often remained in the shadows, but a new project aims to change that narrative. The Columbus Metropolitan Library, in collaboration with the Legacy Fund of the Columbus Foundation and Ohio Humanities, has launched “Illuminate,” an initiative designed to highlight and celebrate the vibrant history of LGBTQ+ communities across Ohio. By offering an extensive digital collection and engaging exhibits, this project promises to enlighten residents about a crucial aspect of local history that has for too long been sidelined.
Highlights of the Illuminate Project
At the core of the Illuminate project is a comprehensive digital collection, featuring photographs, pamphlets, newsletters, and oral history records that chronicle the stories of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ohio. Remaining truly multifaceted, the initiative includes a traveling exhibit and a historical marker program, ensuring these narratives reach diverse audiences throughout the state. This venture is not just about preserving history—it’s about making it accessible and relevant to today’s audiences.
Katy Smith of Columbus Monthly points out that historically, LGBTQ+ individuals in Ohio were forced to live in secrecy, even as society voraciously consumed details about people’s private lives. “This project addresses the injustice of anonymity that those identifying as LGBTQ+ had to endure,” Smith explains. “It’s about bringing their contributions and struggles into the public sphere, where they rightfully belong.”
The Community’s Response and Impact
The reception to the Illuminate project has been overwhelmingly positive among Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community and allies. By acknowledging the past, the project offers a greater understanding of current social dynamics and the enduring need for progress. Community members emphasize the healing power of visibility and acknowledgment, both vital in fostering acceptance and respect.
Linda Baird, a staff editor at Columbus Monthly, reflects on the societal importance of such a project. “We hope this initiative can act as a bridge, connecting today’s community with the trailblazers of our past,” says Baird. “There’s a strong sense of community interest in documenting these stories, which have remained untold for too long.”
Legislative Context: A Mixed Legacy
While the Illuminate project underscores progress through acknowledgment, it also highlights ongoing challenges. Despite the project’s celebratory nature, it comes at a time of increasing hate crimes and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in Ohio. Compounding this, efforts to pass legislation ensuring equal protections for these communities have repeatedly failed in the Republican-controlled Ohio General Assembly since 2003.
Aaron Marshall, a freelance writer for Columbus Monthly, critiques this legislative inaction. “The refusal to offer equal legal protections is a glaring injustice,” he asserts. “Highlighting these stories serves as both recognition and resistance against the ongoing struggles faced by many LGBTQ+ Ohioans.”
Connecting the Present with the Past
By featuring glossy photo spreads and a timeline of legal restrictions and protections in the January 2026 issue of Columbus Monthly, the publication provides an accessible narrative for Ohioans to engage with. The magazine aims to paint a vivid picture of the LGBTQ+ journey through time, emphasizing that recognition goes hand in hand with advocacy.
As Ohio residents immerse themselves in these stories, they are reminded of the familiar Pride slogan, “We’re here. We’re queer. Get used to it.” This sentiment echoes across exhibits and narratives, offering both a celebration and a call to action for equality and acceptance.
Future Implications and Resources
The magnitude of the Illuminate project’s ambition is likely to have lasting effects on the community and beyond, encouraging a broader cultural shift toward inclusivity and understanding. As residents engage with these histories, there’s hope that increased awareness will lead to greater advocacy and eventual legislative changes.
For those wishing to explore the project further, the Columbus Metropolitan Library and its partners are committed to providing accessible resources. Interested parties can visit the digital collection through the library’s website or attend one of the traveling exhibits set to tour Ohio.
Ultimately, the “Illuminate” project aims to offer not just a deeper understanding of Ohio’s past, but also to inspire present and future actions toward a more equitable society. As these stories come to light, they provide a powerful reminder of the endurance and contributions of Ohio’s LGBTQ+ communities, highlighting that history, once marginalized, now strives to illuminate paths towards a brighter, more inclusive future.
