Flaggots Ohio are in their 25th year, and their flags are twirling more colorfully than ever.
Billed as “Ohio’s premier LGBTQ+ colorguard performance ensemble,” the Flaggots are now expanding their outreach with new leadership and a renewed commitment to their widely known inclusive spirit.
Flaggots Ohio was inspired by a performance by the NYC-based Flaggots, the world’s oldest LGBTQ+ colorguard, which traces its roots back to 1991. With official sanctioning to form an Ohio chapter, Flaggots Ohio debuted at the 2002 Columbus Pride parade.
Since then, Flaggots Ohio have grown and evolved under the leadership of founding director Matt Eisert. Eisert and the original members of Flaggots Ohio recently “retired” into the group’s Elder Queer Council, passing the baton to newer members, while staying true to the original community-oriented vision of the ensemble.
Lauryn Floring, the new director of Flaggots Ohio, is a former high school color guard coach who knows well the Pride and spirit that flag-spinning can provide.
“People are realizing that there is a want and a need for community color guard,” Floring said.
Floring is committed to inclusivity in the color guard, providing adults within the queer community – regardless of skill level – a chance to engage in a color guard experience free from the pressure of competition.
“I have a strong passion to create those opportunities for people who haven’t had them in the past or think of themselves as not good enough to do color guard or not good enough to be in the Pride parade,” said Floring.
For its 2026 season, Flaggots Ohio will be making appearances at Pride festivals across Ohio, including Westerville Pride, South Side Pride, and Hilliard Pride. Yet, two events remain their most anticipated performances: Columbus Pride and the drag softball event Bat-n-Rouge.
“The crowd goes wild and it feels like a rush”, Floring said. “Columbus is different … it’s where it feels like home.”
The twirling will, of course, continue after June, and community members can fill out a web form to express interest in joining Flaggots Ohio.
“There’s a space here for everybody,” Floring said. 🔥
IGNITE ACTION
- Catch Flaggots Ohio in action in the parade and on the mainstage at Columbus Pride on June 19 and at Bat-n-rouge on June 24.
- Want to join Flaggots Ohio? Fill out their interest form by clicking here.
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