Ilona Westfall, Author at The Buckeye Flame

Ilona Westfall

Ilona Westfall is a Cleveland-based freelance marketing writer and journalist. When she’s not writing for a variety of northeast Ohio publications and national companies, she can be found roller skating, hiking, or hunting for pre-loved gems for her vintage clothing biz, Plaid and Prejudice Vintage.

Camp Indigo promises happy campers when all trans camp returns to Ohio this summer

By Ilona Westfall ● Youth ● May 23, 2025

The summer day camp for kids 5–17 provides youth an opportunity to meet other trans kids in a fun atmosphere.

Meet the trans Ohioan suing President Trump for his right to serve in the military

By Ilona Westfall ● Policy/Legislation ● February 1, 2025

“It has been my dream and my goal to serve my country for as long as I can remember,” said Nicolas Talbott.

DIRT Brings HIV/AIDS Advocacy Down to Earth for Black Communities in Ohio

By Ilona Westfall ● Health & Wellness ● January 5, 2025

‘Black folks are not hard to reach. People just never take the chance or the time to really reach them.’

How one agency is trying to serve the healthcare needs of rural LGBTQ+ Ohio. Hint: it’s not easy.

By Ilona Westfall ● Rural ● September 17, 2024

Many LGBTQ+ individuals remain—understandably—unwilling to discuss their LGBTQ+ status with their neighbors or doctors for fear of judgment.

Love makes a family – and a must-see interactive exhibition – at the Maltz Museum

By Ilona Westfall ● Families ● July 22, 2024

Within the exhibitions is an area for kids where they can draw pictures of their own families and use toys to represent their stories.

Meet a pair of weightlifters who are deadlifting to raise funds for trans Ohioans

By Ilona Westfall ● Transgender ● April 15, 2024

With a goal of raising $6,000 for the TransOhio Emergency Fund, these two weightlifters are determined to lift everyone up.

Ohio LGBTQ+ youth struggle to find help for eating disorders

By Ilona Westfall ● Health & Wellness ● February 26, 2024

Lack of training, discrimination in healthcare are barriers.

Ohio model Carmen Szukaitis struts into the spotlight on new Here TV docuseries

By Ilona Westfall ● Culture ● July 25, 2022

The 21-year-old trans Ohio University journalism major scored a spot on Here TV’s upcoming docuseries “Road to the Runway.”

An Ohio LGBTQ+ aquatics team is definitely making waves

By Ilona Westfall ● Community ● March 22, 2022

While a love of swimming is the main draw for members, the athleticism, camaraderie & teamwork is what keeps them coming back.

An Ohio First: A Harm Reduction Supply Machine is helping to minimize sex & drug health risks

By Ilona Westfall ● BIPOC ● December 27, 2021

Discreet, easy-to-use, and contact-less, the vending machine is thus judgement-free, low-barrier (items are free) and anonymous.

Ilona Westfall

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