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.

How 4 Republican anti-protest bills could affect LGBTQ+ rights & Pride celebrations in Ohio

By Ilona Westfall ● BIPOC ● August 23, 2021

Republican lawmakers in Ohio have introduced four anti-protest bills that could have serious consequences for the LGBTQ+ community.

Art, Archives & History CONVERGE in Massive New LGBTQ+ Ohio Exhibit

By Ilona Westfall ● Community ● July 13, 2021

“CONVERGE” features 70 works of art from over 60 artists ranging in age from young adults to our LGBTQ+ elders.

A Grand Opening: Margie’s Closet Offers Clothes—and Safety—to the Trans Community

By Ilona Westfall ● Transgender ● June 4, 2021

With a grand opening this weekend on the Lakewood/Cleveland border, Margie’s Closet will be providing clothes AND community!

CIFF Documentary “A Sexplanation” Explores American Sex Education

By Ilona Westfall ● Youth ● April 14, 2021

“This movie is born out of the kind of lingering shame and frustration around sex that that I’ve felt for pretty much my entire adult life.”

Green Machine: How an Ohioan and His Houseplants Became a Viral Sensation

By Ilona Westfall ● Health & Wellness ● March 10, 2021

Interest in plants has skyrocketed in the last year with people stuck at home looking for ways to spruce up their homes.

Tips For House Plant Newbies from an Ohio Gardening Social Media Superstar

By Ilona Westfall ● Health & Wellness ● March 10, 2021

When you rack up over 160,000 followers on Instagram for your houseplant maintenance abilities, you’re clearly doing something right.

Get to Know the Spooky Queer Fiction of Ohio’s Own E.F. Schraeder

By Ilona Westfall ● Culture ● February 24, 2021

As soon as the prolific Cleveland author could wield a pen, a robust library of work ranging from short stories to poetry began to form.

With a Pandemic-Induced Shortage of Volunteers at Ohio LGBTQ+ Nonprofits, a Volunteer-Sharing Program Has Emerged

By Ilona Westfall ● Community ● January 25, 2021

Some organizations have reported up to a 75% decrease in volunteer hours.

Smoke & Queers Brings Burlesque & Drag to Cincinnati Stages [GALLERY]

By Ilona Westfall ● Culture ● November 9, 2020

Dance troupe provides endlessly entertaining nights of sexy—and sometimes delightfully weird—burlesque, drag, and performance art.

Back to the Grind: Scoot! Craft Cold Brew brings energy to Berea Road

By Ilona Westfall ● Business ● August 28, 2020

The off-the-beaten-path location in an industrial area instead of a more established retail one was actually a perfect fit, says Kari DeGraff, who co-owns Scoot!, along with her wife, Abby.

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