Steeped Pearl pours into Ohio’s Black and LGBTQ+ communities through herbal storytelling
Since 2020, co-owners KaShala Smith and Dominique Todd-Shumate have fostered a supportive community where everyone gets oolong.
BIPOC
Latest in BIPOC
‘You Can Read With Us’: Back to the Book reading club prioritizes LGBTQ+, BIPOC safety
'I don't think that we necessarily need to read the same book to connect around books and to connect around our love for books, so I decided to test that theory out.'
U.S. Senate candidate Greg Levy’s socialist campaign draws LGBTQ+ voters in contentious midterms
‘The only way to really fight for trans equality for LGBTQ+ liberation is to fight for socialism and overturn capitalism for good.’
Black, Out, and Proud to host Melanated Health Forum centering Black LGBTQ+ health and wellness
Melanated Health Forum makes room for uncensored wellness conversations for Black LGBTQ+ people in Columbus
Pump The Beat!: Ohio’s ballroom scene as a queer community haven
For many people in the scene, ballroom is the foundation for their social and personal lives, and keeps many folx healthy, happy and safe.
Black Poets Fest in Columbus builds a home for Black artists – LGBTQ+ definitely included.
‘This space belongs to us, without confusion or apology.’
A Gospel of Their Own: How BIPOC LGBTQ+ Ohioans are navigating faith spaces
The church can be a source of deep pain, while the faith, music and spiritual traditions formed there can remain deeply meaningful.
Audio This News is So Gay (9/16/26): Challenging the myth of solidarity in the LGBTQ+ community
Featuring: Dr. Kaila Adia Story ('The Rainbow Ain't Never Been Enuf')
How one Ohio Black trans poet found power in brevity
Zuggie Tate’s chapbook ‘Abomination Pink’ explores the beauty that survives every attempt at erasure.
Yearly Ohio retreat treats Black transmascs to new experiences and ‘that brotherhood moment’
WARR provides a nearly-free 4-day getaway for Black trans men across Ohio
