Community Archives – The Buckeye Flame

First-time Prides in Ohio saw their hometowns in a new kaleidoscope of colors this year

By Ben Jodway ● Rural ● July 31, 2026

‘We opened up a safe space for at least one person to attend.’

Latest in Community

Amy Acton’s campaign staff met with Ohio LGBTQ+ leaders. The meeting did not go well.

By Ken Schneck ● Politics ● July 31, 2026

Acton didn’t attend. Leaders were barred from entry. Others were kicked out.

Reel talk: How one Ohio fly fishing group is casting a wide net to get women hooked

By Josie Carpenter-Lewis ● Queer Joy ● July 30, 2026

Founded in 2019, Ohio Women on the Fly was inspired by a national nonprofit for female anglers to build community around recreation, mentorship, education and advocacy

A man stands in a line of people holding a pro-LGBTQ+ sign at a rally.

Lima residents, council members speak out against anti-LGBTQ+ billboards on the street and in city hall

By Ben Jodway ● Rural ● July 29, 2026

Around 40 people attended a rally to protest against the billboards attacking nontraditional parents

‘The vibe will be family’: Akron Black Family Pride Cookout to be held on August 1

By Ken Schneck ● BIPOC ● July 28, 2026

All are welcome to the free event, celebrating its landmark 10th year

There’s a not-so-secret garden growing in Dayton’s BIPOC LGBTQ+ community

By Siaara Freeman ● BIPOC ● July 28, 2026

Black In Blooming is cultivating community and health for Black queer Daytonians through art, movement and intentional spaces for belonging

Ohio’s laws criminalize people living with HIV. This org is doing everything they can to change that.

By Ken Schneck ● HIV & AIDS ● July 27, 2026

From education to advocacy, Caracole in Cincinnati is wielding every tool at their disposal to help end the HIV epidemic.

‘Playing with fire’: Trump administration cuts HIV prevention funding to community-based organizations, including Equitas Health in Ohio

By Ken Schneck & Ben Jodway ● HIV & AIDS ● July 24, 2026

Advocates fear the cuts could set the stage for an increase in new HIV cases.

A rainbow van used by the nonprofit Have a Gay Day is parked in front of a billboard displaying an advertisement from an anti-LGBTQ+ hate group. The advertisement reads, "No child has two moms. No child has two dads."

Anti-LGBTQ+ billboards pop up in rural Ohio. Communities are immediately pushing back.

By Ben Jodway ● Rural ● July 23, 2026

‘These billboards don’t just attack LGBTQ+ families, they erase every Ohio kid whose home doesn’t fit a narrow, manufactured mold.’

Cleveland’s Twist Social Club celebrates 27 years of being a nightlife island of community and joy

By Josie Carpenter-Lewis ● Culture ● July 22, 2026

How one Ohio bar embraces a community focus as many LGBTQ+ clubs combat closures.