Community Archives – The Buckeye Flame

Toledo native creates Black LGBTQ+ safe space, The Collective

By Elizabeth Randolph-Montgomery ● BIPOC ● June 19, 2026

Many Black LGBTQ+ residents told Taren Lutchey that, while Toledo is LGBTQ+ friendly, there weren’t enough places for them to go to feel seen and accepted.

Latest in Community

Community Foundation of Lorain County launches new LGBTQ+ affiliate fund amid funding and legislative challenges

By Ben Jodway ● Community ● June 18, 2026

‘This will feel like a win for our ability to better serve them’

Organizers postpone Ohio equal rights ballot initiatives to 2027 ballot; signature collection to continue

By Ken Schneck ● Community ● June 17, 2026

‘Hopefully it will be a little calmer next year,’ said Ohio Equal Rights’ co-chair

Call for proposals now open: National gathering of LGBTQ+ organizers to be held in Midwest in 2027

By Ken Schneck ● Community ● June 16, 2026

Creating Change brings together thousands of participants to build strategy, share skills and strengthen the LGBTQ+ movement

Ohio LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations denounce Cleveland Clinic’s DOJ settlement

By Ken Schneck ● Health & Wellness ● June 15, 2026

One organization will be cutting all ties to the Cleveland Clinic, including terminating referrals and co-sponsorships

Thousands gather for Stark County Pride in Canton, Ohio

By Josie Carpenter-Lewis ● Pride ● June 13, 2026

Here’s some of what we saw at the 5th annual festival.

Support for LGBTQ+ rights has dipped. What changed?

By The 19th ● Community ● June 13, 2026

Republicans’ views of same-sex couples are now similar to what they were between 2005 and 2014.

How one LGBTQ+ organization is rebranding to connect and support rural Prides across Ohio

By Ben Jodway ● Rural ● June 12, 2026

SPARC wants rural Prides to have the resources and support of urban Prides

Mx. Juneteenth celebrates six years of Black, LGBTQ+ and drag liberation

By Elizabeth Randolph-Montgomery ● BIPOC ● June 11, 2026

The Cleveland-based celebration has become a hub for Black and LGBTQ+ artists, entertainment, and community resources.

Sistah Sinema provides reel Ohio opportunities to amplify queer women of color through film and dialogue

By Tait Manning ● BIPOC ● June 9, 2026

‘Queer women of color are often treated like we’re invisible, and having a platform like Sistah Sinema is our way of communicating that our stories matter.’