Worthington Libraries Marchers with Banner in the 2023 Stonewall Columbus Pride March

Pictured in this photograph are Worthington Libraries staff members behind the library banner at the 2023 Stonewall Columbus Pride March, which took place on June 17, 2023. They are shown standing and smiling at the camera.

As described on the Stonewall Columbus website:

"June 28, 1969 marked the beginning of the Stonewall Uprising, a series of events between police and LGBTQ+ protesters which stretched over six days. While the Stonewall Inn and Uprising became well known due to the media coverage and the subsequent annual Pride traditions, it was simply the fulcrum upon which years of LGBTQ+ activism shifted.

"The first Pride march in Columbus, Ohio was held in June 1981. Only 200 people were in attendance, and some even wore bags over their heads to conceal their identities.

"...in 2022, we were joined by over 17,000 marchers, representing a vast array of non-profits, activists, community organizations, corporate sponsors, small businesses, and political candidates!"

Worthington Libraries began participating in the march in 2022, with a group of staff and their family members carrying a library banner.

Stonewall Columbus was formed as Stonewall Union in 1981, with the goal of "increasing the visibility and acceptance of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community."