Talk of the County Podcast | Embracing Diversity: Insights from Stonewall Columbus and Pride Month
06/24/24 • 87 min
We have a special Pride Month edition lined up for you. Joining us are two incredible guests: Densil Porteous and Dr. Leo Taylor. Together, we talk about the importance of understanding the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, the historical evolution of Pride events, and the vital role of empathy and advocacy in promoting LGBTQ+ rights.
We explore the significance of inclusive advocacy, the intersectionality of LGBTQ+ issues, and how everyone—from allies to corporate partners—can contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment.
You'll hear powerful stories of personal journeys, community initiatives, and transformative actions that are paving the way for a brighter future.
Memorable Moments
00:00 Embracing authentic self in a strong community.
06:48 Comparing current and past activism in Columbus.
14:10 Living openly and proudly as LGBTQ+ daily.
23:17 Acknowledgment of marginalized identities and inclusive leadership.
33:16 Realized impact of cultural norms on diversity.
36:31 Quality treatment and inclusion are essential everywhere.
42:57 Trevor Project's growth supports young people.
47:44 Acknowledge privilege, uplift different voices, advocate for change.
53:31 Allies and accomplices are essential in activism.
57:18 Questioning discomfort; promoting empathy and understanding.
01:03:07 Slow, ongoing conversations lead to societal change.
01:17:17 Wide stratification within the LGBTQ+ community in the county.
01:19:34 Transferable skill set for working with diversity.
01:25:37 Tourism attracts residents, strengthens community bonds.
Top Takeaways
Dr. Leo Taylor emphasizes the importance of empathy, even for those who don’t understand LGBTQ rights, suggesting that empathy can bridge gaps in understanding.
Densil Porteous expresses concern about actions that steal joy and advocates for supporting everyone's happiness through intentional and inclusive actions.
Both guests draw inspiration from figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Angela Davis, and Bayard Rustin, and their personal experiences, emphasizing the power of speaking out and allyship.
The Pride movement has evolved from protests to a blend of celebration, protest, and recognition, emphasizing visibility, support, and year-round commitment.
Allies and accomplices play a crucial role in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, standing up for rights, and ensuring visibility and representation, especially when LGBTQ+ individuals aren’t present.
Promoting economic inclusion by empowering marginalized individuals through job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and addressing systemic employment barriers is vital for equity in Franklin County.
Advocacy should be inclusive, considering the diverse identities within the LGBTQ community, ensuring representation, and engaging in civic activities like voting and running for office.
DEI initiatives should be deeply ingrained in organizational culture, focusing on inclusion first to naturally promote diversity and making sure everyone feels they belong.
Local community needs and intersectional issues like economic conditions and addiction recovery should be considered in supporting LGBTQ individuals, recognizing that broader issues impact the community.
Efforts to support LGBTQ+ rights must go beyond temporary fixes, involving permanent changes, continuous dialogue, and private reflection to foster a genuinely inclusive environment.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana
License code: 6VVAVEFBZTQOL3AW
Copyright 2025 Franklin County Board of Commissioners
We have a special Pride Month edition lined up for you. Joining us are two incredible guests: Densil Porteous and Dr. Leo Taylor. Together, we talk about the importance of understanding the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, the historical evolution of Pride events, and the vital role of empathy and advocacy in promoting LGBTQ+ rights.
We explore the significance of inclusive advocacy, the intersectionality of LGBTQ+ issues, and how everyone—from allies to corporate partners—can contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment.
You'll hear powerful stories of personal journeys, community initiatives, and transformative actions that are paving the way for a brighter future.
Memorable Moments
00:00 Embracing authentic self in a strong community.
06:48 Comparing current and past activism in Columbus.
14:10 Living openly and proudly as LGBTQ+ daily.
23:17 Acknowledgment of marginalized identities and inclusive leadership.
33:16 Realized impact of cultural norms on diversity.
36:31 Quality treatment and inclusion are essential everywhere.
42:57 Trevor Project's growth supports young people.
47:44 Acknowledge privilege, uplift different voices, advocate for change.
53:31 Allies and accomplices are essential in activism.
57:18 Questioning discomfort; promoting empathy and understanding.
01:03:07 Slow, ongoing conversations lead to societal change.
01:17:17 Wide stratification within the LGBTQ+ community in the county.
01:19:34 Transferable skill set for working with diversity.
01:25:37 Tourism attracts residents, strengthens community bonds.
Top Takeaways
Dr. Leo Taylor emphasizes the importance of empathy, even for those who don’t understand LGBTQ rights, suggesting that empathy can bridge gaps in understanding.
Densil Porteous expresses concern about actions that steal joy and advocates for supporting everyone's happiness through intentional and inclusive actions.
Both guests draw inspiration from figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Angela Davis, and Bayard Rustin, and their personal experiences, emphasizing the power of speaking out and allyship.
The Pride movement has evolved from protests to a blend of celebration, protest, and recognition, emphasizing visibility, support, and year-round commitment.
Allies and accomplices play a crucial role in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, standing up for rights, and ensuring visibility and representation, especially when LGBTQ+ individuals aren’t present.
Promoting economic inclusion by empowering marginalized individuals through job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and addressing systemic employment barriers is vital for equity in Franklin County.
Advocacy should be inclusive, considering the diverse identities within the LGBTQ community, ensuring representation, and engaging in civic activities like voting and running for office.
DEI initiatives should be deeply ingrained in organizational culture, focusing on inclusion first to naturally promote diversity and making sure everyone feels they belong.
Local community needs and intersectional issues like economic conditions and addiction recovery should be considered in supporting LGBTQ individuals, recognizing that broader issues impact the community.
Efforts to support LGBTQ+ rights must go beyond temporary fixes, involving permanent changes, continuous dialogue, and private reflection to foster a genuinely inclusive environment.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana
License code: 6VVAVEFBZTQOL3AW
Copyright 2025 Franklin County Board of Commissioners
Previous Episode
General Session - June 18, 2024: The Board of Commissioners Celebrate Spring Athletes and Vote on Resolutions
Franklin County Ohio Board of Commissioners' General Session Meeting for Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
Listen in on the latest Franklin County Board of Commissioners meeting as we celebrate the achievements of our local high school spring sports teams and vote on this week's resolutions.
Award Recognitions:
We proudly recognize the outstanding achievements of the following high school spring sports teams and their star athletes:
Bexley High School
Boys Singles Tennis Champion: Henry Lessard (Coach: Will Gingery)
Columbus Africentric High School
Girls Long Jump State Champion: Ashtan Winfrey (Coach: Clayton Wrighter)
St. Francis DeSales High School
Girls Lacrosse State Champion Team (Coach: Joe Finotti)
Boys Lacrosse State Champion Team (Coach: Matt Triplet)
Dublin Jerome High School
Boys 3200 Meter Run State Champion: Samuel Ricchiuti (Coach: Alex Jacobs)
Hilliard Davidson High School
Girls 4x800 State Champion Relay Team (Coach: Matthew Beatty)
Olentangy High School
Girls High Jump State Champion: Chayla Rankin (Coach: Jennifer Sosa)
Olentangy Liberty High School
Girls 3200 Meter Run State Champion: Elena Aldrink (Coach: James Dingus)
Boys High Jump State Champion: Nate Hollingsworth (Coach: Nate Cikach)
Girls Lacrosse State Champion Team (Coach: Tim Bosco)
Boys Lacrosse State Champion Team (Coach: Jason Godwin)
Olentangy Orange High School
Girls 1600 Meter Run State Champion: Brooke Chapman (Coach: Adam Walters)
Pickerington Central High School
Boys 4x200 State Champion Relay Team (Coach: Jason Roach)
Upper Arlington High School
Girls 4x400 Meter State Champion Relay Team (Coach: Lauren Karap)
Westerville Central High School
100 Meter Dash State Champion: Olivia Pace (Coach: David Mentlow)
Westerville North High School
Boys 4x800 State Champion Relay Team
1600 Meter Run State Champion: Ben Gabelman (Coach: Johnny Jackson)
Next Episode
Talk of the County Podcast | Winning Big in Columbus: Sports, Community, and Economic Impact
In this episode, we're diving into the vibrant and fast-growing Columbus community, exploring its potential as a top-tier destination for sports, culture, and economic development.
Our host, Kenneth Wilson, sits down with two influential guests: Brian Ross, President of Experience Columbus, and Linda Logan, Executive Director of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission.
We discuss the surge in female sports viewership, upcoming major events like the Audi MLS All-Star Game, and the strong community collaboration needed to secure top-tier events.
Discover how Columbus is positioning itself as the "volleyball capital of the world". Plus, learn about the significant economic impacts of hosting national championships, the effective "Yes, Columbus" campaign, and the pivotal role local leaders play in promoting the city.
Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a culture buff, or just curious about Columbus's growth, this episode shines a light on why Columbus is truly a city on the rise.
Memorable Moments
00:00 Vibrant sports community with top-notch facilities.
05:41 Recognizing local champions and nurturing future leaders.
08:01 Winning MLS Cup, Hollywood meets Midwest, parade.
13:54 Professional volleyball league debuted at Nationwide Arena.
18:10 Ohio University pioneered sports administration program's origin. Graduates impact sports industry globally.
20:49 Franklin County model for diversity and inclusion.
27:46 "Evolution of brand campaign in response to COVID."
31:22 Columbus competes but collaborates to attract visitors.
34:58 Collaboration brings economic impact and raises profile.
37:23 Collaboration and pride make events successful. Central location is also a key advantage.
41:22 Women's Final 4 left lasting community impact.
43:26 Columbus leading in promoting girls/women in sports.
46:02 Striving for equitable growth and providing opportunities.
Top Takeaways
Linda Logan emphasizes the significant progress and potential for girls and women in sports in Columbus.
Brian Ross highlights the vision for Columbus to become a sought-after destination, focusing on collaboration across sectors and improving transportation options to enhance the community's quality of life.
The importance of providing equitable growth opportunities for all community members as Columbus continues to expand.
Columbus's ability to host significant events like the Audi MLS All-Star Game in July 2024 and the World Cup team in 2026, along with the cultural and economic ties with Japan, emphasizes the city's role as a hub for major sporting and cultural events, generating substantial economic impact.
Columbus’s central location and affordable accessibility, combined with its strong infrastructure, make it an attractive destination for hosting national championships and other significant events.
The dynamic culinary scene, unique drinks, breweries, and other attractions in Columbus are highlighted as essential elements that enhance the city’s appeal for visitors and residents alike.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana
License code: 6VVAVEFBZTQOL3AW
Copyright 2025 Franklin County Board of Commissioners
Franklin County Media - Talk of the County Podcast | Embracing Diversity: Insights from Stonewall Columbus and Pride Month
Transcript
Kenneth Wilson [00:00:14]:
Happy Pride Month Franklin County. Today, we have a special episode featuring 2 incredibly influential guests of us. We have Stonewall Columbus's executive director, Densil Porteous, and Dr. Leo Taylor, a diversity, equity, and inclusion educator and consultant. To kick things off, could you both share a little bit about your background and what inspired you to specialize in your fields?
Densil Porteous [00:00:43]:
Go ahead. Oh, sure. Well, first
If you like this episode you’ll love
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