American Dreams Tour Kicks Off in Columbus to Champion LGBTQ+ Rights
Columbus, Ohio – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), a national leader in LGBTQ+ rights, selected Columbus, Ohio as the launch site for its American Dreams Tour: Equality Across America, which kicked off on July 30, 2025.
HRC’s President, Kelley Robinson, emphasized the importance of sharing personal LGBTQ+ stories to challenge stigma and spark change. “Real progress starts in our homes, in our neighborhoods, and in our communities,” Robinson stated, adding that storytelling is a powerful tool against censorship and discrimination.
Despite statewide challenges including Ohio’s low ranking in LGBTQ+ inclusivity (ranked 39th by Out Leadership) and its poor showing on the State Equality Index, Columbus stands out as a beacon for change. The city recently launched an official LGBTQ+ Commission to advise leaders on inclusion and equity.
Columbus City Council President Shannon G. Hardin, an openly gay official, welcomed the national spotlight, saying it’s no surprise the tour began here. “While state legislation moves backward, Columbus is moving forward with love, progress, and policy,” he noted.
The tour stop featured:
- A community celebration with U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH 3)
- A roundtable discussion at City Hall with local LGBTQ+ advocates
- Conversations at Stonewall Columbus, a key LGBTQ+ community hub
Ohio is also the home of Jim Obergefell, the plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage. The state’s complex legacy makes Columbus a fitting place to initiate a new push for equality.
The American Dreams Tour will continue across 12 U.S. cities, elevating stories and pushing back against anti-LGBTQ+ efforts at all levels of government.
Follow Dalmar TV on Facebook for the Latest News
