Columbus LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission

About the Commission

In July 2025, Columbus City Council established the LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission to ensure that the voices and needs of LGBTQ+ residents are represented at the highest levels of city government.

On Monday, July 14, 2025, Council unanimously approved Ordinance 1412-2025, formally creating the Commission. Mayor Andrew Ginther signed the legislation on July 16, 2025. Before the vote, Council President Shannon G. Hardin hosted a public hearing on Thursday, July 10, 2025, where residents, advocates, and community leaders shared their perspectives on the importance of this work.

Honoring Our History

At the hearing, Council President Hardin shared a documentary clip produced by the Ohio History Connection, which recounts a pivotal moment in Columbus history.

In 1984, then-Council President Jerry Hammond introduced legislation to protect LGBTQ+ residents from employment discrimination. After powerful testimony from both supporters and opponents, the measure failed. Legal protections against employment-based discrimination were first proposed in 1974 and would not become law until 1992.

This story serves as a reminder of the resilience of our community and the importance of continued progress.

Commission Responsibilities

The Commission will serve as a vital link between the LGBTQ+ community and city leadership. Its work will include:

  • Advising the Mayor and Columbus City Council on issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Recommending measures to enhance health, safety, economic opportunity, affordability, mobility, and cultural opportunities for LGBTQ+ residents.
  • Promoting access to government and accountability on matters impacting LGBTQ+ communities.
  • Coordinating and participating in educational programs that foster equal treatment, understanding, and inclusion.
  • Facilitating public conversations, forums, and educational gatherings to develop solutions for issues facing LGBTQ+ residents.

Prospective members of the Commission should be prepared to meet as a body at least quarterly, with additional time commitments potentially arising from committee work. Although perfect attendance is not required, the Commission only consists of 13 members and, therefore, each voice is vital to representing the Columbus LGBTQ+ community in its full breadth. Some assistance will be provided through contracted consultants and City staff, while other responsibilities may fall to individual members of the Commission. The overall time commitment may also increase depending on the priorities and goals established by the Commission. Please carefully consider your schedule and be prepared to prioritize participation in this body if you are selected to serve.

Qualifications to Serve

To be eligible for appointment to the Commission, applicants must :

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Reside within the City of Columbus
  • Complete a background check upon selection

Application & Selection Process

Applications to serve on the LGBTQ Advisory Commission are due by Tuesday, October 14, 2025. All applications will be jointly reviewed by Columbus City Council and the Mayor’s Office. Appointments to the Commission will be made by the end of this calendar year.

If you have any questions about the LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission or the application process, please email LGBTQCommission@columbus.gov.

Click here to view form.

Back to top