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The Buckeye Flame
@thebuckeyeflame.com
Ohio’s statewide LGBTQ+ newsroom. 🏳️‍🌈 Always queer. 🏳️‍🌈 Always FREE.

🏠 https://thebuckeyeflame.com/

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One way to stay warm these next few days? Clips of the iconic Karen Williams making audiences laugh.

Learn more about the groundbreaking Ohio legend in this inspiring feature.

thebuckeyeflame.com/2024/08/28/i...
Groundbreaking Ohio lesbian comic Karen Williams gets her flowers for decades of humor and healing
"I know who I am, I’m secure in that, I know what my skill sets are, and I mostly want to give back.”
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:23 PM
Columbus LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission holds inaugural meeting. Members of the new Columbus LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission set a foundation for change during this first meeting.

thebuckeyeflame.com/2026/01/23/c...
Columbus LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission holds inaugural meeting
Members of the new Columbus LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission set a foundation for change during inaugural meeting
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 23, 2026 at 2:20 PM
“We are doing a LOT of pivoting and regrouping.”

It is...rough out there for Ohio LGBTQ+ nonprofits. 38 told us how things are really going for them financially.

thebuckeyeflame.com/2026/01/05/3...
We heard from 38 Ohio LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Here's what they said about their financial state.
“We are doing a LOT of pivoting and regrouping.”
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:55 PM
Out LGBTQ+ candidate Stephanie Thomas announces bid for Cuyahoga County Council. Thomas to campaign on rent control, senior services, labor relations and open office hours in District 3.

✏️ @hcomeriato.bsky.social

thebuckeyeflame.com/2026/01/20/o...
Out LGBTQ+ candidate Stephanie Thomas announces bid for Cuyahoga County Council
Thomas will campaign on rent control, senior services, labor relations and open office hours in District 3.
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:44 PM
The City Club of Cleveland forum featuring the Center for Christian Virtue had a moderation problem.
The City Club forum featuring the Center for Christian Virtue had a moderation problem [COMMENTARY]
“Someone without institutional stewardship responsibilities could have interrupted more forcefully, drawn clearer lines between empirical claims and moral convictions, and insisted on precision withou...
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:16 AM
Ohio organizers ‘optimistic’ as campaign launches to collect signatures for two equal rights ballot initiatives.

thebuckeyeflame.com/2026/01/20/c...
Ohio organizers 'optimistic’ as campaign launches to collect signatures for two equality-rights ballot initiatives
Over 880,000 signatures needed to guarantee marriage equality and nondiscrimination protections in Ohio
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 20, 2026 at 1:13 PM
Of COURSE, Ohio's LGBTQ+ seniors are having sex. But how do we break the silence and stigma around actually talking about that?! One Ohio clinic has some ideas...

thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/10/14/b...
Breaking the silence around senior LGBTQ+ sexual health
Cultural norms, stigma and limited screenings put LGBTQ+ seniors at risk—but one Ohio provider is working to change that.
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 19, 2026 at 3:42 PM
UPDATED! It’s Girl Scout cookie season! We've compiled EVEN MORE Ohio trans and nonbinary Girl Scouts to support.

thebuckeyeflame.com/2026/01/14/t...
It's Girl Scout cookie season! Here’s a list of Ohio trans and nonbinary Girl Scouts to support.
Not only does selling Girl Scout cookies boost confidence and help develop business skills, but it also help fund troop activities.
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 18, 2026 at 1:34 PM
Reposted by The Buckeye Flame
The City Club of Cleveland hosted the president of an anti-LGBTQ+ hate group Friday following weeks of public backlash, drawing dozens of protesters.

My latest for @thebuckeyeflame.com

➡️ thebuckeyeflame.com/2026/01/16/t...
January 17, 2026 at 11:12 PM
After *QUITE* the stressful week, we needed to be reminded today of an LGBTQ+ Ohio triumph story.

Thwarted by his city council in 2024 for being a gay candidate, this Ohioan came back in 2025 and got more votes than them all.

thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/11/05/d...
Thwarted by his city council in 2024 for being a gay candidate, this Ohioan came back in 2025 and got more votes than them all
David Nation could have sued the Waynesville City Council last year. Instead, he ran – and won – to make a statement.
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 17, 2026 at 6:55 PM
As pharmacies close, one Ohio clinic is delivering dignity for the LGBTQ+ community.

With LGBTQ+ Ohioans facing pharmacy deserts and stigma at the counter, a Cleveland-based health center meets patients at their door.

thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/08/12/h...
As pharmacies close, one Ohio clinic is delivering dignity for the LGBTQ+ community
With LGBTQ+ Ohioans facing pharmacy deserts and stigma at the counter, a Cleveland-based health center meets patients at their door.
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 17, 2026 at 2:11 PM
The City Club of Cleveland hosts Center for Christian Virtue amid protests. Here’s what we saw inside AND outside the forum.

thebuckeyeflame.com/2026/01/16/t...
Cleveland City Club hosts Center for Christian Virtue
The free speech forum hosted the president of an anti-LGBTQ+ hate group Friday following weeks of backlash, drawing dozens of protestors.
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 17, 2026 at 2:38 AM
Reposted by The Buckeye Flame
Queer-owned farm-to-table businesses reclaim history in a former rural Ohio gay bar. Report for America corps member @bjodway.com reports for @thebuckeyeflame.com: thebuckeyeflame.com/2026/01/08/h...
Queer-owned farm-to-table businesses reclaim history in a former rural Ohio gay bar
The owner of farm-to-table business Harbor Gardens was obsessed with finding the location of Ashtabula's historic gay bar, the Leeward Lounge. Little did they know, it was right under their feet.
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:39 PM
As Ohio’s drag ban advances, the cast of ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ is touring through Ohio proudly owning their joy.

The Buckeye Flame spoke with out LGBTQ+ performer and Ohio native Kirsten Angelina Henry about touring the country in a musical that has become a lightning rod for controversy and pure joy.
As Ohio's drag ban advances, the cast of 'Mrs. Doubtfire' is touring through Ohio proudly owning their joy [LISTEN]
The Buckeye Flame spoke with out LGBTQ+ performer and Ohio native Kirsten Angelina Henry about touring the country in a musical that has become a lightning rod for controversy and pure joy.
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:28 PM
NEW PODCAST EPISODE!

This News is So Gay (1/14/25): Spotlighting Organizations Supporting LGBTQ+ Journalists

Featuring: Adam Pawlus (@nlgjaofficial.bsky.social) and @trevellanderson.bsky.social (@transjournalists.org)

thebuckeyeflame.com/2026/01/14/t...
This News is So Gay (1/14/25): Spotlighting Organizations Supporting LGBTQ+ Journalists
Featuring: Adam Pawlus (NLGJA) and Tre'vell Anderson (Trans Journalists Association)
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 14, 2026 at 11:20 PM
It's Girl Scout cookie season! Here’s a list of Ohio trans and nonbinary Girl Scouts to support.

thebuckeyeflame.com/2026/01/14/t...
It's Girl Scout cookie season! Here’s a list of Ohio trans and nonbinary Girl Scouts to support.
Not only does selling Girl Scout cookies boost confidence and help develop business skills, but it also help fund troop activities.
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:28 PM
NEW MERCH! In addition to amazing Buckeye Flame-branded gear, we now have these PERFECT “Protagonist” and “Antagonist”
shirts. Which role are you feeling today?

All proceeds benefit Ohio’s scrappy queer newsroom!

thebuckeyeflame.boldstores.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:48 PM
New Ohio research examines ‘predatory’ nature of alcohol ads targeting LGBTQ+ Ohioans.

thebuckeyeflame.com/2026/01/13/n...
New Ohio research examines 'predatory' nature of alcohol ads targeting LGBTQ+ Ohioans
LGBTQ+ people already face poor health outcomes related to alcohol. Targeted marketing could be making it worse.
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:51 PM
The City Club of Cleveland is hosting the hate-designated Center for Christian Virtue on Friday. We put together a TIMELINE of how we got here.

thebuckeyeflame.com/2026/01/12/t...
The City Club of Cleveland is hosting the hate-designated Center for Christian Virtue on Friday. Here’s how we got here.
Protests are planned for the day of the event.
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:19 PM
Fox Nguyen ran away at 18-years-old and was homeless. Today, he is one of the most sought after nail artists for miles around in rural Ohio.
‘Something extravagant’: How a rural queer Ohioan beat the odds to become an award-winning nail artist
Fox Nguyen ran away at 18-years-old and was homeless. Today, he is one of the most sought after nail artists for miles around.
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 11, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Every day brings us closer to Ohio's newest professional sports team. Learn more about how they are embracing out LGBTQ+ athletes like no other league.

thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/07/24/c...
Cleveland welcomes new WNBA franchise team, embraces out LGBTQ+ athletes
The move marks a new era in women's professional sports – particularly for LGBTQ+ athletes, who had previously been encouraged to remain closeted while in the league.
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 11, 2026 at 12:28 PM
LGBTQ+ individuals across Ohio are creating impactful podcasts covering topics from true crime and theater to religion and love. Here are 16 you should be listening to right this second!

thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/07/03/s...
16 LGBTQ+ Ohio podcasts you should be listening to right now, Volume 3
LGBTQ+ individuals across Ohio are creating impactful podcasts covering topics from true crime and theater to religion and love.
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 10, 2026 at 2:43 PM
‘Unbeknownst to me, I became an expert.’ Gay Ohio beekeeper buzzes with Pride. Mark Fleischer began beekeeping in 2020, and he is proud to represent the LG-bee-TQ+ community at local events.

thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/08/13/o...

✏️ @bjodway.com via @reportforamerica.bsky.social
Gay Ohio beekeeper buzzes with Pride
Mark Fleischer began beekeeping in 2020, and he is proud to represent the LG-bee-TQ+ community at local events.
thebuckeyeflame.com
January 10, 2026 at 12:30 PM
BECOME A FIREFLY! Fireflies are truly the key to the sustainability of The Buckeye Flame. And there are perks...the biggest of which is knowing you're keeping our scrappy queer newsroom burning bright!

the-buckeye-flame.monkeypod.io/give/fireflies
January 9, 2026 at 7:41 PM