Welcome!

We are a group of multidisciplinary researchers, community members, and leaders who are invested in improving the health and wellness of LGBTQ+ people living in the Columbus, OH greater metropolitan area.

We are conducting a research study to understand your lived experiences so that we can help local organizations build programs, compete for funding, and advocate for policy that protects and supports your health.  We need YOU to participate!

So far, the research study has included:

  • A listening session (“World Cafe”) with over 30 community members and leaders, key informant interviews,
  • 34 interviews with LGBTQ+ community members
  • 21 interviews with LGBTQ+ community leaders and health professionals
  • Six focus groups with 26 LGBTQ+ community members and leaders

Now we’re conducting a survey to understand the health experiences and resources available to LGBTQ+ people living in Franklin, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison, Union, and Delaware counties. Over 400 people have participated, but we need your voice! Please email us to get a link to our screener and survey.

We are working with a Community Advisory Board and key community partners, Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health, to complete this study, understand findings, and share the information with our community.

This survey is addressing several critical topics, including:

  • Health and wellness (mental, physical, spiritual)
  • Economic stability (housing, food, basic needs)
  • Healthcare access and quality (primary care, gender affirming care, mental and behavioral health, dental care)
  • Education access and quality
  • Social and community context (business and commerce, policy)
  • Neighborhood and built environment (recreation, leisure, accessibility)
Franklin, Union, Delaware, Licking, Pickaway, Madison, and Fairfield counties

To be eligible for the study you must be part of the LGBTQ+ community, be 18 years old or older, and currently reside in either Franklin, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison, Union, or Delaware counties. To participate, read more here.

Survey Funding

Funding for the survey was made possible through the generous philanthropic support of community members Phyllis Cummins and Donald Dyche.

This work has also been funded by:

  • The Institute for Population Research competitive seed grant program via the Eunice Kennedy Schriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The aim the seed grant is to support junior faculty new to population and health research.
  • Franklin County Public Health. The aim of this funding is to support survey research, including participant recruitment and incentives, and data dissemination.
  • The FREE Center (Feminist Center for Research, Engagement, and Education). The aim of the grant is to support data dissemination and community engagement. 

We would also like to thank Marlon Gammon with Wendy’s Corporate for his sponsorship of our recruitment efforts!