<p>Columbus, Ohio is well-established as one of America's most gay-friendly cities. It hosts one of the biggest pride events in the country. There are several gay bars and LGBTQ-owned establishments to explore.</p>
<p>Take a trip to the city's eclectic art scene at the Short North Arts District, where galleries, boutiques, and cafes line the bustling streets. Explore the historic German Village, with its cobblestone streets and charming brick houses, offering a glimpse into the city's past. Indulge your taste buds with a culinary journey through the North Market, a food hall featuring a diverse array of local vendors. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Scioto Mile provides a scenic escape along the riverfront, while the expansive Franklin Park Conservatory offers lush botanical gardens and captivating exhibitions.</p>

Gay Columbus

On 31 March 2016, Federal District Court struck down Mississippi's ban on same-sex couple adoptions. On June 26, 2017, the United States Supreme Court reversed an Arkansas Supreme Court ruling that allowed a law listing parents by gender on birth certificates to stand. The new SCOTUS ruling allowed both same-sex spouses to be listed on birth certificates. These court rulings made adoption by same-sex couples legal in all 50 states.<br />
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States can however require couples to be legally married before adopting.

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

Although the age of consent varies depending on state and territory, it is still equal for heterosexual and homosexual sexual acts.

The difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.

The new FDA policy on blood donation eliminates deferrals and screening questions specific to men who have sex with men (MSM). Prospective donors will be asked the same set of questions regardless of their sex or sexual orientation.

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

The FDA announced changes to the blood donor eligibility policy in April 2020, reducing the MSM deferral period from 12 months to 3 months. The change came amid the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, where blood was needed urgently.

After a series of recommendations, the FDA has moved to a 12 months deferral.

Starting in 1983, the United States implemented a full ban on blood donations from gay men. The primary justification for the ban was the perceived high risk of HIV transmission, with health regulators identifying men who have sex with men (MSM) as a significant risk to the safety of the blood supply.

Censorship became &#34;other punishment&#34; in the state of Texas, and in Florida Govt. DeSantis wants to ban LGBT topics from being discussed in schools.<br />
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Generally, LGBT Topics are considered under the Free Speech Clause. Due to the nature of the current laws, and state decisions such as in Florida; &#34;Varies by region&#34; is the best indicator to use. 

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

Alabama Public Television banned an episode of “Arthur” (entitled “Mr Ratburn and the Special Someone”) because Mike McKenzie (director of programming for the station) deemed the episode “inappropriate” for young viewers.<br />
It is unknown about other American states’ censorship laws regarding LGBTQIA+ issues.<br />


On his first day in office, President Trump issued an executive order to &#34;defend women&#34;, the order creates only male and female terms. Also stated in the terms, federal funding will not go towards <br />
(i)   changes to agency documents, including regulations, guidance, forms, and communications, made to comply with this order; and<br />
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(ii)  agency-imposed requirements on federally funded entities, including contractors, to achieve the policy of this order.<br />
This order includes any federally funded agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, which would be under the Department of Transportation. 

Legal recognition of a change in gender by permitting a change on an individual's legal documentation.

As of 2022, all passports are able to get a gender marker X on the US State website or in person. Social Security will be able to change the name as well, unknown of the date when allowed. Check any of the states for Drivers ID or Birth certificates. 

Many U.S. jurisdictions require gender-affirming surgery before the person&#39;s legal sex can be changed<br />
It is important to note that surgery is not universally required to change legal sex under federal law or in some states. However, a health professional&#39;s certification may be necessary. It is essential to consult the specific laws and guidelines of your state for accurate information on the legal requirements for changing gender markers and identity documents.<br />
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There is no federal law on right to change gender, varies by region

From a Federal standpoint, you can change your gender with proof that you have undergone treatment for a gender change (surgery no longer required in any agency as of June 2013). However, states also have their own laws on gender recognition.

Conversion therapy has always been a topic among legislative groups of people. Roughly about 23 states have fully banned conversion therapy for minors. The rest of the states have not yet banned it or plan to keep it unbanned.

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

Obergefell v. Hodges, 2015 court case allows same-sex marriages. This also protects LGBTQ discrimination. Bostock v. Clayton County, GA protects LGBTQ employees. Tennessee has laws for LGBTQ discrimination, thus being varies by region even though its federally protected

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

In all Federal positions, discrimination based on sexual orientation is against the law in instances related to work and employment.  In non-federal government jobs, it is based on the state&#39;s laws as no federal protections currently exist for non-employees.  Additionally, even federal employees could face discrimination unrelated to work in areas of life such as housing, health care, etc.  In fact, many groups are advocating the repeal of protections or the introduction of laws to permit discrimination.

As of June 15th, 2020 the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal under Title VII the Civil Rights Act of 1964, classified as sex discrimination.<br />
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As of June 15, 2020, all persons working for employers that employ more than 15 people are protected from discrimination based solely on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity via the Supreme Court&#39;s landmark decision in Bostock v. Clayton County.<br />


Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has ruled that “[A]llegations of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation necessarily state a claim of discrimination on the basis of sex”, and are barred by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This ruling applies at both the state and federal level.<br />
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Furthermore, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled on April 20, 2012 that an employer who discriminates against an employee or applicant on the basis of the person’s gender identity is violating the prohibition on sex discrimination contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.<br />
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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled on April 20, 2012 that an employer who discriminates against an employee or applicant on the basis of the person’s gender identity is violating the prohibition on sex discrimination contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

While Gender Affirming Care is unrestricted federally, it varies by region due to no federal laws in place. Several states have either banned or passed laws to protect gender affirming care. Office of Health and Human Services made an document stating that they are with gender affirming care in 2022. There have been no efforts made to make gender affirming care federally protected, President Biden has made no comments on the specific topic

Medical and psychological support designed to help individuals transition to the gender they identify with, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and surgeries.

Homosexuality was decriminalized at the federal level in the United States through the landmark Supreme Court decision of Lawrence v. Texas in 2003. The court struck down a Texas statute that criminalized sexual acts between same-sex couples, declaring such laws unconstitutional. This judgment set a precedent that rendered similar anti-sodomy statutes across states unenforceable, thereby federally decriminalizing homosexuality in private, consensual settings.

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

Before Lawrence v. Texas, some states had already decriminalized sodomy. The first state was Illinois in 1962.

The Fair Housing Act (Title 8 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) protects people from housing discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation nationwide but state laws make this vary in practice.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

In the United States, intersex infant surgeries are not federally banned. Only a few states have established laws to protect against such surgeries; many have proposed legislation, but none have been enacted. California passed a non-binding resolution condemning the practice, yet it did not achieve a ban.

Medical interventions performed on intersex infants to alter their genital appearance to conform to typical male or female standards, often without the informed consent of the child who is too young to participate in the decision-making process.

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Obergefell v Hodges, all 50 states and the District of Columbia are required to issue marriage licenses for same-sex couples and recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

From May 2004 to June 2015, the legality of gay marriage in the United States varied by state. On November 18th, 2003, Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that banning same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, and their ruling came into effect on May 17th, 2004. Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage. <br />
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Between May 17th, 2004, and June 26th, 2015, when the United States Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, 37 states and the District of Columbia legalized same-sex marriage.

On the evening of March 18th, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes blocked the implementation of Trump&#39;s executive order banning transgender people from the military. The judge said that not only was the order unconstitutional but “a solution in search of a problem.”.

The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth filed in court a memo on February 10th, 2025 relating to President Trump’s executive order from the previous month.<br />
<br />
From now on, The U.S. military will prohibit transgender individuals from enlisting, and will cease providing or supporting gender transition procedures for service members.

President Joe Biden removed former President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people serving in the military, and transgender people are still allowed to serve as of 2025.<br />
<br />
In January of 2025, President Trump signed an executive order that bans transgender people from serving in the military. However, before his executive order can take effect, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth needs to submit a plan on how the military will implement the order. 

New policy goes into effect barring individuals with a &#34;condition&#34; known as &#34;gender dysphoria.&#34;

In 2011, &#34;Don&#39;t Ask, Don&#39;t Tell&#34; was repealed by the Obama Administration. Former President Obama allowed members who were dishonorably discharged under DADT, to receive an honorable discharge. <br />


Don&#39;t Ask, Don&#39;t Tell was the historic compromise signed by President Bill Clinton authorizing people who are LGBT to serve in the military provided they didn&#39;t disclose sexuality.  The law also removed the ability for others in the military from asking for a service member&#39;s orientation.

In his first hours in office, Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the federal government to only recognize two sexes: “Male” and “Female”. The order also directed federal agencies to eliminate the use of &#34;gender&#34; in federal documents and guidelines, including an instruction to the Secretary of State to discontinue the use and option of X gender markers in passports moving forward, but not retroactively invalidating passports. <br />
<br />
On January 23rd, 2025, the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, ordered the U.S. state department to freeze all applications for passports that had requested an ‘X’ on their gender marker.<br />
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Other IDs are still state dependent, and there are many states in the U.S. that recognize third gender identities.

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

Between April 11th, 2022, and January 22nd, 2025, the United States allowed people to have an X gender on their passports at a national level.

On June 15th, 2017, Oregon officials voted yes to allowing the legal representation of non-binary people. On July 3rd, 2017, this option became available to the public.

Before July 3rd, 2017, no US states legally recognized non-binary people. 

Axis Nightclub Columbus Ohio

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Gay Columbus Dance Clubs

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Columbus Gay Bars

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Gay Columbus · Hotels

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Columbus Restaurants

Columbus, Ohio is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the US. The annual Pride Festival attracts around 700,000 people.

Discovering Columbus: A Gay Traveler's Guide to the Heart of Ohio

Columbus

Stonewall Columbus Pride

Stonewall Columbus Pride 2025: lineup, tickets & parade

Celebrate Stonewall Columbus Pride's 42nd year!

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Hilton Garden Inn Columbus Polaris Hotel Ohio

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus/Polaris

The Westin Great Southern Columbus Hotel Ohio

The Westin Great Southern Columbus

Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square Ohio

Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square

Where to stay?

Time for a Drink!

Hotels

Bars

Dance Clubs

Gay Map

Restaurants

Find frequently asked questions for gay travelers visiting Columbus. Join the conversation, share your experiences and chat with others.

FAQs for Columbus gay travelers - gay chat & forum

Ohio

The capital city of the state of Ohio and one of the major cities of the Midwest. Columbus is home to a surprisingly good gay scene.

Karaoke

Cavan's Irish Pub Columbus Ohio Bar

Cavan's Irish Pub

AWOL Bar Columbus Ohio

AWOL

Bernard's Tavern Bar Columbus Ohio

Bernard's Tavern

<p>Pat and Gracie's is a Columbus institution with outlets in Downtown and Graceland. It's a great spot to enjoy classic American comfort food and drinks.</p>

Pat and Gracie's

American comfort food.

<p>Carlucci's Pizzeria has been going strong for over 15 years. The dough is meticulously prepared from scratch each morning, meats are freshly sliced daily, and even the sausage is expertly cooked in their stone-deck ovens. Every item, from their hearty Italian subs to their crispy, generously topped pizzas and comforting spaghetti, as well as their distinctive strombolis, is crafted to order. While some may boast about pumping out pizzas in 60 seconds, Carlucci's knows that achieving their flawlessly crisp crust requires the heat of their 600-degree stone ovens.</p>

Carlucci's Pizzeria

Carlucci's Pizzeria has been going strong for over 15 years.

<p>Barcelona Restaurant in Columbus boasts a century-old building - old by US standards (in Europe less so). Originally housing a brewery and later a sports bar, it transformed into Barcelona in 1996. Scott Heimlich now oversees its legacy, preserving its historic charm. This is one of the best restaurants in Columbus.</p>

Barcelona Restaurant and Bar

 This is one of the best restaurants in Columbus.

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<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">Dough Mama is a cozy cafe and bakery in Columbus that started as a passion project in a small home kitchen. Now a beloved local spot, it serves up mouthwatering sweet and savory pies, pastries, and coffee in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.</p>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">The menu, inspired by classic Americana with a twist, features everything made from scratch using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.</p>
<p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">With a commitment to community and inclusivity, Dough Mama isn't just about great food &ndash; it's a place where friends gather, stories are shared, and everyone feels right at home. Whether you're craving a slice of homemade pie or a hearty lunch, swing by their Clintonville location for a taste of comfort and a side of friendly conversation.</p>
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Dough Mama

Cozy cafe in Columbus, OH

Columbus' main gay nightclub, situated in the Short North area. It's actually the largest dance club in town.<br>
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This multi-level dance club offers nightly DJs, as well as regular entertainment including drag cabarets.<br>
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Over the weekend you can expect techno and house music, drawing diverse crowds.<br>
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If the bustling club gets too much, you can relax outside on the spacious patio.

Axis

Columbus' main gay nightclub, situated in the Shor...

Union Cafe Bar is a bustling gay-friendly bar in Columbus, offering an extensive food and drinks menu.<br>
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During the day you'll find comfortable seating and tasty American food being served. Come the night time, Union Cafe Bar transforms into a lively nightclub.<br>
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Locals and tourists alike favour this bar/restaurant/club hybrid for its welcoming atmosphere and spacious outdoor patio.<br>
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Throughout the week Union Cafe Bar hosts a variety of entertainment.

Union Cafe Bar Columbus Ohio

Union Cafe Bar

Union Cafe Bar is a bustling gay-friendly bar in C...

AWOL is a military-themed Columbus gay bar situated in Olde Towne East.<br>
<br>
This popular gay hangout offers brick-lined interiors, a large patio, and an extensive drinks list.<br>
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Happy hours are held here on a regular basis, and fetish parties are also a frequent affair.

AWOL is a military-themed Columbus gay bar situate...

Cavan's Irish Pub is a popular Columbus gay bar offering a range of entertainment.<br>
<br>
The full-service bar offers a selection of 12 draft beers from local and Irish breweries.<br>
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Throughout the week Cavan's hosts various events, including karaoke and Musical Mondays.

Cavan's Irish Pub is a popular Columbus gay bar of...

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