Yes, Deer, Columbus, Ohio Is a Queer Hot Spot
Pictured above, a sculptures by artist Terry Allen of a deer looking over the Scioto River.Growing up two hours to the north of Ohio’s state capitol, Columbus was mostly a place to drive through.
My family felt there was no reason to stop or stay overnight. Even as a young adult, it wasn’t really a place that appealled to me, not the way other cities drew me with their diversity and energy.But Columbus today is on a fast-growing streak, and this once-quiet town is making noise as a queer destination.
Pre-pandemic, its annual Pride celebrations were attracting almost 500,000 people and up, putting it on par with events in places like Chicago.
My husband and I recently spent a long weekend in Columbus to see what the fuss was all about, and we came away impressed with the city’s dynamic nature and interesting mix of attractions. Vibrant Short NorthShort North, a dynamic and eclectic — and very gay — neighborhood, is a great base to explore Columbus from.
