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Densil Porteous

@densilporteous

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Journeying. Changing. Becoming. Living Out Loud | 👧🏽Dad | 🤵🏾‍♂️🤵‍♂️| Showing Up |🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🇯🇲🇺🇸[My views.]

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In 2009, I attended my first Human Rights Campaign Columbus Dinner as a guest.

I couldn’t have imagined then that one day I would serve on the Human Rights Campaign Board of Directors. Or that I would have the opportunity to help guide the organization during some of the most consequential moments in our movement’s history.

And I certainly couldn’t have imagined that, seventeen years later, I would stand on that same stage and publicly share my own story in Columbus.

This year’s dinner was especially meaningful because it was also my last Columbus Dinner as a member of the HRC Board of Directors—my term ends this December.

As I looked out across the room I thought about how movements are built—not by any one person, but by generations of people willing to show up, tell the truth about their lives, and leave the door open a little wider for those who follow.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this chapter. The title may go away. The role may end. But the work continues.

#HRC #ShowUp #Volunteer #Movement #ThankYou by @densilporteous

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2 months ago

Stonewall Columbus’ executive director Densil Porteous discusses Columbus' Pride event and year-round partnerships in a fraught moment. Read more on our site at the link in bio.

Photo by @t_johnson144 by @densilporteous

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2 months ago

May was pretty gay and joyful!

#Joy #May #Proud taken in Columbus, Ohio by @densilporteous

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2 months ago

One of my favorite unofficial Pride traditions happened again.

For the past several years, a member of our community has generously created and donated a custom sign inspired by Stonewall Columbus Pride’s annual theme. Recently, this year’s sign arrived.

“Until We’re All Free.”

Remember, Pride doesn’t just happen. It is built…by activists, volunteers, donors, artist, partners, sponsors, marchers, performers, advocates, and community members who each contribute something of themselves to something bigger.

That’s what makes Pride special.

Not the stages. Not the crowds. Not even the signs.

The people.

I’m grateful for those who continue to invest their time, talent, creativity, and love into our community.

🌈 #UntilWereAllFree #StonewallColumbus #Pride2026 #Pride365 taken in Stonewall Columbus by @densilporteous

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2 months ago

Over the last six years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary group of people.

Some stayed for a season. Some for years. Some arrived with decades of experience. Others were just beginning their careers. Some were members of our community long before they joined the team. Others discovered new parts of themselves while they were here.

No two people were the same. And that’s exactly what made Stonewall stronger.

Together we celebrated milestones, navigated crises, welcomed thousands through our doors, built new programs, enhanced Pride, challenged one another, laughed more than most people probably realize, and occasionally cried together too.

Every person who has been part of the Stonewall staff over these last six years has left something behind…an idea, a tradition, a relationship, a moment of kindness, a lesson, or simply the reminder that this work has always been about creating something sustainable.

Organizational staff come and go. But if we’ve done your job well, each person leaves the organization a little stronger than they found it and leaves carrying a little of the organization with them.

❤️🏳️‍🌈 [Tequila—ykiyk] taken in Stonewall Columbus by @densilporteous

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21 days ago

Tapping back in…for a selection of the days after June 8!

Celebration, conversations, final meetings, and the work of trying to prepare for another chapter.

I also had the privilege of learning alongside extraordinary leaders at the Young American Leaders Program—still working through the young part. I shared the news that while my next chapter would be with the Human Rights Campaign, I would continue to call Columbus home.

Thankful for the opportunities to help guide and grow.

#Gratitude #Thankful #GoodPeople #Lessons #Pride by @densilporteous

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21 days ago

The rest of June got me right together!

I’m tapping out early.

Pride is Protest.

(The kid is in a Michael Jackson era…I’m kinda leaning into it for the moment!)

#Pride #Purpose #FamilyCreated #ShowUp by @densilporteous

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a month ago

🏳️‍🌈 STONEWALL CEO DEPARTS: Ahead of his final Pride as head of @stonewallcolumbus, @densilporteous is reflecting on how an uncertain chapter became one of his group's most transformative.

📅 TIMING OF THE CHANGE: Porteous took over in 2020, when the world shut down and Pride was canceled, and has worked to strengthen local ties and inclusivity.

👋 LOOKING BACK: Before he leaves, he sat down with Axios to talk about successes, challenges and what comes next.

✍️: by Alissa Widman Neese
📸: Courtesy of Stonewall Columbus

More at the link in our bio. by @densilporteous

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a month ago

June so far…

#Pride #Glow #Proud #ShowUp #Bye taken in Columbus, Ohio by @densilporteous

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a month ago

If you know me, while I can’t stand the outdoors I do love fresh flowers! And I didn’t know that I would have some by the end of the weekend!

I couldn’t think of a better send off!

Now we march to Pride weekend!

#community #flowers #brunch #Pride #StonewallColumbus taken in Columbus, Ohio by @densilporteous

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2 months ago

The first day of Pride month and we got to stand on the steps of City Hall to receive recognition from the Mayor—and our community. I’m sure none of our younger selves thought we would be here.

We must continue to be in service to our communities, we must continue to be visible, we must continue showing up.

Thankful to be a part of this crew at @StonewallColumbus. (Not all staff are present…it was a surprise moment.)

#Pride #PrideMonth #ShowUp #Community #StonewallColumbus taken in City of Columbus - City Hall by @densilporteous

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2 months ago

that’s my best friend, that’s my best friend taken in Columbus, Ohio by @densilporteous

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2 months ago