LGBTQ+ Voices in the Miami Valley and Beyond
At WYSO, we are committed to amplifying the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ people in our region. From deeply personal storytelling to community events, art, history, and policy shifts, this tag brings together reporting and audio features that reflect the diversity and depth of queer and trans life.
You'll hear from local advocates and artists, youth and elders, families and faith leaders—each helping to shape a more inclusive future in southwest Ohio. Whether it's a conversation about gender identity, a profile of a drag performer, or an exploration of rural Pride celebrations, these stories aim to inform, connect, and uplift.
We believe journalism is strongest when it reflects the full range of human experience. The LGBTQ+ tag is part of that mission.
Explore the latest stories below.
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Kathie Bowers, an instructor at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, wrote to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine opposing Senate Bill 104's bathroom restrictions. Hear her story. -
Trans youth face increasing anti-trans laws nationwide. Advocate Shelby Chestnut shares how communities are organizing and why young people give them hope for the future. -
Lee Wade, an Ohio trans man, reunites with his father, Danny, after his dad was in prison. It's their first meeting since Lee began his transition from female to male. -
Translucent is a new WYSO series sharing stories from transgender people in Ohio and beyond, highlighting resilience, identity, and community in their own words. -
The Equal Deathcare database kicked off a year ago to help LGBTQ+ people with making funeral and end-of-life arrangements. -
WYSO's Lee Wade is one of just 10 BIPOC journalism students nationwide chosen to participate in this year’s “Opening Doors” program, an initiative of the Public Media Journalists Association. -
The Ohio House approved a two-year spending budget this month. It’s now before the Senate. The House version includes a number of anti-LGBTQ+ restrictions. -
Sara Vance Waddell is an Ohio collector with nearly 1,000 art pieces, which she shares through exhibitions. She focuses on acquiring work from women and people of color. -
The Thrive Empowerment Center near Cincinnati, Ohio, uses a trauma-informed approach to teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. They are trying to make the sport accessible to women, queer folks and survivors of violence. -
University of Cincinnati Professor Jennifer Wright-Berryman and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science graduate Kat Vancil-Coleman created the Equal Deathcare database for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to find inclusive and affirming end of life and death care. -
Dayton based musician and organizer Vibe returned to WYSO for a conversation with Juliet Fromholt about the upcoming Jam Night for Trans Rights, a night of live dance music that will raise funds to benefit TransOhio. -
Presidential executive orders and legislation from the Ohio Statehouse have created concerns in the LGBTQ community about marriage equality. An Ohio law firm is advising couples to update their legal documents.
