FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLUMBUS, OH — Equality Ohio is proud to announce the launch of The Portrait Project, a powerful new visual storytelling campaign uplifting the joy and brilliance of transgender and nonbinary people across the state.

The Portrait Project, funded by the Elton John AIDS Foundation and aligned with the work of the Ohio is Our Home Too coalition, will travel across Ohio to document and share portraits and personal stories from trans and nonbinary Ohioans—centering visibility, connection, and care.

“Right now, trans and nonbinary people in Ohio are being misrepresented, misunderstood, and targeted by harmful legislation,” said Dwayne Steward, Executive Director of Equality Ohio. “This campaign is about celebrating truth — our people, our power, and our right to belong in every corner of this state.”

Editorial expert Sérah Munroe is the visionary behind the project, serving as both Creative Director and Project Lead. With a background in fine art, editorial photography, production and community-based storytelling, she brings a bold, imaginative aesthetic and a commitment to trans liberation that shapes every aspect of the project. Her guiding philosophy for this project:

“Art is always political. Portraits are purposeful. In them we see chosen families fostering safety and expansion in creative collaborations.”

Portraits and stories from the project will be featured in exhibits, digital galleries, advocacy campaigns, and community events throughout 2025. Equality Ohio invites trans and nonbinary individuals to participate and share their stories, and welcomes community organizations across the state to partner in hosting local storytelling sessions.

For more information or to get involved, email media@equalityohio.org, and stay tuned on social media. 

Media Contact: MD Sitzes, Communications Manager | media@equalityohio.org

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