TOLEDO, Ohio — June is Pride Month, a time for people to celebrate and embrace who they are.
Equality Toledo is a local non-profit organization that supports and helps connect LGBTQIA+ people with the resources they need to feel more like themselves.
Steve Reamey, a board member of the organization, helps with fundraising and planning events that bring the community together.
"We want people to be able to come up to us and just ask us the serious questions," Reamey said. "Or just sit down and laugh, or sit down and cry with us, or tell us they're hurting inside -- 'how can I get help?'"
Being a part of the community himself, Reamey remembers how the group helped him.
As one of the first openly gay morning radio personalities in the country, he played a character on the Andrew Z morning show, breaking stereotypes.
"Where I thought it would be negative, it was a plus, because I broke all the stereotypes of what a gay character on the radio would be," Reamey said. "I had a lot of people say 'well, we thought you were Caucasian' and I said 'well, I'm not.'"
Now Reamey and other Equality Toledo members want to help others feel seen.
"You think about a lot of kids that are younger, they never felt comfortable to go to their regular prom," Reamey said.
One of the events that Equality Toledo hosted was a queer prom where people can have a good time with no worries.
Equality Toledo Interim Director Brent Rabie said it's important for people to have somebody to be there for them and support them.
"Even one person in your life that accepts you can save your life," Rabie said. "So it's important that people get those connections, whether that's family, friends, coming out to make those connections to meet new people."
Along with events, the group also provides pantry items and helps get people connected with resources for their mental wellness.
"There's a lot of legislation happening right now that's going after LGBTQ+ youth and we need to protect our youth," Rabie said. "We are definitely here to be a support for people, whatever their journey is, having trouble coming out and they're looking for people to be friends with, to volunteer, to get involved in the community with."
For anyone needing resources, or support, or interested in learning more, visit Equality Toledo's website at equalitytoledo.org or reach out.
Equality Toledo's next big event is the Equality Toledo Loves Love Fest on July 13 at the Love Wall on Adams Street.
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