Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Aug 28

📣 Big news from us today:

The Buckeye Flame @thebuckeyeflame.com · Aug 28

Kaleidoscope Youth Center announces leadership transition.

Executive Director Erin Upchurch to step down after eight years of transformational leadership.

thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/08/28/k...

Kaleidoscope Youth Center announces leadership transition

Executive Director Erin Upchurch to step down after eight years of transformational leadership.

thebuckeyeflame.com

2

Reposted by Kaleidoscope Youth Center

NBC4 Columbus @nbc4i.com · Aug 28

Kaleidoscope Youth Center is expanding services, marking a significant step in the organization’s long-term goal to reach rural communities.

Columbus LGBTQ+ nonprofit takes next steps in northwest Ohio expansion

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As part of its ongoing mission supporting LGBTQ+ Ohio youth, Kaleidoscope Youth Center is expanding services to Findlay, marking a significant step in the organization…

nbc4i.co

1 10 30

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Aug 1

Looking for something to do tomorrow in Columbus? Join us for the debut screening + panel discussion of @heightenedscrutinydoc.com at @gatewayfilmcenter.bsky.social!

🎟️gatewayfilmcenter.org/movies/heightened-scrutiny-2025/

Image is an edited version of the Heightened Scrutiny poster. Text says
Screening in Columbus, OH Aug 2-3
Heightened Scrutiny
Special Q&A Screening
Saturday, August 2nd at 2:00pm
Gateway Film Center
1550 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
In partnership with
logos for TransOhio, Kaleidoscope Youth Cetner, NASW, Equality Ohio
Tickets & More info: HeightenedScrutinyDoc.com

1 1

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Aug 1

Thank you all so much!!! 😍

2

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Jun 20

KYC Pride is TOMORROW - Sat, June 21 - from 3-6pm. All ages welcome! Family-Friendly! Free to attend!

We'll have games, music, food, crafts, and community.

Plus, it's going to be a hot one 🌞 so we'll have plenty of free water, a splash pad, shade, and A/C in our Drop-in Center.

Join us! 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

2 3

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Jun 5

Together, we can turn fear into freedom, isolation into community, and targets into trailblazers. In a time when our state and country are working to erase our youth, your generosity and compassion writes them back into the story - boldly, unapologetically, and in full color. Thank you. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Jun 5

Today is #GiveOutDay, a day to give to your favorite LGBTQ+ charity - and we hope that's us, and you'll give a gift today at kycohio.org - but this is also a plea to our allies to continue to stand up.

Donate, volunteer, write and call your legislators, show up to a protest, show up to Pride.

Text reads, "Ways to give -> kycohio.org/donate and -> venmo @ kycohio"

1

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Jun 5

This year alone, an additional $274,000 is in jeopardy due to the continued hostile social-political climate. But the need that these dollars provide for has not gone away. It is only with your support that we can continue to provide free services for our youth and families.

Text reads "This year alone, an additional $274,000 is in jeopardy due to the continued hostile social-political climate. These dollars fund the vital services we provide, including housing, behavioral health, and wraparound support."

Text reads, "It is only with our community and your support that we can continue to provide all of our services at no cost to youth and their families."

1

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Jun 5

The hateful cultural and legislative attacks on our community mean funders are less likely to prioritize LGBTQ+ causes. KYC has lost around $550,000 in funder dollars the past couple years as they reallocate their priorities.

Text reads "As our community is being systematically erased, KYC has lost around $550,000 in grant dollars as funders reallocate their priorities away from LGBTQ+ causes."

Text reads "You support is more vital than ever before." There is a spelling mistake in this text as it should read "YOUR support is more vital than ever before."

1

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Jun 5

Real talk for a moment.

Our community is being systematically erased, and we need your help.

1 1 2

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Jun 4

You Belong.
And we're so glad you're here.
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🩵🩷🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

1 3

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Jun 4

Hi! We’re here!

1 1

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Jun 3

Columbus Pride is Sat, June 14th, and we want you to join us at PRIDE ON HIGH! This is the ultimate pride march experience with access to food, drinks, private bathrooms and AC! This event benefits KYC, @equitas-health.bsky.social, @equalityohio.bsky.social & Stonewall Columbus!

🎟️➡️ prideonhigh.com

1 4 6

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · May 21

Are you in Northwest Ohio? Take our survey -> tinyurl.com/KYCNWO

1

Reposted by Kaleidoscope Youth Center

The Buckeye Flame @thebuckeyeflame.com · May 21

Share this needs assessment far and wide to help determine what LGBTQ+ youth resources and programming should be provided to this corner of Ohio.

thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/05/21/k...

Are you an LGBTQ+ young person (12-24) in Northwest Ohio? Kaleidoscope Youth Center wants to hear from you.

What LGBTQ+ youth resources and programming should Kaleidoscope Youth Center be providing to this corner of Ohio?

thebuckeyeflame.com

11 14

Reposted by Kaleidoscope Youth Center

NBC4 Columbus @nbc4i.com · May 20

The ordinance benefits Kaleidoscope Youth Center, a Columbus nonprofit providing housing and programming for LGBTQ+ young people.

Columbus City Council awards $100,000 to longtime LGBTQ+ nonprofit

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus City Council awarded a $100,000 grant last week to Ohio’s longest-serving LGBTQ+ youth organization, as part of an effort to combat anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric…

nbc4i.co

2 6

Reposted by Kaleidoscope Youth Center

Nordecke @nordecke.com · May 7

Pride Raiser is live, folks! Join the 2025 Nordecke Prideraiser supporting Kaleidoscope Youth Center by making a pledge for each MLS goal the Crew scores from May 31st - June 29th. Visit nordecke.com/pride for details!

4 5

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · May 6

"Thank you" doesn't feel like a strong enough phrase for this tremendous outpouring of support for trans youth in Ohio! 😭

$88,758.60 split b/w KYC & @transohio.bsky.social!!

Shout out to Rue and everyone who purchased, contributed products, boosted the signal, or otherwise participated in this! 🙏

💀 Rue Morgue 💀🗡️❤️‍🔥🔜 Conference on BIPOC Game Studies 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 @ilananight.bsky.social · May 3

Our final total is $88,758.60 raised for @kycohio.bsky.social and @transohio.bsky.social! Thank you so much to everyone who donated their games, purchased the bundle, or shared it!

Trans rights are human rights. We have always been here. And you are never alone. <3

A screenshot showing the final total of the bundle

1 5 13

Reposted by Kaleidoscope Youth Center

TTRPGs for Trans Rights in Ohio Bundle @transrightsbundle.bsky.social · May 2

There's less than 12 hours left to get over 450 games, supplements, and more for only $5!
Once it's over, it's over until 2026.
We've raised over $85k for @kycohio.bsky.social and @transohio.bsky.social and we want to finish this year's bundle with a bang!

bit.ly/transrightsbundle25

A screenshot showing the bundle has raised $86,548,.50 out of a goal of $100,000

14 11

Reposted by Kaleidoscope Youth Center

Jo Rodgers @thisisjo.bsky.social · May 2

Let’s blow this one out of the water! Please donate if you can. @kycohio.bsky.social is such a gift to many struggling kids in our community. A few dollars can help more than you know!

Thomas Costello @thomascostello.bsky.social · May 1

Just went on a 3-mile training trek for @kycohio.bsky.social. They’re a group that provides support to LGBTQIA+ youth in Central Ohio.

Donate now. All $$ goes to them, not a cent to me. Plus decide the fate of my beard. $15 away from $700 donated 👀

www.gofundme.com/f/save-it-or...

Donate to Save it or Shave it for Central Ohio's LGBTQIA Plus Youth, organized by Thomas J Costello

My name is Thomas: husband, dad, writer and schlub. Like … Thomas J Costello needs your support for Save it or Shave it for Central Ohio's LGBTQIA Plus Youth

www.gofundme.com

1 2 2

Reposted by Kaleidoscope Youth Center

💀 Rue Morgue 💀🗡️❤️‍🔥🔜 Conference on BIPOC Game Studies 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 @ilananight.bsky.social · May 2

12 HOURS REMAIN!!! This is your last chance to get over 450 games, zines, and supplements for as little as $5, all proceeds benefiting @kycohio.bsky.social & @transohio.bsky.social !

We're at 86k of our 100k goal - how close can we get by 8pm Pacific?

itch.io/b/2946/ttrpg...

13 14

Reposted by Kaleidoscope Youth Center

TTRPGs for Trans Rights in Ohio Bundle @transrightsbundle.bsky.social · Apr 28

Join Rue and Rina on Twitch.tv/liquidrina at 7PM PT

We've surpassed $75k and we're aiming to get to $100k by the time we wrap on Friday May 2nd.

Haven't gotten the Bundle yet?
Snag it at bit.ly/transrightsbundle25
This year's proceeds benefit @kycohio.bsky.social & @transohio.bsky.social

A graphic advertising a R.E.P.O. stream on Twitch.tv/liquidrina supporting the trans rights bundle

7 11

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Apr 24

Aaand we're totally SOLD OUT! Thank you all so much for supporting this event! 🫶

There is a waitlist you can join in case tickets/seats open up. Visit tinyurl.com/KYCDragBrunch to join the list!

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Apr 23

VIP Tables are SOLD OUT! There's only a handful of tickets left for general admission, so please get yours now -> tinyurl.com/KYCDragBrunch

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Apr 18

KYC’s Drag Brunch is back! We're thrilled to welcome back Virginia West and Anisa Love as co-hosts, alongside a galaxy of STARS bringing high energy, jaw-dropping performances, and your favorite SPACE JAMS!

GET YOUR TICKETS! ➡ tinyurl.com/KYCDragBrunch

1

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Apr 24

"Created in partnership with TransOhio, Equality Ohio, the CEJC, the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland, KYC, GLSEN Northeast Ohio and the NASW-OH, Honesty for Ohio Education’s toolkit ...includes public comment talking points, recommendations for students and teachers, sample letters and more."

New toolkit outlines roadmap for Ohio schools before anti-LGBTQ+ forced outing law takes effect

HB 8 will affect school communities across the state beginning in July. Here’s what to expect and how to respond.

thebuckeyeflame.com

2 1

Kaleidoscope Youth Center @kycohio.bsky.social · Apr 23

😍!!

💀 Rue Morgue 💀🗡️❤️‍🔥🔜 Conference on BIPOC Game Studies 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 @ilananight.bsky.social · Apr 23

$70,000 raised for @kycohio.bsky.social and @transohio.bsky.social !!!!! We've got a week and a half to get to $100k and I think we can make it!

@liquidrina.bsky.social and I will be doing a special REPO stream tonight to celebrate!

3