The Shellabarger Illuminator Award recognizes an individual within the Columbus community who has demonstrated outstanding initiative to promote LGBTQ+ rights and, in doing so, has created a more inclusive Columbus. Almost every LGBTQ+ organization in Columbus has been touched in some way by longtime Columbus resident and activist Steve Shellabarger. Steve was integral to starting the local chapter of the Human Rights Campaign and has shared his unending energy, strong passion for justice and gracious leadership with the Columbus AIDS Task Force (now Equitas Health), and Stonewall Columbus.
Past recipients:
The deadline for the 2024 submissions has passed. We look forward to seeing everyone on June 3 where we will honor this year's recipient at the annual Pride Illumination Ceremony at Columbus City Hall.