Linden Neighborhood Conversation

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:

2016: Steve Shellabarger
2017: Linda Schuler and Gloria McCauley
2018: John Sherman Lathram-Brungs and Scott Schopper
2019: Nina West/Andrew Levitt
2020: Letha Pugh
2021: Erin Upchurch
2022: Siobhan Boyd-Nelson 

A nominee for the 2023 award must live in Central Ohio and must not have previously received the Shellabarger Illuminator Award. Submit a nomination using the form below. All fields are required.  

*The deadline to file a nomination is May 22 at 5 p.m.

Nominator Information 
First Name  
Last Name  
Email  
Phone  
Nominator’s Relationship to Nominee  


Nominee Information 
Nominee’s First Name  
Nominee’s Last Name  
Nominee’s Gender Pronouns  
Nominee contact phone  
Nominee contact email  
How has the nominee demonstrated outstanding initiative to promote LGBTQ rights and create a more inclusive Columbus?
 
Please describe any involvement or affiliation that the nominee has with local LGBTQ, allied, or other social justice affirming organizations.
 
In a few short sentences, please summarize the nominee’s leadership experience and commitment to creating an inclusive community for all residents of Columbus and Franklin County. 
 
Optional: Letters of recommendation may be submitted via email to Gale Gray, [email protected]