In the shadow of one of Ohio’s most anti-LGBTQ+ lawmakers, Seneca proud is preparing to celebrate the fifth annual Pride celebration in rural Seneca County, Ohio.
Cheyane Thacker has been with the group almost since its inception, joining it as a 23-year-old working in a coffee shop. He is now 30 years ancient and the president of Seneca Proud. The Northwest Ohio Group offers comprehensive community-building services and events.
“Before we existed, [residents] I didn’t realize how many other people in our community were also part of the queer community,” she said.
Seneca Proud was founded in 2019 when students from nearby Heidelberg University noticed a need for LGBTQ+ representation in Tiffin, the county seat, Thacker said. Working with members of the queer community, they organized Picnic in the Park — their first LGBTQ+ event — inspired by nearby Findlay’s Pride.
She said that during the 2020 pandemic, a convoy of vehicles with Pride flags drove through Tiffin. Over 300 people took part in both the picnic and the convoy.
She said Seneca Proud became a nonprofit in 2022. That same year, the Pride festival debuted in downtown Tiffin.
Thacker, said the organization has expanded its offerings to include a book club, legal services and other community-building events, mostly family amiable.
“We strive to remain a positive force in our community and host positive, open and welcoming community events.”
While negative comments often appear on the group’s online posts, Thacker said Seneca Proud has received “strong support” from Tiffin residents and businesses.
“We have someone like that [state Rep.] Gary Click in our district, so people who want to get involved really want to get involved and feel like this is a good place to do it because we have a representative who is not queer-friendly,” Thacker said.
Thacker said she cannot limit herself politically as much as some members would like without jeopardizing the organization’s status, even though LGBTQ+ people in the area feel there is a toxic atmosphere where they live.
“It’s hard to see what’s going on at the Statehouse and for people to feel supported in a place like Tiffin,” she said.
Thacker said Seneca Proud and other organizations have had a challenging time gaining traction on social media lately. The group is trying to get the word out to people, and some have told them they don’t see the flyer until after the event.
Thacker encourages people to connect more so the word can spread throughout Seneca County. Before Seneca Proud, queer residents told her they felt like they were “on an island” all alone.
“We strive to be that bright light so that queer people know they are welcome, loved and represented here,” Thacker said. 🔥
START ACTION
- To access The Buckeye Flame Ohio’s 2026 LGBTQ+ Pride Guide, click here.
- To learn more about Seneca Proud, click here.
