Northwest Ohio · since 2005

Everyone deserves to belong.

You belong here.
Equality Toledo is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more inclusive Northwest Ohio. We connect people with resources, create spaces where community can thrive, and advocate for a future where every LGBTQ+ person can live openly, safely, and authentically.

6.1k

people served / yr

21

years in Toledo

4

active programs

Help keep our pantry stocked

Community Pantry

Food, hygiene products, and essentials for our LGBTQ+ community

Who we are

The friend who shows up. Every time.

Equality Toledo is the person in your community who always makes sure everyone feels seen, supported, and welcome, through advocacy, community events, or just helping someone access basic needs without judgment.

Bold, compassionate, resourceful, and unapologetically committed to a stronger, more connected LGBTQ+ community in Northwest Ohio.

We fight for you

Policy, anti-discrimination, voter outreach. We keep showing up at the statehouse so you don’t have to.

We hold space for you

Youth nights, family circles, mutual aid. The room you needed at 16 and the one you still need at 46.

We answer the hard questions

Affirming providers, name changes, school policy, written by people who’ve been there, free to download.

Meet the team

The people in the building.

Small staff. Big heart. If you call us, one of us picks up.

Brent Rabie
Director
Rachel Richardson
Programs Manager
Kwinlyn Tyler
Board Chair
Delaney Carnes
Vice Chair
Find what you need

We’re here when…

  1. the legal forms feel overwhelming.
  2. your family won’t use your name.
  3. you need groceries and don’t want to explain why.
  4. your kid just came out and you’re not sure what to do next.
  5. you can’t find an affirming doctor in your insurance network.
  6. you just need somewhere it’s okay to be exactly who you are.

Whatever brought you here, you don’t have to do it alone.

What we do

Programs that show up, year-round.

Six core programs running today. Most are walk-in and all are free — nobody is turned away.

Care

Trans Ohio: Name-Change Clinic

Free virtual monthly help filing legal name + gender-marker changes in Ohio. 

second Wednesday of every month by appointment

youth

LGBTQ+ Youth Group

Drop-in space for queer + trans youth ages 12–19. Snacks, games, no agenda.                                                 

Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 PM

care

No Barriers Pantry

Groceries, hygiene kits, and emergency cash assistance for community members in need.               

Wednesdays 5:30-7:30 PM Saturdays 1:00-4:00 PM

Community 

TATS: Toledo Area Trans Support

Peer support for trans, nonbinary, and questioning adults — and the people who love them.

Every 4th Sunday at 2:30 PM

Education

Allyship Trainings

Trainings for advocates — testifying, organizing, talking to electeds without burning out.

Taking Bookings

Education

School partnership program

Inclusive-classroom trainings, GSA support, and faculty office hours across NWO schools.

Book by semester
What we do

What's coming up.

Five upcoming dates. Sync the full calendar to Google or Apple — we update it weekly.

SAT

·

JUL
18
Support
Love Fest 2026
The Toledo Love, Love Wall (1209 Adams St)

·

1209 Adams St Toledo OH 43604
3:00 PM
1:00 AM
SAT

·

AUG
15
Pride
2026 Toledo Pride
Promenade Park

·

Downtown Toledo
12:00 PM
11:00 PM
Community moments

What it looks like.

Years of pantry days, marches, family circles, and pride. The actual people we show up for.

pride march · 2024
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pantry day · volunteers
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youth night · q-crew
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name-change clinic · waiting
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rally · statehouse 2025
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VOICES

In their own words.

Names changed when the person asked. Stories are real.

They got me through my name change in six weeks without me having to explain myself  once.

Maya

Name-change clinic · 2025

I walked in for groceries on the worst Tuesday of my life. I left with food, a sweater, and somebody’s phone number in case I needed to talk later.

Chris

Mutual aid pantry · 2024

When my daughter came out at 14, I had no idea what I was doing. The Trans Family Circle was the first room where I didn’t feel like I was failing her.
Renee

Trans family circle · parent

RESOURCE LIBRARY

150+ vetted local resources.

Affirming providers, legal help, mutual aid, crisis lines, welcoming faith communities — sourced and checked by our staff. Free to use.

Redeemer Lutheran Church

Redeemer Lutheran Church

1702 Upton Ave · Toledo, OH 43607
(419) 536-3781

Lifeline (Ministry for the Homeless)

Lifeline (Ministry for the Homeless)

(419) 806-6617

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

2770 Central Ave · Toledo, OH 43606

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

428 Erie St · Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 243-4214

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church

1201 Madison Ave · Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 243-8284

St. Stephen Lutheran Church

St. Stephen Lutheran Church

7800 Erie St · Sylvania, OH
THE ASK THIS MONTH · COMMUNITY PANTRY

Help keep our pantry stocked.

Every gift puts groceries, hygiene items, and essentials in the hands of LGBTQ+ individuals and families across Northwest Ohio, no questions asked, no judgment.

Open Mon 11–1 · Wed 5:30–7:30 · Sat 1–4 · 1301 Jefferson Ave

WHAT YOUR GIFT BUYS

$15

A week of fresh groceries for one neighbor

$30

A full hygiene & essentials kit

$75

Feeds a family of four for a week

THREE WAYS TO HELP

Care looks like something.

Pick the one that fits how you’ve got time, money, or energy this month.

Volunteer

Show up at an event

Setup, intake, marshaling, photography. Most shifts are 3 hours, training included.

Join Leadership

Become a Board Member

$5/month keeps the lights on, the pantry stocked, and our staff paid fairly.

Community pantry

Support our Pantry

Your gift helps feed the neighbors in our community.

Come see us
Doors open. Coffee on. Always free.

ADDRESS

125 S Superior St

Toledo, OH 43604

Office hours
Mon – Fri · 10 → 5
Pantry pickup by appt · evenings ok
Call or text

(419) 540-8424

A real person, every weekday
You’ll find us here

Downtown

In the news

People are paying attention.

Coverage from local press and statewide partners. Press kit available on request.

Equality Toledo
Equality Toledo Announces Analese Alvarez as New Executive Director
“The Equality Toledo Board of Directors announced Analese Alvarez, a University of Toledo doctoral student and longtime LGBTQ+ advocate and educator, as the organization’s new executive director.”
March 2018
Press Release
Tell Toledo
Equality Toledo Welcomes Interim Director
“Equality Toledo welcomed former Executive Director Nick Komives as interim executive director after the board accepted the resignation of Analese Alvarez.”
April 2019
Press Release
WTOL 11
Toledo Love Fest 2023
“Equality Toledo hosted its sixth annual Love Fest at the Love Wall on Adams Street, featuring nearly 20 performances, 30 local entertainers and artists, with proceeds funding the group’s advocacy work.”
July 2023
TV