Click here for a bibliography of works of or about the eighteen notable LGBT Ohioans.
Top Left Berenice Abbott (1898 – 1991)
Born “Bernice Abbott” in Springfield
American photographer whose themes from the 1920s to the 1960s
encompassed portraits, New York City, science, and American scenes
In 1929 began study of New York City, received funding for the project in
1935 from the Works Progress Administration Federal Arts Project
Changing New York, on exhibit at the Museum of the City
of New York (1937), book published (1939)
Founded the photography program at the New School
for Social Research, on faculty 1934-1958
Holds four U.S. patents
Top Middle Dr. Howard Brown (1924-1975)
Grew up in several small towns in Ohio
Attended Hiram College and the Western Reserve University School
of Medicine
First commissioner of the NYC Health Services Administration
Became a media sensation in 1973 when he came out at a
medical conference
Founded the National Gay Task Force (now NGLTF)
Prompted the APA to change its view of homosexuality as a
mental disorder
The Premier GLBTQ health center in the Midwest (Chicago) is named
after him
Top Right Jacqueline Woodson (1963 – )
Born in Columbus
Award-winning author of books for children and young adults
Critics praise sparing, lyrical style in novels that address serious themes
American Library Awards include: Margaret A. Edwards Award for
Lifetime Achievement (2006), Caldecott Medal,
Coretta Scott King Award, Newbery Honor Medal
Faculty, Goddard College’s Visiting Writers Series
Bottom Left Jean O’Leary (1948-2005)
Grew up in Cleveland
Sisters of the Holy Humility convent, 1966-1970
Founder, Lesbian Feminist Liberation, 1972
Co-Director, National Gay [and Lesbian] Task Force, 1974
Established National Coming Out Day, with Rob Eichberg
First out lesbian elected to a national political convention, 1976
Organized first White House meeting of gay and lesbian leaders, 1977
First openly gay person appointed to Presidential Commission
Chaired Democratic National Committee’s Gay and Lesbian Caucus,
1992-2002
Bottom Center Philip Johnson (1906-2005)
Born and grew up in Cleveland
Well-renowned architect, historian, and curator
Preferred minimalism, glass and steel, and function over ornamentation
Launched the “International School” of urban architecture
Designed AT&T Building, Crystal Cathedral, Cleveland Playhouse, and
MOMA Sculpture Garden
Pritzker Architecture Prize (1979) for lifetime achievement
Bottom Right Mary Oliver (1935 – )
Born in Maple Heights
Poet, basing imagery on the natural world
Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1984), National Book Award for Poetry (1992),
Shelley Memorial Award (1969/70),
Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship (1980),
Lannan Literary Award (1998)
