Since our inception in 2016, the Black Swamp Brigade has always made it very clear where we stand on social issues, community involvement, and inclusion. We are so thrilled to be involved in Prideraiser. Our charity of choice this year is Equality Toledo, which began as a response to the passage of Ohio’s Issue One amendment in;November 2004, which made it unconstitutional for the state to perform or recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions. The founding members were actively involved in opposing Issue One and educating communities about the consequences of its passage. Despite the diligent efforts of concerned citizens, the Issue One amendment became Article 15, Section 11 of the Ohio Constitution. The amendment passed because of the lack of an effective statewide coalition in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and its allies. Equality Toledo was formed to address this deficiency. Now the organization continues to work diligently to create an inclusive and diverse culture in Toledo by educating, providing resources to LGBTQA+ folx, and by raising awareness of the struggles LGBTQA+ people in Toledo face every day.