This week our offices were closed so I spent most of my time working on individual projects. I spent more time Facebook stalking elected officials to determine their voting preferences and the general voting demographics of the town. It has been interesting to learn about some politicians, from those who are staring in their towns production of a musical to a city council member who goes all out for haunted houses, it has been nice to see the more human side of politicians.

              This week Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, the first openly gay prince in the world, was in Columbus and Equality Ohio along with Stonewall Columbus organized a couple events. First a Q+A was put on at the town hall, moderated by Siobhan Boyd-Nelson, our executive director, who is incredible and did a great job. The event was put together by my supervisor Joseph Soza, who did an amazing job.

              The panel was really interesting and was comprised of the Prince as well as his friend, and the found of Eyes Open International, an anti-human trafficking organization, Harold D’Souza. Hearing both their stories were incredibly powerful. The prince talked about the familial issues he faced when coming out and Mr. D’Souza discussed what it was like for him to be trafficked from India to the US. Something interesting I learned was that on the trans rights front, India is pretty progressive but is not progressive when, to quote the prince, “it comes to the lgb and q+.” Overall, the panel discussion was really enlightening and could’ve gone on for hours.

              After the panel we all went to Stonewall Columbus where the Prince and his husband were renewing their vows as it was their 9^th wedding anniversary. The ceremony was beautiful, and the vows were powerful. It was also interesting as there is a documentary being made about the Prince so there was a whole documentary crew at the ceremony. After the ceremony we all learned a Bollywood dance together and talked. This week has been so much fun.