Welcome to the 2026 Gay Softball World Series. Whether you are joining us as a player, coach, umpire, volunteer, family member, or fan, we are honored to welcome you to Columbus, Ohio.

For one week, thousands of athletes and supporters from across North America gather to celebrate competition, community, and pride. While you are here, we want you to know that support, connection, and resources are available whenever you need them.

This guide connects you with affirming healthcare, mental health support, recovery resources, veteran services, accessibility assistance, crisis support, and LGBTQ+ community organizations throughout Central Ohio.

Above all, we want you to feel one thing:

You belong here.

Columbus is one of the most welcoming and inclusive cities in the Midwest. For decades, the LGBTQ+ community has worked to build spaces where people can gather, compete, celebrate, and live authentically. Organizations such as Stonewall Columbus, Equitas Health, TransOhio, Mozaic, and many others have shaped a city where diversity is embraced and community is celebrated.

The Columbus Lesbian & Gay Softball Association (CLGSA) has been part of that story since 1986. For 40 years, CLGSA has created opportunities for connection, competition, friendship, and chosen family.

We are honored to welcome the Gay Softball World Series to Columbus and hope you leave with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and the feeling that this city welcomed you exactly as you are.

911

Immediate assistance for medical emergencies, fire, or urgent safety concerns.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for free, confidential emotional support available 24/7.

The Trevor Project

Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. Support available via phone, text, and chat.

Trans Lifeline

A peer‑run hotline offering emotional support, crisis assistance, and resource navigation specifically for transgender individuals.

Franklin County Crisis Care Center

A 24/7 walk‑in and stabilization center offering behavioral health support, crisis intervention, and short‑term care.

Netcare Access

Mobile crisis response, mental health assessments, and emergency behavioral health services for individuals experiencing acute distress.

Stonewall Columbus

Stonewall Columbus serves as Central Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community center and a hub for connection, advocacy, and celebration. The organization offers community programs, educational workshops, Pride events, volunteer opportunities, and meeting spaces.

Equitas Health

One of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS‑serving healthcare organizations. Services include LGBTQ‑affirming primary care, behavioral health, HIV/STI testing, pharmacy services, and gender‑affirming care.

Mozaic

Mozaic provides community‑centered support for transgender, nonbinary, and gender‑diverse individuals, with a focus on BIPOC communities. Services include peer support groups, social events, leadership development, and resource navigation.

PFLAG Columbus

Support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies through peer groups, educational programming, and community outreach.

BRAVO

The Buckeye Region Anti‑Violence Organization supports survivors of hate crimes, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Services include crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, and accompaniment.

TransOhio

Statewide advocacy, education, and support for transgender and gender‑diverse Ohioans. Services include legal guidance, workshops, support groups, and assistance with name and gender marker changes.

Equitas Health – Gender‑Affirming Care

Hormone therapy, behavioral health support, and affirming primary care tailored to transgender and nonbinary individuals.

Mozaic

Peer support groups, community gatherings, and advocacy for gender‑diverse individuals.

Gender Spectrum

National organization offering resources for transgender youth and their families, including online support groups and educational materials.

Trans Lifeline

Peer support hotline offering emotional support, crisis assistance, and microgrants for legal name changes and documentation updates.

CredibleMind

Digital platform offering mental health screenings, self‑guided assessments, evidence‑based articles and videos, and resource navigation.

NAMI Franklin County

Peer‑led support groups, family education programs, crisis intervention training, and advocacy for mental health access.

Mental Health America of Ohio

Mental health education, peer support, suicide prevention initiatives, and community resources.

Syntero

Counseling, therapy, and behavioral health services for individuals, families, and youth.

OhioGuidestone

Mental health counseling, case management, youth and family support, and trauma‑informed care.

Out in Recovery

LGBTQ‑focused recovery meetings and peer support groups.

Drummers AA

LGBTQ‑affirming Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Maryhaven

Detox, residential treatment, outpatient services, and recovery housing.

Talbot Hall

Comprehensive addiction treatment including detox, inpatient care, and long‑term recovery support.

Community Medical Services

Medication‑assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.

Franklin County Veterans Service Commission

Benefits assistance, transportation, and emergency support for veterans.

Columbus Vet Center

Confidential counseling, readjustment services, and family support.

Grove City VA Clinic

Primary care, behavioral health services, and specialty care for veterans.

Veteran Crisis Line

Confidential support for veterans in crisis or emotional distress, available 24/7.

Equitas Health

Affirming primary care, behavioral health, pharmacy services, and HIV/STI prevention.

Central Outreach Wellness Center

Inclusive primary care, HIV prevention, and wellness services.

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Comprehensive medical and specialty care.

Urgent Care Centers

Walk‑in, non‑emergency medical treatment available throughout Columbus.

The GSWS 2026 Host Committee is committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive experience for all participants.

Support includes:

• ADA‑compliant tournament facilities
• Accessible transportation options
• On‑site accessibility assistance
• Accommodations for mobility, sensory, and communication needs

Community Housing Network

Supportive housing, case management, and stability services.

Lutheran Social Services

Emergency assistance, food access, housing support, and community programs.

Mount Carmel Crime & Trauma Assistance Program

Trauma‑informed counseling and support for survivors of violence, crime, and traumatic events.

We encourage you to explore the neighborhoods and spaces that make Columbus vibrant and welcoming:

• Short North Arts District
• German Village
• Franklinton Arts District
• North Market
• Stonewall Columbus
• LGBTQ‑owned businesses
• Community gathering spaces

Additional resources will be available throughout tournament week, including:

• Tournament medical information
• Accessibility assistance
• Transportation resources
• Recovery meeting schedule
• Volunteer support
• Safe spaces
• Tournament contact information

Whether you are LGBTQ+, transgender, nonbinary, in recovery, a veteran, living with a disability, traveling alone, attending your first GSWS, or returning for your twentieth, you are part of this community.

You are welcome here.
You belong here.
Welcome home.