Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Org

BRAVO is saddened by the devastating violence that took the life of Mark Rayburn-Velco and has left his husband, Brent Rayburn-Velco, with serious injuries. This violence and loss have shaken the Columbus LGBTQIA+ community.

Our hearts are with everyone carrying the weight of this tragedy, including Mark & Brent’s family, friends, peers, and neighbors. We know many others are also struggling to process the pain and uncertainty surrounding these events.

BRAVO’s confidential advocacy and support services are available to LGBTQIA+ people throughout Ohio who may need support, resources, or someone to talk to.

We are keeping Brent and all those affected in our thoughts during this difficult time.

For our full statement and a list of resources, visit bravo.equitashealth.com.

BRAVO is saddened by the devastating violence that took the life of Mark Rayburn-Velco and has left his husband, Brent Rayburn-Velco, with serious injuries. This violence and loss have shaken the Columbus LGBTQIA+ community.

Our hearts are with everyone carrying the weight of this tragedy, including Mark & Brent’s family, friends, peers, and neighbors. We know many others are also struggling to process the pain and uncertainty surrounding these events.

BRAVO’s confidential advocacy and support services are available to LGBTQIA+ people throughout Ohio who may need support, resources, or someone to talk to.

We are keeping Brent and all those affected in our thoughts during this difficult time.

For our full statement and a list of resources, visit bravo.equitashealth.org.

Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Org provides comprehensive individual and community programs for survivor advocacy and support to LGBTQ+ survivors of s*xual assault, hate and bias violence, discrimination, intimate partner violence, and/or stalking. 🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Report anti-LGBTQ+ violence/hate and get support:
☎️ Call (866) 862-7286
📱 Text us (614) 333-1907
💙 Walk into Equitas Health King-Lincoln | WED & FRI 9 AM - 5 PM

Arousal (being turned on) =/= consent! Not sure you have consent? Just ask!⁠

✅ “Do you want to do [x] now?”
✅ “Does that feel good?”
✅ “Show me how you want me to touch you.”
✅ “Do you want to keep going, or take a moment?”

Remember, consent should come with FRIES! Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, & Specific! 🍟

Stealthing is assault. Full stop. If you think stealthing happened to you, you are not alone. And it is NOT your fault. Find resources for support at stealthing.equitashealth.com 💜

You may want to help. But you might not know how. When the time comes to support a survivor in your life, remember how to TALK:

❤️ Thank them for telling you
💛 Ask how you can help
💚 Listen without judgement
💙 Keep Supporting

If you need to TALK to someone, or need to ask for advice, contact Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Org 💜

Action alert! 🚨

Today is Denim Day. We wear denim like the women in the Italian Parliament did to show solidarity with the survivor and protest this horrific ruling. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR SEXUAL VIOLENCE!

If you have experienced s*xual violence, you are not alone, and it is never your fault. 💜 Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Org can connect you to resources, discuss a safety plan, and provide support.

☎️ Call (866) 862-7286
📱 Text us (614) 333-1907
🖱️ Chat online at bravo.equitashealth.org
💙 Walk in or make an appointment

How do YOU make your partners feel safe? 💜

Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Org provides comprehensive individual and community programs for survivor advocacy and support to LGBTQ+ survivors of s*xual assault, hate and bias violence, discrimination, intimate partner violence, and/or stalking.

☎️ Call (866) 862-7286
📱 Text us (614) 333-1907
🖱️ Chat online at bravo.equitashealth.org
💙 Walk in or make an appointment

April is .Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Org & Equitas Health are honored to stand in the fight to end s*xual violence.

Make sure your consent comes with FRIES!👏

➡️ Freely given | If you feel pressured to do something, or there are consequences if you don’t do something, that is not freely given consent.

➡️ Reversible | You have the right to change your mind and still stay stop!

➡️ Informed | You can only consent to something if you have the full story. For example, if someone says they’ll use a condom and then they don’t, there isn’t consent.

➡️ Enthusiastic | You give and get positive consent. When it comes to s*x, you should only do the stuff you WANT to do!

➡️ Specific | What you agreed to is what you do. (For example, you agree to oral s*x, not a**l. Or you agree to hook up only if a condom is used.)Continue to check in with your partner to make sure you still have 🍟 with your consent!

Stealthing is serious. It can put you or your partner at risk of HIV, STIs, or pregnancy. It can also lead to trauma & anxiety for the person who feels tricked or coerced.
Remember: if you didn’t say okay, it’s NOT okay.

Learn about stealthing & find resources at stealthing.equitashealth.com