Our History

In 2021 the Village of Granville decided it was time to reflect its identity as a welcoming multicultural community through actions. In June of 2021 the Village Council unanimously voted for a resolution proposed by Council Members Michelle Lerner & Laura Mickelson stating "No individual should be denied equal protection of the law because of personal characteristics. The resolution lists traits like age, disability, religion and sexual orientation as examples."

On the heels of this victory our community spearheaded a two day celebration of LGBTQIA+ experiences, history, and perspectives that culminated in over 700 people marching in both a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ lives and a demand for Civil Rights. Denison University graciously sponsored several talks from local and regional LGBTQIA+ organizations. From the University's College Green speakers called attention to the disparity in LGBTQIA+ rights and demanded action for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ community members in basic protection under the law and a closure in equity and opportunity gaps.

 
 

Our Board

Mark Carr (he/him) - President/Founding Board Member

Karen Koch (she/her) - Treasurer

Karen is originally from Marshfield, MA but recently settled in Granville in 2021. She has a background in nursing and is the Compliance Officer for a federally funded health center in Lexington, VA which is where she and her family called home before Granville. She lives with her husband, Eric, who is the Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at Denison, and their two children.  They are village residents and love the inclusive community they have found in central Ohio.  On any given weekend you can find them at a Denison sporting event, playing at a playground, exploring Spring Valley, or enjoying a meal downtown.

Karen and her family are advocates and allies for the LGBTQIA+ community and she is excited about the opportunity to be a part of the Granville Pride Board. Karen wants to help spread the message that Granville Pride is about compassion, acceptance, and treating others with respect.

Brian Harp (he/him) - Community Relations Chair

Olivia Boucher (she/her) - Social Media Chair

Olivia is a proud Granville townie and soon-to-be mother. She resides in one of her childhood homes in the village with her husband, who she met in 8th grade on a trip to Washington D.C. with their Granville class. Olivia immediately caught his attention and they have been inseparable since. With the giant Pride flag hanging out front all year round, you can easily spot Olivia's house where the fur babies outnumber the humans.

As a freelancer and owner of Liv Local Be Social, Olivia specializes in social media, influencer marketing, content creation, website maintenance, and digital marketing for local businesses. Olivia is a proud recovering alcoholic who helps others struggling with addiction maintain their sobriety.

In addition to being a member of the Granville Pride Board, Olivia is an outspoken bisexual woman who has attended every parade from the beginning with a giant smile and covered in rainbows. She is grateful to remain part of her hometown as it continues to evolve into an amazing and accepting village for all.

 

Granville is a welcoming community - a community that does welcome LGBTQ+ people. No individual should be denied equal protection of the law because of personal characteristics like age, disability, religion and sexual orientation.