Ben Jodway
@bjodway.com
Rural LGBTQ+ reporter and TTRPG fanatic. Currently reporting for @thebuckeyeflame.com via @reportforamerica.bsky.social, and desperately trying to find a new D&D group. If you want to reach out confidentially, text me on Signal @benjodway.25
Reposted by Ben Jodway
“The hypocrisy just proves to me that no matter what I do, people are going to be transphobic to me. People are going to question my gender. And I just have to do me.”
Her gender transition set her free. So did her detransition.
The joy that Adriana Del Orden feels in her body could have only come through transitioning. She’s tired of being told that she ruined her life.
19thnews.org
November 12, 2025 at 3:45 PM
“The hypocrisy just proves to me that no matter what I do, people are going to be transphobic to me. People are going to question my gender. And I just have to do me.”
Reposted by Ben Jodway
🚨BREAKING: STRIKERS WIN!
The order affirms what we’ve said all along: The PG’s lawless union-busting cannot stand. We made sure it didn’t. We’re taking back what they stole from us. We won this strike.
The order affirms what we’ve said all along: The PG’s lawless union-busting cannot stand. We made sure it didn’t. We’re taking back what they stole from us. We won this strike.
November 10, 2025 at 5:53 PM
🚨BREAKING: STRIKERS WIN!
The order affirms what we’ve said all along: The PG’s lawless union-busting cannot stand. We made sure it didn’t. We’re taking back what they stole from us. We won this strike.
The order affirms what we’ve said all along: The PG’s lawless union-busting cannot stand. We made sure it didn’t. We’re taking back what they stole from us. We won this strike.
Reposted by Ben Jodway
LAST CALL to register for tomorrow's FREE virtual workshop! It really is a great session that can support what you're doing out there in the world!
bw-edu.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
bw-edu.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Shameless Self Promotion for LGBTQ+ Ohioans (and also anyone else). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Whether you're looking to promote your business, your drag, your writing, your podcast, YOUR ACTIVISM or even just you yourself, this FREE workshop from The Buckeye Flame will help you define your voi...
bw-edu.zoom.us
November 9, 2025 at 1:19 PM
LAST CALL to register for tomorrow's FREE virtual workshop! It really is a great session that can support what you're doing out there in the world!
bw-edu.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
bw-edu.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
👀
Despite the ravages of age and an internet steeped in misinformation, your eyes – in this one case – do not deceive you: Website different. It’s taken an immense amount of time and effort, but welcome to Aftermath version 2.0:
aftermath.site/aftermath-rela...
aftermath.site/aftermath-rela...
November 10, 2025 at 4:36 PM
👀
Reposted by Ben Jodway
HOW'S THIS FOR KARMA? - Thwarted by his city council in 2024 for being a gay candidate, this Ohioan just came back in 2025 and got more votes than them all.
David Nation could have sued the Waynesville City Council last year. Instead, he ran – and won – to make a statement.
David Nation could have sued the Waynesville City Council last year. Instead, he ran – and won – to make a statement.
Thwarted by his city council in 2024 for being a gay candidate, this Ohioan came back in 2025 and got more votes than them all
David Nation could have sued the Waynesville City Council last year. Instead, he ran – and won – to make a statement.
thebuckeyeflame.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:52 PM
HOW'S THIS FOR KARMA? - Thwarted by his city council in 2024 for being a gay candidate, this Ohioan just came back in 2025 and got more votes than them all.
David Nation could have sued the Waynesville City Council last year. Instead, he ran – and won – to make a statement.
David Nation could have sued the Waynesville City Council last year. Instead, he ran – and won – to make a statement.
Reposted by Ben Jodway
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
November 3, 2025 at 7:52 PM
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
Reposted by Ben Jodway
reminder that we've got a pitch guide for freelance, if you ever feel like writing something up
How To Pitch Aftermath - Aftermath
Aftermath is always happy to read pitches from writers both established and new. As a growing outlet, we regret we can’t take every pitch that excites us, but we’re still eager to see your work. Here ...
aftermath.site
October 27, 2025 at 8:13 PM
reminder that we've got a pitch guide for freelance, if you ever feel like writing something up
Tabletop roleplaying is probably my favorite hobby. Getting to write about how people put together a D&D program that helps LGBTQ+ youth socialize, explore their identity safely, and have fun is a privilege. Please give this a read!
Ohio LGBTQ+ youth gain XP and craft queer tales through tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons.
“To be able to see representation of [your identity] and then see yourself [or] your experiences reflected in the game can be really heartwarming."
✏️ @bjodway.com via @reportforamerica.bsky.social
“To be able to see representation of [your identity] and then see yourself [or] your experiences reflected in the game can be really heartwarming."
✏️ @bjodway.com via @reportforamerica.bsky.social
Ohio LGBTQ+ youth gain XP and craft queer tales through tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons had a resurgence in the past decade. D&D and games like it have found popularity among LGBTQ+ community - including Ohio, where Kaleidoscope Youth Center hosts a D&D program for LGB...
thebuckeyeflame.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Tabletop roleplaying is probably my favorite hobby. Getting to write about how people put together a D&D program that helps LGBTQ+ youth socialize, explore their identity safely, and have fun is a privilege. Please give this a read!
Reposted by Ben Jodway
Ohio Republicans introduce bill to allow chaplains in public schools to provide undefined ‘support, services and programs’.
The new legislation is similar to a 2023 bill that never received a hearing.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/10/23/o...
The new legislation is similar to a 2023 bill that never received a hearing.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/10/23/o...
Ohio Republicans introduce bill to allow chaplains in public schools to provide undefined ‘support, services and programs’
The new legislation is similar to a 2023 bill that never received a hearing
thebuckeyeflame.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Ohio Republicans introduce bill to allow chaplains in public schools to provide undefined ‘support, services and programs’.
The new legislation is similar to a 2023 bill that never received a hearing.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/10/23/o...
The new legislation is similar to a 2023 bill that never received a hearing.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/10/23/o...
I wrote a cute story about a farm in Ohio run by a lesbian couple who breed miniature zebus -- a breed of cow -- for animal-assisted therapy farms! (The zebu's name in the photo is Pepper and I pet her once and she wouldn't stop nudging me for more I love Pepper)
Lesbian-owned Dog Town Farm breeds mini cows in Ohio for moo-ving animal-assisted therapy.
Dog Town Farm is possibly the only farm that specializes in breeding miniature zebus for therapy farms.
✏️ @bjodway.com via @reportforamerica.bsky.social
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/10/20/d...
Dog Town Farm is possibly the only farm that specializes in breeding miniature zebus for therapy farms.
✏️ @bjodway.com via @reportforamerica.bsky.social
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/10/20/d...
Lesbian-owned Dog Town Farm breeds mini cows in Ohio for moo-ving animal-assisted therapy
Though owners of Dog Town Farm faced challenges as a queer-owned farm, the farming community has been supportive of possibly the only farm breeding miniature zebus for animal-assisted therapy.
thebuckeyeflame.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:50 PM
I wrote a cute story about a farm in Ohio run by a lesbian couple who breed miniature zebus -- a breed of cow -- for animal-assisted therapy farms! (The zebu's name in the photo is Pepper and I pet her once and she wouldn't stop nudging me for more I love Pepper)
Reposted by Ben Jodway
From ‘Wicked’ designer to ‘Hacks’ breakout star, Out100 honors 5 LGBTQ+ Ohioans.
The annual list honors individuals who are influencing culture, especially during this challenging year for the LGBTQ+ community.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/10/20/o...
The annual list honors individuals who are influencing culture, especially during this challenging year for the LGBTQ+ community.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/10/20/o...
From 'Wicked' designer to 'Hacks' breakout star, Out100 honors 5 LGBTQ+ Ohioans
The annual list honors individuals who are influencing culture, especially during this challenging year for the LGBTQ+ community.
thebuckeyeflame.com
October 20, 2025 at 12:01 PM
From ‘Wicked’ designer to ‘Hacks’ breakout star, Out100 honors 5 LGBTQ+ Ohioans.
The annual list honors individuals who are influencing culture, especially during this challenging year for the LGBTQ+ community.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/10/20/o...
The annual list honors individuals who are influencing culture, especially during this challenging year for the LGBTQ+ community.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/10/20/o...
really awful news.
NBC News has reportedly eliminated its NBC BLK, NBC Asian America, NBC Latino and NBC OUT teams
NBC News’ 150 Layoffs Gut Black, Latino, Asian American and LGBTQ+ Diversity Teams
The cuts affected teams across the NBC News operation and came as the network no longer needed to support two different news operations. MSNBC has begun growing its own newsroom, hiring swaths of tale...
www.thewrap.com
October 17, 2025 at 5:50 PM
really awful news.
Reposted by Ben Jodway
Ohio teacher who was suspended for having LGBTQ+ books in her classroom loses her court case.
The teacher and her lawyer are exploring how they want to move forward with the case.
✏️ @bjodway.com via @reportforamerica.bsky.social
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/10/16/n...
The teacher and her lawyer are exploring how they want to move forward with the case.
✏️ @bjodway.com via @reportforamerica.bsky.social
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/10/16/n...
Ohio teacher who was suspended for having LGBTQ+ books in her classroom loses her court case
The teacher and her lawyer are currently exploring how they want to move forward with the case against the New Richmond school district.
thebuckeyeflame.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Ohio teacher who was suspended for having LGBTQ+ books in her classroom loses her court case.
The teacher and her lawyer are exploring how they want to move forward with the case.
✏️ @bjodway.com via @reportforamerica.bsky.social
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/10/16/n...
The teacher and her lawyer are exploring how they want to move forward with the case.
✏️ @bjodway.com via @reportforamerica.bsky.social
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/10/16/n...
Reposted by Ben Jodway
70% of articles covering Trump's anti-trans executive orders did not quote a single trans person. Let that sink in.
Everyone needs to read this new report from @transjournalists.org and understand how we can be more intentional in our sourcing when covering these stories.
Everyone needs to read this new report from @transjournalists.org and understand how we can be more intentional in our sourcing when covering these stories.
How journalists covered the attack on trans rights in Trump's first 100 days
Trans perspectives were rarely present in articles about the consequences federal actions would have on their lives, according to an analysis conducted by Berkeley Media Studies Group in partnership w...
www.transjournalists.org
October 15, 2025 at 5:13 PM
70% of articles covering Trump's anti-trans executive orders did not quote a single trans person. Let that sink in.
Everyone needs to read this new report from @transjournalists.org and understand how we can be more intentional in our sourcing when covering these stories.
Everyone needs to read this new report from @transjournalists.org and understand how we can be more intentional in our sourcing when covering these stories.
Reposted by Ben Jodway
Lakewood drafts first-in-Ohio ‘Gender Freedom Policy’ in response to anti-trans attacks.
Lawmakers aim to provide ‘reassurance and protection’ to transgender residents, families and drag performers.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/29/l...
Lawmakers aim to provide ‘reassurance and protection’ to transgender residents, families and drag performers.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/29/l...
Lakewood drafts first-in-Ohio ‘Gender Freedom Policy’ in response to anti-trans attacks
Lawmakers aim to provide ‘reassurance and protection’ to transgender residents, families and drag performers
thebuckeyeflame.com
September 29, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Lakewood drafts first-in-Ohio ‘Gender Freedom Policy’ in response to anti-trans attacks.
Lawmakers aim to provide ‘reassurance and protection’ to transgender residents, families and drag performers.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/29/l...
Lawmakers aim to provide ‘reassurance and protection’ to transgender residents, families and drag performers.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/29/l...
Reposted by Ben Jodway
Reviving Gay Fad Studios: How an LGBTQ+ couple created a midcentury glass destination in central Ohio.
‘This is so much more than a business for us. It’s about being bold and dreaming big.’
✏️ @hcomeriato.bsky.social penning an INCREDIBLE read.
‘This is so much more than a business for us. It’s about being bold and dreaming big.’
✏️ @hcomeriato.bsky.social penning an INCREDIBLE read.
Reviving Gay Fad Studios: How an LGBTQ+ couple created a midcentury glass destination in central Ohio
In 2022, husbands Dave and Jason Annecy re-opened Gay Fad Studios in the spirit of the Ohio glass company’s innovative founder, Fran Taylor.
thebuckeyeflame.com
September 19, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Reviving Gay Fad Studios: How an LGBTQ+ couple created a midcentury glass destination in central Ohio.
‘This is so much more than a business for us. It’s about being bold and dreaming big.’
✏️ @hcomeriato.bsky.social penning an INCREDIBLE read.
‘This is so much more than a business for us. It’s about being bold and dreaming big.’
✏️ @hcomeriato.bsky.social penning an INCREDIBLE read.
This is an AMAZING feature by my colleague @hcomeriato.bsky.social packed full of history and queer joy!
Reviving Gay Fad Studios: How an LGBTQ+ couple created a midcentury glass destination in central Ohio.
‘This is so much more than a business for us. It’s about being bold and dreaming big.’
✏️ @hcomeriato.bsky.social penning an INCREDIBLE read.
‘This is so much more than a business for us. It’s about being bold and dreaming big.’
✏️ @hcomeriato.bsky.social penning an INCREDIBLE read.
Reviving Gay Fad Studios: How an LGBTQ+ couple created a midcentury glass destination in central Ohio
In 2022, husbands Dave and Jason Annecy re-opened Gay Fad Studios in the spirit of the Ohio glass company’s innovative founder, Fran Taylor.
thebuckeyeflame.com
September 19, 2025 at 1:28 PM
This is an AMAZING feature by my colleague @hcomeriato.bsky.social packed full of history and queer joy!
Reposted by Ben Jodway
It's only thanks to the support of our subscribers that we can run freelance pieces like this, and I always want to do more! Help me live my dream! aftermath.site/products
Aftermath | Products
aftermath.site
September 18, 2025 at 3:44 PM
It's only thanks to the support of our subscribers that we can run freelance pieces like this, and I always want to do more! Help me live my dream! aftermath.site/products
Stepped outside of my comfort zone to write this story about a really cool group of players in a military simulation video game! Absolute pleasure to work with @aftermath.site and @rcmacleod.bsky.social.
Please give it a read!
Please give it a read!
Arma can be a boys club, but this trans women-only platoon aims to change that
aftermath.site/arma-trans-pla...
aftermath.site/arma-trans-pla...
September 18, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Stepped outside of my comfort zone to write this story about a really cool group of players in a military simulation video game! Absolute pleasure to work with @aftermath.site and @rcmacleod.bsky.social.
Please give it a read!
Please give it a read!
Reposted by Ben Jodway
A new bipartisan bill seeks to reinstate the national suicide hotline services for LGBTQ+ youth that Trump cut.
This is an especially vulnerable group who are now without specialized 988 services at a time when they need it most.
This is an especially vulnerable group who are now without specialized 988 services at a time when they need it most.
Bipartisan bill seeks to reinstate national suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth
In July, Trump cut LGBTQ+ youth services for 988, the suicide crisis hotline. It has been a devastating blow, advocates say.
19thnews.org
September 18, 2025 at 2:45 PM
A new bipartisan bill seeks to reinstate the national suicide hotline services for LGBTQ+ youth that Trump cut.
This is an especially vulnerable group who are now without specialized 988 services at a time when they need it most.
This is an especially vulnerable group who are now without specialized 988 services at a time when they need it most.
Highlighting this story today as more high-profile figures being targeted or fired for their speech. This stuff is impacting people at the local level too.
Two Ohio LGBTQ+ elected officials targeted online after Charlie Kirk’s death.
The two office-holders experienced online harassment and a death threat leading to an FBI arrest.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/17/t...
The two office-holders experienced online harassment and a death threat leading to an FBI arrest.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/17/t...
Two Ohio LGBTQ+ elected officials targeted online after Charlie Kirk’s death
The two office-holders experienced online harassment and a death threat leading to an FBI arrest.
thebuckeyeflame.com
September 18, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Highlighting this story today as more high-profile figures being targeted or fired for their speech. This stuff is impacting people at the local level too.
Reposted by Ben Jodway
This News is So Gay (9/17/25): Navigating Rapid Response to LGBTQ+ News (While Staying Sane)
Featuring: @jacobreyesdfw.bsky.social (@glaad.bsky.social), @danapiccoli.com (@newsisout.bsky.social) & Spencer Macnaughton (@unclosetedmedia.bsky.social).
We needed this episode this particular week.
Featuring: @jacobreyesdfw.bsky.social (@glaad.bsky.social), @danapiccoli.com (@newsisout.bsky.social) & Spencer Macnaughton (@unclosetedmedia.bsky.social).
We needed this episode this particular week.
This News is So Gay (9/17/25): Navigating Rapid Response to LGBTQ+ News (While Staying Sane)
Featuring: Jacob Reyes (GLAAD), Dana Piccoli (News is Out) and Spencer Macnaughton (Uncloseted Media).
thebuckeyeflame.com
September 17, 2025 at 8:47 PM
This News is So Gay (9/17/25): Navigating Rapid Response to LGBTQ+ News (While Staying Sane)
Featuring: @jacobreyesdfw.bsky.social (@glaad.bsky.social), @danapiccoli.com (@newsisout.bsky.social) & Spencer Macnaughton (@unclosetedmedia.bsky.social).
We needed this episode this particular week.
Featuring: @jacobreyesdfw.bsky.social (@glaad.bsky.social), @danapiccoli.com (@newsisout.bsky.social) & Spencer Macnaughton (@unclosetedmedia.bsky.social).
We needed this episode this particular week.
Reposted by Ben Jodway
Ohio county’s LGBTQ+ organization cuts support groups, events due to lack of funds.
LGBTQ+ Allies of Lake County coffers are running dry after Trump’s election.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/16/l...
✏️ @bjodway.com via @reportforamerica.bsky.social.
LGBTQ+ Allies of Lake County coffers are running dry after Trump’s election.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/16/l...
✏️ @bjodway.com via @reportforamerica.bsky.social.
Ohio county’s LGBTQ+ organization cuts programs due to lack of funds
LGBTQ+ Allies of Lake County coffers are running dry after Trump's election.
thebuckeyeflame.com
September 16, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Ohio county’s LGBTQ+ organization cuts support groups, events due to lack of funds.
LGBTQ+ Allies of Lake County coffers are running dry after Trump’s election.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/16/l...
✏️ @bjodway.com via @reportforamerica.bsky.social.
LGBTQ+ Allies of Lake County coffers are running dry after Trump’s election.
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/16/l...
✏️ @bjodway.com via @reportforamerica.bsky.social.
Reposted by Ben Jodway
COURT: You can now say “GAY” on your Ohio license plate.
An Ohioan sued after he applied for a license plate reading “GAY” through the Ohio BMV and the plate was immediately rejected as “Inappropriate/Invalid.”
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/15/c...
#JustSayGay #Ohio #LGBTQ
An Ohioan sued after he applied for a license plate reading “GAY” through the Ohio BMV and the plate was immediately rejected as “Inappropriate/Invalid.”
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/15/c...
#JustSayGay #Ohio #LGBTQ
COURT: You can now say “GAY” on your Ohio license plate
An Ohioan sued after he applied for a license plate reading “GAY” through the Ohio BMV and the plate was immediately rejected as “Inappropriate/Invalid.”
thebuckeyeflame.com
September 15, 2025 at 11:23 AM
COURT: You can now say “GAY” on your Ohio license plate.
An Ohioan sued after he applied for a license plate reading “GAY” through the Ohio BMV and the plate was immediately rejected as “Inappropriate/Invalid.”
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/15/c...
#JustSayGay #Ohio #LGBTQ
An Ohioan sued after he applied for a license plate reading “GAY” through the Ohio BMV and the plate was immediately rejected as “Inappropriate/Invalid.”
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/15/c...
#JustSayGay #Ohio #LGBTQ
Super happy to be on another episode of this fantastic podcast!!
NEW EPISODE! - This News is So Gay (9/10/25): Examining Regional Queer Journalism and Celebrating Black Gay Pride
Featuring: @bjodway.com (@reportforamerica.bsky.social), @missyspears.bsky.social (@queerkentucky.bsky.social) and @mashaundsimon.bsky.social
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/10/t...
Featuring: @bjodway.com (@reportforamerica.bsky.social), @missyspears.bsky.social (@queerkentucky.bsky.social) and @mashaundsimon.bsky.social
thebuckeyeflame.com/2025/09/10/t...
This News is So Gay (9/10/25): Examining Regional Queer Journalism and Celebrating Black Gay Pride
Featuring: Ben Jodway (The Buckeye Flame), Missy Spears (Queer Kentucky), Mashaun D. Simon (NBC News/GLAAD)
thebuckeyeflame.com
September 11, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Super happy to be on another episode of this fantastic podcast!!