Flaggots Ohio

Specialties

To Develop a Leading Performance Arts Organization that offers High Quality Entertainment and Experience through Member Commitment and Dedication.

Flaggots Ohio, an ‘all volunteer’ performance ensemble, formally stepped-​off in 2002 with the purpose of entertaining crowds at Central Ohio Pride Parades and Festivals through the sport of Color Guard. Beginnings of this flag-​tastic family stretch back to 1994 when a fledgling group of 10 spinners marched in the Columbus Gay Pride Parade. These ‘Flaggots’ were unable to coalesce into a permanent annually performing color guard organization until almost a decade later…

Since that time, Flaggots Ohio has gained international popularity, winning the hearts and support of literally hundreds of thousands of adoring fans from various events, YouTube and Facebook.

History

Established in 2002.

The beginnings of Flaggots Ohio (FO) stretch back to 1994, but it wasn’t until 2002 that this group finally formed. Matt Eisert (a Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps Alumnus) joined The Flaggots (a GLBT color guard performing group) in Philadelphia with Scott Markham, then brought back their name to Central Ohio. Joe Bowman joined forces with Matt to lead FO off on the right foot.

After countless performances and dozens of members that have come and gone over the years, Flaggots Ohio received an invitation from the Ohio Historical Society (OHS) to be a part of the Gay Ohio History Initiative! FO items are currently on display at OHS and you can read more about Ohio Gay History at their website. For more information about Flaggots Ohio History, please visit our website for a detailed outline of our annual progression.

Meet the Manager

Matt E.

Manager

Matt Eisert brings many years of business and pageantry experience to his role as Director of Flaggots Ohio. With a business background in Project Management added to performance experience from color guard, dance, theater and choral music, he not only coordinates the ensemble’s leadership and visual teams but also acts as President of Flaggots Ohio, LLC.

He has also appeared with the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps, the Steel City Ambassadors, Excalibur Drum & Bugle Corps, Presque Isle Night Raiders, Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, Flaggots New York, ROTC Chicago, and the Edinboro University marching band. His production and choreography credits include various shows for Mary Ann Brandt, Nina West, Columbus Stompers, and Stonewall Columbus.