It’s shocking, but true: in Ohio, it’s generally legal to discriminate against LGBTQ people. Many believe discrimination against LGBTQ people is illegal, but it’s not. Some cities in Ohio have made it illegal on their own – such as Cleveland – but most LGBTQ people living in Ohio are vulnerable to discrimination with no legal recourse.
Here's what you can expect from this panel event:
-Hear from political, faith, and local leaders about their experiences advocating for and with the LGBTQ community
-Get the update on nondiscrimination protections at the local, state, and national levels
-Learn ways to be an ally to the transgender community
-Opportunities to ask questions to the panel and further the conversation.
Scheduled Participants:
Rachell Hoff, first gay member of the G.O.P. Platform Committee
Jim Obergefell, author of LOVE WINS, and named plaintiff in Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court case that brought marriage equality to Ohio and the country
Darius Stubbs, Cleveland area Activist and Artist
Kevin Kelley, Cleveland City Council President
Esther Baruja, Minister, Archwood United Church of Christ
Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood), House Minority Whip
Ginger Marshall, Transgender Health Educator
Frank LaRose, Ohio State Senator
A bit of background:
After North Carolina passed a bill requiring that people only use the restroom that matches the gender marker on their birth certificate, transgender people have been the victims of unfair and untrue accusations of being violent offenders. In truth, transgender people are more likely to be victims of violence in restrooms, and allowing transgender people to use the restroom that matches their gender identity is safer for everybody. Cities that have transgender-inclusive nondiscrimination laws, like 200 cities in the country already do, see no increase in public safety incidents.
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