Category Archives: Blog
Roadmap Back to Equality: The Equality Ohio Strategic Plan (2026-2028)
Equality Ohio Strategic Plan 2026-2028 Exec Sum FINALDownload Read More
Category Archives: Blog
State of Equality in Ohio 2026 Address
In his inaugural State of Equality In Ohio Address, Dwayne Steward, CEO & Executive Director of Equality Ohio and Equality Ohio Education Fund, outlines the organization’s new strategic plan and its newly established mission, vision and values. Equality Ohio’s new Roadmap Back […]
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Category Archives: Blog
Press Release from Equality Ohio: Ohio House Passes My Child, My Chart, Undermining Youth Privacy
Across Ohio, families and providers alike are running into real barriers when it comes to accessing children’s medical information. Supportive parents are locked out of their child’s electronic records due […]
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Category Archives: Blog
Press Release: Equality Ohio Speaks Out Against Criminalization of Transgender Communities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Equality Ohio Speaks Out Against Criminalization of Transgender Communities Columbus, Ohio—September 29, 2025 Equality Ohio is deeply concerned about the White House memorandum on political violence issued […]
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Press Release: Equality Ohio Completes 20th Anniversary List of Awardees With Tribute to Community Activism
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:MD Sitzes, Communications Manager | media@equalityohio.orgDwayne Steward, Executive Director | dwayne@equalityohio.org Equality Ohio Completes 20th Anniversary List of Awardees With Tribute to Community Activism COLUMBUS, OH—September 24, […]
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Statement: Equality Ohio Responds to Ohio State Budget on DeWine’s Desk “Taxpayer Dollars Should Not Fund Discrimination”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 25, 2025Contact:MD Sitzes | Communications Manager | md@equalityohio.org *updated at 12 noon on June 25 Equality Ohio Responds to Ohio State Budget on DeWine’s Desk “Taxpayer Dollars […]
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Press Release: Equality Ohio Responds to Supreme Court’s Ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: MD Sitzes, Communications Manager | md@equalityohio.org Equality Ohio Responds to Supreme Court’s Ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti COLUMBUS, OH—June 18, 2025—Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its […]
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Press Release: Ohio LGBTQIA+ Equity Advocates’ Testimony on Anti-Trans Budget Language Rejected
Ohio LGBTQIA+ Equity Advocates’ Testimony on Anti-Trans Budget Language Rejected [Columbus, Ohio] – May 14, 2025 –TransOhio and Equality Ohio strongly condemn the decision by the Ohio Government Oversight and […]
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Category Archives: Blog
Equality Ohio Condemns Legislative Attacks, Uplifts the Power of Community
COLUMBUS, OH — As extremist lawmakers in Ohio continue to target LGBTQ+ communities through harmful, unconstitutional legislation, Equality Ohio is sounding the alarm—and calling for organized, sustained public resistance. Yesterday, […]
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Press Release: Equality Ohio Launches The Portrait Project: Celebrating the Power and Presence of Transgender and Nonbinary Ohioans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COLUMBUS, OH — Equality Ohio is proud to announce the launch of The Portrait Project, a powerful new visual storytelling campaign uplifting the joy and brilliance of […]
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Press Release: Equality Ohio Condemns Anti-LGBTQ+ State Budget Proposal, Calls for Action Against Sub. HB 96
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDATE: 4/2/2025CONTACT: MD Sitzes, Communications Manager, Equality OhioEMAIL: md@equalityohio.org Equality Ohio Condemns Anti-LGBTQ+ State Budget Proposal, Calls for Action Against Sub. HB 96 COLUMBUS, OH – Equality Ohio […]
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Category Archives: Blog
United in Love: Understanding Obergefell v. Hodges and Marriage Equality in 2025
Original Post: March 11, 2025, Last Updated: 03/11/2025 The start of 2025 has created a lot of uncertainty for LGBTQ+ Ohioans. The unprecedented number of executive orders directed at our […]
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Category Archives: Blog
Press Release: Loving Loudly – Allies and advocates show out for the Trans community in Ohio
February 7, 2025—In cities throughout Ohio, from the shores of Lake Erie to the banks of the Ohio River, billboards in support of Trans Ohioans appeared with a simple message […]
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Equality Ohio Condemns Bathroom Ban
2/25/2025—Today, Ohio’s dangerous bathroom ban, SB 104, goes into effect. This law mandates that school bathrooms and facilities be restricted by assigned sex at birth, putting transgender youth at even […]
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Statement: Equality Ohio Expands Infrastructure & Stands Firm In Its Commitment to LGBTQ+ Advocacy Amid Recent Wave of Anti-Equality Executive Orders
February 7, 2025—As Ohio’s statewide advocacy experts, Equality Ohio has long been a champion for LGBTQ+ rights. Our legal clinic has already served 3,414 LGBTQ+ Ohioans since its inception—and we […]
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Equality Ohio Statement Honoring LeeAnn Massucci
Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community lost a hero this week with the passing of LeeAnn Massucci. LeeAnn was a dedicated attorney and staunch LGBTQ+ advocate. She served as the Co-Director of the […]
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Shameful: Gov. DeWine Signs HB 8, Which Will Make Schools Less Safe for LGBTQ+ Students
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Equality Ohio released the following statement regarding news that Gov. DeWine has signed HB 8, a harmful bill with language similar to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. […]
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Category Archives: Blog
With Bipartisan Opposition and Broad Coalition Opposed, Gov. DeWine Should Veto HB 8
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Equality Ohio released the following statement after the Ohio House rushed through passage of HB 8, a harmful bill with language similar to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” […]
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Statement: Equality Ohio Calls on Ohio House to Reject HB 8, Yet Another Attack on LGBTQ+ Students and Parents
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Equality Ohio released the following statement regarding HB 8, a harmful bill with language similar to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill that was voted out of the […]
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Statement: Equality Ohio Stands Firm Against SB 104
Statement: Equality Ohio Stands Firm Against SB 104 Ohio — Equality Ohio released the following statement after Gov. Mike DeWine ACTION on SB 104, a restrictive bill that mandates all […]
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Category Archives: Blog
Statement: Ohio Supreme Court Leaves More Uncertainty as to the Process for Transgender Citizens to Correct Birth Certificate Gender Markers
COLUMBUS ― Equality Ohio Legal Clinic released the following statement regarding the Adelaide Case: The majority of the justices were not able to come to an agreement. This action leaves […]
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Category Archives: Blog
STATEMENT: Equality Ohio Responds to The Senate—We’ve Got Us. We Will Fight.
Ohio — The Ohio Senate’s approval of SB 104 marks a devastating moment for all Ohioans, especially for transgender and nonbinary youth. This restrictive bill mandates all kindergarten through university […]
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Category Archives: Blog
Press Release: Equality Ohio Reaffirms Commitment to LGBTQIA2S+ Freedom Beyond the 2024 ElectionSign On Letter:
Columbus — On Wednesday, Equality Ohio joined over 79 organizations in signing a unified statement reaffirming a collective commitment to advancing LGBTQIA2S+ rights and freedoms. With this statement, Equality Ohio […]
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Category Archives: Blog
Statement: Shameful Anti-Trans Smears Won’t Win Elections, But They Will Harm us All in the Long Run
COLUMBUS – Equality Ohio released the following statement regarding media reports that conservative candidates around the country are running hateful anti-trans ad campaigns to try to win their elections “We’ve seen over […]
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Category Archives: Blog
Press Release: Equality Ohio Legal Clinic Wins the 2024 CLIO Diversity & Inclusion Award Press Release:
(Image L to R: Sol Kersey- Equality Ohio Legal Clinic, Lana Kleiman-Charleston Legal Access, Diane Haar-Hawaii Disability Services, & Nav Gill- VP of Finance at CLIO) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Equality […]
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Press Release: Equality Ohio Announces 2024 Advocates & Allies Awards Ceremony and Annual FundraiserPress Release:
September 19th, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Equality Ohio Announces 2024 Advocates & Allies Awards Ceremony and Annual Fundraiser Event Marks First Public Appearance with New Executive Director Dwayne Steward COLUMBUS, […]
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Equality Ohio Board Announces Veteran Ohio LGBTQ+ Leader Dwayne Steward Joins Equality Ohio as Next Executive Director
Equality Ohio Board Announces Veteran Ohio LGBTQ+ Leader Dwayne Steward Joins Equality Ohio as Next Executive Director COLUMBUS – The Equality Ohio Board has announced that veteran LGBTQ+ Leader Dwayne […]
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Press Release: Equality Ohio and TransOhio Affirm Commitment to Justice Following Franklin County Court Decision
Contact: MD Sitzes, Communications Manager, Equality Ohio media@equalityohio.org, md@equalityohio.org Columbus, Ohio — August 6, 2024 Today, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas ruled in favor of allowing House Bill […]
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Equality Ohio Condemns Surprise Passage of Bathroom Ban by Ohio House
At nearly 11 pm on Wednesday evening, on the last session day before their summer recess, extremists in the Ohio legislature added an anti-LGBTQ+ amendment into Senate Bill 104 on the House floor. The last-minute amendment places l a bathroom ban for transgender people in schools K-12 through Higher Education into an unrelated bill related to the College Credit Plus program. Equality Ohio condemns the surprise passage of this discriminatory legislation, which undermines the dignity and rights of transgender and gender diverse Ohioans.
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Category Archives: Blog
Press Release: Equality Ohio, ACLU of Ohio, and TransOhio Denounce House Bill 245 Ahead of Proponent Testimony
Equality Ohio, ACLU of Ohio and TransOhio strongly opposes House Bill 245(sponsored by Representatives King and Williams), a broad and harmful measure that criminalizes performing while transgender or in drag outside of adults-only venues. Proponent testimony for this bill is scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, at 12 PM in the Ohio House Criminal Justice Committee.
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Category Archives: Blog
Press Statement: Ohio Courts Restore Access to Healthcare for Transgender Youth
For Immediate Release April 16, 2024 Contact: MD Sitzes, Communications Manager, Equality Ohio media@equalityohio.org Ohio Courts Restore Access to Healthcare for Transgender Youth Today, a Franklin County judge issued a temporary […]
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Equality Ohio and Ohio Health Modernization Movement Release Groundbreaking Report: Over 200 Ohioans Criminalized for HIV
Equality Ohio and Ohio Health Modernization Movement Release Groundbreaking Report: Over 200 Ohioans Criminalized for HIV FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 28th, 2024 Media Contact: MD Sitzes, Communications Manager, Equality Ohio, […]
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Category Archives: Blog
Press Statement: Equality Ohio Responds to Revised ODH and OMHAS Rules by DeWine Administration
Press Statement: Equality Ohio Responds to Revised ODH and OMHAS Rules by DeWine Administration
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As Ohio Senate Overrides Governor’s Veto of Ban on Medically Necessary Care for Trans Youth, Advocates Launch Emergency Resources to Help Impacted Families
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 25, 2024 Adam Polaski | Campaign for Southern Equality | 610.306.7956 | adam@southernequality.org MD Sitzes | Equality Ohio | 614-224-0400 | media@equalityohio.org Jen Kuhn I Kaleidoscope […]
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Press Statement: Equality Ohio Condemns Ohio Senate’s Override of Governor’s Veto of HB 68, Affirming Commitment to Transgender Rights
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: MD Sitzes Email: media@equalityohio.org, md@equalityohio.org January 24th, 2024 Press Statement: Equality Ohio Condemns Ohio Senate’s Override of Governor’s Veto of HB 68, Affirming Commitment to […]
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Category Archives: Blog
Public Comments on Draft Rule 5122-26-19, Gender Transition Care, and Draft Amended Rule 5122-14-12, Program, Specialty Services, and Discharge Planning Requirements
January 19, 2024 LeeAnne Cornyn, Director Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services Submitted electronically to MH-SOT-rules@mha.ohio.gov CC: Governor Mike DeWine via Giles Allen, Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs, […]
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Ohio LGBTQ+ Leaders Denounce Proposed Restrictions on Health Care
Ohio LGBTQ+ Leaders Denounce Proposed Restrictions on Health CareGroups decry anti-trans legislation and executive orders to restrict health care Media Contacts: MD Sitzes, Equality Ohio; media@equalityohio.org Celina Coming , ACLU […]
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THURS 1/11/24: Ohio LGBTQ+ Leaders Hold Virtual Press Briefing to Discuss Legislative and Executive Attack on Transgender Healthcare
THURS: Ohio LGBTQ+ Leaders Hold Virtual Press Briefing to Discuss Legislative and Executive Attack on Transgender Healthcare Media Contacts: MD Sitzes, Equality Ohio, media@equalityohio.orgCelina Coming, ACLU of Ohio ccoming@acluohio.orgPress Team, Human Rights […]
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Press Statement: Equality Ohio Reacts to Proposed Rules Impacting Care for Transgender Ohioans
Equality Ohio shares the concerns of TransOhio and other trans-led organizations, leading medical providers, and community members currently accessing healthcare who have expressed grave concerns about the harm these new rules would cause.
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Equality Ohio Applauds Governor’s Veto of HB 68
For immediate release: 12/29/2023 Press contact: media@equalityohio.org Equality Ohio Applauds Governor’s Veto of HB 68 COLUMBUS, Ohio (December 29, 2023)– Today, Governor Mike DeWine vetoed HB 68, a bill that […]
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MEDIA RELEASE: GLAAD, EQUALITY OHIO FACT SHEET FOR REPORTERS ON HB 68, BAN ON HEALTH CARE AND SPORTS FOR TRANSGENDER PEOPLE IN OHIO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE media@equalityohio.orgpress@glaad.org MEDIA ALERT: GLAAD, EQUALITY OHIO FACT SHEET FOR REPORTERS ON HB 68, BAN ON HEALTH CARE AND SPORTS FOR TRANSGENDER PEOPLE IN OHIO (Columbus, OH and […]
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Category Archives: Blog
Coalition of LGBTQ+ Organizations Unite Against Anti-Trans Legislation and Announce “Ohio Is Home” Campaign
A coalition of LGBTQ+ affirming organizations in Ohio including TransOhio, Equality Ohio, ACLU of Ohio, HRC, Kaleidoscope Youth Center, Equitas Health, and NASW have united in opposition to harmful legislation that threatens the freedom, safety, and future of LGBTQ+ Ohioans. This coalition is proud to announce the release of a sign-on letter
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EQUALITY OHIO’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALANA JOCHUM, TO MOVE ON TO NEW ROLE AT NATIONAL POLICY ORGANIZATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCTOBER 30, 2023 EQUALITY OHIO’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALANA JOCHUM, TO MOVE ON TO NEW ROLE AT NATIONAL POLICY ORGANIZATION Executive Director of Equality Ohio, Alana Jochum, has […]
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Category Archives: Blog
Equality Ohio Condemns Discriminatory Policy of Catholic Diocese of Greater Cleveland
Equality Ohio, the state’s foremost LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, has expressed its profound disappointment with the recent news of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland’s policy against inclusion and basic civil rights.
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The 303 Creative Decision: Impacts, Realities, and Action
In this analysis you will find a summary of the recent Federal Supreme Court Case, 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, a detailed analysis of legal implications with examples, and recommended […]
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Category Archives: Blog
Press Release: Equality Ohio Expresses Strong Support for the Ohio Fairness Act:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 29th, 2023 Media Contact: MD Sitzes, md@equalityohio.org, media@equalityohio.org COLUMBUS, OH – Today, Equality Ohio is proud to announce that Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood), […]
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Trans Realities in Ohio, Defending Our Joy
Over the course of June, The Defenders of Equality are bringing you stories from Trans folks across the state of Ohio about the joys and very real struggles they are experiencing, often at once.
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Trans Realities in Ohio, Defending Our Joy
Over the course of June, The Defenders of Equality are bringing you stories from Trans folks across the state of Ohio about the joys and very real struggles they are experiencing, often at once.
Read MoreCategory Archives: Blog
Trans Realities in Ohio, Defending Our Joy
Over the course of June, The Defenders of Equality are bringing you stories from Trans folks across the state of Ohio about the joys and very real struggles they are experiencing, often at once.
Read MoreCategory Archives: Blog
Trans Realities in Ohio, Defending Our Joy
Over the course of June, The Defenders of Equality are bringing you stories from Trans folks across the state of Ohio about the joys and very real struggles they are experiencing, often at once.
Read More