FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
MD Sitzes, Communications Manager | media@equalityohio.org
Dwayne Steward, Executive Director | dwayne@equalityohio.org   

Equality Ohio Completes 20th Anniversary List of Awardees With Tribute to Community Activism

COLUMBUS, OH—September 24, 2025—Equality Ohio is thrilled to announce the completion of its list of 20th Anniversary Celebration Awardees. During “Advocates and Allies: Celebrating Our Past, Reclaiming Our Future” on October 17, 2025, we will award six trailblazers. We have already announced The Brown/Schultz Family, Erin Upurch and Chad Eggspuehler will be awardees as we gather advocates, allies, and leaders from across Ohio to celebrate two decades of tireless progress, resilience, and collective pride in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality.

We are excited to also announce honors for three extraordinary community activists and history makers whose work exemplifies the spirit and promise of our shared future: Arienne Childrey, recipient of the Emerging Leader Award; Monika Veliz, recipient of the Queer Joy Award; and Dr. Scott Leibowitz, named the Queer Wellness Advocate of the Year.

Emerging Leader Award: Arienne Childrey

Arienne Childrey’s historic achievement as the first transgender woman to become a city council member in Ohio marks a turning point not only in the narrative of local governance but in the story of equality itself. Through her passionate leadership and unwavering authenticity, she has become a beacon of hope—affirming that representation matters and that every voice deserves to be heard in the chambers where decisions shape our communities.

Her journey to public office has embodied resilience and purpose. By stepping forward, she has challenged long-standing barriers, inspired others to claim their place at the table, and demonstrated that leadership is at its most powerful when it is lived openly and authentically. Her advocacy has helped pave the way for a future where all are valued, seen, and empowered to participate fully in civic life.

“When Equality Ohio launched 20 years ago, marriage equality was still a decade away, and I was still deeply in the closet. Even when I didn’t have the knowledge or courage to fight for myself, Equality Ohio was fighting for all of us. It’s an honor to be recognized by an organization that has been a fierce advocate for Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community, especially in their 20th anniversary year. Most importantly, it’s an honor to stand beside them in the fight for equality in Ohio and proudly speak out for my trans siblings across this state. Trans people are Ohioans too, and we will continue working for a better future in our state.” — Arienne Childrey, City of St Mary’s 4th Ward Council Member 

Queer Joy Award: Monika Veliz

As CEO & President of Margie’s Hope and Executive Director of Margie’s Closet, Monika Veliz has transformed a simple idea into a lifeline for countless transgender individuals in Cleveland and beyond. Margie’s Closet is more than a free consignment shop—it is a sanctuary, a vibrant safe space where people can access gender-affirming clothing, resources, and the unconditional support of their community. Her dedication to creating a welcoming environment has fostered self-expression, dignity, and joy for those who too often face barriers and isolation.

Through her steadfast leadership, Margie’s Closet stands as a testament to the power of radical inclusivity and compassion. She has worked tirelessly to build bridges, nurture resilience, and ensure that every person who walks through your doors is seen, valued, and celebrated. Her advocacy for transgender individuals has uplifted voices and created pathways toward acceptance and love.

“Being honored with this award, is a reminder to me of the tapestry equality must be blanketed by, in order to survive, and thrive for everyone! I feel lucky to be seen as just one of the many, many threads that believe we are all entitled to its coverage.” — Monika Valiz, CEO & President of Margie’s Hope and Executive Director at Margie’s Closet 

Queer Wellness Advocate of the Year: Dr. Scott Leibowitz

Dr. Scott Leibowitz’s historic tenure as Medical Director of the THRIVE Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital redefined what compassionate and comprehensive care meant for trans/gender diverse youth and their families. Before its closure due to the ban on youth gender-affirming care in Ohio, the THRIVE Program stood as a model for excellence—and would not have existed without Scott’s vision, dedication, and unwavering advocacy.

Through his stewardship, the THRIVE Program became a beacon of hope, providing holistic, affirming and evidence-based medical care, guidance, and support to youth navigating their gender identities. The became the largest assessment and therapy program embedded in a multidisciplinary pediatric gender clinic in the country. His commitment to training, education, research, multidisciplinary care, inclusivity, and clinical excellence empowered countless young people to live authentically and with dignity. And even in the face of current medical erasure, he continues fighting misinformation and the tyranny that has gripped our healthcare systems.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it affirms the fundamental truth that holistic gender-affirming care improves the lives of so many young people and their families. To receive this award in such a challenging political climate reminds me of why my work is so critical—it’s about protecting the well-being and dignity of a vulnerable population and the team of providers who serve them, and I am deeply grateful for this honor.” — Scott Leibowitz, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Board Member at Large.

Celebrating 20 Years of Progress

As Equality Ohio marks this significant milestone, our annual fundraiser, “Advocates & Allies,” will serve as both a celebration of progress and a call to action for the work that remains. These awards are a testament to the courage, creativity, and resilience of Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community and the countless allies who have stood in solidarity over the past two decades.

Over the last 20 years, Equality Ohio has championed legislative victories, expanded protections, and built coalitions that have transformed the landscape of equality across the state. The gala will reflect on these achievements, honor the trailblazers who made them possible, and look ahead to a future defined by justice, acceptance, and lasting joy.

Here is the full list of Equality Ohio’s 20th Anniversary Awardees:

• Jim Obergefell Legacy Advocate Award: Erin Upchurch, Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Youth Center 
• LeeAnn Massucci Legal Advocate of the Year: Chad Eggspuehler, Partner at Tucker Ellis LLP
• Legacy Ally Award: The Brown/Schultz Family 
• Queer Joy Award: Monika Veliz, CEO & President of Margie’s Hope and Executive Director of Margie’s Closet 
• Emerging Leader Award: Arienne Childrey, City of St. Mary’s 4th Ward Council Member 
• Queer Wellness Advocate of the Year: Scott Leibowitz, former Medical Director of THRIVE at Nationwide Children’s Hospital 

Join Us in Celebration

“Advocates and Allies” on October 17, 2025, will take place at The Bluestone (583 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215). The evening’s festivities will begin with a program from 6:00 to 8:30 pm, with doors opening at 5:30 pm. In celebration of this milestone year, we are thrilled to introduce a special after party hosted by Anisa Love from 8:30 to 10:00 pm. The gala’s theme, “Celebrating Our Past, Reclaiming Our Future,” reflects the enduring impact of advocates and allies and the promise of progress yet to come. Find more information here: https://bit.ly/EqualityOH20. 

Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and envision a more equitable tomorrow. Equality Ohio invites everyone—LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, families, and friends—to stand with us in recognizing the extraordinary contributions of Arienne Childrey, Monika Veliz, and Dr. Scott Leibowitz, and to recommit ourselves to the movement for justice, dignity, and joy for all Ohioans.

About Equality Ohio

Founded in 2005, Equality Ohio is a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization working to build a better Ohio for LGBTQ+ people. Through legal services, policy advocacy, public education, and coalition building, we fight every day to ensure that all Ohioans—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression—can live with safety, dignity, and freedom.

Learn more at www.equalityohio.org
Follow us on instagram @equality.ohio

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