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 “Ohio is for all of us.”  The local organizations and individuals supporting this push wanted to clearly remind Trans Ohioans that, despite a number of loud voices in the state and on the national level targeting and scapegoating Trans people, Ohio remains a place where they belong. The billboards also serve as a call to action to all Ohioans to show their support for their Trans neighbors in the state. The  time is now to demonstrate solidarity and to love boldly. Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp, one of the people organizing the community had this to say about the campaign:

“We want Trans folks in Ohio to know that they are loved. And we want to make sure that people across the state know that now is the time to speak up and love loudly. I hope this campaign inspires more everyday people who support Trans Ohioans to join all of us in speaking out and showing their support. As Trans people are arbitrarily targeted simply for who they are, it’s important to remember that the loudest voices don’t get to decide who’s human and who belongs. Ohio is for all of us.”

Dwayne Steward, Executive Director of Equality Ohio shared this quote:

“You’re seeing a commitment to not stay silent. Now, in this current moment—allyship means taking action. If people want to know how to support the trans community: show up, speak out, and love loudly. At Equality Ohio, our Transgender Caucus plays a vital role in informing our work—ensuring trans and nonbinary voices are not only heard but are helping to shape the path forward. Trans people are being targeted with baseless, hateful attacks, and now is the time for people from every corner of our state to step up, take action, and build a future where we all belong.”

As Trans Day of Visibility draws near, the campaign is a reminder that, while some loud voices
try to scapegoat, threaten and exclude Trans folks from public life, we all have a role to play in
showing up, speaking out, and loving loudly.

Leaders of the campaign available for comment include the Rev. Dr. Huelskamp, Executive
Director of LOVEboldly, Harley Rubin, Board member of TransOhio and Dwayne Steward,
Executive Director of Equality Ohio.

Media contact:
Gabriel Rodriguez
303-87-8321
gabriel@spitfirestrategies.com

###

###