All in the Family: Straight, Gay and Transgender Ohioans Tell Their Story in Pictures

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 2, 2008

Equality Ohio staff walking to hand deliver Our Stories to the legislators Statehouse
Left to Right: Kim Welter, Lynn Bowman and Peter Caborn

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words: LGBT and Straight Allies Tell Their Stories with Pictures
Columbus, OH – Today, gay, transgender and straight Ohioans are reaching out to lawmakers, to show them that equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people is not “just a gay issue” but a human issue.

Four years ago today, Ohio’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage went into effect. To mark the anniversary, Equality Ohio Education Fund delivered a calendar of stories told in pictures created by gay, transgender and straight Ohioans to the legislature and top elected officials. The stories are first-person accounts of why LGBT Ohioans should be fully equal under state laws.

“The stories in the calendar are a powerful call for state lawmakers to simply do the right thing and treat all Ohioans with dignity and fairness,” said Lynne Bowman, Executive Director of Equality Ohio. Excerpts from journaling that accompanies the photographs:

• "Life has taught me that each of us has something special to teach the world, and, for this reason and others, I have dedicated my life to the profession of education" – Zach, Athens
  
• "In the eyes of Ohio law, I am a legal stranger to my daughters" – MeLissa, Canton
  
• Kim in Dayton loves and is very proud of her gay daughter, she journals: “Wish Jordan felt as safe, comfortable, and accepted in Ohio as she does in New York.
  
• Shane from Columbus journals: “Ohio needs to pass legislation that will allow all people, regardless of gender identity and expression to live, work and excel in life without fear of discrimination.”
  
• “We are part of what makes the Ohio economy thrive” – Lynn, Blacklick
  
• "We recognized how we have been blessed and hope that other LGBT people who have not had the same good fortune will still have the ability to seek fulfillment in their lives, free of discrimination." Chris and Stephen, Cincinnati

• Jane from Cincinnati journals: "I eventually felt so unwelcome and intimidated in my work environment that I had to resign, even though I cared deeply about the job."
  
• "Because we live in Ohio, I can't adopt the kids I've raised since birth" - Lori, Toledo
  
• Nick from Westerville journals: "No prejudice is ever so valuable that it should deny basic human rights."

“Our cities are forging ahead toward equal rights while state laws lag behind. Ohioans are demanding a change,” Bowman said, referring to recent legislation introduced in Cleveland to add gender identity to their existing human rights ordinance as well as legislation to create a domestic partner registry. Bowman added that Ohio is still tied for last of all 50 states when comparing state-level laws protecting and supporting equal rights for LGBT citizens, according to comparison data maintained by Equality Ohio Education Fund.

Lynne Bowman delivering Our Stories calendar to President Harris of the Ohio Senate

View the calendar online: http://www.equalityohio.org/ourstories2008.pdf

Equality Ohio envisions an Ohio where everyone feels at home.

Equality Ohio "Ohio, Progress & Faith" Event Covered on TV, Radio and the Columbus Dispatch Blog

Equality Ohio's "Ohio, Progress & Faith" Event Press Coverage

Blog coverage:
Columbus Dispatch Blog

Radio coverage:
On the air with WOSU

TV coverage:
Video Coverage on ONN's website
Article on ONN's website

FAITH LEADERS, CLERGY GATHER TO STAND UP FOR GAY & TRANSGENDER OHIOANS

EQUALITY OHIO PRESENTS “OHIO, PROGRESS & FAITH”

FAITH LEADERS, CLERGY GATHER TO STAND UP FOR

GAY & TRANSGENDER OHIOANS

Bishop Selders with faith leaders after speech

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 13, 2008

Contact: Kim Welter
Program Manager
Equality Ohio
kim@equalityohio.org
419-410-0156

Columbus, OH—Equality Ohio and the Human Rights Campaign Religion and Faith Program present Ohio, Progress & Faith on November 13 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium in downtown Columbus. 100 faith leaders from around Ohio representing most mainline denominations will gather in Columbus to voice their support for equality of opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens of Ohio.

Ohio, Progress & Faith is the first time the pro-equality faith community has come together for genuine, proactive conversations with each other and the elected leaders of the state. It is a unique event where a diverse cross-section of Ohio faith leaders will join together to ask for positive change.

The day begins at 11:00 a.m. with an opening program for the gathered participants. Featured speakers include Bishop John Selders of the United Church of Christ, Bishop Bruce R. Ough, of the United Methodist Church, Brynna Fish, Jewish Educator from Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple and Do'on Zuihan, co-founder of the Toledo Zen Center. After the program some participants will attend appointments with their legislators.

“’Ohio, Progress & Faith’ is an important event because it highlights the large number of faith leaders from across the state who are in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community,” said committee member Rev. Lynn O’Dell. "As a clergy person who is relatively new to the Ohio area, I wondered how my new Ohio congregation and other churches would be supportive of me and my partner. It has been amazing to discover just how many denominations are allies to the gay community.”

“Equality Ohio organized this event to help amplify the voices of nearly 100 Ohio clergy people who believe in fairness and equality for all Ohioans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” explained Kim Welter, Program Manager for Equality Ohio. “As an ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church, I am convinced that Christianity teaches that all people deserve to be treated fairly and deserve equality of opportunity.”

Ohio, Progress & Faith will be held in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium on Capitol Square. For more information or questions contact Kim Welter.

Equality Ohio envisions an Ohio where everyone feels at home; living in families and communities where equality, diversity and inclusiveness are universally valued; and where government protects all people and responds to their needs, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

Rep. Jon Peterson

view of faith leaders in the room

Equality Ohio Issues Statement About Prop 8 Protests

We recognize and appreciate the need for the pro-equality community to come together and express outrage and anger over the decision of California’s voters. We honor the grassroots drive to create an opportunity through which people can come together and publicly share their emotions about last week’s vote and its impact across the nation. We are certain that through local volunteer actions the planned protests will experience significant community involvement and meet their desired goals. The boards and staff of Equality Ohio have decided that this is an effort best lead by grassroots leadership across the state and Equality Ohio will continue its efforts to leverage the political progress that we also garnered Election Day to create an Ohio where everyone can feel at home.

visit http://www.jointheimpact.com/ to get involved

Equality Moves Forward in Cleveland!

Join us at Cleveland City Council on Monday, November 17, 7:00pm!

Thank you to Councilman Joe Santiago (Ward 14), Councilman Matt Zone (Ward 17) and Councilman Joe Cimperman (Ward 13) for their leadership on these issues!

A team of LGBT advocates from the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, TransFamily, Equality Ohio, Cleveland Stonewall Democrats and the ACLU of Ohio have been working with members of the Cleveland City Council to help make Cleveland a city where everyone can feel at home!

At tonight's City Council Meeting (11/10/08) a Resolution in support of a state-wide bill that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation was introduced. House Bill 502 and Senate Bill 305 was introduced by state senator Dale Miller in the 127th Ohio General Assembly. This legislation will protect all Ohioans from losing their jobs, being denied housing, or being refused public accommodations based on their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition, City Council introduced a Resolution in Support of the Observance of the Cleveland Transgender Day of Remembrance.

In August, Councilman Joe Santiago introduced an ordinance that would add gender identity to ALL discrimination language in the city record. (Ord. No. 1260-08)

At Council on Monday, 11/17, Councilman Joe Cimperman will introduce an ordinance that will create a Domestic Partner Registry at the City of Cleveland. This registry will allow a unmarried couple who live together and have an intimate relationship to register as Domestic Partners with the City of Cleveland. This registration certificate could then be presented as evidence when requesting domestic partner benefits at employers, visitation at hospitals, membership at recreational facilities and authorization to pick up children at schools.

What do we need you to do?

EMAIL, CALL, WRITE your City Council Member that represents you at HOME and/or at WORK and thank them for their support of the Resolution in Support of House Bill 502 and Senate Bill 305 and for the Resolution in Support of Transgender Day of Remembrance. Also, ask them to support the Ordinance adding Gender Identity to all discrimination language in the City Code AND ask them to support a Domestic Partner Registry at the City of Cleveland. Find your Council Member here: http://www.clevelandcitycouncil.org/Home/CouncilMembers/FindMyWard/tabid/53/Default.aspx

Come to the City Council Meeting on November 17, 2008 at 7pm. Show your support of the Cleveland City Council's efforts to make Cleveland a City that stands for Equality!

For further information or with questions, contact:

Sue Doerfer, LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, SDoerfer@lgbtcleveland.org

Jake Nash, TransFamily, transactivist@sbcglobal.net

Lynne Bowman, Equality Ohio, lynne@equalityohio.org

Keli Zehnder, Cleveland Stonewall Democrats, kelithegreat@sbcglobal.net

Carrie Davis, ACLU of Ohio, cdavis@acluohio.org

Patrick Shepherd, National Stonewall Democrats, shep@att.net

Equality Ohio Campaign Fund Celebrates 2008 Victories

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 2008

Contact:Lynne Bowman, Director, Equality Ohio Campaign Fund
614-224.0400 or contactus@eopac.org

With the support of Ohio’s LGBT and allied communities, Equality Ohio Campaign Fund (EOPAC) celebrated victories Tuesday. With 100% of precincts reporting unofficially, seven of nine candidates endorsed by EOPAC were elected.

“Our vision of a pro-equality Ohio is becoming more and more possible as we elect more fair-minded candidates,” said Lynne Bowman, director of EOPAC. “Our work as a community is changing the political landscape of Ohio.”

Candidates endorsed by EOPAC who celebrate wins include Senator Barack Obama (President), Richard Cordray (Attorney General), Marian Harris (House District 19), Nancy Garland (House District 20), John Carney (House District 22), Ted Celeste (House District 24) and Connie Pillich (House District 28).The legislative wins change Ohio’s legislature to a pro-equality majority which will help pass legislation to positively affect the lives of LGBT Ohioans. “The Equality Ohio Campaign Fund played a key role in helping these candidates win election,” said Bowman. “We know that with their leadership, Ohio’s legislature will make our state feel more like home for LGBT persons.”

As part of the organization’s activities this cycle, EOPAC led the organization and mobilization of the largest LGBT and ally canvass in Ohio’s history knocking on over 7,000 doors in support of Barack Obama (President) and Nancy Garland (HD 20).

Bowman also added "Although California's Prop 8 decision is still too close to call, our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in Florida, Arizona, and Arkansas as they deal with the emotional and legal impact of their losses following this election cycle. As Ohioans, we know from our 2004 experience how they must be feeling and we grieve with them. These states stand as a vivid reminder to us all that there is a continued need for organizations such as Equality Ohio and the work we do across our states every day. We were blessed to come out of our 2004 loss as a connected, determined and strategic statewide community committed to creating lasting, substantive change in Ohio for LGBT people and our families. We're not there yet, but we're one step closer. This year we have truly proven the incredible strength of our statewide community."

Equality Ohio Campaign Fund is in its third year as the statewide political action committee established to elect candidates who will end discrimination and support the needs of all Ohioans regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Visit Equality Ohio Campaign Fund on the web at www.eopac.org.

Yes We Did! 2008 Election Wrap-up

What an incredible day to wake up in the Buckeye State!

After months of canvassing, phone banking, donating and door knocking, the results are in and we know that for Ohio, it paid off. Senator Obama is our president-elect, and we can be proud that Ohio contributed to his success. With his leadership we look forward to seeing federal legislation enacted that will recognize, protect, and embrace the contributions of LGBT Americans.

In addition to the presidential victory, we can also celebrate significant change within our state. With 32 endorsements across the state, Equality Ohio is proud to announce an 88% win-rate for our candidates. Here are some of the highlights:

• Treasurer Richard Cordray will become Attorney General Richard Cordray. Rich’s record of support for inclusion and equality speaks for itself. In return, LGBT and allied Ohioans provided significant support to Rich in his race and we are excited to have a friend like him in the A.G.’s office.
• EO-endorsed Judge Mary Wiseman maintained her seat on the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, proving again that voters in Ohio make their decision based on who the best candidate is, rather than on the person’s sexual orientation.
• In Chillicothe, democratic challenger Ray Pryor unseated 3-term incumbent John Schlichter. During this race Schlichter’s campaign and the Ohio Republican Party sent 5 anti-gay mailers and ran 2 anti-gay radio ads against Ray. His win makes a clear statement that using support for LGBT people and our families as a wedge to scare voters will no longer work in this state. And,
• In January, the Ohio House of Representatives will have a Democratic majority. Equality Ohio endorsed in 23 Ohio House races and with some results still coming in, it appears that 22 of our candidates won. Four of these seats contributed to the change in House leadership. This gives us the real opportunity to see the Equal Housing and Employment Act finally move. We look forward to working with the next General Assembly to pass Ohio’s first ever pro-equality legislation.

Just as exciting as all of that is the way our community came together to help make those successes happen. Across the state, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and our allies played a critical role in changing the political landscape of Ohio. Over the course of the election season we all:

• Donated hundreds of thousands of dollars from individuals, Equality Ohio Campaign Fund, and HRC’s PAC;
• Knocked on almost 200,000 doors as pro-equality campaign volunteers;
• Phone-banked and canvassed nearly every night of the week for almost two months;
• And on Election Day in 87 of our 88 counties, over 5,000 LGBT and allied volunteers worked to get out the vote for pro-equality candidates.

Of course, we must recognize that this is not a day when all LGBT people are able to celebrate. Although California's Prop 8 decision is still too close to call, our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in Florida, Arizona, and Arkansas as they deal with the emotional and legal impact of their losses. As Ohioans, we know from our 2004 experience how they must be feeling today and we grieve with them. These states stand as a vivid reminder to us all that there is a continued need for organizations such as Equality Ohio and the work we do across the state everyday.

We were blessed to come out of our 2004 loss as a connected, determined and strategic statewide community committed to creating lasting, substantive change in Ohio for LGBT people and our families. We’re not there yet, but as of yesterday we’re one step closer. We showed in 2006 that we could do great things when we worked together. This year we have truly proven the incredible strength of our statewide community.

So take today, tomorrow, the whole week and celebrate. But know that we must be prepared to continue to work. The road ahead of us will not necessarily be easy; nothing will be handed to us. We must remain focused and committed to creating change. We will have amazing opportunities in the years ahead.

On behalf of the boards and staff of Equality Ohio, thank you for all that you did and will continue to do to see equality in this state. We look forward to continuing our work with you to create an Ohio where everyone can feel at home.

Sincerely,

Lynne Bowman

Executive Director

Equality Ohio Denounces Vandalism of Church Sign

Equality Ohio would like to extend its sympathy to Havens Corners Church in Blacklick, Ohio, whose message board was vandalized last Saturday night. We offered our assistance with cleaning their message board. We do not condone this type of behaivor.

Havens Corners Church in Blacklick, Ohio doesn’t speak for all faith communities in Ohio

Many religious and/or spiritual gay and transgender people are looking for spiritual homes in Ohio – Havens Corners obviously is not the place for them. The message on Havens Corners’ outdoor sign clearly indicates that gay and transgender people are not welcome there.

Equality Ohio is in the middle of a project collecting a list of welcoming and affirming faith communities around the state. The list is already over 300. We are actively working with faith communities who are interested in becoming welcoming and affirming and look forward to working with these faith communities to create an Ohio where everyone feels at home.

Want to be on the list? Want to know if your church is on the list? Contact Kim at kim@equalityohio.org

*Check out the press coverage*

Dispatch Article

Coshocton Tribune - Picks up Associated Press Story

Watch Kim Welter on Fox Cleveland Channel 8

Watch Kim Welter on NBC 4i in Columbus - Scroll down the list of watchable movies to find the one about this sign.

Equality Ohio launches digital stories on YouTube!

Equality Ohio recently launched 9 digital stories of pro-equality persons from across the state of Ohio.



To check out our other 8 stories visit http://www.youtube.com/user/equalityohio/

Equality Federation Conference covered in GPC

Equality Ohio and Equality Federation Staff

August 15, 2008


Little-known but influential group has Columbus conclave
by Eric Resnick

Columbus--One of the least commonly known but most influential organizations of the LGBT movement held its summer meeting in Columbus earlier this month.

This was the second time the 11-year-old Equality Federation had its annual conclave in Ohio. Ten years ago, a small group, including one of its founders, Mo Baxley of New Hampshire, gathered in some dormitory rooms at Ohio State University.

This year’s event was held at the Columbus Convention Center.

Throughout the four days from August 6 to 10, more than 120 LGBT activists from 34 state organizations and 21 allied groups were represented, making it the largest gathering of leaders of the LGBT movement.

http://www.gaypeopleschronicle.com/stories08/august/0815082.htm

Equality Ohio endorsements make the GPC

August 15, 2008

Equality Ohio endorses six Statehouse candidates

by Eric Resnick

Columbus--Equality Ohio announced its first round of endorsements for Statehouse races after its July board meeting.

Five Ohio House candidates and a Senate one got the nod, and more may come.

In making the recommendations, the group gave strong consideration to candidates’ support of the Equal Housing and Employment Non-Discrimination Act, now in the legislature.

In the Ohio Senate, they endorsed Danielle Blue, a Democrat hoping to represent the 16th District, which encompasses suburbs to the west and south of Columbus.

http://www.gaypeopleschronicle.com/stories08/august/0815085.htm