Equality Ohio rolls out statewide plan amid mounting LGBTQ+ challenges
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Equality Ohio has unveiled its new strategic plan aimed at addressing the needs of Ohio's LGBTQ+ community.
Why it matters: The statewide advocacy group's "Roadmap Back to Equality" for the next three years arrives during a period of heightened turmoil for LGBTQ+ people driven by the Trump administration's efforts to stymie diversity, equity and inclusion gains.
State of play: Equality Ohio's plan includes passing "equality measures" in 30 municipalities located in counties that do not currently have them on the books by 2029.
- The plan strives for no LGBTQ+ person to be more than 45 minutes from a "queer haven" — a county with at least one nondiscrimination ordinance or equality measure in place.
Between the lines: Another priority is diversifying Equality Ohio's revenue streams.
- Increased revenue would partly go toward growing the organization's Legal Clinic, which provides free services to LGBTQ+ members affected by state laws.
What they're saying: "As we look toward our future, we must become more strategic and even more resourceful," CEO Dwayne Steward said during his 2026 address.
- "We have restructured and built a new strategy that will allow us to weather this ongoing storm."
The big picture: The Trump administration began 2025 by signing an executive order that the federal government would only recognize two sexes, male and female.
- The administration continued targeting LGBTQ+ efforts during Pride Month last June, including having the FBI request public tips on hospitals, clinics or practitioners performing gender-affirming surgeries to youth.
Zoom in: Ohio lawmakers have also introduced several anti-LGBTQ bills, including House Bill 249, which would ban drag performers from performing anywhere other than designated adult entertainment facilities.
- There's also House Bill 196, which would require political candidates (including those who are transgender) to list their former names on candidacy petitions.
The other side: There have also been several pro-LGBTQ+ bills proposed, most notably Senate Bill 70, aka the Ohio Fairness Act, that would expand anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
- The bill's primary sponsor is Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood), the Ohio Senate's first openly gay minority leader.