Scroll To Top

Ohio

News from within the borders of Ohio and the fight for LGBT equality there. Learn more about past and present obstacles toward achieving equality in Ohio, including hate crimes law, transgender rights, adoption, and other rights denied to same-sex couples and LGBT people. Learn about individuals--activists, politicians, and allies--who have helped us make strides toward equality. We also cover the campaigns of groups opposed to marriage equality and explore how gay marriage is covered in mainstream media. We stay on top of developments so that you can stay informed about this issue.

Jon Husted JD Vance
Politics

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to replace JD Vance in the U.S. Senate

The Republican's LGBTQ+ rights record is not great.

Small shelf featuring LGBTQIA books​
News

Ohio teacher suspended for LGBTQ+ books in her classroom sues school district

An Ohio elementary teacher is flipping the script and using her religious beliefs against conservatives to support LGBTQ+ rights.

Columbus Ohio Abortion Rally in front of the State House
News

Ohio's six-week abortion ban permanently struck down as judge upholds referendum

"The State of Ohio seeks not to uphold the constitutional protection of abortion rights, but to diminish and limit it," Judge Christian Jenkins wrote.

Patrons watch vice presidential debate between Republican candidate JD Vance Democratic candidate Tim Walz Union Pub Capitol Hill October 2024
Election

VP debate ignores Republican attacks on transgender people

Republicans would have you believe transgender people present an existential threat to Americans. Why were they ignored in the debate?

Former US President Donald Trump republican US Senator JD Vance 2022 campaign rally Dayton International Airport Vandalia Ohio
Election

5 takeaways from the leaked JD Vance dossier scandal you should know

The document lays out many of the Republican Ohio senator’s vulnerabilities.

Haitian migrants at the mexico border seeking asylum wait in line for their long awaited CBP One app appointments
Election

JD Vance now says Haitian immigrants are spreading HIV after bizarre pet-eating claim flops

Donald Trump’s campaign is just going with unfettered racism now along with stoking fear and discrimination against those living with HIV.

Running back TreVeyon Henderson holding and US Vice President JD Vance dropping the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy white house washington DC
Politics

JD 'Just Drop It' Vance fumbled a college football trophy, and the internet has memes

The vice president is being widely mocked online (again) after fumbling the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
Politics

Ohio enacts 'shameful' 'Don't Say Gay' bill as Gov. Mike DeWine signs

Activists say the so-called "Parents' Bill of Rights" will "make schools less safe for LGBTQ+ students."

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
Politics

Ohio Gov. DeWine signs anti-trans school bathroom law

The Buckeye State becomes the 11th state restricting trans bathroom rights.

nazis proudly walking down the streets of columbus ohio 2024 Ohio governor Mike DeWine speaks to the press
News

Neo-Nazi march alarms Ohio leaders: 'The President-elect has emboldened these creeps'

A group of about a dozen Neo-Nazis marched in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, wearing red and black masks over their faces while carrying banners with swastikas.

Rachel Maddow MSNBC news host JD Vance Donald Trump campaign rally Atlanta GA
Election

Rachel Maddow exposes JD Vance’s endorsement of pro-dictator 'late republic' movement

She said she struggled with the decision to report on it, but with the vice-presidential debate ahead she felt she had to.

Pete Buttigieg JD Vance Donald Trump
Election

Pete Buttigieg explains Donald Trump and JD Vance's racist, false pet-eating claims

The gay former mayor of South Bend and former presidential candidate has the Trump-Vance ticket figured out.

Waynesville, Ohio
News

A gay man was the only applicant for a town council seat. He lost anyway — because of his sexuality

An Ohio man was denied a position on his village's council despite being the only applicant, and the council president's reasoning was pretty blatant.

female male toilet sign with arrow alongside entrance to University of Cincinnati campus
Transgender

University of Cincinnati removes 'biological' bathroom signs, wasting $16K

Maintenance staff had to put up then take down 117 signs across campus, bringing the total cost of labor and materials to $16,000.

Nic Talbott
News

Meet the transgender Army lieutenant who is challenging Donald Trump's military ban

Nicolas Talbott has spent more than a decade preparing to be the best soldier he could be. He's now one of several trans military service members who are suing the Trump administration.

Lancaster Ohio voter places ballot in drop box outside Board of Elections Office
Politics

Ohio changes election forms to protect transgender political candidates

Vanessa Joy, a trans woman, was disqualified as a candidate for the state legislature because she didn't know of the prior name requirement.

birth certificate with transgender shadow concept
News

Ohio Supreme Court punts on transgender people changing their birth certificates

Experts hold little hope for trans individuals attempting to change their gender markers in the red state.

group gay men laughing
Election

JD Vance fantasizes that Donald Trump’s got the 'normal gay guy' vote

As the Human Rights Campaign said, “JD, no. Not even close.”

True
Stonewall LGBTQ Pride Festival Columbus Ohio Parade 2023 participants holding signs protect trans youth god is love
Politics

Republicans and Democrats are split on transgender rights — and it's impacting swing states

Ohio's voters largely oppose protections for trans people. And yes, Ohio's voters are largely Republican.

Marchers Stonewall Columbus Ohio Pride parade second largest LGBTQ festival in the Midwest nearby town Grove City baseball shaped water tower
News

Neo-Nazis try (and fail) to crash Ohio Pride festival

The Pride in Grove City festival was interrupted Saturday when a group of about a dozen protestors wearing masks and carrying swastika banners arrived.