In the wake of a series of anti-trans legislation, executive orders and proposed rules to restrict the lived experience of Ohio’s trans community, TransOhio, the state’s only statewide trans-led organization, is urgently appealing to the public and other organizations for support.
Recent anti-trans attacks from Ohio Republicans include:
- HB 68, a bill that now bans gender-affirming care for trans youth and bans trans girls and women from participating in sports teams, which recently was upheld following a legal battle.
- A series of executive orders aimed at restricting gender-affirming care.
- A proposed set of administrative rules that could restrict access to healthcare for transgender adults.
“It’s appalling living in a state where the Governor and many members of our legislature don’t think my life and the lives of other trans Ohioans matter,” said Dara Adkison, executive director of TransOhio, at a virtual press conference in January. “This is a direct and cruel attempt to cripple medical care for both trans youth and adults across the state. To my fellow trans Ohioans, you’re not alone and we’re going to deal with this together.”
In response to the immediate crisis faced by trans youth and families across Ohio, TransOhio launched an Emergency Fund in January to provide essential support and resources. Since its launch, the fund has provided financial assistance for families facing crises such as lack of access to gender-affirming care, relocation costs, and other essential resources. And there’s no plan to stop anytime soon.
“The Emergency Fund is here to stay for the foreseeable future,” Adkison said. “We’ve been giving out grants every week since we launched it.”
Highlights from the fund’s initial success include:
- $20,000 in micro grant funds over the past six months.
- 500+ trans adults & families of trans children helped with access to healthcare.
- 800+ people connected with additional resources and community.
The organization’s leadership highlighted the resilience of the trans community and the importance of creating a safety net for those navigating the challenges brought forth by government-sponsored attacks on Ohio’s trans community.
“TransOhio is committed to supporting those impacted by this harmful legislation, and we urgently call on the public and fellow organizations to join us in this crucial effort,” said James Knapp, board chair of TransOhio. 🔥
This piece was updated to reflect updates regarding legal battles surrounding HB 68.
IGNITE ACTION
- To learn more about TransOhio’s emergency relocation fund, click here.
Know an LGBTQ+ Ohio story we should cover? TELL US!
Submit a story!
