To my fellow LGBTQ+ Ohioans: It’s time to step up and run for office.

By Connor Moreton

When I decided to run for St. Bernard Village Council, I knew one thing for certain: my campaign would be centered around who I am.

I made a conscious decision to not hide my sexual orientation during my campaign because I knew my authenticity represented something larger than myself. I wanted folks to witness that the LGBTQ+ lived experience cultivates compassionate leaders ready to rise to the occasion. I also wished to show my LGBTQ+ community that we belong at the decision-making tables in our local governments – especially, but not exclusively, to discuss legislation about our rights.

I was fortunate enough to be connected with now-former Cincinnati City Councilman Reggie Harris, who made history as the first out gay Black man elected in Cincinnati. His mentorship was invaluable, but it also reminded me of just how much more work we have ahead to ensure LGBTQ+ people have seats at the table. We need more voices like his – authentic, fearless, and prepared to challenge the status quo. 

Though unafraid, Reggie made me aware of an important caution and affirmation: Running as an out candidate has risk, but it is outweighed by reward.

Considering Reggie’s advice, I was hyper-aware of my safety throughout my campaign. Although I did not experience overt homophobia, the fear still existed. Would my volunteers face threats simply for supporting me? Will my publicly available address be found by violent extremists who intend to hurt my family? 

These sorts of nightmares happen to progressive candidates of all sorts of identities. It’s no secret that LGBTQ+ people face discrimination and harassment simply for choosing to run for office. While it is a scary thought, we cannot let this fear stop us from taking the space we deserve. Our perspective is valuable and our skillset is unique. I often share my strong belief that queer folks are amazing for many reasons, but we are especially skilled at building community and bravely solving problems. We as a community must leverage that bravery in the fight for progress.

The truth is, LGBTQ+ folks deserve to be at the table where decisions are made. Our lives, our experiences and our rights are constantly used as political talking points. We cannot afford to stand by while others make decisions for us. It’s time for us to stand up, take our seats and make clear to our neighbors – and ourselves – that we will relentlessly fight for our right to be heard.

This battle is not just for our own seats at the table. We’re fighting to ensure that future LGBTQ+ leaders won’t have to fight for respect. I am proud to be the first out queer elected official in my municipality, but my purpose is to lay the groundwork for the second, the third and the 100th. I no longer fear the opposition; I worry that the next generation of queer leaders will still be considered trailblazers solely for their queerness.

So, to my fellow LGBTQ+ Ohioans, it’s time to step up and run for office. Go pull petitions today. Make your campaign social media accounts. Reach out to me and other queer folks in leadership.

We are ready and excited to run through that finish line with you. 🔥

Connor Moreton currently serves on the St. Bernard Village Council. In 2023, Connor became the first out LGBTQ+ individual elected to the council. Learn more about Connor by visiting his Facebook page here or Instagram here.

IGNITE ACTION

• The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute provides a wide range of resources, training and support for individuals thinking about running for office. More info here.
• To check your voter eligibility status in the state of Ohio, click here.