The City Council of Lakewood unanimously passed a “Gender Freedom Policy” on Monday, broadly committing to “enshrining and upholding transgender rights” in response to attacks on transgender rights both in Ohio and nationally.
Specifically, the Gender Freedom Policy pledges that:
- No city resources will be used for “detaining or investigating persons for solely seeking or providing gender-affirming care.”
- No city resources will be used for “cooperating with or providing information to any individual, in- or out-of-state agency or department” on gender-affirming healthcare or gender-affirming mental healthcare performed in Lakewood, a response to reports of the U.S. Department of Justice asking hospitals to turn over “sensitive information about transgender patients younger than 19.”
- Investigations of individuals, organizations and businesses performing or hosting drag performances or non-obscene entertainment involving gender identity or expression will be the “lowest possible priority.”
- Investigations of individuals, organizations and healthcare providers in Lakewood facilitating gender-affirming care will be the “lowest possible priority.”
- Facilitation of other policies and laws aimed to harm transgender and gender-diverse people will be the “lowest possible priority.”
- City employees will be trained to protect confidential health information and not collect unnecessary health information related to gender-affirming care.
- The city will continue to provide medical coverage for employees and covered family members who seek gender-affirming care, “even if such care must legally be provided outside the State of Ohio.”
The policy had been previously introduced by Council President Sarah Kepple and Councilmember Cindy Strebig.
“We must act to protect Lakewoodites with every means possible,” Strebig said at Monday’s meeting. “Deprioritizing police investigations, protecting performers and entertainers, keeping private healthcare information secure and [making healthcare] available to city employees even if they have to travel out of state is critical.”
Voices of support
Several members of the local Lakewood community spoke up during the meeting in support of the policy.
AJ, who described themself as a “proud Lakewood transplant” and a “recently out trans person,” said the policy provided them with reassurance and hope that their dream of one day becoming a drag performer is possible in a city that “welcomes and protects this art form.”
“Lakewood is more than just a city,” AJ said. “It’s the unofficial gay capital of Ohio.”
Teri Knapp, a teacher at Harding Middle School in Lakewood and advisor to the school’s Pride Club, thanked council for setting an example that youth could witness firsthand.
“They hear what’s happening here loud and clear,” Knapp said.
Several members of the middle school Pride Club were in attendance and expressed thanks to the Board during the public participation portion of the meeting.
Policy origins
In her remarks, Kepple thanked the Cleveland chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (Cleveland DSA) for their “support and encouragement” on the policy.
At their January 2025 general meeting, members of Cleveland DSA voted to focus on a project centering on transgender liberation. This “priority project” included enacting legislation in both Lakewood and Cleveland to designate the municipalities as “a sanctuary city for trans people.”
At Monday’s meeting, Ashley Lubecky of DSA Cleveland outlined how Lakewood’s policy was the culmination of much work by members of the organization, including policy research and the collection of signatures of support. Still, Lubecki cautioned that “this isn’t the end.”
“Trans rights unfortunately will still be under attack in this nation and it will be up to [all of us] to protect all of our neighbors and push back against injustice,” Lubecki said.
Kepple said that other municipalities have already reached out to Lakewood officials for advice and support on how to replicate the Gender Freedom Policy. 🔥
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