Cleveland Gender Freedom Policy needs 5,000+ signatures

The Cleveland chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has launched a petition drive to place a proposed ordinance on the Cleveland City Council’s agenda that would enshrine rights and protections for local trans community members.

The wide-ranging set of protections pits home-rule – the state policy added in the 1920s to grant power to local municipalities – squarely against the power of the state with regards to protections of trans people living and working in Cleveland, including drag performers whose performances have been targeted by Ohio legislators.

“We want to create a movement of trans liberation here in Cleveland,” said DSA organizer Char B. The Buckeye Flame has agreed to omit surnames based on fears of retaliation.

If passed, the Cleveland Gender Freedom Policy would decree 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 Cleveland, 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 Cleveland 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.”

Organizers need to collect 5,000 signatures of Cleveland residents to place the ordinance on a City Council agenda, but are aiming to get 7,000 as a buffer.

“We want to make sure that folks like the council chair can’t choose not to introduce this legislation,” said DSA organizer Ary C.

A spokesperson for the city of Cleveland was not able to provide a comment for this article as he said the city did not have a copy of the petition’s language.

Like Lakewood

Cleveland’s DSA spearheaded a campaign in Lakewood to pass an identical Gender Freedom Policy, which Lakewood City Council unanimously approved in October 2024.

Lakewood, the ‘unofficial gay capital of Ohio,’ unanimously passes Gender Freedom Policy

According to the petition’s text, the DSA proposed the ordinance in response to attacks from the federal and state governments. The petition cites the Trump administration’s two-sexes executive order, the administration’s attempts to remove certain gender markers and curtail investigating gender identity-based discrimination and Ohio Republicans overriding Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto of HB 68 in 2024.

The petition also cites the Human Rights Campaign, Advocates for Trans Equality and the National LGBTQ Taskforce, which all present statistics showing how trans people are disproportionately unemployed and victims of violence and discrimination.

DSA representatives say the Cleveland ordinance is a priority of their organization dedicated to progressive movements for social change.

“In order to build class consciousness and to build a strong, united working class, we have to address every area of oppression that could affect any part of the working class, so that we can all come together and basically break those chains,” said Char B. “And that certainly includes trans liberation.”

Organizers say that the Gender Freedom Policy is a big step towards reaching that goal of liberation.

“The best way to show your support is to come find us at Pride and sign the petition,” said Char B.🔥