Rallies in support of transgender civil rights pop up across Ohio

Ohioans across the state are planning rallies in support of civil rights for transgender people – including one outside the Ohio Statehouse next month.

The rallies follow last week’s abrupt rule-change by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) preventing transgender Ohioans from altering the gender markers on their drivers licenses and state IDs.

Previously, the BMV offered a form allowing Ohioans to change the gender marker on their drivers licenses or state IDs by providing a letter from a doctor or mental health professional. Under the new rule, Ohioans must now submit an amended birth certificate issued by the Ohio Department of Health in order to change the gender marker on their driver’s license, identification card or driving record.

Further, organizers of a rally outside the Ohio Statehouse pointed to growing anger over Ohio’s contentious gubernatorial race – including anti-transgender comments made by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton during a recent interview with The Toledo Blade.

“Both candidates for Ohio governor endorse transphobic legislation, and the Ohio BMV just effectively banned gender marker changes on IDs,” one flyer reads. “Things feel bleak. We are responding the only way we can: a trans rights rally.”

Ohio 50501 – the statewide chapter of national grassroots 50501 Movement – has partnered with organizer Finn Kitchen to host a “Not Your Scapegoat” rally on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. outside the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.

In Dayton, demonstrators will rally on Saturday, Aug 29, where they will meet at 10 a.m. at Dayton Metro Library’s main branch location.

There, demonstrators will create signs, followed by a group march to nearby Courthouse Square at 12:30 p.m.

Trans Unity Coalition will host a rally at Courthouse Square from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. – alongside Gem City Action, PFLAG Dayton, TransHearts and Closet TRANSformation.

“Rally with us,” the flyer reads. “Protect trans futures. Build a safer Ohio for us all.” 🔥

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To learn more about Ohio 50501, click here.
If you are a young LGBTQ+ person in crisis, please contact the Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor.
If you are an transgender adult in need of immediate help, contact the National Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860