Survey gives priorities to new statewide group
by Andrea L. Wood
Equality Ohio is a new and growing organization focused on the most critical issues facing LGBT Ohioans. Fueled by the passage of Issue 1 last November, grassroots activists, organizational leaders and business representatives from around Ohio began coming together to form a new statewide coalition that has become known as Equality Ohio.
To date, there are over 100 coalition partners from diverse areas of the state such as Wooster, Athens, Youngstown, Yellow Springs and Toledo, as well as Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati.
This past spring the coalition launched a web-based survey to find out how a statewide organization might help make Ohio feel more like a welcoming home for LGBT people and their families. Over 1,100 Ohioans took the Equality Ohio Community Survey online to tell the coalition the most pressing issues they face as citizens of the Buckeye State. Here are summary results:
Respondents were: Gay (73%) Straight (23%)
Transgender or intersex (3%)
Respondents were willing to: Stay informed on the issues (39%) Volunteer or give time (37%) Donate money (19%)
The most significant issues impacting LGBT Ohioans:
1. Equal marriage or civil unions 2. Equality in general 3. Passage of Issue One 4. Equal employment
5. Hate crime/discrimination
The primary function of a statewide LGBT equal rights group
should be:
1. Community education 2. Lobbying state politicians 3.Establishing an out-front public presence
4. Provide a clearinghouse of information These survey results and all input from the community will inform the priorities and strat-
egy
Visit
of Equality Ohio. www.equalityohio.org to join the mailing list or to contact Equality Ohio organizers. Did you miss the Community Survey? You can still take it online today. Visit www.equalityohio.org to take the commu-
nity survey.
At an April 23 meeting in Columbus, a vision statement was adopted: "We envision an Ohio where everyone feels at home; living in families and communities where equality, diversity and inclusiveness are universally valued; and where government protects all people and responds to their needs, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.”
For more information www.equalityohio.org info@equalityohio.org.
or
visit
Andrea L. Wood is the webmaster for Equality Ohio.
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