6 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE July 3, 2009

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Cleveland Families Count dissolves, forms new Equality Coalition

by Sue Doerfer

Cleveland-After Cleveland Families Count achieved the goal of the organization-protecting the Domestic Partner Registry at the city of Cleveland-the political action committee dissolved and formed the Cleveland Equality Coalition.

The Cleveland Equality Coalition was formed to continue to work on issues that affect the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community as well as other oppressed groups such as racial minorities.

The Coalition currently is a collaboration of the Cleveland LGBT Center, ACLU of Ohio, Asé in our Hands Coalition, Cleveland Stonewall Democrats, Councilor Joe Cimperman, Equality Ohio, Feelgoode.com, NAACP Cleveland, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Cleveland Pride, Trans Family and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.

In December 2008, Cleveland City Council passed an ordinance that created a domestic partner registry. This registry allows unmarried couples to register with the city, stating publicly that they are in a committed relationship.

Shortly after the ordinance passed, a group formed with the intent of repealing the registry. Cleveland Families Count formed to protect the registry from a potential ballot initiative.

Cleveland Families Count subsequently initiated a dialogue with leaders of the Cleveland African American community,

including NAACP Cleveland executive director Stanley Miller, and board president George Forbes. These conversations led to an unprecedented collaboration between the two organizations.

Working together towards equality for all people, opposition soon quieted.

"The registry is passed. It's not going to be undone," said Cleveland NAACP president George Forbes, as quoted in the Gay People's Chronicle, after two meetings with representatives from Cleveland Families Count Cleveland LGBT Center director Sue Doerfer, Lynne Bowman of Equality Ohio Leslye Huff of Asé in our Hands Coalition Kevin Calhoun of People of All Colors Together; Sherry Bowman of Feelgood.com and Asé in our Hands Coalition and Cleveland City Councilor Joe Cimperman.

After the celebration was held on the steps of Cleveland City Hall on May 7 for the opening day of the domestic partner registry in Cleveland, it became clear that the registry would stand as law for the city and that "defending" the registry would not be necessary. The political action committee-Cleveland Families Count--had completed its overall goal.

With approximately $700, the group decided to split the remaining funds into two equal contributions for Ask Cleveland and Cleveland Stonewall Democrats.

After an ordinance to add discrimination protection for transgendered individuals

was introduced in August of 2008 by Councilor Joe Santiago, organizations involved with the Cleveland Equality Coalition have been working closely with the Cleveland Law Department to work on cost and functional issues related to the implications of this ordinance.

The Cleveland Equality Coalition and Councilor Cimperman are also working together to host the first ever "LGBT Heritage Day" at City Hall in October. Policy issues also being addressed by the coalition include domestic partner benefits for city employees, civil and criminal consequences for violation of employment and housing discrimination laws, as well as reviewing codes related to city contracts.

Cleveland Equality Coalition is a group of individuals and organizations that has formed with the goal of creating, fostering and maintaining collaboration between the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and other oppressed groups. The coalition will work together with a shared vision of Cleveland as a truly welcoming and inclusive city.

For more information or to join the Cleveland Equality Coalition, please Sue Doerfer at 216-65-5428 ext. 12 or sdoerfer @lgbtcleveland.org.

Sue Doerfer is the executive director of the Cleveland LGBT Center.

Network has two summer events

by Jan Held

Cleveland-Summer! Time for picnics and water fun, and the Cleveland Women's Network understands both very well.

So, come to, the Network's upcoming July and August events. They promise good food, fun, and surprises, not to mention great networking opportunities as befits the organization's name.

Get your lawn chairs and games in order for the annual Membership Appreciation Picnic on Saturday, July 11 from noon 7 pm, taking place at a new location this year, a shelter in the Rocky River Reservation.

There will be a 50/50 raffle, prizes for the winners of lawn games, and much more. It's almost the best fun you'll have all summer,

See our web site for meeting times and links

because on Saturday, August 1, from 4 pm until the wee hours, one of the Network's members will be hosting another annual event, a beach party at her home in Sheffield Lake. Beach shoes are recommended, fishing is permitted, and beach toys are encouraged. Toasting s'mores and singing around a bonfire will end the evening.

For both events, the Network will be supplying regular and veggie burgers, hot dogs and condiments, as well as pop and water. Chicken will be on the menu at the Beach Party. You'll be bringing the sides and desserts. Grilling will be from 12-3 pm at the Appreciation Picnic, from 4-7 pm at the Beach Party.

Both events are free to members, $10 for non members; membership applications will be available at the events as well as on

www.clevelandwomensnetwork.org. Paying prior to or at the event will eliminate your $10 fee.

RSVP dates are July 8 for the Membership Picnic and July 29 for the Beach Party. Call 440-962-3662 and leave your name, phone number and e-mail. If you are bringing guests, please supply her name and phone number if we cannot reach you in case of cancellation or change of plans. The (heavy) rain date for the Beach Party is August 2 and will it will begin at 3 p/m.

So, brush up on your corn holing and lawn darts, give us a call, and we'll see you ✓

soon.

Jan Held is the president of the Cleveland Women's Network.

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