Equality Ohio
 | |
| Founded | 1 March 2005 |
|---|---|
| Legal status | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization |
| Focus | LGBTQ rights |
| Headquarters | Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Alana Jochum | |
Deputy Director | Siobhan Boyd Nelson |
Revenue (2020) | US$1,878,720[1] |
| Expenses (2020) | US$1,350,944[1] |
Employees (2023) | 15 |
| Website | equalityohio |
Equality Ohio is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) equality in Ohio.[2] The organization is a member of the Equality Federation.[3]
Since its founding, Equality Ohio has concurrently operated under two separate nonprofit tax identification numbers – one for Equality Ohio and another for the Equality Ohio Education Fund.[1] The latter of these retains most of the funding for the organization.[1]
History
[edit]Equality Ohio was founded in 2005 following the passage of Ohio Issue 1, which banned state recognition of same-sex relationships.[4][5]
Leadership transitions
[edit]In its twenty-year history, Equality Ohio has had several executive directors. The organization's first executive director, Lynne Bowman, was one of its founders, and she served as its executive director for over 5 years. Following this, Sue Doerfer became executive director in December 2009, but she announced her resignation in late 2010.[6] Doerfer was replaced by Ed Mullen, who was a former candidate for Illinois State Representative and civil rights lawyer from Chicago,[7][8] and Mullen served in this role for nearly two years. In 2012, the organization hired its fourth executive director, Elyzabeth Joy Holford,[9] and Holford left the role to return to California in 2015.[10] Following this, Alana Jochum was named the executive director in 2015.[10] Throughout its history, the organization has never been led by a transgender person or a person of color.[citation needed]
Legislative priorities
[edit]In the early 2010s, Equality Ohio focused on advancing state legislation to prohibit employment discrimination or housing discrimination based on sexual orientation.[11] During this period, the organization was also focused on the Equal Housing and Employment Act (HB 335/SB 231) and enumeration of the safe schools legislation, which was passed in January 2012. Following this, Equality Ohio focused on marriage equality.[citation needed]
Given opposition in the state legislature, Equality Ohio endorsed the Citizens Not Politicians campaign for the 2024 Issue 1 ballot initiative against gerrymandering.[12]
Labor union creation
[edit]In fall 2022, the organization announced that its employees had elected to form a labor union. The leadership of the organization agreed to voluntarily recognize the labor union, Equality Ohio Workers United.[13]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Equality Ohio". ProPublica. 10 November 2021. Archived from the original on 14 July 2023. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
- ^ Aaron Marshall (30 July 2009). "Ohio House bill targets discrimination against gays, transgender people". The Plain Dealer. Archived from the original on 12 October 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2010.
- ^ "Member Organizations". Equality Federation. Retrieved 14 January 2014.
- ^ Glassman, Anthony (11 March 2005). "Out of Issue 1, a new statewide group is born". Gay People's Chronicle. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
- ^ "History". Equality Ohio. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
- ^ "Equality Ohio hires new chief". Business First. 3 December 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2010.
- ^ Crump, Sarah (15 August 2010). "Equality Ohio director loves what city's neighborhoods have to offer: My Cleveland". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved 26 November 2010.
- ^ Anthony Glassman (19 November 2010). "Sue Doerfer resigns Equality Ohio post". Gay People's Chronicle. Retrieved 26 November 2010.
- ^ "Equality Ohio Hires Its Fourth Director". Yes. On Top Magazine. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
- ^ a b "Equality Ohio Director Elyzabeth Holford ends short stay in Ohio". The Columbus Dispatch. 28 July 2015. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
- ^ Siegel, Jim (15 September 2009). "Gay-rights bill passes Ohio House". Columbus Dispatch. Archived from the original on 24 July 2012. Retrieved 9 November 2009.
- ^ "Endorsements – Yes on Issue 1 » Citizens Not Politicians". Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ "Equality Ohio Announces Formation of Historic Worker Union". 12 September 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
