@brandonwest01.bsky.social's push to ban "conversion therapy" across Ohio continues.

Last night, @cuyahogacouncil.bsky.social voted to become the state's first to prohibit the anti-LGBTQ+ practices countywide. bit.ly/45WoHWo

Amy Sherald’s cover for this week’s issue, “Trans Forming Liberty,” is a portrait of the trans model and performance artist Arewà Basit. When the National Portrait Gallery seemed hesitant to display it, Sherald cancelled her exhibition there. nyer.cm/XFwJ6ZH

An honor to sit down w/ @kelleyjrobinson.bsky.social as @hrc.org kicked off its national tour in Columbus and announced an upcoming web series.

"In Ohio, we can tell the story of the harms [LGBTQ+] people are experiencing, but also the hope," she told me. Read the story: bit.ly/45kizpq

This week on "Out in Ohio," @nbc4i.com's LGBTQ+ show:

@brandonwest01.bsky.social, Robert Schleper from @cuyahogacouncil.bsky.social and attorney Sarah Kolick join me to discuss their push to ban anti-LGBTQ+ "conversion therapy" across Ohio cities and counties. bit.ly/4lUgeZk

📰 I’m honored to be featured in NBC4i’s @davidrees.bsky.social latest “Out in Ohio” piece alongside Sarah & Councilman Schleper, sharing our work to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy across Ohio.

Grateful for every voice helping us protect LGBTQIA+ youth. 💛🏳️‍🌈

www.nbc4i.com/news/local-n...

Could Ohioans vote on gay marriage in 2026?

@anitamd.bsky.social's 'Marriage Equality Act' would place an amendment on the ballot to codify same-sex marriage.

'I have so many friends, family members who are so scared they are gonna lose their legal marriage rights.'

A letter signed by several Ohio mayors calls on more cities to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy.

The effort, lead by @brandonwest01.bsky.social, "sends a clear message that every person deserves to be affirmed for who they are." www.nbc4i.com/news/local-n...

Historical markers honoring Akron's LGBTQ+ enclave and a storied Cincinnati bookstore were nearing installation when the $250k Ohio grant funding the project was canceled by DOGE. bit.ly/44vCDGk

Gov. Mike DeWine disagrees w/ advocates who say there's "an anti-LGBTQ+ climate" in Ohio.

"This should be a welcoming state," DeWine said. "We want everybody to come to Ohio." bit.ly/4lbGOgw

For a month, seven people held Sam Nordquist captive in a small hotel room, torturing him to death, authorities say. How did it go on in secret?

This week, I traveled upstate to try and figure it all out.

www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...

While an increasing number of Ohio cities are banning anti-LGBTQ+ practices known as conversion therapy, Statehouse lawmakers have revived a bill to prohibit the practices statewide.

But, like another proposal reintroduced to ban LGBTQ+ discrimination, the bill has lost GOP support. bit.ly/3D9eFWs

Lawmakers in at least nine states have introduced measures to try to chip away at same-sex couples’ right to marry.

An Ohio bill to ban LGBTQ+ discrimination that was previously bipartisan has been reintroduced for the 12th time, but w/o GOP support.

"How do you face [LGBTQ] people and not support them having equal rights?" bit.ly/3D8R1cp

Westerville City Council voted 5-2 on Tuesday to become the 13th Ohio city to ban anti-LGBTQ+ practices known as "conversion therapy."

The techniques have been discredited by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association and more, the ordinance notes. bit.ly/439tEKe

While the Trump administration is directing the federal workforce to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, several Columbus-area municipalities say they're sticking by their programs. bit.ly/42TYrKZ

Westerville could soon join 12 other Ohio cities in banning anti-LGBTQ+ techniques known as "conversion therapy."

"As our LGBTQIA+ population continues to be attacked... it would be in our best interest as the keepers of all our residents to make sure that we protect everyone." bit.ly/4juRSEJ

An Ohio State scholarship for small-town LGBTQ+ students is under review in the wake of SCOTUS' affirmative action reversal.

This expands OSU's previously confirmed review of race-based awards to now include those tailored to other protected classes. | bit.ly/3WeWxjV

Fmr. Statehouse candidate @ari4ohio.bsky.social was sworn in on Monday as Ohio's first openly trans city council member, per @lgbtqvictoryfund.bsky.social.

"I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work." | bit.ly/42eEqie

A crisis hotline run by @rainbowyouth.bsky.social received a surge in calls from LGBTQ+ youth in Ohio after Gov. DeWine signed H.B. 8, a bill opponents say will result in "outing" students.

"H.B. 8 sends the harmful message that there is something 'wrong' with LGBTQI+ youth." | bit.ly/42azEC4

"Neither the school nor the parent group got things entirely right," says @acluohio.bsky.social of the case against a central Ohio school district sued for anti-bullying policies protecting LGBTQ+ students. | bit.ly/4h7mmdW

An Ohio school district will pay $450,000 to a middle school teacher who resigned for refusing to address two transgender students by their preferred names and pronouns. | bit.ly/4iW3xvT

Ohio legislators say a bill is needed to charge educators with felonies for handing out "obscene" materials.

"I've seen the books that have depictions, stories, narratives that are directly related to sex that we're starting to see pop-up in classrooms." | bit.ly/4iAu7e1

MORE GOOD NEWS! 🌈🏳️‍⚧️✨

An article by @davidrees.bsky.social brings more awareness and attention to my team and I’s efforts to ban conversion therapy in #Ohio!

Please read when you can if you want to read positive news for the #LGBTQIA+ community! 🤗🌈

www.nbc4i.com/news/politic...