TAKE ACTION!

PFLAG Cleveland is aware of the changing landscape for the well-being of trans individuals and their families.  For the latest update, please visit:

The Campaign for Southern Equality 

is working with 

Equality Ohio, 

Kaleidoscope Youth Center, 

and TransOhio 

to provide resources and information to impacted families: https://southernequality.org/ohresources/

Ohio House Bill (HB) 68 is scheduled to go into effect on April 23. The bill bans a wide range of gender-affirming healthcare services for youth, including primary care visits, hormone therapies, surgery, and counseling.

HB 68 was opposed by many major healthcare organizations, including the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association. PFLAG National and chapters throughout the state issued statements condemning this distressing action by the state. Many individuals across the state, including PFLAG members and friends, wrote in opposition to the bill. Despite the opposition, the bill was passed by the Ohio legislature in December and went to Governor DeWine for signature. Although the governor vetoed the bill, the legislature overrode his veto in January.

Other states have enacted similar bans and some of these have been blocked by federal judges. Fortunately, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Ohio recently announced plans to file a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on healthcare for transgender youth.