The Cleveland chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has launched a petition drive to put a proposed ordinance on the Cleveland City Council agenda that would guarantee the rights and protections of local members of the trans community.
The wide-ranging set of protections pits home rule — a state policy added in the 1920s to give power to local municipalities — squarely against the state’s power to protect transgender people living and working in Cleveland, including drag performers whose performances have become a target of Ohio lawmakers.
“We want to build a trans liberation movement here in Cleveland,” said DSA organizer Char B. The Buckeye Flame agreed to withhold names out of fear of retaliation.
If adopted, Cleveland’s gender freedom policy would state that:
- No city resources will be used to “detain or investigate persons solely for the purpose of seeking or providing gender-affirming care.”
- No city resources will be used to “collaborate with or provide information to any person, within or outside the state, or any agency or department” about gender-affirming health care or gender-affirming mental health care provided in Cleveland, in response to the commission’s reports The US Department of Justice has asked hospitals to provide “sensitive information about transgender patients under the age of 19.”
- Investigations into individuals, organizations and businesses performing or conducting drag queen performances or non-obscene entertainment related to gender identity or gender expression will be given the “lowest possible priority.”
- Investigations into individuals, organizations and healthcare providers in Cleveland facilitating gender-affirming care will be given the “lowest possible priority.”
- Facilitating other policies and laws aimed at harming transgender and gender non-conforming people will be the “lowest possible priority.”
- City staff will be trained to protect confidential health information and not collect unnecessary health information related to gender-affirming care.
- The city will continue to provide health care to employees and covered family members who seek gender-affirming care, “even if such care must be legally provided outside the state of Ohio.”
Organizers need to collect 5,000 signatures from Cleveland residents to put the ordinance on the City Council agenda, but they aim to collect 7,000 signatures as a buffer.
“We want to make sure that people like the council president cannot choose not to introduce this legislation,” said DSA organizer Ary C.
A spokesman for the city of Cleveland was unable to comment for this article because he said the city did not have a copy of the petition language.
Like Lakewood
DSA in Cleveland led the campaign in Lakewood to adopt an identical gender freedom policy, which the Lakewood City Council unanimously approved in October 2024.
According to the petition, DSA proposed this regulation in response to attacks by federal and state governments. The petition cites a statement by the Trump administration unisex executive orderadministration tries to remove certain signs of gender AND limit gender identity discrimination investigations and Ohio Republicans overriding Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto HB 68 in 2024
The petition also refers to: Human Rights Campaign, Supporters of equality for trans people and National LGBTQ Task Forcewhich all current statistics show how disproportionately transgender people are the unemployed AND victims of violence AND discrimination.
DSA officials say the Cleveland ordinance is a priority for their organization dedicated to progressive movements for social change.
“In order to build class consciousness and build a strong, united working class, we need to address every area of oppression that may affect any part of the working class so that we can all come together and fundamentally break these chains,” said Char B. “And that certainly includes transgender liberation.”
Organizers say the Gender Freedom Policy is a large step towards achieving the goal of liberation.
“The best way to show your support is to find us on Pride and sign the petition,” said Char B.🔥
START ACTION
- More information about the Gender Freedom Signing Initiative can be found on the Cleveland DSA website Here.
