Following a series of anti-transgender legislation, executive orders, and proposed regulations aimed at restricting the lived experiences of Ohio’s transgender community, TransOhiothe only transgender organization in the state is appealing to the public and other organizations for support.
Recent attacks on transgender people by Ohio Republicans include:
“It’s appalling that we live in a state where the governor and many members of our legislature believe that my life and the lives of other transgender Ohioans don’t matter,” Dara Adkison, executive director of TransOhio, said at a virtual press conference in January. “This is a direct and cruel attempt to cripple health care for both transgender youth and adults across the state. My fellow transgender Ohioans, you are not alone, and we will get through this together.”
In response to the immediate crisis facing transgender youth and families across Ohio, TransOhio has launched Emergency fund in January to provide vital support and resources. Since its launch, the fund has provided financial assistance to families struggling with crises like lack of access to gender-affirming care, relocation costs, and other vital resources. And there is no plan for that to end anytime soon.
“The emergency fund will remain in place for the foreseeable future,” Adkison said. “We have been giving out grants every week since it was launched.”
Here are the highlights of the fund’s early success:
- $20,000 in micro-grants in the last six months.
- More than 500 transgender adults and families of transgender children have received assistance in accessing healthcare.
- Over 800 people connected with additional resources and community.
The organization’s leadership emphasized the resilience of the transgender community and the importance of creating a safety net for those facing challenges resulting from government-sponsored attacks on the transgender community in Ohio.
“TransOhio is committed to supporting those impacted by this harmful legislation, and we urgently urge the public and partner organizations to join us in this critical effort,” said James Knapp, TransOhio Board Chair. 🔥
This article has been updated to include information on the legal battles surrounding HB 68.
IGNITE THE ACTION
