Equality Ohio

Equality Ohio is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality in Ohio.[2] The organization is a member of the Equality Federation.[3]

Equality Ohio
Founded1 March 2005 (2005-03-01)
Legal status501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
FocusLGBT rights
HeadquartersColumbus, 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
Websiteequalityohio.org

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

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

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.

Legislative priorities

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.

Labor union creation

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.[12]

See also

References
  1. "Equality Ohio". ProPublica. 10 November 2021. Archived from the original on 14 July 2023. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  2. 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.
  3. "Member Organizations". Equality Federation. Retrieved 14 January 2014.
  4. Glassman, Anthony (11 March 2005). "Out of Issue 1, a new statewide group is born". Gay People's Chronicle. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
  5. "History". Equality Ohio. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  6. "Equality Ohio hires new chief". Business First. 3 December 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2010.
  7. 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.
  8. Anthony Glassman (19 November 2010). "Sue Doerfer resigns Equality Ohio post". Gay People's Chronicle. Retrieved 26 November 2010.
  9. "Equality Ohio Hires Its Fourth Director". Yes. On Top Magazine. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
  10. "Equality Ohio Director Elyzabeth Holford ends short stay in Ohio". The Columbus Dispatch. 28 July 2015. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  11. 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.
  12. "Equality Ohio Announces Formation of Historic Worker Union". 12 September 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
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