KALEIDOSCOPE YOUTH CENTER
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Belonging Begins Here.


An Update on Access to Gender-Affirming Care in Ohio

On August 6, 2024, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas rejected the ACLU of Ohio's challenge to House Bill 68. This means that the law, which bans gender-affirming care for transgender minors and prevents transgender women and girls from playing school sports at the K-12 and college levels in Ohio, took immediate effect.

The ACLU of Ohio filed an appeal in the Tenth District Court of Appeals. Oral arguments took place September 11, 2024, and we are awaiting a decision from the appellate court. 
Learn more from the ACLU of Ohio

Legislation We're Watching

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Senate Bill 1

Senate Bill 1 would radically alter Ohio's public institutions of higher education by restricting the teaching of "controversial" subjects, banning diversity policies and programs, attacking workers' rights and more. 

​The Ohio legislature is moving quickly to adopt S.B. 1. It passed out of the Ohio Senate on February 12, 2025. It now heads to the Ohio House, where it will be heard in the Ohio House Workforce and Higher Education Committee.

Start preparing for upcoming opportunities to testify against this legislation.
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Learn More
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Senate Bill 70

The Ohio Fairness Act would prohibit discrimination on the basis of one's sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. These protections would apply in housing, employment and other public accommodations. ​
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Learn More
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Senate Bill 71

Ohio Senate Bill 71 would prohibit certain health care professionals, including physicians, psychologists and mental health counselors, from subjecting minors to conversion therapy. Conversion therapy is the forceful and disproven practice of seeking to change one's sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.
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Learn More

Want to testify?
Anyone, even those who aren't old enough to register to vote, can submit written testimony or testify in-person on a bill.
  • Written testimony consists of remarks that you submit that show up on the website and that legislators can read on their own time. 
  • In-person testimony consists of remarks that you deliver as a speech in front of the committee during a scheduled hearing.

Regardless of which method you choose, here's what you need to know:
  • In-person testimony is generally limited to five minutes, while written testimony can be any length. 
  • You'll have to include a completed witness form, saved as a PDF. You can find the form here.
  • You don't have to use your legal name when submitting testimony! Preferred names (and even pseudonyms) are just fine. Also, feel free to use KYC's address (603 E. Town Street Columbus, OH 43215) if you don't feel comfortable using your own.
  • Email your testimony and witness form to the chair of the committee. You can find that contact information at www.ohiohouse.gov/committees or www.ohiosenate.gov/committees.
  • IMPORTANT: Testimony is due 24 hours before the scheduled start of the committee hearing.
​
Please note: Both written and in-person testimony is considered a public record, meaning your name and remarks are available for anyone to read. If you're a young person interested in testifying but don't want your name attached for safety or privacy reasons, email [email protected] to have your comments included anonymously in future KYC testimony.

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Listen to Speaking Queerly​

KYC has a podcast!

​​Explore topics related to the LGBTQIA+ community, including current events, legislation, pop culture and intersectionality. 

Have a question you want answered or a topic you’d like discussed on Speaking Queerly? Email [email protected].
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts
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Your Vote Matters


Local elections are important in helping to build safer and more affirming spaces in our communities.
Find Important Voter Information here

Your support matters!

A gift to KYC today will uplift the voices of LGBTQ+ youth and help KYC advocate for safer and inclusive places everywhere.

Donate Today
Location
603 East Town Street
Columbus, OH 43215
​[email protected]
Mailing Address
Kaleidoscope Youth Center
P.O. Box 8104
​Columbus, OH 43201
Emergency Phone Numbers
+ 911 if emergency
+ National Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255
​+ Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
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* Kaleidoscope Youth Center acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory and homelands of the Hopewell, Myaamia, and Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee) people. *
The Kaleidoscope Youth Center name and logo are copyrighted. All rights are reserved by Kaleidoscope Youth Center, Inc.
  • About
    • Meet the Team
    • Contact Us
    • Annual Summary and Financials
    • How to Find Us
  • Donate
  • Programs
    • Center Based Programs >
      • Affinity Groups
    • Community Based Wellness
    • Behavioral Health
    • Ohio GSA Network >
      • National GSA Network Resources
      • Request a GSA Site Visit
      • Register Your GSA Today
      • Join the GSA Network Mailing List
      • GSA Advisor Resources
  • Get Involved
    • As a Youth >
      • Resources
      • Scholarships >
        • Sports Equity Fund
    • As a Guardian
    • As a Community >
      • Speaking Queerly
      • Blog
    • As a Volunteer
    • For Professionals
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Employment & Education Resource Fair
    • Pride
    • 30th Anniversary >
      • 30K in 30 Days
  • KYC Store
  • COMMUNITY PARTNERS
    • Ways To Give >
      • Wish List
      • KYC Unity Circle
    • DONOR & COMMUNITY EVENTS
    • Advocacy >
      • Senate Bill 70
      • Senate Bill 71
      • Voter Info
    • Community Education >
      • Request a Training
      • KnowTheFacts
      • Educational Downloads