KALEIDOSCOPE YOUTH CENTER
  • Programs
    • Center Based Programs >
      • Genderscope
    • Community Based Wellness
    • Ohio GSA Network
    • Community Education >
      • KnowTheFacts
      • Ohio Thrives
    • Resources
    • Advocacy
  • Get Involved
    • As a Youth
    • As a Guardian
    • As a Community >
      • Blog
    • As a Volunteer
  • Calendar
  • Donate
    • Other Ways To Give
    • The Unity Soiree
    • KYC Unity Circle
    • Wish List
    • KYC Store

Belonging Begins Here.

What we're watching:

Picture

Ohio House Bill 8

Ohio House Bill 8 could lead to teachers and other school personnel having to out students to their families, even if the disclosure of that information (or any other information relating to a student's health or wellbeing) could lead to abuse, abandonment or neglect. It would also require schools to notify parents prior to the instruction of "sexually explicit material."

​H. B. 8 is currently in the Ohio House Primary and Secondary Education Committee. It has received sponsor and proponent and opponent testimony.

​Contact 
members of the committee and tell them to vote NO on this harmful legislation.
Learn More
Picture

Ohio House Bill 68

Ohio House Bill 68 would ban gender-affirming care for ​transgender youth, prevent healthcare providers from helping patients receive gender affirming care in other states, prohibit the banning of "watchful waiting" practices and more.

H.B. 68 is currently in the Ohio House Public Health Policy Committee. It has received sponsor testimony and proponent testimony, but has not yet been scheduled for opponent testimony.

​Contact members of the committee and tell them to vote NO on this harmful legislation.
Learn more
Picture

Ohio House Bill 6

Ohio House Bill 6​ is discriminatory legislation that would prevent transgender women and girls from competing in school sports at the high school and collegiate levels.

H.B. 6 was voted out of the Ohio House Higher Education Committee on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. It now moves on to the House floor for a full vote (date tbd).

​Contact members of the Ohio House and tell them to vote NO on this harmful legislation.
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 mallory@kycohio.org to have your comments included anonymously in future KYC testimony.

Picture
Listen to Speaking Queerly​

KYC has a podcst!

​​Join Mallory Golski (she/her), Isiah Harris (he/they), Daria Johansen (she/her) and Lane Shirrell (they/them) as they 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 mallory@kycohio.org.
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts

Get Involved


The Queer Advocacy Coalition (QAC) is a partnership between Kaleidoscope Youth Center and Equality Ohio that seeks to mobilize LGBTQ+ Ohioans and their allies to advocate for legal and lived equality in Ohio and fight against the harmful marginalization of LGBTQIA+ people.

All LGBTQIA+ Ohioans and allies are encouraged to join to learn more about current LGBTQIA+ related legislation and policy priorities, hear from guest speakers and cultivate loving and authentic advocacy and community outreach.

QAC's next meeting is Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 7 p.m.​ Email mallory@kycohio.org to learn more and to register.

​

Picture
Picture

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
​614-294-5437 (10am - 6pm)
​info@kycohio.org
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
About Us
Staff
Board of Directors
Careers
Visit Us
Contact Us
KYC Store
Accessibility
Financials
need help?
Media/Press  
Press Releases

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
* 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.
  • Programs
    • Center Based Programs >
      • Genderscope
    • Community Based Wellness
    • Ohio GSA Network
    • Community Education >
      • KnowTheFacts
      • Ohio Thrives
    • Resources
    • Advocacy
  • Get Involved
    • As a Youth
    • As a Guardian
    • As a Community >
      • Blog
    • As a Volunteer
  • Calendar
  • Donate
    • Other Ways To Give
    • The Unity Soiree
    • KYC Unity Circle
    • Wish List
    • KYC Store