What we're watching:
Ohio House Bill 8Ohio 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. |
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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.
Regardless of which method you choose, here's what you need to know:
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.
- 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.
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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. |
Get InvolvedThe 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. |
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