News & Commentary

The resolution also continues a pattern of demonizing an already marginalized population — LGBTQ+ youth and particularly transgender and gender nonconforming youth.

As June comes to a close, it is not time for us – including LGBTQ+ allies – to become dormant, waiting for the next Pride Month or earth-shattering legislative tactic to take action. Now is the time to rise up, to show up, and to strive for a more inclusive future.

Pride month is a time of reflection, celebration, and community. As Ohio faces an onslaught of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, trans and queer youth deserve space to celebrate who they are.

In recent years, American culture has seen an explosion of conspiracy theories and outright deceptions becoming more mainstream. None has more devastating implications than the “Great Replacement” conspiracy.

Pride Month is supposed to be a time of joyful celebration for the LGBTQ+ community. Instead, the legislature chose to score cheap political points at the expense of trans youth.

Living within a world where our existence is debated and oftentimes outlawed is challenging for any functioning trans adult, let alone a child. Trans healthcare is lifesaving, and our children deserve every possible ounce of support to grow up and become happy, healthy adults.

What are you hopeful for in your community?
What is your biggest worry for yourself, your family or your community?

My name is Micah Mitchell. I am a Master of Social Work/Ph.D candidate at The Ohio State University, a research associate at the Kirwan Institute for Race and Ethnicity, and a policy fellow at the ACLU of Ohio. I am also transgender.

To Chairman LaRe, Vice Chair White, Ranking Member Leland, and members of the House Criminal Justice Committee, thank you for this opportunity to provide proponent testimony for House Bill 456.