A New Way

Lobby Day 2012!

Wednesday May 16, 2012

  
Are you ready for something new?

We are taking a whole new approach to Lobby Day this year to allow you to interact with more legislators!

Registration for Lobby Day now open!

This year, you will be part of a regional team representing one of 7 distinct regions of the state. Your region will meet with your elected officials, as well as other legislators in the region. Now, you’ll not only be able to lobby your own elected officials (who may already be supportive or not), but you'll be able to reach to other legislators in your region (in particular, target legislators who will make the difference between bills passing or not), expanding your reach and creating a larger impact.
  

Sign up today to join Equality Ohio for

Lobby Day on May 16, 2012.

Wins and Losses

Why is this important? This year, we were able to pass a version of the Comprehensive Safe Schools Act. Unfortunately, it did not include enumeration and thus fell short of expectations. The good news is that we have other chances to further equality.  A standalone enumerated safe schools bill is pending in the House Education Committee, and the Equal Housing and Employment Act is working its way through the legislature.  We need your help to move these pro-equality measures forward. Our legislators need to hear from us and be educated on our issues. When we tell our stories, we change hearts and minds. We make a difference and change the conversation.

Register for Lobby Day today!

As in past years, Lobby Day concludes with a reception featuring many of our elected officials and community leaders.

Click here to find and register for a legislative update and regional training near you now.

-- 
Kim Welter
Director of Programs and Outreach
Equality Ohio
61 Jefferson Ave.
Columbus, OH  43215
419-410-0156 cell
614-224-0400 office
614-224-4421 fax
www.equalityohio.org

Learn how you can participate in the upcoming Gay Games to be held in the Akron-Cleveland area in 2014. Officially, these games are known as GG9.  Attend an informational meeting at Greystone on June 22.

Click here for the GG9 website   http://www.2014gaygamescleveland.com/

Unfortunately, all future sessions of Drag Bingo have been cancelled. The February and April sessions will not be held. Watch this site for the availability of Instant Bingo. 

The Pride Center offers a support group for individuals who are going through the coming out process. The group is targeted at people 18 and over, and at any stage of coming out whether it is for the first time, coming out to friends and family, or coming out at work. This is a place to find support and what you can do when you come out. Meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6:15 pm at CANAPI headquarters,  895 N Main St in Akron. For more information, email info@akronpridecenter.org.

 Are you an LGBT youth who feels like no one understands you?  Share your story with MTV!

MTV Networks is casting LGBT youth for a new special.  We’re looking for LGBT teens and young adults who appear to be 15-25 years old and live in the USA.  You should be open to sharing your stories and struggles on-camera.  If interested, please email us at LGBTspecial@gmail.com.  Please include your name, location, phone number & photo… and tell us about yourself and your current circumstances.  [For example, tell us your coming-out story… or why you haven’t come out yet.  Who are the main people in your life, and how do they feel about your sexual identity? Why do you feel alone?  Do you ever feel down?  What’s a typical day like for you?  Is there anything that you are afraid to do (but wish you had the guts to do) in the next three months?]  The more information about yourself and your life that you can tell us via email, the better we get to know you!   Thanks for your interest, and we look forward to hearing your story.

Please click on the 'Event Calendar', then on the specific date for details on

• NEW PRIDE
  
• COMMUNITY DINNERS
• TEEN PRIDE

Mobile Meals of Akron has received a grant from the Gay Community Endowment Fund to provide members of the LGBT community with hot or frozen meals and, where appropriate, supplements.  The meals are available to those with a financial need. Check out the Mobile Meals website at mobilemealsinc.org

Those needing and seeking funds for meals and supplements should call Mobile Meals at 330.376.7717. identify yourself as being in need and seeking funds from the Gay Community Endowment Fund Grant.  

Free HIV Testing will be available at:

Adams Street Bar, every Tuesday, from 5 to 7 pm.