The National March for Queer and Trans Youth Autonomy at Northside aims to highlight the reality of transgender identity and care, particularly for younger individuals, Aidan Mahoney says.
Reggie Harris, a Cincinnati city council member, has organized an anti-transgender policy event at the town hall in response to House Bill 68. Harris told CityBeat that he and representatives from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) would co-host the event.
“I think it’s important for HRC that they engage with the community in a real, community way. They agreed.
The town hall will assess the state’s ability to support residents affected by HB 68, which prohibits all gender-affirming care for transgender youth. A grandfather clause in the law would allow young people who are currently receiving care to continue receiving treatment. Gender-affirming care for adults in the state was in jeopardy after Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a set of proposed operational guidelines for some adults seeking care. However, revised proposals were released last week by the departments of health and mental health and addiction services, in response to thousands of public comments.
Harris said that he is trying to consult with the community, advocates, and those affected by the bills to determine the next steps.
The National Association of Social Workers, Equality Ohio, and the local law office are collaborating to launch some best practices and workshops for mental health professionals in preparation for practicing post-HB 68.
The community hall will be held at the McKie Recreation Center in Northside on Thursday, February 15, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. According to Harris, people affected by HB 68 are welcome to attend.
“I want people in Cincinnati to know that the city government truly cares about and is involved with this issue.” Those who are members of the [transgender] community, practitioners, those who have children, and those whose family members might be impacted.
Harris, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, said the city cannot undo the decisions made on gender-affirming care at the legislature, but he can help the community best prepare for the impacts.
“As a city, we are powerless to change this.” All we can do at this point is try our best to mitigate the effects of HB 68, he said. And I just want to be very clear: this is a triage.
HB 68 is scheduled to be ruled on April 23.
