Arienne Childrey, a candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives, is hoping to become the state’s first openly transgender representative.
She is vying with the Democratic Party to oppose incumbent Rep. Angela King, R-Celina, one of the move restrictions bill’s sponsors. King’s term ends on December 31, 2024, and the primary election is on March 19.
Childrey decided to oppose King after she introduced a bill that would forbid drag performers from performing in locations other than those designated for adult entertainment.
Childrey, 40, said, “You’ll have to compete against people from our community if you’re going to attack our neighborhoods.”
Over the summer, House Bill 245 was introduced by King and Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania.
The bill would broaden the definition of adult musical shows to include “performers or entertainers who exhibit a gender identity that differs from the performer’s/entertainees’ gender assigned at birth using clothing, makeup, prosthetic or replica genitalia or chests, or other physical signs.”
The act was the result of a community event with individuals dancing for kids, according to King’s partner evidence from last month.
In her evidence, King claimed that one of the performers, who was wearing a skimpy thonged narcissist, “twerked and gyrated on the concrete.” The same performer then gave a view of his thigh area for everyone to see, including young children, while seated on the ground with his arms spread opened and raised toward the sky.
Childrey claimed that the occasion was Lima’s Pride March, and King shared a description of the protest on her Instagram page.
In her speech, King said, “I felt it was my responsibility to meet with members of my society and silently rally a recent drag display that was performed for children in my town.” “These adult musical works, with adult themes, belong in private adult entertainment venues, not in a public area for everyone to see, including impressionable children.”
After King posted her statement, Childrey didn’t immediately put her hat in the race to run for office; instead, she contacted county parties to see if King would face a challenger. Childrey decided to run once it became obvious there was no one.
It’s past time, according to Childrey, “that we have someone who goes to the Statehouse who is genuinely interested in dealing with those issues—issues that actually impact people who can help our lives—rather than someone whose focus is more on who they can harm rather than who we can assist.”
Childrey claimed that she has made numerous unsuccessful attempts to get in touch with King. King’s office was contacted by The Ohio Capital Journal for comment, but no response was given.
Childrey, who was born and raised in Virginia, moved to Ohio in 2014 and eventually founded the Northwest Ohio Trans Advocacy. She is running for office for the first time.
Being the first transgender person elected in the state of Ohio is the only thing that could potentially make me happier, according to Childrey.
TransOhio said Childrey was brave to run for office despite not endorsing social individuals.
In a statement, TransOhio remarked, “Arienne’s dedication to public service and her fortitude in the face of difficulty set an inspiring example for us all.” We also want to recognize the importance of her election and the impact it will have on paving the way for future generations of transgender officials as she faces the challenges that come with this groundbreaking journey.
Danica Roem, a Virginia Democrat, recently won election to the state Senate in the South as the first openly transgender state legislator.
Childrey, who transitioned at the age of 34, is a vocal opponent of the Statehouse’s anti-trans and LGBTQ regulations.
In reference to House Bill 68, which would prohibit gender-affirming care for trans youth, she said, “I know what gender confirming care is for me.” I know that it saved my life. I know the years I wasted before transitioning. I’ve always looked back on my transition.
She is running for office for reasons other than advocating for LGBTQ issues.
According to Childrey, “You should have representation that truly cares about your day-to-day living and people who are working to improve things.” “When we work together, we can truly bring about real change one step at a time.”
She supports Ohio’s EDChoice Program and wants to raise teacher pay. Additionally, she wants the governor’s department to no longer be in charge of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, a new change made to the state budget.
She remarked, “I don’t think education is political.” And I don’t believe it needs to be governed by a governor.
Additionally, she supports strengthening unions and wants to increase broadband access in rural areas.
