The Ohio House of Representatives will elect Arienne Childrey as the first openly transgender representative.
She is vying against State Representative Angela King, R-Celina, one of the movie ban bill’s sponsors, in the Democratic primary. King’s term ends on December 31, 2024, and the primary election is on March 19.
Childrey made the decision to oppose King after she introduced a bill that would forbid movie players from performing in locations other than those designated for adult entertainment.
Childrey, 40, said, “If you’re going to harm our communities, then you have to contend against people from our community.”
Bill Drag Ban Bill
House Bill 245 was introduced by King and Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania, over the summer.
The bill would broaden the definition of adult musical shows to include “performers who exhibit a gender identity that differs from the performer’s/entertainee’s gender assigned at birth using clothes, makeup, prosthetic or copy genitalia or chests, or other physical signs.”
The act was inspired by a community event with individuals dancing for kids, according to King’s sponsor testimony from last month.
In her testimony, King claimed that one of the performers, who was wearing a skimpy thonged police uniform, “twerked and gyrated on the concrete.” “The same performer showed everyone, including young children, a view of his crotch area while seated on the ground with his arms spread open and raised toward the sky.”
King shared a statement about the protest on her Instagram page, and Childrey claimed it was Lima’s Pride March.
In her speech, King said, “I felt it was my responsibility to discreetly protest a recent drag show that was held for kids in my home.” “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 speech, Childrey did not immediately throw her hat in the ring to run for office; instead, she contacted state parties to see if King had filed a contender. Childrey made the decision to run once it became obvious there was no one.
“It’s past time,” according to Childrey, “that we have someone who visits the Statehouse who is genuinely interested in addressing those issues—issues that really affect people and can improve our lives—rather than someone whose attention is more on who they can hurt than who they can help.”
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.
Background
Childrey, a Virginia native who afterward founded the Northwest Ohio Trans Advocacy, relocated to Ohio in 2014. She is running for office for the first time.
“Being the first transgender woman elected in Ohio is the only thing that could potentially make me happier,” according to Childrey.
TransOhio said Childrey is 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 all of us.” “We want to recognize the importance of her election and the effect 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, was recently elected to the state Senate in the South as the first openly transgender state lawmaker and the country’s first out-of-the-box individual.
Priorities
Childrey, who transitioned at the age of 34, is a vocal opponent of the anti-LGBT and pro-trans policy in the Statehouse.
In reference to House Bill 68, which would forbid gender-affirming care for trans youth, she said, “I know what gender affirmation care is for me. I am aware that it saved my life. I am aware of the years I wasted before I transitioned. I’ve never looked back since my transition.”
She is running for office for more reasons than just 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.” “One step at a time, we can truly bring about some real change.”
She supports Ohio’s EDChoice Program and wants to raise teacher pay. Additionally, she opposes the recent change made to the position expenditure that places the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce under the governor’s office.
She remarked, “I don’t believe education is political. And I don’t believe a governor needs to be in charge of it.”
Additionally, she supports strengthening unions and wants to increase broadband access in rural areas.
