Equality Ohio

📣 We’re hiring!
Position: Intake Manager Paralegal (Full-Time, Bargaining Unit Position)

This position serves as the first point of contact for individuals seeking legal services through Equality Ohio. This role ensures that LGBTQ+ individuals across Ohio, particularly those who are transgender, nonbinary, BIPOC, and/or low-income are met with respect, empathy and a trauma-informed approach by managing day-to-day operations of the Clinic’s intake department. You will gather essential information, assess legal needs and coordinate appropriate legal referrals, working closely with our legal team to ensure equitable access to affirming representation.

Full details available at http://linktr.ee/equalityohio; this position is Ohio-based, in-state location is flexible. We have physical offices in Columbus and Cleveland and we are a hybrid remote / in-person work environment. Salary range: $52,000 - $67,000

Apply NOW! We are looking forward to hearing from you!

📣 Meet all six of our 2026 Advocates & Allies Honorees! 🎉

Jim Obergefell Legacy Advocate Award: Senator Nickie Antonio
NextGen Award: Kaleidoscope Youth Center Youth Advisory Board
Q***r Joy Award: Heather Rocco
LeeAnn Massucci Legal Advocate Award: Joy B. Savren, Esq
Ally of the Year Award: Trans Allies of Ohio
Equality Ohio Founder Award: Tom Grote

🗣 “This year’s honorees represent every part of what it means to turn protest into policy,” said Dwayne Steward, CEO and Executive Director of Equality Ohio. “From the joy that sustains our community to the legal and legislative work that protects it, each of these individuals has helped move Ohio closer to lived and legal equality.”

📅 Join us in celebrating all six at Advocates & Allies on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at The Fives in Columbus. The evening opens with a 5-6pm VIP Happy hour featuring special guest and drag artist Virginia West, followed by a reception hosted by drag artist Anisa Love. Tickets include heavy appetizers, complimentary drinks, our awards program, and ways to get engaged in the movement.

🎟 For Tickets and Info ➡ equalityohio.org/aa2026

📣 We’re excited to announce the next 2026 Advocates & Allies honoree! 

The 2026 Q***r Joy Award Honoree: Heather Rocco
The Q***r Joy Award recognizes an individual whose leadership reminds us that our movement cannot be defined only by what we are fighting against, but also by what we are fighting for: communities where LGBTQ+ people can live openly, gather freely, celebrate boldly, and experience the joy of belonging.

As President of One Small Act Miami County and founder of Troy Pride, Heather creates spaces in a part of Ohio where visible LGBTQ+ community and affirmation matter deeply. Her work reflects the belief that meaningful change begins when people simply choose to show up for one another. One Small Act’s mission is to build community, elevate marginalized voices, and ensure neighbors feel seen, supported, and valued.

Join us in celebrating all our honorees at Advocates & Allies on Thursday, October 1st. Ticket link in bio!

📣 We’re excited to announce our next 2026 Advocates & Allies honoree! 

The 2026 Equality Ohio’s NextGen Award Honoree: Kaleidoscope Youth Center Youth Advisory Board!

The NextGen Award recognizes emerging LGBTQ+ leaders who are carrying the torch of advocacy forward and helping build a more just and equitable Ohio for the generations that follow. This year, we are especially proud to recognize the KYC Youth Advisory Board for the extraordinary courage of their members for showing up to advocate for themselves and each other, and bravely testifying against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and policies.

At a time when LGBTQ+ young people, particularly trans youth, have too often been the subject of political debate, these young leaders refused to allow others to speak for them. They stepped forward, told their stories, challenged lawmakers, and reminded Ohio that young people are not simply impacted by public policy, but they deserve a voice in shaping it. Their courage represents the very best of the next generation of our movement.

Join us in celebrating all our honorees at Advocates & Allies on Thursday, October 1st. Ticket link in bio!

🏳️‍🌈 KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: FAMILY LAW 101

Join LGBT Center Cleveland and Equality Ohio Legal Clinic this Saturday for an LGBTQ+ Know Your Rights Training focused on Family Law 101.

Learn more about the legal protections and options that impact LGBTQ+ individuals and families, ask questions, and get information to help you better advocate for yourself and those you care about.

🗓️ Saturday, September 12 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 Lee Road Branch of Heights Libraries
2345 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights

Come with questions. Leave knowing more about your rights and options.

📣 We’re excited to announce the next 2026 Advocates & Allies honoree!

The 2026 Equality Ohio’s Ally of the Year Honoree: Trans Allies of Ohio! Trans Allies of Ohio

This award recognizes individuals and organizations who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to standing alongside LGBTQ+ Ohioans, using their voices, influence, and power to advance equality. This year, we can think of few groups that embody that commitment more powerfully than Trans Allies of Ohio.

As parents of transgender youth, they’ve transformed the love for their children into a grassroots movement for families across our state. Trans Allies of Ohio help parents and community members navigate the legislative process, connect with lawmakers, testify at the Ohio Statehouse, and organize against policies that threaten the freedom and wellbeing of transgender Ohioans.

In a moment when transgender young people and their families have been forced to defend some of the most basic aspects of their lives before elected officials, your leadership has demonstrated what meaningful allyship looks like: showing up, speaking out, organizing others, and refusing to allow trans people to stand alone.

Join us in celebrating all our honorees at Advocates & Allies on Thursday, October 1st. Ticket link in bio!

We’re excited to announce the second of six 2026 Advocates & Allies honorees!

The 2026 Equality Ohio Founder Award Honoree: Tom Grote!
The Founder Award recognizes an individual whose vision, leadership, and service were instrumental in establishing Equality Ohio and whose enduring commitment has helped shape and strengthen the organization’s mission. As Equality Ohio’s founding Board Chair in 2005, Tom’s vision, courage, and steadfast leadership helped build the foundation upon which this organization continues to stand more than two decades later. Tom has remained one of Equality Ohio’s most dedicated champions, generously giving time, wisdom, and leadership, and is currently co-chair of the Obergefell and Arthur Society Steering Committee where he volunteers his time to strengthen our mission for the future.

Join us in celebrating all our honorees at Advocates & Allies on Thursday, October 1st. Ticket link in bio!

That’s a wrap for the 17th Annual TransOhio Symposium! We were proud to be present and collaborate with so many incredible folks this weekend.

To see the love, dedication to help and everyone showing up like this for the Ohio Trans community is truly inspiring! Thank you TransOhio for having us and producing such a impactful event!

We look forward to next year, and hope to see you all Oct. 10th for advocates and allies!

📣 We are so excited to announce Corey Williams as our incredible Host for the 2026 advocates & allies event! With a special appearance by Virginia West for the VIP Happy Hour Cocktail party! Get your tickets NOW!

Last year SOLD OUT with standing room only to pack the house for Equality. Join the fight that starts with a party full of community and joy! Visit our linktree for your tickets TODAY!

🏳️‍🌈 KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. KNOW YOUR OPTIONS.

LGBT Center Cleveland is partnering with Equality Ohio Legal Clinic for two upcoming LGBTQ+ Know Your Rights Trainings covering important legal protections that impact our community.

EAST SIDE | FAMILY LAW 101
🗓️Saturday, September 12 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍Lee Road Branch of Heights Libraries | 2345 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights

WEST SIDE | HOUSING RIGHTS
🗓️Saturday, September 26 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
📍LGBT Center Cleveland | 6705 Detroit Ave.

Come learn more about your rights, ask questions, and leave with information that can help you better advocate for yourself and others.