David Rees

This Ohio county is the first to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A northeastern Ohio county voted this week to become the state’s first to outlaw anti-LGBTQ+ practices known as conversion therapy. Cuyahoga County’s counc…

@brandonwest01.bsky.social's push to ban "conversion therapy" across Ohio continues.

Last night, @cuyahogacouncil.bsky.social voted to become the state's first to prohibit the anti-LGBTQ+ practices countywide. bit.ly/45WoHWo

Amy Sherald’s cover for this week’s issue, “Trans Forming Liberty,” is a portrait of the trans model and performance artist Arewà Basit. When the National Portrait Gallery seemed hesitant to display it, Sherald cancelled her exhibition there. nyer.cm/XFwJ6ZH

An honor to sit down w/ @kelleyjrobinson.bsky.social as @hrc.org kicked off its national tour in Columbus and announced an upcoming web series.

"In Ohio, we can tell the story of the harms [LGBTQ+] people are experiencing, but also the hope," she told me. Read the story: bit.ly/45kizpq

Out in Ohio: Advocate leads movement to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A young advocate leading the charge to ban anti-LGBTQ+ “conversion therapy” joins NBC4’s LGBTQ+ show “Out in Ohio,” along with the attorn…

This week on "Out in Ohio," @nbc4i.com's LGBTQ+ show:

@brandonwest01.bsky.social, Robert Schleper from @cuyahogacouncil.bsky.social and attorney Sarah Kolick join me to discuss their push to ban anti-LGBTQ+ "conversion therapy" across Ohio cities and counties. bit.ly/4lUgeZk

Out in Ohio: Advocate leads movement to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A young advocate leading the charge to ban anti-LGBTQ+ “conversion therapy” joins NBC4’s LGBTQ+ show “Out in Ohio,” along with the attorn…

📰 I’m honored to be featured in NBC4i’s @davidrees.bsky.social latest “Out in Ohio” piece alongside Sarah & Councilman Schleper, sharing our work to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy across Ohio.

Grateful for every voice helping us protect LGBTQIA+ youth. 💛🏳️‍🌈

www.nbc4i.com/news/local-n...

Could Ohioans vote on gay marriage in 2026?

@anitamd.bsky.social's 'Marriage Equality Act' would place an amendment on the ballot to codify same-sex marriage.

'I have so many friends, family members who are so scared they are gonna lose their legal marriage rights.'

Ohio mayors urge more communities to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The mayors of Athens, Westerville and several other Ohio cities that have outlawed anti-LGBTQ+ practices known as “conversion therapy” are calling for more…

A letter signed by several Ohio mayors calls on more cities to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy.

The effort, lead by @brandonwest01.bsky.social, "sends a clear message that every person deserves to be affirmed for who they are." www.nbc4i.com/news/local-n...

Ohio grant canceled by DOGE leaves these LGBTQ+ historical markers in limbo COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Historical markers honoring Akron’s LGBTQ+ enclave and a storied Cincinnati bookstore were nearing installation when the $250,000 Ohio grant funding the project …

Historical markers honoring Akron's LGBTQ+ enclave and a storied Cincinnati bookstore were nearing installation when the $250k Ohio grant funding the project was canceled by DOGE. bit.ly/44vCDGk

‘This should be a welcoming state:’ DeWine denies claim of ‘anti-LGBTQ+ climate’ in Ohio COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Gov. Mike DeWine said he disagrees with advocates who argue the state is unwelcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. The governor was answering questions during a moderated C…

Gov. Mike DeWine disagrees w/ advocates who say there's "an anti-LGBTQ+ climate" in Ohio.

"This should be a welcoming state," DeWine said. "We want everybody to come to Ohio." bit.ly/4lbGOgw

What happened in Room 22? For a month, seven people held Sam Nordquist captive in a small hotel room, torturing him to death, authorities say. How did it go on in secret?

For a month, seven people held Sam Nordquist captive in a small hotel room, torturing him to death, authorities say. How did it go on in secret?

This week, I traveled upstate to try and figure it all out.

www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...

Ohio Statehouse revives bill to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy, as cities take action COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — While an increasing number of Ohio cities are banning anti-LGBTQ+ practices known as conversion therapy, Statehouse lawmakers have revived a bill to prohibit the pract…

While an increasing number of Ohio cities are banning anti-LGBTQ+ practices known as conversion therapy, Statehouse lawmakers have revived a bill to prohibit the practices statewide.

But, like another proposal reintroduced to ban LGBTQ+ discrimination, the bill has lost GOP support. bit.ly/3D9eFWs

Lawmakers in 9 states propose measures to undermine same-sex marriage rights A Michigan Republican introduced a resolution Tuesday urging the Supreme Court to reverse its 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges same-sex marriage ruling.

Lawmakers in at least nine states have introduced measures to try to chip away at same-sex couples’ right to marry.

Ohio Statehouse bill to ban LGBTQ+ discrimination loses Republican support COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Previously bipartisan legislation to ban discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community is again being proposed at the Ohio Statehouse, but without Republican support. Na…

An Ohio bill to ban LGBTQ+ discrimination that was previously bipartisan has been reintroduced for the 12th time, but w/o GOP support.

"How do you face [LGBTQ] people and not support them having equal rights?" bit.ly/3D8R1cp

Westerville now the 13th Ohio city to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) — Westerville voted on Tuesday to become the 13th city in Ohio to ban anti-LGBTQ+ practices known as “conversion therapy” that falsely claim to change a p…

Westerville City Council voted 5-2 on Tuesday to become the 13th Ohio city to ban anti-LGBTQ+ practices known as "conversion therapy."

The techniques have been discredited by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association and more, the ordinance notes. bit.ly/439tEKe

Where Columbus, central Ohio cities stand on their DEI initiatives COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — While the Trump administration is directing the federal workforce to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, several Columbus-area municipalities say th…

While the Trump administration is directing the federal workforce to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, several Columbus-area municipalities say they're sticking by their programs. bit.ly/42TYrKZ

Westerville could be 13th Ohio city to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) — Another Columbus-area city could soon join a dozen other Ohio municipalities in banning anti-LGBTQ+ techniques known as “conversion therapy.” Westervill…

Westerville could soon join 12 other Ohio cities in banning anti-LGBTQ+ techniques known as "conversion therapy."

"As our LGBTQIA+ population continues to be attacked... it would be in our best interest as the keepers of all our residents to make sure that we protect everyone." bit.ly/4juRSEJ

Ohio State LGBTQ+ scholarship under review after affirmative action reversal COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — An Ohio State alum said that a scholarship he funds benefiting small-town LGBTQ+ students is one of many the university is reexamining after the U.S. Supreme Court dee…

An Ohio State scholarship for small-town LGBTQ+ students is under review in the wake of SCOTUS' affirmative action reversal.

This expands OSU's previously confirmed review of race-based awards to now include those tailored to other protected classes. | bit.ly/3WeWxjV

Former Statehouse candidate becomes Ohio’s first openly trans city councilmember ST. MARYS, Ohio (WCMH) — A candidate who previously ran for the Statehouse has been appointed to serve as Ohio’s first openly transgender city council member. Arienne Childrey was sworn…

Fmr. Statehouse candidate @ari4ohio.bsky.social was sworn in on Monday as Ohio's first openly trans city council member, per @lgbtqvictoryfund.bsky.social.

"I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work." | bit.ly/42eEqie

Crisis calls from LGBTQ+ youth in Ohio surge after ‘outing’ bill signed into law COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A national crisis hotline received a significant increase in calls from LGBTQ+ youth in Ohio within hours after Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill that opponents say will …

A crisis hotline run by @rainbowyouth.bsky.social received a surge in calls from LGBTQ+ youth in Ohio after Gov. DeWine signed H.B. 8, a bill opponents say will result in "outing" students.

"H.B. 8 sends the harmful message that there is something 'wrong' with LGBTQI+ youth." | bit.ly/42azEC4

Olentangy schools’ LGBTQ+ anti-bullying policies ‘overstep by regulating speech,’ ACLU says LEWIS CENTER, Ohio (WCMH) — A top civil liberties group says a central Ohio school district’s anti-bullying policies protecting LGBTQ+ students “overstep by regulating speech.&#82…

"Neither the school nor the parent group got things entirely right," says @acluohio.bsky.social of the case against a central Ohio school district sued for anti-bullying policies protecting LGBTQ+ students. | bit.ly/4h7mmdW

$450,000 settlement for Ohio teacher who refused to use students’ pronouns MASSILLON, Ohio (WCMH) — An Ohio school district will pay $450,000 to a middle school teacher who resigned for refusing to address two transgender students by their preferred names and pronou…

An Ohio school district will pay $450,000 to a middle school teacher who resigned for refusing to address two transgender students by their preferred names and pronouns. | bit.ly/4iW3xvT

Bill to charge Ohio teachers would combat ‘obscene’ classroom books, lawmaker says COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — An Ohio legislator says a bill to charge educators with felonies for handing out “obscene” materials is needed after substitute teachers saw books in the c…

Ohio legislators say a bill is needed to charge educators with felonies for handing out "obscene" materials.

"I've seen the books that have depictions, stories, narratives that are directly related to sex that we're starting to see pop-up in classrooms." | bit.ly/4iAu7e1

County could be Ohio’s first to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy LORAIN, Ohio (WCMH) — A 22-year-old Ohioan who championed his home city to ban anti-LGBTQ+ techniques known as “conversion therapy” is now advocating for a neighboring county to d…

MORE GOOD NEWS! 🌈🏳️‍⚧️✨

An article by @davidrees.bsky.social brings more awareness and attention to my team and I’s efforts to ban conversion therapy in #Ohio!

Please read when you can if you want to read positive news for the #LGBTQIA+ community! 🤗🌈

www.nbc4i.com/news/politic...