Title
Notice/Advertisement Title: LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission Hearing Minutes
Contact Name: Jessica Clinger
Contact Telephone Number: 614-645-6354
Contact Email Address: jnclinger@columbus.gov
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Columbus City Council
LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission Hearing Minutes
Hosted by Council President Hardin: City Hall, Council Chambers
Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 2:30pm
Call to order: 2:38
Present: Council President Hardin, Councilmember Nancy Day-Achauer, Councilmember Melissa Green, Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padillo, Councilmember Otto Beatty III, Deputy Director Dr. Kenyona Walker, Legislative Analyst Sam Duling, Communications Director for City Council Jose Rodriguez, Marshall Troxell, and Mary Jo Hudson.
Presentation:
Introduction and welcome: Council President Hardin.
- Background for introduction of legislation
- Video from Ohio History Connection on City Council meeting in 1983 on discrimination based on sexual orientation for employment ordinance
Invited Speaker: Former Councilmember Mary Jo Hudson
- Background on the importance of this legislation
- History of LGBTQ+ rights in Columbus and Ohio
Legislative Background: Sam Duling, Legislative Research Office
- Background of legislation
- Statistics on LGBTQ+ community members and impact in Columbus
- Examples of other comparable commissions throughout the US including Kansas City, Portland Oregon and Cincinnati
- History of advocacy groups and community groups in Columbus
- Economic and social impact of LGBTQ+ community
Remarks: Deputy Director Dr. Kenyona Walker, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, City of Columbus
- Interest from the Office to assist and form this new commission
- Prior experience with employee resource group for LGBTQ+ city staff
- Other work done by ODI on inclusion for LGBTQ+ community in Columbus
Public Testimony:
- Dara Adkison
- Troy Harris
- Julia Applegate
- Leo Rodriguez
- Charles Abernathy Jr
- Ashton Colby
- Nate Patrick
- Candace Janidlo
Closing Remarks: Council President Hardin
- Gratitude to attendees, guests, and staff
- Future timeline for applications and commission
Adjourned at 3:27pm