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Notice/Advertisement Title: Columbus LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission Listening Session Recap
Contact Name: Dr. Kenyona Walker
Contact Telephone Number: (614) 645-5817
Contact Email Address: knwalker@columbus.gov
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The Columbus LGBTQ+ Affairs Commission hosted a listening session on Thursday, June 25th from approximately 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers.
Chair began meeting at 6:10 p.m.
Chair prompted discussion of Commission’s activities since formation.
Members of the Commission introduced themselves.
Attendees asked about how the Commission’s success will be measured, what their term lengths are, and what deliverables they are responsible for executing.
Chair opened a discussion of what attendees think are the most pressing policy matters for the community:
• How can we get the word out and fill rooms for Commission meetings?
• Can we incentivize people to show up to Commission meetings and prioritize accessible spaces? How can we collaborate with other boards and commissions, such as collaborative posts on Instagram, so people get more exposure to Commission activities?
• How can the Commission serve queer and trans community members with disabilities?
• City Hall is certain accessibility concerns, including ID requirements. Can the Commission diversify the meeting locations from time to time?
• The way we speak to others matters - people don’t always speak in nonprofit language so we need to ensure we aren’t abusing jargon.
• The federal government is erasing protections for trans individuals who rely on affordable housing (HUD).
• NYC Mayor is trying to make gender affirming healthcare to ensure access for the community. What can we do here?
• Where does the Commission’s jurisdiction end? Will the efforts spill over to other places throughout Franklin County or beyond?
• How can we present as role models for youth? How can we help build community so LGBTQ+ youth find each other? Vice Chair Savage mentioned providing support for educators as well. Chair Roberts-Crews mentioned providing support for nonprofit organizations and individuals who provide essential services to the LGBTQ+ community.
• Please attend the point in time count in January and ensure we add a question to the survey about sexual orientation and gender identity.
• How can the Commission help LGBTQ+ people identify and locate queer-friendly jobs? Maybe the lavender listings from Stonewall Columbus, Inc. are a good starting point? There are also Q jobs.
• Can the Commission share existing resources for the LGBTQ+ community?
• Can the Commission help translate the impact of proposed laws for the LGBTQ+ community? Maybe collaborating with Equality Ohio would be helpful.
• Can the Commission address relations between public safety and the LGBTQ+ community?
• Is there a plan for disseminating information to the community? Commissioner Keilholz mentions creating an audience map before crafting an engagement strategy/plan.
• Flyers may be a helpful way of spreading the word because many people are off social media.
Chair gave closing remarks. The Commission will compile a summary of the listening session and share it with those who have given their contact information.
The Chair concluded the event at 7:49 p.m.