LGBTQ discrimination did not end on June 26, 2015
If you live in a place that offers legal protections to our community, you may not be aware of the extent of LGBTQ discrimination in other parts of the country. There are 29 states that do not consider sexual orientation a protected category, and three states go so far as to prohibit local governments from adopting anti-discrimination protections. Not only do the LGBTQ members of these communities feel like they can’t be themselves, they also fear for their safety.
Ending LGBTQ discrimination
How do you convince a conservative legislature to introduce laws that would protect our community? The most effective strategy appears to be the economic argument – the argument that talent, opportunities and billions of dollars are being lost to discriminatory government policies. And the best way to make this argument is with a coalition of companies that value diversity and inclusion.
Listen to “Ohio Business Competes.” Queer money:
Alana Jochum is executive director of Equality Ohio and a board member of Ohio Business competesa free, bipartisan coalition of businesses advocating for legislation to protect Ohio’s LGBTQ community. Today she explains why so many young people are leaving the state, the power of the “voice of business,” and why discriminatory policies continue to exist despite widespread support for LGBTQ protections. Alana discusses Ohio Business Competes’ approach and the economic disadvantages faced by businesses in states without protections. She reports on some of the challenges facing the LGBTQ community in suburban and rural areas and shares stories of LGBTQ discrimination that Ohioans endure without legal recourse. Listen and learn what you can do to support the cause through organizations like Ohio Business Competes and advance legal and lived equality across the United States.
Topics covered regarding LGBTQ discrimination
Ohio Business Competes’ goal is to end LGBTQ discrimination
- Build a bipartisan coalition of businesses
- Advocate for laws that protect the LGBTQ community
- Employment, housing, public accommodations
Why young people are leaving states like Ohio
- Considered hostile, there is no possibility of raising a family there
- 70% of Millennials care about LGBTQ protections
How companies can influence state legislators
- Companies of all sizes value LGBTQ protection
- Push for laws consistent with company policies
Why we still face LGBTQ discrimination despite the broad support of our community
- 8 in 10 Ohioans are unaware that it is not already the law
- Marriage equality led to LGBTQ people being perceived as a protected class
The challenges of LGBTQ discrimination for people outside metropolitan areas
- Open hostility in many suburban and rural areas
- Three states prohibit anti-discrimination ordinances altogether
- Only 20% of Ohioans have access to legal remedies
- Fear for basic safety and the ability to provide for the family
The Dual Purpose of Ohio Business Competes
- Offensive – vocal support of bills that provide protections (e.g. HB16)
- Defensive – mobilize, reject discriminatory laws (e.g. “bathroom bills”)
The economic argument for LGBTQ protection
- $3.76 billion lost business in North Carolina
- The business argument appeals to conservatives
- Purchasing power of the LGBTQ community
- Convention planners avoid states without protection
- LGBTQ conferences and events are becoming a hard sell
Stories of LGBTQ Discrimination in Ohio
- For women once considered transgender, the job is “no longer available.”
- Transgender woman was denied the opportunity to buy a home
- Shortening of working hours, unwanted shifts, non-call-up
Other organizations like Ohio Business Competes are fighting to end LGBTQ discrimination
- Texas competes essential to stop “bad bills”.
- Several states use a coalition-style advocacy model
- Not coordinated at national level
What you can do to end LGBTQ discrimination
- Get the message across about the economic impact
- Google “LGBTQ equality” and “business” for organizations in your state
- Support equality organizations and local centers through charitable donations
- Share it with national groups Equal Opportunities Association, Human Rights Campaign