Rep. Russo recognizes National Coming Out Day
COLUMBUS – State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) recognizes Sunday, Oct. 11 as National Coming Out Day, an annual LGBTQ awareness day designated to celebrate and commend the bravery of all those who have come out as LGBTQ. This year’s observance comes at a time when many are worried about a changing U.S. Supreme Court and its impact on marriage equality and LGBTQ rights.
“No one should be discriminated against because of who they are or who they love,” said Rep. Russo. “As we recognize National Coming Out Day and commemorate diversity, inclusion, and love in our communities, we must also keep fighting to provide comprehensive protections for LGBTQ Ohioans, including passage of the bipartisan Ohio Fairness Act—legislation that fully extends non-discrimination protections in the workplace, housing and public accommodations.”
House Democrats have introduced several bills to honor and protect the LGBTQ community during the 133rd General Assembly:
- HB 369 (Skindell, Hillyer) Ohio Fairness Act, a bipartisan bill that would add sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to the laws that make discrimination illegal in Ohio;
- HB 363 (Boyd) to designate Oct. 11 as Coming Out Day in Ohio;
- HB 729 (Galonski) to designate June as Pride Month in Ohio
Additionally, House Democrats last year called out then-Speaker Larry Householder for not extending anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ House employees—the only state employees without explicit protections. House Democrats have made the same request of Speaker Bob Cupp (R-Lima).
2020 marks the 32nd anniversary of National Coming Out Day, which started during the 1979 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.