FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 20, 2006
Contact: Lynne Bowman, Executive Director
614-202-8869

Legislators Get Proof:
Unfair Laws Hurt Ohioans and Families

"The Our Stories Project gives a voice and platform to real Ohioans who have suffered under unjust laws and policies that make it harder to protect and care for their loved ones."

- Lynne Bowman, Executive Director

Columbus - Today Equality Ohio Education Fund distributed copies of their Our Stories documentary to all legislators and the Executive Branch. This 11-minute DVD continues to share the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Ohioans and inspires dialogue about why equal rights are important. The video features Ohioans and families living in Dayton, Strongsville, Columbus, Galloway, and Akron.

This marks the second annual distribution of Our Stories materials to the Legislative and Executive branches. In 2005, on the one-year anniversary of the implementation of the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, Equality Ohio Education Fund delivered a book of 100 first-person stories by LGBT and allied Ohioans.

Each year a compilation of stories from across the state is delivered to clearly demonstrate that LGBT families and individuals are directly affected by unequal treatment under Ohio laws and policies.

"Ohio ranks dead last when it comes to legal treatment of LGBT people, even though LGBT Ohioans and families live in every county of this state," said Bowman. "Ohio should celebrate its own diversity and be a safe and secure place for all families."

"We believe it is important for people to know that their neighbors, family members, and co-workers are hurt by unfair laws," Bowman said. "These stories take 'gay' beyond the rhetoric and politics and make LGBT issues real and understandable for average people. The truth is we are all more alike than we are different."

The video was produced by the Equality Ohio Education Fund and Enlightenment Studios.

Equality Ohio Education Fund envisions an Ohio where everyone feels at home, living in families and communities where equality, diversity and inclusiveness are universally valued; and where government protects all people and responds to their needs, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. On the web at www.equalityohioedfund.org .