The Center remains committed to elevating LGBTQ+ issues and support community-wide initiatives that promote social justice for all.
OCTOBER 27, 2023
THE CENTER URGES COMMUNITY TO VOTE YES ON ISSUES 1 AND 2
The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland would like to strongly encourage members of our community to vote yes on Issues 1 and 2 on this upcoming ballot. On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, we recognize the power that these two issues will have in creating an affirming and supportive environment within the LGBTQ+ community. By voting yes on Issue 1, we protect reproductive freedom, including access to abortion and contraceptives. By voting yes on Issue 2, we take an important first step towards addressing the systemic inequities within our criminal justice system - where LGBTQ+, Black, Latinx, and other people of color are overrepresented - by regulating the legalization of marijuana in step with the legal standards of alcohol. Both are critical components to continuing creating socially just and equitable communities where all can thrive autonomously.
OCTOBER 4, 2023
IN RESPONSE TO CITY OF CLEVELAND HEIGHTS MAYOR’S AFFIRMING SUPPORT
I want to extend my gratitude to Mayor Kahlil Seren for his actions to protect parochial school students who may be affected by the recent anti-LGBTQ policy from the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. The city's message of "All Are Welcome" and the protection of vulnerable youth is truly commendable. It is essential to ensure that no one is discriminated against due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. The diocese's policy enacted can create an environment of hate and bullying, and it is crucial to take actions to counter such a harmful rhetoric. Thank you, Mayor Kahlil Seren, for prioritizing the safety and well-being of all of Cleveland Heights' children.
PHYLLIS SEVEN HARRIS -EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
A STATEMENT ON THE CLEVELAND CATHOLIC DIOCESE'S NEW POLICIES
The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland is gravely disappointed in this continued harmful rhetoric towards the LGBTQ+ community put forth by our local diocese, which on some levels has seemed to contradict recent more accepting attitudes set forth by Pope Francis. Again we find here the dangerous practice of outing students for their expression of self, subjecting youth to potential harmful situations. The repressive culture and othering that will be fostered further by the hurtful policies documented in this statement is a massive setback in creating an affirming community here in Northeast Ohio where all should be welcome to live and thrive as their authentic selves. The Center remains in solidarity with our robust Cleveland LGBTQ+ youth community and will continue to offer support and education to all families who seek how to support their child’s identity.
