Focus on Cleveland-Akron: Equality Ohio

Among the partners united to produce Gay Games IX in 2014 is Equality Ohio. From their website:

Vision

We envision 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. (Adopted April 23, 2005)

Mission

To achieve our vision, Equality Ohio will:

• serve as an advocate and champion for fair treatment and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens;
• facilitate a greater understanding of our common humanity through education and outreach efforts;
• engage and empower individuals, families, organizations, businesses and institutions in Ohio's urban, suburban, and rural areas; and
• collaborate with local, regional, statewide, and national organizations and government agencies. Equality Ohio is a non-partisan organization.

The way we work

The heart of the matter – We believe LGBT Ohioans should be able to live without fear of being fired, being harmed, or being treated any differently than anyone else because of who they are, and that includes their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Our vision is “an Ohio where everyone feels at home” and that vision is at the core of everything we do. We frame our work around those close-held beliefs. We do not let any group or individual distract us from that vision; to pull us into a “battle of wits or words” where we may squander precious resources. Truth, love, respect, humility, and justice carry our movement above and beyond gutter politics and hate rhetoric. Those ideals are at the very center of all our works, and that is also how we frame the issues that matter to our members.