Striving for Change: Ohio Continues to Push Against Outdated HIV Criminalization Laws Amid Advocates’ Rising Calls for Justice

Columbus, Ohio — In Ohio, a movement is underway to challenge state laws that criminalize HIV, spotlighting their negative long-term impacts and the urgent need for legislative change. Advocacy groups, including Equality Ohio Education Fund and Ohio Health Modernization Movement (OHMM), have recently updated their comprehensive report detailing the enforcement of these laws from 2014 to 2020, a project initiated to reignite discussions about the need for modernization based on current scientific understanding and humanitarian concerns. The report exposes stark statistics: Over a six-year period, there were at least 214 HIV-related prosecutions in Ohio. Notably, … Read more

Striving for Inclusion: New Initiatives Target Voter ID Challenges for Transgender Americans Amid Tightening Laws

WASHINGTON — As the U.S. heads into another election season, tighter voter ID laws across nine states have raised concerns about the potential disenfranchisement of transgender voters. These laws could particularly impact voter turnout in key battleground areas, where some races are predicted to be extremely close. With recent changes possibly leaving hundreds of thousands of trans individuals facing barriers at the polls, the implications for the electoral outcomes in states like North Carolina and Ohio are profound. According to Jazmynne Cruz, communications director of Equality North Carolina, many transgender community members may face challenges … Read more