Cincinnati City Council approves creation of LGBTQIA+ advisory commission

Cincinnati City Council voted to establish an LGBTQIA+ commission to advise the mayor, council and the city administration on issues affecting LGBTQIA+ residents and on policy recommendations, the council said during its March meeting. The motion, introduced by Vice Mayor Jan Michelle Lerman Kearney, passed by roll call with all members voting yes.

The commission will be a voluntary advisory body with no financial remuneration for members. Vice Mayor Kearney said the idea originated from University of Cincinnati medical student Delia Sosa and local organizers and that the commission would connect with external organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and the City Hall employee resource group that assisted in drafting the proposal. Kearney cited a rise in reported hate crimes in Ohio to argue for the city-level advisory body.

Supporters who spoke during the Citizens Forum and the council meeting said a commission would help the city respond to rising violence and discrimination directed at LGBTQIA+ people. Storm Boyd, a local organizer, described the commission as “a monumental step” that would give LGBTQIA+ residents “a dedicated platform for support and advocacy.” Jonah Yokoyama, who identified themself as a nurse, said the commission would “help ensure that we are indeed a sanctuary” for LGBTQIA+ residents.

Council members who spoke in favor framed the commission as a continuity of previous city efforts to protect civil rights. Council member Albee said the commission is “another step” for the city to stand with residents amid state and federal hostility toward LGBTQIA+ people; Council member Walsh reviewed the city’s historical progress on LGBTQIA+ protections and called the measure an important show of leadership.

The commission’s functions as described on the floor include advising on policy, tracking hate incidents, and coordinating with outside advocacy and support organizations. The council discussed that the commission would be purely advisory and not a regulatory or enforcement body; membership and formal bylaws were presented as next steps to be organized by the administration and community partners.

Council members voted by roll call: Council member Johnson — yes; Vice Mayor Jan Michelle Lerman Kearney — yes; Council member Nolan — yes; Council member Owens — yes; Council member Parks — yes; Council member Walsh — yes; Council member Albee — yes; Council member Krammerding — yes; Council member Jeffries — yes. The motion passed unanimously.