Cincinnati council establishes LGBTQIA+ commission to advise mayor and administration

Cincinnati City Council voted unanimously to create an 11‑member LGBTQIA+ commission that will advise the mayor, council and city departments on policies and services affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied residents.

The commission, established by ordinance during the council meeting, will be voluntary and unpaid; commissioners will be appointed by the mayor and serve in an advisory capacity to city government, Vice Mayor Kearney said during debate. "This commission is voluntary, it's unpaid. The commissioners would be appointed by the mayor and their role is really advisory," Kearney said.

Council members and public speakers said the move responds to a documented rise in violence and hostile rhetoric toward LGBTQIA+ people. "Hate crimes against the LGBTQIA+ community are increasing," Kearney said, adding that one report showed a "189% increase between 2022 and 2023." Public commenters urged prompt action to protect vulnerable residents and to create a standing forum for policy recommendations.

Members of the public, including activists who organized the proposal at the University of Cincinnati and local LGBTQIA+ leaders, told council the commission should center the most marginalized voices. "This commission is something that our community can always count on," said Storm Boyd, a local organizer who addressed council in support of the measure.

The ordinance passed on a roll‑call vote with all council members recorded as voting in favor. The new commission will begin work once appointments are made by the mayor and staff set administrative procedures.

Council members said they expect the commission to recommend changes to city policies, to identify gaps in services and to advise on public‑safety and health‑care access for LGBTQIA+ residents. The council did not vote on any funding for the commission during the meeting.