Community Forum Explores Equality And Inclusion

Photo by Ken Brand

On Wednesday, May 13 at Lakewood Public Library, LakewoodAlive’s community forum committee hosted a conversation “Exploring the Legend: Is Equality Alive in Lakewood?” The focus was on the LGBT community and determining if Lakewood is in fact an inclusive and welcoming community.

More than 60 community members participated with a panel of experts in the field. It was reported by the panel that while Lakewood has taken significant legislative and cultural strides, the state of Ohio has a long way to go and we are losing a competitive edge to attract talented individuals and families. 

Attendees learned that in a statewide poll, 7 out of 10 small businesses in Ohio support LGBT rights. But the audience was shocked when it was revealed that it is currently legal to fire or harass employees in the state of Ohio because they are LGBT. They weren’t alone. In the same poll, conducted by Small Business Majority, only 5 percent of business owners were aware of this sad reality.

“We are losing out on talented people,” said Michaela Burriss of Small Business Majority. She noted that some from the LGBT community won’t leave LGBT friendly areas to come to Ohio regardless of employment opportunities. The panel and audience said that Lakewood has been welcoming yet we are hindered by a lack of statewide inclusion.

The forum was moderated by Michelle Tomallo, Board President, Plexus which serves as the Chamber of Commerce for the LGBT Communities and Allies.

Panelists included Michaela Hahn Burriss, Midwest Outreach Manager, Small Business Majority; Michael Daso, Financial Consultant, AXA Advisors; Alana Jochum, Northeast Ohio Director, Equality Ohio; and Maureen Greeves, Lakewood resident and parent.

One common thread revealed that language matters and there is much more each of us can do in Lakewood and elsewhere. It was noted that while Lakewood’s inclusion of the LGBT community isn’t perfect, our welcoming and inclusionary culture is ahead of policy-makers at the state level and in most Ohio communities.

This forum continues LakewoodAlive’s tradition of hosting conversation dating back more than ten years.

Ian Andrews

My name is Ian Andrews and I am the Executive Director at LakewoodAlive.

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Volume 11, Issue 11, Posted 3:04 PM, 05.26.2015