Update:

On October 13, Lynne Bowman, the executive director of Equality Ohio came to speak on Diversity and Equality in Ohio at NCR-WHQ. While Lynne was unable to make it to NCR in time due to unexpected severe traffic problems, Lynne was able to speak later that evening at the meeting of the Miami Valley Transgender Association. There were 14 folks in attendance to hear Lynne speak for almost 2-1/2 hours, including answering audience questions.

If you are not acquainted with Equality Ohio, they are Ohio’s statewide gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender advocacy organization. Their vision statement says, “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.”

Lynne Bowman has been personally involved with LGBT rights since 1997, working for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in a number of different capacities. After the passage of State Issue 1 in 2004, an Ohio constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, she realized Ohio had no affiliate with the national Equality Federation. In 2005, Lynne founded Equality Ohio and became its first paid staffer. Now in its second year, Equality Ohio moved on July 1, 2006 into larger offices only one block from the Ohio Statehouse.

As Lynne said, “I do not believe that a person should be treated in a different manner simply because something about who they naturally are happens to be different from another. I know Equality Ohio will set a proactive agenda for equality in Ohio …and that through everyone's participation across the state, we will make Ohio a better place for everyone to live.”

Lynne also invited me to join her at a rally on Monday night for Ted Strickland, Democratic Candidate for Ohio Governor. He has come out in support of LGBT issues, while his Republican opponent, Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, is vehemently not. To be precise, Blackwell compared lesbian and gay Ohioans to “arsonists and kleptomaniacs” and described their lives as a “transgression against God’s law.” (Columbus Dispatch, 7/23/06)

While there, I met Terry Penrod of the Columbus HRC Chapter, who is also on the HRC National Board of Directors. We may be arranging for him to come to Dayton to speak sometime next year as well.

Jenny Caden,

LEAGUE@NCR Dayton Chapter Representative.

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(Click on picture for larger version)

Left to Right:  Lynne, Lynne & Jenny, Lynne, Terry Penrod of the Columbus HRC Chapter.

Original post:

Lunch & Learn
Grab your lunch and learn about diversity and equality in Ohio!

League@NCR is proud to present Lynne Bowman, executive director of Equality Ohio.

Equality Ohio is a state-wide organization that serves as an advocate and champion for fair treatment and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens. They work to 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.

“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.”

Lynne will be speaking in the NCR Auditorium on October 13 at 12 Noon.

Come, bring your lunch, and learn while listening to a very enthusiastic and dynamic speaker!
 

Join us for lunch and learn about diversity and equality in Ohio!

League@NCR is proud to present Lynne Bowman, executive director of Equality Ohio.

 
Where: The NCR Auditorium
When: Friday, October 13, 12 Noon to 1 PM.

Come, bring your lunch, and learn while listening to an enthusiastic and dynamic speaker!

Equality Ohio is a state-wide organization that serves as an advocate and champion for fair treatment and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens. They work to 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.

League@NCR is one of 6 active Business Resource Groups at NCR. We provide education, resources, and information and informational support to NCR in attaining workplace diversity goals and retaining gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender employees.  The primary purpose of League@NCR is to promote an inclusive work environment that supports employees of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.

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