Equality Toledo’s history

It all began in response to the passage of Ohio’s Issue 1 amendment defining marriage only between one man and one woman in November 2004.  The founding members were actively involved in opposing Issue 1 and educating our communities about the harmful consequences of its passage.  

Despite the diligent efforts of numerous concerned citizens, the Issue 1 amendment became Article 15, Section 11, of the Ohio Constitution.  It passed because of the lack of effective statewide coalitions in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community and its allies.

Since then our mission has evolved: Equality Toledo works to eliminate discrimination in our region on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, through education, activism and other anti-defamation efforts.