LGBT activists in Ohio are advancing their transgender initiatives, even as President Donald Trump aims to halt sex reassignment procedures for minors.
Cuyahoga County has taken a notable step, becoming the first county in Ohio to ban healthcare providers from assisting children in adjusting to their biological sex. The ordinance, passed by the county council on September 9, characterizes “conversion therapy” as efforts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It also claims that providers conducting conversion therapy operate under the misconception that gender identity is a mental disorder and that it can change.
Proponents of transgender rights argue that there can be a mismatch between gender identity and biology, which they believe can be addressed through medical measures like puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender-affirming surgeries.
As a result of this ban, healthcare professionals in Cuyahoga County who support children in exploring their gender identities now face civil penalties and investigations by the Licensing Board. However, caregivers are still permitted to assist minors wishing to transition to another gender.
“Mental health professionals should have the freedom to help children find peace with their biological sex as part of understanding their identity. This process, I believe, shouldn’t be classified as conversion therapy, yet Cuyahoga County is making that mistake.”
Brandon West, a 23-year-old LGBTQ activist from Ohio, expressed his emotional response to the ordinance, calling it a beacon of hope and affirming the need for such policies. His advocacy work includes an online resource aimed at encouraging other cities and counties to adopt similar conversion therapy bans.
West hasn’t commented on requests for further input. Meanwhile, Aaron Bear, chair of the Center for Christian Virtues in Ohio, criticized the decision, arguing that there’s no genuine crisis for LGBTQ children in Cuyahoga County. He pointed out more pressing issues, like educational failures and violence stemming from poverty in Cleveland.
Cleveland is within Cuyahoga County and has also enacted a similar conversion therapy ban. This topic is set to be reviewed by the Supreme Court in October as part of a case involving a Colorado counselor who contests that state’s ban on conversion therapy.
Gary Click, who sponsored the Safe Behavior Act in Ohio, argued that the real issue at hand is the medical treatment that children undergo, which he views as harmful rather than helpful.
Despite the backlash, major healthcare organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association, stand in support of gender-affirming care and reject conversion therapy practices for minors.
A representative from Cuyahoga County defended the ordinance, stating it doesn’t infringe on free speech or legitimate mental health services. It simply regulates practices considered harmful to minors while aligning with state and federal laws.
Cuyahoga County has been a supporter of progressive LGBT initiatives for years. In 2017, its Children and Family Services was involved in federally funded research aimed at developing interventions for LGBTQ youth. This includes training aimed at helping parents understand and support their children’s gender identities.
Documents obtained indicate that Cuyahoga County had a significant role in shaping the Biden administration’s rules regarding similar issues.
This all raises questions about how serious the conversation on gender identity really is, especially when there are more significant societal problems needing attention in the community.
