"Fresh Newsweek polling last month shows that more than three-quarters of

the country thinks gay Americans deserve job and housing protection against

discrimination. The magazine also reported that a majority believes that

gay spouses deserve some legal benefits of marriage (such as health

insurance) and that, for the first time, fewer than half of Americans label

homosexuality a sin. While homophobia is hardly extinct, voters tend to

punish politicians who stoke it. Anyone who thinks the murder of Matthew

Shepard in Wyoming wasn't a contributing factor to the surprise downfall of

religious-right Republicans in the '98 election is kidding himself."

Equality Begins at Home, Ohio (EBaH-Ohio) is a statewide coalition of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community support and civil rights organizations dedicated to securing civil rights for GLBT Ohioans. EBaH was organized by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's (NGLTF's) Federation of LGBT Statewide Political Organizations in 1999. Each state's EBaH is completely autonomous. EBaH-Ohio was launched with a large rally at the Statehouse on March 21, 1999 and our Lobby Day 1999 on March 23, 1999. We are now in our second year of operation with Lobby Day 2000, April 12, 2000.

EBaH-Ohio is organized entirely by a volunteer force of leaders from Ohio's GLBT organizations. The following people are the official contacts for the organization:

Co-Chair, EBaH-2000 Co-Chair, EBaH-2000

(It's Time, Ohio!, Columbus) (Stonewall Akron)

614-777-9980 330-454-4681

614-309-2706 (cellular) 75253.2413@compuserve.com

sarah@gendernet.org

This year, our fiscal agent is Stonewall Akron:

EBaH Treasurer

Stonewall Akron

900 Park Ave. SW

Canton, OH 44706

Every year, a different mix of Ohio's GLBT organizations works to orchestrate the EBaH-Ohio lobbying events. Lobby Day 2000 has been organized by representatives from It's Time, Ohio!, Stonewall Akron, the Columbus chapter of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), the Miami Valley GLBT and Supportive Community Coalition, Dignity, Stonewall Cincinnati, the Columbus Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW).

The following organizations, businesses, and individuals have been so kind as to provide the financial support necessary to pay for Lobby Day 2000: Catherine Houck, CP; Catherine E. Huston, Atty. at Law; Merâl Crane, M.A., LPCC; It's Time, Ohio!; Stonewall Democrats of Central Ohio; Project Open Hand; J.D. Byrider, Lakewood Ohio; Ohio National Organization for Women; Akron National Organization for Women; Columbus National Organization for Women; Lesbian Health News; Sarah Fox, Ph.D.; Eric Resnick.

This year, EBaH lobbyists are addressing three issues of particular concern to our people:

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), introduced by Sen. Jay Hottinger and Rep. Jim Jordan, would "reassert" that a same-sex marriages are against Ohio's public policy. We of EBaH oppose this bill on several grounds:

The Ethnic Intimidation Bill introduced by Rep. Joyce Beatty would broaden coverage under the existing Ethnic Intimidation statute to protect additional groups from hate-motivated crimes, including GLBT people. It would further designate acts of ethnic intimidation by organizations as acts of domestic terrorism and would enhance penalties for crimes committed because of the victim's race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or ancestry. EBaH-Ohio supports this bill and believes it to be a solid piece of legislation for the following reasons:

1. What makes a "hate crime" different from other violent crimes?

2. Won't prosecutors misuse the law by claiming "hate crime" every time a gay person is, say, robbed?

3. A murder is a murder. How can a murder conviction be enhanced? Why single out groups for special treatment?

4. Will "hate crime" laws make speech which is hateful or inflammatory illegal?

5. Does Ohio’s top law enforcement officer support legislation protecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens from hate crimes?

6. Who else supports Rep. Beatty’s bill (H.B. 277)?

7. How do we know hate crimes against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people are a problem in Ohio?

A full report of cases of hate crimes, employment discrimination, and denial of services is provided at the end of this document. These are a few of the recent incidents documented there -- incidents that might not have occurred if Ohio had sent a strong and clear message that hate crimes will not be tolerated in our society.

[Murder, Assault] Columbus: On January 19, 2000, William Camelin (38) and his partner Erwin Roberts (43) were driving home from Remo's Bar, a gay tavern. When they stopped at a traffic light, two men in a souped-up, late model car stopped alongside them. The occupants all stared at each other, smiled, and nodded. The assailants motioned Mr. Camelin and Mr. Roberts to follow them, which they did. When both cars again stopped on a side street, the assailants walked up to the victims' car. The victims, feeling they were in danger, suddenly drove away, and the assailants fired five or six gunshots through their rear window. Both men were injured and drove to Columbus Community Hospital, later to be transferred to Grant Medical Center. Mr. Roberts' injuries were minor, and he was treated and released. Mr. Camelin suffered critical injuries to the back and died three days later. Although Mr. Roberts and BRAVO have identified this crime as a hate crime, the police are only considering it a routine homicide. (Source: Columbus Dispatch)

[Murder] Cleveland, September 27, 1999: Chareka Keys, a 19-year-old preoperative male-to-female transsexual was murdered. Her body was found on the loading dock of an abandoned factory. She died of blunt trauma to the head. There are no suspects at the time of this entry, March 13, 2000. (Source: The Gay People's Chronicle, Cleveland)

[Vandalism, Intimidation] Columbus, downtown, June 27, 1999. A rainbow flag flying over the Statehouse during the Pride March was taken down and burned by three anti-LGBT protesters. The three were arrested by the State Highway Patrol. (Source: BRAVO)

[Assault] Columbus, 1999. A lesbian woman reported being beaten by a male family member at a Thanksgiving gathering at another family member's home. The victim recently came out to her family and was told that she "deserved that and more for going against God." The victim suffered bruises to her face and jaw and a sprained wrist. The incident was not reported to police. (Source: BRAVO)

Although there is currently no legislation that would address the issue of employment discrimination against sexual minorities, this issue remains one of the most significant obstacles to the pursuit of a reasonable quality of life for the GLBT community. It impacts some segments of our community more than others. In fact those in the most heavily impacted segment of our community, the transsexual population, find that it is nearly impossible to find employment without covering up their opposite-gender history and that their employment will last only as long as their secret, which is often not very long.

EBaH-Ohio and It's Time, Ohio! have discussed employment issues with Ohio lawmakers before, and there is a growing sentiment that Ohio should consider joining the ranks of other states in the Union that have passed legislation ensuring that one's ability to find employment is based on merit, rather than sexual minority status. Such a law would be good not only for the GLBT community but also for Ohio's economy, as unemployment and underemployment waste talent, educational resources, and taxpayers' dollars (entitlements). We hope to have a bill introduced in the near future will address anti-GLBT employment discrimination. When such a bill is introduced, we would appreciate your support.

A full report of cases of hate crimes, employment discrimination, and denial of services is provided at the end of this document. These are a few of the recent incidents documented there -- incidents for which the victims had no recourse under the law. Please note in the first and third examples how assault is an all-too-frequent component of these employment discrimination cases.

[Employment Discrimination, Assault] A heterosexual male teacher, perceived as homosexual, received no student discipline support from the school principal. The situation deteriorated to the point where the teacher was physically threatened and pushed into a corner of the classroom by five male students. The teacher was quietly transferred to another building. The students were not disciplined due to parental pressures. Parents felt their sons' behavior was justified because the teacher was homosexual. (Reported by GLSEN)

[Employment Discrimination] Gahanna, 1999: A preoperative male-to-female transsexual was hired at a computer company and proved to be a very good employee. At the end of her 90 day probation period, they told her they wanted to hire her permanently and give her a raise. It was then, out of respect for the company and its management, that she disclosed her transsexual status. The management told her that her transsexual status was no problem but fired her the next day, telling her that it would be best for all not to have a transsexual woman working at their company. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Employment Discrimination] Delaware: In 1999, a transsexual woman (male to female) was hired as a support provider for mentally retarded men at a supportive living home. She was a valued employee at the facility, receiving excellent job evaluations. When it was discovered (or theorized) by one of her coworkers that she was a transsexual, that coworker gossiped incessantly to the other coworkers, creating a very hostile work atmosphere for the employee. This hostile atmosphere became increasingly demeaning and counterproductive that the employee complained to her supervisor about sexual harassment. Three days later she was assigned to work alone all night with one of the two people who had been harassing her. A 3-hr long confrontation ensued, in which this person continuously screamed insults at her, such as "fat-ass man-freak", and attempting in every conceivable manner to induce her to either quit or attack back. When she complained via telephone to her supervisor about the attack, she was told she needed to stay on the job site. Near the end of the attack, the attacker's husband visited the facility, trespassing after-hours, and physically threatened the employee. Two other employees then conspired with the attacker to get rid of the transsexual woman by engineering a "set up" in which the employee would be charged with abuses of her charges. thus discrediting the transsexual woman's complaints about the attack as well. During the investigation that followed it was learned that the very large and strong young man who she was accused of abusing had been coached to attack her by the conspirators, which he had done for no previously understood reason several times before this. A particularly violent additional attack did ensue two days after the investigation in which chairs and dinner plates were thrown at her. Her life could easily have been in danger. During the investigation into the abuse charges by the facility's administrators a few other coworkers testified that the accusers had conspired to fabricate the situation. The charges were dropped, and three of the conspirators were fired. A friend of the conspirators quit the job because of the decision, but not before making yet another abuse accusation against the employee, which the facility was required by law to investigate. One of the fired conspirators made death threats to the employee during subsequent days and screamed slurs at her out her car window while driving past her home. While the employee was found innocent of the additional charges, she was ultimately "not hired" at the end of her probation period because she had not gotten along with the employees who conspired against her. One employee of the facility was so horrified by the transsexual employee's treatment that she is still considering quitting her job too, physically ill. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

Most people live their lives blissfully unaware of the ubiquity of hate and discrimination in their society. When they hear of some poor soul such as Matthew Shepard, who was brutally tortured and killed just because he was gay, they are quick to blame the social climate in other places, absolving their own communities of any wrongdoing.

Most people don't realize that hatred is all around them in every single part of this country. They just don't hear about it, because the police usually let it happen, and the press usually ignores it. Even when press coverage occurs, not even hate-motivated, anti-GLBT murders garner much attention. Most people in Ohio are unaware, for instance, of the recent murders of a Columbus gay man and a Cleveland transsexual woman, even though these murders were the subjects of vigils and town meetings.

While most straight people live relatively trouble-free existences, people in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) communities live with hatred on a daily basis. They see it take the lives of their friends. They see it drive other friends to suicide. They see it put still more friends on the streets. To GLBT people, societal hatred is not an occasional thing viewed on the news in the comfort of a spacious suburban home. It is often a pervasive fear felt every minute of every day. It is usually something that has affected a dear friend or even taken his or her life. It is a punishment simply for existing.

Practically everyone has heard Matthew Shepard's story, but the overwhelming majority of stories are never heard. This document contains but a few of these stories which have happened in Ohio. Some incidents were very minor, while others cost lives. Collectively, they all have served to terrorize and subjugate an entire population.

[Assault] Aurora: A female-to-male transsexual moved to Aurora on June 16, 1998. On July 4, 1998, he was lured out of his home by his next door neighbor's wife who indicated that she and her husband wanted to be shown the property line that divided the two parcels. As the victim walked into his backyard, the neighbor's husband sprang from behind some bushes and attempted to attack him. The victim side-stepped the advance, avoiding an initial physical assault. He was then surrounded by five people who would not allow him to retreat into his home. They taunted him with names, "faggot", "dyke, or whatever you are", "fruit", "morhphodite (sic:hermaphrodite)", which then escalated to threats. The wife continued to escalate her rage, yelling, "Stay away from my children, you pervert....if I ever catch you near my children, I will crush your head on the pavement like a melon." A neighbor from a different address chimed in, "we don't want people like you in our neighborhood....so leave or face the consequences." The victim finally escaped his backyard and attempted to enter his house through the front door. While attempting to do so, he was struck and shoved by the neighbor's husband. Throughout this unprovoked incident, he never returned any words or returned any physical blows to my assailants. When the victim reported the incident to the Aurora police, they were not helpful, treating the victim with suspicion and hostility in his own home. They refused to arrest the neighbors. They did not inform the victim that he had a right to file a report and they did not file a report themselves. A similar incident occurred on Labor Day, 1998 this time with the addition of a direct threat from the neighbor's husband expressing that he wanted to kill the victim. Again, the Aurora police refused to arrest the assailants. The victim continues to live in fear of his neighbors, unprotected by the police. // Follow-up, entered 4/5/2000: The victim reported this incident to his Ohio representative, Ann Womer-Benjamin, who intervened and inquired with his local police department. The police followed up, meeting with the victim to discuss the crimes. No further information has been reported.

[Denial of Veterans' Benefits, Harassment] Cincinnati, March 1999: A male-to-female preoperative transsexual has had great difficulty obtaining the veterans' benefits due her through her local VA Hospital in Cincinnati. A veteran of the Navy, serving as an aircraft maintenance instructor, she was exposed to radiation and chemical burns and requires ongoing treatments, both medical and psychological. Before moving to Cincinnati, she lived in Seattle Washington, where she had even more difficulty obtaining benefits. When seeking treatment for radiation exposure and chemical burns, she was denied treatment and referred to the University Hospital as a charity case. The explanation given was that, "the treat your 'kind' better there -- that you would be more comfortable among your own 'kind'." When pressed for elaboration they explained, "We only treat men here." She was further harassed by medical personnel in the VA lobby area who joked loudly at her, "When you go to those gay bars downtown and pick people up, do you use protection?" Her medical records reflect repeated use of the terms "gay," "homosexual," and "faggot." Her treatment by a VA Hospital psychiatrist was very similar, with the psychiatrist repeatedly encouraging her to undergo testosterone treatment to cure her of the "fagotry that (she is) into." The psychologists notes also refer to her as a "faggot." The veteran has also been denied vocational rehabilitation through the VA because she is supposedly irresponsible and isn't bright enough, despite her scoring overall above average in her various assessment tests. Apparently the Navy had no questions as to her responsibility or intelligence prior to her transition, as they had placed her in an instructor's position in aircraft maintenance. This person is in considerable need of the vocational rehabilitation that the VA is legally obligated to provide her. Her job was terminated in Washington state because of her gender status, prior to her move to Cincinnati, and she remains unemployed as of the time of this report, March 1999. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Job Discrimination] Cincinnati, 1999: A male-to-female preoperative transsexual works for the US Postal Service in Cincinnati. She transitioned while working for the USPS in Washington DC with no problem. When she moved back to Cincinnati and transferred to a USPS job here, she was repeatedly harassed by her coworkers for being a transsexual. Asking her manager for help, she found herself harassed by the manager. She is currently on disability, ready to return to work but unable to because of a hostile work environment. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Murder] Cleveland, September 27, 1999: Chareka Keys, a 19-year-old preoperative male-to-female transsexual was murdered. Her body was found on the loading dock of an abandoned factory. She died of blunt trauma to the head. There are no suspects at the time of this entry, March 13, 2000. (Source: The Gay People's Chronicle, Cleveland)

[Harassment, Threats, Denial of Police Protection] A multiracial gay male couple was subject to continuing harassment by their neighbors for more than a year. One afternoon, the couple tried to pull out of their driveway, but their neighbor's car was blocking the drive. The couple honked their horn to get the neighbor's attention. The neighbors came out and surrounded the victims' car, yelling, "You fucking faggots, we are going to kick your queer asses right here." The couple called 911 from a cellular phone. Police responded, but refused to make arrests, stating, "We can't arrest the entire neighborhood." The couple contacted a local prosecutor's office and the Chief of Police. After listening to the 911 tapes, the prosecutor determined that there was enough evidence to pursue an indictment, which is now pending. (Source: Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Assault] Cleveland, 1999. Two white gay men were leaving a local bar when two young males jumped out of the bushes, yelling "faggots" and "Queers, you are going to get it." The two men were hit with plastic milk crates and chased down the street. Both men received cuts, bruises, and stitches on the head, and were treated and released from a nearby hospital. No arrests have been made. (Reported by Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Assault] Cleveland, 1999. A 34 year old white lesbian was approached by five youth while she was working on her car in her garage. Two of the males shouted threatening remarks at her, including, "We don't like dykes, and we are going to kill you." The youth standing behind her hit her in the head with a breaker bar from her toolbox. They continued hitting her in the head, temples, face, and abdomen. The victim blacked out and began to have seizures. One of her neighbors called the police, and she was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The investigation is still pending. (Reported by Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Assault, Attempted Robbery] Cleveland, 1999. A 30 year old Latino gay man was the victim of an attempted robbery and anti-LGBT beating upon leaving a Long Beach restaurant that caters to the LGBT community. As the victim and his friend were about to enter their car, three young men approached them. One of the perpetrators grabbed the victim's neck from behind and said, Give me your money, bitch. Give me your money, faggot!" At the same time, another perpetrator put a gun to the victim's head, and the third attacker punched him in the face and said, "I told you to give me the money, faggot." The victim's friend ran for help while the victim struggled with the attackers. Ultimately, the victim sustained injuries to his head, and the perpetrators were arrested. (Reported by Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Harassment] Cleveland: In August 1998 a gay couple was experiencing ongoing harassment from neighbors. (Reported by Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Stalking] Cleveland: In May 1998 a lesbian had been stalked by man. Although he had been prosecuted, he still threatened to rape her. (Reported by Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Harassment, Education Discrimination] Cleveland: In April 1998 a high school youth was harassed by peers, verbally, physically, emotionally. He was suspended from school for fighting to protect himself. (Reported by Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Harassment] Cleveland: In January 1998 a high school student endured physical and emotional harassment by both his peers and teachers. He was kicked while in hallways and repeatedly called "faggot". This was reported to principal and counselors but they were unresponsive. (Reported by Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Assault, Robbery] Cleveland: In 1998 a gay man leaving a gay bar was pushed to the ground and robbed. (Reported by Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Employment Discrimination] Cleveland: In September 1997 a gay man was fired from job after filling out insurance forms indicating he was HIV+. (Reported by Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Assault] Cleveland: In August 1997 a gay man was brutally beaten in his apartment. Every bone in his face was broken and several ribs broken. Attackers had been seen together in gay bar prior to attack. (Reported by Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Harassment, Assault] Cleveland: In July 1997, a gay man sustained ongoing harassment from youth in his neighborhood. He was assaulted by them and suffered a concussion and crushed cheek bone damaging his left eye. (Reported by Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Assault] Cleveland: In June 1997, a male-to-female transgendered person was attacked while sitting in car at red light. Man approached her car screaming and wielding a golf club. He hit her vehicle and injured her arm. (Reported by Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Murder] Cleveland: In June 13 1997, Janice Ricks, a preoperative male-to-female transsexual, was shot twice, once in her neck and once in her abdomen. While there are reports that she was seen with someone earlier that morning, there are no suspects or motive as of the time of this report (1997). Police continued to be uncooperative with members of the TG community. Local media coverage was sparse, one station briefly mentioning that a "man" who went about in women's clothing had been killed, although Janice Ricks was reportedly living full or nearly full time as a woman. (Reported in Tapestry Magazine, Summer 1997, No. 76)

[Employment Discrimination] Cleveland: In May 1997, a male-to-female transgendered person was fired after transitioning on the job. (Reported by Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Assault, Robbery] Cleveland: In January 1997, a gay man leaving a gay bar was pistol- whipped and robbed. He sustained several bruises and required stitches on his face. (Reported by Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Assault] Cleveland: In 1997 two men leaving a gay bar were assaulted by a group of eight young men. They were beaten on head and back with a stick. (Reported by Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Community Center)

[Assault and Denial of Police Protection] Cleveland: On Dec 30, 1996 at 1:00 AM approximately four or five skinheads attacked a man near two popular gay bars. They were yelling, "AIDS infested fag!" They ripped his jeans, took his wallet, ring and watch, then they pinned him to the ground and shoved a beer bottle up his rectum. The victim walked home and called friends, who took him to a doctor to have the glass removed. He tried to report the robbery/sexual assault to the police but was told that he couldn't file a report because he did not know his attackers. In subsequent days, the victim began getting harassing/threatening phone calls. When he reported this to the police, and suggested it may be connected to the robbery/sexual assault, the attending officer asked, "Aren't those bars where homosexuals frequent? Why is it that you were there?" (Report taken by the Lesbian/Gay Community Center of Cleveland; 1996 NCAVP report)

[Sexual Assault] Cleveland: In 1996, a man met several other men at a gay neighborhood bar. They bought him several drinks, then lured him outside. At that point they forced him into a van, where they physically and sexually assaulted him. After urinating and defecating on him they threw him out of the vehicle and drove off. (Report taken by the Lesbian and Gay Community Center of Cleveland; 1996 NCAVP report)

[Employment Discrimination] Cleveland: In 1996, a female-to-male preoperative transsexual worked for Ameritech. The man presented and still presents as unambiguously male. For two years, his employer refused to let him use the men's restroom, instead relabeling a women's restroom "restroom" and placing a lock on the door. This was the case even after his surgery in 1997. He was forbidden by the company to discuss the matter with any other employee. After repeated letters back and forth, and refusals by the company to treat him the same as any other male employee, he was finally granted permission to use the men's restrooms in September of 1998. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Reckless Endangerment, Harassment] Cleveland, 1996. A male-to-female transsexual ordered a sandwich at an area restaurant. The cook gave the woman a cold stare. When the sandwich arrived, she lifted the bun to put some condiments on it and discovered, sitting on the pattie, a sharp metal ring-pull from the top of a soda can. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Employment Discrimination] Cleveland, 1996: A male-to-female transsexual was falsely accused by her ex-wife of abusing her son. Although the accusation was obviously in retribution for her being transsexual, she was nevertheless forced to resign from her management job at a Fortune 100 company. Her defense against these charges ultimately exhausted her funds and energy. The woman doubts whether she will ever work at that job level again and lives in fear of making herself that vulnerable again. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Assault] Columbus, March 3, 2000. A gay man was assaulted by two or three other men as he walked to his car after leaving an LGBT establishment. The victim was grabbed and punched during the attack, and the attackers used anti-LGBT slurs before running off. The incident was not reported to the police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Vandalism] Columbus, Feb. 28, 2000. A lesbian woman reported vandalism to her car. The vehicle was in a parking lot while the owner was at work. She found eggs smashed on her car at lunch time. There were no other cars vandalized in the vicinity, and her car had LGBT stickers on it. The incident was not reported to the police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Harassment] Columbus, Feb. 27, 2000. A lesbian woman reported harassment by two male youths in a green, two-door car as she walked out of an LGBT establishment. The youths yelled anti-LGBT slurs and circled the block twice before driving away. (Source: BRAVO)

[Theft] Columbus, Feb. 25, 2000. A gay man reported that a rainbow flag was stolen from his front porch overnight. This was the second incident in the past month. The incident was not reported to the police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Assault, Robbery] Columbus, Feb. 19, 2000. A transgendered woman was assaulted and robbed by two men as she walked to a business. The men came up behind her, pushed her into a storefront alcove, hit her, and stole her purse. The incident was not reported to the police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Assault] Columbus, Feb. 15, 2000. A lesbian woman reported being assaulted as she walked to her car near the library. A white man in his early 20's approached her and asked for directions. When she did not respond, he shoved her to the ground while making anti-LGBT statements. The incident was not reported to the police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Threats] Columbus, Feb. 14, 2000. A lesbian reported threats by a neighbor. The neighbor wanted the woman to remove a rainbow flag from her window. When she refused to remove it, the neighbor threatened to shoot out the window. The incident was not reported to the police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Harassment, Threats] Columbus, Feb. 11, 2000. Two gay men reported being harassed and threatened by a group of youths in an SUV. The youths circled the block, yelling anti-LGBT slurs and threats. The men returned to the business they had just left, and the youths drove away. Police were not notified. (Source: BRAVO)

[Murder, Assault] Columbus: On January 19, 2000, William Camelin (38) and his partner Erwin Roberts (43) were driving home from Remo's Bar, a gay tavern. When they stopped at a traffic light, two men in a souped-up, late model car stopped alongside them. The occupants all stared at each other, smiled, and nodded. The assailants motioned Mr. Camelin and Mr. Roberts to follow them, which they did. When both cars again stopped on a side street, the assailants walked up to the victims' car. The victims, feeling they were in danger, suddenly drove away, and the assailants fired five or six gunshots through their rear window. Both men were injured and drove to Columbus Community Hospital, later to be transferred to Grant Medical Center. Mr. Roberts' injuries were minor, and he was treated and released. Mr. Camelin suffered critical injuries to the back and died three days later. Although Mr. Roberts and BRAVO have identified this crime as a hate crime, the police are only considering it a routine homicide. (Source: Columbus Dispatch)

[Assault, Robbery] August 3 1999. A male-to-female transsexual befriended a man who later called to ask her out on a date. The woman had previously informed the man she was a transsexual. When they later went on a date, they took a walk through a park, where the man asked to have sex. When the woman turned him down, he said, "Oh, so you're one of those girls who plays games. Well, I've got something for you." He then pulled out a knife and stabbed her in the chest. The woman then lay down on a nearby park bench, at which time he stabbed her in her buttocks. When the woman begged for her life, the man took her car keys and stole her car. The victim filed a police report, but no suspect had been apprehended as of the time this report was taken. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Vandalism] Grandview, July 13, 1999. A social service agency reported a series of incidents of vandalism in and around their offices. Agency staff reported the incidents to the police and worked with the investigation. A suspect has been arrested. (Source: BRAVO)

[Harassment, Threats] Columbus, Northland area, July 6, 1999. A gay man reported being harassed and threatened by a former co-worker who also lives in the same neighborhood. The threats and harassment included anti-LGBT slurs. (Source: BRAVO)

[Assault] Columbus, Short North, July 3, 1999. Three gay men were accosted by a group of three or four men who asked if the victims were gay, and then started beating them. Injuries included lacerations and bruises. Victims were able to get the license number of the assailants' vehicle. The incident was reported to the police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Assault] Columbus, Victorian Village, July 2, 1999. A heterosexual man was assaulted by three other men as he walked on Neil Ave. The assailants used anti-LGBT language during the assault. The victim suffered minor injuries. The incident was not reported to the police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Harassment, Threats] Columbus, downtown, June 28, 1999. Cleaning company employees were harassed and threatened by an employee of a catering company. Anti-LGBT slurs were cited. A complaint was filed with the owner of the catering company, who has not responded. The incident was not reported to the police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Vandalism, Intimidation] Columbus, downtown, June 27, 1999. A rainbow flag flying over the Statehouse during the Pride March was taken down and burned by three anti-LGBT protesters. The three were arrested by the State Highway Patrol. (Source: BRAVO)

[Assault, Robbery] Columbus, downtown, June 26, 1999. Three gay men were assaulted and robbed while walking in an alley to their car. The four assailants, all white men in their 20's, punched and kicked the victims and demanded their wallets. Two victims suffered minor bruises, and the third victim was treated for broken ribs. The incident was not reported to the police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Assault] Columbus east side, June 25, 1999. A lesbian woman reported being assaulted by another resident at a motel after a conversation about the victim's partner. The victim suffered a concussion, bruises, and lacerations from the attack. The incident was reported to the police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Vandalism] Clintonville, June 24, 1999. Two women reported vandalism to their cars and garage overnight. Windows were broken on both vehicles, and anti-LGBT graffiti was spray-painted on the garage. The incident was not reported to the police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Harassment] Columbus Short North, June 20, 1999. A gay man reported being verbally harassed while walking with two friends on High Street. Harassers were a group of young white males driving by. (Source: BRAVO)

[Harassment, Threats] Columbus west side, June 19, 1999. Two lesbian women reported harassment and threats from a neighbor. Anti-LGBT slurs and threats to hold a religious meeting on the women's front lawn were cited. The incidents have been reported to the police, and the women are working with the Bias Crimes Liaison Officer. (Source: BRAVO)

[Harassment, Threats] Columbus, February 8, 1999. An LGBT organization received 3 threatening phone calls over the weekend. Not reported to police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Vandalism] Columbus, February 6, 1999. A rainbow flag was taken from front porch and shredded. Remnants of the flag were found in the yard and alley. Not reported to police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Harassment, Threats] Columbus, February 4, 1999. A gay man reported a series of anonymous threatening phone calls. Numerous references were made to his sexual orientation. Not reported to police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Harassment, Assault] Columbus, January 26, 1999. Two lesbian women walking on High Street were harassed and then attacked by a group of 4 or 5 youths. Verbal comments by attackers included references and threats about sexual orientation. Attackers fled when a passing car stopped. Not reported to police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Vandalism] Columbus, January 25, 1999. A lesbian woman's car was vandalized overnight. The windows were spray painted with the word, "fag." A bumper sticker was partially removed. Not reported to police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Assault, Robbery] Columbus, January 20, 1999. A gay man was assaulted and robbed in a parking lot. Assailants were 2 white men in their mid-20's. The victim received cuts on his head requiring 8 stitches. Not reported to police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Sexual Harassment] Columbus, January 19, 1999. A lesbian woman reported sexual harassment by a co-worker who frequently cites her sexual orientation as well as demanding sexual acts. Not reported to employer or police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Vandalism, Harassment] Columbus, January 15, 1999. A gay man reported rocks thrown through two windows of his home overnight. An anonymous phone caller asked: "Did you get the message?" Not reported to police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Harassment] Columbus, January 12, 1999. A resident was threatened with violence by neighborhood youths. Not reported to police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Assault] Columbus, 1999. A gay man was assaulted while walking near a park. The assailant, a white man in his early 20's, made anti-gay comments during the attack. The victim suffered bruises to his face and harm, and a broken rib after being thrown to the ground and kicked. The incident was not reported to the police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Harassment, Threats] Columbus, 1999. A gay man reported ongoing problems with an elderly neighbor. The neighbor, who was formerly friendly, had begun yelling obscenities and anti-gay slurs and threats at the victim and his partner. On one occasion, the neighbor was seen outside their home with a gun. The victims are attempting to secure social services intervention and have not reported the incidents to police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Robbery] Columbus, 1999. A gay man was robbed as he walked to his car from an LGTB business. The victim was approached by two white men in their early 20's, who initially asked directions and then demanded the victim's wallet, claiming to have a weapon. The incident was not reported to the police. Three similar incidents were reported within a 10 day period in the same area. (Source: BRAVO)

[Assault] Columbus, 1999. A lesbian woman reported being beaten by a male family member at a Thanksgiving gathering at another family member's home. The victim recently came out to her family and was told that she "deserved that and more for going against God." The victim suffered bruises to her face and jaw and a sprained wrist. The incident was not reported to police. (Source: BRAVO)

[Employment Discrimination, Assault] A heterosexual male teacher, perceived as homosexual, received no student discipline support from the school principal. The situation deteriorated to the point where the teacher was physically threatened and pushed into a corner of the classroom by five male students. The teacher was quietly transferred to another building. The students were not disciplined due to parental pressures. Parents felt their sons' behavior was justified because the teacher was homosexual. (Reported by GLSEN)

[Employment Discrimination] A male teacher of 15 years was told by the principal " Never reveal your homosexuality to anyone. If you do, certain staff members and parents will see to it that you will no longer work for Columbus schools." (Reported by GLSEN)

[Employment Discrimination] Columbus. A female administrator was told that if she referred to partner as a female, including private staff conversations, she would be terminated. (Reported by GLSEN)

[Employment Discrimination, Denial of Public Accommodations] Columbus: In 1999, a preoperative male-to-female transsexual had been a regular customer at a Meijer store for 6 months, occasionally having bought clothing there without any problem. When she interviewed for a job at the store, it was necessary for her to disclose her transgendered status. They told her she was very qualified and wished to set up a second interview, but later declined to grant that interview. No explanation was given. The next time she shopped at the store, she was approached by three security guards who told her she could not use any of the changing room or toilet facilities there, either female or male. A former employee of Meijer's security verifies that it is unofficial store policy to harass gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transpeople, so as to discourage them from returning to the store. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Employment Discrimination] Gahanna, 1999: A preoperative male-to-female transsexual was hired at a computer company and proved to be a very good employee. At the end of her 90 day probation period, they told her they wanted to hire her permanently and give her a raise. It was then, out of respect for the company and its management, that she disclosed her transsexual status. The management told her that her transsexual status was no problem but fired her the next day, telling her that it would be best for all not to have a transsexual woman working at their company. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Undue Government Interference and Denial of Health Care] Columbus: In 1998, an unemployed, preoperative male-to-female transsexual needed to have her prescriptions refilled. Her prescriptions, from a Columbus endocrinologist, were not coverable under her insurance, as coverage for treatment of transsexuals was and is specifically excluded in almost all insurance policies, including hers. The only affordable source for her medications was through a Canadian pharmacy, which according to the provisions of NAFTA is a legitimate and legal means for obtaining prescription medications. The woman had her script rewritten by an internal medicine specialist in Windsor, Ontario and filled by a pharmacy there, which shipped the prescription to her via Federal Express, as she had requested. The shipment was impounded without proper notification by an FDA agent in Memphis, TN (a Federal Express shipping hub) who questioned why any woman would need a testosterone blocker. Upon discovery that the woman was a transsexual, the agent refused entry of the shipment, despite the woman's dire medical needs (entering withdrawal). The woman sought intervention through her US Representative, Deborah Pryce, and through her two US Senators' John Glenn and Mike DeWine. Rep. Pryce's and Sen. DeWine's staff both communicated with the agent, who insisted that he could not allow entry of the medications into the US without proper prescription information, but that otherwise there would have be no problem. When hearing of this rationale, the woman immediately faxed copies of both her US and Canadian scripts to the FDA agent. When she called him on the phone shortly thereafter, he insisted that he was not going to let the shipment through, irrespective of her production of the documentation he said he needed. She explained to him in detail how not allowing entry would be in direct violation of the provisions of the FDA Procedural Guidelines handbook and the FDA mission statement, as well as a violation of the terms of NAFTA. She also explained how her health had been failing on withdrawal from the medications. He replied that he didn't care, terminated the phone call, and shipped the medications back to Canada. Over two months after shipment, they arrived back at the originating pharmacy. The pharmacy personnel immediately informed the woman, who drove that afternoon from Columbus to Windsor just for the purpose of receiving the shipment. She says, "I knew my body and my mind would fall apart without the prescriptions. I was already on the verge of suicide the previous night. I had decided I would either bring my medications back successfully or die trying, even if it meant smuggling them across." The next day she was able to reenter the US with her medications, having been given no difficulty by the Customs Agents at the border. When the woman later tried reporting the FDA Agent's discriminatory actions and violations of NAFTA to her local US Attorney's office, the office refused to hear the complaint and hung up the phone on her. She later submitted a report to the US Secret Service, which has apparently not investigated the case. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Undue Government Interference and Denial of Health Care] Columbus: In 1998, an unemployed, preoperative male-to-female transsexual needed to have her prescriptions refilled. Her prescriptions, from a Columbus endocrinologist, were not coverable under her insurance, as coverage for treatment of transsexuals was and is specifically excluded in almost all insurance policies, including hers. The only affordable source for her medications was through a Canadian pharmacy, which according to the provisions of NAFTA is a legitimate and legal means for obtaining prescription medications. The woman had her script rewritten by an internal medicine specialist in Windsor, Ontario and filled by a pharmacy there, which shipped the prescription to her via Federal Express, as she had requested. The shipment was impounded without proper notification by an FDA agent in Memphis, TN (a Federal Express shipping hub) who questioned why any woman would need a testosterone blocker. Upon discovery that the woman was a transsexual, the agent refused entry of the shipment, despite the woman's dire medical needs (entering withdrawal). The woman sought intervention through her US Representative, Deborah Pryce, and through her two US Senators' John Glenn and Mike DeWine. Rep. Pryce's and Sen. DeWine's staff both communicated with the agent, who insisted that he could not allow entry of the medications into the US without proper prescription information, but that otherwise there would have be no problem. When hearing of this rationale, the woman immediately faxed copies of both her US and Canadian scripts to the FDA agent. When she called him on the phone shortly thereafter, he insisted that he was not going to let the shipment through, irrespective of her production of the documentation he said he needed. She explained to him in detail how not allowing entry would be in direct violation of the provisions of the FDA Procedural Guidelines handbook and the FDA mission statement, as well as a violation of the terms of NAFTA. She also explained how her health had been failing on withdrawal from the medications. He replied that he didn't care, terminated the phone call, and shipped the medications back to Canada. Over two months after shipment, they arrived back at the originating pharmacy. The pharmacy personnel immediately informed the woman, who drove that afternoon from Columbus to Windsor just for the purpose of receiving the shipment. She says, "I knew my body and my mind would fall apart without the prescriptions. I was already on the verge of suicide the previous night. I had decided I would either bring my medications back successfully or die trying, even if it meant smuggling them across." The next day she was able to reenter the US with her medications, having been given no difficulty by the Customs Agents at the border. When the woman later tried reporting the FDA Agent's discriminatory actions and violations of NAFTA to her local US Attorney's office, the office refused to hear the complaint and hung up the phone on her. She later submitted a report to the US Secret Service, which has apparently not investigated the case. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Harassment, Vandalism] Columbus: In 1997, Two men reported several incidents of anti-gay harassment over a period of 4 months after buying a home on the far west side. Harassing incidents have included the dumping of debris in their yard, threatening anti-gay notes being left on their door, graffiti spray-painted on their garage and a pellet gun attack on their dog. The men suspected their neighbors and were considering selling the house and moving at the time of the report. The incidents were not reported to the police. (Report taken by BRAVO; 1997 NCAVP report)

[Employment Discrimination] Columbus: In 1997 a preoperative male-to-female transsexual applied for a volunteer position at an American Cancer Society thrift store, largely as a means of inspiring other transgendered people to become more active in charitable organizations. The staff there had told her, "Oh, we can always use more volunteers;" however, when she approached the store manager, the manager produced a litany of excuses not to accept her application. Ultimately the matter was referred to Vice President of the Central Ohio region, who insisted the transgender community should first demonstrate its ability to integrate well with society before the position would be considered. She suggested participation by the applicant and her friends in the ACS's annual Relay for Life. The applicant and two of her friends participated in the event, as suggested, circling a jogging track for as long as they were physically able, accumulating over 80 miles. During that time, not a single participant in the event had an unkind word about the transgendered team members, who were sporting T-shirts proclaiming, "Transgendered and Proud!" Furthermore, no genetic woman showed any hesitation using the same toilet as a transgendered woman. The ACS official who was in charge of the Relay for Life spoke kindly of the team to the upper management. Yet after the Columbus transgender community had proven its ability to integrate well into mainstream society, without arousing concern among straight people, the American Cancer Society still refused to accept transgendered individuals as volunteers in any of its facilities, even warning the original would-be volunteer to stay away from their stores. As a result, the Central Ohio transgender community reluctantly pulled its support from the ACS. (Originally reported in the Crystal Chronicle, August 1997; edited by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Murder] Columbus: Glenn Brown, 33, was stabbed to death on January 18, 1997. After being dispatched to investigate "noises" coming from an apartment in the Victorian Village apartment complex shortly after 4:30 AM, police arrived to find Mr. Brown suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was taken to a hospital, but he died within the hour. There were no signs of forced entry, and security precautions in the building lead investigators to believe that Mr. Brown welcomed his assailant into his residence. He was last seen, hours before his murder, at a gay bar, leading to speculation that this may have been a "pick-up" murder. As of the time of the report, the investigation was still open. (Report taken by BRAVO; 1997 NCAVP report)

[Harassment, Assault] Columbus: In 1997, a man in a brown van chased a gay man in his car driving down Central Avenue. While weaving through traffic, the man in the van yelled anti-gay comments such as, "Get off the road, faggot!" The perpetrator and his vehicle fit the description of a man who reportedly harassed several other gay, lesbian and bisexual drivers in separate incidents in the late spring and summer. IN each case, the driver identified a gay-owned car by stickers or other gay-related insignia and screamed threats and obscenities at them while following them through the streets. In this specific incident, the victim pulled into a store parking lot to avoid the assailant. As the victim was walking toward the store, however, the assailant got out of his van, came up to the victim and shoved him on the shoulder. The assailant did not expect the reaction he received. The victim -- a graduate of self-defense training from Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization -- punched the perpetrator in the face, bloodying his nose and forcing him to the ground. After being hit, the assailant reportedly said, "You faggots aren't supposed to fight back." Police were called, witnesses confirmed the victim's report, and the man was arrested for assault. (Report taken by BRAVO; 1997 NCAVP report)

[Vandalism] Columbus: In December 1996 two women arrived home around 1 AM to find their house ransacked and vandalized. Graffiti was spray painted on the walls, furniture and carpets, including "Fuck you dykes" and "We get you next." There was no evidence of anything missing. $8,500 in damage was incurred. (Report taken by BRAVO; 1996 NCAVP report)

[Employment Discrimination] Columbus: In October 1996, a preoperative male-to-female transsexual was hired at a The Incredible Universe as computer sales and support specialist, proved to be a good and competent worker. At one point, she was required to show her driver's license to the upper management, revealing her transgender status. She discussed her transition with the management, but they told her she could no longer dress as a woman or wear earrings and that she could no longer use either the men's room or the ladies' room. Thereafter she dressed in a unisex manner, rather than dressing completely "male." Her only means of using a toilet was to go to the McDonalds restaurant, which was situated in the store. The management there was quite understanding, and she used the facility regularly without incident. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Sexual Assault, Battery, Robbery] Columbus: In August 1996 a man exiting a local gay bar was forced into a car by three men. He was sexually assaulted by two of the men, beaten and robbed. He was released two hours later three miles from the bar. He called his roommate to pick him up. The incident was not reported to the police. Comments form the assailants during the incident included, "Isn't this what you queers want?" and, "Oh look, the sissy-boy is going to cry." (Report taken by BRAVO; 1996 NCAVP report)

[Denial of Public Accommodations] Columbus: A postoperative male-to-female transsexual (legally female) was shopping for clothing at the J. C. Penney Catalog Outlet Store on Brice Rd. When she went to a changing room to try on an outfit, the store security and management had the ladies' dressing room area evacuated and called the Columbus Police. The police greeted her as she exited the changing room. Although she provided them proof that she was legally female, they recommended she not make trouble and simply leave the store. She agreed and left, but as she approached her car, she got increasingly perturbed. She returned with the police officer to demand her rights. The management responded that they were within their rights to refuse service to anyone, and they told her to leave the store immediately. The police officer told her she had to comply. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Employment Discrimination] Columbus: In June, 1996, a pre-transitioned male-to-female transsexual (i.e. still living her life as her birth gender, male) secured a consulting position with a consulting firm which contracted his services to a major financial institution. The person was highly qualified and respected in his field, information systems, with over 34 years experience. When the project was finished in 1997, the consulting company decided to hire him as a regular salaried employee and started him on a year-long project with the same financial institution, where he was well liked. During this period, with the help of a gender therapist, he realized he was a male-to-female transsexual and recognized a deep, personal need to transition to living "his" life as a woman. He confided this realization immediately with his immediate manager, who was very understanding. As he neared his transition, he disclosed this information to the president of the company, who expressed his respect and support. He later pledged the company's support and said "It's not a problem. Just tell me when you want us to start calling you (by your female name)." The employee's next performance review was very, earning him a raise. The president again pledged his support, saying that the gender matter was "at the bottom of the list" of concerns and "is a non-issue." A few weeks later, after the project had ended, the employee was terminated. The only reason that was given was that "he" was a transsexual and that it would be too difficult to place me on a project as a transitioning transsexual. Never had any of the employees in the client company expressed any concerns over the gradual changes they had been witnessing over the prior several months. They liked the consultant and appreciated her competence and professionalism. The consultant has since transitioned fully and remains unemployed as of the time of this report, March 1999. Her difficult obtaining a new job is entirely related to transsexualism, since she is exceptionally qualified and well established in a field in which the demand well exceeds the supply. Prior to transitioning, she never had difficulty finding work and earned an excellent income. She and her family are now deeply in debt, even having to draw from their children's college fund to survive. Unless she finds employment soon, she will be filing for bankruptcy. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Denial of Public Accommodations] Columbus: In 1996, a preoperative male-to-female transsexual was shopping for clothing at the J.C. Penney Catalog Outlet Store on Brice Rd. Inside the store, two young male employees pointed at her, and commented to each other, "Is that a man or a woman?" The customer ignored the comments but later wrote to the management about the incident. The management replied with a form letter, essentially doing nothing to rectify the problem. When the customer later returned to the store on another shopping trip, she asked to use the changing room. Both the upper management and security were dispatched to the changing room, where she was told she would have to change in the men's changing facilities. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Harassment, Assault, Rape] Grandview Heights, 1962-1966. A bisexual man reports a history of frequent and repeated abuses during his public schooling. In the fifth grade, his teacher had her class vote on whether the boy would be permitted to play with the girls in the class, as was his preference. His being singled out and shamed led to an ongoing pattern of abuses from fellow students. During the victim's middle school, the Grandview Heights Public Library was spray-painted with graffiti that said, "(Victim's full name) is a faggot." From eighth grade until graduation, the boy found frequent homophobic notes attached to his locker, was tripped routinely in the halls, and was the subject of multitudes of homophobic jokes, including by coaches and by the choir director. In the ninth grade, after a rehearsal for a school talent show, the boy was abducted by four male upperclassmen. While they drove the boy around town for perhaps an hour, the abductors forcibly masturbated and orally raped him, continuously making anti-GLBT remarks to him. When the victim was released, his abductors threatened to murder him if he told anybody. He has harbored this secret for 35 years, only resolving to disclose information about his abduction and rape for the purpose of this report, April 8, 2000. Sadly, the victim's story is not unique, but his courage is.

[Murder] Dayton: In 1997, Martha Oelman, 47, died of multiple blows to the head from a blunt object. Friends had gone to her home after not hearing from her for two days. They found the front door wide open and found Ms. Oelman's naked body on her bed. Her head was matted with blood. While the police investigation centered on the lesbian community, and in spite of $10,000 reward, no arrest had been made at the time of the report. Investigators believed that the killer was "somebody with whom she was familiar," according to Thomas Witten, Sugarcreek Township Police Chief. Some have suggested that the murder may have been a crime of passion, but many in the LGBTH community felt it was a hate crime and feared it would never be solved. (Report taken by BRAVO; 1997 NCAVP report)

[Employment Discrimination] Delaware: In 1999, a transsexual woman (male to female) was hired as a support provider for mentally retarded men at a supportive living home. She was a valued employee at the facility, receiving excellent job evaluations. When it was discovered (or theorized) by one of her coworkers that she was a transsexual, that coworker gossiped incessantly to the other coworkers, creating a very hostile work atmosphere for the employee. This hostile atmosphere became increasingly demeaning and counterproductive that the employee complained to her supervisor about sexual harassment. Three days later she was assigned to work alone all night with one of the two people who had been harassing her. A 3-hr long confrontation ensued, in which this person continuously screamed insults at her, such as "fat-ass man-freak", and attempting in every conceivable manner to induce her to either quit or attack back. When she complained via telephone to her supervisor about the attack, she was told she needed to stay on the job site. Near the end of the attack, the attacker's husband visited the facility, trespassing after-hours, and physically threatened the employee. Two other employees then conspired with the attacker to get rid of the transsexual woman by engineering a "set up" in which the employee would be charged with abuses of her charges. thus discrediting the transsexual woman's complaints about the attack as well. During the investigation that followed it was learned that the very large and strong young man who she was accused of abusing had been coached to attack her by the conspirators, which he had done for no previously understood reason several times before this. A particularly violent additional attack did ensue two days after the investigation in which chairs and dinner plates were thrown at her. Her life could easily have been in danger. During the investigation into the abuse charges by the facility's administrators a few other coworkers testified that the accusers had conspired to fabricate the situation. The charges were dropped, and three of the conspirators were fired. A friend of the conspirators quit the job because of the decision, but not before making yet another abuse accusation against the employee, which the facility was required by law to investigate. One of the fired conspirators made death threats to the employee during subsequent days and screamed slurs at her out her car window while driving past her home. While the employee was found innocent of the additional charges, she was ultimately "not hired" at the end of her probation period because she had not gotten along with the employees who conspired against her. One employee of the facility was so horrified by the transsexual employee's treatment that she is still considering quitting her job too, physically ill. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Denial of Health Care] Delaware: In 1998, a preoperative male-to-female transsexual required a doctor's office visit to have her Premarin and spironolactone prescriptions refilled. She called a series of 38 physicians, seeking an appointment as a transsexual woman in need of refills on her hormone replacement therapy medications. She was denied the appointment by all 38 physicians. The phone receptionist at the 38th office explained, "We don't treat your kind here, and there's probably no need for that anyway." As the transsexual woman started to reply, the receptionist hung up on her. The woman only obtained an appointment by having an academic doctor friend (Ph.D.) call the physician at the 38th office personally ("doctor" to "doctor") and trick/shame him into taking the case. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

Employment Discrimination] Delaware: In 1998, transsexual woman (male-to-female) was hired as a nursing aid at a nursing home for the elderly. She performed her job well and got along well with her coworkers. During a meeting with the Director of Nursing and the Facility Administrator, attended by the employee, the director repeatedly (and accidentally) referred to the employee as "he" and "him." The employee asked her to stop, later explaining in private that she did not wish to be "out" about her transgender status with her coworkers. After that period, the director refused to meet with or talk with her, even to discuss scheduling issues, while remaining in communication with all the other employees and attending to their scheduling needs, as appropriate to her job position. Later, when asked by her immediate supervisor to work a double shift on Christmas Eve, she declined, citing that she wanted to spend Christmas morning with her daughter, the supervisor insulted her, citing that "a REAL woman would do it." Other derogatory comments were also made. The employee eventually quit the job because of unfair treatment and harassment from coworkers and management alike. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Employment Discrimination] Lisbon: In 1999, a preoperative male-to-female transsexual applied for a job with the Child Support Enforcement Agency in Columbiana county. The two women who interviewed her voiced concerns that she would not "fit in" with the county. The third time they said it, she told them that she had lived in rural areas before and that in any event, she didn't see it as their problem. They did not consider her for the job position, apparently on that basis. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)

[Cruel and Unusual Punishment, Denial of Health Care] Marion: In 1999, a preoperative male-to-female transsexual is incarcerated in the Marion Correctional Institute. The prison is withholding her medication and has refused to give her hormones since Sept. 1998. She states that other correctional institutions she has been in have given the hormones to her. She also states that the only reason that she is presently incarcerated is because "they" can't find her a placement that will take her. Her medical doctor has appeared at her hearings and advocated on her behave to get her medications reinstated. He has also written letters urging the same. The inmate is currently seeking help to find a halfway house and is trying desperately to get her medications. No solution has yet been found. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!) [Follow-up, August 1999: It's Time, Ohio! tried intervening on the inmate's behalf, to no avail; however, after the medical director for the Department of Corrections was fired and replaced, the new director approved resumption of hormone therapy for the inmate. The inmate is no longer eligible for parole, due to a technical violation.] [Follow-up, March 2000: It's Time, Ohio! has continued to monitor the inmate's case. Hormone treatments are periodically withheld, and dosages are periodically reduced to subtherapeutic levels. Recently a confrontational situation was engineered, resulting in an aggressive verbal exchange regarding the inmate's transsexualism. The inmate was given solitary confinement.]

[Battery and Denial of Police Protection] Warren: In 1996, a male-to-female preoperative transsexual was incarcerated with male inmates in the Warren Correctional Institute for a nonviolent offense. She was the victim of daily sexual advances from other inmates and complained to the Unit Manager, Richard Kemp, about harassment and death threats. When another inmate finally assaulted the woman in her cell, that inmate was not removed from the unit, but it was ordered that he would remain locked in his cell whenever the woman was out of her cell.. Officer Gayle Bowles was aware of the death threat, the initial assault and the order to keep the attacker locked away. Still, she allowed the attacker to shower when the woman also was out of her cell. Officer Bowles gave the inmate a mop to clean up dripped water, but the inmate entered the woman's cell and beat her until the wooden mop handle broke. When the woman tried to flee, the attacker grabbed a fire extinguisher and continued to strike her. The woman was cut and bruised and lost her prison job and privileges. The woman was released in 1997 and filed suit in US District Court against the Warren Correctional Institution, claiming that the officials' inaction violated Ms. Doe's Eighth Amendment right to be free of cruel and unusual punishment. (from the Cincinnati Enquirer, July 8, 1998)

[Employment Discrimination] In 1998, a transsexual woman (male-to-female) contracted with a temporary agency, which hired her services out to a bank. She disclosed her transgender status to the temporary agency, which opted not to disclose the information to the bank, citing that "it makes no difference." During the course of her work there, she received excellent job evaluations, and as it became apparent that the regular employee whose place she was filling would not be returning, they extended her contract three times through with the temporary agency, obviously satisfied with her work. Shortly before the interviewing process to fill the position permanently, the supervisor received an anonymous telephone call, disclosing the employee's transgender history. The supervisor then spread the information to all of the employee's coworkers without asking her permission. The employee continued doing her job well, even when one of her coworkers persisted in treating her with great hostility and took every opportunity to interfere with her job duties. When job interviewing started, the employee was told she could not apply for the job, as the bank had a policy not to hire temporary employees into permanent positions. According to the temporary agency and coworkers, this was not true. The bank had in fact hired a temporary worker within the prior year. (Report taken by It's Time, Ohio!)