Equality Ohio opens statewide, free legal clinic specializing in LGBTQ issues

Ohio's laws silent on LGBTQ issues, clinic to patch the holes that result

It's common for Maya Simek, Managing Legal Director for Equality Ohio, to pick up the phone and hear from a member of the LGBTQ comunity who is in a legal bind-just because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"Because many of Ohio's laws are silent with regard to LGBTQ people, they are often treated differently or have unique legal needs related to discrimination, identity theft, and family law issues," said Simek. That is why Equality Ohio is opening a free legal clinic aimed at supporting the LGBTQ community.

People who need legal help, or are not sure what kind of help they need, can call 855-LGBT-LAW to be connected to the clinic, or they can fill out an intake form on Equality Ohio's website. The areas of law that Equality Ohio is focusing on is wide, including victim advocacy, family law, name and document changes and benefit assistance (such as Social Security).

Equality Ohio will also be doing weekly intakes around the state and develop a series of Know-Your-Rights guides for LGBTQ Ohioans.

The clinic is made possible by funding from the Ohio State Bar Foundation, the Cleveland Foundation, and a Victims of Crime Advocacy grant through the Ohio Attorney General's office.

Simek knows Equality Ohio cannot do this work alone. The clinic is encouraging attorneys from around the state to join to their Attorney Referral Network, which serves as a source of expertise-and referrals. "We have an arrangement which allows us to provide CLEs for practicing attorneys who take on work from the referral network for individuals living under 300% of the federal poverty level," she said. To join the Attorney Referral Network, sign up here.

The clinic is open to the public starting today, March 12th.

Equality Ohio advocates and educates on behalf of LGBTQ Ohioans. For more information, contact Grant Stancliff at grant@equalityohio.org or 509-230-8176.