LPAC and Arienne Childrey’s Statement on Ohio GOP's Cross-Party Attempts to Disqualify Transgender Candidates
Today, Janelle Perez, Executive Director of LPAC, the nation's leading and only organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary candidates to public office, and Ohio Democratic candidate, Arienne Childrey issued the following statement regarding Ohio GOP member’s pitch to allow political opponents from opposing political parties to challenge candidacies across the aisle:
“The harsh reality is that transgender candidates are forced to navigate a political landscape filled with discrimination and disregard for their safety and dignity. The insistence on using deadnames on petitions and ballots not only erases their true identity, but also exposes them to potential harm. It is unconscionable that in this day and age, transgender individuals are still being subjected to such dehumanizing treatment. This blatant disregard for the fundamental principles of fairness and inclusion is not only appalling but also a grave threat to our democratic values,” stated Janelle Perez. “LPAC is deeply troubled by the Ohio GOP’s repeated attacks on transgender candidates seeking to serve their communities. It is imperative that we stand united against these reprehensible acts of discrimination. Every individual, regardless of gender identity, deserves the right to run for office and have their candidacy judged on merit alone.”
The legislative proposal comes from two Ohio House Republicans facing transgender Democratic opponents who didn’t list their “deadname” on campaign paperwork. This is not the first time we've witnessed such shameful tactics. One of these candidates, Arienne Childrey, had her ballot qualification challenged earlier this year and was deemed qualified to be on the ballot by an Ohio Board of Elections due to the very clause that Ohio Republican legislators aim to change as Arienne’s challenger was not a member of the Democratic Party.
Arienne Childrey, one of the Ohio candidates being targeted by this new proposal, expressed her frustration:
“This move by the Ohio GOP underscores the systemic discrimination against transgender individuals like me in politics. While my opponent appears consumed by a vendetta-driven agenda in the legislature, my priority remains on championing the needs of struggling, working-class Ohioans,” said Ohio Democratic candidate, Arienne Childrey. “I can't help but wonder if this is related to her failed attempt to have one of her GOP friends remove me from the ballot. It seems like she can't handle facing a trans woman who won't back down from her bigotry.”
Just recently, Vanessa Joy, a transgender candidate was targeted by Ohio GOP officials and was unjustly ousted from the Ohio ballot. Now, we are witnessing another disgraceful attempt to silence transgender voices and deny them the opportunity to participate fully in the democratic process. The GOP's attempt to disqualify transgender candidates is not only discriminatory but also a clear violation of their constitutional rights. LPAC remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting transgender candidates and advocating for their right to participate in the political process free from discrimination.