Season 1, Episode 3
Equal rights, not special rights
Christian conservatives in Ohio used the ballot initiative in the 1990s to restrict protections for LGBTQ folks in the workplace. The community fought back—how else? With their own initiative.
We travel to what some have described as “the most Southern city in the North” to explore a city-level ballot initiative that focuses on the rights of LGBTQ people. Learn how Christian organizations hoped to use Cincinnati as a testing ground to pass similar ballot initiatives in other cities and states.
Note: Roger Asterino, who you'll meet in this episode, responded to our request for an interview after production on this episode was finished. Jenna had an amazing conversation with him that we'll release as a bonus episode at the end of the season.
In This Episode
Michael Chanak Jr.
Michael Chanak Jr., a retired Procter & Gamble employee who led the company’s efforts to become more inclusive of the LGBTQ community in the 1980s and 90s.
Kimberly Dugan
Kimberly Dugan, professor of sociology at Eastern Connecticut State University. focuses on social movements and collective behavior, sexualities, and identity. He research interests include the LGBTQ+ movement, opposing anti-LGBTQ+ forces, identity work and intersectionality. Her book on the Issue 3 campaign is The Struggle Over Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Rights. Facing Off in Cincinnati. She received her Ph.D. in Sociology from the Ohio State University and her M.A. and B.A. (sociology) from Kent State University.
Scott Knox
Scott Knox, a Cininnati attorney who has represented LGBTQ clients for more than 30 years and was part of the effort to appeal the Issue 3 decision in court. His law firm firm works to overturn discriminatory laws and until these laws are changed, helps clients with the documents necessary to protect them and their loved ones in the event of disability or death.
Sayre Reece
Sayre Reece, senior strategist with the National LGBTQ Task Force. They’ve worked on political campaigns since 1992, including California’s Proposition 8 and Kentucky’s Amendment 1, both of which focused on gay marriage.