LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Lakewood has long been known as one of Ohio’s most inclusive cities—and this week, leaders doubled down on that reputation.

The city recently earned a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign and approved a Gender Freedom Policy last month.

"So our goal, ever since we were founded back in 1975, has always been about space making when no other spaces essentially exist,” said Elizabeth Katavich, the Lead Advocacy Coordinator with the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland.

At the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, being a safe space has always been their mission—but they say it’s more important now than ever.

"As of right now, our federal administration, our state legislature, everything, but I think our local municipalities, for the most part, have defi

See Full Page