Akron Group Fights for Trans Rights, Seeks City Protection

As Ohio Republicans push anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Akron activists ask mayor to issue executive order deprioritizing enforcement.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:03am

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As several anti-LGBTQ+ bills move through the Republican-controlled Ohio state legislature, an Akron group called the Akron Fights for Trans Rights campaign is asking the city government for protection. The group, headed by Tim D. and Ryan V., is urging Akron Mayor Shammas Malik to issue an executive order deprioritizing enforcement of laws targeting the LGBTQ+ population. The campaign is also drafting a resolution to present to Akron City Council, which they hope to have passed by the end of July.

Why it matters

This campaign highlights the growing tensions between LGBTQ+ advocates and conservative lawmakers in Ohio, as the state legislature pushes several bills that target the trans community. The Akron group's efforts to get local government protection reflect the broader fight for LGBTQ+ rights playing out across the country.

The details

The Akron Fights for Trans Rights campaign is being led by members of the Akron chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. They are asking Mayor Malik to issue an executive order that would make Akron a "safe haven" for the LGBTQ+ community by deprioritizing enforcement of anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The group is also drafting a resolution to present to Akron City Council, which they hope will be passed by the end of July. Part of the motivation for the campaign is Ohio House Bill 249, which would crack down on drag performances, as well as other bills targeting gender-affirming care and LGBTQ+ students.

  • The Akron Fights for Trans Rights campaign launched in March 2026.
  • The group plans to present their resolution to Akron City Council by the end of April or early May 2026.
  • The group hopes to have the resolution passed by Akron City Council by the end of July 2026.

The players

Akron Fights for Trans Rights campaign

A campaign launched by the Akron chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America to urge the Akron city government to protect the LGBTQ+ community.

Tim D. and Ryan V.

The co-leaders of the Akron Fights for Trans Rights campaign, who are not using their full names for safety and privacy reasons.

Shammas Malik

The mayor of Akron, Ohio, who the campaign is urging to issue an executive order deprioritizing enforcement of laws targeting the LGBTQ+ population.

Stephanie Marsh

The spokeswoman for the city of Akron, who said Mayor Malik had a "good preliminary conversation" with members of the Akron Fights for Trans Rights campaign.

Fran Wilson

The unabashedly queer, nonbinary Akron City Council representative for Ward 1, who has spoken out against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“While we don't have anything concrete to announce currently, he remains open to these continuing conversations around protecting and supporting Akron's LGBTQ+ community.”

— Stephanie Marsh, City spokeswoman

“This is about shielding the next generation from premature sexualization, from the erosion of their innocence.”

— Rep. Angie King, R-Celina

“Beyond that, it's a vulnerable population. They are a small percentage of our population here in the U.S., yet they are being attacked with an outsized response and I think we have a duty to protect those who are vulnerable in that way.”

— Tim D., Co-leader of Akron Fights for Trans Rights campaign

“After the federal legalization of gay marriage, the anti-queer actors needed a new target, and they decided to really double down on trans issues.”

— Ryan V., Co-leader of Akron Fights for Trans Rights campaign

“I want to state that for many people in the queer community, we are reading this as another step towards criminalizing being out and gay and queer, and drag is a gift. It is a storytelling art that is centuries old and it is important that we are able to express ourselves, and tell our stories and present who we are.”

— Fran Wilson, Akron City Council representative, Ward 1

What’s next

The Akron Fights for Trans Rights campaign plans to present their resolution to Akron City Council by the end of April or early May 2026, with the goal of having it passed by the end of July 2026.

The takeaway

This campaign in Akron highlights the ongoing battle for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly for the trans community, as conservative lawmakers push legislation targeting gender identity and expression. The efforts by local activists to get their city government to protect vulnerable LGBTQ+ residents reflect the broader need for inclusive policies and support at all levels of government.