2019-20_GYS_OPT

9 YELLOW SPRINGS NEWS The GUIDE to YELLOW SPRINGS 2019 – 20 » Real Estate » Conservation Easements » Criminal Defense » Estate Planning & Probate 513-600-7171 curlisslegal@gmail.com P.O. Box 421 Yellow Springs, OH 45387 YS NEWS ARCHIVE PHOTO In June 1988, local supporters of gay rights showed their solidarity during an annual parade that used to take place at Street Fair. making up 40 percent of the 52 LGBTQ homicide victims. In terms of discrimination, 31 states, including Ohio, have no explicit statewide protections for LGBTQ citizens. The Village of Yellow Springs, however, was one of the first municipalities — now numbering 24 across the state — to pass non-discrimi- natory legislation. That legislation protects people from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations within the village based upon their sexual orientation. Relatedly, gay conversion therapy — the discredited practice of trying to change a person’s homosexual or bisexual orientation by psychological or spiritual means — is still legal in 41 states, including Ohio, according to the New York Times. Meanwhile, local youth interest in LGBTQ-plus issues and concerns is evident by the numbers of students participating in the high/middle school’s Gay Straight Alli - ance. By one estimate, the group had more than 50 members in the 2017-18 school year. Originally a high school organization, it extended to the middle school in 2017 in response to students’ requests. Mayor Conine said she hoped the 2018 festival and the village continue to grow as “a mecca” for LGBTQ-plus people. “Let’s have a huge splash of rainbow color throughout the day,” she said.  ♦ PHOTO BY AARON ZAREMSKY Villager Zay Crawford led the annual YS Pride parade in 2017. Village pride