Meredith Doench

Sep 21, 2023 | thebuckeyeflame.com | Meredith Doench

On the morning of July 1, 2021, 30-year-old Michael Freshwater paced on the sidewalk outside Colors+ Youth Center in Fairview Park, Ohio. Minutes later, according to footage from a nearby security camera, Freshwater painted racist slurs across the building’s floor-to-ceiling windows. After several minutes, he picked up a brick, using it to smash a window just out of frame. Four months later, a judge sentenced Freshwater to one year in prison for felony vandalism and ethnic intimidation.

Sep 18, 2023 | thebuckeyeflame.com | Meredith Doench

History was made earlier this year at MetroHealth in Cleveland when their first ever vaginoplasty was performed. Research has shown that this procedure used to construct a vagina can be as gender-affirming as it is life-saving for individuals who choose to go that path. To learn more, The Buckeye Flame spoke with Ginger Marshall, the first patient at MetroHealth to undergo a vaginoplasty surgery, and Dr. Kirthishri Mishra, the reconstructive urologist who performed the procedure.

Sep 11, 2023 | thebuckeyeflame.com | Meredith Doench

For nearly 50 years, the Dayton organization Daybreak has been serving homeless and at-risk youth. It was only a few years ago, however, that leadership recognized it could do more for a large portion of its population: the LGBTQ+ community. More than 28% of the young people Daybreak serves identify as LGBTQ+.  In March 2021, Daybreak opened a drop-in center, David’s Place, for LGBTQ+ young adults ages 18 to 25.

Aug 8, 2023 | thebuckeyeflame.com | Riley Roliff |Meredith Doench

On Monday, a federal judge dismissed claims made by Ohio parents seeking to prevent their local school district from providing bathroom access for trans students. The case centered on a trans student Bethel Middle School in Tipp City – 10 miles north of Dayton – who was granted access to a restroom corresponding with her gender identity. This set off contentious school board meetings and multiple lawsuits. In his decision, Judge Michael J.

Aug 7, 2023 | thebuckeyeflame.com | Arienne Childrey |Cole Williams |Meredith Doench

Representative Angie King, I first messaged you over a year ago when you were initially running for office. In that message I asked, “Why should any transgender or gay person consider voting for you? What are your political positions on LGBTQ+ issues?” You didn’t respond. In fact, neither you nor your office have ever responded to a single Facebook message, email or voicemail that I have left for you. But I no longer have to wonder where you stand.