Advocacy Through Artistry: Planned Parenthood’s Fight for Healthcare and Identity

• Rainbow_Rocks
• April 9, 2026
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Written/Photographed: By Kyle / Rainbow Rocks

LGBTQIA+ Independent Journalist, Digital Producer

April 9th, 2026

In the heart of Columbus, where the spirit of community meets the drive for systemic change, local advocates are redefining what it means to care for one another. From the high-energy, creative resistance of “Drag John Husted” to the strategic grassroots organizing of the Columbus Safety Collective, the mission is clear: protecting the rights, health, and safety of every Ohioan. Whether through the vibrant lens of performance or the legislative push for non-police crisis response, these movements remind us that joy and advocacy are most powerful when they work hand-in-hand.

The vibrant atmosphere of Seventh Son Brewing, the air buzzed with more than just the anticipation of craft beer. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio had gathered to host “Drag John Husted,” a performance-driven event aimed at a specific and powerful target: Senator John Husted. The event served as a creative frontline in the ongoing battle for reproductive freedom, trans rights, and healthcare access in Ohio.

I sat down with Lauren Blauvelt, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, and her team to discuss the intersection of joy, performance, and political resistance.

The Power of the Purse: Defunding and Access

The choice of title for the event—”Drag John Husted”—is far from accidental. As Blauvelt explains, the Senator wields immense influence over the state’s budget, a tool that has been used to systematically dismantle healthcare access.

• The Medicaid Impact: Last July, a legislative move defunded Planned Parenthood from Medicaid.
• The Human Cost: This decision stripped healthcare access from nearly 22,000 patients in Ohio who relied on Medicaid at Planned Parenthood clinics.
• The 2027 Outlook: Blauvelt warns that the loss of Medicaid access is a continuing trend that will haunt the state into 2027 if the current budgetary trajectory isn’t corrected.

“The federal budget is not ‘sexy,’ but it is vital,” Blauvelt noted. “We are here to ensure they do not defund Planned Parenthood again like they did last year.”

Standing Against HB 245: Protecting Drag and Identity

Beyond the budget, the organization is deeply involved in the fight against House Bill 245, a piece of legislation aimed at banning drag performances. Danielle Firsich, Director of Public Policy, recently gave testimony at the Ohio Statehouse opposing the bill.

• The Goal of HB 245: The bill seeks to restrict drag performances under the guise of protecting youth.
• The Counter-Argument: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio views this as an attack on all identities, particularly the transgender community.
• The Hypocrisy: Firsich’s testimony highlighted what the organization calls “hypocrisy” within the Ohio Republican legislature regarding what they deem “obscene” versus what is actually beneficial for young people.

Joy as Resistance

Despite the heavy political climate, the mood at Seventh Brewing was one of celebration. The event featured a lineup of drag performers organized by Taylor, the Director of Organizing, who also stepped in to manage the sound system for the night.

For the organizers, drag is the perfect medium for this message. It is an embodiment of queer identity, bodily autonomy, and community joy.

• Community Strength: The event is designed to bring supporters together to take collective action while celebrating the diversity of Ohio.
• Message to Trans Youth: When asked what she would say to a young trans person in Ohio today, Blauvelt was clear: “We are with them. They matter. The politicians talking nonsense do not matter. We will never stop fighting for trans youth.”

Looking Ahead: A Summer of Action

“Drag John Husted” is just the beginning of a busy season for the advocates. The organization has a full calendar aimed at maintaining visibility and pressure on the legislature:

As the night progressed and the performers took the stage, the message was unmistakable: through artistry and advocacy, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio intends to stay “out, loud, and proud” until healthcare and identity are protected for all Ohioans.

What specific legislative actions are you most concerned about affecting healthcare in your area?

Compassion on the Front Lines: A Conversation with Lauren of the Columbus Safety Collective

At a local gathering at Seventh Son Brewing, the air was buzzing with more than just the usual happy hour chatter. Amidst the clinking glasses, Lauren, a dedicated member of the ACLU of Ohio and the Columbus Safety Collective, shared the vision behind Issue 5, a transformative proposal on the upcoming May 5th ballot.

A Vision for a Safer Columbus

The Columbus Safety Collective was born in 2020 as a response to the urgent need for alternative approaches to public safety. Their latest initiative, Issue 5, aims to establish a 24/7 non-police emergency crisis response team in Columbus.

“This issue would bring a non-police emergency crisis response team to the city of Columbus… responding to people experiencing mental health crisis, substance misuse, as well as homelessness.” — Lauren, Columbus Safety Collective

Bridging the Gap in Crisis Care

While Columbus currently has some crisis programs, Lauren points out that they are not available around the clock and often require a police presence. Issue 5 seeks to fill these critical gaps by:

• Providing 24/7 Coverage: Ensuring help is available whenever a crisis occurs.
• Deploying Specialists: Sending social workers and mental health professionals who are specifically trained to handle non-violent crises.
• Operating Independently: Allowing these experts to respond to 911 calls without the necessity of police accompaniment.

This movement represents a shift toward a community-centered approach to safety, prioritizing professional care and de-escalation for those in their most vulnerable moments. As Columbus heads to the polls this May, the conversation sparked by Lauren and her colleagues serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of grassroots advocacy.

As we look toward a summer of action and the critical decisions on the May 5th ballot, the work of these organizations remains a lifeline for our community. The fight for reproductive freedom, trans rights, and equitable public safety depends on our collective voice and participation. Stay informed, stay loud, and stay connected with the advocates leading the charge for a more inclusive and compassionate Ohio.

Follow the Movement:

• Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio
  • Website: plannedparenthoodaction.org/planned-parenthood-advocates-ohio
  • Instagram/Facebook/X: @PPAOhio
• Columbus Safety Collective
  • Website: cbussafety.org
  • Instagram/X: @CbusSafety
• ACLU of Ohio
  • Website: acluohio.org
  • Instagram/X: @ACLUOH
  • Facebook: facebook.com/acluohio