Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate Amy Acton Faces LGBTQ+ Backlash After Anti-Trans Comments and Controversial Zoom Meeting

On June 30 Dr. The remarks were framed as a matter of “fairness” and “kids’ health and safety.” The comments sparked criticism from Ohio LGBTQ+ advocates, who argued the language scapegoated trans youth.

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In early July Acton’s campaign staff organized a Zoom call with more than 40 LGBTQ+ leaders. The meeting was presented as a “conversation,” but several participants reported that it turned into a one-sided “listening” session. Notably, out-transgender Ohio House candidate Ari Childrey was blocked from entering the virtual waiting room, and activist Ciara Keeton was ejected after repeatedly demanding Childrey’s inclusion. Dr. Acton herself did not attend, despite expectations that she would.

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• Equality Ohio announced that it had changed Acton’s rating on its 2026 Candidate Scorecard from an “A” to “Pending.”

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• Acton’s campaign replied to a July 6 interview request with a statement that Dr.

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Rev. Dr. Ciara Keeton described the exclusion of Childrey as “incredibly disgusting” and recounted being “cussed out” and removed from the call.

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• “I do not support boys playing in girls sports. This is already settled law in Ohio, and as governor I will enforce and uphold the law,” — Amy Acton

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• “The meeting did more to inflame tensions and create further divides between the LGBTQ+ community and the Acton campaign,” — Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp, executive director of LOVEboldly

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• “I demanded three times to know why [Childrey] was not being allowed into the meeting as she is a current candidate, Pride caucus vice chair, local activist, advocate and leader,” — Ciara Keeton, out trans activist

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• “Trans people don’t get left behind in the name of progress,” — Dwayne Steward

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• “This just proves that no candidate – I don’t care what party you’re in – gets a free pass to weaponize harmful rhetoric against trans youth,” — Ari Childrey

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• More than 40 LGBTQ+ leaders were invited to the Zoom call.

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• Equality Ohio’s rating shifted from an “A” to “Pending,” indicating a conditional status pending further action by Acton.

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• June 30 – Acton makes anti-trans comments in the *Toledo Blade*.

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• Early July (Tuesday) – Zoom meeting with LGBTQ+ leaders takes place; several participants are blocked or removed, and Acton is absent.

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• July 6 – Campaign declines interview request, citing scheduling constraints.

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• Later in July – Equality Ohio announces the pending rating change.

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Acton’s own remarks on the meeting have not been publicly recorded; the campaign provided only a brief scheduling denial. It remains unclear why the candidate did not attend the session that was framed as a dialogue with the community she seeks to represent.

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Equality Ohio’s “Pending” rating signals that the organization will reassess Acton’s standing if she engages in “meaningful steps forward.” Campaign staff have indicated that future meetings are being planned, though no dates have been set. The pending status and the unresolved concerns of LGBTQ+ leaders suggest that the issue will remain a focal point of the gubernatorial race.

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