After weeks of emotional debate and packed city council meetings, Portsmouth City Council voted 5 to 1 to reject a controversial resolution titled “A Resolution Proclaiming the City of Portsmouth a Welcoming Community for All Including the LGBTQ+ Community.”
Much of the media coverage focused on the passionate public response, but what was actually in the resolution? Here’s a breakdown of what it really said—and what it didn’t.
What the Resolution Contained
Though the title suggested a broad message of inclusivity, the content of the resolution focused almost entirely on support for gender-affirming care, including surgeries and hormone treatments for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria.
Introduced by Councilman and former Mayor Sean Dunne, the resolution was originally drafted by the Young Democrats of Shawnee State University. Dunne stated he had removed language referencing gender-affirming care for minors in an attempt to make the resolution more broadly acceptable. Despite the edits, most council members reported that their constituents remained firmly against the measure.
The final version of the resolution read in part:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, OHIO:
SECTION 1. Portsmouth City Council proclaims the City of Portsmouth a safe haven for all including the LGBTQ+ Community.
SECTION 2. The City of Portsmouth acknowledges the rights of all persons to access lawful healthcare.
SECTION 3. This resolution is declared to be necessary to promote inclusivity, equality, and justice for all.
WHEREFORE, this resolution shall go into full force and effect immediately upon its passage by the Council.
It also included a preamble asserting that attacks on the LGBTQ+ community are increasing, and it encouraged residents not to rely solely on campaign ads, social media, or cable news when forming opinions about their neighbors.
For the full text of the resolution, Click Here.
What Does LGBTQ+ Mean?
The acronym LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning, with the plus symbol representing other identities such as intersex, asexual, pansexual, and non-binary. The term is used to describe a broad spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities.
So, What is Gender-Affirming Care, Exactly?
Gender-affirming care includes a range of medical, psychological, and legal interventions that support a person’s gender identity. These services are backed by numerous major medical organizations in the United States.
Here are the most common procedures:
For Transgender Women (those assigned male at birth who identify as female):
- Breast augmentation: If hormone therapy does not result in desired breast growth, surgical implants may be used.
- Facial feminization surgery (FFS): Procedures to soften facial features, such as jaw reduction, brow bone contouring, and rhinoplasty.
- Tracheal shave: Reducing the appearance of the Adam’s apple.
- Vaginoplasty: Removal of the penis and testicles and creation of a surgically constructed vagina and vulva.
For Transgender Men (those assigned female at birth who identify as male):
- Mastectomy (Top Surgery): Surgical removal of breast tissue to create a flatter, masculine chest.
- Chest reconstruction: Involves contouring and repositioning of the nipples for a masculine appearance.
- Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus, often followed by:
- Phalloplasty or Metoidioplasty: Construction of a penis using skin grafts or enlargement of the clitoris via testosterone therapy. These surgeries may also include the creation of a urethra that allows standing urination and the insertion of erectile implants.
Non-Surgical Interventions:
- Hormone therapy: Estrogen and anti-androgens for transgender women; testosterone for transgender men.
- Mental health counseling: A critical piece for those navigating gender identity issues, often a requirement before surgical intervention.
- Legal changes: Updating name and gender on government IDs and records.
Many national medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics, support gender-affirming care as medically necessary for some individuals.
What’s the Legal Impact?
Despite the emotionally charged debate, the resolution had no legal authority. It was a symbolic gesture and could not override state or federal laws regarding health care or transgender rights. Opponents feared it could send a political message endorsing controversial medical treatments, while supporters saw it as a statement of inclusion.
What’s Next?
As Portsmouth continues to wrestle with its identity on sensitive social issues, city leaders are also tackling pressing concerns like homelessness, with nine known homeless camps within city limits and a task force proposal currently under consideration.
We will continue to follow this developing story.