Ohio’s recent revision of its election candidacy forms marks a pivotal moment for transgender rights in state politics. Earlier this year, Vanessa Joy, a transgender woman, was disqualified from running for a legislative seat after failing to include her previous legal name—commonly referred to as a ‘deadname’—on her application forms. While legal protocol mandated such disclosure, the absence of clear instructions on the forms left candidates like Joy vulnerable to administrative oversight and, ultimately, exclusion from the electoral process.
The fallout from Joy’s disqualification sparked widespread criticism, not just from the LGBTQ community but also from political and civil rights advocates. Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office responded by amending the forms, enlarging the section for candidate names, and explicitly instructing applicants to list all previous names used in the last five years, excluding changes due to marriage. This adjustment aims to prevent similar disqualifications in future elections, ensuring transparency without compromising the dignity or privacy of transgender candidates.
Despite these reforms, the incident underscores the structural barriers that transgender individuals continue to face in political participation. Joy herself expressed mixed feelings about the resolution. While she welcomed the changes, she admitted to feeling disillusioned by the process and announced her decision to relocate out of Ohio, leaving politics behind.
The case of Vanessa Joy serves as a reminder of the intersection between bureaucracy and identity. The revised forms may prevent future disqualifications, but the emotional and professional toll on individuals like Joy remains significant. Advocates argue that true progress requires not only procedural changes but also cultural shifts that foster an inclusive political landscape where transgender individuals can fully and confidently participate.