What happens when the personal becomes political—and the political becomes deeply personal? In this heartfelt and timely episode of Advocacy in Action, host Lauren Blauvelt (Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio) sits down with Ainslee Johnson Brown—co-founder of Ohioans Against Extremism, policy analyst, and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Together, they explore the intersection of personal identity and movement work, the joys and challenges of being in a same-sex marriage while fighting for reproductive freedom and LGBTQ+ rights in Ohio, and the importance of protecting joy and connection in the midst of relentless political attacks. Ainslee shares her journey from corporate finance to law school to advocacy, the founding of Ohioans Against Extremism, and the urgency of the marriage equality ballot initiative in Ohio. She also opens up about the importance of boundaries, therapy, and intentional relationship-building—lessons learned through hard-won experience.

Key Topics Discussed:

Ainslee's journey from corporate finance and risk management to law school and advocacy work.

The founding of Ohioans Against Extremism: holding politicians accountable by naming names and tracking bad deeds.

Why the work of advocacy and the work of holding politicians accountable often require different strategies.

The personal stakes: being in a same-sex marriage in Ohio while Obergefell remains vulnerable.

Moving a wedding up six months when Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the Supreme Court.

The marriage equality ballot initiative in Ohio and the urgency of protecting LGBTQ+ families.

The synergy between policy and communications: how strategic thinking meets storytelling.

The importance of boundaries, therapy, and intentional relationship-building in sustaining advocacy work.

The real-world consequences of political attacks: a friend falsely accused of Medicaid fraud lost his job and reputation.

Pride Month: celebrating joy while acknowledging the ongoing fight.

Planned Parenthood's role as a provider of gender-affirming care and LGBTQ+ health services.

Guest Information:

Lauren Blauvelt, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio

Ainslee Johnson Brown, Co-Founder, Ohioans Against Extremism

Website: ppao.org

Text CARE to 22422 to get involved