Pure Romance CEO Establishes “Living with Change” Foundation to support LGBT resources

CINCINNATI, Jan. 30, 2018 -- Chris Cicchinelli, CEO and president of Cincinnati-based Pure Romance, and his wife, Jessica, announced today the establishment of the Living with Change Foundation in partnership with Cincinnati Children’s to bring a Center of Excellence for LGBT Health to Cincinnati.

Pure Romance CEO Chris Ciccinelli and his wife, Jessica, established the Living with Change Foundation to support LGBT resources. Chris Seelbach, pictured far right, serves as the foundation's executive director.

“Studies show that LGBT youth are almost five times as likely to have attempted suicide compared to heterosexual youth,” said Chris Cicchinelli. “For transgender people, 40% will attempt suicide in their lifetime. It wasn’t until our own child came out as transgender that we truly understood. Our daughter opened our eyes—in more ways than one—to the fact that something must be done. That’s why we are pledging $2 million to increase services and care at Cincinnati Children’s over the next five years.”

The foundation has four focus areas: Family support, offering resources and programs for parents; safe schools, in partnership with Cincinnati Public Schools, to provide training for principals, superintendents, teachers and classrooms; safe work spaces, to offer corporate training to businesses in the region in order to create safe workplaces for transgender people, and policy to ensure the right for transgender youth to have equal access to safe schools, public places and health care.

Currently, 965 children are being treated at the Cincinnati Children’s Transgender Health Clinic, a number that has tripled in the last two years and is expected to grow. A Center of Excellence for LGBT Health would bring in more resources and ultimately better outcomes for transgender youth and their families.

“We are here to be a resource for the community, to offer support and help the family unit help their child the best way they can. Cincinnati Children’s is excited to partner with Living with Change to continue our leadership in LGBT care in our region and nation,” said Dr. Lee Ann Conard of Cincinnati Children’s.

Managing the foundation are Cincinnati City Council Member Chris Seelbach, executive director; Tristan Vaught, founding director of the LGBTQ+ Center at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, director of training; Karen Aerts, health and wellness consultant, corporate training lead; and Jack Albers, administrative director.

The Living with Change Foundation is a 501(c)3 statue-pending nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education, resources, and financial assistance to families, friends, teachers, and the community while fostering confidence and acceptance through change. Find out more at www.livingwithchange.org.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/28846760-9c95-40db-80aa-9f2e5a4df4d6

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