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John Brooks seated on a wooden box in a gallery, wearing a blue shirt and bright green shoes, with large figurative drawings displayed on the wall behind them and a black dog lying on a rug in the foreground.

Kentucky Artist John Brooks Creates a Living Archive of Queer Memory in “Islands Are Not Forever”

February 9, 2026 | Culture, Art

Kentucky artist John Brooks explores memory, queerness, and time in his evolving artwork.

People hold a Progress Pride flag during an LGBTQ+ gathering as Kentucky lawmakers consider House Bill 553 affecting gender-affirming care.

Kentucky House Bill 553 bill could strip insurance coverage for gender-affirming care from thousands

February 5, 2026 | Gov & Politics

Kentucky lawmakers propose a House Bill 553 expanding limits on gender-affirming health care coverage.

The Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, symbolizing the legislative process and how bills become law in Kentucky.

How a Bill Becomes a Law in Kentucky: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Legislative Process

February 3, 2026 | Gov & Politics, Kentucky

Legislative Process: A clear, step-by-step guide to how a bill becomes law in Kentucky and what happens at each...

Queer Kentucky 2026 Bill Tracker: Key Legislation to Watch in Frankfort — KYGA26

January 7, 2026 | Gov & Politics, Kentucky

Track key LGBTQ bills and legislative changes during Kentucky’s 2026 General Assembly with our...

January 7, 2026 | Gov & Politics, Kentucky

Chase Maus, a Kentucky pastry chef and Season 12 contestant on Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship, smiles on the show’s holiday themed kitchen set.

Kentucky Pastry Chef Chase Maus Competes on Food Network’s Season 12 of “Holiday Baking Championship”

December 10, 2025 | Culture, Hospitality, News

Kentucky chef Chase Maus brings his Covington roots and queer creativity to Food Network’s...

December 10, 2025 | Culture, Hospitality, News

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Two Kentucky Transgender Beauty Queens Head to Miss International Queen USA in Atlantic City

February 2, 2026Culture

Kentucky’s Mia Kopp and Mulanie Flowers, both transgender, will compete at Miss International Queen USA 2026.

Mia Kopp and Mulanie Flowers, Kentucky transgender beauty queens, representing the state at Miss International Queen USA 2026.

TikTok Comedian Heather Shaw Marries Kentucky Attorney Lilly Jean Coiner in Louisville New Year’s Eve Wedding

January 26, 2026Culture

TikTok comedian Heather Shaw marries attorney Lilly Jean Coiner in Louisville wedding.

Heather Shaw and Lilly Jean Coiner embrace during their wedding portraits outdoors, with Coiner wearing a white wedding gown and veil and Shaw wearing a black suit while holding a bouquet of dark flowers. Brick buildings and tall grasses are visible in the background.

Lexington Meetup ‘Last WednesGays’ creates Safe Space for Queer Community

January 20, 2026Culture, Community, Kentucky, News

Lexington’s Last WednesGays creates a safe, welcoming space for queer community and connection.

Attendees smile and pose at Lexington’s ‘Last WednesGays’ queer meetup inside a local bar, a monthly LGBTQIA+ networking event creating a safe, inclusive community space.

GLAAD I Found You: Erik and Roderick Davis on how Removing the Mask Improved their Vision, Allowing Love to come in

January 15, 2026Culture

GLAAD - A Black gay couple reflects on faith, coming out, love, and marriage during and after COVID.

Erik Davis (left) and Dr. Roderick Davis (right) on their wedding day. (Photo by Cary Clayton Media)

Kentucky Republican Files House Bill 360 to Criminalize Drag Performances

January 14, 2026Gov & Politics, News

A Kentucky Republican lawmaker has filed House Bill 360, which would criminalize drag performances in public or where minors may be present.

A drag queen performs in Covington. House Bill 360.

Lexington Panel to Discuss Restoring Voting Rights for People With Felony Convictions Ahead of 2026 Session

January 13, 2026News, Gov & Politics

Lexington panel examines restoring voting rights for people with felony convictions in Kentucky.

A person's hand submitting a vote into a ballot box. Voting Rights.

Queer Kentucky Nominated for GLAAD Award for Outstanding Independent Journalism

January 8, 2026News

Queer Kentucky earns a GLAAD nomination for outstanding independent LGBTQ journalism.

Graphic announcing Queer Kentucky’s nomination for the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Independent Journalism, recognizing LGBTQ journalism in Kentucky.

What Will Be on Your 2026 Federal Ballot? Who’s Running for United States House and Senate

January 8, 2026Gov & Politics, Kentucky, News

See who’s running for United States House and Senate on Kentucky’s 2026 federal ballot.

Illustration of the U.S. Capitol representing Kentucky’s 2026 federal ballot, including U.S. House and Senate races voters will decide who takes over the United States House and Senate.

Queer Kentucky 2026 Bill Tracker: Key Legislation to Watch in Frankfort — KYGA26

January 7, 2026Gov & Politics, Kentucky

Track key LGBTQ bills and legislative changes during Kentucky’s 2026 General Assembly with our Bill Tracker.

What Will Be on Your 2026 Ballot? Know your Kentucky House and Senate Candidates

January 6, 2026Culture

Explore Kentucky House and Senate candidates for 2026 and see who’s running statewide.

Illustration symbolizing Kentucky’s 2026 ballot, representing Republican and Democratic parties and Kentucky House and Senate candidates.

Closed Chambers, Big Decisions: What Kentucky’s 2026 Legislative Session Means for the LGBTQ+ Community

January 5, 2026Gov & Politics, Kentucky, News

Kentucky’s 2026 legislative session begins with closed chambers and high stakes for LGBTQ Kentuckians.

Gov. Andy Beshear and Fairness Campaign Executive Director Chris Hartman speak at an LGBTQ rights rally during Kentucky’s General Assembly in Frankfort. 2026 Legislative session starts tomorrow.

What ‘Y’all’ Really Means: When Community Safety, Civil Rights and Police Collide in Northern Kentucky

December 29, 2025Culture, Gov & Politics, Opinion

After a Roebling Bridge protest, Covington and Northern Kentucky face urgent questions about safety, power and community.

Emily Schubert, a licensed clinical social worker, sits on a purple couch inside Thrive Empowerment Center in Covington, Kentucky, a trauma-informed LGBTQ-affirming community space focused on safety, healing, and advocacy amid rising anti-LGBTQ+ violence in Northern Kentucky.

Set & Setting Owner Kaleigh Basso Is Redefining What a Queer Bookstore Looks Like in Louisville, recommends these 5 books

December 22, 2025Culture, Business, Community, Kentucky

Inside Set & Setting, a queer, DIY independent queer bookstore and creative hub in Louisville.

Kaleigh Basso sits outside Set & Setting, her queer independent bookstore in Louisville, beside a colorful hand-painted sign welcoming visitors to the shop.

Lane Rogers, Known Professionally as Blake Mitchell, Dies at 31 After Los Angeles Motorcycle Crash

December 17, 2025Art, Being Queer, Kentucky, News

Lane Rogers, known as Blake Mitchell, a proud Kentuckian, died at 31 after a motorcycle accident.

Lane Rogers sits indoors wearing a blue Kentucky varsity jacket and a backward baseball cap, looking toward the camera while adjusting his hat, reflecting his confident style and pride in his Kentucky roots.

Inside Kentucky’s 2026 Legislative Session: Takeaways From Two LGBTQ+ Legislative Preview Panels

December 17, 2025Gov & Politics, Kentucky, News

As Kentucky’s 2026 legislative session nears, Queer Kentucky recaps two panels on LGBTQ+ issues and action.

State Rep. Lisa Willner speaks at Queer Kentucky’s Queer Politics in the Bluegrass panel in Louisville, joined by policy expert Jackie McGranahan, Sen. Karen Berg, and Fairness Campaign Executive Director Chris Hartman.

Kentucky Pastry Chef Chase Maus Competes on Food Network’s Season 12 of “Holiday Baking Championship”

December 10, 2025Culture, Hospitality, News

Kentucky chef Chase Maus brings his Covington roots and queer creativity to Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship.

Violet Chachki and Gottmik bring “glam and rock and roll” drag spectacular to Louisville on Dec. 11

December 3, 2025Culture, Drag, News

Violet Chachki and Gottmik bring their high-energy Knockout Tour to Louisville Dec. 11.

Violet Chachki and Gottmik pose in a boxing ring wearing satin hooded robes and sparkling silver boxing gloves. One wears a purple robe and the other a green robe, both styled with dramatic drag makeup and short dark wigs. They stand beside a heavy punching bag under industrial lighting, embodying the boxing theme of The Knockout Tour.

Slay Bells Holiday Drag Show Returns to Lexington’s Lyric Theatre Dec. 7 to Support Moveable Feast

December 2, 2025Culture, Community, Drag, Health, News

Lexington's Slay Bells returns Dec. 7 to support Moveable Feast with drag, comedy, and community joy.

A lineup of drag performers stands across a brightly lit stage at the Slay Bells holiday show, wearing festive gowns, wigs, and glamorous costumes. Large red letters spell out “IVA” in front of them, with oversized Christmas ornaments decorating the background. Red curtains frame the stage as the performers pose and interact during the fundraiser for Moveable Feast Lexington.

Free to Be Youth Project, Sweet Evening Breeze Partner to Deliver Gender-Affirming Care Packages to Unhoused LGBTQ+ Youth

November 28, 2025Culture, Community, Health, Kentucky, Mental Health, News

A new partnership between Free to Be Youth Project and Sweet Evening Breeze brings gender-affirming care packages and vital support to unhoused LGBTQ+ youth in Kentucky.

A Rainbow Line client uses products from the Free to Be Youth Project. The initiative’s first step in Kentucky will be a shipment of care packages that include gender-affirming cosmetics, queer and frequently banned books, sensory toys, art supplies, and toolkits focused on empowerment and organizing.

A Love Letter to the South: Queerness, Country, and the Fight for Belonging

November 25, 2025Culture, Kentucky, Opinion

Queer life in the South holds both contradiction and hope, reshaping belonging through love.

Sophia Harris smiles brightly outdoors while holding a flowing rainbow-colored fabric above her head. She wears a vibrant multicolored outfit and stands in sunlight on a neighborhood street.

Queer Kentucky Prepares Comprehensive Coverage of Kentucky’s 2026 Legislative Session

November 24, 2025Gov & Politics, Kentucky, News

Queer Kentucky covers LGBTQ+ policy, elections and power from Frankfort in 2026.

Photo showing journalist Olivia Krauth speaking during a broadcast next to an image of the Kentucky State Capitol building in Frankfort at sunset.

Inside Reka’s, Covington’s Lesbian-Owned Whole-Animal Butchery Reviving Italian Traditions

November 19, 2025Culture, Business, Hospitality, Kentucky

Reka’s, a queer female-owned whole-animal butchery in Covington, blends Italian heritage, sustainable meat practices, and community-focused values.

Wives Shelbi and Ashley Nation, known as the Nation wives, stand arm in arm in front of Wyoming Meat Market. They are smiling, wearing work aprons, and standing on the brick sidewalk beneath the shop’s black awning that reads “Wyoming Meat Market.” A bench and storefront windows are visible behind them.

10 LGBTQ+-Affirming Businesses Helping Shape Northern Kentucky’s Growing Inclusive Community

November 17, 2025Culture, Business, Community, In-State Travel, Kentucky, Magazine, Special Issue: NKY

LGBTQ+-owned and affirming businesses are shaping a more inclusive Northern Kentucky.

A group of people at Creative House of Art and Design in Covington, Kentucky, pose with their finished winter-themed paintings during a guided art class. The group stands in front of shelves filled with colorful art supplies and craft materials.

Kentucky Roots and Queer Faith: Jen Tullock’s ‘Nothing Can Take You From the Hand of God’

November 12, 2025Culture, Art, Kentucky, Rural/Appalachia

Jen Tullock’s new play blends Kentucky roots, queer faith, and storytelling with deep compassion.

Actor and writer Jen Tullock smiles in a warmly lit portrait, wearing a dark jacket and gold hoop earrings. The Kentucky-born star of Severance and playwright of Nothing Can Take You From the Hand of God poses against a soft backdrop, reflecting her grounded, expressive personality and creative spirit.

Covington police officer suspended following Roebling Bridge protest as NKY LGBTQ+ concerns over policing grow

November 12, 2025Gov & Politics, Kentucky, News

Covington officer suspended after Roebling protest as LGBTQ+ concerns over policing grow.

Screenshot from police body camera footage showing multiple Covington police officers restraining a person on the ground during the July 17, 2025, Roebling Bridge protest. The image captures officers in uniform holding the individual facedown while attempting to control the situation. Photo Provided by Covington Police Department

‘Queer Communion: Religion in Appalachia’ Explores Faith, Sexuality, and Survival in the South

November 11, 2025Art, Culture, Kentucky, Rural/Appalachia

Davis Shoulders’ Queer Communion explores queer faith, identity, and resilience in Appalachia.

Davis Shoulders with long hair and glasses smiling indoors while holding up a pink book titled “Queer Communion: Religion in Appalachia.” Sunlight filters through the windows behind them, revealing part of a small-town street outside.

Judge Lewis Grant Paisley: Kentucky Man Who Advanced LGBTQ+ Rights Remembered for Courage and Allyship

November 7, 2025Culture, Community, Gov & Politics, History, Kentucky, News

Judge Lewis Grant Paisley remembered for advancing LGBTQ+ rights and true allyship in Kentucky.

Judge Lewis Grant Paisley stands in a Kentucky courtroom wearing judicial robes and a red tie.

Penny Tration and Molly Mormen Reflect on Drag, Identity and Queer Life in Northern Kentucky

November 6, 2025Culture, Drag, Hospitality, Kentucky, Magazine, Special Issue: NKY

RuPaul alum Penny Tration and Molly Mormen discuss drag, identity and queer life in Northern Kentucky.

Drag performers Penny Tration, left, and Molly Mormen, right, pose together inside Rosie’s Tavern in Covington, Kentucky.

Sasha Velour brings The Big Reveal Live Show to Louisville’s Kentucky Center on Nov. 9

November 5, 2025Culture, Art, Drag, Kentucky, Music, News

Sasha Velour brings “The Big Reveal Live Show” to Louisville for a night of drag and art.

Sasha Velour poses in a blue outfit beside a red rotary phone during “The Big Reveal Live Show.”

‘The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show’ Returns to Louisville With a Brand-New Production

November 5, 2025Culture, Drag

Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme bring their all-new 2025 holiday show to Louisville, ‘The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show.’

Drag performers Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme wear festive red-and-green plaid outfits and red heels while sledding down a snowy hill, promoting The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show.

Trans People in Kentucky Are on Edge. Some Are Arming Up.

November 4, 2025Culture, Health, Kentucky, Mental Health, News

Trans Kentuckians arm up amid fear, misinformation, and escalating political attacks.

Xian Brooks practices target shooting at an indoor gun range in Louisville, Kentucky.

Fruiting Bodies: Shapeshifting to survive

October 30, 2025Art, Culture

Shapeshifting, Exploring Queer Identity, Code-Switching, and the Art of Self-Expression.

Body Slams and Belonging: Power! Pride! Pro Wrestling! Returns for 2025

October 29, 2025Culture, Drag

Queer wrestlers and drag queens collide at Power! Pride! Pro Wrestling in Cincinnati Nov. 14.

A drag wrestler in a red outfit is lifted into the air by another in purple and black during a match at a brewery, as a referee and crowd look on. Power! Pride! Pro Wrestling

We Belong Here Too: Why Trans Women’s Safety Depends on Equal Access to Gendered Spaces

October 29, 2025Culture, Opinion

Trans women deserve safety, dignity, and equal access to gendered spaces—no exceptions.

Heather Stevens smiling indoors, wearing a turquoise patterned blouse with a tan wall and painting behind her.

Country Queers Project Shares Stories of Rural LGBTQ+ Life Through Book and Podcast

October 27, 2025Culture

Country Queers highlights rural LGBTQ+ stories of love, resilience, and community connection

A Safe Haven for Sapphics: Behind The Pink Door Keeps Lesbian Culture Alive in Kentucky

October 23, 2025Community, Culture

Behind the Pink Door brings queer joy to Louisville with food, music, and lesbian community.

A photo of The Pearl bar in Louisville, Kentucky, featuring a bright pink fabric doorway installation outside the entrance, symbolizing the “Behind the Pink Door” event. Beside it, an illustrated artwork of The Pearl shows the same pink-draped entrance with handwritten text reading “Behind the Pink Door – The Pearl,” and two silhouetted figures walking toward it, capturing the event’s vibrant, welcoming queer energy.

Radical Joy in a Red State: Queerly Relocating to Northern Kentucky

October 22, 2025Culture

Finding queer community in Northern Kentucky: book clubs, rainbow crosswalks, neighbors who care.

The Roebling Bridge stands between Covington/Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati.

OutReels Cincinnati returns Nov. 7-9: Queer film, community and talkbacks

October 20, 2025Culture, News

OutReels Cincinnati, Nov. 7–9 at the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater, showcases LGBTQ films, talkbacks and a youth meetup to build community and representation.

Chuck Beatty and David Wolff sit together at an OutReels Cincinnati event.

An Interview with Em Joy: Program Director for Louisville Youth Group

October 16, 2025Community, Culture, Magazine, Special Issue: Trans Youth

Em Joy on how Louisville Youth Group empowers LGBTQ+ youth with support and resources.

Voice Cracks, Backing Tracks, and Comebacks: How to Steer Your Changing Voice on Testosterone

October 14, 2025Culture, Health, Magazine, Special Issue: Trans Youth

Trans singer shares journey of finding voice on testosterone and tips for vocal transition care.

Undead Voice launches free three-week training to help Kentuckians begin voice transition

October 13, 2025Culture, Health

Free 3-week virtual voice training from Undead Voice for Kentuckians; plus $1,000 credit.

Crossing the River for Community: Why NAMI Southwest Ohio’s LGBTQIA+ Support Group Is Worth the Journey

October 11, 2025Culture, Health, Mental Health, Opinion

Queer Northern Kentuckians find belonging in NAMI’s LGBTQIA+ support group.

Time Slip Theatre Opens 12th Year of ‘The Rocky Horror Show’

October 10, 2025Culture, Art, Drag

Louisville’s Time Slip Theatre opens 12th Rocky Horror run Oct. 17-Nov. 1 at PLAY | $15

Anti-Trans Legislation: A Time of Uncertainty for Queer People in the America

October 9, 2025Gov & Politics, Magazine, Special Issue: Trans Youth

2025 sees record-breaking wave of anti-trans bills, threatening rights nationwide.

Don’t Dream It, Be It at The Carnegie: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

October 8, 2025Culture, Magazine, Special Issue: NKY

Covington’s Carnegie stages bold queer stories; “Rocky Horror” runs Oct. 24–Nov. 2, 2025.

‘Til Our Lungs Give Out: Trans Appalachian Love

October 7, 2025Culture, Magazine, Special Issue: Trans Youth

Appalachian trans-for-trans love offers freedom, understanding, and joy beyond outdated labels.

So, I’m A ‘Terrorist’: The War on Transgender People

October 6, 2025Culture, Gov & Politics, Opinion

Transgender lives are under siege; survival depends on allies willing to stand and fight back.

Students organize Pride in the Plaza at EKU for Oct. 14

October 4, 2025Culture

Eastern Kentucky University students will host Pride in the Plaza on Oct. 14 after a new state law barred the school from officially sponsoring the annual event.

Louisville Roller Derby to kick off 2025 fall home season with October double header

October 3, 2025Culture

Louisville Roller Derby will close its 20th anniversary season with a doubleheader Oct. 4 at the Triple Crown Pavilion.

For Us, By Us, Because of Us: Beyond the Looking Glass of Black Drag Queens in Kentucky

October 2, 2025Culture, Drag, History, Magazine, Special Issue: Trans Youth

Black drag in Kentucky is protest, therapy, and joy—queens thriving beyond survival.

Where to Sip in NKY: Bourbon & Belonging Event Recap with the Midwestern Lesbian

October 1, 2025Culture, Hospitality, Special Issue: NKY

Queer Bourbon Week recap: NKY tastings, drag, and community—curated by Midwestern Lesbian.

Northern Kentucky LGBTQ+ Culture & Community Guide | Queer Kentucky

September 30, 2025Art, Business, Culture, Drag, Hospitality, In-State Travel, Special Issue: NKY, Travel

Explore our Northern Kentucky Special Issue—street art, drag, affirming businesses, and Bourbon & Belonging—celebrating queer people and places across the region.