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Cara Ellis, she/her, Pikeville

Use one Queer slang word to describe Kentucky!

Folx – because as an Appalachian, I often address people as folks. It’s in our blood! I also love the word camp/campy, as I feel like Kentucky is a wonderfully unique and kitschy place.

How did you activate and organize your community for equality?

I’ve been a community organizer for over five years, namely in the realm of LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights advocacy. Honestly, I got my start because I was passionate to see some change in my community. I didn’t have a playbook per se to make change, I just threw myself out there and used social media as a platform to amplify my message. Social media can be a great tool in the fight for equality. Since 2018, I’ve been a member of Pikeville Pride, a local LGBTQ+ nonprofit dedicated to doing work in Eastern Kentucky. I currently serve as president, and our organization plans and hosts our annual Pride event in Pikeville. Last year, our event had over 2,300 attendees, which was our biggest to date. My work with Pikeville Pride has allowed me to talk to members of my community about the need to highlight the diversity and inclusion of LGBTQ+ in Appalachia because we’re often overlooked or ignored. I like to tell folks we’ve here and we’ve always been here, and slowly but surely, we are putting a name to the faces of Queer folks in the region.

In the last 25 years, what is one moment that gave you hope for Kentucky’s fight in equality?

Seeing a fairness ordinance being passed in Vicco gave me a lot of hope because if a small, rural town in Perry County can do it, to me, there is no reason we can’t have a statewide fairness ordinance that not only helps protect Queer folks across the state, but other marginalized communities as well.

What do you think is next for Kentucky in the fight for Equality?

I see more cities, such as Pikeville, embracing a fairness ordinance and passing policy that protects our community. I also see LGBTQ+ organizations from across the state form a coalition to have a more visible presence in Frankfort to support programs and policies that will benefit our community.

What are Kentucky’s greatest strengths when it comes to the fight for Queer equality?

Our greatest strength truly is our people. I’ve met some of the most dedicated advocates and organizers in my journey, including Carla Wallace, who has been involved in Queer advocacy in Kentucky for decades. The ones who paved the way for us to be where we are have welcomed the newer generation to continue the fight and given us the tools we need to succeed.