25 Faces of Fairness: Keturah Herron
Queer Kentucky’s limited print publication “25 Faces of Fairness” is available now on our website, in select stores, or available free to monthly supporters at any dollar amount. Not a Queer Kentucky monthly member? You can sign up here.
Art by Jacob Grant
Keturah Herron she/they Louisville
Use one queer slang word to describe Kentucky!
Stud
How did you activate and organize your community for equality?
Historically, most of the organizing I have done is around voter registration and GOTV. However, in 2020 I worked to pass Breonna’s Law—banning no-knock warrants—through the Louisville Metro Council in just 17 days. Less than a year later, I played a pivotal role in putting together a bipartisan coalition to pass a statewide ban on no-knock warrants in the General Assembly.
In the last 25 years, what is one moment that gave you hope for Kentucky’s fight in equality?
In 2023, so many youth organized and mobilized themselves to have a presence in Frankfort. They came to the Capitol and used their voices to speak against inequality and hate directed towards trans youth. I remember being encouraged and inspired by their bravery and courage. They were bold, loud, and proud. They showed signs of not backing down. We as adults can learn from them.
What do you think is next for Kentucky in the fight for Equality?
The fight in Kentucky is the same as it always has been. However, I believe leaders like myself have to prioritize making room for youth. We must teach them, train them, and allow them to walk beside us as we fight. The Commonwealth which we are fighting for doesn’t belong to us anymore. It belongs to the youth.
What are Kentucky’s greatest strengths when it comes to the fight for Queer equality?
The biggest strength we have is history. There are people who have been fighting long before me. We must learn from our history. We must understand the fight is the same. We must be willing to relinquish our power to the next generation and make room for them.
