25 Faces of Fairness: Lisa Gunterman
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.
Lisa Gunterman (they/them or “Lisa”) Louisville
Use one queer slang word to describe Kentucky! (Have fun with this! For reference, check out this link)
Hot To Go
How did you activate and organize your community for equality?
We stand on the shoulders of giants. I have had the privilege of being mentored and supported by incredible leaders in Louisville’s social justice and civil rights communities.
What do you think is next for Kentucky in the fight for Equality?
We know from data that the current climate of bigotry is having a devastating impact on LGBTQ+ youth, including increasing their already high rates of suicide and suicidal ideation. This is unacceptable. We need more accomplices in the movement–including in the state legislature– dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth and empowering them to not only survive, but thrive. (note: if you make mention here, will you include resources to 988, Trevor, etc?)
What are Kentucky’s greatest strengths when it comes to the fight for Queer equality?
It is important to recognize that when the Fairness Campaign was founded in 1991, we founded as an anti-racist organization, and benefited from elders in the Civil Rights community, who served as our mentors and advisors. This intersectional approach is unique to LGBTQ+ organizations, and can serve as a model to communities across the nation.
Who is one other LGBTQ+ Kentucky leader do you admire and why?
I always say “the movement is collective,” so rather than recognizing one person, I would like to honor and celebrate the volunteers. For more than 30 years, volunteers have driven the mission of the Fairness Campaign, advancing LGBTQ+ equality, first in Louisville, and now, state-wide. Volunteers represented a diverse range of identities and took time out of their day to build a better world. Fairness would be nothing without the volunteers and I am forever grateful for their service and dedication to our community.
