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.

Patti Minter she/her

Bowling Green 

 

Use one queer slang word to describe Kentucky! (Have fun with this! For reference, check out this link)

Fierce!

 

How did you activate and organize your community for equality?

We started monthly Bowling Green Fairness meetings almost ten years ago to organize locally to pass a Fairness Ordinance in our city. From identifying LGBTQ+ supporting local businesses, strategy sessions, and meeting with elected officials to lobby them to pass the Fairness Ordinance, we built both community and power.  We built a movement.

 

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

In 2017, we tried to introduce the Fairness Ordinance at Bowling Green City Commission but failed to get a vote. At the next City Commission meeting, Fairness supporters spoke truth to power during a work session and told commissioners why we desperately need this ordinance. For almost four hours, people came out on camera, shared stories of fear and discrimination, and spoke their truths in the public forum. Sitting there that evening, I realized that Harvey Milk was right when he said “hope will never be silent.” I carry that with me every day.

 

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

In 2025, Bowling Green, the third largest city in the state, will become the 25th city to pass a Fairness Ordinance. Finally.

 

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

The refusal of the community to shrink away when the going gets tough. Sometimes we have had to retreat a little, but that was only temporary.