25 Faces of Fairness: Tyler Gabbard

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.

Tyler Gabbard he/him Bellevue/Covington

Tyler Gabbard, based in NKY, is the Theatre Director for The Carnegie Theater, where he plays a crucial role in enriching the vibrant arts programming. With a strong commitment to fostering creativity and inclusivity, he actively supports and promotes local artistic expression.

Use one queer slang word to describe Kentucky!

Confirmed Bachelor

 

How did you activate and organize your community for equality?

Representation — both in the stories we tell and the artists we work with on stage and off — is central to my work as a producer. I’m committed to bringing at least one meaningful queer story to our audiences each season and to hiring artists who can tell the story with authenticity. Our audiences are growing and becoming more diverse as a result. Seeing the profound impact these shows have on our audience is worth whatever pushback we’ve gotten. It’s also given us the opportunity to partner with some amazing organizations in our community who are on the frontline of the fight for equality.

 

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

Year after year, I’m given a new jolt of hope at the NKY Pride Parade and Festival. It continues to grow but remains firmly rooted in the community with a wide range of local organizations represented. Having grown up here, It’s always exciting to see familiar faces at Pride for the first time. The individual, personal change that happens at this level builds the foundation for big, sweeping change.

 

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

Kentucky’s artists and creatives (especially drag performers!) are leading voices in the fight for equality. They’re quick to give their time and talents to the cause. Our arts organizations engage with themes of diversity and inclusion and champion queer stories. This work is pivotal in fostering broader acceptance and in building resources for the activists and non-profits leading the fight.