This story is part of Queer Kentucky’s digital issue surrounding the trans youth experience in the Bluegrass state, featuring personal essays to educational information. Read the full issue here.

With the recent removal of many DEI initiatives from larger organizations and school districts, the future of queer safe spaces in Kentucky has become uncertain. During this time, organizations that uphold queer acceptance and advocate for systemic change are crucial. One organization, Louisville Youth Group (LYG), provides safe spaces for queer youth while also pushing for broader social justice. I sat down with Em Joy, LYG’s program director, to discuss their work and mission.

Our conversation began regarding how LYG addresses the unique needs and experiences of queer youth. Joy had this to say…

We’ve recently expanded our age range downward for younger kids and families—and upward to support young adults. After COVID, many felt unprepared for adulthood. Most queer spaces are bars or clubs, which aren’t accessible or appropriate for everyone, so we wanted LYG to be a place where young adults could find friends, support, and mentorship.

In addition to age-based support, we offer identity-specific groups. Our trans, non-binary, and intersex group focuses on social and emotional well-being, giving youth space to discuss gender identity, expression, and bodily autonomy.

We also run Melanin MagiQ, a group for Black and Brown youth. It’s a space without white peers to talk openly about intersecting identities and how racism impacts their lives. The group was developed with input from our youth of color, especially in response to BLM and the push for racial justice.

We also run our Beyond Labels Resource Closet, where youth can access gender-affirming items—like binders, tuckwear, dresses, and makeup—free of charge. Everything is donated or grant-funded. We help youth explore identity in a supportive environment.

As our conversation continued, our discussion moved towards the subject of trust, and how it’s built between LYG and the youth they serve. When building trust with young people who may feel isolated or misunderstood, Joy says that…

I’ve worked with young people most of my career. The biggest thing is to meet them exactly where they are.Kids—and adults—have big feelings. I try to offer guidance and coping tools. I’m trained in therapeutic approaches and remind youth they’re not alone. If no other adult affirms them, I want to be the one who does—and show them there are others who will, too.

As we were chatting about how organizations reflect the diversity of queer youth, Joy poses the question of “what social or systemic barriers are preventing access?” We discussed Louisville Youth Group’s approach in addressing these barriers…

One thing I’m constantly considering is: who are we serving—and who aren’t we reaching? What social or systemic barriers are preventing access?

We continually evaluate our services to meet our community’s needs. We’re also intentional about how we recruit mentors. It’s not just about being good with youth—we reduce barriers so marginalized mentors can get involved. Volunteering requires financial stability many BIPOC, disabled, or low-income folks don’t have. We offer financial incentives for Black and Brown mentors.

Our main space is in an older church building, so unfortunately, it’s not fully accessible—especially for those who can’t use stairs. But for off-site events, we choose fully accessible locations.

Inside our space, we’ve made it as sensory-friendly as possible. Many of our youth are neurodivergent, so we offer fidget toys, soft lighting, weighted blankets, and a sensory room to decompress with mentor or peer support.

Having discussed the ways LYG serves its community of queer youth, we began examining how LYG simultaneously pushes for broader systemic changes.

One major way we push for systemic change is through training and outreach. We offer professional development to nonprofits, churches, and businesses—any space youth might show up. We teach LGBTQ+ basics and help audit internal policies. Discrimination is often systemic. We help institutions become more inclusive.

And while we work on systems, we stay grounded in our core: creating safe space. If a kid can’t be safe at home, school, or church—they can come to us. We will always be that space.

Even as a small organization, we’re very active. We’ve been around since 1990, and for most of our history, we were entirely volunteer-run. Paid staff only came in the last 10–15 years.

We table at community events, schools, and festivals to build visibility—local Pride events, farmers markets, high school career fairs, and more. We want young people and families to know we exist. And honestly, we’re often the most popular table—because we’re one of the only visibly queer groups there. That visibility matters.

This year, we’re proud to partner with Louisville Public Media and WFPK for Waterfront Wednesdays. We’re sponsoring the kids’ activity space with crafts, games, and support—while wearing our “Protect Trans Youth” shirts and showing families what affirming adults look like.

Parents come up to us all the time—some hearing about us for the first time, some already familiar and grateful. It’s affirming to see how much community support we have, despite what the media suggests.

Finally, we talked through ways our readers can get involved, both in the work of LYG and the broader objectives they pursue…

There are a few big ways. First: volunteer. We’re always looking for mentors and folks to help grow our community relationships.Second: donate. That doesn’t just mean money. Donations of snacks, books, clothes, and art supplies go directly to our youth. Even a few boxes of chips can help feed our kids. We also have a wish list at Carmichael’s Bookstore—if you order from it, you get 20% off.And finally—advocate. Show up to school board meetings. Speak out for trans youth. Go to Frankfort. Meet with legislators—not just during big bills, but all year. If you share identities with those in power, use that to push for real change.

Most importantly, make every space you’re in more inclusive. Listen to kids. Respect their self-determination. Support their autonomy. Be the adult they can trust.

Through my conversation with Joy, the vital role LYG plays in the lives of queer youth in Kentucky became undeniably clear. Between the resources they offer, the diverse community they foster, and the guidance they provide, Louisville Youth Group remains an indispensable asset of Kentucky’s queer community.

While we closed out the interview, Joy shared a message of hope with us…

“To close, I want to share a message of hope. We’ve been here a long time. No matter what happens in government or culture, we will continue to exist. We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re not going anywhere.”