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Entries by Queer Kentucky

25 Faces of Fairness: Kaila Adia Story, PhD

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. Kaila Adia Story, PhD, she/her, Louisville Use one Queer slang word to describe Kentucky! YAAASSS!! I think that Kentucky […]

25 Faces of Fairness: Cara Ellis

For over five years, they have been a dedicated community organizer, focusing on LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights advocacy and fairness. Their journey began with a passion for change, using social media as a powerful tool to amplify their message.

25 Faces of Fairness: Tanner Mobley

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. Tanner Mobley, he/him, Louisville Use one Queer slang word to describe Kentucky! Kentucky’s fluid—people claim we’re a Red stronghold, […]

25 Faces of Fairness: Laura Petri

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. Laura Petri (AKA RESIN REBEL) she/her, Paducah Use one Queer slang word to describe Kentucky! Paducaaah is Leztopiaaah! Who […]

25 Faces of Fairness: Greg Bourke

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. Greg Bourke he/him Louisville Use one queer slang word to describe Kentucky!  Queer. It seems cliche but as someone […]

25 Faces of Fairness: Julia Keister

Julia is a former special-needs educator from New York that opened Lil’s bagels, a beloved community hotspot for the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Post Lil’s she continues to create safe spaces, fundraise for queer causes, organize LGBTQ+ events like queers with gears, and work to keep our LGBTQ+ community employed.

25 Faces of Fairness: Jaison Gardner

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. Jaison Gardner, he/him Louisville Use one Queer slang word to describe Kentucky! Ovah! How did you activate and organize […]

Building People Power: Stories From the Fight For Fairness

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. By Chad Kamen and Cassidy Meurer Special thanks to Pam McMichael for her help on this. All photos from […]

25 Faces of Fairness: Hannah Drake

Hannah Drake, a Louisville native, has risen to international prominence as a poet, author, and activist whose work uplifts Black, queer, and other marginalized voices. Known for her unapologetic approach to addressing issues of race, gender, and social justice, Drake has become a powerful force in the fight for equity and inclusion.

PRISM: The Fated Failures of a Harris-Walz Ticket

PRISM is a storytelling series amplifying the experiences, creativity, and imagination of Black, Brown, and Indigenous storytellers based in Kentucky.  By Drew Webb Before this most recent presidential election, I’ve never wondered if shock is a contingent factor in heartbreak. Surprise can twist a knife but cannot wield that blade alone. It’s historically a recipe […]

25 Faces of Fairness: Jonathan Coleman

Jonathan Coleman he/him Lexington Raised in Eastern Kentucky, Jon was a James Still Fellow at the University of Kentucky where he received his doctorate in history in 2014. He often lectures on queer history and was a consultant for the Kentucky LGBT Heritage Initiative funded by the National Park Service. He is the Co-founder of […]

25 Faces of Fairness: David Williams

Celebrating the incredible work of David Williams, an LGBTQ+ historian from Kentucky who shines a light on the untold stories of our community. 🌈📖 His contributions to preserving queer history, including his work with the Williams-Nichols Archive at UofL, inspire us all.

25 Faces of Fairness: Silas House

Silas House, Kentucky Poet Laureate, is a celebrated author and advocate known for his novels like Southernmost and Clay’s Quilt. Through his storytelling, House explores Appalachia, queer identity, and social justice, making him a vital voice in both literature and activism.

25 Faces of Fairness: Patti Minter

Patti Minter has been a vocal ally of the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for fairness ordinances, inclusive policies, and protections against discrimination in Kentucky. She has consistently supported equality and LGBTQ+ rights throughout her career.

25 Faces of Fairness: Lisa Gunterman

Queer Kentucky’s limited print run of “25 Faces of Fairness” on SALE NOW!⁠ Lisa Gunterman of UofL’s LGBTQ+ Center and Fairness Campaign Co-founder, a trailblazer for inclusion and equity in higher education. A passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, they create welcoming spaces and fosters programs that uplift queer and trans students across Kentucky. Magazine available to purchase online or ships free to monthly subscribers of any amount.⁠

Queer Kentucky joins Queer News Network (QNN) Coalition of Independent Newsrooms to Cover 2024 Election with a Focus on LGBTQ+ Platforms

In response to the alarming rise of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and actions across the political landscape, a groundbreaking coalition of 11 independent LGBTQ+ newsrooms has come together to form the Queer News Network (QNN). This initiative aims to provide in-depth and nuanced coverage of the 2024 General Election through an LGBTQ+ lens, ensuring that the voices and […]

At the Forefront of Queer Inclusive Bourbon: Old Forester

For generations Bourbon whiskey has ebbed and flowed in and out of popularity and prestige, but as a uniquely American product, it’s long been part of the national beverage alcohol conversation. Over the past 20 years, however, Kentucky’s passion for the craft spirit has gained reverence from all over the world and with the institution […]

How you can help women, children and LGBTQ+ people impacted by Hurricane Helene

Originally published by The 19th Your trusted source for contextualizing the news. Sign up for our daily newsletter. The destruction of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida on Thursday as a Category 4 storm, is coming sharply into focus as the death toll has continued to climb in North and South Carolina, Florida and […]

PRISM: What Collage Means to Me

PRISM is a storytelling series amplifying the experiences, creativity, and imagination of Black, Brown, and Indigenous storytellers based in Kentucky.  by Jas Turk “Grounded” by Jas Turk Current Inspirations: Dust Tracks on a Road | Zora Neale Hurston When You’re Ready, This Is How You Heal | Brianna Wiest Frybread Face and Me | Billy […]

Overdose alert in Lexington

by Lantern staff, Kentucky Lantern September 20, 2024 The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has issued an overdose alert for Lexington. The health department reports a spike in suspected nonfatal drug overdoses with 24 reported in four days, Sept 17-20, according to information from the Overdose Detection Mapping Application System (ODMAP). “This is an important time […]

Would you trust AI to scan your genitals for STIs?

Originally published by The 19th Your trusted source for contextualizing the news. Sign up for our daily newsletter. In March, health technology startup HeHealth debuted Calmara AI, an app proclaiming to be “your intimacy bestie for safer sex.” The app was heavily marketed to women, who were told they could upload a picture of their […]

Finding Home in Louisville: Teresa Willis

Teresa Willis Highlands, she/her Why’d you pick that photo? This is me and my mom, my sister posing us in front of the tree by the garage back when photography was a precious process. I’m about 12, so my mom would’ve been 52. This photo encapsulates so much. A warm fall day in Valley Station. […]

Feeling at Home in Louisville: Syimone

Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and much more. In this issue, […]

The toll of America’s anti-trans war

Originally published by The 19th Member support made it possible for us to write this series. Donate to our nonprofit newsroom today to support independent journalism that represents you. For a few years now, whether we’ve noticed it or not, gender has become a test to pass or fail. Since 2021 , at least 177 […]

Feeling at Home in Louisville: John Esterle

Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and much more. In this issue, […]

Feeling at Home in Louisville: Josiah

Photo by Sarah Davis Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and […]

Feeling at Home in Louisville: Michael Munc Coots

Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and much more. In this issue, […]

GRLwood shared their new album BLOOD as the first part of a new trilogy

Louisville Public Media | By Otis Junior Published August 21, 2024 at 10:22 AM EDT Louisville rock band GRLwood has shared a brand new album titled BLOOD. The new release is the first of a trilogy of albums, with SWEAT and TEARS to complete the collection later this year. It is a deeply personal project, one that GRLwood founder Rej Forester wrote and recorded […]

The 19th Explains: What you need to know about Project 2025

Originally published by The 19th Project 2025. You might be hearing about it. Vice President Kamala Harris brought it up Tuesday during her first campaign event as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. “We know we’ve got to take this seriously — and can you believe they put that thing in writing?” Harris said at the […]

Feeling at Home in Louisville: Tyler Bond

Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and much more. In this issue, […]

Feeling at Home in Louisville: PLAY with Bee Harmon

photos by Jon Cherry Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and […]

Mpox declared global health emergency, Kentucky totaling 111 cases

Louisville Vaccine Signups Kentucky Vaccine Locations The World Health Organization said on Wednesday that the mpox outbreak in Africa has become a global health emergency. A deadlier strain of the virus, clade Ib, is spreading quickly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has reached at least four previously unaffected countries in Africa. The risk […]

PRISM: Wedded To The Land

by Chaney Williams At the grotto beneath the statue of Mary, I spent several weeks writing and reading every day at the Loretto Community in Nerinx, Kentucky. I was there as an Artist in Residence through the Kentucky Foundation for Women. I sat on the stone bench and prayed for the  collective liberation for all. […]

Feeling Home in Louisville: Emmet Stevens

Photo by Sarah Davis Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and […]

White House says it opposes gender-affirming surgery for minors

Originally published by The 19th The Biden administration on Tuesday afternoon provided more details about its opposition to gender-affirming surgery for transgender minors, a position at odds with its previously broad support for gender-affirming care — and one taken by a presidential administration that has closely aligned itself with LGBTQ+ advocates. “These are deeply personal […]

CONVERSION Movie release party set for tonight at Big Bar

Conversion therapy survivors tell their story in a now publicly released documentary created and produced by Kentuckian Zach Meiners. To celebrate this, Big Bar will be rolling out the red carpet tonight from 6 – 8 p.m. Gravitas Ventures, an Anthem Sports & Entertainment Company, announced today the acquisition of U.S. and Canadian distribution rights […]

15 Queer Businesses to Support During Pride Month and Beyond

Pride month is over, y’all. But that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate queer-owned businesses across the state! Purchasing your goods and services from LGBTQ+ owned businesses is one of the best ways to celebrate pride all year long. Check out these 15 vendors…and by no means is this an exhausted list. Lexington Sam’s Hot Dog […]

PRISM: ACQUIESCE

PRISM is a storytelling series amplifying the experiences, creativity, and imagination of Black, Brown, and Indigenous storytellers based in Kentucky. by Kenresa Jones Waxing Gibbous Moon March 22, 2024 11:04pm Jefferson County, Kentucky, USA PLAYLIST: Galimatias – “Wonder” Aches – “Her” Maxwell – “Silently” Marzz – “In The Morning” Emeli Sandé/Jay Electronica/Áine Zion  – “Garden” […]

Reimagining Masculinity: Trans Felicity

by Lane Levitch This story is part of ISSUE 05: Reimagining Masculinity. The magazine is available for purchase here. Shooting film since 2012, Lane Levitch finally steps in front of his own camera. Before, he didn’t like seeing how the world perceived him. His face so permanent on negative strips. After receiving a gender affirming […]

$2 million endowment to enhance lives of LGBTQ+ youth in Kentucky

Kentucky LGBTQ+ nonprofits deserve more funding from Kentucky foundations. Because of increasing hostility towards our community in the Bluegrass and across the United States, our nonprofit ecosystem is growing and expanding resources while we race for an almost fabled pot of gold nestled at the end of an even more elusive rainbow. However, one Louisville-based […]

Meet your genderqueer, Jewish uncle with “amazing tits!”

A recent Jewish Heritage Fund survey found that 7% of respondents identified as LGBTQ+. Queer Kentucky has partnered with the Jewish Heritage Fund to uplift queer Jewish people. With anti-Semitism spreading in the United States and abroad, it is important to uplift our Jewish community members. Queer is an identity that crosses racial, geographic, ethnic, class, and cultural […]

Blending identities as a trans, Jewish boy in Kentucky

A recent Jewish Heritage Fund survey found that 7% of respondents identified as LGBTQ+. Queer Kentucky has partnered with the Jewish Heritage Fund to uplift queer Jewish people. With anti-Semitism spreading in the United States and abroad, it is important to uplift our Jewish community members. Queer is an identity that crosses racial, geographic, ethnic, class, and cultural […]

Queer Kentucky x Louisville Magazine: Connor Holloway

Grew up in St. Matthews, now living in Brooklyn, they/them photos by Clifton Mooney, he/him Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like […]

‘Pretending to be a princess and feeling pretty’ with Tana Boots

Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and much more. We would […]

Feeling home in Louisville’s recovery rooms: Dave Conrad

Photo by Sarah Davis Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and […]

Finding home in Louisville’s Germantown: Bearykah Shaw

Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and much more. We would […]

Finding a queer home in Louisville’s NuLu: Patience Fields

Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and much more. We would […]

Feeling safe while trans in Kentuckiana: Luci Lyle

Luci Lyle Jeffersonville, she/her Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and […]

 ‘Adult-oriented business’ bill advances in Kentucky legislature, foes call it ‘anti drag’

by Sarah Ladd, Kentucky LanternMarch 19, 2024 A House committee on Tuesday advanced a Senate bill to regulate “sexually explicit” performances hosted in “adult-oriented businesses” which opponents have labeled as “anti drag.”  Members of the House Veterans, Military Affairs & Public Protection Committee voted to approve the latest version of Senate Bill 147, sponsored by […]

PRISM: The Call for Home

PRISM is a storytelling series amplifying the experiences, creativity, and imagination of Black, Brown, and Indigenous storytellers based in Kentucky.  by Persephanie Chiddick The country of my origin celebrated her 42nd year of independence from Great Britain the same month that I turned 32, November 2023. I stood over my latest attempt at our national […]

OPINION: We’re tired of our rights being trampled on constantly

The views and opinions expressed in submissions to Queer Kentucky are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Queer Kentucky. Any content provided by our submissions or regular columnists are of their opinion. As a reader, you are always welcome to submit your op-eds through our submission form: […]

‘Adult-oriented’ businesses would be subject to new restrictions under bill approved by Senate

by Sarah Ladd, Kentucky LanternMarch 6, 2024 FRANKFORT — A bill placing new restrictions on “adult-oriented” businesses, which opponents have blasted as “anti-drag,” passed the Kentucky Senate Wednesday 32-6.  It can now go to the House for consideration.  Senate Bill 147 prohibits “adult-oriented” businesses from being located within 933 feet of a child care facility, […]

Actors Theatre of Louisville, Dallas Theater Center present the queer comedy I AM DELIVERED’T

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE Good Friday. The New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church’s Seven Last Words service is in full swing. But outside—in the church parking lot—another resurrection story is taking shape. Sis, the Vice President of Usher Board Number One, and her protégé Pickles find themselves in a battle royale of romantic quagmires. This joyful new […]

A Queer Kentucky Safe Space: Trouble Bar

Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and much more. We would […]

A Queer Kentucky Safe Space: Cherokee and Cox Park

Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and much more. We would […]

A Queer Kentucky Safe Space: Kentucky Shakespeare in Central Park

Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and much more. We would […]

A Queer Kentucky Safe Space: The Merryweather

Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and much more. We would […]

A Queer Kentucky safe space: Old Louisville Coffee Co-op

Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and much more. […]

Jewish & Queer: one closet, several hidden identities

by Lar Pearl she/they When I sat down to think deeply about the intersection of my Jewish, Queer, and Kentuckian identities, I realized they all had the same obstructed, hidden-in-plain-sight start: dark, with just a glimmer of light.  This is also how many seeds germinate and start their growth.  Hiding, just out of sight, with […]

Louisville Pride Foundation Executive Director Mike Slaton to Leave Organization Dec. 31

After five years, Louisville Pride Foundation’s first ever Executive Director, Mike Slaton, announced he will leave the organization on December 31. Slaton will join the Louisville Orchestra as their first Major Gifts Officer. Slaton began his time with the Foundation as a volunteer, chairing the operations committee for the inaugural Louisville Pride Festival in 2015. He was the Foundation’s first […]

ACTORS THEATRE OF LOUISVILLE, IN ASSOCIATION WITH UPSTART CROW COLLECTIVE, PRESENTS SHAKESPEARE’S KING JOHN, ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY ROSA JOSHI—NOVEMBER 8-19

Actors Theatre of Louisville is proud to herald this imaginative interpretation of Shakespeare’s King John. Unfolding in a treacherous world ruled by self-interest, warmongering, and a lack of moral leadership, this fascinating political thriller follows a scheming monarch battling threats from abroad and within. Produced in association with upstart crow collective—a company dedicated to re-contextualizing […]

The Life of a Quiet Activist

Beyond the small entryway, on the dance floor and at the meat racks across from the bar, was where Louisville’s gay congregation met to whore-ship, and David’s first few weeks at that bar were a “real revelation.”  “I found Jesus. Except he was sitting at the end of the bar having a drink,” Williams said.  […]

My Lived Experience as an Atheist in the Qmmunity

by Himothy Hazardus I think some would say I had a unique experience growing up as a queer Appalachian atheist in rural Kentucky. I’ve always presented masculine of center despite being born a biological female. I’m a textbook transgender man, but my relationship with religion is undeniably intertwined with my identity just as much, if […]

Communing with the Divine: Trans Folk Artist Larah Helayne to Headline 2023 Queer Kentucky x Mile Wide Pride Kick-Off Party

Story by Sydni Hampton she/they Photos by Ash When I first met Larah Helayne (they/he) at a bar during a show I was performing in, I was just drinking up the compliments and praise a drag queen receives throughout the night. I had no idea this random introduction would lead to me ending up being […]

Mask-Ulinity

Story by Noa August Photos by Jason Morales I tried my best to play the role of masculine partner in my relationships. I was stoic, providing, logical, strong, domineering… I thought that if I was this unbothered, mysterious, nonchalant person, I would be identifiably queer. I wholly embraced mysteriousness, assertiveness, decisiveness, independence; and while some […]

bell hooks and My Black Queer Southern Politics 

by Charles Stephens photo: bell hooks in 1995. Photograph by Monica Almeida/The New York Times/Redux I am a Black gay man from the South. I grew up in a working-class community in Southwest Atlanta that shaped my politics as much as my identity. bell hooks was an accomplished scholar, academic, and public intellectual from Kentucky, […]

The Big Stomp Returns to Louisville August 18-19, 2023

The Big Stomp Returns to Louisville August 18-19, 2023  Two-day festival to feature Lettuce, Bahamas and The Heartless Bastards and 30+ acts, plus full slate activities that support mental health and wellbeing  Louisville, Ky. (May 16, 2023) – The Big Stomp, the nation’s first music festival to focus on mental health, will return August 18 […]

Queer Kentucky Expanding Resources with $300K to Improve LGBTQ+ Mental Health and Prevent Suicide

Queer Kentucky is a diverse LGBTQ+ run non-profit based in Louisville, Kentucky working to bolster and enhance Queer culture and health through storytelling, education and action. Through our storytelling approach, we give visibility and celebrate the lives of LGBTQ+ people in the great Bluegrass State. LOUISVILLE, Ky. Aug 15, 2023 [email protected] Queer Kentucky is launching […]

Beechmont Neighborhood Association Aligns with Baptist Transphoboia, bullies Out Farmers Market Manager

Imagine you showed up to your job and were told that, because your gender made your coworkers uncomfortable, you’d need to start dressing differently or the police would be called to remove you from the property. That’s what happened to Nedra McNeil, the former Beechmont Open Air Manager, on June 16th, 2023. McNeil, whose pronouns […]

Kentucky gender-affirming care restriction BLOCKED by federal judge, ensures temporary access to care for trans youth

by Belle Townsend she/[email protected] Named one of the most extreme anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the nation, the gender-affirming care component of the omnibus anti-trans bill SB 150 has been TEMPORARILY BLOCKED by a federal judge. This means that gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth has been at least temporarily found unconstitutional and a continuum of care can […]

Kentucky-based LGBTQ+ event production Hard Candy brings Drag Race and Dragula fun to Louisville in time for Pride. 

Sunday, June 11 – RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15’s Jax comes to Play Louisville. Jax is an NYC-based drag queen affectionately known as the Simone Biles of Drag. Expect plenty of flips and stunts at this show! TICKETS Sunday, June 18 – Boulet Brothers Dragula Season 4 and Titans finalist Hoso Terra Toma makes her Louisville debut. […]

LGBTQ+ activist Emma Curtis launches campaign to be first transgender legislator in Kentucky

by Belle Townsend (she/they)[email protected] Emma Curtis grew up on her family’s tobacco and cattle farm in Woodford County in central Kentucky, and she considers herself lucky to call Lexington home. A graduate of Woodford County High School and Centre College, Curtis is an independent filmmaker who tells the stories of “interesting, amazing, and fascinating” people […]

Nashville’s big, gay MeatUp party set to grind in Louisville’s Butchertown

By Spencer Jenkins he/[email protected] Booty shorts, knee-high socks and belly-revealing crop tops are just some of the looks to embody for the Nashville-based event, MeatUp, coming to PLAY Louisville on May 27. MeatUp is an event created by couple Al Gregory and Toby Sturgill, and their friend Griffin Green. It offers a retro-inspired experience for […]

Nationally recognized pageant promoter gears up for 2023’s Kentucky Regional Entertainer of the Year

by Sydni Hamptonshe/[email protected] Each year, hopeful contestants from Arizona to New York, descend upon Louisville in hopes of being crowned the next National Entertainer of the Year. Winners include the likes of Maya Douglas (1997, F.I.,) Erica Andrews (2006, F.I.,) Nina West (2008, F.I., RuPauls Drag Race,) Mokha Montrese (2012, F.I.,) and Trinity “The Tuck” […]

First openly gay Kentucky Poet Laureate, Silas House talks visibility and backlash

By Belle Townsendshe/[email protected] Silas House, a Whitley County-born author whose works have become beloved bestsellers, was selected by Governor Andy Beshear to be Kentucky’s 2023-24 Poet Laureate. “I think it’s particularly important to me right now, to be trusted as the governor as a representative, in a time when there’s so much anti-LGBTQ+ legislation out […]

Panelists discuss ‘What’s Next for LGBTQ+ folks in the Bluegrass state’ amidst passage of anti-LGBTQ+ SB 150

by Belle Townsendshe/[email protected] “I’m so sorry that we even have to be here,” said Cherlynn Stevenson (she/her) to the audience of concerned Kentuckians. Stevenson, the District 88 state representative and House Democratic Caucus Chair, opened the Bluegrass LGBTQ+ Town Hall held in Lexington, Kentucky, held in response to the recent legislative LGBTQ+ attacks. She continued […]

Medical professionals and community activists organizing to provide gender-affirming healthcare to transgender and gender-nonconforming Kentuckians

by Belle Townsendshe/they [email protected] With Omnibus anti-trans bill SB 150 passing in Kentucky, transgender and gender non-conforming Kentuckians and their loved ones are worried for their safety and access to life-saving medical care.  Hosted by Suzanne Kingery, M.D. (she/her) and presented by the LGBT Center and Office of Diversity & Inclusion, University of Louisville, Health […]

Op-ed: Impellizzeri’s Pizza hosts anti-trans event, perpetuating anti-trans stigma and violence 

Editor’s Note: Comments were requested from both Kelly Craft and Impellizzeri’s Pizza, but neither responded. A request for the police report has been submitted the the Middletown Police Department. We will add to the story as soon as it is available. On Monday April 10th, a Black trans man from Louisville’s West End, Alexander Griggs, […]

Alice in Derbyland Returns for Third Year to Celebrate Derby Festivities

by Sydni Hampton (They/Them, She/Her) Alice in Derbyland Returns for Third Year to Celebrate Derby Festivities Sydni Hampton (They/Them, She/Her) It’s that time of year again… Mint Juleps, larger-than-life hats, pastels, nightmare parking- and Drag Daddy Productions’ ALICE IN DERBYLAND returns to celebrate and pay homage to our city’s beloved Derby traditions for the third […]

Berea PRIDE to host second annual Easter egg hunt

On Saturday, April 8th from 1 to 4 PM, Berea PRIDE will be hosting its second annual Easter egg hunt. There will be games, food, and prizes available for anyone interested in joining.  In Berea, there are very few Easter egg hunts and even fewer that aren’t church affiliated. Berea PRIDE’s new Easter egg tradition […]

‘Work is a Drag’ at Cornett, Amid rising anti-drag sentiment, Kentucky ad agency goes glam in support of self-expression

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (March 25, 2023) — With legislative attacks against the LGBTQ+ community sweeping the nation, a Kentucky ad agency is letting it be known that their workplace will always be a safe haven for self-expression. Cornett, a Lexington-based full-service agency, has instituted “Work is a Drag”—an official workplace policy that welcomes and encourages any […]

Local activists counterprotest “parental rights” movement bringing book banning to Kentucky

by Belle Townsendshe/[email protected] Commonly referred to by critics as a dog whistle for censorship, the “parental rights” movement has been finding its footing in Kentucky. Senate Bill 5, characterized by critics as a book banning bill, passed the Kentucky House and Senate in March of 2023.  This bill would create a complaint resolution policy, wherein […]

Japanese Games Serve Femme Better: a trans gamer’s outlook on women in games

With the release of a *particular* game about wizards in an IP created by famed trans-exclusionist/man in bathroom paranoia-conspiracy theorist J.K Rowling, my social media, which largely consists of millennials who defined their personality traits based on Hogwarts houses— for the record, I’m a Slytherin — and gen Z’ers who don’t have the attachment and […]

Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation pushed through Kentucky legislature, teens fight back

With at least 11 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in Kentucky’s 2023 legislative session, many folks are wondering where and how those bills ended up. This slate of hate contained similar language to bathroom bills, “don’t say gay/trans” bills, and anti-trans healthcare bills that have been pushed across the United States. The ACLU has been keeping an […]

Queers Say No to War! Demonstration March 18th on the 20th Anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq

By Christian Brawner and Sunny Cobb With the 20th anniversary of the Iraq invasion approaching, and while facing a seemingly insurmountable upsurge in state repression against our trans community, I want to honor the legacy of our queer and gay ancestors by reminding you of our revolutionary struggle. It’s absolutely no coincidence that when the […]

Lexington drag queens, activists called on city leaders to join the fight against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation

A duo of Lexington drag performers launched a petition calling on local leaders to stand up against state and national leaders who have it out for the LGBTQ+ community Monday.  The pair, Petty Poussay and Uma Jewels, founded LEXHAVEPRIDE.com and a companion change.org petition that has received over 4,200 signatures over the week. They plan to present 15 specific […]

Students Organizing at the University of Louisville for Trans Rights in ULTRA

The University of Louisville Trans Rights Alliance, or ULTRA, has been bringing attention to policy and culture promoting transphobia on the college campus. The student organizers leading this group include juniors Miles Lanham and Calvin Silver, with senior Parker Albro. According to University of Louisville students and activists associated with ULTRA, there have been lasting […]

Ambiguity and Access: Louisville non-profit calls for legislation to clarify HIV self-testing regulation in Kentucky

Inequity increases the likelihood of worse health outcomes and steals agency from us all.  Out-of-date restrictions on In-Home HIV test kits have created inequity in access to these tests for Kentuckians that can’t afford to buy them at the store or face stigma in their communities. The Social Practice Lab, along with researchers at Norton […]

Suspect pleads not guilty to the killing of Black transgender woman, Imanitwithago Zachee

Imanitwithago Zachee (pronounced Za-shay, known as Zachee to friends) was a Black transgender woman gunned down outside of her work on February 3. Soon after, a dozen Louisville advocacy and support groups, as well as friends, family, and community members, gathered to honor her life through a candlelight vigil.  Zachee was shot and killed as […]

Queer liberation, not queer liberalism: when your Zodiac signs are compatible but your politics clash 

photo credit https://twitter.com/slutpilled I’ve already done the Valentine’s Day love letter and mixtape thing, so this year I give you a Thinking Queerly entry centering around identity crisis. A love story spoiled by politics. A confessional-manifesto. A bad romance, if you will. Oh, and a poem: The globe is overheating.The economy is depressed.We’re on the […]

Alarming “Don’t Say Gay/Trans” Bills Legislatively Introduced in Kentucky as Attack on Queer Existence 

Introduced yesterday, Kentucky House Bills 173 and 177 fall under the umbrella of “Don’t Say Gay/Trans” bills that have been sweeping the nation. This fight has been in Kentucky, but it has been taken to an even higher and more alarming level.  House Bill 173 expands on the conservative education movement advocating for “parental choice” […]

Black, transgender woman murdered in Kentucky

It is only the beginning of February, and there is already another violent killing of a Black trans woman. An immigrant from Rwanda, Africa, Imanitwitaho Zachee (pronounced Za-shay), known as Zachee to friends, was shot and killed outside of the JBS Foods plant where she worked on Feb. 3. Police say the gunman and Zachee’s […]

Trans activist, child of Kentucky state senator dies of suicide

Kentucky Democratic state Sen. Karen Berg has announced in a statement on Tuesday, that her transgender son died by suicide. Berg said in the statement that Henry Berg-Brousseau, 24, spent his life “working to extend grace, compassion and understanding to everyone, but especially to the vulnerable and marginalized.” “As the mother of a transgender son, […]

Part Three: Heine Brothers’ and Sunergos: Louisville’s anti-union coffee shops

This is part three in a series of stories that center around Louisville’s local coffee scene: a battleground of ongoing spiritual and class warfare between Christians and queers, workers and business owners. The purpose of the series is not to publicly drag local businesses or individuals, but to trace the connections between those businesses/individuals to […]

Great Meadows Foundation uplifts Queer artists alongside Queer Kentucky: J. Cletus Wilcox

Visual artists are a vital part of Kentucky’s Queer community. Thanks to the Great Meadows Foundation, which was launched in 2016 by contemporary art collector and  philanthropist Al Shands (1928-2021) in order to critically strengthen and support visual  art in Kentucky, Queer Kentucky will be featuring interviews with a number of these  artists. In order to […]

5 killed, over a dozen injured in LGBTQ+ club shooting in Colorado Springs

Update 5:18 p.m. Via CNN Nineteen of the 25 people wounded in the overnight shooting at an LGBTQ club in Colorado Springs sustained gunshot wounds, Mayor John Suthers told CNN’s Jim Acosta Sunday.  Based on his communication with medical personnel, Suthers said he expects the injured victims to survive, and the community is “crossing our fingers” for no more fatalities.  Suthers […]

Kentucky elects first transgender official

BEREA, Ky. — Kentucky’s first transgender elected official won a seat on the Berea School Board as a write-in candidate. Rebecca Blankenship has made queer history. “A write-in campaign for a school board seat is, in some ways, an easy victory. But queer rights in Kentucky will, for the foreseeable future, be advanced by strategically […]

Book Review: High-Risk Homosexual by Edgar Gomez

by Ben Harlan of La Casita Louisville TW: Violence against queer and Latinx people. Having grown up and lived in Orlando, Edgar regularly visited Pulse nightclub and talks about the impact the shooting had on the queer community there.  If you happen to be AMAB and have sex with men, when you hear “high-risk” and […]

Tea Dancing With Louisville and Lexington Lesbians

Many moons ago, I wrote an article titled Lesbian Heaven Exists detailing my deep love of Louisville’s former lesbian bar, Purrswaytions. Since the space closed in 2019, my search for a queer femme community has been an ongoing journey. From throwing our own parties with Gayborhood Events to following popular DJs around dance spots in […]

BODY HORROR: THE QUEER AND THE MACABRE

As one of my closest friends facetimes our transgender groupchat from post-surgery in Texas, her face is bruised, bloodied, hammered. Her face swollen into a newfound beauty, jaw shaved and skin glossy with sweat. Her eyes are swollen from lid to undereye, painted purple and black with bruising: an elegant eyeshadow that cost thousands. Her […]

Sissy That Strut: Diana Rae Ellis

Q: Where were you born and where do you consider home these days? A: I was born in Louisville and it’s still home. I used to live in the west end with my aunt and uncle who raised me then I moved to St. Matthew’s in high school with my sister and her husband. I […]

I’m the Girl who’s F**king your Husband

Despite being someone who publicly announced they once threw up on a man while sucking dick (and has routinely told that story as an ice breaker) some of you may think there’s nothing I won’t share or say. An open book, with open legs, and an open heart (read: throat) always seemed to be the […]

Great Meadows Foundation uplifts Queer artists alongside Queer Kentucky: Brennen Cabrera

Visual artists are a vital part of Kentucky’s Queer community. Thanks to the Great Meadows Foundation, which was launched in 2016 by contemporary art collector and philanthropist Al Shands (1928-2021) in order to critically strengthen and support visual art in Kentucky, Queer Kentucky will be featuring interviews with a number of these artists. Brennen Cabrera […]

Louisville Pride Foundation announces festival theme, opening date for community center day after founders cut ties with organization

The Louisville Pride Foundation has released their theme for the 2022 festival — “Welcome Home.” The festival is also being considered a celebration of the opening of a new permanent home, and Queer community center, in Old Louisville. “Being LGBTQ means being isolated at some point in your life,” said Executive Director Mike Slaton. “Our […]

KY Farm Bureau Protest Continues with Billboard & Ham Breakfast Action Thursday, Aug. 25 at 7 a.m.

Kentucky advocacy groups and unions have once again launched protest actions targeting the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation’s discriminatory policies. Today the groups unveiled a billboard along I-65 near the Kentucky State Fair and plan to protest the Kentucky Farm Bureau’s annual Ham Breakfast Thursday, August 25 at 7:00 a.m. ET. The billboard, which states, “Kentucky […]

UPDATE: Jefferson County monkeypox vaccines available at Specialty Clinic, Shawnee Christian Healthcare Center

As of August 17, 2022, Kentucky has had a total of 15 cases of monkeypox. Louisville Metro Public Health emailed Queer Kentucky this morning and said, “We have expanded the Specialty Clinic’s ability to offer monkeypox vaccines to anyone who falls in the PEP++ criteria. We still have a limited supply, but as it trickles in, […]

Dear Rand and Kelley Paul: My Trans Vote Matters

Editor’s Note: This piece is an editorial submission. As a 501(c)3, Queer Kentucky, INC cannot endorse political candidates and we must stand by that obligation. If they Paul Campaign were to reach out and want to publish something, we would legally honor that obligation as well. I was in Western Kentucky this past weekend at […]

United States declares monkeypox as a national health emergency

The United States declared a public health emergency for monkeypox today to quicken the federal response and increase vaccine availability. Monkeypox has infected more than 6,600 Americans thus far with Kentucky having eight confirmed cases. Nearly all cases are among men who have sex with men. “We are prepared to take our response to the […]

Monkeypox vaccines available to very select ‘high risk’ group in Jefferson County due to limited doses

Editor’s Note: Monkeypox is not specific to the LGBTQ+ community. It is affecting us the most because it came into contact with our community first. We are a close-knit community that usually stays within our safe social circles, leading to transmission among our community. This article will be updated once more information is available. Monkeypox […]

Sydni Hampton Presents Reely Queer: Jason X

Jason X (2001) When you think of Jason Vorhees, you think of three things: The iconic hockey mask, horny camp counselors and of course, the 80’s; This makes sense, given most of the films Jason dons a hockey mask, kills camp counselors who are very horny and most of the entries in the series have […]

Great Meadows Foundation uplifts Queer artists alongside Queer Kentucky: Ceirra Evans

Visual artists are a vital part of Kentucky’s Queer community. Thanks to the Great Meadows Foundation, which was launched in 2016 by contemporary art collector and  philanthropist Al Shands (1928-2021) in order to critically strengthen and support visual  art in Kentucky, Queer Kentucky will be featuring interviews with a number of these  artists. It is the […]

Daniel Cameron praises Trump appointed judge for blocking expanded protections for LGBTQ+ workers, students

What happens when a coalition of ultra-conservative state attorneys general sue the federal government for extending civil rights protections to the LGBTQ+ community?  Naturally, a Trump-appointed federal judge rules in their favor.  That’s what transpired late last Friday, when Judge Charles Atchley of Tennessee’s Eastern District blocked a federal directive to expand sex discrimination protections […]

Jack Harlow donates to three Kentucky LGBTQ+ nonprofits in celebration of PRIDE Month

Kentucky has a habit of pumping out celebrities with impeccable talent. The Bluegrass State is home to folks like country legend and coal miner’s daughter Loretta Lynn, Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence, boxing legend Muhammad Ali to name a few. But the most recent addition to the state’s celebrity pantheon? 3x GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum, chart toping rapper […]

Great Meadows Foundation uplifts Queer artists alongside Queer Kentucky: Vinhay Keo

Visual artists are a vital part of Kentucky’s Queer community. Thanks to the Great Meadows Foundation, which was launched in 2016 by contemporary art collector and  philanthropist Al Shands (1928-2021) in order to critically strengthen and support visual  art in Kentucky, Queer Kentucky will be featuring interviews with a number of these  artists. Vinhay Keo […]

Pencils, books and hope: Louisville middle school celebrates and embraces LGBTQ+ students during ‘Pride Week’

While students across the nation, and here in the commonwealth, continue to face LGBTQ+ discrimination, students at Stuart Academy in West Louisville are celebrated for who they are. Students walking the green and gold-lined halls of Stuart Academy, a middle school located at Valley Station Road in Louisville’s West End, were greeted with reaffirming and […]

Despite Legislative Onslaught, Kentucky Teacher of the Year Envisions Positive Future

“I’ve definitely seen shifts in teachers feeling confident to speak out about what they believe. It requires someone to really put themselves out there.” Teachers are already encouraged to give more of themselves than their job description demands — sometimes in service of rigorous academic reporting and sometimes in service of caring for the student beyond their retention of grade-11 vocabulary. But in addition to those oft-unrecognized demands, LGBTQ and BIPOC teachers are often solely responsible for cultivating safe and enriching spaces for similar students. This act of “putting themselves out there” is increasingly weighing on Carver and his colleagues.

A letter from a nonbinary Black woman

By America Medious (they/them/theirs) I’m never more irritated than when I have to beg for my own existence to be respected by my own community. I remember fighting with my own family about whether or not I was ashamed to be Black because I spoke differently and was into “white people shit.” At one point […]

Kentucky General Assembly overrides governors Veto of Anti-Trans Sports Bill

Today, the Kentucky legislature voted to override Governor Andy Beshear’s veto of Senate Bill 83 and enact the measure as law, banning transgender girls from participating in sports alongside their peers from sixth grade through college.  After months of protesting, debating, and political games, The Kentucky General Assembly passed anti-trans Senate Bill 83. Kentucky Governor, […]

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear vetoes transgender sports ban

Press release from Fairness Campaign Today, Governor Andy Beshear vetoed Senate Bill 83, a bill that would ban transgender girls and women’s participation in sports from sixth grade through college. Below is a statement from Fairness Campaign Executive Director Chris Hartman: “I applaud Governor Beshear for doing the right thing today and vetoing a harmful […]

Anti-trans legislation moves to Governor Beshear’s desk

After months of protesting, debating, and political games, The Kentucky General Assembly has now passed anti-trans Senate Bill 83. Now, Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear will have the option to veto the anti-trans legislation. The bill sought to ban transgender girls from playing on sports teams in Kentucky schools that match their gender identities from sixth […]

Trans Wellness Summit to offer free educational, healthcare resources

Navigating the world of healthcare proves difficult for many Queer people throughout Kentucky, especially the transgender community. There’s worry of deadnaming, harassment, body dysphoria and much more. Luckily, the Trans Wellness Summit takes place every year in Louisville, offering healthcare resources and education for the trans community. EXHIBITORS VEND FOR FREE The third annual Transgender […]

Keturah Herron Runs Historic Kentucky House Race

One of the many prevailing misconceptions about diversity in politics – or in any leadership capacity for that matter – is that the promise of it can only lead to unqualified officials. On the contrary, diversity within an institution only makes things better: A variety of perspectives and experiences makes a government more capable of […]

LGBTQ+ Organizations to protest anti-trans legislation in Frankfort

Today several local LGBTQ organizations in Kentucky will be holding a rally in protest of two anti-transgender legislation, called the Kentucky Fairness Rally, the protest is being led by the Fairness Campaign, the state’s oldest and largest LGBTQ organization, in addition to ACLU of Kentucky, Kentucky Commission on Human Rights, and Lexington Fairness at the […]

We Got The Beat! Rock it out with Pandora’s production of HEAD OVER HEELS featuring the music of the Go-Go’s

Pandora Productions, Louisville’s only theatre company dedicated and most trusted to tell the stories of the LGBTQ+ community, proudly continues their 2021-2022 Season with HEAD OVER HEELS, conceived by and original book by Jeff Whitty, adapted by James Magruder, music + lyrics by the Go-Go’s. A plot containing usurped kingship, unlikely lovers, and gender-fluid disguises […]

Fairness Campaign and HRC condemns Senate Education Committee for advancing anti-trans sports bill

Frankfort, KY – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and the Fairness Campaign condemn the Kentucky Senate Education Committee for advancing a bill to ban transgender youth from playing sports consistent with their gender identity. With SB 83 one step closer to becoming law, Kentucky is starting down the wrong path: if SB 83 passes into law […]

Kentucky’s NGBA Team You Didn’t Know Existed

submitted by Sammy Taborspecial to Queer Kentucky You probably didn’t know the National Gay Basketball Association even existed. Well… it does. We’re here, we’re queer, and we run like deer! Founded in 2003, the NGBA has grown to over one thousand members and upwards of one hundred teams. It’s mission is to provide the LGBTQ  […]

C-FAIR & Victory Fund Endorse Keturah Herron for KY House 42 Special Election; Herron Poised to be 1st Openly LGBTQ Member of KY House

C-FAIR, the Political Action Committee of the Fairness Campaign, and the national Victory Fund today announced endorsements for Keturah Herron in the Kentucky Special Election for House District 42 on Tuesday, February 22. Herron, a former Policy Analyst for the ACLU of Kentucky, is poised to become Kentucky’s first openly LGBTQ State Representative.  “Keturah Herron […]

Strange Hearted Blues: Reservation Love Songs

Series introduction  “Kak nón:we ken tsi niionhwéntses aó:nakte ne nahòten io’táksen? Íhsehre ken ahsa’wéntho akwé:kon nahò:ten tesa’nikónhrhare’? Nahò:ten nòn:wa ka’nikonhrí:io entkáhawe?” — nè:’e thotí:iens wakiesenhón:we tahontá:ti.  “Where then is the place for balance for the evil things in this world? Do you wish to do away with everything that bothers you? What then will bring […]

Nowhere Bar death incident leads to bill filing in General Assembly on two-year anniversary

In early January 2020, Christopher McKinney died after an altercation with a bouncer at Nowhere Bar Louisville. Since then, McKinney’s widower, Nick Clark has sought justice. The most recent of these attempts has been the creation of a new bill to establish minimum training requirements for security at bars and other retail establishments licensed to […]

Advocates to fight anti-LGBTQ+ bills, support state-wide Fairness

The 2022 Kentucky General Assembly starts January 4 and a slew of anti-LGBTQ+ bills will create a challenging four months for the Fairness Campaign and other advocacy groups fighting racism, transphobia, and homophobia in the Bluegrass. For 30 years and counting, Fairness continues fostering progress. These achievements include 23 communities adopting fairness ordinances (protecting nearly […]

Strange Hearted Blues: Intersexing Intersectionality

The simple truth that gender and sex are not intrinsically linked has gained substantial footing in the last two decades, in queer and non-queer spaces alike. In an era where trans and gender abundant people fight for the right to urinate in the same public spaces that host gender reveal parties, the conception of gender […]

Bowling Green drag scene steps up for storm victims

Historically, drag queens stepped up when shit got tough. Queens, along with our trans community members, were just not the demographic to f**k with. Whether we’re talking about Bob the Drag Queen getting arrested during a marriage equality rally, Pepper LaBeija sashaying the runways of balls, or pushing the boundaries of social and gender norms […]

Book Review: ‘Small Town Gay: Growing Up Different in the South’

By Joshua Brown Logan Lee’s travel-journal-turned-memoir recounts the author’s formative years as a queer Kentuckian. Lee’s authorial voice reads smooth and warm, like an afternoon visit from a good friend. This personal tone serves his twofold goal for the book: offering a “guidebook” for young people on similar journeys of discovery, and to “serve as […]

Western Kentucky University makes strides in queer inclusivity

Western Kentucky University is striving to make its campus a welcoming place for all queer students, faculty, and alumni. In addition to raising their score on the Campus Pride Index – a national standard for LGBTQ+-inclusivity – the university is actively building its on-campus support for the queer community. Their effort is paying off: students […]

Dragula star prepares to ‘hypnotize’ Hard Candy audience

by Josh Brown (he/they) Sigourney Beaver will be stopping in the Bluegrass state next week, December 2nd, at Play Louisville for a Hard Candy event. Beaver, who often describes herself as a “female impersonator impersonator,” is one of the first cisgender woman to compete on Boulet Brothers’ alternative competition show, Dragula. Grab tickets here! Sigourney […]

Pride Community Services Organization changes its name to Lexington Pride Center

Press Release from Lexington Pride Center Pride Community Services Organization, the nonprofit that runs Lexington’s LGBTQIA+ Community Center and the annual Lexington Pride Festival has announced the organization’s name has been changed to the Lexington Pride Center. The name was changed to more accurately reflect the organization’s role in the community and to simplify communication […]

Losing the game: homophobia in youth sports

By Maekin McClark Historically the topic of trans youth playing sports is something that I have been acutely interested in. Presently I can’t bring myself to read the current events. I just don’t have the spoons to deal with the facts. Each piece of legislation causes me to relive the trauma of being a queer […]

LGBTQ+ Community Center and resource center for homeless LGBTQ+ youth to open in 2022

LGBTQ+ Center, Old Louisville Two Louisville nonprofits announced today that they will open new facilities to serve the LGBTQ+ community in the coming months. The Louisville Pride Foundation will open an LGBTQ+ Community Center at 1244 South Third Street in the Old Louisville Neighborhood. Sweet Evening Breeze serves LGBTQ+ youth (Ages 18-24 years old) experiencing […]

So you think you’re Two-Spirit? (You’re wrong)

Header Image Source: Matador Network Although I truly wish it came as a surprise, the trend of Non-Natives referring to themselves as Two-Spirit remains a festering sore on the underbelly of the queer community. We live in an era where it’s uncouth to police another queer person’s identity, to tell them that the way they […]

Rituals of A Sex Worker

[cw: sexually explicit language, images, and descriptions] 4:45 AM The numbers flash in big red marquee bulbs behind my eyelids. The scorching brightness of the movie projector in my mind’s eye flickers, jolting me into consciousness:                                       […]

The Earth Will Know Me Again

Somewhere among the waters of childhood, maybe even sooner memories tucked into the folds of rolling hills sung by the birds in the trees, I can’t quite remember.  Upon our very first entrance into this world, it is the touch of the one who gave birth to us that weaves together the emergent threads of […]

Lexington Pride Festival Moves forward with in-person event: New Safety Protocols

The Lexington Pride Festival is moving forward with plans for an in-person event on Saturday September 25th 2021 from 11 am to 10 pm at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza in Lexington. This 14th annual community event produced by Pride Community Services Organization (PCSO) offers music, vendors, activities, connection, and a general public celebration […]

Homophobic, transphobic practices of KY Farm Bureau to be protested tomorrow morning

A coalition of Kentucky advocacy groups and unions will protest the Kentucky Farm Bureau’s discriminatory policies at their annual Country Ham Breakfast at the Kentucky State Fair Thursday morning. The groups are currently running radio ads on 97.5 WAMZ and 98.5 KISS-FM targeting the Kentucky Farm Bureau’s policies that are anti-LGBTQ, anti-Teacher, anti-Union, anti-Choice, anti-POC, […]

Death of a Body – A Call to Dance

{content warning: alcoholism, death, disassociation, self-pity, self-deprecation, and some things related; religion, obituaries, and generational trauma} When I stopped dancing, my body tensed for forfeit. It forgot where it was going. It edged me – herded energy to its unknown parts. Important cavities forced havoc; shimmered down in the absence of self-understanding.  A kind of […]

Reclaiming My Divinity

Cave City is a small town off of 1-65 south. Most people know it as the huge ass dinosaur exit. But it’s more than that. It is home to a rich history and culture of Black Americans⸺most of which have been here since emancipation. I even lived across the street from the first school for […]

Strange Hearted Blues: These are not our sins to carry, an Indigenous outcry

[TW: boarding/residential schools; violence against Indigenous peoples/children] Note on terminology: “Indigenous” is used throughout this piece to encompass First Nations, Native American, Black Native, Métis and Inuit communities My grief is a mountain I must chisel into a molehill in order to write these words. There are others of my kin whose grief is even […]

Virgie native uplifts Kentucky and Tennessee LGBTQ+ voices through bar, advocacy

Wendy McCown-Williams Even though Wendy McCown-Williams is a politically-appointed member of the Putnam County Election Commission and a business owner, she weighs her business decisions out against how it could be viewed. For McCown-Williams, operating Cookeville’s only gay bar, Club Temptation, means being constantly aware that she owns a gay bar in a town of […]

Kickstarter launched for Appalachian LGBTQ+ restaurant, entertainment venue

(PIKEVILLE, KY) – LGBTQ+ Eastern Kentuckians have long lacked spaces designated specifically for them to gather in a safe and friendly environment; however, one individual, backed by a supportive community, is hoping to change that. London native Tasha Sams, and a team of others, are working to bring HOME Appalachia to life. HOME Appalachia is […]

Religion: Emerging from COVID confinement, screaming unapologetically with the cicadas

by Heather Brydie Harris (they/them) This series is proudly sponsored by Highland Coffee, Louisville’s Finest Coffeehouse, locally owned and operated since 1999. They have lots of VEGAN eats and treats made in house. Draft nitro-cold coffee on tap! Highland Coffee proudly bakes it’s own desserts and breakfast pastries in house, including many vegan & gluten […]

Word vomit, no…actual vomit; a sucky spring love story

Editor’s Note: The below is considered explicit content to many people. We have always stood by our stance of sex positivity in all facets and we normalize human sexuality within our organization. And let’s face it, we’ve all had interesting sexual experiences and you don’t want to feel alone in that, do you? Anyways…enjoy! Long […]

HIV, navigating relationships and disclosure

by Kelsey Westbrook When Alee Alleman went to disclose her HIV positive status to her now husband, she made a plan on when and where it would happen, so that he could be in a position to leave if that’s what he wanted. She sat in her car for forty-five minutes, agonizing over her words, […]

HIV testing in 2021: Quick, simple and inspired by friends

photo: Gay ACT UP members carrying huge banner that reads THE AIDS CRISIS IS NOT OVER as they walk down the street during Gay & Lesbian Pride march. MICHAEL ABRAMSON/THE LIFE IMAGES COLLECTION VIA GETTY IMAGES Queer Kentucky and VOA FIT continue HIV education partnership by Kelsey Westbrook A stark, fluorescent-lit hallway, hospital-issued outdated chairs […]

79% of Kentucky Voters Oppose ‘Healthcare Discrimination Law’ to be Heard in KY Senate Judiciary Committee Tomorrow at 9:30 am

Frankfort — Kentucky Senate Bill 83, a “Healthcare Discrimination Law” that would disproportionately affect LGBTQ people and other marginalized communities, is slated to receive a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow, Thursday, February 11 at 9:30 a.m. ET. The bill, proposed by Senator Steve Meredith (R-Leitchfield), would allow any worker in a healthcare setting […]

Queering the Spirit: Unpacking the Concept of Trust

Trust can mean anything from faith in a relationship to a monetary promise endowed to the generationally wealthy. It’s one of those words where we all kind of just assume we’re operating from the same definition, which, in my opinion, is not a generative example of trust as a practice. The nuances matter. People can […]

KY Statewide Fairness Laws Prefiled with Bipartisan SupportHEROES Act would Restore LGBTQ Veterans Benefits

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A slew of pro-LGBTQ bills for the 2021 Kentucky General Assembly were prefiled this week, including the first “Statewide Fairness Law” co-introduced in the State House by a Republican and the “HEROES Act,” which would restore state veterans’ benefits to some LGBTQ ex-servicemembers. “Statewide Fairness Laws,” which would add sexual orientation and […]

Queering the spirit: Is the rainbow enough? (Part 2)

Indigo Child Realizing there was more to my queerness, beyond sexuality, was a lot like learning there are more colors in the rainbow than the ones that are visible, and not every color in the rainbow exists. Our beloved rainbow is made of three primary colors (red, blue, and yellow) and three secondary colors (green, […]

QKY Feature: ‘Growing up in Kentucky felt lonely’

Valentina Ashurova What does the word queer mean to you? I’ve always viewed attraction and love as something that isn’t controlled by a checkbox, that people find one another and there is a chemistry or attraction that is independent of what is between someone’s legs. It is in that sense that I Identify as queer. […]

SPONSORED CONTENT: Queer barber roots down in Kentucky, Handsome Fellows Barber Shop

Christopher Abair, Handsome Fellows Barbershop Christopher Abair is offering $5 off for anyone who comes into Handsome Fellow Barber Shop and mentions this article! Handsome Fellows Barber Shop offers precision haircuts, straight razor shaves, and beard trims in a traditional, modern-rustic space. “I think it’s important for queer Louisville residents to feel that they have […]

Queering the spirit: Is the rainbow enough? (Part 1)

In honor of National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11th), I’m inviting you into a two-part stream of consciousness. This piece aims to be trauma-informed and is broken up into segments. The second segment titled, “Learning how to bend light”, comes with a content warning for a coming out story, religious oppression, homophobic home environments, and […]

Queer Kentucky Feature: ‘I’m proud of the way the community has come together since we started to protest the murder of Breonna Taylor’

Ezra Yelverton What does the word queer mean to you?Being queer means sharing similar experiences with a person or group, but having a different story to tell. I think everyone that falls under this umbrella term has several things in common, but no one is ever the same. And that’s okay because, at some point, […]

Two Black led organizations provide relief for Black Trans, non binary and GNC community through direct funding

by Brodie Gress Two local Louisvillle non-profits have teamed up to launch the Black Trans Relief Direct Person Fund, an initiative to directly donate money to Black trans, non-binary, and non-conforming people in need. Applicants in need can go to their website and fill out a form asking for their name, background, amount of cash […]

Queering the spirit: Find your way back

For full audio of this piece, click here. “If you’re a writer, you are forced to look behind the word into the meaning of the word. You are responsible for what that word means. You have to find a way to use that word to liberate the energy in that word so that it has […]

Louisville Bans “Conversion Therapy” on LGBTQ Minors, Becomes 2nd KY City to Ban Practice

Kentucky’s largest city has become the second in the state to ban the discredited and deadly practice of anti-LGBTQ “conversion therapy” on minors by licensed therapists with a bi-partisan Louisville Metro Council vote of 24-1 tonight. Louisville joins twenty states, Washington, D.C., and more than seventy U.S. cities that have banned “conversion therapy” on minors, […]

artThrust offers art, poetry workshops for LGBTQ+ youth and their parents

Louisville-based arts organization artThrust is offering virtual art and poetry workshops for parents and LGBTQ youth aged 13-18 beginning today, September 14, with participants welcome to join after the start date. Youth and their parents are not required to sign up together, and can participate individually. Presented as two concurrent programs, these eight-week workshops are […]

Queerly faithful and faithfully Queer: An intro to QKY’s religious, spiritual series

This series is proudly sponsored by Highland Coffee, Louisville’s Finest Coffeehouse, locally owned and operated since 1999. They have lots of VEGAN eats and treats made in house. Draft nitro-cold coffee on tap! Highland Coffee proudly bakes it’s own desserts and breakfast pastries in house, including many vegan & gluten free items, breakfast wraps, and […]

Louisville Councilman Bill Hollander Introduces Ordinance to Ban ‘Conversion Therapy’

Louisville could become the second Kentucky city to protect LGBTQ minors from the dangerous and deadly practice of “conversion therapy,” which seeks to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Councilman Bill Hollander filed the ordinance Monday with co-sponsors Councilwoman Jessica Green, Councilwoman Jessica Green, Councilwoman Nicole George, and Councilman Brandon Coan. The Louisville ordinance mirrors […]

Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky seeks eastern, western and northern Kentucky digital ambassadors

In the 2020 legislative session, Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky saw 37 state legislators in both chambers and parties cosponsor the Mental Health Protection Act to ban conversion therapy. While House Bill 199/Senate Bill 85 was sidelined by COVID-19, the Kentucky House of Representatives convened an interim committee session last Tuesday to hear testimony on conversation […]

Kentucky LGBTQ+ fund gives $89,880 to local Queer-driven initiatives, looks to include more BIPOC representation

Editor’s Note: Spencer Jenkins contributed to this story. Queer Kentucky spoke to Dr. Bernadette Barton (she/her), board secretary for JustFundKY and a Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at Morehead State. JustFundKY was founded in 2006 and funds educational projects that promote equality and visibility for the LGBTQ community in Kentucky. This last grant cycle, […]

A brief history of Kentucky anti-LGBTQ police harassment

by Kathryn de la Rosa New York’s second annual Queer Liberation March, a protest march against NYC Pride organized by the Reclaim Pride Coalition, came to an early end last month when NYPD officers started making arrests and brutalizing protesters with pepper spray and blunt force. This year’s march specified liberation for trans and queer […]

KHJN Trans Health Advocacy announces new surgical grant program

Queer Kentucky chatted via email with Oliver Hall, (They/Them), Trans Health Director for Kentucky Health Justice Network about the new KHJN Trans Health Surgical Grant Application. The Trans Health Advocacy Program, a part of Kentucky Health Justice Network, is accepting applications to support Trans Kentuckians seeking gender affirming surgeries. Each grantee will receive $1,000 towards their surgery. The first […]

My First Night Back at a Gay Bar

by Sarah Gardiner On July 1, bars in Kentucky reopened. I went out to Chill, and I don’t regret a second. I wasn’t going to go out. I’m still terrified of Covid-19, and after 3 months of falling into my full Grey Gardens best life, bars and restaurants scare the fuck out of me. But […]

Louisville Pride raises over $50,000 for Bail Project and creates Social Justice Fund

LGBTQ organization is supporting racial justice through Digital Pride In less than one week, through an amazing outpouring of support for Black lives from the Pride community, the Louisville Pride Foundation raised $50,000 for The Bail Project. “This funding will support our revolving bail fund and also our expanded community support for individuals released during […]

Fairness Campaign Cuts Ties With Fischer Over Response To Protests, Police Violence

Editors Note: This article courtesy of WFPL by By Amina Elahi After endorsing Mayor Greg Fischer in three back-to-back general elections, the Fairness Campaign and its political action committee are repudiating the term-limited Democrat. In a public letter published Friday and approved by the nonprofit’s staff and board, the organization said it “deeply regretted” its […]

Queer Kentucky receives grant from Tegan and Sara Foundation for trans-inclusive workshops

Queer Kentucky is excited to announce that we have received a grant from the Tegan and Sara Foundation to help our Trans-Inclusive Workplace Workshops continue through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tegan and Sara Foundation has always focused on grassroots action, and their first priority is meeting the immediate needs of the community (while they fight […]

PPP loan, community donations offer lifeline to Kentucky based LGBTQ+ youth organization

by Allie Fireel Before COVID-19 hit Possibility City, The Louisville Youth Group was undergoing a transformation that would help the 30 year old group expand their staff, budget and most importantly their mission;  giving  LGBTQ+ youths and young adults a safe, encouraging atmosphere to understand and explore their queer identity.  The group’s transformation ground to […]

Queer Kentucky receives Community Foundation of Louisville grant to report on HIV, meth epidemic

Queer Kentucky is proud to announce that we have received a $2,300 grant from the Community Foundation of Louisville to report on a topic we are very passionate about. We requested the “Field of Interest Grant: AIDS Project Fund” in order to demonstrate awareness regarding the connection between HIV/AIDS and the LGBTQ+ community in Kentucky. […]

UPDATE: The Food and Drug Administration revised its blood donor guidelines amidst COVID-19 pandemic

by Allie Fireel UPDATE: The Food and Drug Administration revised its blood donor guidelines on Thursday, significantly easing the restrictions on men who have sex with men. The new guidelines reduce the donation deferral period for sexually active gay and bisexual men from 12 months to three, meaning these otherwise healthy men will now have […]

Queer Kentucky: Weekly COVID-19 Resource Guide

by Sarah Gardiner With much of the country now shutting down due to Coronavirus, Queer Kentucky is dedicated to making sure the community has the most up to date information on resources and news. We will be releasing a weekly update with the latest outlooks and assistance options. If you have any resources you would […]

Fairness Campaign on COVID-19, Kentucky’s LGBTQ Community

Courtesy of the Fairness Campaign At the Fairness Campaign, we recognize how difficult this time is for our whole community, but especially for marginalized groups, who have disproportionately higher vulnerable populations. We will share on this page some community services/resources and volunteer needs as we are made aware of them. Please share additional resources with […]

Merging the Rainbow Fashion Show puts youth front and center with a focus on pride and self-acceptance

Louisville, KY – On Saturday, March 28, 2020, join the young people of Louisville Youth Group (LYG) and artists from IDEAS xLab’s Our Emotional Wellbeing for Merging the Rainbow, a Fashion Show at Unity of Louisville at 2pm.   The Fashion Show was created through a collaboration between the artists and young people starting in 2019, designed to embody self-acceptance, confidence, pride, originality, and […]

The word ‘Queer’ is a catch-all

Jace Stovall What does the word queer mean to you?  The word queer, to me, means I guess anything that isn’t heteronormative. It relates to gender, sexuality, identity, presentation, really everything.   How do you identify? I identify as non-binary (using they/them pronouns) and as asexual and pan-romantic.  Why? Or why don’t you identify as anything […]

Kentucky poet Hannah Drake says no to silence

What do you identify as? Why? Or why don’t you identify as anything? I had to really give this some thought because I never really identified myself as anything. At least not openly. I was always just Hannah. I have dated men and women although when I look back over my life, I believe had […]

Cold Spring votes 4-1 for LGBTQ fairness ordinance

Cold Spring, KY) With a vote of four to one tonight, the city of Cold Spring, population 6,370, became the 19th municipality in Kentucky to approve a Fairness Ordinance, adding sexual orientation and gender identity to discrimination protections in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The Campbell County community becomes the fifth Northern Kentucky city to […]

Anti-LGBTQ Healthcare Denial Law Senate Bill 90 to be Heard in Senate Judiciary

(Frankfort, KY) Kentucky Senate Bill 90, a healthcare denial law that would disproportionately affect LGBTQ people, is slated to receive a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee this morning at 10:00 a.m. ET. in Capitol Annex Room 154. The bill, proposed by Senator Steve Meredith (R-Leitchfield), would allow any worker in a healthcare setting to […]

KY Statewide LGBTQ Fairness Rally Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda

Supporters from all across Kentucky will come together in the Capitol Rotunda to rally for LGBTQ rights and protest discriminatory bills Wednesday, February 19 at 1:30 p.m. ET. State Representative Patti Minter (D-Bowling Green) is expected to announce a new piece of pro-LGBTQ legislation and two longtime leaders will be honored to celebrate the 20th […]

Building a better, fair Kentucky with Charles Booker

by Ben Gierhart It goes without saying – but will be repeated here anyway – that 2020 is perhaps the most significant election year in recent memory. Of course, Donald Trump will be on the ballot, and the role of president is obviously a highly contested spot, with both national and international ramifications whatever the […]

Listen UofL: Safe, Queer classrooms are important

By Remi Dior Background: A student has come into Dr. Kaila Story’s class to distribute anti-queer literature. A Courier Journal article describes the pamphlet as being 36 pages in length. An excerpt shared in the article shows that the pamphlet denounces the idea that “what people do sexually is their own business.” The pamphlet also […]

‘Protect your Pleasure’ and get tested with Queer Kentucky’s partner: VOA Fit

Volunteers of America Mid-States HIV program is dedicated to helping educate the community around testing, prevention and treatment resources. They conduct free, confidential HIV testing with results in minutes, distribute an abundance of safer sex supplies to the community and provide linkage to care when appropriate. Their program also provides housing assistance for individuals living […]

Two House Bills have been introduced targeting trans youth

Two bills have been filed that will harm transgender Kentuckians, particularly transgender kids, said officials with Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky HB321, introduced by Rep. Savannah Maddox, would prohibit parents from making medical decisions about their kids and use government force regarding the medical care of their children by banning parents from raising their children based […]

Trans activist to be honored at Queer Kentucky Awards in June

As an open transman, Kasen spends his time assisting numerous organizations in the Kentuckiana community in becoming more inclusive. Currently, Kasen sits on the Leadership Committee for Louisville Trans Men, running many of their social media groups, volunteering to help with the Transgender Wellness Summit, recreating the LTM website, organizing their participation in the Louisville […]

Queer Eye’s Karamo Brown Comes to UofL

by Ben Gierhart The University of Louisville is certainly one of the best schools in the state, but it may surprise many to know that according to Campus Pride – a national nonprofit organization that rates colleges and universities according to their support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues – it is the best […]

Queerness and Vegan Culture: How Louisville Vegan Jerky Company has found a home in Kentucky’s queer culture

by Sarah Gardiner Walk into any vegan restaurant and you’re likely to see the two more popular staples of any “alternative”-eatery: faux-meat and queer customers. Such is the case at the Louisville Vegan Jerky Company and former Morels’ new pop-up shops quickly spreading throughout the city. Vegan and Vegetarianism have always had deep ties to […]

Kentucky Legislature Proposes New Bills to Ban Conversion Therapy for Minors

By Ben Gierhart QueerKentucky spoke with Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky and one of its founders, Tanner Mobley in September of 2019. It’s only been a few short months since then, but already tremendous progress has been made. As of Tuesday, January 14, HB 199 (one can read Representative Lisa Willner’s bill language here: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/20rs/hb199.html) and […]

Woodford County Fiscal Court Approves Fairness Ordinance 1st KY County in 20 Years to Pass LGBTQ Rights Law

With a five to three vote of the fiscal court tonight, Woodford County, population 26,368, became the first Kentucky County in two decades to approve a Fairness Ordinance prohibiting LGBTQ discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Jefferson County was the last county-wide municipal government to approve the measure in October 1999 before merging with […]

Birthday celebration with rainbows gets student expelled from a Louisville private Christian school

A 15-year-old freshman was expelled from a private Louisville Christian school for a “lifestyle violation.” Whitefield Academy Student Kayla Kenney, celebrating her 15th birthday with family while wearing a rainbow top and a birthday cake. Her mother Kimberly Alford later shared photos of the celebration on social media. The post was shared with staff at […]

Kentucky lawmakers introduce bill to ban conversion therapy in the Bluegrass

Patti Minter, D-Bowling Green and Lisa Willner, D-Louisville have filed a bill that would ban the practice of conversion therapy in Kentucky. Conversion therapy is a treatment that works to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. If this passes, health professionals won’t be able to practice the therapy regardless of age. Public funds […]

Fort Thomas is 17th KY City to Pass LGBTQ Fairness Ordinance

(Fort Thomas, KY) With a unanimous vote of 5-0 by the city council tonight, the Campbell County town of Fort Thomas, population 16,263, became the seventeenth city in the Commonwealth and fifth in Northern Kentucky to approve a Fairness Ordinance prohibiting LGBTQ discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. “This is a proud moment for […]

Kentucky LGBTQ+ community member killed during security guard altercation at Nowhere Bar Louisville

A man died after an altercation with security outside Nowhere Bar Louisville early Sunday morning. Nowhere has been a staple bar for the LGBTQ+ community in Louisville for years. Social media posts have confirmed the victim was Christopher McKinney. WDRB reported that Metrosafe supervisors confirm there was a call for a “man down” at 1133 […]

Black, Queer entrepreneur works to lift peers through empowered ‘BO$$’ events

Queer Kentucky Interview with Prince Crittenden What is BO$$? BO$$ is a creative cooperative designed to level the playing field by empowering minorities with business related resources, create a network of likeminded peers and encourage diversity within our local creative and entrepreneurial communities. What inspired you to create this event? Well I’ve always been pretty […]

Despite Fairness Ordinance backlash, Daviess County community promotes LGBTQ+ friendly businesses

OWENSBORO — Chadwick Benefield has been a huge supporter of the Owensboro adopting a fairness ordinance, however many community members are citing religious reason for not backing an ordinance. Benefield and a team of fellow Fairness advocates teamed up with friends Jeff Sorce and James Whitehouse and decided that for the time being, there is […]

Two-spirited visibility matters within queer community, beyond

Diikahnéhi Akwirá’es Delaronde, Lexington Within Native American communities, our relations to one another have always been the foundational force in how we find meaning in our identities. Our beloved relations extend through and past us, connecting a singular individual to both the living and the dead, to the ancient past, the sprawling present and the […]

BREAKING: Highland Heights becomes 16th KY city with LGBTQ Fairness Ordinance!

With a unanimous vote of 6-0 by city council tonight, the Northern Kentucky town of Highland Heights, est. population 7,103 and home of Northern Kentucky University, became the sixteenth city in the Commonwealth with a Fairness Ordinance prohibiting LGBTQ discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Highland Heights rounds out a record-breaking year for Fairness […]

LMPD officer sues after being accused of pedophilia by commanding officer

Editors note: We at Queer Kentucky know Officer John Burgraff personally and he has our support. ARTICLE ORIGINALLY REPORTED BY LGBTQNATION.com John Burgraff — a gay officer with the Louisville, Kentucky Metro Police Department (LMPD) — is suing the city and the police department for anti-gay discrimination after his commanding officers effectively accused him of […]

Soul Supper: an LGBTQIA Thanksgiving

by Perry Dixon All LGBTQIA siblings, families, and those seeking to be allies are invited to Soul Supper, a free Thanksgiving Meal on November 21st. We will gather and eat together from 7:00-8:30pm in the Fellowship Hall of Highland Baptist Church (1101 Cherokee Rd) with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free menu items included. This is […]

Kentucky’s 15th Fairness Ordinance approved unanimously

BELLEVUE — With a unanimous vote of 6-0 tonight, the Northern Kentucky town of Bellevue, population 5,772, became the fifteenth city in the commonwealth with a Fairness Ordinance prohibiting LGBTQ discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Bellevue continues the record-breaking streak of cities passing Fairness Ordinances this year by becoming the fifth to extend […]

Rural Kentucky town’s Pride event in jeopardy

By Ben Gierhart SOMERSET — Some disturbing news has come to the attention of QueerKentucky. Kristina Brant, a PhD candidate in sociology at Harvard University and a doctoral fellow in the Multidisciplinary Program in Inequality and Social Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, took to Twitter on Monday, November 11 to report that she believes […]

Kentucky State Representative introduces anti-trans legislation

The first anti-trans legislation of 2020 is in the works according to a Kentucky State Representative’s Facebook page. State Representative Savannah Maddox (R-61st District) just announced her intention to file a bill in the 2020 Kentucky General Assembly targeting transgender kids and preventing them from obtaining the care they need. Yesterday, I began drafting a […]

Living in Queer Kentucky — not always easy

“I live in Shepherdsville, KY. It is difficult living in KY. It was difficult growing up in KY. Being queer and living in Bullitt County, you always have to be alert of your surroundings. You can’t presume you’re safe just because you live in Bullitt county. You’re only safe if you’re white, redneck, religious, and […]

Versailles is 14th KY City to Approve LGBTQ Fairness Ordinance

VERSAILLES — With a vote of 3-2 tonight, the Woodford County, Kentucky town of Versailles, population 8,568, became the fourteenth city in the commonwealth with a Fairness Ordinance prohibiting LGBTQ discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. By becoming the fourth city to adopt the measure this year, Versailles makes 2019 a record-breaking year for […]

Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky Ready to Fight With New Bill

by Ben Gierhart In 2019, The Trevor Project, the country’s leading organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people, conducted a landmark national survey. This first-of-its-kind survey is the compilation of data from the responses of over 34,000 LGBTQ young people under 25 from all 50 states, and the results are […]

Georgetown, KY Passes LGBTQ Fairness Ordinance 5-3

Georgetown — With a vote of 5-3 tonight, the Scott County, Kentucky town of Georgetown, population 34,395, became the thirteenth city in the commonwealth with a Fairness Ordinance prohibiting LGBTQ discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Georgetown is the latest in a string of Kentucky cities that have recently voted to approve Fairness Ordinances […]

Three Louisville-based artists selected for IDEAS xLab’s Our Emotional Wellbeing initiative

Our Emotional Wellbeing is a two-year initiative organized by IDEAS xLab, an artist-led nonprofit based in Louisville, KY.  This initiative is designed to measurably impact hope and belonging of young people 12 – 20 years old through an arts-based co-creation process.    In partnership with Louisville Youth Group (LGBTQ+ young people under 21), and two after-school programs at Meyzeek Middle […]

‘I remember growing up in Hardin County and only being attracted to white boys who didn’t know I existed’

Jordan Williams, Hardin County Queer to me means to exist in an unconventional way. It’s the giant umbrella of ppl that understand that we need a come ground to communicate about similar experiences but we don’t need to agree with one another to respect how some1 else lives/expresses themselves. It’s like a community barbecue you […]

Kentucky Fairness Campaign Director arrested for Protesting KFB Discrimination policies

Fairness Campaign Director Chris Hartman and fairness advocates Sonja De Vries and Carla Wallace were dragged out of the Kentucky State Fair’s ham breakfast for the Kentucky Farm Bureau Thursday morning. The three were arrested after protesting KFB’s discriminatory policies against LGBTQ+ people. Each year, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance customers are automatically charged a fee […]

‘The word Queer means strength’

Briana Patterson, Ft. Knox/Radcliff So here’s my story, the very short version: I’m originally from Kentucky. I grew in an emotionally abusive household where I traumatized by my alcoholic father. I moved to San Francisco when I was 18 to go to school for Graphic Design. I fell in love with SF and the culture. […]

The origin of the word ‘Gay’ in its Homosexual context

by N.  David Williams Williams-Nichols Collection Department of Archives & Special Collections University of Louisville Use of the word “gay” in a homosexual context may date to as long ago as Paris in the late 16th century, when homosexuals were reportedly called ‘gai,” but there are a couple of other intriguing and perhaps more provable […]

‘I am a woman that loves women’

Lakisha, Louisville What do you identify as? Why? Or why don’t you identify as anything? I am a woman that loves women. My love for Women goes beyond the labels placed on me based on who I choose to be intimate with. My soul belongs to the Woman I choose not to say that I […]

12th Kentucky city adopts LGBTQ+ Fairness Ordinance!

DAYTON — With a unanimous vote of 5-0 tonight, the Northern Kentucky town of Dayton, population 5,338, became the twelfth city in the Commonwealth with a Fairness Ordinance prohibiting LGBTQ discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. “Dayton is extremely excited to be able to join the other eleven cities, out of 419 in the […]

Queer Kentucky TBT

“In general, bars appear to be seasonal phenomena among the gay population. Grand openings occur only to be followed by not-so-grand closings. In Louisville, two bars have managed to survive the inconsistent nature of the clientele they serve, thereby maintaining long and continuous runs.”

#TBT: A Quick Study of the Beaux Arts Cocktail Lounge – Louisville’s first gay bar

by David Williams Photos Courtesy of The Courier Journal archives and University of Louisville Photographic Archives Article Originally Published January 2, 2016 At this late date it’s nearly impossible to write a fulfilling history of the Beaux Arts Cocktail Lounge.  A great many former patrons are undoubtedly deceased.  If still alive, they’re in their late […]

200+ LGBTQ Leaders from Across U.S. Gather in Louisville, July 17-20 for Equality Federation Leadership Conference

Louisville — The national Equality Federation and Kentucky’s Fairness Campaign will co-host the 22nd annual Leadership Conference in Louisville from July 17-20. The conference is the premier gathering of LGBTQ movement leaders focusing on the crucial work of winning equality in state legislatures and local communities across the country. Nearly 250 people will be in attendance to strategize, mobilize […]

Happy Pride y’all — Jarred Johnson

by Jarred Johnson Before this week, it had been years since I heard the word “faggot” used as a slur. There on a crowded subway car in New York on my commute home, a man bumped into another. “Back off me, faggot,” he said. Knocked back, bones rattled, fear webbed out in my gut. Muscle […]

Western Kentucky town approves LGBTQ+ Fairness Ordinance…Again!

HENDERSON — With a vote of three to two tonight, the Western Kentucky town of Henderson, population 28,657, became the eleventh city in the state to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. , A press release from the Fairness Campaign said that tonight’s Fairness Ordinance vote comes 20 years after […]

UPDATED: Conservatives want officials in this Central Ky. town to ‘punish library’ after hosting LGBTQ+ Pride panel

UPDATE: According to The Taylor County Library Facebook account, they will be having a special session meeting to discuss the controversy in response to the library’s recent LGBTQ Pride Panel. The event will take place in the community room at 1 p.m. The public will be allowed to put their input in during the hour […]

Kentuckiana Pride 2019 photos

Queer Kentucky would like to thank Josh Miller of IDEAS xLab for photographing Kentuckiana Pride this year. This was the largest Kentuckiana Pride event ever and we hope all of the prides around the state continue growing. About Josh Miller: Originally from Chattanooga, TN, Josh is the co-founder + CEO of IDEAS xLab – an […]

Oh shit… I’m Bi and Fat!

Jasmin Kowalski Photo credit: South Korean Feminist Journal Bisexuality is not a term that is easily defined- it differs from one person to another. The basics are that bisexual humans are attracted to more than one gender, which hello- that’s me! This is not just about me being bi, this is about being bi and […]

Facing the Queer truth, embracing self

Sarah, Elkhorn City I grew up in Elkhorn City, Kentucky. My childhood was spent playing in the mountains, riding ATVs and horses, and collecting Hot Wheels. I was always a tomboy and hated wearing the frilly dresses my grandmother made me wear to church every Sunday. That just wasn’t who I was, and I just […]

LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth Shelter amping up during Pride month

Sweet Evening Breeze Inc., is committed to Louisville’s youth experiencing homelessness by going beyond the expectations of shelter, hope, and healing. It was James Herndon “Sweets,” a Kentucky historical figure whose hospitality and compassion for others inspired our purpose and vision to offer LGBTQ+ affirming emergency shelter, food and supportive services for youth who may […]

A look at Queer white supremacy

by Deantre Martin White supremacy and racial oppression are the cornerstones that have built Western civilization. No matter what, as long as you are black these things will perform against you. This article is an excerpt of a thesis paper I wrote in defense of how white supremacy performs in the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout the […]

Gay trans man finds activism through art

Alex Selby, Danville How do you identify?  I am a gay trans man.  What does the word queer mean to you?  I have a weird relationship with the word queer. I grew up only hearing the word used in a derogatory manner, because of that the term still invokes a slight sense of anxiety.   Personal […]

Southern gendered language: it’s a thing y’all

By Sarah Gardiner “Thank ya, honey” “Anything else I can get for ya, doll?” Regional language has always been a main string of Southern culture’s DNA. Every place has their colloquialisms and particular ways of speaking, but there’s something about the south that invites a friendliness in conversation unmatched anywhere else. “There are no strangers […]

Bourbon County Brent

Brent Schanding, Bourbon County What does the word queer mean to you? How do you identify? For me, “queer” is anything different, alternative, out of the norm. It’s a counterculture — a way of life that’s on the fringe of what’s socially acceptable. As a person who’s always felt on the periphery, queer is an […]

‘In all my Queer glory’

Spencer, Louisville I was born in Louisville, Kentucky. My grandmother delivered me in our home on Frankfort Avenue, in my mother’s bed. Growing up I spent my time split between my dad’s shotgun in the Highlands, my mother’s apartment and my grandmother’s farm in rural Southern Indiana. The farm is called Rainbow Circle Farm and […]

Pride in the Bluegrass!

“From metro streets to Appalachian trails, these are our stories.” Queer Kentucky is beyond happy to announce THIS many Pride celebrations throughout our state in 2019! We love watching our community come together in different regions to lift their voices in LGBTQ+ pride. We will add more events as we learn about more events. June […]

Black, Queer and Powerful

Kaila Adia Story, PhD What does the word queer mean to you? To me, Queer means not letting society, institutions, friends or loved ones define who you are, or you hope to be. It means defining yourself, for yourself. It means living freely, unapologetically and boldly. It means feeling so emboldened within your queer self […]

Stop the Pan and Bi erasure

Kalee Johnson What does the word queer mean to you? Historically I’ve been called queer in ways that were detrimental and harmful to me, and I know that many, many others have shared that experience. There’s a lot of hate that lived behind the word queer, and that hatred fueled those who used it against […]

One Love Hemp celebrates 420

Tell us about your business. What do you do? Why/How did it Start? Any details about the business itself you’d like us to know. One Love Hemp Dispensary is a woman owned and led business with it’s roots in Louisville’s local business community. Co-founder Nancy Roberts owned New Earth Organics and Hydroponics for thirty years, […]

GLAST Louisville Organizer talks Bisexuality

Terra Russell, Louisville What does the word queer mean to you? Queer means anything other than what is usually accepted as the norm. How do you identify? I identify as a bisexual, cis woman. I also identify as biromantic and queer. Why? Or why don’t you identify as anything at all? I call myself bisexual […]

Racism within the Queer Community runs deep

Derek Guy, Kentucky by way of Atlanta, Georgia What does the word queer mean to you? How do you identify? Why? Or why don’t you identify as anything at all? Queer means that I am as fluid as the colors surrounding us. I identify as a queer transman and my identity grows with me and […]

“Blake Writes”

Blake Reichenbach, Lincoln County, Ky. What does the word queer mean to you? How do you identify? & Why? Or why don’t you identify as anything at all? I see queerness as a claim of liberation. In fact, I generally refer to myself as “queer man” rather than a “gay man” even though gay is […]

Autism, Queerness: authentically human

by Tucker Keel As April begins this year, you may have noticed an increase in the visibility of issues and causes related to Autism—This is no coincidence, as April is Autism Acceptance Month! Previously, this has been called Autism Awareness month. The change may seem subtle, but it is an important distinction. In a world […]

Pushing children off the ledge, Conversion therapy

By Chuck Leach, former pastor and counselor Photo by Adam Creech We must stop folks from pushing children off the ledge. Conversion therapy (sometimes called “Reparative Therapy”) does exactly that; it pushes children off the ledge by unraveling the underpinnings of self-understanding, acceptance, and personhood. Conversion therapy was concocted by well-intended but misguided people to […]

‘It takes confidence to break the rules’

To mean queer means the freedom to be as “weird” as your heart desires. I think that’s why conservatives hate us so much, we get to live out their wildest dreams & darkest fantasies like it’s everyday life. I identify as PRINCE! I don’t feel the need nor the obligation to anyone (besides who I’m […]

Taking Back ‘Queer’

Lane Levitch What does the word queer mean to you? How do you identify? Queer to me means an umbrella term for the LGBTQ+ community. I didn’t use it at all until I got to college, I always heard it as a derogatory word in media growing up. I’m glad that the LGBTQ+ community is […]

FEVA and FilthyGorgeous present… Science Friction

FEVA and FilthyGorgeous present… Science Friction, an innovative fundraiser and high art exploration of science fiction through music, light design, projections, costumes, drag, body painting and aerial arts, benefitting FEVA (fairvendors.org). Featuring… a stellar dj team including the best House and EDM djs in the mainstream and underground Louisville scenes; Rhythm Science Sound, Trevor Lamont, […]

From Brazil to the Bluegrass

Matheus Rezende-McCubbins What does the word queer mean to you? How do you identify? Queer to me means to embrace all parts of who you are, and being proud to be a part of a community that fights everyday for nothing but acceptance and recognition of our rights. To be queer is also a part […]

Louisville Ballet Dancer showcases diversity through the arts

Sanjay Saverimuttu, Louisville Photo by Sam English (Headshot for Choreographers Showcase 2019)  What does the word queer mean to you? How do you identify? Why? The word “queer” to me means expressing your gender or your sexuality in a manner that risks being disadvantaged by society. This world hasn’t been designed for our success, and yet […]

Adult Film Star Jack Hunter on his Queer Kentucky roots

To me, the word “queer” means weird, different, and misunderstood. I myself can identify with this idea because I often feel weird, different, or misunderstood. As a man who works in an industry that is dominated by the masculine archetype, but doesn’t always think and feel in this way, it can sometimes be difficult to […]

Queer Yogi empowers others through inclusivity, love

Elliot, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky What does the word Queer mean to you? I think to me, queer means unique, not limited to the rules of mainstream society. it’s the freedom to be different from what’s expected. What do you identify as, or do you identify at all? I’m a fat, white, atheist, pansexual, agender spoonie. (The […]

Queer Tarot Card Reader starts Get Read Wednesday

Explain what Get Read Wednesday is? Get Read Wednesday Tarot is an online tarot reading that happens on Wednesday of each week. Get Read Wednesday was initially a way to evolve my understanding of tarot, and to receive feedback on my interpretations. But Get Read Wednesday has a life of its own now and has […]

Flowers In His Hair

Wesley Vaughn, Clay, Kentucky Being gay has given me a more liberated attitude. I don’t concern myself with behaving in a way that is traditionally masculine, nor traditionally feminine. I feel that I can behave and express myself the way I want without any concern of violating some sort of rule about how I have […]

Queer, challenging and free

What does the word queer mean to you? How do you identify? Queer means I am brave enough to try, it means freedom, it means the ability to imagine a world without racism, without sexism, without transphobia, and homophobia and brave enough to practice unlearning to see it come to past. It means that I […]

Kentucky Artist, Joshua Jenkins

My parents have been separated my entire life. I was primarily raised with my mother (along with 5 other siblings) in Poughkeepsie, NY. I spent the Summers with my father in the Elizabethtown, KY area and eventually lived with him permanently during my High School years. I have been a Louisville resident since 2011 and […]

Feminist Friday: The Appalshop Part 1

 by Jordan Roach Tucked back in Whitesburg, Ky., there is a large unassuming, wood clad, building holding a treasure trove of resources, history and culture.  The Appalshop, while it’s been a constant staple of Eastern Kentucky’s culture for nearly 50 years, there is a big chance many people haven’t heard about it. If you are […]

#unstoppable

Queer Kentucky sent two youth mentors from the Louisville, Kentucky community to the Baptiste Foundation’s #unstoppable program. This is a training for anyone who works with youth – school teachers, school counselors, aides, coaches, community center employees, police officers, etc. Our participants learned through personal experience, a set of tools to teach basic yoga poses, breathing, […]

Gender, color, sexuality

Jerika Jones, Kentucky What does the word Queer mean to you? I think Queer means living a life that is otherwise considered different from mainstream and also heteronormative lifestyle. I choose words carefully because gay lifestyles are becoming more “mainstream,” but often tend to fall into heteronormative ideas and I’m reluctant to call all gay […]

A Western Kentucky Queer

Austin Norrid, Hopkinsville The word queer to me is about chosen family. For many queer folks, relationships with our given families can be strained at times, but we have the opportunity to create families of our own within the queer community. What the word queer offers that LGBTQ* doesn’t, is one word for our entire […]

Wordsmith rediscovers home in Queer Kentucky

Sarah Gardiner – Gay/Lesbian, She/Her/Hers Owner of Nanny Goat Books, writer, editor, and small-press publisher Queer is a word I’ve only recently adopted. When I came out at 19, Gay was the umbrella term used for anyone in my LGBTQ+ circle. I was living in DC at the time, and though the community was incredibly […]

Friday Flowers

Kenyatta, 24, Louisville What does the word queer mean to you? The work Queer to me means someone who’s not afraid to be themselves and live free without a care in the world. How do you identify? I identify myself as a non-binary pansexual. I’ve came to a point in my life where where you […]

Pronouns Matter, using them with respect saves lives

Pronouns matter. Apart from name, they are the main way we address other humans in conversation, thought, and identity. So understanding them and getting them right is vital. Let’s start by defining the concept. Pronouns are the words we use when referring to another person. The three sets you will hear most often are: The […]

From Lewis County to Louisville

Kaleb McCane, Lewis County I’m from Vanceburg, KY. I love it in Lewis County, but moving to Louisville was a great decision for me because getting out of the small town environment allowed me to grow as my own person and learn who I truly am. It also taught me how to think independently in […]

Free mom hugs in Pikeville

Marty Wayman, Frankfort I have a son with autism, a gay son, a “son of my heart,” who came out as trans at the beginning of the year. He’s 16, and one of the reasons Free Mom Hugs has been an organization which I choose to support with all of my energy. Free Mom Hugs, […]

Preventing HIV with VOA FIT is easy: Safe sex, PrEP

By Pablo Archila HIV is 100% preventable. We aren’t just limited to condoms and hand jobs anymore, there’s medicine that can prevent HIV infection called PrEP. PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a once daily pill taken to prevent HIV infection. Think of it as the birth control for HIV. Meaning, it only works if you […]

Making an LGBT+ Hub in Appalachia

by Jordan Roach-Calderone   Kyle May has always wanted to help people at some capacity, in college he studied counseling. Now he’s currently working in mental health at the Mountain Comprehensive Care Center, as their Healing Program Clinical director, focusing on getting grant assistance to help people in this region who have survived trauma. That’s […]

QKY Writer Jordan takes on Appalachia

Queerness to me is the ability to talk about a marginalized identity across several cultural lines, it leaves room for identities outside of colonial standards and binaries, even for those of us who don’t have the words in our ancestral languages to talk about them. My identity continues to evolve as I come to understand […]

I Remember Doing the Time Warp

By Remy Sisk In the spring of 1973 at the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs, an eclectic bunch of actors and designers were preparing to open an extraordinarily unconventional musical called, “They Came from Denton High.” At the insistence of director Jim Sharman, creator Richard O’Brien’s mashup of glam rock, Steve Reeves muscleman flicks,1950s early rock […]

Gay, not lesbian

Lindsey Norris, Louisville, Kentucky What does the word queer mean to you? To me, it’s an umbrella for anyone who does not identify as heterosexual. How do you identify? Why? Or why don’t you identify as anything at all? I identify as gay, just because that describes that I am interested in people of the […]

Queer Folks

Amelia Pantalos, Louisville, Kentucky What does the word queer mean to you? I like the word queer, it’s expansive to me. It describes the attitude of being indifferent to, dismissive of, or in direct opposition to mainstream expectations of beliefs and behaviors. And “queer” doesn’t have the word “sex” in it, which I like, because […]

Bevin attacks LGBT rights

  By Wesley Whistle, QKY Contributor Governor Matt Bevin is at it again. After calling Kim Davis “an inspiration to American Children” and filing a brief arguing a company shouldn’t have to make Pride shirts, Bevin is attacking LGBT rights again. Now, Governor Bevin is arguing that companies are allowed to fire someone based on […]

Coming back to self

  Jon Tenholder, Louisville Kentucky What does the word Queer mean to you? Queer for me is knowing, existing, embracing that I am part of a minority, outside of the heteronormative stories we have been told year after year about human life, survival, purpose. Being queer is my heart saying my journey is different, more […]

Queer means Power

  Daniel Bond, Kentucky The word queer to me means a lot, but if I had to put it down to a word it’s “power.” Some of the best people I know and love are queer. I identify as pansexual and male. I don’t necessarily care for the gender of the person, just as long […]

“The Welcoming Rainbow Umbrella”

  Andy Aliaga-Mendoza, Kentucky by way of MN What does the word queer mean to you?  It’s the welcoming rainbow umbrella. How do you identify? Why? Or why don’t you identify as anything at all? I like to identify as both bisexual and queer and I use the two interchangeably. I tend to use bisexual […]

Beth Rich, Queer Kentucky Writer

  I am thrilled to be a writer for Queer Kentucky, and excited to share my story here. This is the first time I’ve shared parts of this publicly, and I am excited to have the space and support to do so. Queer-ness to me is about how I see, experience and interact with the […]

My name is Brandon Shaw. Thank you for reading.

  The word “queer” wasn’t something I heard a lot of growing up. I remember watching “Queer As Folk” at my uncle’s place while he “watched” me after school, and I watched “Undressed” really late on MTV, and those were the first times I had seen anything gay on TV. The men on those shows […]

Remy, Writer for Queer Kentucky

  What does the word queer mean to you? What I love about the word “queer” is that it can mean anything you want it to; it can be as much or as little of a label as you need for your identity, and its fluidity and freedom I think are really beautiful. When I […]

Fairness Director on Queer Kentucky

  Chris Hartman, Louisville, Kentucky Queer, while still steeped in a complicated history, and hurtful to many, has overall become what I feel is among the most inclusive terms—an umbrella that works to leave no one out. I definitely identify as a member of our inclusive queer community. Where are you originally from and explain […]

Queer casual

  Jaremii, Louisville, Kentucky What does the word queer mean to you? I used to see the word queer as an insult, and in most cases it was used for that purpose. These days there’s a warmth, familiarity, and pride that I never expected with the word. How do you identify? I suppose I’m gay. […]

Q&A with Queer KY Seminarian

How do you identify? I identify as a gay man. What does the word queer mean to you? I think queer is a word that is used to describe a community that is hard to fit into one label. People are used to saying, “the gay community,” but “the gay community” is exclusive because gender […]

He’s beautiful

  Tyler, Edmonton, Kentucky Queer kind of just means I can do whatever I want. If I want to be butch one day I can butch it up. If I want to be femme I can. It contains no boundaries. It’s a word that means freedom. You can do whatever you want I kind of […]

Queer family

  Amanda, Madisonville, Ky To me the word queer means that there is fluidity to my life and to my sexual attractions. I identify as queer or pansexual because I am attracted to who I am attracted to and their gender identification is not a factor in that attraction. I am originally from a rural […]

Diamond heart

    Liv Coffman, Kentucky I spent a lot of time resenting my sexuality and being unkind to my spirit. I learned, however that accepting this part of myself demands vulnerability within. It is so vital and beautiful to be able to love the way that you love people and to be able to identify […]

Forecastle’s Queer Party Cove

  Gearing up for Forecastle Festival here at the Queer Kentucky office! We are grateful to have such an inclusive event filled with art, love, sustainability and music in our state. If you’re searching for the Queerest area of the festival, check out Party Cove, founded by Mo McKnight Howe, owner of Revelry Boutique Gallery. Howe said, “Party Cove […]

femme is so underrated

  Deantre, 20, Cave City, Kentucky To me, Queer is a more intellectual term. It’s more to describe a broad range of sexualities. I identify as a femme non-binary person. I don’t really have a certain pull towards a gender of sorts. I consider myself more femme because I feel like I take after my […]

Normality vs reality: Thoughts on gender

Michael Crawford, 21, Fern Creek, Kentucky I couldn’t define Queer for anyone but myself. I think queer in its singular form is a blanket term, that it is a word that falls outside of normalized identity. Queer is any contrast to how we’ve enculturated people to define, as a society, what is normal. I hate […]

Grateful, Gay, Glorious

  Breson Morelos, So. Indiana and Kentucky Queer, to me, is a term that used to give me so much fear. See, in my experience, it was a term that was used to demean or harm a person who is not attracted to only the opposite sex or perhaps feel romantically inclined into pursuing. Now, […]

Country pride

  J.C. Phelps, Russell County, Kentucky I was raised in a small, rural lake community in Southern Kentucky. Growing up in Russell County, being gay, queer, a part of the LGBTQ community, is a foreign concept to many. Due to this reality, I, a gay man, incessantly try to live my life as freely, boldly, […]

Pride 95’

Bob German, Kentucky Pride – 1995! I’ve posted this picture before. It’s from the Pride march back in 1995. Yes 1995!! Shut up. I’m marching this evening as a guest of one of our largest corporations in town. A friend works their. I believe the company is a sponsor. Back in 1995 there was NO […]

Arsini Music

Arsini, 24, Kentucky I have a lot of songs about it which I would love to share with you later, but aren’t ready and won’t be for a while. Check out Arsini Music, here! I’d say queer means being anything other than cis and/or heterosexual. I identify as gender fluid, but the label isn’t that […]

Bless the gender journeys

  Morgan Frierson, Kentucky Queer to me encompasses bits and pieces of all identities/genders/attractions. It is a term that illustrates purposeful ambiguity in the spectrum of love. This ambiguity brings confidence and comfort. It is freeing. When first coming out eleven years ago, I felt I had to identify as “one” sexuality, “one” gender, and […]

Simple enough, right?

  Owen McClintic, 31, Kentucky by way of Indiana I don’t get “clocked” as queer too often and I used to struggle with that. Am I queer enough? Do I suppress my queerness because of internalized homophobia? I don’t like makeup, I don’t like leather, I don’t have a diva, Im not into pups, I […]

Oh, be joyful!

Joy Wilson, 39, Lexington, Kentucky Queer is a personally affirming identity that encompasses a larger umbrella of an LGBT scope. I identify as queer and use the pronouns she, her, they and them. I identify as dyke as well, so I can say the word casually. It’s a confident self-affirming female and I think it’s […]

Genderqueer

  Jess, Crestwood, Kentucky To me, the word queer is like a safe space to define one’s gender and/or sexuality. It’s taken me a long time to figure out where I fit on the queer spectrum. I’m honestly still trying to figure it out, but at this time I identify as genderqueer (person who feels […]

Strength in family, strength in me

  Timmy Singer, Oldham County, Kentucky, 24 “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” – Alexander Den Heijer Queer to me is inclusion & pride, but Google will tell you otherwise. Like most marginalized groups taking back a word with negative connotations gives us power and takes […]

Queer condoms commence!

  After the 1,000 condoms are dispensed out into the Kentucky community, we will start planning our NEXT condom giveaway. Any business can partner with us on this program. We love community and we love partnership. We are advocates for health here at Queer Kentucky, and we realize that not everyone has access to safe […]

Artist John Brooks

  John Brooks, Frankfort, Kentucky On the word “queer” I turned 40 in early March, so I grew up mostly in the 1980s. When I was a kid, I never heard the word queer unless it was a slur hurled by people usually my parents’ age or older. In my memory, queer was usually plural and […]

XXX Worker pushes boundaries

  Simon Spark, Mt. Washington, Kentucky Growing up (mostly) in Bullitt County, I was thankfully introduced to transgressive artists like David Bowie, Lydia Lunch, Marilyn Manson, and Courtney Love at a young age. Even though most of them weren’t gay, they expressed and carried themselves in a way that inspired me. They confused my family […]

Artist workin’ the fur

  David J. Welker, Louisville, Kentucky by way of New Orleans, Minnesota and Ohio I have this sad obsession with fur coats. But they’re so cheap at Goodwill sometimes. One of them was real, but it was four dollars. It’s the one thing I feel I can pull off that I don’t see a lot of […]

Titty Tiki Tuesdays

  The Limbo is Louisville’s newest and only tiki lounge and the home of Titty Tiki Tuesdays. Ethel Loveless hosts and produces this show every Tuesday with different performers each week. Many forms of burlesque, boylesque, drag, and other varieties are included in the night’s festivities. You never know what you’re going to get! The […]

She thrives and survives

  Syimone, DJ from Louisville, Kentucky Queer means independent to me. It means that you are standing up and claiming who you are and who you can be. I identify as trans, and as history has taught us, trans women were the movers and shakers of this movement. Trans women of color don’t get the respect […]

Joshua

  Joshua, Meade County, Kentucky I’m here, I’m queer, and I’m just trying to find balance. I think it’s important to find balance with queer identity because it can’t be your soul self. It’s an aspect of who I am but it doesn’t need to rule my entire life.

Pretty in pink

  Zach, 24, Kentucky Placing my sexuality and identity on a scale for me has gotten to be wrong. I’ve found that my best self is the one who dresses how I want to dress, saying what I want to say, and doing what I want to do. I spent way too long trying to […]

From Bardstown to the city

  Kelsie, 25, Bardstown I didn’t know I was a lesbian when I was growing up in Bardstown. It was one of those battles I fought in my head; I had convinced myself I was straight. Being straight was the norm and none of my friends were gay; they were all stright. When I moved […]

Acting as one community

  “We have to become a united queer community. We are the most magical people there are and we have to remember to tap into that power once we find that magic within ourselves.” -Jaison Gardner, Activist, Entrepreneur, Kentucky

Poet spitting through silence

Tessa, 24, Kentucky This poem gave me a voice for my family to hear. The first time I spit that piece they had never heard it. Me being gay was a taboo issue. It was a way to force my family to listen. They couldn’t scream at me from the audience and my struggle was […]

Tossed back to Midwest

  José, Louisville/Lexington, Kentucky I moved here a month before the 2016 presidential election…and moved back to Portland, Ore. for six months after the election before returning. I think everybody felt very devastated, my partner and I felt devastated and we didn’t have a community to fall back on because we didn’t know anyone in […]

Love the stache

  Eric Logan Bates, Kentucky, by way of everywhere else “I’m glad to have met you. I like cuddling with you and shit.” “It’s gonna happen again boy. I like chillin with you. Because I love the picture tbh.” “I’m surprisingly a fan too. Normally it’s the opposite.” “It’s because I made you happy. Duh” […]

We knew we were fierce

  Pablo, Lexington, Kentucky I feel like the word gay is kind of like a white man’s term. Because when I was growing up watching shows like Queer Eye and other media about gay men, it was never about men who looked like me or my friends. All my friends growing up were black or […]

Comfortable and ambiguous

  Rebekah Frank, Louisville, Kentucky Queer? I love it. It’s a celebration. It’s open. It’s ambiguous. It’s comfortable. It represents infinite possibilities of what it means to be not straight and I love that. You could be anything you want. Originally, I came out as bisexual when I was 12…to my parents, not just my […]

Everybody loves queer people

Ty Francis, Louisville, Kentucky I am a man of color and gay. I’m open with it. I like to wear nice clothes and be fashionable. I like to change up my appearance based on where I’m going and how I’m feeling and I love it. Fuck, everybody loves queer people right now. I feel like […]

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