QUEER KENTUCKY | KENTUCKY'S ONLY LGBTQ+ NEWSROOM

Actor and writer Jen Tullock smiles in a warmly lit portrait, wearing a dark jacket and gold hoop earrings. The Kentucky-born star of Severance and playwright of Nothing Can Take You From the Hand of God poses against a soft backdrop, reflecting her grounded, expressive personality and creative spirit.

Kentucky Roots and Queer Faith: Jen Tullock’s ‘Nothing Can Take You From the Hand of God’

November 12, 2025 | Culture, Art, Kentucky, Rural/Appalachia

Jen Tullock’s new play blends Kentucky roots, queer faith, and storytelling with deep compassion.

Davis Shoulders with long hair and glasses smiling indoors while holding up a pink book titled “Queer Communion: Religion in Appalachia.” Sunlight filters through the windows behind them, revealing part of a small-town street outside.

‘Queer Communion: Religion in Appalachia’ Explores Faith, Sexuality, and Survival in the South

November 11, 2025 | Art, Culture, Kentucky, Rural/Appalachia

Davis Shoulders’ Queer Communion explores queer faith, identity, and resilience in Appalachia.

| Art, Culture, Kentucky, Rural/Appalachia

Pink Shirt, Pink Hat, and the Western Kentucky BBQ Belt

November 3, 2024 | Rural/Appalachia, Business, Culture, Hospitality

I grew up in the outskirts of Henderson County in Western Kentucky. For as long as I can remember, every Christmas, birthday, or day worth celebrating had a central staple: Thomason’s BBQ Baked Beans. When I tell y’all it’s a special local business, I mean it. But, don’t just take my word for it. A […]

| Rural/Appalachia, Business, Culture, Hospitality

“We Are From Here,” Pikeville Pride’s Fifth Annual Celebration

October 16, 2024 | Rural/Appalachia, Kentucky

photo by Muse Marketing Pikeville Pride held its fifth annual Pride event on Oct. 12, 2024, hosting over 50 vendors from across and beyond Kentucky. The celebration aims to foster diversity, with particular understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community in Pikeville. The Pride event featured speakers and performers, including Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, New […]

| Rural/Appalachia, Kentucky

No Regrets: Kristin Smith’s journey from Williamsburg to wanderlust to home in Wrigley’s Taproom

October 9, 2024 Issue 6, Hospitality, Rural/Appalachia

photos by Jon Cherry Along Main Street in downtown Corbin, across the street from White Rabbit Records and bookended between the pinball museum and a local coffee shop called Folktales, Wrigley’s Taproom & Eatery celebrated its ninth birthday earlier this year. That party was, in some ways, the culmination of star chef Kristin Smith’s return […]

We can’t forget about the people of Whitesburg

October 8, 2024 Hospitality, Issue 6, Rural/Appalachia

photos by Samuel Greenhill The spirit, fight, and resilience of Michele Hobbs. Nothing that I describe to you, from her nonstop energy to her multiple successful businesses to the Bourbon that we initially intended to speak about, sums Michele Hobbs up better than her insistence on turning all conversations to the people of Whitesburg, Kentucky. […]

The Lasting Legacy of the House of Sweet Evening Breeze

October 9, 2023 History, Rural/Appalachia

As caretakers of Kentucky’s LGBTQ+ history, we at Faulkner Morgan Archive find it imperative that we continually remind ourselves and our communities of the long-lasting legacy of queer people in the Commonwealth. One of the most prominent ways to do that is by sharing stories of our queer ancestors who paved the path for us […]

I’M A GAMER (DEROGATORY): Exploring My Trans Identity Through Gaming

Rural/Appalachia

There’s a stereotype that goes around about a certain type of transgirl — the introverted, striped socks and oversized hoodie, techie kind — and unfortunately, that demographic has long included me. Long before I swallowed my self respect and made swallowing a hobby, I found myself sheltered from the outside world and protected by a […]

Eric King On Visibility, Diversity, and Drive

Rural/Appalachia, History

Eric King, a Murrow and Emmy award-winning journalist, has 20 years of on air experience. He is from Bardstown, Kentucky, and he is a graduate of the University of Louisville. A journalist and broadcaster with a love for traveling and storytelling, King uses his perspective in news to challenge and educate. On the topic […]

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

October 4, 2023 Culture, Rural/Appalachia

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 […]

Queer-led Appalchain Arts Alliance transforms Hazard

Rural/Appalachia

Photos by Bearykah Shaw Hazard made a decision in 2013: they wanted more art in their community, and an arts organization to spur it on. With recent funding from the Foundation for Appalachian KY, they had the means to make it happen. “The arts in the schools were dwindling every single day,” Tim Deaton – […]

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

April 27, 2023 Rural/Appalachia

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 […]

The Lesser-Known Pioneer: Lige Clarke and the queer legacy left behind

November 30, 2022 Rural/Appalachia

It was just two months since the United States was plunged into World War II. Temperatures were below zero in the hollers of East Kentucky and, while a nation mourned, James and Corinne Clarke of Cave Branch Hollow in Hindman, Kentucky, welcomed a son to the world. Elijah ‘Lige’ Clarke would live out his days […]

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

September 6, 2022 Culture, Rural/Appalachia

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 […]

Eastern Kentucky floods: Stepping up to help friends in need

August 5, 2022 Rural/Appalachia

Imagine being over a hundred miles from home and wake up to your watch buzzing flood warning. That was my experience last Thursday morning. Living near the Poor Fork of the Cumberland River, this isn’t unusual after heavy rains. Thankfully, Cumberland did not experience any major flooding or damage this go around, but our friends […]

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

July 26, 2022 Culture, Rural/Appalachia

Silas House awarded Duggins Prize for LGBTQ+ writers during Pride Month

July 21, 2022 Culture, Rural/Appalachia

Make no mistake, Kentucky’s Silas House has influenced our work at Queer Kentucky since writer and publisher, Sarah Gardiner, introduced his work to QKY founder, Spencer Jenkins in 2018. We are beyond proud to congratulate House on receiving the Duggins Prize for Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist, the largest prize given to an LGBTQ writer in the […]

Newly founded LGBTQ+ Appalachian fund aims to increase resources for Queer community

June 13, 2022 Rural/Appalachia

Appalachia has a newly founded LGBTQ+ fund that will ensure queer youth and leaders have the tools and resources they need to build a more just, diverse and vibrant region. Co-founded by Lora Smith and Baylen Campbell, the Lige Clarke Liberation Fund honors his life’s work by supporting LGBTQ+ activism, leadership, and infrastructure in his […]

Appalachian singer, artist debuts sophomore EP during Pride month

June 7, 2022 Rural/Appalachia

Larah Helayne’s (they/them) sophomore release Good Riddance is a stirring compilation of banjo pop songs heavy with pain and healing. The follow up to their teenage debut Roots, written as a love letter to Appalachia, debuts live Saturday, June 11 at Steam Engine Room in Irvine, Kentucky. The EP release show featuring the single State Line […]

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

May 25, 2022 Rural/Appalachia

“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.

HOME Appalachia to kick off with first virtual entrepreneur meetup

January 19, 2022 Business, Rural/Appalachia

The LGBTQ+ business community continues to grow in Eastern Kentucky and HOME Appalachia has made it their mission to foster that growth. The LGBTQ+ centered organization will host its first virtual meetup at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 30. “This is an opportunity for LGBT entrepreneurs and innovators to come together and get to know […]

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

November 11, 2021 Business, Rural/Appalachia

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 […]

Country queen snags All-Star crown, furthers conversation on the rural Queer voice

October 8, 2021 Rural/Appalachia

Country Queers are becoming more and more visible in the media but, the question is, who is truly listening? Georgian RuPaul’s Drag Race girl and trans icon Kylie Sonique Love recently entered the “All Star Hall of Fame” after competing against three fellow southern queens. During her time on the show, Love was not shy […]

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

July 14, 2021 Business, Rural/Appalachia

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 […]

Remembering PULSE: Kentucky philanthropist works to bring healing to Orlando and beyond

June 12, 2021 Business, History, Rural/Appalachia

Five years have passed since a gunman walked into a gay club in Orlando, FL and changed the lives of queer people and allies around the world forever. Pain, mourning and fear has filled the LGBTQ+ community since June 2016, but one Kentucky man is working to bring healing energy into the still raw wound. […]

Kickstarter launched for Appalachian LGBTQ+ restaurant, entertainment venue

June 1, 2021 Business, Rural/Appalachia

(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 […]

Pikeville man, Big Sandy Safe Zone advocate to be honored at Queer Kentucky Awards in June

January 28, 2020 Rural/Appalachia

Kyle May Kyle lived in a small eastern KY town that does not have a big acceptance to the LGTB community. Struggling himself with feeling comfortable in the community Kyle took it upon himself to create the Big Sandy Safe Zone. It started out as him as some member and now is compete with a full board and […]

Climate change is important topic for this Queer Kentuckian

September 19, 2019 Rural/Appalachia

Casey What do you identify as? Why? Or why don’t you identify as anything?I am a non-binary lesbian because I personally do not subscribe to a male or female identity but sexually identify as lesbian. What does the word Queer mean to you?It means taking a weapon (a harmful word) from my oppressor and making […]

Study up and Vote y’all: Queer Kentucky Nov. Election Picks

September 18, 2019 Gov & Politics, Rural/Appalachia

by Ben Giehart As I’m sure most Kentuckians are well aware, Kentucky is a red state. There are exceptions of course. As a whole, big cities like Louisville and Lexington are decently progressive – as one might expect. There are pockets of other cities and towns littered throughout the state that harbor modern civil rights […]

Knox County trans woman stays true to self despite opposition

September 17, 2019 Rural/Appalachia

Lu Fields, Barbourville What do you identify as? Why? Or why don’t you identify as anything? I am a Proud Transgendered Woman from the small city called Barbourville in the County of Knox. What does the word Queer mean to you? Queer has many meanings to me as a Trans Woman who proudly fights for […]

The Queer Kentuckian behind our Twitter account: Christian from Ashland

July 31, 2019 Rural/Appalachia

The word queer to me can mean a lot of things. As a queer person you sometimes think about when people refer to things as queer. Does someone who identifies as a male wearing a crop top make them more queer or one who likes football is less queer? I think it just boils down […]

Happy Pride y’all — Jarred Johnson

June 27, 2019 Rural/Appalachia

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 […]

Big Sandy LGBT+ Safe Zone to host Pride Picnic in Floyd County

June 19, 2019 Rural/Appalachia

PRESTONSBURG — The Big Sandy LGBT+ Safe Zone, Inc. is hosting a Pride Picnic on Monday, June 24th. The event will be held at the Dewey Dam Spillway at Shelter #4. Kyle May, president and founder of BSSZ, said the picnic came about because a community member suggested having a Pride Picnic so that […]

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

May 20, 2019 Rural/Appalachia

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 […]

Pride in the Bluegrass!

May 14, 2019 Rural/Appalachia

“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 […]

‘The simplest thing is – You are not alone’

April 8, 2019 Rural/Appalachia

What does the word queer mean to you? To me queer has always equated with “outside of the other categories you’ve given me to choose from.” Which I like personally and I have always admired those who had adopted the label early. But then I catch the juxtaposition of choosing the “other” label (behold, it’s […]

Kentucky’s Gender inclusive apparel brand gives back

March 8, 2019 Rural/Appalachia

What is BLoFISH? We are a clothing company based in Louisville, KY. Known for our amazingly soft fabrics, All 4 All message, being gender neutral, and our 10% giveback program. We were founded in 2014 and opened our first store in Louisville in 2016. We are still small, but have a solid online presence and […]

Feminist Friday: The Appalshop Part 1

December 7, 2018 History, Rural/Appalachia

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 […]

Free mom hugs in Pikeville

October 22, 2018 Rural/Appalachia

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, […]

Making an LGBT+ Hub in Appalachia

October 4, 2018 Rural/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

October 2, 2018 Rural/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 […]