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. …
by Sarah Gardiner, Queer Kentucky Board Member Illness isn’t a foreign concept to queer people. The HIV epidemic of the 1980’s showed us just how quickly a community can be torn apart, how easily a government can turn a blind eye to the suffering of its citizens, and how vital it is for those affected …
OPINION: Queer people create community amidst Coronavirus pandemic Read More »
Most of us have had some sort of sexual education class during schooling. It was most likely taught to you by a very awkward P.E. teacher who was forced to briefly go over the birds and the bees of cis het sex. Or, you had an eighth grade science and life skills teacher that told …
Protect your pleasure: Talking safe butt stuff with VOA FIT Read More »
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 …
‘Protect your Pleasure’ and get tested with Queer Kentucky’s partner: VOA Fit Read More »
Interview with Event Founder, Desiree Carr
What is the event date?
This year the Pride Games are September 13 – 15.
September 13th – 2816 Crums Lane
September 14 – George Rogers Clark Park, 1024 Thruston Ave
September 15 – 723 south brook Street
What are the pride games?
They are fun safe space where people of the LGBTQ community can be themselves while bringing back a child hood playfulness with different events and games. We’re having all kinds of events for all ages of the community. We do welcome everyone to be part of the fun.
When did it come to be?
We started in August of 2017 with just one day of fun. It was just a basic game of kick ball between six teams. We let each team come out and play each other to win prizes and trophies donated by local businesses who wanted to participate.
We had free food, cotton candy and snow cones for everyone the whole day. We wanted to create a day where no one had to worry about money. All they had to do was come to the park and we had the rest, good music, vendors and fun.
Who is involved with it?
The event was conceptualized and started by Desiree Carr and Chan Ponder with a small amount of businesses participating. Now, it’s us and all kinds of sponsors wanting to be participate in what we have slowly been building the last two years.
What does the day entail?
On Sept 13 from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., we will be having the “Melanin Pride Stuck in the 90s” party. We will have a drag show while we enjoy nice drinks and great food. We would love for people to dress up but they don’t have too.
On Sept 14, we will have our PrideGames field day. Six teams playing six or seven different games. We will have lots of water games and more! The last two teams standing this year will play a game of kick ball to determine the winner. We will have some good food by Twin Moore, free cotton candy and snow cones. We will also provide HIV testing.
September 15 is the poetry slam where we have 10 people giving there all for a chance to win 200 dollars cash.
What do you hope to do with this event in the future?
Consistency. I want to keep everything going and have a whole weekend of fun every year. I want to add more people to the weekend too. We have so many people in the community who are so gifted, why not have everyone sit down and create a way we all can win? Because that’s the goal — to see the LGBTQ community win and give us hope and a place to say this is for us and by us and smile while saying it knowing every word is true.
Why do you think this event is important?
Because we don’t have anything for the black LGBTQ community really to call our own. I want this to be one of the places they can say, “this is a place for me.” All are welcome!
Chocolate, liquor, auctions and more!
Kentuckiana AIDS Alliance’s annual Chocolate Fest fundraiser is Aug 3 at the Mellwood Art Center. The event is from 7 p.m. — 11 p.m.
The KAA unites local non-profit agencies to provide a unique system of support for those affected by HIV/AIDS. They serve 19 counties in and around Metro Louisville. In 2018, Queer Kentucky partnered with KAA by providing them condoms to distribute at their testing and marketing events.
Their mission is to advocate for those with HIV/AIDS and unite and empower the local HIV/AIDS service organizations that serve them. KAA honors those who have gone before through education, celebration and remembrance. And through their signature events, the Louisville AIDS Walk and Chocolate Fest, they rally support and raise funds for those affected by HIV/AIDS across Metro Louisville and Southern Indiana.
KAA reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any Chocolate Fest without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video.
Grab your tickets here!
GENERAL ADMISSION – $45.00 ($55 at the door)
Includes:
-Decadent chocolate
-Lite bites
-Unlimited spirits
-Dazzling entertainment
-Free admission to PLAY Louisville (8/3 only, must show wristband)
…and MORE!
VIP – $100.00 ($125 at the door)
Includes all G.A. benefits PLUS:
-Access to VIP lounge
-Designated waitstaff in VIP lounge
-Signature VIP cocktail
-Swag bag
…and MORE!
Purchase tickets ahead of time and save (ticket portal closes at 4 p.m. the day of)! Tickets are non-refundable.
