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, politically, and beautifully as possible.

It’s important in communities like my own to be visible. It changes everything.

Living in Louisville makes it easier, but I am, and will always be, country – and I’m proud of that. It made me the proud, confident man that I am today.