In a state of only 4.5 million people, Queer Kentucky’s nationally recognized team engaged with 1.4+ million readers in 2024, helping to keep an at-risk population healthy, organized, protected, and connected. Our incredible team of journalists, writers, artists, trainers, and creatives have been able to reach folks throughout Kentucky, across the South, and into the Midwest with life-saving health information, political updates, sober support, arts and culture, LGBTQ+ resources, and never-ending Queer joy.

Here’s what you helped us accomplish in 2024:

• DOUBLED OUR REACH: In just one year, Queer Kentucky connected with 1.4+ million individuals through our stories, trainings, classes, research, resources, and events. This doubled our 2023 totals!
• Investing in Our Own: We hired over 100 LGBTQ+ creatives to amplify stories from our most impacted and reinvested $200,000 back into the queer community.
• Queer Election Guide: Our first-ever Queer Election Guide hit 50,000+ views, empowering voters with everything they needed to make informed decisions all the way down the ballot.
• Live Election Night Coverage: Another first! We brought you live updates, reels, and insights on one of the most pivotal election nights in recent memory.
• “Mindful Movement” Classes: Every week, we team up with Suspend Louisville to offer free, trauma-informed breathing and movement classes for the community. (Sundays at 10am. Check it out!)
• HIV Self-Testing Kits: We distributed more than 200 HIV self-testing kits through partnerships with 11 small businesses in Kentucky. In October, we kicked off a partnership with Louisville Pride and the Ryan White Foundation to feature the stories of those living with HIV.
• Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Programming: From launching “Meth, Fent, & Alcohol” conversations to creating our “Stories of Hope” series, we’re tackling addiction stigma head-on with compassion and real talk.
• Bourbon & Belonging: History, y’all—we threw the world’s first LGBTQ+ Bourbon Week right here in Kentucky. Thousands of queer folks from around the country (and the world) joined the celebration of Bourbon, culture, and an inclusive good time.
• Inclusive Workplace Workshops: In 2024, we rolled out 3 new queer-inclusive workplace trainings, and partnered with local businesses and government bodies to make LGBTQ+ employees feel seen, valued, and respected. Behind-the-scenes we’ve been developing an e-learning platform to greatly expand our reach and impact.
• Groundbreaking Research: We collaborated on a comprehensive health and lived experience survey with Dr. Justin X Moore from the University of Kentucky and are preparing to release our insights in early 2025.
• The Magazine: This year, we captured the power of storytelling with three limited-edition print publications, showcasing the history, struggles, and vibrant culture of Queer Kentuckians.

What’s next? More stories. More action. More community.

So here’s my ask- join us over this next year as we fight to keep our community informed, empowered, and healthy.

Supporters have two options for online donations:

• A one-time donation using the form to the right.
• Or join Bedfellows, our new community building program for monthly donors that offers more access, engagement, & tools.