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, you will find stories of Queer Kentuckians telling tales of their beloved safe spaces, paying tribute to the loved ones who uplifted them when no one else would, laughing about their coming out stories, and so much more. Kentucky, and Louisville, have a lot of work left to do when it comes to embracing the queer community. But hey, it’s not as bad as people think it is. Read on, you’ll see. You can purchase the print version of this issue here.

John E

Middletown, he/him

Besides your own house — or the house of family or friends — what Louisville place makes you feel at home?

Play is where my now-husband and I got to know each other. It’s the place we’d go to when we wanted to celebrate life’s events, or mourn with the community like after Pulse nightclub, or be in a place where we didn’t have to worry about being ourselves.

What’s the biggest issue facing Louisville’s LGBTQ+ communities? What do you think would help solve that issue?

General acceptance of the entire LGBTQ community and, specifically, the trans community. Visibility matters, and having a unified voice where we support each other is key to improvements.