Feeling at Home in Louisville: PLAY with Bee Harmon
photos by Jon Cherry
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.
Who was there for you when it felt like nobody else was?
When I first got to Louisville, I didn’t know a lot of people, especially other queer folks. I began going to the Louisville Pride Foundations to volunteer, and for support meetings, and it was there I met my friend Julian. Julian picked me up one day to go thrifting.When they pulled up, they were in leopard prints, even their four-inch platforms. Julian wanted to take me to a new thrift store, but we got lost on the way. Julian decided that they were going to get out and ask for directions.They popped out of the car and strolled down that sidewalk in those platforms — and I was in awe. I loved how they were themselves, and I wanted to emulate that confidence. At that time, I was still in my ‘egg stage,’ and I wasn’t wearing much feminine clothing. And in reality, I didn’t know how to go about picking out ‘women’s’ sizes, but Julian took one look at me and said, ‘You look like a size 12, honey.’ Such a little thing, but that day made a huge impact on my life.
Besides your own house — or the house of family or friends — what Louisville place makes you feel at home?When I moved to Louisville, I had never been to a gay bar or drag club.The first time I walked into Play and saw a beautiful drag queen per- forming, I was in complete awe and amazement. I got goose pimples all over my body and was struck with pride.The artistry in their performance and the vibe in the theater were that of love and happiness.
From the first moment I saw my first drag show, I wanted to be a queen too. Eventually, I caught a break from a friend and got my first booking. I’ve done drag since August, and I love it. I get to be my authentic self, and that’s celebrated and applauded. My first and most memorable drag booking was for Drag Queen Storytime Kentucky. My drag persona is basically an exempli- fication of my sparkly self, and I got to shine. I answered parents’ and kids’ questions, per- formed and read a book about a boy and his trans sibling. Because I’m transgender, the story of acceptance and love hit home. I’ll never forget the looks on those kids’ faces. The joy in the room filled my soul, and I was hooked.
Who was the person you chose to come out to?
The first person I came out to was my sister. She was immediately accepting, and she let me live with her and her family when I first came to Louisville. While that was amazing, I will always remember the second person I came out to: my daughter.We were always close, but I was a lit- tle nervous — not because I was worried she wouldn’t accept me but because she had recent- ly graduated high school and begun her adult life. I was afraid that, along with the stresses in her life, that my coming out would be too much to bear. One day, I picked her up and took her for coffee. As I was dropping her at her place, we sat in the car talking. I was working up the nerve and eventually let it all out. She was instantly ac-cepting. In many ways, we have grown closer. She came up for my birthday last year and went to Louisville Pride and Play, even helping me with my makeup. Recently, I was FaceTiming her as I was putting on makeup to go out. She said she was happy to see me happy and that I was the mother that she deserved to have growing up. We talk nearly every day. And this January, I’m gonna be a gramma! Not all my family accepts me, but knowing that my daughter and immediate family have my back means the world to me.
What’s the biggest issue facing Louisville’s LGBTQ+ communities? What do you think would help solve that issue?
One of the biggest problems in the LGTBQIA+ community is the politicians targeting transgender youth and trans individuals in general.This spring, I was at several of the protests at the capitol protesting the government trying to ban drag shows and trans youth. Luckily, the drag bills failed but the bills against protecting trans youth passed. Protesting at the capitol often broke my heart. By the end of day, my voice was gone from yelling chants. I was proud to stand for my trans siblings, but it felt like I was swim- ming against the tide. As we made our voices known, politicians pointed at us and looked at us with disdain. I looked around and saw diversity and beauty — and wondered how these politi- cians could hate us.
As far as a solution, I think it will take time. Throughout history, politicians have systematically targeted people who were different.Trans youth are now their target.They claim their motivations are from God, but I think it’s to stir up their base to garner support.The establishment is threatened because they are becoming the minority, and the next generation isn’t becoming more conservative. My daughter and, when I was in education, most of the kids had an attitude of ‘live and let live.’ That’s what we all want: to live our lives, and be kind to one another. Go- ing about our daily lives, being who we are, is one of the strongest ways to resist.
Anything about how you identify that you’d like to share?
I am transgender. My pronouns are she/her/ they. I’m non-binary and transfemme. I have legally changed my name, and I am registered as a transgender woman through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and as a female with the Social Security Administration.
