Feeling Home in Louisville: Kennedy Stephens
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.
Besides your own house — or the house of family or friends — what Louisville place makes you feel at home?
The Falls of Ohio is the place I go to often. Sometimes
I don’t even plan on it and end up there somehow haha. The scenery is so beautiful and being by a body of water calms me. I go there whenever I need a place to think/ decompress, listen to music, or just hang out with a friend.Two other places that come to mind are Logan Street Market and Barret Babes.The vibes are always so good and welcoming.
Who was there for you when it felt like nobody else was?
It’s kind of hard for me to say only one person but I’d have to say my friends and family. Everyone that I’m blessed to have in my life so far has been there for me in various ways that I’m forever grateful for. We’ve all watched each other grow and shed different parts of ourselves that we no longer need or want to embrace. It’s been a beautiful thing and when I was at my lowest they were there. I love them so much and wouldn’t be here without them.
Who was the person you chose to come out to?
I’ve been figuring out my queerness since I was in middle school and a lot of my friends knew without having a formal conversation about it. But I formally came out to my parents in 2020.They already knew too.
What piece of art — a book, a painting, a movie, a TV show, etc. — means the most to you?
One book that made such an impact on me was The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I first read it in 2020 and often come back to it when I need reminding of how to navigate the world.
What’s the biggest issue facing Louisville’s LGBTQ+ communities? What do you think would help solve that issue?
I love being around Black/POC queer joy.While this isn’t the most pressing issue in our community, I feel not having a space for music and dance has affected me and some others. It’s often a point of conversation about the lack of spaces here in Louisville. I’d love to see more spaces available where we can go enjoy ourselves, listen to music, and shake some ass without fear of it being shut down.
Why’d you pick that photo?
I love looking back at old pictures of myself and seeing how much I’ve changed. I feel like young me would be so proud of the person I am today.
