Finding a queer home in Louisville’s NuLu: Patience Fields
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. We would love it if you — whether you live in Louisville or not — would answer the questions too. If you’d like to, you can find the interview here. 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.
Patience Fields
NuLu, she/her
Besides your own house — or the house of family or friends — what Louisville place makes you feel at home?
I came with my wife from Minneapolis six years ago to grow our family business here in Louisville. Minneapolis is a major city with so much diversity. In Louisville at first, we both felt we were going back in time. We were wrong. The progression of the fight for normalcy in the LGBTQ community here has been astounding. Louisville has a very strong and dedicated community fighting for a better America every day, and I am proud that my wife and I have been a part of that.
Who was the person you chose to come out to?
My mother. She was putting on her makeup and doing her hair, usually at least a two-hour undertaking. She said,‘I love you, but I cannot condone your sin.’ I came out to her because I wanted her to really see me.
What’s the biggest issue facing Louisville’s LGBTQ+ communities? What do you think would help solve that issue? More legislation to protect us from getting
fired or evicted and more. Folks like [Daniel] Cameron [Kentucky’s attorney general and the Republican gubernatorial candidate who lost the recent general election to incumbent Andy Beshear] want to get rid of DEI. The new laws being passed nationally and here in the South should horrify everyone.
Why’d you pick that photo?
This little girl has no idea how challenging her entire life is going to be because she was born gay. Her sister, whom she grew up with and was extraordinarily close to, will turn her back on her in adulthood because religion taught her it is OK to do so. Her brother will be distant and disconnected. If I could go back in time, I would tell that little girl that she has the strength of a thousand straight girls.
Anything about how you identify that you’d like to share?
I am a lesbian. I am married to a transgender woman. People ask strange questions about this; however, I am still a lesbian. Who you are with does not define who you are.