Finding home in Louisville’s Germantown: Bearykah Shaw
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.
Bearykah Shaw
Germantown, they/them
Besides your own house — or the house of family or friends — what Louisville place makes you feel at home?
The West End made me feel at home, but I’ve found much more community living in Germantown that I never knew before. It’s calming to go outside and walk to so many places and learn about its history, while also being able to see people with your face, your skin color, interacting more. At the Merryweather, my neighborhood bar, I always feel accepted. I’ve only ever felt that I could simply exist in that space, and that honestly makes me so appreciative of it.
Who was there for you when it felt like nobody else was?
My fiancée, Eric, has been my rock these last six years, especially this past summer because I was at an all-time low over the loss of one of my best friends. Every day I didn’t want to get up, Eric was there beside me, encouraging me and making me feel less alone. He’s a man with a love that I’ve never known — but always feel lifted and supported. We could be quiet in a room for hours, and I’d be so happy just because he’s there.
Who was the person you chose to come out to?
My grandfather Robert, when I was 11 years young. We were arguing, and I was being a brat, and I just came out and yelled, ‘You wouldn’t understand how things are for me ’cause I’m GAY!’ And we sat and shared some crazy secrets. He’s my biggest cheerleader and taught me the art of sarcasm. Always accepted me. I could’ve walked out in a dress, and he’d tell me whether the color was good or not for me. After I came out, he came out to me about being ‘AC/DC,’ which I learned was code for being bisexual during his time growing up. He also taught me how to use a camera and see the world through my own eyes.
What piece of art — a book, a painting, a movie, a TV show, etc. — means the most to you?
A Seat at the Table, by Solange, as well as Yellow Brick Road, by Lo Village, are so raw, and I needed them during those times of finding my Blackness and exploring my emotions.
What’s the biggest issue facing Louisville’s LGBTQ+ communities? What do you think would help solve that issue?
I think the issue is a lack of queer spaces. We have Chill and Big Bar, but the ambiance is for white gays, older and younger. I desire a space that’s preferably Black-owned for my people to thrive. As a Black queer person, it can get really exhausting always having to pull up a seat to a table not meant for me. Also, I have to mention the laws that hurt trans people trying to become their most authentic selves.
Anything about how you identify that you’d like to share?
The words non-binary weren’t really mentioned when I was growing up. I was just gay, but my energy and being raised by three amazing Black women helped shape me.
