Our government and politics coverage
Gov & Politics
We cover the laws, courts, elections and government decisions that shape LGBTQ+ life in Kentucky, from Frankfort and Washington to city councils and school boards. We explain what is happening, who it affects and what you can do about it, because the people most affected by these decisions are too often the last to hear about them.
Featured and latest government and politics stories
LatestAt Black Soil KY’s Farmacy Markets, Narcan Sits Beside the ProduceBlack Soil KY trained 30 Kentucky farms to be harm reduction first responders, then opened two Lexington “farmacy markets” where Narcan and fentanyl test strips sit alongside fresh produce. Now the nonprofit is treating voter registration as harm…By Nick Fulton · Oct 8, 2026
How Missy Spears’ Humor and Advocacy Evolved Into Powerful Local LeadershipBy Amber D. Dodd · Oct 7, 2026
Federal Cuts “Handcuffed” BIPOC Harm Reduction in Kentucky. Communities Are Stepping Up.By Nick Fulton · Oct 2, 2026
It’s a Pause, Not a Ban: Liz Sheehan on Lexington’s Data Center MoratoriumBy Samuel Hicks · Oct 1, 2026
Lexington Herald-Leader Layoffs Put Kentucky Local News at RiskBy Alejandra O'Connell-Domenech · Sep 18, 2026- Get Queer Kentucky in your inboxOur free newsletter, with the stories queer Kentuckians need.Sign up free
Queer Kentucky Votes
Get ready to vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Everything LGBTQ+ Kentuckians need is in one place: deadlines, what is on your ballot and where the candidates stand.
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Courts and civil liberties
Policing, surveillance, protest rights and the courts.
Roebling Bridge protester arrested in court on felony riot chargeBy Community News · Oct 5, 2026
Western Kentucky’s LGBTQ+ Crisis: The Most Harm, the Least ProtectionBy Sarah Wheatley · Sep 9, 2026
Beshear’s National Rise Could Mean A Less Hands-On Approach at HomeBy Alejandra O'Connell-Domenech · Aug 27, 2026
The ‘Family Safety’ Pretense: Flock Cameras and Northern Kentucky ParksBy Pat LaFleur · Aug 26, 2026
Northern Kentucky Communities Push Back Against Flock Safety Surveillance Cameras.By Pat LaFleur · Aug 13, 2026
Elections
Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District Is Finally Competitive. What LGBTQ+ Voters Need to Know.By Nick Fulton · Aug 18, 2026
50 Days, 50 Missed Votes: How McConnell’s Absence Is Stalling Kentucky’s PrioritiesBy Alejandra O'Connell-Domenech · Aug 9, 2026
Kentucky’s Competing Laws Make a Senate Vacancy Anything But SimpleBy Margaret Hetherman · Aug 6, 2026
Rocky Adkins, EKY Democrat and Beshear Advisor, Announces Run for Kentucky GovernorBy Missy Spears · Jul 21, 2026
Queer Kentucky Votes: deadlines, ballots and our voter guide
Local government
- Roebling Protester Sues Covington Police for Excessive ForceBy BJ Bethel · Jul 18, 2026
Opinion | J.P. Davis: Louisville Said LGBTQ+ People Were Welcome. That’s Not the Same as Being Chosen.By J.P. Davis · Jun 8, 2026
A Louisville Ordinance Promises to Protect The Transgender Community. Some Advocates Aren’t So Sure.By Divya Karthikeyan · Jun 2, 2026
The Statehouse
Trans Kentuckians Are Staying Home. The Data Says Community Is What Helps.By Jules Crawley · Oct 15, 2026
No Doctor, No Test, Refused at the Door: What the Data Shows About LGBTQ+ Health Care in Western KentuckyBy Nick Fulton · Aug 26, 2026
Mitch McConnell Discharged from Rehab Center, Returns Home for Physical TherapyBy Alex Cooper · Aug 7, 2026
What Washington is doing and what it means for Kentucky.Federal
What Can a Governor Do If a Sitting Senator Disappears?By Alejandra O'Connell-Domenech · Aug 4, 2026
Mitch McConnell’s Health: Why Congress Owes You NothingBy Terrance Sullivan · Jul 29, 2026
Sorry, Thomas Massie Is Not Running for McConnell’s Senate SeatBy Alex Cooper · Jul 21, 2026
University of Kentucky Queer Students Face Policy BacklashBy Bella Butler · Jul 15, 2026
Plain-language explainers on how Kentucky government works and how to make your voice heard.Know how it works
What is a shell bill? And other sneaky ways Kentucky Lawmakers pass legislation.
How a Bill Becomes a Law in Kentucky: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Legislative Process
WTF is the interim session? What to know about why folks are heading back to Frankfort — and you should too.
LGBTQ+ allies, advocates and organizations to follow in Kentucky’s General Assembly
Make your voice heard
- Check your registration and find your ballot with Queer Kentucky Votes
- Follow the 2026 bills that affect LGBTQ+ Kentuckians
- Find and contact your state legislators
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What’s next
The 2027 Kentucky General Assembly convenes
Jan. 5
Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2027. It is a short 30-day session.
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