What is your name?

Vincent Donahue

In what city and county do you live?

Lexington, Fayette

What are your pronouns?

He/Him

What does the word Queer mean to you?

Being Queer means to experience love and life differently than what is expected of your sociological upbringing. It is the experience of sharing community with those like you. It is an indefinable aspect of the individual that cannot be changed, but rather grows with you. Queer is a loving defiance.

What was it like growing up as a Queer person in Kentucky?

Being Queer in Kentucky was a unique experience that I wouldn’t change for the world. I felt isolated and alone, living in an environment that wasn’t made for people like me. It felt like there was nobody like me. It made those moments of finding community and acceptance even more profound, and I have learned to grow past my own biases in the process. 

What would you say to any person struggling to come into their own identity?

Don’t rush it, and don’t feel pressured. You don’t have to define anything to a ‘T’, you can be fluid and uncertain. What matters most is coming to terms with what you feel most comfortable and at home with. Everyone is highly individual and unique, and that’s natural, and you will reach your answers eventually.

What issue are you most passionate about in the Queer community? And what do you think the best solution or approach would be?

Inner division is something that I believe is becoming a larger issue in the community, especially now. There is nothing good to come out of infighting. The community is stronger together, rather than as individuals. We need to express love and compassion, and back up fellow queers, while listening to and educating on the history of the queer community. There is strength in unity. 

Where have you found community?

I have found community in smaller spaces. Going to coffee shops, bars, small local activities, you name it. Leaving the home is how I have found my in-person community, but there is also the world wide web! Online community is just as special to me. Being able to connect with such unique and fascinating individuals and form friendships whether in person or online is one of the best experiences in the world.

How have recent political changes affected your life? 

The recent political landscape has brought some fear to my life. As a transgender male, I know that the narrative is that I was “corrupted” and wanted to escape being a woman, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. I know that as I begin to pass as a male, that I am safer than my trans sisters, but it does not stop the fear and worry for my own safety as well as my community. It has become more acceptable to openly be crude, aggressive, and outright violent towards transgender people. Being queer in 2025 has become a matter of survival.

What are some ideas you have for bringing other queer people together for community?

Focusing on the concept of “mutual aid” is important. Bringing your individual skills to help others and foster an environment of community and kindness is important nowadays. Exchange skills, information, life stories, among other things in group events. Organize celebrations to distract from the world around you. 

If you have been on HRT, how has it changed your outlook on life? 

Before HRT, I was doubtful I would ever be happy and live the life I envisioned. I mourned the life as an old man in a rocking chair watching reruns of my favorite shows I’d never get to live, the days on the beach without a shirt playing Frisbee with friends, every small moment of masculinity I’d never get to have. Then I started testosterone. Everything has changed, and I’ve come to be the happiest I’ve been since I was a kid. I can see a future with me in it. 

What are some LGBTQ+ experiences/artists that have helped you express the struggles or the joy of being queer? 

Artists like Dorian Electra, Ethel Cain, Gottmik, among others, make me happy with a variety of emotions, feelings, and expressions around being Queer and similar experiences. 

Are there any specific queer friendly places you’d like to highlight and share with the rest of the community? 

Lussi Brown, Al’s Bar, Third Street Stuff. Well known in the Lexington area.

If you have some accomplishments you’re proud of, share them here! The accomplishments of queer people are something that should be celebrated!

I’ve given talks on a thesis paper in art history and had my artwork presented in a few galleries!