Queer Kentucky

Henderson KY Pride is heading into its third year bigger than ever. Pride '26 is this Saturday, June 27, in downtown Henderson, with 85+ vendors, 30+ performers, Jaida Essence Hall headlining, and free admission for all. Read the organizer's full statement at https://q***rkentucky.com/henderson-ky-pride-2026-festival/.

We're launching something that could change lives, and we need your help to make it real. Introducing the Q***r Kentucky Community Journalism Program.

We're training 8 writers from within impacted communities to report journalistically on what's happening in their own lives and communities. Not just personal essays. Real reporting. Real stories. Real impact.

Every writer who completes the fully virtual 8-week program receives a $500 stipend for their training time, plus $250 when their story is published on Q***r Kentucky. Their work gets published. Their voices get heard.

Impacted people write impactful stories.

Total program cost: $15,000.
Our July 4th goal: raise $5,000.

We have until July 4th. Donate: https://donorbox.org/fund-q***r-kentuckys-community-journalism-program

Share this post. Tell someone. Every dollar counts and every share matters.

Year 6, done.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the 6th Annual Pride Party with , and an extra special thank you to our Bedfellows, whose monthly support made this whole night possible.

After a 42% funding cut in 2025, this party is proof that community carries us through.

See you at year 7. Become a Bedfellow: https://q***rkentucky.com/support-q***r-kentucky/

Photos: Matthew Pruitt

Meet Sandra Carpenter, the new Executive Director of Louisville Youth Group — Kentucky's oldest q***r QTBIPOC youth organization. Sandra grew up as a q***r kid in rural Eastern Kentucky, and now she's leading one of the state's most established LGBTQ+ youth nonprofits with a clear mission: make sure no rural q***r kid feels as alone as she once did. Story by Holden VanDemark. https://q***rkentucky.com/carpenter-lyg-director/

In a political climate that's actively trying to erase LGBTQ+ Kentuckians, data about our existence is one of the most powerful tools we have.

For the first time in Kentucky history, LGBTQ+ people have a health dataset built specifically for us. This is not a national survey with a Kentucky filter, not a footnote, it's ours.

The 2026 Q***r Kentucky Health Survey is live now. More than 4,000 Kentuckians have already participated since 2024, and unlike a lot of research, this data comes back to our community. It is used by journalists, researchers, and advocates telling our stories.

This survey tracks belonging, discrimination, health access, harm reduction, and the real impacts of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation on our lives. It takes about 25 minutes and is completely anonymous. The more of us who show up in the data, the harder we are to ignore.

Be counted. Survey closes June 30: https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bD9u4dhsdhm9eSi?Q_CHL=qr

This month, we're highlighting Pride festivals happening all across Kentucky because LGBTQ+ community and celebration isn't limited to one place. From small towns to big cities, Kentuckians are showing up for each other in a big way, and we're proud to help spread the word.

Coming up:
Kentuckiana Pride: June 20, 12–10 PM, Waterfront Park, Louisville
Blackout 3: June 19–20, Various Venues, Louisville