LGBTQ
In an election year, Republicans denounce Beshear for veto of anti-trans bill
Republicans wasted no time jumping on Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of a bill Friday that put LGBTQ rights and public schools in the political spotlight, setting the stage for both issues to play a leading role in this year’s race for governor. Republican gubernatorial candidates Daniel Cameron, Kelly Craft and Ryan Quarles quickly issued […]
Beshear vetoes anti-trans, ‘parents rights’ bill
Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear on Friday vetoed a bill that would, among other things, ban gender-affirming care for Kentucky’s transgender minors. The legislation, Senate Bill 150, was passed by the Kentucky legislature in mid-March. Beshear’s veto was not surprising – in 2020 he became the first sitting Kentucky governor to attend an LGBTQ+ fairness rally. […]
Threats shut down Eastern Kentucky drag show fundraiser
After at least a dozen threats, a Prestonsburg drag show fundraiser originally scheduled for Saturday has been canceled. Organizer Kyle May said the wave of threats came after he spoke with a local news outlet to promote the fundraiser, which he estimated could have raised around $3,000. Called “Come As You Are,” the show was […]
Transgender teen: Anti-LGBTQ bills mean Kentucky doesn’t want me here
This story discusses suicide and anti-LGBTQ attacks. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. The Trevor Project, which aims to end suicide among LGBTQ+ youth, also has trained counselors available around the clock. Reach them at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/, or […]
Kentucky education commissioner says legislature put youth at risk with anti-LGBTQ bill
The day after Kentucky lawmakers rapidly changed and passed a bill to include measures banning gender-affirming care for minors, the state’s top education official decried the “sweeping and harmful” legislation. Kentucky Education Commissioner Jason Glass said the latest version of Senate Bill 150 “contains provisions that will put our young people at risk, have the […]
Kentucky legislature passes anti-trans bill
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. The Trevor Project, which aims to end suicide among LGBTQ+ youth, also has trained counselors available around the clock. Reach them at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/, or by texting START to 678678. FRANKFORT — […]
Kentucky House tries to revive anti-trans legislation stalled in Senate
FRANKFORT — With time running out in this session, House Republicans tried on Thursday to revive anti-trans legislation that has stalled in the Senate. In a hastily called committee meeting, provisions restricting health care for trans youth were grafted onto Senate Bill 150, described by sponsor Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, as a “parents rights” measure, […]
Anti-trans bill paused in Senate as Republicans split
FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Senate narrowly voted to postpone consideration of House Bill 470 — after adopting a floor amendment that loosened the controversial bill’s health-care restrictions on trans youth. The 19-17 vote came at 9:34 p.m. Wednesday after two breaks for closed-door Republican caucuses. Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Benton, proposed cutting about 30 pages of […]
Republican senator proposes rewrite of anti-trans legislation, other floor amendments filed
FRANKFORT — A Republican senator proposed striking much of anti-trans House Bill 470 after Senate Republicans caucused behind closed doors for three hours Tuesday. A floor amendment filed around 8 p.m. Tuesday narrows the prohibitions in HB 470 and would give parents more leeway than the original bill to make health care decisions for their […]
Kentucky legislature advances anti-trans bill
This story mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. The Trevor Project, which aims to end suicide among LGBTQ+ youth, also has trained counselors available around the clock. Reach them at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/, or by texting START […]
Senate advances bill criminalizing ‘sexually explicit’ drag shows around minors
FRANKFORT — After a floor debate spiked with references to foot fetishes and sadomasochistic bondage attire, the Kentucky Senate on Friday approved a bill aimed at limiting venues for some drag shows. Senate Bill 115 would criminalize “sexually explicit” drag performances by “male or female impersonators” on publicly-owned land or in front of children. It […]
Sponsor says drag show bill is pro-children not anti-LGBTQ
FRANKFORT — A Kentucky bill that would criminalize “sexually explicit” performances by “male or female impersonators” on publicly-owned land or in front of children passed a Senate committee Thursday. Members of the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 115, sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield. A chant of […]