Spectrum Kentucky

Don’t Forget to Vote!

Primary Elections Kentucky 2023

Today is a crucial day for democracy in Kentucky as we head to the polls for the primary election. It’s your chance to make a difference, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to have your voice heard. Every vote counts and can shape the future of our state.

Take a few moments to review your candidate choices and their stances on important issues. Consider the values and vision that align with your own. Whether it’s education, healthcare, the environment, or economic growth, find the candidates who best represent your interests, and vote Democrat!

Democracy thrives when we actively participate. By casting your vote, you contribute to shaping the future of our Commonwealth. Your voice matters, so let’s make a difference together. Go out and vote in today’s primary election!

For more information on the candidates, visit WLKY.com.

SB150: An Ominous Cloud Over LGBTQ+ Rights and Parental Freedom in Rural Kentucky

Kentucky Spectrum

Protecting LGBTQ Youth and Parents’ Rights

The Lexington Herald-Leader recently spotlighted the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals residing in rural Kentucky in an engaging piece, ” ‘We’re from here’: LGBTQ Eastern Kentuckians Foster a Once-Missing Community”. While organizations like Pikeville Pride have advanced acceptance in Eastern Kentucky, the newly passed Senate Bill 150, outlawing gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth, coupled with a surge in national anti-LGBTQ sentiment and legislation, has complicated life for those living openly in these communities.

In their 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, The Trevor Project reported that LGBTQ+ youth with at least one accepting adult were 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt in the past year. Underscoring an affirming adult’s crucial role in an LGBTQ+ student’s life. In the Lexington Herald-Leader, a former teacher warns, “SB 150 — which bans lessons on gender identity and sexual orientation and stops school districts from requiring teachers use of a student’s preferred pronouns — ‘will illegalize that affirming adult, because you can’t reference it or talk about it.’ This council remains firmly committed to life and to enable adults to be that beacon of support for young individuals navigating their identity.

Governor Beshear Stands with the LGBTQIA Community in Kentucky

Governor Beshear, voicing his concerns on WTQV ABC36, said, “Senate Bill 150 permits excessive government intrusion into personal healthcare matters, stripping parents of their rights to make informed medical decisions for their children. Moreover, it snatches away parents’ freedom to decide how their children should be referred to and addressed.”

Governor Andy Beshear Supports LGBTQ Kentuckians

Governor Beshear pointed out, “SB150 also transforms teachers and administrators into eavesdroppers obligated to scrutinize student conversations and then confront and question parents and families about students’ behaviors and self-references.”

We stand in solidarity with Governor Beshear’s staunch support of LGBTQIA youth and their families. “I am vetoing Senate Bill 150 because my faith teaches me that all children are God’s children, and Senate Bill 150 poses a threat to Kentucky’s children,” he said. The 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ youth mental health revealed a grim reality: 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously contemplated suicide within the previous year, and almost 1 in 5 transgender youth attempted suicide.

ACLU Kentucky and NCLR File Suit To Protect Parent’s Rights

Organizations like the Kentucky ACLU and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) are fighting back, launching a lawsuit in state court to obstruct the ban on gender transition services.

The ACLU declared, “Senate Bill 150 is a stark illustration of government overreach, placing legislators in the middle of doctor-patient relationships and infringing on parents’ fundamental rights to guide their children’s upbringing. This law bans vital medical care for trans youth in Kentucky, targeting healthcare providers and risking their licensure if they offer such care to minors.”

NCLR adds, “Anti-LGBTQ laws like SB 150 are part of a broader national campaign to marginalize trans and nonbinary people. Bills prohibiting essential medical care aren’t rooted in science or best practices and aren’t endorsed by leading major medical groups. These unconstitutional measures are political attacks from groups fundamentally opposed to transgender people living openly, freely, and authentically.”

A hearing for the lawsuit, Doe v. Thornbury, has yet to be scheduled. Stay tuned as we continue to monitor this developing story that affects the rights of our LGBTQ+ youth and the freedom of parents in our community.

Governor Beshear: A Champion for Kentucky’s LGBTQIA Community

Spectrum Kentucky

The LGBTQIA Council for Kentucky Democrats is Proud to Stand with Governor Beshear

We are thrilled to announce Governor Andy Beshear’s re-election campaign as he steers Kentucky through these challenging times. With unwavering dedication, Governor Beshear has prioritized the safety and well-being of our citizens while simultaneously revitalizing our economy and advocating for the rights of our most vulnerable communities.

Governor Beshear has displayed exceptional leadership throughout the global pandemic by placing people’s lives above politics. By relying on local leaders and the guidance of public health experts, he implemented early and aggressive measures that undoubtedly saved countless lives. His commitment to following the advice of professionals rather than succumbing to partisan pressures has been instrumental in protecting our community.

“too much government interference in personal healthcare issues and rips away the freedom of parents to make medical decisions for their children.”
Governor Andy Beshear

Governor Beshear Has Made Kentucky’s Budget a Success

Governor Beshear is positioning Kentucky to emerge stronger than ever before from the pandemic. Under his guidance, our commonwealth’s economy has thrived, with tens of thousands of new jobs and over $24 billion invested in Kentucky by private companies since he assumed office. His emphasis on economic growth and development has paved the way for a prosperous future for all Kentuckians.

Governor Beshear’s dedication extends beyond the economy. He recognizes the importance of investing in infrastructure to improve the quality of life for every resident. By spearheading initiatives to enhance road safety and accelerate projects like the Mountain Parkway Expansion in eastern Kentucky, he is actively working towards creating a more connected and accessible state.

In addition to his incredible economic successes and leadership during the pandemic, Governor Andy Beshear has proven to be a staunch ally for the LGBTQIA community in Kentucky. He fearlessly stood against the transphobic legislation known as Senate Bill 150, recognizing the harm it would inflict on our community. In a powerful message, Governor Beshear emphasized the detrimental effects of the bill, particularly on youth mental health, as he declared, “My faith teaches me that all children are children of God, and Senate Bill 150 will endanger the children of Kentucky.”

Governor Beshear Stands with LGBTQIA Kentuckians and Parents

Governor Beshear’s unwavering commitment to equality, inclusivity, and the well-being of all Kentuckians is why we need him in office for four more years. We are united in support of our fellow Democrats in supporting Governor Beshear’s re-election. He will continue championing the rights and protections our LGBTQIA community deserves. Together, we can build a brighter future for Kentucky that is safe, prosperous, and inclusive for all.