Kentucky Pride Council

Building Power. Building Pride

SCOTUS Just Opened the Door to Religious Censorship in Classrooms — Now What?

Legislation, Newsletter, Spectrum Kentucky

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing parents to opt-out of LGBTQ+ inclusive curricula is a direct attack on educational freedom. By targeting books with LGBTQ+ characters, and allowing for LGBTQ+ book bans in schools, this decision forces a narrow narrative on public education and threatens to erase queer history from our classrooms.

As the daughter of an English teacher, I have to ask: Where does this censorship end? If we “opt-out” of every queer-coded character, we lose everything from Shakespeare to Homer’s Iliad.

It’s About Control, Not Protection

This isn’t about protecting children; it’s about controlling the stories they are allowed to hear. We are watching libraries get gutted, LGBTQ+ book bans in schools, and teachers silenced across the country. True learning requires expanding a worldview, not hiding in an echo chamber.

Take Action: Join the Banned Book Brigade

If they try to erase us from the curriculum, we will write ourselves back in. I am doubling down on my commitment to queer literature, and I need your help.

Let’s organize to fight back against LGBTQ+ book bans:

  • Book Drives: Helping get queer literature into the hands of those who need it.
  • Little Gay Libraries: Creating community-based access points for banned books.
  • The Brigade: Building a network of advocates to protect our stories.

Email me at vicechair@wearekentucky.org to join the movement. Invite your friends, pull in your community, and let’s ensure every child has access to the stories that reflect their world.

📚 Want to help me get more queer books into more hands?

Let’s organize. Email me at vicechair@wearekentucky.org, and let’s start building a reading list, a book drive, a banned book brigade, and little gay libraries—whatever it takes. Invite your friends. Pull your community in. Let’s make sure every kid who needs these stories can access them.

Because if they’re going to try to erase us from the curriculum, we’ll just write ourselves back in.

P.S. Can all the atheists in Texas opt their kids out now that schools are required to post the Ten Commandments? Asking for a secular friend.

Read a scholarly analysis of Achilles and Patroclus

Read NPR’s coverage of the SCOTUS opt-out decision

By Jenn Bell, Vice Chair of the LGBTQIA+ Council for Kentucky Democrats

Andy Beshear Vetoes KY House Bill 495: Standing Up for Kentucky Values

Legislation, Newsletter, Spectrum Kentucky

The veto of Kentucky House Bill 495 by Governor Andy Beshear reflects a clear commitment to protecting personal freedoms and ensuring that Kentucky remains a place where we love our neighbors. The bill was vetoed during a special evening at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, where the Fairness Campaign hosted its annual dinner — a perfect setting to affirm Kentucky’s values of inclusion and equality.

Andy Beshear Gets It.

Governor Andy Beshear demonstrated real leadership by vetoing KY House Bill 495. Governor Beshear declared, “Because conversion torture is wrong, and I’m going to stand up for our kids,” as he signed the veto, standing up for the values that make us proud to be Democrats — defending healthcare freedom, protecting LGBTQIA+ rights, and rejecting government overreach.

✅ No Bullies in Kentucky.
✅ No Government Interference in Personal Healthcare Choices.
✅ No Politicians Dictating Our Lives.

A Champion for Progress

Andy Beshear is the opposite of Big Government Republicans, who continue to undermine individual rights and put hate before progress. While unqualified politicians attempt to dictate healthcare choices and block economic growth, Andy fights for a Kentucky where everyone can thrive.

Take Action: Join the LGBTQIA+ Council for Kentucky Democrats

Governor Andy Beshear can’t do this alone. The LGBTQIA+ Council for Kentucky Democrats is building a movement to ensure that leaders like Andy Beshear have the support they need to continue fighting for equality and justice.

Get Involved Today:

  • Chip In to empower our community and support leaders who protect our rights.
  • Sign Up to stay informed and be part of a growing movement that refuses to let hate win.

Why This Matters

Representation of LGBTQIA+ is a cause we must all take part in. With your voice alongside Andy Beshear, we can ensure that Kentucky remains a place where love wins and where every voice is heard.

Join us today. Let’s build a future we can all be proud of.

@wearekentucky1

https://wearekentuckyorg.local/ky-lgbtqia-2024-bills/andy-beshear-vetoes-ky-house-bill-495-standing-up-for-kentucky-values/03/22/2025/ #wearekentucky #louisville #fairness #lgbtq #andybeshear #kentucky #queertiktok #fypシ

♬ The Champion – Lux-Inspira

We’re Done Being Bullied. It’s Time to Retire Every Anti-Freedom Republican in Kentucky.

Newsletter, Spectrum Kentucky

With regard to KY House Bill 495: the LGBTQIA Council for Kentucky Democrats is committed to removing every Republican legislator who voted today to use the force of big government to actively discriminate against the freedom and liberty of Kentuckians. These power-hungry bullies have made it clear: their agenda isn’t about serving the people of Kentucky—it’s about control, cruelty, and undermining ALL Kentuckians fundamental rights, big Government restricting healthcare professionals from doing their jobs and encouraging state sanctioned torture of minors.

We say: Enough.

For too long, we’ve watched authoritarian politicians attack LGBTQIA+ Kentuckians, restrict healthcare access, and push policies designed to bully us into submission. WE DO NOT CONSENT. 

We’re proud as the LGBTQIA Council for Kentucky Democrats to be building the movement that will out-organize, out-communicate, and outlast anybody who’s opposed to our freedoms. This isn’t just about winning one election—it’s about fundamentally reshaping the political landscape of Kentucky. We are investing in leadership development, grassroots power, and the infrastructure to ensure that every Kentuckian knows the truth:

  • Big Government Republicans are taking away their rights.
  • Unqualified Politicians are dictating their healthcare choices.
  • Small minded leaders who let their hate stand in the way of economic growth.

That’s why we are organizing to define Kentucky as PRO AMERICAN – All of us are created EQUAL.

We are done playing the game with a WEAK defense. We have a plan to systematically retire every politician who voted to take away our freedom. We will replace them with leaders who believe in personal liberty, bodily autonomy, and real representation for the people—not political gamesmanship.

This is the beginning of a movement that won’t stop until Kentucky is free from the grip of those who seek to restrict equality and freedom for ALL.

It won’t be easy. It won’t be quick. But make no mistake—we are in this for the long haul. And when we win, it will be because we refused to back down.

Kentucky deserves better. We’re making it happen. Join us.

Join our monthly organizing call. Become a monthly grassroots contributor!

The Kentucky Democratic Party Must Stand Together

Kentucky Spectrum

I attended a town hall with Congressman Morgan McGarvey at Central High School in Louisville yesterday. The room was full of other Kentucky Democratic Party members, and the energy was intense. People were angry. Frustrated. Tired of feeling powerless. Some attendees even called on McGarvey to take drastic action, such as getting arrested while demanding more from their elected officials. As the frustration continued, I kept wondering—why were Democrats turning their anger on each other?

Congressman Morgan McGarvey takes questions from engaged voters at a packed town hall in Louisville. Events like this are crucial for strengthening the Kentucky Democratic Party and ensuring every voice is heard. Change starts with us—through organizing, community building, and collective action. #MorganMcGarvey #KentuckyDemocrats #PoliticalActivism

Again and again, people asked, “How do we change the Kentucky Democratic Party?” The answer is simple: WE ARE THE PARTY. Every registered Democrat is a part of it. Change starts with us.

Yes, the challenges we face are real but finger-pointing at people in our own party won’t fix them. Organizing will. If we want a stronger Kentucky Democratic Party, we must build it. If we want better leadership, we must step up. We must work together. That’s exactly what the LGBTQIA Council for Kentucky Democrats is doing—creating a movement built on action, not just frustration.

The LGBTQIA community has long been at the forefront of progressive movements, and now more than ever, we need to lead by example. It means building coalitions, supporting candidates who fight for our values, and refusing to back down in the face of adversity. But action is what turns frustration into progress. Now is the time to channel our energy into meaningful change and build the future we want to see.

Take Action:

  • Join the LGBTQIA Council for Kentucky Democrats and become part of the movement. Sign up here.
  • Follow leaders like Morgan McGarvey and engage in policy discussions.
  • Attend town halls, rallies, and meetings to make your voice heard.
  • Support progressive candidates who fight for our values.
  • Donate to help us continue this fight. Contribute today.

The path forward is collective action. The power is in our hands. We are Kentucky.

Jennifer Bell

Advancing LGBTQ+ Rights: Thornton’s Role in National Federation

Kentucky Spectrum, Newsletter

FRANKFORT, KY – The LGBTQIA Caucus for Kentucky Democrats proudly announces that its Chair is Nisia Thornton, has been appointed to the Executive Council of the newly formed National Federation of Stonewall Democrats. This landmark organization unites LGBTQ+ leaders from 21 states. Their goal is to amplify the voices of 19 million LGBTQ+ Americans. They work to advance equality within the Democratic Party and beyond.

This appointment is a significant milestone for Kentucky’s LGBTQIA Caucus. It’s an honor to represent Kentucky on the national stage. We work to protect and expand LGBTQ+ rights. Together, we’ll guarantee our community’s voices are heard and our progress preserved.
– Nisia Thornton

Thornton’s leadership has been vital in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and advocacy within Kentucky’s Democratic Party. As the founding Chair, Thornton chartered the LGBTQIA Council for Kentucky Democrats. Now, as part of the National Federation’s Executive Council, Thornton will work closely with leaders across the country. They will develop strategies that focus on inclusivity, equality, and representation within the Democratic Party.

Jeremy Comeau, President of the National Federation of Stonewall Democrats, praised Thornton’s commitment: “I’m thrilled to have Nisia Thornton join our leadership team as an Executive Council member. Her passion, vision, and dedication to advancing equality and empowering the LGBTQ+ community are exactly what we need as we launch this organization. I know her leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of the National Federation of Stonewall Democrats, and I’m excited to work alongside her to drive meaningful change.”

The National Federation of Stonewall Democrats strives to unite LGBTQ+ advocates across the United States. They champion progressive policies, hold elected officials accountable, and safeguard LGBTQ+ rights. The Federation also aims to support the growth of state-level Stonewall chapters. This includes Kentucky’s chapter. Their goal is to foster a more inclusive and fair democracy. Read more about the rejuvenation of the Stonewall Dems via Politico.

This is a critical time for LGBTQ+ Americans, especially in Red States, where our rights face relentless attacks,” said Thornton. “I look ahead to working with leaders nationwide. Together, we will build a future where everyone can thrive, regardless of identity or love.

Thornton’s appointment highlights the growing influence of Kentucky’s LGBTQIA Caucus in national advocacy efforts. It reaffirms the state’s commitment to advancing progressive values.

To join the LGBTQIA Council for Kentucky Democrats in a monthly meeting, visit wearekentucky.org. To learn more about the National Federation of Stonewall Democrats, visit www.nationalstonewall.com.



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LGBTQ+ People Are Not Going Back

Legislation

In a time when hard-fought rights for LGBTQ+ individuals are facing threats, it is crucial to remind our leaders and communities that we will not back down. LGBTQ+ people are not going back—back to being invisible, back to living in fear, or back to fighting alone. The progress made over decades in achieving equality and acceptance is not up for negotiation.

Recently, efforts to roll back protections and rights have gained momentum across the nation, from legislative attacks on transgender healthcare to attempts to stifle LGBTQ+ representation in schools. These actions are not just policy decisions; they are direct assaults on the dignity and humanity of our community. They undermine the principles of liberty and justice for all and embolden bigotry.

Now, more than ever, we must raise our voices. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Contact Your Elected Officials
    Call or email your Congressperson and Senators. Let them know unequivocally that you will not tolerate any backpedaling on LGBTQ+ rights. Demand they take a stand against any legislation or policy that seeks to diminish the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
  2. Hold Politicians Accountable
    If your elected representatives fail to support LGBTQ+ rights, tell them you will take your vote elsewhere. Politicians must understand that their decisions have consequences at the ballot box.
  3. Engage Local Leaders
    Change begins at the local level. Reach out to your city council members, school board representatives, and state legislators. Urge them to foster inclusive policies and resist discriminatory measures.
  4. Mobilize Your Community
    Share information with friends, family, and allies. The fight for LGBTQ+ equality is a collective effort, and everyone has a role to play.

The LGBTQIA+ Council for Kentucky Democrats is committed to ensuring our voices are heard. Together, we can make it clear to those in power that equality is not optional, and discrimination will not be tolerated.

It’s not enough to hope for change; we must demand it. Contact your elected officials today and remind them: LGBTQ+ people are not going back—and neither are our rights.