Jenny Shelton (short hair) was a major player in Lexington's fight for gay liberation and lesbian-feminist organizing. As Charlotte Vice put it, "she was committed to working for equality for years… establishing womyns groups and writing the womyns community paper, Take Back the Night, Amber Moon."

LGBTQ activist Peter Taylor, a founder of Kentucky’s gay rights movement, dies at age 71. @faulknermorgan.bsky.social queerkentucky.com/a-life-of-ga...

All month long, Lussi Brown Coffee Bar will be celebrating their "Pride Fridays" and giving 10% of sales go to local LGBTQIA+ organizations! This Friday, June 20, that nonprofit is FMA!! We hope to see you all for a coffee date that day as you support Kentucky's LGBTQ History! ☕❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Have you grabbed your copy of @queerkentucky.bsky.social's newest print issue on LGBTQ art and performance?? We were proud contribute an article highlighting the long legacy of performers visiting queer spaces in Lexington!

Tomorrow, July 14 at 3pm, join us at Institute 193 for this incredible panel on queer Southern artists! The John Burton Harter Foundation and Institute 193, in collaboration with the Faulkner Morgan Archive, proudly present Depicting Desire, a panel discussion.

Join us this Sunday, June 8 at 2pm as we discuss the roots of Kentucky's LGBTQ History as part of FMA's traveling exhibit Queer, Here, & Everywhere! From revolutionary war veterans, Sweet Evening Breeze, and Henry Faulkner, this free presentation will showcase the long legacy of our history!

Missed the opening reception for "Queer, Here, & Everywhere: The Roots of Kentucky’s LGBTQ History?" No worries! It will be on display at the Lexington Public Library, Central Branch through June 26!

Yesterday, I was proud to speak alongside Mayor Gorton at the opening of the @faulknermorgan.bsky.social’s Queer, Here, & Everywhere Exhibit at the Lexington Public Library. As a lifelong lover of stories, libraries, and the city I call home, it was a deeply moving moment for me. 🧵👇 (1/7)

Robert Craddock and Peter (Pierre) Tardiveau are believed to be among the earliest queer settlers in Kentucky. Their story dates back to around 1775. They met while serving in the Virginia Continental Army in the Revolutionary War and remained close companions.

Tonight!!! Join us for the opening of "Queer, Here, & Everywhere: The Roots of Kentucky’s LGBTQ History!" 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ 💚 "Queer, Here, & Everywhere" Opening Reception 📆 Tonight, Friday, May 30 🕗 5pm - 8pm (remarks at 6pm) 📍 @ Lexington Public Library, Central Branch

We had such a great time presenting at the Kentucky Council on Archive's 2025 Spring Meeting at UK Special Collections last week! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Our panel, included four queer archivists focused on LGBTQ history and what collective solidarity and liberation look like within the world of archives.

Have you ever considered donating material to the Faulkner Morgan Archive? 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ While we collect a wide range of items relating to LGBTQ Kentuckians, there are some topics, themes, groups, and locations that we have identified as needing more representation in our collections.

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ 3 MORE DAYS!! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Join us for the opening of "Queer, Here, & Everywhere: The Roots of Kentucky’s LGBTQ History!" 🎉 💚 "Queer, Here, & Everywhere" Opening Reception 📆 Friday, May 30 🕗 5pm - 8pm (remarks at 6pm) 📍 @ Lexington Public Library, Central Branch

Did you know that the first challenge to Kentucky's anti-gay "sodomy" law was made in Caldwell County by two Black defendants in 1909? C. H. Poindexter and Frank Moore were initially sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to the sodomy charge.

Join us for the opening of "Queer, Here, & Everywhere: The Roots of Kentucky’s LGBTQ History!" 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ 💚 Opening Reception 📆 Friday, May 30 🕗 5pm - 8pm (remarks at 6pm) 📍 @ Lexington Public Library, Central Branch This is the first comprehensive exhibition of Lexington’s LGBTQ history

For one night only, Lexington became a queer hot spot of the ’70s and ’80s—hosting iconic LGBTQ entertainers drawn by the city’s gay-friendly bars and reputation as a welcoming stop between major gigs. queerkentucky.com/the-best-gay... @faulknermorgan.bsky.social

At the 5th annual "March for Justice" in 1991, the Fairness Campaign launched their efforts in Louisville! This was reported in many publications including by Carla Wallace in "The Letter," Kentucky's gay and lesbian newspaper. "Fairness: No More, No Less" quickly became their rallying cry.

We gave out more grants than EVER this year. Let’s go Kentucky!!!! 🌈✨🏳️‍⚧️

And they’re off! 🐎 Take a look at this fabulous collection of photos featuring Bill Petrie and friends at the Kentucky Derby—likely from the 1980s! Each year, Bill and a close-knit group of gay friends made the Derby their own. 🏳️‍🌈 #LGBTQHistory

Happy Derby Weekend! 🐎 While extravagant hats have become synonymous with the event, none, however, are quite as show-stopping as Robert Morgan's "Pegasus." Made in 2004, this hat is created in the same assemblage style as Morgan's other sculptures/ 📰 Lexington Herald-Leader, April 29, 2004.

For decades, Derby Parties have been known as places for extravagance. They have also allowed space for LGBTQ Kentuckians to dress up, let loose, and celebrate this uniquely Kentucky tradition. This Derby Party hosted by Betty Ravel in 1979 was no different! 🏳️‍🌈🐎 #LGBTQHistory #kentuckyderby

It's truly amazing to see community engagement, academic research, and LGBTQ history come together! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ We are so grateful to Kerri Hauman and Emily Goodman for writing this wonderful article on the powerful way that events like the Wikipedia Edit-a-thon can showcase queer stories!

We had a wonderful time visiting UK's Special Collections and flipping through some of Amber Moon scrapbooks that were donated to the university in 2012! Check out some of these amazing images of different Amber Moon events from between 1978 and 1984.

We thought we'd jump on the trend and try our hand at creating our own Queer Archivist Starter Pack (without AI)! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Throughout our work at FMA, we aim to share Kentucky's LGBTQ history for generations to come!

We love seeing LGBTQ Kentucky stories being shared across the country! "Lesbian Feminism, Grand Juries, and FBI Surveillance in the 1970s" was written by Rachel Gelfand for Southern Cultures' Spring 2025 Issue from The University of North Carolina Press.

We were so honored to be invited back to speak at the FCPS GSA Summit last week! It was wonderful to see LGBTQ students from across Fayette County come together at such a joyful event. We absolutely loved being able to take part and share Kentucky's LGBTQ history with the students. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ #LGBTQHistory

Leave it to drag queens to make an Easter Egg Hunt an extravagant, gay occasion! The Drag Queen Easter Egg Hunt was an event held yearly at Mount Horeb Earthworks for about 4-5 years in the 1980s. Check out these incredibly decorated eggs. Some are even put into drag themselves! #LGBTQHistory

How did a boy from Lancaster, KY get to be so close with the iconic Andy Warhol? You can read more about Shea (and a pair of underwear signed by Warhol) at www.faulknermorgan.org/blog! Andy Warhol and Shea Metcalf, June 1987, collection of Brian Tune, FMA. #LGBTQHistory #Warhol

Is there ever such a thing as too much animal print? These familiar faces clearly didn't think so! Check out these stylish photos from our collections, each of which showcase an animal print outfit. Whose outfit would you want to wear? #LGBTQHistory

Check out Bill Petrie's colorful depiction of The Bungalow, a bar and restaurant on North Mill Street in Lexington, KY! 🎨 The Bungalow operated from the 1970s into the 1980s and drew a mixed crowd of lawyers, politicians, and LGBTQ patrons. 🏳️‍🌈 #LGBTQHistory

Check out these drag queens from Club 141 in Lexington! Opening in January 1995, Club 141 operated as a nightclub in downtown Lexington and quickly became an increasingly popular gay establishment and was known for its drag shows. #LGBTQHistory

In 1972, Winchester, KY native and queer psychiatrist John E. Fryer helped lead the APA to removing homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. He was featured on the cover of GAY. Now, a state historical marker is forthcoming in Winchester to honor his important legacy. #LGBTQHistory

We had such an amazing time last month at the Liberal Arts + Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-thon!! It is always a great time improving the visibility of LGBTQ Kentuckians on the world's largest online encyclopedia! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ A huge thank you to Muse Marketing & Design for the photos! #LGBTQHistory

From the collection of Gene Williams, these negatives and contact sheets provide a deeper insight into some of the most iconic Pagan Babies photographs taken by John Ashley. This specific sheet showcases a set of images taken at The Living Room Bar in the 1970s. #LGBTQHistory #PaganBabies

With spring in the air, we thought we would share these images from a lesbian get-together in Lexington, likely late 1980s or early 1990s! ☀️🍃🎶 The gathering included music with Reel World String Band (and others)! Images from the collection of Laura Kaplan. #LGBTQHistory #WomensHistoryMonth

In 1990, Angela Martin compiled "Esmerelda’s Anthology," a collection of literature by Lexington Lesbians. The anthology contains eleven pieces of writing from seven local lesbian women and was premiered during Lexington's Pride Week 1990! #LGBTQHistory #WomensHistoryMonth

In 1970, Marjorie Jones and Tracey Knight held their wedding at The Living Room Bar—after being denied a marriage license in Louisville. They were the first lesbian couple in the country to sue for a marriage license. Their case went to trial—Jones v. Hallahan—in 1971, gaining national attention.

Wanna take a trip to Lesbianville? 💖 Check out these maps made by Jeff Jones in 1995 based on the addresses of individuals on the Fairness Campaign's mailing list! In these maps, you can see the number of lesbians, gay men, and individuals in each of Lexington's precincts. #LGBTQHistory

Chappell Roan who? Check out this photo of the stylish Sontina Reid in Lexington, likely from the 1980s.

From Crystal Blue, Leigh Angelique, Dee Dee, and Tiffy Ross, to the many others whose stories have yet to be uncovered, trans women paved the way for Kentucky's LGBTQ community. #LGBTQHistory #WomensHistoryMonth #TransHistory

The Lesbian Feminist Union (LFU) was a lesbian group based in Louisville, Kentucky. Operating from 1974-79, the LFU published a newsletter for Louisville's lesbian community. Members of the LFU also became partners in a women’s bar called Mother’s Brew, which opened in late 1976. #WomensHistoryMonth

Wow!! Y'all showed out for the premiere of "Bob Morgan's Just Going To Tell Some Stories" last night!! 🎉 As Bob shared before the film, gathering in such a way to celebrate queer joy is a powerful thing. Thank you so much for joining us for a truly memorable night of celebrating this LGBTQ legacy!!

Along the winding stretch of Madison Pike—known locally as the 3-L Highway, just outside of Covington—where gas stations, roadside diners, and farm stands dotted the landscape, one unassuming building held a secret. queerkentucky.com/the-downstai...

In 2021, Adriana Sisko embarked on an oral history project to document The Country. Operating from 1978-1981, The Country is believed to be the first lesbian bar in KY. While in a strip mall at 845 Lane Allen Rd, the space was more than just a bar. Different lesbian-centered groups mingled there.

In our mission to share Kentucky’s LGBTQ history, we also record history now, as it happens! One example are these items from Lussi Brown Coffee Bar and Lex Lez Night! Since opening in June of 2017, LBCB has become an important site for Lexington's LGBTQ community. #LGBTQHistory #WomensHistoryMonth

Did someone call for a lesbian superhero? 🦸‍♀️ Check out these comics from Womin Energy, a Lexington-based lesbian newsletter published from 1977-1979! "Mighty Dyke" is seen helping two women, stuck on top of Patterson Office Tower, at the University of Kentucky. 🏳️‍🌈 #LGBTQHistory #WomensHistoryMonth

We’re a day late, but Happy (belated) International Women's Day!! February 1978, "Womin Energy," a Lexington-based lesbian newsletter, advertised a celebration for International Women's Day! Since 1911, IWD has been a day to celebrate women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, let'd take a look at some of the women who led the way for Kentucky's LGBTQ history! Founded in 1979, Amber Moon was an all-female nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing musical acts, educational opportunities, and cultural events to Lexington.

Get your tickets now! tinyurl.com/BobMorganSto...

Join us for the premiere of "Bob Morgan’s Just Going to Tell Some Stories!" 🩷 Sunday, March 16 at 6:00pm 🩷 The Kentucky Theatre | 214 E Main St, Lexington, KY 🩷 Get your tickets now at tinyurl.com/BobMorganSto... In honor of Bob, proceeds from the premiere will benefit FMA. #LGBTQHistory