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Letter from the Publisher With this issue, Modern Louisville celebrates its one-year anniversary as Louisville’s premier LGBTQ publication. In the tradition of magazines like The Advocate, Tracy Beale and Blue Equity Publishing had the vision to launch a publication that would give voice to Louisville’s LGBTQ community.

When the ownership of Modern changed hands this July, I was given the honor and responsibility of serving as publisher. Not only am I proud to be part of a locally owned and independently operated publication (a feat in the contemporary landscape of media conglomerates), but I am especially proud that Modern has remained in the hands of leaders, like Aaron Yarmuth, who are true allies in the movement for equality.

As Dr. Kaila Story explains in “The Importance of Understanding,” a Q&A with Kellie Doligale, ally-ship “doesn’t mean coming to a space of people who are marginalized and somehow taking it over,” it means directly challenging those who would oppose equality.

This issue celebrates many landmark achievements in the fight for equality.

Remy Sisk’s article “Unified Pride” includes a timeline of such achievements, and, in “Overdue Process,” Kellie Doligale reflects on the 2015 landmark Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges with the local attorneys who won the fight for marriage equality. Yet, there is still much work to be done. Ben Gierhart reports on the relentless social stigma of HIV/AIDS, which is proving to be deadlier than the virus itself. And in “Modern Update,” Fairness Campaign Director Chris Hartman discusses his return to the Kentucky State Fair to protest the Kentucky Farm Bureau’s discriminatory policies.

One of my first acts a publisher of Modern was to begin forming an Editorial Advisory Board, which Wil Heuser, who has made many substantial contributions to this publication and to the local Pride movement, has graciously agreed to chair.

We will be reaching out to leaders in the LGBTQ community to serve on the board and help set Modern’s editorial agenda going forward.

With this issue, Modern has also named its editor – Remy Sisk. Remy began as a staff writer for Modern, bylining the first five cover stories and contributing many articles over the past year. A very intelligent and passionate writer, Remy clearly demonstrates his talent as an editor in this issue, which I think you’ll find to be filled with insightful, touching stories of triumphs and challenges. Tara Bassett’s story “The Right to Adopt” encapsulates both achievements and obstacles in the movement for equality. Ben Gierhart’s profile of Craig Scherman documents the path of a leader in the LGBTQ community from a past that necessitated concealing his allegiances to a present when he is a very public champion of HIV/AIDS fundraising.

We also celebrate the pleasures and creative achievements of our local community, from the music of the Troubadours of Divine Bliss to the scrumptious food at Hillbilly Tea, and from life in the architectural treasure that is gay Old Louisville to a fashion feature by Gunnar Deatherage that pushes tired gender boundaries and achieves a progressive aesthetic worthy of Modern’s one-year anniversary issue cover! Thank you for reading Modern. We are looking forward to what the next year will bring.

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September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

Publisher Laura Snyder

EDITORIAL Editor Remy Sisk Contributing Writers Tara Bassett, Trevor DeCuir, Kellie Doligale, Ben Gierhart, Chris Hartman, Mariah Kline Editorial Intern Kayla Coursey

ART Production Director Joanna Hite Shelton Graphic Designer Malissa Koebel Contributing Artists Gunnar Deatherage, Bethany Hood, Rachael Sinclair Contributing Photographers Crystal Ludwick, Antonio Pantoja, Alexa Pence, Steve Squall, Tim Valentino, Bill Wine

ADVERTISING Director Of Sales and Special Events Sarah Mitchell Advertising Operations Manager Julie Trotter Account Executive Judy Royce

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For advertising information or to order a subscription, call 502.897.8900 Modern Louisville™ is published bi-monthly by Red Pin Media P.O. Box 3222, Louisville, Ky. 40201.

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U.S. Postage Service ID: Louisville (ISSN 2380-3355) Email: editor@modernlouisville.com Website: www.modernlouisville.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Modern Louisville; 735 East Main Street; Louisville, Ky. 40202. ©2016 Modern Louisville™

ON THE COVER Creative Direction Gunnar Deatherage Photography Steve Squall Makeup Bethany Hood Model Dominique Joy Thompson (Heyman Talent)

Overdue Process page 8

The Emergence of Home page 28

In Search of Bliss page 16

table of contents SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2016

Defeating the Stigma page 22

Progressive Geographies page 36

A Hillbilly Revival page 50

A Sweet Legacy page 54

The Right to Adopt page 60

The Importance of Understanding page 66

Unified Pride page 72

A History of Pride page 76

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September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

ONE YEAR

LATER

LOUISVILLE ATTORNEYS REFLECT ON SUPREME COURT RULING

WRITTEN BY KELLIE DOLIGALE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTONIO PANTOJA

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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We’re sitting there the day it was ruled on and saying to each other, the kind of event that beckoned an entire nation to pause, a day cemented in a country’s history. We do not recall June 26, 2015, for a tragedy, terrorism or scandal – the happenings that all too often permeate our headlines and memories – but for the long-deserved inclusion finally afforded to countless Americans. The day the Supreme Court of the United States ruled on Obergefell v. Hodges achieved a turning point so belated and monumental as to beckon the question in retrospect, “Where were you the day love won?”

For five Louisville attorneys, that day was the triumph after a years-long battle for their clients and a decades-long struggle for the LGBTQ community. After weeks spent attentively waiting for a verdict, Shannon Fauver, Dawn Elliott, Dan Canon, Laura Landenwich and Joe Dunman learned of their victory along with the rest of the country in a case that had seized their time, energy and careers since 2013. Over a year after the ruling and with varying turns of phrase, they echo the same sentiment of gratitude for their clients and for what Dunman calls “the win of a lifetime,” despite the setbacks and discouragement.

According to Landenwich, the requisite goal to help and not hurt LGBTQ civil rights made it a formidable undertaking. “If you take a case and lose it, that makes it really hard for someone to come behind you and win it. A legal precedent against you is really difficult to overcome. If you don’t have the right clients, the right claims, the right judge, and all of those things work against you, you can really damage the movement.”

Many probably know at least some portion of the general proceedings, but perhaps far fewer are aware of the legal minds and human compulsions behind bringing marriage equality to the state Mark Twain called “20 years behind.” In speaking to these five attorneys, one is at first overwhelmed by a spinning collective intellect before discovering threads of fate interwoven in the stories – a sense that this case was meant to play out as it did.

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‘Somebody should file a lawsuit.

We should file a lawsuit.’

- Shannon Fauver

Fauver tackled the first same-sex bankruptcy in Kentucky, she and Elliott watched intently as United States v.

Windsor unfolded in the Supreme Court.

Edith Windsor, who had been married to her wife, Thea Spyer, in Canada, sought to claim the federal estate tax exemption for surviving spouses after Spyer passed away.

She was denied per the Defense of Marriage Act, which held that the term “spouse” only applied to opposite-sex marriages. In 2010, at 81 years old, she filed a lawsuit against the federal government in New York that climbed the judicial ladder for three years.

On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court ruled in her favor and struck down Section 3 of DOMA, rendering it futile exactly two years before Obergefell made it obsolete entirely.

Fauver recalls that the decision to pursue marriage equality was as simple as watching Windsor open the door, while the execution was anything but. “We’re sitting there the day it was ruled on and saying to each other, ‘Somebody should file a lawsuit. We should file a lawsuit.’” In July 2013, Greg Bourke and Michael DeLeon filed to have their marriage recognized by the Commonwealth of Kentucky with the backing of Fauver Law Office.

Though they wed in Canada in 2004, they held that lack of recognition in their home state denied them many of the rights and privileges afforded to opposite-sex couples. “Our plaintiffs were heroic,” Fauver says. “They had a love for each other and for their children. I’ll admit, they had a stronger belief in our justice system than I did.”

From there, the case swelled. “We knew we had law degrees and it was the right thing to do and we were intelligent enough to figure it out,” Elliott recalls, “but at the end of the day, we practiced so many different areas of law with clients that we had obligations to. So we knew that to take this on like we’d already done, it was going to take a lot.”

“We were dissuaded from filing by both local and national organizations,” Fauver says.

“They didn’t think Kentucky was the right place. We were told we couldn’t win, that we’d set back the civil rights movement. But our opinion was that it couldn’t be any worse for our clients than the way it was.”

Though Fauver’s and Elliott’s expertise covers federal and family law, they’re quick to admit they’re not civil rights attorneys. “We didn’t even know if we’d get paid!” Fauver says, cementing the commitment. “In order to get paid, your case has to be the one that wins.

Some clients left and we dropped some clients because they had issues with what we were doing, so after about six months, we needed some help. I put it on a listserv that I’m on for plaintiffs’ attorneys, and Dan called.”

Shannon Fauver and Dawn Elliott

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I went into law school not even thinking I was going to practice.

I figured I’d go to some nonprofit organization because

I didn’t realize you could make a living doing this.”

- dan Canon

their offices at Clay Daniel Walton Adams, PLC on Fourth Street, Canon, Landenwich and Dunman specialize in civil rights litigation. Up to the point of the team’s merging, Fauver and Elliott had met with other attorneys who either rejected their efforts or wanted simply to take the case without them.

Landenwich explains that while they had hesitations, the decision to get involved stemmed from a desire to nurture the seed already planted. “We had a lot of reservations about it for a variety of reasons,” she says. “The primary one was that we cared about the outcome and we recognized that it was going to affect more than just the people we represented – it was going to have an effect on our whole society. As it turned out, the case had already been filed and needed some help. We could improve the chances that it would prevail.”

Bourke v. Beshear evolved to consist of four couples all fighting for recognition of their marriages and was eventually joined

by Love v. Beshear, a case in which two couples sued for the right to marry in Kentucky.

Of the six cases representing the four states in the Sixth Circuit – Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Michigan – that were all consolidated into Obergefell, only Kentucky filed a lawsuit for the right to marry; the other five revolved around same-sex marriage recognition and the rights stemming from it. Fauver

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Dan Canon

and Elliott agree that the addition was a crucial one: “If we hadn’t asked both questions – and maybe it was because we didn’t know any better – this case would not have gone to the Supreme Court.”

“We needed to make sure the case was consolidated and could be dealt with all at once by the judge,” Dunman explains. “At the time we were in front of Judge Heyburn, we were a little worried because he was a Republican

appointee. Most of the judges in Kentucky are very conservative. We were cautious of that, so we wanted to make sure the case was set up perfectly for him to rule on – just make the arguments that the Kentucky laws were unconstitutional. They were in violation of the equal protection guarantee of the 14th Amendment and due process. We suggested that preventing people from being married stole their liberty without a good reason to do so.”

Despite the team’s initial concern, Judge Heyburn proved ideal. He ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, declaring that Kentucky’s denial of recognition for out-of-state same-sex marriages was unconstitutional and later, that Kentucky’s laws banning same-sex marriage violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and were therefore “void and unenforceable.”

“The Sixth Circuit overall has got a reputation as being extremely conservative,”

Canon says. “There’s a very good possibility that if we had drawn a different judge here in the western district of Kentucky, we’d have had a very different result from the onset. At the time that we got involved in this case, we didn’t foresee that just about every federal judge in the country was going to be on the side of marriage equality.”

That fearsome reputation for conservatism was not unfounded. The state appealed Heyburn’s decision to the Sixth Circuit

Court of Appeals, which overturned his rulings and upheld the bans in Kentucky, along with the other three states. The resulting circuit split meant an inevitable journey to the Supreme Court, and we all know that happy, hard-won ending. One can’t help but wonder, however, if the right to marry might not have happened without Judge Heyburn’s defiance of expectation given that Love v. Beshear was the only case filed for licensure.

Elliott recounts that the judge’s rulings were particularly significant not only because he was a historically conservative judge but also because he was nearing the end of his life. “He knew this was going to be his legacy,” she says. “We don’t know his personal beliefs, but based on the law alone, he understood it was wrong. Any judge that follows the rule of the law and doesn’t rule by their beliefs or peer pressure – I respect completely, even if it’s the wrong decision morally.”

Judge Heyburn listened to their oral arguments before the Supreme Court on April 28, 2015. He died the next day.

We had the opportunity to enforce the victory that we had achieved for our clients.

Government officials can’t just exercise their religious rights to the detriment of other people. [Kim Davis] got lots of good photo ops, but in the courtroom,

we won every step of the way.”

Joe Dunman

- joe Dunman

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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months after hearing the case, the Supreme Court held in a 5-4 decision that the 14th Amendment requires all states to grant same-sex marriages and recognize same-sex marriages granted in other states.

A brief moment of jubilation preceded a massive press conference, during which Governor Beshear told clerks throughout the state to start issuing marriage licenses.

Landenwich reminisces about two of their clients, Timothy Love (the named plaintiff in the right-to-marry case) and Lawrence Ysunza, inviting the legal team to witness their immediate union. “We had a little impromptu parade from our office at Fourth Street Live! down to the clerk’s office,” she says. “It was lunchtime, so people were out.

They were honking and waving and it really was like a parade.”

Once they arrived, their clients were first in line at Metro Hall. Dunman recalls waiting for the clerks to print new licenses because the ones they had only said “husband” and “wife.” He says Mayor Fischer came down with two of his employees eager to marry their own respective partners.

“The Mayor brought down three bottles of champagne,” he says. “All three couples got their licenses at the same time.”

...we cared about the outcome and we recognized that it was going to affect more than just the people we represented –

it was going to have an effect on our whole society.”

- laura Landenwich

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Laura Landenwich

PHOTO BY TOM FOUGEROUSSE, UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE

Such profound progress was not without backlash, however, and most Kentuckians probably remember seeing a certain county clerk permeate the media with her refusal to issue licenses as ordered. As Dunman tells it, the dream team still had work to do. “Dan, Laura and I joined the ACLU to sue Kim Davis,” he says. “We had the opportunity to enforce the victory that we had achieved for our clients. Government officials can’t just exercise their religious rights to the detriment of other people. She got lots of good photo ops, but in the courtroom, we won every step of the way.”

For all their victories, all five attorneys are quick to give the most credit to their clients, people whose lives and families were laid out for assessment at the risk of someone saying their love was invalid. According to Dunman, when they interviewed the clients at the beginning of litigation, they asked for examples of direct discrimination or public mistreatment. Over time, it became clear that the common injustice was the clients’ need to self-police. “They go out but don’t hug or kiss or touch just because they’re afraid of the stigma,” Dunman says.

“It’s something that even they didn’t think

about very often because it becomes so ingrained. That stigma is not going to fade overnight. Having a black president didn’t erase racism and having marriage equality is not going to erase homophobia.” case brought and still brings emotion from these attorneys, people whose careers associate them with a stereotype of coldness, protocol and an insistent clinging to all things factual. Words like “overwhelming” and “consuming” overlap their memories, and they all acknowledge a feeling of luck for achieving what so many lawyers set out to do but don’t get the chance.

“I went into law school not even thinking I was going to practice,” Canon admits.

“I figured I’d go to some nonprofit organization because I didn’t realize you could make a living doing this. And what they say about people who go into law school is that the first year, you have all these wide-eyed optimists who want to help people. By the time you get through that three-year process of starving a student out and they’ve got loans to pay off, it’s very attractive to put on the golden handcuffs, go to work for

a traditional firm and think, ‘I’ll get to that do-gooder stuff later.’”

For Elliott, the urge to do good was personal on more than one plane. As a black woman happily married to a white man, she understands that the battles fought before her time laid the groundwork for her own ability to affect change. “To me, it was, ‘I need to pay back the universe,’” she says.

“Why is it that I can walk into a clerk’s office and get a marriage certificate and marry the person I love, but my best friend can’t marry the person he loves? It’s not right.”

The five attorneys agree that legal progress is not equivalent to social progress and continue to express optimism for what lies ahead. Landenwich encourages individuals in the LGBTQ community to thoroughly know and understand their rights, while Fauver and Elliott express hope for a future generation that balks at a long-gone notion of marriage inequality.

“Obergefell is just one step toward removing a lot of the stigmas that have been around forever,” Canon says. “It’s a big step, but it’s just a step.”

And yet, even one step seems like so much after an era of paralysis.

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

Bliss

IN

SE

C AR

H OF

Written by Mariah Kline // Photography by Antonio Pantoja

M

ore than 30 years after their first meeting as adolescents in an Evangelical church, Renee Ananda and Aim Me Smiley have created a life full of love, music and community outreach.

They call themselves the Troubadours of Divine Bliss, a name inspired by their poetic lyrics and their multifaceted spirituality.

The Troubadours first became friends as teenagers in a church their families attended. The girls shared a close bond with one another, and their friendship continued even as they went separate ways after high school. In their 20s, the two women bonded over spiritual teachings, sharing books and ideas from different religious texts and mystical poets.

“As we shared these things, we became on fire for life and self-discovery,” reveals Aim Me. “And as we fell in love with life and our spiritual journeys, we also fell in love with each other. We decided we wanted to be together and to do something inspiring and creative together.”

Thus began their musical adventure. The two moved to New Orleans and became fulltime street performers, Renee playing the accordion and Aim Me the guitar. Together, they have recorded seven albums and toured throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. They identify their style as eclectic folk-Americana, drawing musical inspiration from their own creative minds as well as the poetic and mystical literature that first influenced their romance.

Today, they play regular shows throughout Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. They reside together in a cabin in the woods in Southern Indiana where they are able to write and record new music in a place that is all their own.

When it comes to performing, the two enjoy playing smaller venues and what they describe as “back porch settings.”

“We love intimate venues and places where we can tell our stories, open our hearts and really have an exchange with the audience,” describes Aim Me.

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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A few of their favorite venues to play in the area include Clifton’s Pizza, where they played their very first show; Point Blank Brewery in Corydon, Indiana; and The Bard’s Town in the Highlands.

and as a couple,” Renee explains. “What makes a healthy relationship is two individuals on parallel paths who are seeking the same thing. We find ourselves inspired by each other’s growth, so working together is this amazing creative combustion. We get very energized by seeing the other come up with a new song, poem or idea for a community project.”

When they met as young adults, they had no way of knowing they would ever build such a life together. But the two firmly believe that their love was meant to be.

“We work so well together, and we’re so akin and attuned on so many levels,” affirms Aim Me. “What we have is so amazing and special, and I believe that it has to be destiny. We’re both absolutely dedicated to our journeys and our relationship. The running themes for us are, ‘How can I love you better?’ and ‘How can I be more kind?’”

After almost 20 years as a couple, Renee and Aim Me were married on June 26, 2014, the day after Baskin v. Bogan won a favorable ruling and counties throughout Indiana

“We work together very well because we take care of ourselves as individuals and because we feed our spirits both individually and as a couple.”

- Renee Ananda

As for their marriage and romantic journey, these two women are without a doubt meant for each other. Their creative minds and tender hearts have formed a union that absolutely bursts with love and affection.

“We work together very well because we take care of ourselves as individuals and because we feed our spirits both individually

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September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

began granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples. They held a reception with many other couples who were just married and spent their honeymoon speaking at the National Christian Feminism Conference. Though the ruling that allowed them to marry was overturned the following day, the couple was still thrilled to be legally united.

“It was such a beautiful opportunity to finally feel like a legitimate citizen of the U.S.,” says Aim Me. “We didn’t have the option to do that when we fell in love in ’95. There’s kind of an honor and a nobility in that commitment, and we so much appreciated that we got to experience that.”

While the duo is grateful for the exceptional life they have, they are no strangers to prejudice and injustice. Early in their relationship, they often felt threatened or shunned by others. They also dealt with the legal and hospital-related issues that so many couples have had to face. Prior to their marriage, their cabin and adjoining land was only in Aim Me’s name, leaving a great deal of uncertainty should something ever happen to Aim Me. “Though we haven’t struggled nearly as much as others and we were kind of on the tail end of that struggle in the ’90s, there are still so many legal issues to overcome,” Renee concurs.

Though love and dedication are the main components of this perfect match, the couple also works well together because of their common mission: to share love and encourage people to follow their passions.

Their mantra as individuals and as a band is, “Free your dream”; the Troubadours want to inspire everyone they meet to pursue what excites them, even if that means taking risks.

“We want to be evidence of two people who freed their dreams,” says Renee, who worked in a corporate office before becoming a musician. “I hear people say, ‘I wish I would have done this,’ or ‘If I didn’t have responsibilities, I’d do that.’ That shouldn’t hold people back. They should start doing more of what they love now, even if they have to do so gradually. Freeing your dream is about freeing yourself from what restricts your dream because ultimately, doing what we love and standing up in our higher purpose is what we’re here to do. Start stepping out of your fear toward what you’re longing to do.”

“Each and every one of us is born with a purpose,” agrees Aim Me. “It’s tied to what we most love to do and what we’re best at.

That passion and that purpose gives your life more fulfillment – it heals your soul and helps you connect with a deeper part of yourself.”

The Troubadours frequently communicate this concept during their shows, but the message reaches far beyond their musical audiences. Renee and Aim Me also practice holistic life coaching and hold workshops on freeing your dream. They are heavily involved in the community in both Louisville and Southern Indiana, working with environmental groups, women who have survived abuse, and several other causes.

In 2008, they founded Mighty Kindness, an organization that brings together local businesses, nonprofits and individuals to promote a healthier and happier society.

Mighty Kindness hosts a massive festival each year at Waterfront Park that draws thousands of people. Just a few of the groups involved are The Center for Women and Families, Our Earth Now, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth and Louisville Grows.

This event promotes buying local, caring for the environment and supporting local artists, all in the name of creating a kinder and more compassionate world.

Renee Ananda and Aim Me Smiley

“We started Mighty Kindness at a time when we felt powerless and frustrated with what was going on in the world between the war in Iraq and the environmental destruction we kept seeing,” Aim Me relates. “We decided we had to build something positive here locally where we had some control. The impact we’ve seen is evidence that our community and our society is hungry for a kinder and healthier vision of what our world could look like.”

The Troubadours of Divine Bliss are an

incredibly rare match in that they have built a relationship based not only on love and music but also on loving and serving others.

Luckily for us, they have made it their life’s mission to share their music, compassion and, most importantly, their love.

“For us, we feel like we were given this gift in order to show love to individuals, the community and the planet,” Renee explains.

“We really pray that we can take all of this love out into the world and give back in any way that we can to show our gratitude.”

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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Defeating the Stigma 22

September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

ILLUSTRATION BY RACHAEL SINCLAIR

Written by Ben Gierhart // Photography by Antonio Pantoja

HIV.

There is a great power in naming something outright. It is the first step toward dispelling fear because with a name, something is known. If it is known, it can be contained. The HIV/AIDS epidemic began in this country in the early ’80s and mercilessly ravaged an entire generation during a period when the disease was unnamed, unknown and uncontained. An even greater tragedy is the scores of people who witnessed family members and loved ones in the spring of their lives tragically wither in a matter of months. It is a still greater tragedy that there are those today who are ignorant of or simply callous to that experience. This attitude engenders a stigma that is deadlier than any virus because it ignores the medical breakthroughs and knowledge that those who died could have only dreamed of. If you are afraid to speak the words aloud, this stigma is the source of your fear. But you need not be afraid.

Dr. Anupama Raghuram is an infectious disease specialist at the 550 Clinic at University of Louisville Hospital, a state-ofthe-art one-stop shop for HIV treatment in Louisville. As it is a branch of University of Louisville Hospital, 550 houses its own lab along with pharmacists, social workers and medical providers – such as Raghuram – to afford its clients free HIV medicines,

connect clients to insurance and physicians, and refer clients for housing and any outside nutritional support they may require.

“We used to have one regimen for once-a-day treatment – now we actually have six,” Raghuram explains. “The current medications are a lot easier to tolerate.

There are fewer side effects and fewer pills. Most people are able to take one pill a day.”

That statement alone would seem miraculous to someone living through the onset of the epidemic, the days of AZT, Crixivan and other pills that could cause high levels of toxicity with painful and visible side effects. While the existence of some kind of treatment was rightly fought for by activists, AZT and its kin ultimately, many would argue, did more harm than good. People often chose not to take such treatments because the majority of side effects took away their dignity of life. Constant diarrhea, nausea, headaches and more were commonly too much to bear.

Now, the treatment has become so successful that it has completely changed the landscape of care. Providers have a world of options at their fingertips, and even the term AIDS is under debate. It’s a principle in medicine that Raghuram has not personally adopted, but it is one that she understands, given recent advancements.

“The difference between HIV and AIDS came a long time ago, before we had some of the more potent medicines that we have today,” she relates. “It’s basically a cutoff.” One test to monitor the effect of HIV on the human body is called a CD4 count. CD4 T lymphocytes – or CD4 cells – are what help the immune system fight off infection. As researchers of HIV studied their subjects, they found that once that number hits below 200, people have trouble fighting off infection. “Once you fell below

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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550 Clinic

a state-of-the-art one-stop shop for HIV treatment in Louisville

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Anupama Raghuram that line, things were very difficult in terms of treatment,” affirms Raghuram. “When you fall below 200, you attain an AIDS status, which is basically an indicator for us as providers of what to look for, nothing more.”

But she does admit, “I do understand where the movement to end the use of the term AIDS comes from. It can be misleading, especially when you think of the context from the ’90s to today. Nearly all of the patients then were coming to doctors with CD4 counts below 200 because there was no way to catch the disease sooner. It’s just not the same anymore.”

The most important advancement in

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September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

Medical case manager Colton Wilson HIV treatment, however, is the certainty that if you take your medicine every day, you’re going to be just fine and have an average life expectancy. “Diabetes. High blood pressure. HIV today has very much mirrored these conditions,” Raghuram attests.

“We can control the virus to a level that it isn’t actively hurting you.” In fact, in an article for The Spectator in 2014, British doctor Max Pemberton goes so far as to say that he would rather have HIV than diabetes as the latter has been known to shorten a lifespan even while under medication and the former has not.

With even more powerful longer-acting

medications on the horizon, in addition to what is already available, an HIV diagnosis simply does not have to be a death sentence anymore. There are, of course, still challenges and stigma that bar those infected from these resources, and the question of why new cases of HIV still appear even in this golden era of unparalleled medical advancement is a valid one.

“Stigma is one of the reasons that we continue to see such increased rates of HIV transmission and new diagnoses,” says Colton Wilson, a medical case manager at the 550 Clinic. “People are aware of the moral implications that have come to be

Stigma makes it difficult for many people to get into care. People are afraid that they will run into someone at the clinic who they know and are afraid they will treat them differently.

Again, the community has failed to educate, whether it be in churches or schools.

AMIRAGE SALING

Medical case manager Amirage Saling associated with a positive HIV status and are afraid to get tested or start treatment.

They’re worried that someone will see their pill bottle or find their test results and disrupt their lives.”

Wilson and other case managers see the stigma every day. They see it in the language their clients use. “In my annual meetings, I’m often the only one to say the letters ‘HIV,’” says Wilson. “Clients will call it their condition, their illness and a number of other synonyms to avoid actually saying it.”

Amirage Saling, also a case manager at 550, agrees: “It is unfortunate that not enough education has been outreached in

our community. I have clients who tell me today that those family members who know of their HIV status will make them eat with disposable plates, cups and forks so that they do not infect other family members.

Stigma makes it difficult for many people to get into care. People are afraid that they will run into someone at the clinic who they know and are afraid they will treat them differently. Again, the community has failed to educate, whether it be in churches or schools.”

Transgender women have one of the highest rates of new diagnoses, and as a trans woman, Saling’s presence at 550 is

a godsend to those newly infected women who walk through their doors. It also affords her a sensitivity to those who may fall under other intersectionalities, such as the homeless. “Many of them are not taking their medicines every day because either the shelter will not allow them to bring in their medication, or if they are allowed to come in with their medication, it gets stolen while they sleep,” she describes.

Team Friendly – a campaign in the U.S. and Canada – strives to end HIV stigma through the use of sex-positive conversation. “We encourage people to talk without judgment about HIV, to get tested and most importantly, to be there for a friend who might have tested positive,” says Jeff Henken, leader of Louisville’s chapter of Team Friendly.

Due to the nature of HIV transmission, the subject of sex between a serodiscordant couple – a couple consisting of one partner who is infected with HIV and one who is not – is still often taboo. While it is true that when it comes to such practices there is only risk reduction and not elimination, it is also true that there is no documented case of transmission from a medically compliant HIV-positive individual.

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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Leader of Louisville’s chapter of Team Friendly Jeff Henken

People are going to have sex. PReP is a great tool.

Condoms are great tools. You want to use every resource you can get your hands on.

If something has worked for you, that’s great, but the important thing to remember is that some other method may work just as well for someone else.”

JEFF HENKEN

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September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

The arrival of such medications as PReP has successfully allowed for the prevention of HIV infection in individuals with an HIV-negative status. However, they remain controversial due to their availability, affordability and the strict adherence required for them to be effective. Henken maintains, however, that PReP is only one tool in the toolkit.

“People are going to have sex,” he says.

“PReP is a great tool. Condoms are great tools. You want to use every resource you can get your hands on. If something has worked for you, that’s great, but the important thing to remember is that some other method may work just as well for someone else.”

In addition, Henken stresses the importance of getting tested, knowing your status and engaging in sex responsibly with full disclosure. Such practices are the only way to live a full and productive life without spreading the disease, but he asserts that it is possible. Henken cites fear of rejection upon disclosure as perhaps the most common and profound effect of HIV stigma: “Unfortunately, HIV sits at the intersection of all of our social ills: poverty, racism, transphobia, homophobia and more. It’s what stops us from wanting to know our status in the first place, and that’s dangerous.”

Indeed, the issues of stigma and socioeconomic status feed each other, and the latter serves as a monolithic obstacle to medication and treatment. This is why Reverend Paul A. “Bo” Stilwell founded Keeping It Real Loving Caring Sharing in the Neighborhood Institute Inc. – or Keeping It Real for short.

Stilwell also serves as Keeping It Real’s CEO. “We’ve come a long way in regards to HIV and AIDS. I was diagnosed in ’93,” says Stilwell, who also happens to be a black out bisexual man. “I got my diagnosis in a time when a lot of people were being given a death sentence. I had a wonderful doctor who said that there were medicines coming down the pike and thought that I might be able to beat this.” Before Stilwell had access to that medicine however, his CD4 count plummeted from around 600 to below 200, numbers within the AIDS range.

At the time of his diagnosis, Stilwell’s mother was also dying of pancreatic cancer, and he had to take care of her as much as he had to take care of himself. “She told me on her deathbed, ‘You are not going to die.

You were born on Easter Sunday, so you are going to give life, joy and resurrection back to this earth,” he recounts. “So that’s what I’ve tried to do.” As if by providence, Stilwell was able to go on a new regimen of pills, and after years of struggling with his CD4 count and viral load, he finally took the first step toward stabilization.

In accordance with his mother’s wishes, Stilwell began speaking out about his story and attended the Magic Johnson Health Fair at Georgia Tech in 2003 as a speaker. “When Magic Johnson heard me speak, he stopped the convention and said, ‘That’s what I’m talking about!’ I’ll never forget. I was so inspired by him, and when he told me that I needed to be doing some work, I knew he was right.”

Keeping It Real Founder and CEO Reverend Paul A. “Bo” Stilwell

I think we can come around the table as a family and find solutions. We don’t have to spread it. We are such an overlooked community, but we can end it.”

BO STILWELL

Stilwell recalls realizing that HIV was still considered a white gay disease despite the fact that the black community is disproportionately affected by it. For this reason, he made it his and Keeping It Real’s mission to serve all communities and provide them with non-medical case management, medical transportation, emergency financial services, early intervention systems, food banks and countless other services. Unlike the 550 Clinic, which does similar work and is funded by University of Louisville Hospital, Keeping It Real does it on a shoestring budget made up of grassroots fundraising, grant writing and intermittent reimbursement from the state.

“I am the only Afrocentric organization in the state of Kentucky that is addressing this,” says Stilwell. “That’s what makes us unique.” Stilwell also uses his singular role as a reverend to speak at places of worship.

“A lot of the churches would not do it,” he admits. “They still look at it with fear, hate and stigma. It’s one of the greater perils we face.”

Stilwell continues to lead the charge in the West End of Louisville, and his intrepid work in other often overlooked communities such as low-income neighborhoods and retirement facilities is commendable and deserves full support because it celebrates the humanity of those infected: “I

think we can come around the table as a family and find solutions. We don’t have to spread it. We are such an overlooked community, but we can end it.”

Between the work of all these doctors, case workers and disparate but decidedly focused groups, things are changing. The talk surrounding HIV is changing, and the depictions of HIV-positive characters on such popular television shows as “Looking,” “Transparent” and “How to Get Away With Murder” are just a few examples of how the media is exposing society to a new outlook.

Slowly, but surely, we are beating something deadlier than the virus.

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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W

hen I first moved to Old Louisville in 2001, I lived above a man who sincerely believed I was stealing his milk. I would come home each day from work and climb the stairs to my thirdfloor apartment. While most days were uneventful, occasionally as I reached the second floor, the door across from me would wrench open and my neighbor would emerge from the darkness muttering some version of, “I saw you take my milk out of the fridge the other day.”

This was my welcoming committee to the neighborhood. Some people get pies or cookies. I received accusations of Grand Theft Dairy.

Family and friends had warned me not to move “downtown.” An aunt recounted an uncomfortable encounter in a stairwell of an apartment building off of St. Catherine Street. A friend carried on about how confusing the streets were. “Just be careful,” they said.

Dale Strange recalls similar warnings when he moved to Old Louisville in 1983.

At that time, he kept an apartment at Third and Lee before eventually purchasing his first home in the 1400 block of Third Street.

There is a lot of beauty and charm here, and there are parts of it that look like movie sets.

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-DAVID DOMINE

September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

home THE EMERGENCE OF

Written by Trevor DeCuir Photography by Crystal Ludwick

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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It was put to me years ago by a friend that it was a neighborhood nobody wanted, and nobody wanted us – LGBT people. So it was kind of a fit.

-DALE STRANGE

“My family thought I was out of my mind,” he laughs. “Well, I can’t find this house anywhere else. It was a comfortable neighborhood, very accepting, and that made it appealing.”

That Old Louisville was accepting to those in the LGBTQ community during its renaissance is no accident. Malcolm Bird, one of the creators of the St. James Court Art Show, played a direct role in making sure this was the case.

“It was put to me years ago by a friend,” Strange notes, referring to Bird, “that it was a neighborhood nobody wanted and nobody wanted us, LGBT people. So it was kind of a fit.”

Bird, along with his good friend Bob Smith, helped to kick off a wave of renovations across the area, focusing initially on a series of houses on Belgravia Court and then branching out to other properties.

“They would leave the houses divided into apartments but make them very nice apartments. And they would help younger gay men and women move into these and actually assist them so that they could get people in and move on and do another one.

It wasn’t all about making money. They did well, but they also helped a lot of people and would even counsel them later on with the process of buying their own home.”

Strange smiles as he remembers one particular apartment where Bird used maps as wallpaper, complete with pencil markings

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Dale Strange

from his travels. In my book, this makes Bird the unofficial founder of Pinterest.

In seriousness though, his do-it-yourself spirit and being unafraid of hard work is not uncommon amongst those of us in the LGBTQ family. When the world is not necessarily made for you, you learn to make the world you want to live in instead. That

is precisely the case with the story of Old Louisville.

Of course, we had beautiful bones to work with from the start. Originally known as the Southern Expansion, it is currently the (say it with me) third-largest historic preservation district in the country and America’s largest Victorian neighborhood.

“During the second half of the 19th century, Louisville’s upper crust was looking to escape the straight, boring lines of downtown,” says Marianne Zickuhr, a longtime preservation advocate. Zickuhr is also involved with the Kentucky LGBT Heritage Initiative working to create an LGBT Historic Preservation Context.

“In Old Louisville, you find Richardsonian Romanesque like the Conrad-Caldwell House, Chateauesque at Fourth and Hill with the Sister Houses, Beaux Arts, Victorian Gothic, Queen Anne, Renaissance Revival, Italianate and Victorian eclectic. Victorian eclectic you see a lot of because these people wanted to maybe take elements from several different architectural styles to create something unique.”

Zickuhr rattles off architectural styles with the same glowing enthusiasm as one might discuss their favorite “Game of Thrones” episodes.

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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For a lot of my trans community, for younger trans folks especially, this is a place where you can go and be not necessarily invisible but also not hypervisible.

-CLARE GERVASI

Clare Gervasi

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David Domine, author of no less than six books on Old Louisville, suggests this multitude of styles “adds to the exuberance of the neighborhood. I think, as well, many LGBT people have a more finely honed aesthetic when it comes to beauty and a deeper appreciation for art and design than the average heterosexual. There is a lot of beauty and charm here, and there are parts of it that look like movie sets.”

I could not agree more. From its massive trees to its cobblestone alleyways, the neighborhood seems to become its own life force and transports you to another time as any good film would. Strip away the modern cars and occasional “Lost Chihuahua” flier, and there is not much left to clue you in to what year it is.

That is part of the attraction too I think.

Each of us wants to feel some scrap or shard of magic. And when your environment, your home, is seemingly frozen in time, it makes it that much simpler to get to that place.

“We all want to live elegantly,” explains

Strange. We are back in his parlor at his home on Third Street. He delivers the sentence with the eloquence and poise of an actor in a play – unsurprising, as he can often be found on stage with Pandora Productions.

Strange has seen plenty of changes since his move here. Most recently, there has been an influx of families. One such family is that of Clare Gervasi.

Gervasi moved to Old Louisville four years ago, purchasing a multi-family unit near the YPAS campus. They point to several reasons for the move including proximity to UofL and the Speed.

“When the Speed Art Museum closed down for renovations right after we moved here, I was heartbroken. But it’s back now and it’s incredible.”

Gervasi is genderqueer, a parent and a researcher for TSTAR, or Trans and Sexuality Teaching, Advocacy and Research.

According to the organization’s Facebook page, TSTAR works to educate organizations

and institutions about gender and sexual diversity through tailored professional development trainings, advocates for gender and sexual minorities, and conducts research to promote a richer and more inclusive understanding of gender and sexuality in academia and among mental health professionals.

“For a lot of my trans community, for younger trans folks especially, this is a place where you can go and be not necessarily invisible but also not hypervisible. Here, nobody cares and you can just be yourself. The milieu is very queer-friendly because there have been decades of gay and lesbian homeowners and there’s enough of a cross-section of people that you can be queer and not have it really be noticeable, positively or negatively. You don’t have to feel scared.”

They point to a number of businesses that match the sentiment of this philosophy.

“Of course, Teddy Bear’s has been there forever, especially for gay men,” Gervasi says.

And then there is an assortment of other

places where they and I both emphatically agree we feel welcome from our different but parallel places in the queer community.

From the “everybody” vibe of the Mag Bar with what Gervasi describes as “the best jukebox in the city” to The Tavern and, once upon a time, The Rudyard Kipling.

Even the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park feels like it adds to the overall acceptance that we sometimes fail to feel in other areas of our lives. Still, there is a flip side to that.

“We’re not special anymore. But we are,” Strange winks.

And I know exactly what he means. We never wanted to be special or different, but we are just the same. So to have a place to call home, a place that we have collectively shaped into somewhere anyone can feel vulnerable and safe simultaneously, a place of history and community and life, is remarkably unremarkable.

I have lived in and out of Old Louisville over the last 15 years, but every time I leave, I

always come back. I zigzag through its alleyways nearly every day on my way to or from my perfect, cozy porch where I sip bourbon and listen to the cicadas sing or watch icicles grow while the magnolias groan. I wave to my neighbors and bring in the cats at night.

Just a few months ago, a young gay man moved into the apartment next door. The previous tenant lasted all of a month as all of us in the building quickly surmised he was a bad element and took to making regular calls to both the landlord and police until he was gone.

This new young man knocked on my door his second day in the building and to my surprise offered up some homemade peanut butter cookies and a Georgia accent.

“I brought you some cookies, but I was also wondering if you might have a pencil I could borrow.”

I disappeared and returned a few moments later with a pencil. As I closed the door, thanking him for the cookies, I said, “By the way, do you have any milk?”

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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ANTONIO PANTOJA

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September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

a hillbilly revival

Written by Remy Sisk Photography by Crystal Ludwick

W

hen Karter Louis closed the doors of his beloved Appalachian tea cafe on First Street in May 2015, the Louisville food scene mourned the loss of Hillbilly Tea for months. However, much to the delight of locals and out-of-towners alike, Louis reopened Hillbilly Tea earlier this summer in an even grander location on Main Street, just right around the corner from the original location.

Though, as its name suggests, Hillbilly Tea boasts a vast variety of internationally collected loose leaf teas, the food served up is just as exquisite.

To celebrate the restaurant’s revival, Louis has shared some of his favorite recipes with Modern Louisville just in time for fall entertaining. From the simple yet unforgettable heirloom tomato salad to the signature and delightfully unique smoked catfish, these recipes are sure to give your fall menu a sophisticatedly hillbilly flair.

Smoked Catfish 2-3 pounds fresh catfish fillets 1/4 cup canola oil 2 tablespoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon white pepper garnish of sweet grass tea Toss the fish and oil in a large mixing bowl. Lay fillets out on a sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Dust the center with pulverized Sweet Grass Tea or your favorite green tea. Smoke over wood chips at 275° for 20 minutes.

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

ANTONIO PANTOJA

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Heirloom Tomato Salad

Sorghum Cider Dressing

1/8 cup red quinoa 1 1/2 cups water 2-3 pounds heirloom tomatoes 1 small cucumber 6-10 raw green beans fresh mixed lettuce 1/2 cup crumbled herbed goat cheese 6 basil tips sorghum cider dressing

1 cup canola oil 2 cups apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup sorghum syrup 1/2 cup honey 1 teaspoon dijon mustard 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons finely ground black pepper 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1 cup cooked sorghum grain (optional)

In a medium saucepan, add quinoa to water. Bring to a boil then turn off heat and cover. Let stand for 15 minutes. In the meantime, cut tomatoes into large chunks, seed and dice the cucumber, and slice the green beans very thin. In a shallow serving plate or bowl, make a bed of greens and layer tomatoes, cucumbers, goat cheese and sliced green beans. Sprinkle with cooked quinoa and basil tips. Ladle sorghum cider dressing over salad.

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September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to simmer over medium heat. Whisk rapidly over high for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool and serve warm, or refrigerate to serve chilled.

Smoked Cornish Hen 1/4 cup salt 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup hot water 1/4 cup twig tea 1 tablespoon black pepper 6 rosemary stems

4 cups cold water 3 cornish hens, halved brush of vegetable oil hot sauce or barbecue sauce, optional if you don’t have a smoker, also use 1/2 cup ground Smoked Tea

In a large container, combine salt, sugar, hot water, Twig Tea, pepper and rosemary and let steep for 10 minutes. Add the cold water and split Cornish hens. Leave in the refrigerator overnight or up to two days.

If you are cooking with a smoker: Smoke at 225° for 45 minutes. Let hen rest for at least 30 minutes.

If you are cooking without a smoker: Preheat oven to 350°. Place the hens on a sheet pan and rub them with a little vegetable oil and the Smoked Tea. Roast for 20 minutes until the meat is cooked through. Do not overcook.

For an extra kick – and if you have access to one – place hen in deep fryer for 5 minutes to crisp the skin when ready to serve. Remove and toss in your favorite hot sauce or barbecue sauce.

all teas available at hillbilly tea 106 w. main st. • 502.812.1819 • hillbillytea.com

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

A Sweet Legacy Written by Ben Gierhart // Photography by Antonio Pantoja

While looking through Louisville’s elite, one would be hard-pressed to find an individual who has done more for HIV/AIDS awareness, research and treatment in this city than Craig Scherman.

He is currently retired, but Scherman brings a lifetime of experience serving on the respective boards of Rotary Club of Louisville, Kosair Charities and countless other organizations. He even won an award for lifetime achievement from Rotary in the 2015-2016 year. Furthermore, whether it be public radio, assisting groups that care for people with disabilities, or patronizing local arts institutions, Scherman is thoroughly involved in the betterment of Louisville and its citizens. However, all these activities belie his two most significant contributions to Louisville’s LGBTQ community: his involvement with the Louisville AIDS Walk and the creation of Chocolate Fest.

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

ANTONIO PANTOJA

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“Back then, I was a little afraid of my own shadow. Years ago, you really couldn’t come out and say who you represented. Now we can. We can be proud of who we are. We can get married. It’s a new day. Back then, I was in a highly sensitive job. I think if I was out, I would have possibly lost my job, lost supporters and lost the opportunity to make any kind of difference.”

“I got involved with Chocolate Fest because I had a friend die in 1983 to an unknown disease at the time,” relates Scherman. “So I said, ‘Why not do it in honor of him?’” With all the strides made in HIV/ AIDS research today, it can be difficult to remember how devastating the disease was when it first appeared. In 1983, death counts were astronomically high and answers were conversely scarce. Indeed, Scherman did not see his afflicted friend every day, and in the period when little was known about the disease, he had no awareness or point of reference for what the disease was doing to him. Scherman recalls being stunned, angry and called to action when he finally saw him for himself.

“People don’t realize that this disease is much worse than they think it is, but everyone somehow thinks it’s contained,” asserts Scherman. From a statistical point of view, according to an official study conducted by The Foundation for AIDS Research in 2015, 78 million people have contracted HIV and 35 million have died of AIDS-related causes since the beginning of the pandemic. “[HIV] started in Africa, and Dr. Allen, who is a leader in the health field, was giving a talk to Rotary,” Scherman recounts. “He alluded to the idea that it was a ‘gay’ disease.”

At this point in time, standing up for LGBTQ people was nowhere near as supported as it is today, and Scherman admits that he was a little hesitant to say anything at the time. Nonetheless, he recalls confronting the speaker at the conclusion of his talk: “I

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September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

asked, ‘Is all of Africa gay?’ He said, ‘What are you talking about?’ I said, ‘You alluded to this being a gay disease. So I ask, “Is all of Africa gay?”’ He said, ‘I’ll never make that mistake again.’”

It may be difficult to imagine now, but Scherman claims, “Back then, I was a little afraid of my own shadow. Years ago, you really couldn’t come out and say who you represented. Now we can. We can be proud of who we are. We can get married. It’s a new day. Back then, I was in a highly sensitive job. I think if I was out, I would have possibly lost my job, lost supporters and lost the opportunity to make any kind of difference.” So for the first few years, Scherman did not participate in the Louisville AIDS Walk, which was founded in 1993. After years of growing frustration, however, he had had enough. “I said, ‘This is ridiculous.

I’ll walk and maybe wear some sunglasses,’” he says before adding with a laugh, “I never wore them.”

With this first step now out of the way, Scherman began to notice that his friends and fellow members of the LGBTQ community were not walking: “‘I know we’re busy, but why aren’t we walking?’ I thought. We should show the world that this is important.” In the ’90s, events like the Louisville AIDS Walk were the primary means of fundraising for research and treatment of HIV, but Scherman could see that people – even LGBTQ people – were growing complacent.

“I understood why. We’re busy,” he admits, “but we need to reevaluate our priorities.

We’ve got to tell everybody that this is not a disease that you want.”

These convictions led to the inception of Scherman’s own active participation in the battle against HIV/AIDS: Chocolate Fest. One of the premier events of its kind, Chocolate Fest is a luxurious gala that features food, drinks, a silent auction and, of course, an array of chocolate samplings.

“There are a lot of nonprofit organizations that are working toward the same goals like House of Ruth and the Volunteers of America,” Scherman recalls of Chocolate Fest’s beginning, “so I didn’t expect much.”

He began by inviting his friends to a party at his home and encouraging them to either donate or volunteer if they could not afford to give funds. Fortunately, Scherman’s social cachet gave the inaugural Chocolate Fest a buzz and garnered a respectable sum in donations that would prove to grow exponentially year after year. “Now, I’ll have – before we even start the party – close to $100,000 – which has grown from about $15,000 just five years ago,” he relates. “People get enthused by what we’re doing. And if you do it with class – like we do – and if it’s for a good cause, you’ll be successful.”

Today, the extravaganza offers two trolleys that pick attendees up as well as valet parking. Over 20 restaurants, ice cream vendors and chocolatiers participate annually, and big-name companies such as Horseshoe Casino Hotel, Kosair Charities and Brown-Forman are among the sponsors.

“There are, of course, chocolate offerings, a silent auction, back rubs and bartenders with enough libations for everyone,” attests Scherman. “I try to make it a fun event.

The mayor comes. The mayor of Lexington comes. John Yarmuth comes. We have a Whitman’s sampling of people from An-

chorage, from Rotary and from every civic organization that I belong to.”

Chocolate Fest XVI took place on August 20, and as of this writing, the donations are still being tabulated. So far, however, it is proving to be another record-breaking year. The event is still held on Scherman’s property and is co-hosted by his partner, Aaron Hutton, with no signs of diminishing returns. “I’m fortunate that people like me,” says Scherman with a smile. “I’m always hustling. HIV is not going to go away until we have a cure, but together, I know that we can beat this thing.”

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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the right to Writte n by Ta ra B a ss ett Photography by Antonio Pantoja

In an October 2015 article on dailytarheel.com, Lindsey Brunson and Nick Niedzwiadek wrote, “While same sex couples have gained the right to marry as part of June’s landmark Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, state laws can still leave gay couples open to discrimination.” Holning Lau, a UNC law professor who studies sexuality and gender laws, said, “The Supreme Court’s decision in June affirmed a ‘fundamental right to marry,’ but there has never been any such right to adopt a child.”

“The Supreme Court’s decision in June affirmed a ‘fundamental right to marry,’ but there has never been any such right to adopt a child.”

It is a struggle so many LGBTQ would-be parents are facing every single day and one that hopefully will soon be eased. If marriage was the first step, is adoption the next? What follows are three stories, three different stories of gay men who have taken on the process of adoption and discovered truths about our government and society on their road to parenthood.

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The Roach-Manford Family

Husbands Jeffrey Roach, 51, and Ken Manford, 54, met when they were youngsters, just beginning to explore life in the ’80s. Ten years into the relationship, their son Jackson came along. He’ll be 15 this fall.

While living in Dallas, they discovered the foster-to-adopt method was not working for them. A Kentucky native, Jeffery explains, “It was all about marketing ourselves. And they told us it would be four to six months, but there were delays, surprises and unexpected costs.”

Ken, “the calmer, saner and more organized” of the two, dove into the Texas community of successful Guatemalan adoption families and was introduced to a married couple that had started an orphanage in the Central American country. The international adoption process for the couple began in January of 2001, but it took 15 months to get their baby home.

Jackson was born in October 2001. Ken

Jeffrey Roach and Ken Manford with their son Jackson

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and his mom traveled south in January 2002 to get their first look at their son and grandson; both dads returned with Jeffrey’s mom that March. They were allowed to meet the infant – taking him to a suite hotel for prospective families and getting to know him – before heartbreakingly dropping him back off at the orphanage on their way to the airport.

On the third trip, to permanently bring him home, Ken went alone in case of an 11th hour snafu. The government never knew it was a gay couple adopting the child, nor did the judge, who believed it to be a single family adoption. The adoption was completed in short order, after which Ken immediately took his new son to the hotel, called Jeffrey, and said, “I have him.”

Back in Texas, a San Antonio judge validated Jackson’s right to have both of his fathers’ last names, asserting her right to interpret a gray area of the law. A Dallas judge didn’t feel the same way about having Jackson’s name legally changed to add Jeffrey’s last name.

When Ken explained to the judge that he had a partner, the judge “picked up the papers

and said, ‘Not in my court.’” Fortunately, they accomplished their goal without her.

One last stumbling block: In Fulton County, Georgia, where the family resides now, both gay parents’ names can be on the birth certificate. However, Jackson’s certificate was issued in Texas. Now, Jeffrey and Ken have to wait for the Lone Star State to validate them both as parents on paper.

Fifteen years ago, the men paid $25,000 for the process that made them a family. And though their lives have certainly changed, it’s clear they wouldn’t have it any other way. Instead of at an art gallery opening or a brunch with friends, they were at Jackson’s high school orientation when I called them to set up the interview. Their lives have shifted to revolving around their son’s activities, and their friends are composed typically of the parents of Jackson’s friends.

Jackson calls his fathers “Poppa Ken” and “Daddy Jeffrey,” hence the name of Jeffrey’s book on their journey to be a family: “Pop Daddy.” Their story is available at Barnes & Noble and on Amazon.

Donaldhardest Taylor and hispart son Paul “The is dealing with the unknown, knowing you’re doing everything you can to put yourself out there and let go of control, be grateful for blessings – but it’s a waiting game.”

The Taylor Family

Donald and Paul Taylor live on an urban farm in the South End of Louisville with apple and peach trees, raspberries and more.

I begin my conversation with dad Donald with a discussion about chickens. TB: “Do I hear chickens?” DT: “Yes, but if they don’t start laying eggs, they’re soon to be chicken and dumplings.” TB: “That’s terrible!” DT: “Well, at least they enjoyed a good life while they had it!”

That sense of humor has helped Donald Taylor, owner of Stillpoint Wellness and Louisville School of Massage, survive the rigors of a closed local adoption. The outcome has been more than worth the journey: Paul Taylor is Donald’s forever son.

When I asked him what life is like with a teenage son, Donald mused, “Well, there’s chaos that I get to experience fully, and then there’s joy that I also experience fully.”

Donald and Paul were together for two and a half years before the adoption was final. The boy was permanently placed with Donald out of St. Joseph Children’s Home (St. Joe’s) in January 2013 at age 11, and he was told by his new dad, “This is where the road of foster care ends for you.”

Prior to that, Paul spent half his life in foster care, facing many challenges as he moved through what Donald called “a broken system.” In most foster adoptions, the legal goal is “Return to Parent.” With Donald and Paul, the goal quickly changed to adoption, with court proceedings to “Terminate Parental Rights,” in August 2014. A guardian ad litem was appointed to ensure that Paul’s rights were honored, and the process was lengthy. Paul had never gotten to that point before.

His adoption was finalized in April 2015, and Paul chose to take Donald’s last name at the same time. As Donald tells the story, they sat before the judge for seven minutes

and spent 20 minutes taking pictures. The whole process cost the pair not one cent, and Paul’s state healthcare is still provided.

Asked what would be necessary to fix the overburdened system, Donald replied, “Double the staff. They’re all stretched to the limit. And we need elected officials who will make these children our priority – or they’ll become part of our jail system next.”

I spoke with Paul at a later date and asked how his life is different now. “I don’t get yelled at or hit. My dad doesn’t put up with crap, like me yelling at him or cussing.

He didn’t give up on me like the others did before. Now I like to draw, go to Kentucky Kingdom, watch movies ... we went to Disney last year and Universal this year.”

The future CIA agent says he feels happy for the first time. “I have a real home now. I didn’t believe in the past that I would have one. And my dad’s a really good guy.” It’s apparent his dad feels the same way about his child.

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The Newton-Schaftlein Soon-To-Be Family

Andrew Newton, 27, works for Louisville Showing Up for Racial Justice – a local branch of a national organazation that mobilizes white people for racial justice movements. Husband Scott Schaftlein, 39, helps clients build their business through technology. They’ve been together seven years, and their current babies are their dogs, Decepticon (“Cepty”) and Megatron (“Meg”). Now, they’re looking for a two-legged addition to their clan.

They always wanted to be dads. In the state’s foster-to-adopt, they experienced more than a year of not being matched, and frustration compelled them to expand to a national domestic adoption. Andrew shares, “The hardest part is dealing with the unknown, knowing you’re doing everything you can to put yourself out there and letting go of control and being grateful for blessings – but it’s a waiting game.”

They found an agency to advocate for them and entered a Yahoo group that sends emails when possible matches come up, explaining the circumstances of the parents, probable cost of adoption and more. Andrew and Scott feel optimistic they will be matched within the next year, costing anywhere between $15,000 and $60,000.

“The majority of fees comes from attorneys,” explains Scott. “This is what happens when you combine adoption with capitalism.

Some babies are more expensive than others; white males cost the most.” The adoption specialist will only present their profile to birth mothers who match their preferences, including gender, color, the medical background of the birth mother, the budget they have available to spend and the level of openness they are willing to share in their adoption with the birth mother.

The men don’t care about gender or color, although they would like “the full experience of watching our child grow from day one through his or her life.” And it could be five months to plan or five days’ notice to pick up that child.

It takes a long time to get certified for foster-to-adopt with several processes along the way such as classes, home certification and background checks in every city – the last

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Andrew Newton and Scott Schaftlein of which requiring renewal after one year in each and every city. Scott describes an actual “seven-inch stack of paperwork. The most frustrating thing is that so many cities and state governments have no money to digitize, so it’s all snail mail and things getting lost in the mail. It’s been challenging, but we feel like the wind is at our backs.”

Do suburbia and minivans paint the future family portrait? “We’re not sure we’ll go that far,” Scott laughs. Andrew chimes in, “We live downtown now, so we plan to have a more urban child upbringing. And you don’t know anything until the first night taking care of a child that’s completely dependent on you. You just figure it out as you go.”

In a report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Benjamin Siegel with co-author Ellen Perrin wrote, “Many studies have demonstrated that children’s well-being is affected much more by their relationships with their parents, their parents’ sense of competence and security, and the presence of social and economic support for the family than by the gender or the sexual orientation of their parents.” It’s hardly shocking news and without question, hope – and possibly a guarantee – that things are soon to change.

The Importance of Understanding A Q&A WITH DR. KAILA STORY Interview by Kellie Doligale // Photography by Antonio Pantoja

K

aila Story, Ph.D., is an associate professor of women’s and gender studies with a joint appointment in the Department of Pan-African Studies at the University of Louisville, where she also serves as the Audre Lorde Chair in Race, Class, Gender and Sexuality Studies. With co-host Jaison Gardner, she conducts a weekly podcast called “Strange Fruit,” which airs on Saturday nights on 89.3 WFPL, to discuss thoughts and current events surrounding politics, pop culture and black gay life. She has published numerous research papers on the intersections of race, sexuality and pop culture portrayal and contributed her expertise to national media outlets.

For all her accomplishments, Dr. Story is well aware that she’s considered a rarity – an intellectual diamond pressed from the weight of the stereotypes and expectations so commonly associated with her race, gender and sexual orientation. With her endearingly authoritative tone, she granted Modern Louisville an interview to discuss why she became an educator, what makes her gears turn and what she’s discovered through her extensive research.

How do you explain queer theory to someone who is unfamiliar, and what piqued your own personal interest?

Queer theory is essentially a critical theory that is post-structuralist in nature that came to be housed within academia around the early 1990s as queer activist groups like ACT UP and the like began to approach gay and lesbian liberation and politics through a more radical lens. Queer theory includes analyses of texts, ideologies, embodiment and activism through gendered and racialized lens and is therefore interdisciplinary in nature. Gay and lesbian liberation sought to be accepted through the teaching and praxis of “tolerance” and “sameness” whereas queer

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activism and liberation didn’t seek to be accepted from mainstream society, and rather sought to convey a message that the LGBTQ community deserved justice and fairness because of its humanity, not because of its “sameness” or proximity to straight people and mainstream society.

My interest in queer theory began at the same time that my interest in black feminist theory began. Being a black lesbian cisgender woman, I had been subjected to discrimination all of my life based upon my race, gender and sexuality. I wanted to be able to figure out the root of this discrimination and how I could change it.

When I was completing my bachelor’s degree in women’s and gender studies at DePaul

University, I was introduced to black feminist theory and queer theory and praxis through the teaching and activism of my mentor, Dr. Ann Russo. Through Ann’s mentorship and my study of both theories, I understood that one, knowledge was formal (academic), and two, knowledge was experiential (lived). I wanted to make sure that, when I reached my scholarly goal of becoming a professor, my teachings, writings, activism and life reflected the overwhelming truth that knowledge can truly affect social change.

What do you feel is the significance of gender and queer studies?

Why should they be taught in an academic setting?

I think that non-traditional disciplines like women’s and gender studies, pan-African studies and queer studies are extremely important to students and faculty and staff within academia. The academy is a microcosm of the society we live in. Therefore, traditional disciplines like history, English, political science, anthropology and the like oftentimes unfortunately reflect the same socio-political ills, such as racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia, that we see in society. Disciplines like women’s and gender studies, pan-African studies and queer studies not only serve to correct other traditional disciplines’ inaccuracies when it comes to teaching and research that only seeks to exalt and valorize certain scholars, but they also gives students and fac-

ulty and staff a much more accurate and holistic picture of the people, both past and present, who have contributed to and attempted to change the social ills of society.

What has been the most meaningful course to teach for you personally?

This is a very hard question. I have created so many courses over the years, and all of them are personally meaningful and significant to me. At Temple University while still in graduate school, I created the course Introduction to Black Women’s Studies. While at UofL, I have created five courses: Black Feminisms in Action; Black Lesbian Lives; Queer Perspectives in Literature and Film; Introduction to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and

Queer Studies; and Queer Performance. All of these courses have and hold personal meaning for me because they all directly deal with my personal identity as a black femme lesbian woman. So every semester I get to teach them, they serve a two-fold purpose: My students get to learn about others and themselves, and I get to learn more about others and myself.

Can you give an example of how your own life has directed your study?

Once I came out at 16 in Michigan and have been out ever since, I faced discrimination and stereotypes that had to do with my race, gender and sexuality. For me, when I became interested in black feminist theory and other

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queer theory in college, it really propelled me to investigate not only where the discrimination stemmed from but what I can do about it in terms of becoming an educator. How can I somehow work to actively change people’s thoughts when it comes to people different from themselves? That’s how I get into my research, and I think most professors and scholars, you could argue, have a personal relationship to the material. My research agenda, like a lot of black feminists, has to do with the feminist adage of “personal” being “political.”

My personal experiences with discrimination, sexism, racism and homophobia had kind of propelled me to create courses that have more insight into where these things come from and how we can change them.

I have always loved television – particularly shows that explored socio-political characters like Lafayette. I think that the ways in which marginalized characters are written about and presented through the medium of mainstream television provides great insight into how real living people think about concepts of race, gender, sexuality and gender identity.

Our society is so segregated, and most of the time, Americans grow up in households and communities with people who look the same as them, are the same racially and in terms of socio-economics – their window into other cultures does not happen at the personal level so much as it does at the visual level.

Oftentimes, it seems that when a person first sees black life or black culture, it’s been de-

Black feminists like myself continue to make their presences felt and known through their activism and academic work in order to illuminate the fact that our collective oppression has functioned primarily through the racialization of our gendered and sexual identities and our relationship to the state.

What prompted you to connect race with gender studies, and what are some of your most noteworthy discoveries about the intersection?

I am not the first scholar who has done this. Black feminist theorists since the 1800s have been connecting race and gender through their academic and activist work, so there is a long and rich history of this intersection both within and outside of academia.

Black feminists like myself continue to make their presences felt and known through their activism and academic work in order to illuminate the fact that our collective oppression has functioned primarily through the racialization of our gendered and sexual identities and our relationship to the state.

You’ve explored characters in pop culture and their relevance to your field of study, including Lafayette from “True Blood.” What prompted this endeavor and what have you discovered?

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posited to them through a television show or through reality TV. I’ve found that a lot of students will be 25 or 26 years old and say, “You’re the first black teacher I’ve ever had,” or “You’re the first lesbian I’ve met.” It seems to me as if there’s not a lot of exposure to difference in our society because it’s so segregated.

Researching pop media and the stereotypes displayed therein becomes that much more important because it gives me a chance to write and teach about how the images of black characters or gay characters are often steeped in stereotype and ignorance, and also to give more of a clear understanding and perspective of who these people really are. The reason why I really love Lafayette as a character is because I felt that he was pretty authentic in terms of a black, gay, Southern male experience and how he navigated that. The actor who played him, Nelsan Ellis, is actually straight.

However, the way in which he embodied that type of marginalized identity, and did it in such a way that it wasn’t reflective of stereotypes

about black gay men, is the first time I’ve ever seen a popularized television actor bring that type of humanity to a role.

I also wrote about Shug Avery, the character from Steven Spielberg’s “The Color Purple,” which is based on the novel by Alice Walker. I think that fictional character really ran counter to messages about black womanhood in and around the turn of the century. She’s a really phenomenal, brave character who I think is important for students to know about. We typically see black people in caricatures of who they actually are. That’s why I often find that when people meet me, they’re kind of surprised by how formally educated I am. They’ve grown up thinking that African-Americans are either intellectually inferior or they haven’t met any with doctorates. My father also has a doctorate, so it’s perplexing to me that people are so shocked.

What are your personal opinions on the portrayal of queer fictional characters and/or reality icons?

While I loved shows like “Queer as Folk” and “The L Word,” and while I watch shows like “Empire,” “The Fosters” and “Orange Is the New Black,” I still feel they all have problems with presenting black and gay identity in an authentic way. For example, “Queer as Folk” and “The L Word” all had characters that were overwhelmingly white and overwhelmingly wealthy, and when black and gay characters were presented on these shows, they always had to be presented as having no ties whatsoever to a black queer community.

While shows like “The Fosters,” “Orange Is the New Black” and “Empire” have gotten better at representing more authentic portrayals of black and gay characters they still – especially when it comes to lesbian characters – have to posit black gay desire as solely aimed at white gay bodies/people/communities. I don’t think I can actually recall a show that seeks to present two black lesbian women in a loving and healthy relationship.

Since the Supreme Court’s ruling on Obergefell v. Hodges last year, a clear discrepancy has emerged between legal progress and social progress. What do you believe has to change for the queer community to achieve actual equality?

Just because laws have been changed doesn’t mean that individuals thinking in society has. This has happened in terms of

civil rights legislation as well as feminist legislation. Just because marginalized communities “make progress” legislatively doesn’t mean that these same groups have been making progress in terms of individual thinking and behavior. In order to truly make social progress, we need laws and ideology to work in tandem to change the ways in which individuals think about people who are different from themselves. This is where education comes into play for me. We have to change the thought before it becomes a practice.

What have you found to be misconceptions about queer identity?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about queer identity that I see outsiders propagating is the conception that queer identity is a chosen identity and therefore, hoping and expecting queer people to “choose” otherwise. I see my identity as a lesbian the same way I see my identity as a woman and as an African-American: natural. Innate. Not a “choice.”

Why would an individual choose to be discriminated against, choose to live in fear, choose to not be treated justly? I see gay and queer identity the same way I see anything else. If I did somehow have a choice, I wouldn’t choose not to be black or to be a woman or to be a lesbian. I think that society as a whole is just behind in terms of that understanding. If we go far into the past before civil rights legislation, before women got the right to vote, so on and so forth, we see the people who were opposed to those measures as sitting on the wrong side of history. The further we go when it comes to accepting the LGBTQ community, the folks who are homophobic, transphobic or trans-antagonistic – they will also be seen on the wrong side of history. They think they’re right in 2016, and 50 years from now, they’ll realize they’re dead wrong.

Do you think it’s possible that issues surrounding homophobia, transphobia, racism and sexism could essentially “age out?”

I think so. We’re always going to have people who live in isolation and try their best to avoid change, even for younger generations. I do think that overall, we’ll reach a point where – hopefully – we can think of women as just as capable of making polit

ical, economic and transformational decisions as men and stop thinking of people of color as intellectually inferior or inherently criminal. The same thing goes for the queer community. When it comes to the murder of trans women, it’s ridiculous what’s going on across the country and people using this sort of “trans-panic” defense where they say, “I didn’t know!”

Individuals and organizations like the ACLU are trying to do away with such archaic laws and thoughts. But in some ways, you can see discrimination as getting worse.

I think that with the advent of social media, now we have more access to that perspective. The beauty of it is that everyone gets a platform, and the curse is that everyone gets a platform. People get exposure to everyone’s opinions, good or bad.

How can an individual positively affect the way the next generation views race, gender identity and sexuality?

I think one way to do this is to teach others to think critically and differently about themselves and others. This is how I see the work that I do as an educator and activist – destroying discrimination at its root before it becomes a practice by individuals and/or groups.

How can straight or cisgender individuals best contribute to the goal of eradicating discrimination?

I think a lot of folks misunderstand what ally-ship means. It doesn’t mean coming to a space of people who are marginalized and somehow taking it over. I tell my students that a true anti-racist ally, as an example, doesn’t sit around and talk about how many black friends they have or how much they love black people. They go to their family members and people in their community who despise black people and teach them to think differently. That’s what ally-ship is and that’s where the work lies.

It’s the same for the gay community. It’s frustrating to me that when I go to gay nightclubs, there’s nothing but straight bachelorette parties. This was happening even before the Supreme Court passed gay marriage, so even though these straight folks were about to be married and they “support LGBT people” – hence their being in an LGBT space – they still didn’t recognize that coming into a

gay space to support their straight wedding reeks of privilege.

Everyone gets that gay space is comfortable for straight women so they don’t agitate their male fiancés or they feel safe there because they tire of going to straight clubs that function as meat markets where they’re consistently objectified. I think gay people understand why there’s a want to come into those spaces, but there has to be an acknowledgment that those were created for LGBT people to celebrate themselves and feel safe.

What do you consider your most significant articles or presentations and why?

One of my favorite presentations – and, to me, my most significant – was when I presented my paper, “(Re)Presenting Shug Avery and Afrekete: The Search for a Black, Queer, and Feminist Pleasure Praxis” for the Black Portraiture[s] Conference in Florence, Italy, in 2015. It was one of my first international presentations, and I learned so much throughout my stay in Florence and at the other sessions.

My paper was later published in a special edition of the academic journal Black Scholar.

What are you working on now?

Right now, I’m working on several projects, none of which I want to elaborate on at this moment because they’re still in progress. One that I am particularly excited about is a new book project that explores the representation of black lesbian identity as it is posited within popular media.

Outside of your own research projects, what’s going on of note in the field of gender/queer studies?

There are so many interesting and noteworthy projects that are happening within the disciplines of queer studies, pan-African studies and feminist studies right now it is hard to name them all. Many black, queer and feminist scholars are doing such exciting work; I encourage folks to investigate these very necessary and insightful works on their own.

What are you optimistic about for the queer community in Louisville and on a broader scale?

I think that Louisville is making great strides in terms of its celebration of the queer community here. I think the best is yet to come.

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Written by Remy Sisk // Photography by Antonio Pantoja

I

t’s not unusual for a city to have more than one Pride festival. Other major metros in the U.S. host several – and at all times of the year, not just in June. But when Louisville Pride was announced last year – and subsequently held on September 19, 2015, on Bardstown Road – the community was widely wary, wondering if this festival was in competition with the longstanding Kentuckiana Pride Festival – the 16th of which took place June 17-18, 2016, at the Belvedere.

And then when Jeffersonville Pride launched its inaugural festival on June 25, 2016, at Big Four Station in Jeffersonville, Indiana, the questions only multiplied. But these organizations do not view the others as threatening or competing; rather, they are working together in positivity to harness their synergy and be the absolute best they can be individually and also as a unified force for the LGBTQ community.

“It’s all for the betterment of the community,” affirms Rodney Coffman, director of the Kentuckiana Pride Festival. “We have been working together from the beginning, respecting each organization and what they can and do contribute to the community.” Coffman became the director of KPF two years ago but has been in Louisville since 2001, advocating for the LGBTQ community and playing a major role in the development of one of the region’s most significant Pride events.

When Louisville Pride Director Thomas Carrier and others began brainstorming the concept of Louisville Pride, which grew out of the smaller Highlands Pridefest, one of the preeminent aspects was ensuring KPF supported the movement and its aspirations. “I didn’t know how KPF would react, but it was certainly our hope and belief that everyone would see that what the neighborhood wanted to do would be something good for our community,” Carrier recounts. “And I personally was confident that when we spoke, that would be more important to KPF than anything else. … From the very beginning, it was our intention to work in tandem with Kentuckiana Pride. I believed it was the only way to provide the best opportunity for us to get the message and meaning of Pride to as many people as possible.”

When Carrier approached Coffman, his response was unequivocally positive. Coffman didn’t hear it as news of a competitor but instead as the sign of the evolving landscape of Louisville – a signal that the work he’d done with KPF was perhaps a genesis of sorts for more, different organizations to follow. “My response was, ‘Why not?’” Coffman remembers.

“Several cities have more than one Pride festival. I told him to let me know what Kentuckiana Pride Foundation or myself personally could do to assist. I offered up free booth space for them to promote their festival at our festival and he did the same for us. We wanted to make sure the community saw us as working together, supporting each other and not against each other. We agreed to stand united from the beginning.”

This unity was only furthered when Evan Stoner, director of Jeffersonville Pride, began ruminating on launching a Pride festival across the river. As a young gay man, Stoner noticed how embraced the LGBTQ community was in Louisville and that the city was achieving widespread recognition for its LGBTQ inclusion, such as its score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, and he had hopes to see that replicated in Southern Indiana. “I envision Jeffersonville, one day, living

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“We wanted to make sure the community saw us as working together, supporting each other and not against each other.

We agreed to stand united from the beginning.”

- Rodney Coffman up to the amazing example that Louisville has set,” Stoner asserts. “The bar is very high. Jeffersonville can be just as accepting as Louisville, and I’m honored to be a part of making that dream a reality.”

Coffman, after having proudly shown his and KPF’s support for Louisville Pride, was similarly enthused to learn of Jeffersonville Pride. “I was happy to see another avenue for people of the Kentuckiana community

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to express themselves and to celebrate,” Coffman says. “I quickly became friends with some of the members and expressed not only my personal support but that of the Kentuckiana Pride Foundation. I offered words of advice and answered any questions they had because I know the challenges not only of putting on this event but also of trying to grow it from the ground up. I invited Evan to speak at our festival this year to

educate, promote and invite the people to their event.”

Carrier, along with Louisville Pride, was equally supportive and saw Jeffersonville Pride as a way to almost immediately pay forward the love KPF had shown Louisville Pride. “Though we ourselves were still learning in the midst of our first year, we sent [Evan] our contacts and resources that we had developed to hopefully give the Jeff Pride committee a head start just like Kentuckiana Pride offered to us,” Carrier describes. “What his team accomplished their first year is really inspiring, and I’m so glad to see some tangible progress on the ability of our community to communicate the message of pride, equality and love.”

Stoner, who saw both Coffman and Carrier as role models, is now able to view them as true colleagues. “I believe the three organizations have tremendous respect for each other,” he contends. “While each event has

its own story to tell, we share common hopes and dreams for this community. Kentuckiana Pride invited the Jeffersonville Pride team to walk alongside them in the Pegasus Parade, and Rodney even allowed me to come on stage at KPF to promote Jeffersonville Pride Festival. Both meant a great deal to me, and I think it speaks to just how connected the LGBT+ community is in Southern Indiana and Louisville.”

Indeed, together – as well as separately – these organizations are doing much more than throwing Pride festivals; they are forming a figurative confederation to promulgate change for the future and celebration of the present. In fact, a formal organization with similar hopes, the LGBTQ+ Community Coalition, is currently on the rise to act as a united association of LGBTQ organizations working toward a common goal.

Independently, however, these three Prides are not just about having a good time. These events are about recognizing the ubiquitous love we are so fortunate to enjoy now and anticipating the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. “Louisville Pride is not just a festival where we hope people have fun but a forum for local organizations, artists and families to learn about how we can make Louisville a better place to live for all of us,” Carrier emphasizes.

Stoner has similar thoughts: “Jeffersonville Pride is an organization working in a community that still has a lot of work to do if we want to become one of the most LGBT+-friendly cities in America,” he reasons. “Nothing is impossible, and I’m confident Jeffersonville will be there one day. Jeffersonville Pride 2016 was the first step on that pathway. One day, when Jeffersonville is recognized by the Human Rights Campaign, we can look back on June 25, 2016, as the day the future became brighter in Southern Indiana for everyone.”

For Coffman, the director of the festival that started it all so to speak, the fact that these three Pride organizations are working together is such a testament to the city as a whole.

Louisville doesn’t tolerate three Prides – it embraces them.

The city has repeatedly been acclaimed on an international scale for its LGBTQ inclusion and how it so genuinely is a place of love and authentic community. And that’s something to truly take pride in.

“I personally feel the community is growing, and what I mean by that is that I feel groups within the LGBT community are crossing the lines more to work together for the betterment of the community,” Coffman relates. “When I arrived in Louisville in 2001, I saw no true unity within the different organizations. It seemed as if they were all doing their own thing instead of teaming up to be a bigger presence.

When I took the leadership role of director two years ago, my goal was to try to change that. I know times are different now from 2001, but change is happening. It’s not just from the three Pride groups – it’s also from various LGBT groups that have the same goal, that want to work together to make a better and stronger community for our peers. We are in a time where most people are wanting or are respecting the inclusiveness and diversity within our community. It’s time for growth. Let’s embrace it.”

Kentuckiana Pride Festival

PHOTO BY TIM VALENTINO

Louisville Pride Festival

PHOTO BY LOUISVILLE PRIDE FESTIVAL

Jeffersonville Pride Festival

PHOTO BY TIM VALENTINO

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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A

History

1959 First publicized protest in the United States against police LGBTQ harassment takes place in Los Angeles at Cooper’s Donuts, a popular hangout for drag queens.

OF

PRIDE

1786

1945

Pennsylvania is the first state in the United States to repeal the death penalty for sodomy.

Lucy Hicks from Waddy, Kentucky, lived as a woman for 25 years to the age of 59 before, following a forced physical examination, she was found to be biologically male. Hicks was charged with perjury for lying on marriage licenses. At this time, she had just married her second husband. “I defy any doctor in the world to prove that I am not a woman,” Hicks told reporters in the midst of her perjury trial. “I have lived, dressed, acted just what I am, a woman.” She was later sentenced to prison. She lived the remainder of her life in Los Angeles.

1860 John Haskell becomes the first man known to have been found guilty of sodomy in Louisville.

He is sentenced to five years in prison.

1890 A lively drag scene emerges on the American theatre circuit. Drag queens become a crowd favorite in Louisville.

Among the most popular are Charles Fostelle, Eldon Durand, John St. Leon, Billy Rice, Richard Harlow and Julian Eltinge.

1920s James Herndon, also known as “Sweets,” is widely considered to be the originator of the Lexington drag scene.

Sweets proudly wore women’s clothing in public in the 1940s and ’50s, went to church, baked cakes and gave away shoes to families in need.

1924 The Society for Human Rights, the first documented LGBT organization in the United States, is formed by German immigrant Henry Gerber and African-American clergyman John T. Graves. The society’s newsletter, Friendship and Freedom, was the first gay-interest publication in the United States. This was during an era of the Comstock Act, which, among other topics, deemed all gay-interest publications illegal.

1930s-1940s The Beau Brummel at the Seelbach and the Beaux Arts bar at the Henry Clay Hotel are the first known establishments to allow LGBTQ individuals to meet in relative safety if they remained discreet. These bars are some of the few establishments that are willing to serve homosexuals.

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1962

Illinois becomes the first state to decriminalize same-sex relationships.

April 1966 Activists protest New York City’s regulation to not serve alcohol to known homosexuals.

May 1966 The first gay pride parade takes place in Los Angeles, along with demonstrations in New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington D.C. protesting the exclusion of homosexuals from the United States armed forces.

September 1966 Activists picket the Chicago Tribune for ignoring press material and refusing advertising from LGBTQ organizations.

1950s-1960s

1966-1969

Because homosexuals were seen as “susceptible to blackmail,” the FBI and post office kept a list of addresses where mail considered homosexual was sent. New York City and many other cities also passed laws against homosexuality in public, including the prohibition of serving alcohol to homosexuals and the barring of men dancing together.

Multiple protests in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Chicago erupt in response to common police raids on gay-friendly establishments.

1952 Homosexuality is listed as a mental disorder in the first and second publications of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, further stigmatizing homosexuality in society. It is not removed until 1973.

1953 Louisville’s first prominent LGBTQ bar, The Downtowner, opens on Chestnut Street. After a fire in 1974, the establishment moves to Floyd and Market – the location of the recently closed Connection.

1958 In a landmark ruling in favor of LGBTQ free speech, the Supreme Court rules that gay-interest publications are not automatically illegal under the Comstock Act.

June 22, 1969 LGBTQ establishments across the nation begin holding memorials for Judy Garland, who portrayed Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” In LGBTQ slang in 1969, a “friend of Dorothy” was someone who identified as LGBTQ.

June 28, 1969 At 1:20 a.m., The Stonewall Inn, the only establishment in New York City to allow dancing between two men, is raided by police. As in typical police raids on LGBTQ establishments, officers lined up the patrons and demanded identification. But on this night, some refused to produce identification and instead stood up in protest to the police.

Outside the bar, a crowd was forming and tensions rising. As more and more people began to congregate, a transgender woman known as Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, complaining her handcuffs were too tight, was struck with a baton and thrown into a paddy wagon. She yelled at the crowd, “Why don’t you guys do something?” This sparked the crowd into protest and they began resisting the police.

Along with other tactics used by the protesters, many began singing and dancing in kick lines, infu-

riating police and causing the protests to evolve into violent riots. The night continued to escalate and now stands in history as one of the most significant milestones in the LGBTQ rights movement. The police raid and subsequent riots were the first to be widely covered by mainstream media including the New York Times, New York Post and the Daily News.

June 1970 The first anniversary of the Stonewall riots is marked with “Gay Liberation” marches in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Within two years, gay pride marches had begun in at least 14 other cities.

July 1970 Tracy Knight and Marjorie Jones are the second same-sex couple in the U.S. to apply for a marriage license at the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office in downtown Louisville. This sparks the formation of Louisville’s Gay Liberation Front, Kentucky’s first gay rights group.

September 1970 The University of Louisville allows volunteers to teach a “Gay Liberation Class” as the school’s popular free alternative evening offerings. Despite vigorous objections by some members of the Kentucky State Legislature, UofL President Woodrow Strickler allows them to continue.

1971 The Gay Lib House, Louisville’s first LGBTQ community center and residence, opens on Bonnycastle Avenue in the Highlands. It is raided five months later by police and shuts down shortly thereafter.

1973 Barbara Gittings successfully leads the fight to remove homosexuality as a mental disorder from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.

1989-1990

2004

The Louisville Board of Aldermen passes an ordinance banning discrimination against persons with AIDS. The following year, it passes a hate crimes ordinance prohibiting crimes based on sexual orientation and other categories.

Kentucky passes a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

June 1991 The Fairness Campaign is created after two gay-supportive aldermen are defeated in their primary elections. The Fairness Campaign continues to fight for LGBTQ rights across Kentucky.

August 1991 The Louisville Youth Group forms. A community resource dedicated to providing LGBTQIA youth ages 14 through 20 with a safe and supportive environment, LYG encourages its youth to be happy, healthy and responsible members and leaders in our community.

“Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” is officially repealed, allowing gay and lesbian individuals to openly serve in the military. The official policy still bans transgender individuals from serving.

2012 “Strange Fruit,” a weekly talk show focusing on race, gender and LGTBQ issues, airs for the first time in Louisville.

Kentucky Supreme Court decriminalizes consensual same-sex relationships in the Commonwealth of Kentucky v. Wasson case.

The first Bluegrass Black Pride Festival takes place in Lexington, Kentucky.

1993 Louisville native Terri L. Jewell, an African-American lesbian, feminist, poet and writer, is the editor of “Black Woman’s Gumbo Ya-Ya: Quotations by Black Women” and authors “Our Names Are Many.” Her work appears in hundreds of publications. She later commits suicide in 1995.

1994 “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” a compromise measure by the Clinton administration to allow all citizens to serve in the military regardless of sexual orientation, is instituted. Though it allows LGBTQ individuals to serve, it prohibits them from revealing their LGBTQ identity.

Louisville LGBTQ activists mount their first public protest when anti-gay singer/activist Anita Bryant appears at a meeting of the Kentucky Farm Bureau during the state fair.

Louisville is one of the first cities in the U.S. to pass non-discrimination ordinances banning employment and housing discrimination against LGBTQ individuals.

1982

2001

Since records started in 1982, over 4,500 cases of HIV have been diagnosed in the Louisville Metro Area. Fifty-four percent of these cases are among the LGBTQ population.

The first Kentuckiana Pride Festival takes place in Louisville, Kentucky.

2011

2013

1999

Despite threats of violence, Louisville LGBTQ organizes the first March for Justice. Designed to convince local lawmakers to pass a gay rights ordinance, the event served as a precursor to today’s Kentuckiana Pride Festival and parade.

Brian Buford opens the University of Louisville’s staffed LGBT Center, the first of its kind in Kentucky.

1992

1978

1987

2007

2003 The U.S. Supreme Court overturns laws criminalizing same-sex relationships in the Lawrence v. Texas case. The landmark decision legalizes same-sex relationships in 14 states but does not grant any rights associated with marriage.

2014 Djuan Trent, 2010 Miss Kentucky, becomes the first national pageant winner to come out as queer. She was a top 10 finalist for Miss America and was voted Contestant’s Choice.

June 26, 2015 The U.S. Supreme Court rules marriage is a fundamental right for all citizens. The ruling grants same-sex couples the right to marry in all 50 states.

September 3, 2015 Modern Louisville, a new LGBTQ-focused magazine launches. The publication intends to highlight significant cultural elements of Louisville while shining a light on and giving a strong voice to the city’s LGBTQ community..

September 19, 2015 The inaugural Louisville Pride Festival takes place.

The festival focuses on sharing the history of the LGBTQ movement, celebrating diversity and bringing the community together as one.

2016 The inaugural Jeffersonville Pride Festival, the first of its kind in Southern Indiana, is held, unifying LGBTQ individuals of Southern Indiana and Louisville and showcasing the acceptance and love present across the river.

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

ANTONIO PANTOJA

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A LOOK BACK AT THE 2015 LOUISVILLE PRIDE FESTIVAL

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September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOUISVILLE PRIDE FESTIVAL

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MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

ANTONIO PANTOJA

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with CHRIS HARTMAN

E

very year at the Kentucky State Fair, Kentucky Farm Bureau serves a side of hate with the sweet sorghum, country ham and red-eye gravy that are signatures of their Country Ham Breakfast.

For some of us, last year’s breakfast came with a course of handcuffs for joining dozens of others standing in silent protest at our assigned seats. The Kentucky Farm Bureau really doesn’t want their customers to know they’re so big on discrimination.

As one of the state’s largest lobbying groups, the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation officially promotes policies that are anti-LGBT, anti-teacher, anti-union, anti-choice and pro-death penalty, among many others.

Kentucky Farm Bureau insurance customers are largely unaware they’re buying into discrimination, as they are automatically charged a fee enrolling them as members of the company’s 501(c)(4) lobbying arm, which spends more than $100,000 a year lobbying these issues. While elected officials are mailed copies of the company’s policy booklet, which details their discriminatory stances, it is not sent to paying customers.

For many years, the Fairness Campaign, American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky (ACLU-KY), Jefferson County Teachers Association (JCTA) and Louisville Showing Up for Racial Justice (LSURJ) have taken action against these discriminatory policies.

This year, Louisville Congressman John Yarmuth, State Representative-elect Attica Scott, congressional candidate Nancy Jo Kemper and scores of others joined our action to raise awareness of the Kentucky Farm Bureau’s discriminatory stances.

In his company’s new social media campaign, Kentucky Farm Bureau President Mark Haney proudly proclaims, “KFB loves Kentucky.” In reality, Kentucky Farm Bureau does love Kentucky...UNLESS you’re LGBT, a union worker, a teacher, a believer in a woman’s right to choose and more.

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You don’t have to take my word for it.

We’ve made certain everyone can download the discriminatory policy booklet the Kentucky Farm Bureau doesn’t want you to see at tinyurl.com/kyfarmbureau.

As for our arrests last year, prosecutors subsequently dropped all charges against activists. Now, we are suing the Kentucky State Police in federal court for false arrest, First Amendment free speech violation,

First Amendment retaliation and malicious prosecution. No one was arrested this year, but the same troopers named in our lawsuit were eagerly awaiting our arrival, ready to bark down volunteers who held signs that were – according to state police – a few inches too large.

Don’t worry, troopers, next year, we’ll be sure to be inclusive of all sign sizes. Bring your rulers.

Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation 2016 Policy Book #BigOnDiscrimination Full booklet and policy page numbers available at tinyurl.com/kyfarmbureau The institution of marriage should only be recognized as the legal union of a man and a woman. ts • We are opposed to any state-supported agency providing benefi to “domestic” partners.

• We strongly believe in the value of all individuals both born and unborn.

• We strongly oppose teacher strikes. We oppose legislation that mandates collective bargaining for public school employees.

• Alternative lifestyles should not be taught in public schools.

• We support the enactment of right-to-work legislation.

•

We oppose an increase in the minimum hourly wage.

• We recommend the federal prevailing wage law be repealed when dealing with government contracts.

• We strongly oppose any mandate that would require any government entities to recognize and collectively bargain with employee unions. to • Furthermore, we oppose public employees being permitted strike, organize work stoppage or slow-downs.

•

• •

We oppose unionization of farmers and farm laborers.

We support capital punishment.

Estate Planning and Administration • Wills and Trusts • Probate • Tax Planning

We have supported and served the LGBT Community for over 25 years.

Our mission is to provide our clients peace of mind and joy through relationships and achievement of their estate planning objectives. We serve primarily as counselors and advisors-helping our clients make the best possible decisions for themselves and their families - rather than technicians and drafters. We understand the unique needs of our clients and their desire to protect themselves and their families.

Gersh Law Offices, P.S.C. 1300 Clear Springs Trace, #3, Louisville, KY 40223 502.423.7023 | www.gershlaw.com | facebook.com/GershLaw THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT

THE

HOT SARDINES

An Indiana Bicentennial Celebration Event danceKALEIDOSCOPESM presents COLE! A lively contemporary dance piece set to the most popular songs by Indiana’s own Cole Porter

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 | 7:30 P.M.

$29 in advance | $33 at the door | $10 students TICKETS: (812) 941-2525 oglecenter.com

Paul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center | Indiana University Southeast 4201 Grant Line Road | New Albany, Indiana 47150

Southern Indiana’s center for the performing and visual arts on the IU Southeast campus in New Albany

“Simply phenomenal, crisp musicianship going hand in hand with immaculate and witty showmanship.”

—The Times (London)

Decades-old music comes alive through brassy horn arrangements, rollicking piano melodies, and vocals from a chanteuse who transports listeners to a different era with the mere lilt of her voice. The Hot Sardines effortlessly channel New York speakeasies, Parisian cabarets, and New Orleans jazz halls.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21 | 7:30 P.M.

$29 in advance | $33 at the door | $10 students TICKETS: (812) 941-2525 oglecenter.com

15 community calendar

SEPTEMBER

September/October

14

SEPTEMBER

15

SEPTEMBER

If the sun don’t shine on me today and if the subways flood and bridges break, will you lay yourself down and dig your grave or will you rail against your dying day?

MORE INFO tinyurl.com/fairness25for25 THE LUMINEERS, “SLEEP ON THE FLOOR”

Modern Louisville One-Year Anniversary Celebration Join us on September 15 as we celebrate one year of being Louisville’s premier LGBTQ magazine. The festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. at The Hub on Frankfort Avenue, and Gentleman Jack will be on hand with specialty cocktails to complement snacks by The Hub. Guests will also enjoy prizes and giveaways as they get the first look of Modern’s September/October issue along with special emcee Chris Hartman.

MORE INFO 502.897.8900

84

After 17 years with MGM, still-glamorous movie legend Marian Ames has endured four flop films in a row and is being put out to pasture. But there is no time for self pity.

Marian has gathered up her instrument playing gal pals from the Hollywood Canteen and headed for London to entertain the troops with the rip-roaringest canteen show of them all. Joining her are Jo (her drum-playing standin on 17 pictures), her skittish niece Katie, solid as a rock Topeka and leggy chorine Lilly. Get ready for a memorable night! Audiences will be treated to 30 vintage classic songs from the war years that will bring laughs, tears, emotional fireworks, air raids and a celebration of women during the war in this hilarious and heart-warming story.

The show runs through September 25 in The Henry Clay Theatre, and tickets are $20.

MORE INFO pandoraprods.org

25 for 25 for Fairness The first event in Haymarket’s Charitable Barrels: Whiskey by the Cause series benefits the Fairness Campaign, sponsored by Four Roses. Haymarket will welcome guest bartenders from Southern California’s famed whiskey bar Seven Grand for a one-night bar takeover.

Guests will enjoy an open bar of Four Roses bourbon, Four Roses specialty cocktails, free food and live entertainment. Every cent from every ticket will go to the Fairness Campaign, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Tickets include all of the above for $25, making the night a special 25 for 25 event. The event will last from 9 p.m. to midnight. Only 100 tickets will be sold and must be bought in advance.

“Swingtime Canteen” Presented by Pandora Productions

September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

15

SEPTEMBER

ExBEERiment Savor the science behind beer with offerings from more than 20 regional brewers while you romp through a kidfree Science Center. This is a 21-and-over-only event, and the $30 admission provides 15 beer tickets, each redeemable for a two-ounce pour. Science Center members receive a $5 discount on tickets. Featured breweries will be Against the Grain, Akasha, Apocalypse, BBC, Blue Stallion, Braxton, Carson’s, Cumberland, Dry Ground, Eight Ball, Ethereal, Falls City, Goodwood, Gordon Biersch, Great Flood, Hopcat, Kentucky Ale (Alltech), Monnik, New Albanian, Tin Man, West Sixth and White Squirrel.

The event lasts 6-10 p.m.

MORE INFO kysciencecenter.org

15

SEPTEMBER

17

SEPTEMBER

23 SEPTEMBER

Fifth Third Bank’s “Dracula” Presented by Actors Theatre The vampire hunt is on! His fangs are bared. His eyes glow crimson. Louisville’s favorite vampire is back!

Based on Bram Stoker’s Gothic tale of the immortal Transylvanian count and his unexpectedly feisty human prey, this fast-paced, fright-filled adaptation is a Halloween treat that drips with suspense – and even more blood. “Dracula” is recommended for ages 11 and up and runs through October 31.

SEPTEMBER

MORE INFO actorstheatre.org

Second Annual Louisville Pride Festival The Louisville Pride Foundation is proud to hold the second annual Louisville Pride Festival, a celebration of the spirit of Louisville coming together as one. The 2016 Louisville Pride Festival is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 17 on Bardstown Road in the popular Highlands neighborhood from noon to 11 p.m.

The event is all ages, family-friendly, free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted at the entrances, but you can also donate online. Featured performers will be Taylor Dayne, Mya and Rayvon Owen.

MORE INFO louisvillepride.com

“Madame Butterfly” Presented by Kentucky Opera Two worlds collide as Cio-Cio-San, a young girl in Nagasaki, falls for Pinkerton, a reckless American officer.

His love is tender but shallow, as he is called away to a new adventure only a few days after their wedding. Her deep love is true and faithful, and she believes in the promise of his return. Unfortunately, the future brings only heartbreak, regret and tragedy. Performed in Italian with English supertitles. There will be two performances September 23 and 25 in the Brown Theatre. Tickets start at $34.

MORE INFO kyopera.org

28 SEPTEMBER

Are you a business in the wedding or event industry? Do you support fairness and welcome LGBTQ clients? Then join the members of the Fair Event Vendors Alliance (FEVA) at their educational Seminar in LGBTQ Competency at 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville on Tuesday, September 27 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. This is the first time the seminar is open to the public. It’s only $25 to register, and that includes a training manual, visual presentation, discussion and refreshments. Topics include LGBTQ terms, helpful client questions, sales and marketing tips, trends and the most recent data in LGBTQ weddings. Let FEVA help you increase your understanding and modernize your business practices so you’re prepared for all loving couples.

MORE INFO fairvendors.org

LGBTQ+ Community Coalition Town Hall Meeting If Louisville is to realize its full potential as a compassionate city, it must support building a community in which everyone can be healthy, equal and complete members of society. A coalition of LGBTQ+ community organizations and allies are beginning to come together with the goal of establishing a new LGBTQ+ Community Center in Louisville dedicated to the social, emotional and physical well-being of our community. A series of LGBTQ+ Town Hall events are being planned for this fall.

The purpose of these events is to begin enlisting the support of and ideas from Louisville’s LGBTQ+ community.

Youth. People of color. Rural. Elderly...ALL are invited to attend the first LGBTQ+ Town Hall meeting coming up at PLAY Louisville. Many more town halls are also being planned at locations across Louisville’s urban core over the next several months. The first will be held at 6:30 p.m. on September 28 at PLAY.

MORE INFO lgbtqlou.com IdeaFestival 2016

Come down to Louisville’s beautiful Waterfront Park as indie folk band The Lumineers takes the stage at 7 p.m. on September 23 along with opener Rayland Baxter. Celebrating the release of their second studio album, “Cleopatra,” The Lumineers are sure to delight fans with such songs as “Ophelia,” “Flowers in Your Hair” and “Ho Hey.” Tickets are $37.50 and are available online.

Join a unique group of thinkers, doers and innovators at IdeaFestival! The IdeaFestival is a three-day non-linear event that attracts and invites curious minds from around the globe to celebrate innovation, imagination and world-changing ideas. You’re invited to join this unique gathering of leaders in Louisville and see where staying curious can take you! The festival kicks off Wednesday, September 28 and runs through Friday, September 30.

MORE INFO thelumineers.com

MORE INFO ideafestival.com

The Lumineers’ Cleopatra World Tour

27

Fair Event Vendors Alliance Seminar in LGBTQ Competency

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

ANTONIO PANTOJA

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02 OCTOBER

Blind Pilot with Quiet Life After a few years away, acoustic/indie pop band Blind Pilot has returned with their latest album “And Then Like Lions,” which was released in mid-August. A follow-up to their triumphant 2011 album “We Are the Tide,” “And Then Like Lions” delivers on all levels for fans of the upbeat and pensive band. Blind Pilot will play Headliners Music Hall at on October 2 with special guest Quiet Life.

08 OCTOBER

Tickets are $18 in advance and are available online.

MORE INFO blindpilot.com

05 OCTOBER

“Dial ‘M’ for Murder” Presented by Derby Dinner Playhouse Opening October 5, this exciting whodunit was the basis for the 1954 American crime-thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The live show is sure to be just as thrill-

Moonlight & Moonshine The Moonlight & Moonshine event helps provide much-needed services for people in the Louisville area living with neurological disorders. The evening features a gourmet meal, dancing and a silent auction. For those living with a neurological disorder, the simplest tasks can be overwhelming challenges. Living a happy, fulfilling life goes beyond exceptional medical care. It includes care for the whole person. The Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center was created to help bridge the gap between managing a neurological condition and improving quality of life. The Center provides support groups, mental health counseling, clinical trial information and educational, therapeutic and exercise programs in addition to assisting with other life services, all free of charge. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. at the Louisville Marriott Downtown, and all proceeds will benefit the Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center.

MORE INFO moonlightandmoonshine.com

ing and suspenseful a murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last moment! Tickets start at $38, and the show runs through November 13.

MORE INFO derbydinner.com

07 OCTOBER

“River City” Presented by Theatre [502] Just weeks after her father’s death, Mary discovers a childhood photograph of him from a past he never talked about. Determined to excavate her heritage, Mary goes on a quest to uncover a half-century of family and town secrets buried in the West End of Louisville, Kentucky.

Sometimes, going back home means leaving life behind.

And tonight I’m in love with everybody on the city bus. I feel the push and pull, keep saying that it doesn’t mean much. Oh, but what do you see?

“River City” is written by Diana Grisanti and directed by Amy Attaway. The show runs October 7-15 in The MeX Theater of The Kentucky Center.

MORE INFO theatre502.org

08 OCTOBER

Glitter Gala Join in at PLAY Louisville on Saturday, October 8 at 7 p.m. for the second annual Glitter Gala – not your fifth grader’s fall festival! This year, Syimone is the hostess with the mostess. Bridge 19 and Squeeze Bot will perform, and Lucky’s Market will be providing delicious food. There will also be church picnic-style booths where you can take a chance on winning fabulous prizes.

Attendees are welcome to stay for the PLAY drag show after the gala. All proceeds from the evening will benefit Louisville Youth Group.

MORE INFO louisvilleyouthgroup.com

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B L I N D P I LOT, “ W E A R E T H E T I D E ”

13 OCTOBER

“Titus Andronicus” Presented by Kentucky Shakespeare The month of Halloween, Kentucky Shakespeare is presenting the Bard’s bloodiest thriller, a gripping tale of horror in an empty warehouse in Butchertown. Violent and experimental, “Titus” was the smash hit of Shakespeare’s early career and is written with a ghoulish energy he was never to repeat elsewhere. This unique experience and sordid tale of revenge and political turmoil is recommended for ages 17 and up and runs through October 31 in PLAY Louisville’s Warehouse at 1101 E. Washington St. Tickets are $20.

MORE INFO kyshakespeare.com

14 OCTOBER

2016 Louisville LGBT Film Festival Make plans to be in attendance at the sixth annual Louisville LGBT Film Festival. There will be six sessions of films over the festival weekend of October 14-16 at Village 8 Theatres. The full schedule will be released following the reveal party, slated to take place on September 10.

MORE INFO louisvillelgbtfilmfest.com

30 OCTOBER

“Swan Lake” Presented by the Louisville Ballet This world-premiere production brings together the Louisville Ballet Artistic and Executive Director Robert Curran with Louisville visual artist Ryan Daly to create a unique interpretation of the heartbreaking tale of love and betrayal. Classical ballet meets laser projection technology to create a Louisville Ballet experience like you’ve never had before. “Swan Lake” runs October 14-15 at the Brown Theatre, and tickets start at $35.

22 OCTOBER

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MORE INFO louisvilleballet.org

“The Rocky Horror Halloween Party” Presented by Acting Against Cancer Put on your fishnets, lace up your corsets and come out to PLAY Louisville on October 22 as Acting Against Cancer rings in the Halloween season with a live presentation of “The Rocky Horror Show.” A full-scale performance with acting, singing and dancing (not a shadow cast), “The Rocky Horror Halloween Party” stars Louisville icon Karter Louis in the role of Dr. Frank ‘n’ Furter and will also feature a costume contest to be judged by a surprise guest. Admission is $10 at the door, and all proceeds benefit Acting Against Cancer and its commitment to using theatre to combat pediatric cancer. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8. It will end just in time for the first drag show of the night to commence.

MORE INFO actingagainstcancer.com

OCTOBER

Carmichael’s Bookstore and The Berry Center are excited to host an event with Nick Offerman, star of the hit television series “Parks and Recreation” and the FX series “Fargo,” for a reading and signing of his new book “Good Clean Fun: Misadventures in Sawdust at Offerman Woodshop.” Each $40 ticket includes a copy of “Good Clean Fun” ($35) and a $5 donation to The Berry Center, a nonprofit organization with the mission of putting Wendell Berry’s writings to work by advocating for farmers, land conservation and healthy regional economies.

In his new book, Nick and his ragtag crew share their experiences of working at the Woodshop, tell you about their passion for woodworking and even teach you how to make a handful of their most popular projects. Even if you’re not into woodworking, you’ll enjoy this ode to craftsmanship heavily laced with Nick’s unique brand of humor and tomfoolery. The event will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 30 at the Clifton Center.

MORE INFO carmichaelsbookstore.com Lucius Halloween Party with Cactus Blossoms Fronted by the sleek and compelling look-alike twosome of Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig and backed by their counterpart bandmates Dan Molad, Pete Lalish and Andy Burri, Lucius spent more than 250 days on the road in the past year. They’ve sold out shows big and small, headlined all over the U.S. and Europe and shared the stage with a variety of musicians including Roger Waters, Jack White, Mavis Staples, Jeff Tweedy, Sara Bareilles, The Head and the Heart, Tegan and Sara and David Byrne. Lucius will play Headliners Music Hall with Cactus Blossoms on October 31 for a special Halloween concert event. Tickets are $17 in advance.

MORE INFO ilovelucius.com 7 Deadly Sins at PLAY

“Assassins” Presented by CenterStage What do John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald and John Hinckley have in common? They are not only three of the nine men and women who have killed – or attempted to kill – a United States president but also the unlikely subjects of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical “Assassins.” A musical revue and murderous carnival game, the show is the perfect political satire. With wit, comedy and brilliant insight, “Assassins” delves into what motivated these complicated men and women and ultimately asks you what it means to be an American.

The show runs through November 13 at the Jewish Community Center. Tickets are $20.

MORE INFO centerstagejcc.org

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Carmichael’s Presents: Nick Offerman

Don your best costume in line with the theme of the seven deadly sins of greed, lust, gluttony, sloth, wrath, pride and envy and come out to PLAY Louisville for the city’s biggest Halloween party. During the night, awards will be given to attendees for best theme, best drag and best overall, and prize value will exceed $5,000, making this an event you just can’t miss.

MORE INFO playdancebar.com

Want your event included in this calendar? email editor@modernlouisville.com

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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Pandora’s Drag Volleyball For the second year in a row, Pandora Productions hosted its Drag Volleyball event at Baxter Jack’s on June 25. With food by the popular Smok’N Cantina food truck, the event hilariously delivered on its slogan of, “Big Hair, Fake Boobs & Volley Balls.”

Proceeds from the afternoon activities benefited Pandora and its mission of producing bold and engaging theatre that speaks to the LGBTQ audience and beyond.

Photos by TIM VALENTINO

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8 Coolest Group 2 Pearls 3 Lane Stumler and Halli Schermer Sister Enigma and Sister Sweet Epiphany

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Jeffersonville Pride Festival On June 25, the first ever Jeffersonville Pride Festival was held at Big Four Station in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The event kicked off with a parade and featured live entertainment throughout the day as well as local food trucks and booths for various vendors and organizations. The evening concluded with a drag show by New Albany’s PRIDE Bar, and the day in total proved that Jeffersonville and Southern Indiana is to be a place of Pride forevermore.

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Tommy Cole, Michael Quire, Troy Spurgeon and Ray Torre 2 Shawn Beirne and Drew Gillum 3 Kara Tyler and Jon Freels Derby City Bears 6 Kaleb Mount, Daqwise Winston and Hannah Miller 7 Omicah House, Haley Davis and Joshua Crowe Natalie, Brysen and Michelle

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MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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#WeAreOrlando Pulse Benefit Show In memory of the victims of the tragic shooting at Orlando’s Pulse night club on June 12, PLAY Louisville held a benefit show, #WeAreOrlando, on June 30. The evening saw Angelica Sanchez, Neema Bahrami, A’zsia Dupree and Axel Andrews – performers from Pulse – take the PLAY stage. The PLAY Mates were also on hand to perform, and such distinguished guests as Congressman John Yarmuth, Mayor Greg Fischer and Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes were in attendance to show their support.

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1 Phil D. Burn, Savannah Lynn, Dennis Chaney and Cei Cei Cooper 2 WAVE 3’s Dawne Gee 3 Pulse Orlando Entertainment Manager Neema Bahrami 4 Don Knight and Bob White 5 Amanda Bones, Holly Elswick, Krystal Vincent and Ashlee Richards 6 Fawn Wujick, Jordan Toon, Shelly Steen, Rich Rankin, Missy Vitale, Ashlee Richards, Amanda Jackson and Ashley Curry

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September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

VOICES of Kentuckiana Summer Party Craig Scherman and Aaron Hutton opened their beautiful Anchorage home on July 10 for VOICES of Kentuckiana’s Summer Party. The event featured drinks, dinner and entertainment and celebrated “22 years of glorious singing and community outreach” for VOICES, one of the city’s premier LGBTQ choruses.

Photos by CRYSTAL LUDWICK

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Aaron Hutton, Greg Bryant, Chris Carter, Craig Scherman, Jeff Buhrman, Joshua Dandridge, John Jameson and Nicholas Moore John Jameson, Kristi Jo Jedlicki and Greg Bryant 4 Russ Dunlap and Anna Rucker 5 Chris Lang, Brent Collins and Clay Berry Bob Strong and Isidro Valencia 7 Greg Robertson, Brian Williams, Brian Yanofchick and Denis Hoel 1

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MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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Modern Louisville July/August Release Party We celebrated the release of our July/August issue with a party on the patio at Chill Bar in the Highlands on July 13. DJ SYIMONE took care of the music as guests enjoyed drink specials, including Brown Forman’s new Coopers’ Craft bourbon, and perused the pages of our sixth issue, which featured social worker Alex Torres, The Comfy Cow, Louisville Public Media President and General Manager Donovan Reynolds and more.

Photos by BILL WINE

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1 Mike Revlett, Aaron Neely, Missy Vitale, Kevin Moore and Toby Roberts 2 Emily Clark and Alex Torres DeLong 5 Sloane Nix, Maryssa Brewer, Kayla Ray and Gabby Liston 6 Brit Thompson and Mariah Kline Shelton Burton 9 Randy Blevins and Matthew Porter 10 Judy Royce and Rob Prince

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Amanda Deckerd and Nicole Jackson 4 Courtney Newby and Phil Ben Yeiser, Bobby Shipman and Tyler Hammond 8 Mike Tomes and

Fourth Annual Taste of Hope AIDS Interfaith Ministries of Kentuckiana hosted its fourth annual Taste of Hope “Celebrating Our Partners” Dinner and Silent Auction on July 31 at The Temple. Proceeds from the event, which also featured entertainment and an open bar, went toward supporting the direct client services at AIDS Interfaith Ministries of Kentuckiana as well as its overall mission of helping people affected by HIV/AIDS live healthy and whole lives.

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1 Rick Kautz and Bill Strauss 2 Brittany Cook and Stephanie Mosier 3 Becky Greenlee with Katie and Phyllis Moss 4 Brenda Gonzales and Jerry Weber 5 Jon Freels, Derek Pugh and J.D. Dotson 6 Elwood Stroder, Mike O’Leary, Marie Flowers and Dean Weller 7 Sister Tushie Galore, Sister Alma Badhabits and Sister Zsa Zsa Gabortion 8 Terry Steinmetz, Diana Polsgrove and Fran Fach 9 Richard McGrew and Tony Prince 10 Nancy Gordon with Gwen and Paige Gottlieb

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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Entertainer of the Year 2016 Dedicated to the betterment of diverse cultures, the SLS Pride Foundation, Inc. held its annual Entertainer of the Year contest at Horseshoe Southern Indiana Hotel and Casino on July 31. In its 27th year, EOY highlighted the immense talent of its contestants and celebrated Alexis Gabriela Sherrington as Entertainer of the Year 2016. Other winners were Rolly Villaverde, Preston Dickerson and Bella Nicole Harlow.

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1 Kristina Kelly, Karkar O’Daniels and Gabriel Dupree 2 Carmela Marcela Garcia and Michael Word 3 Genesis and Kyle Richardson Wilson, Nicole Jackson Valentino and Ravyn Redd Valentino 6 Joe Taylor, Gary Botes, Brittany Moore and Ginger

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Chocolate Fest XVI To support the Louisville AIDS Walk, Craig Scherman and his partner, Aaron Hutton, hosted Chocolate Fest XVI on August 20 at their home in Anchorage. Per usual, guests were treated to sumptuous food and drink by local purveyors, dazzling live entertainment, an enthralling silent auction and, of course, an astounding array of chocolate. The 2015 edition of the event raised $151,000 for the Louisville AIDS Walk, and every indication so far suggests that 2016 will surely be another record-breaking year.

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1 Rob and Lorie Davenport with Shay Shearer and Sarah and Chet Ervin 2 Boris Anokhin, Jim Pfeiffer, Ed Fallon, Vance Peers, Tres Heil and Larry Mitchell 3 Daniel Hutchens, Virgil Rosell and Joe Gollahon 4 Jason McKee, Chris Hungerford and Heather Falmen 5 Lane Stumler, Michael Drury and Jack Francis 6 John Gray, Brent Gettelfinger and Denis Beard 7 Greg Abbis and Scott Johnson 8 Felipe Serano and Luke Smith 9 Eric Doninger, Jamie Butler, Phil Epps and Jeramy Harris 10 Jim Gray and Larry Yocom

MODERN LOUISVILLE ||| September • October 2016

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Louisville AIDS Walk & Pet Walk On August 27, Louisville braved the heat and headed out to Iroquois Park for the 23rd annual Louisville Aids Walk & Pet Walk. Some walked in memory of a loved one, and some walked simply to illustrate their support for the cause. Thanks to the generosity of the crowd, over $200,000 was raised for the Kentucky Aids Alliance.

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1 Allen Hatchell, Billy Bline, Todd Smith, Mary Radcliffe and Derrick Palmer 2 Gabby Bruner, Diana Rae and Phil D. Bern 3 Marcel Robinson and Mitch Buckley 4 Congressman John Yarmuth and Fairness Campaign Director Chris Hartman 5 Tara Bassett with Diane and John Garner 6 Wes and Wren Carroll, Drew Courtney and Bobby Brown 7 Tom Buckler and Leah Dienes 8 The Derby City Sisters 9 Lisa Keener, Bill Hollander, Elwood Stroder and Mike O’Leary

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September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

G O O D S T O R I E S S TA R T W I T H G R E AT C H A R A C T E R

D R I N K R E S P O N S I B LY • R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y. O R G © 2016 Jack Daniel’s. Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey 40% Alcohol by Volume (80 proof). Distilled and Bot tled by Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee.

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September • October 2016 ||| MODERN LOUISVILLE

A NEW UNION OF CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY The new Speed Art Museum is now open and features strikingly modern additions to its traditional architecture. From the breathtaking entrance down the Atrium’s floating staircase to the reception of a lifetime in the Grand Hall, the Speed provides the perfect setting for those who want a truly unforgettable way to say “I do.” specialevents@speedmuseum.org

MODERN LOUISVILLE™ september // october 2016

volume two • issue five

modernlouisville.com