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Lexington Celebrates LGBTQ+ History in 250th Anniversary

A vibrant scene at the Lexington LGBTQ festival with diverse attendees celebrating together.

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News Summary

Lexington will honor its LGBTQ+ history as part of its 250th anniversary celebrations. An exhibit titled ‘Queer, Here, & Everywhere’ will showcase key figures and milestones of Kentucky’s LGBTQ+ community, with events planned throughout May for Diversity Month, including the DiverCity Festival. The initiative aims to promote understanding and inclusivity while acknowledging the significant contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to Lexington’s cultural heritage.

Lexington will celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2025 with a special focus on the city’s LGBTQ+ history through an upcoming exhibit and various events aimed at enhancing community awareness and appreciation. This initiative is part of a broader recognition of the city’s diverse history, with a series of commemorative events planned throughout the year.

The exhibit titled “Queer, Here, & Everywhere: The Roots of Kentucky’s LGBTQ History” is set to open at the Central Library of the Lexington Public Library on May 24 and will be available for public viewing until June 26. The exhibit will showcase significant figures and milestones within Kentucky’s LGBTQ+ community, aiming to promote understanding and acknowledgment of how these contributions have shaped Lexington’s cultural landscape.

May is designated as Diversity Month as part of the city’s 250Lex celebrations, which include a variety of events intended to celebrate and honor Lexington’s diverse population. One highlight will be the DiverCity Festival, happening on May 24 at the Courthouse Plaza, featuring 45 live performances and over 70 cultural booths.

Other events scheduled for May include the Black Leadership Awards, an evening dedicated to International Fashion and Dancing, and various exhibits that celebrate different communities within Lexington. These activities reflect an ongoing commitment to making the LGBTQ+ community visible, especially in the face of increasing societal challenges regarding diversity.

The significance of Lexington’s LGBTQ+ history extends deeper into time than is often recognized, with documentation of LGBTQ+ relationships dating back to the 1700s. Notably, the records capture the lives of Robert Craddock and Peter Tardiveau, two men from Western Kentucky who fought together in the Revolutionary War and were buried side by side. Their burial site, marked with a headstone engraved with “Comrades in Arms,” was honored with a monument in Fairview Cemetery in 1922, symbolizing their long companionship of over 35 years.

The Faulkner Morgan Archive, established in 2014, plays a vital role in preserving Kentucky’s LGBTQ+ history, housing over 15,000 items and 250 hours of oral histories. This independent organization operates without government funding, allowing it to concentrate on documenting and sharing LGBTQ+ narratives freely. As part of the 250Lex celebrations, the archive received a cultural grant to support the upcoming exhibit at the library.

In addition to the exhibit, the Lexington Pride Festival is scheduled for June 28, 2025. This festival will not only celebrate LGBTQ+ identity but will also feature performances and highlight the historical journey of the community over the years.

The events planned throughout the 250Lex series are designed to showcase the rich diversity of Lexington, including commemorating significant historical occurrences such as Lafayette’s 200th anniversary visit during this month. The approach taken in these celebrations emphasizes inclusivity and the importance of acknowledging all facets of the community’s heritage.

The opening reception for the exhibit will take place on May 30 from 5 to 8 p.m., welcoming the public to engage with the materials and stories that reflect upon Kentucky’s LGBTQ+ history, and to connect with the cultural fabric that makes Lexington a vibrant place to live.