The vision of Louisville Pride is to bring communities together. We believe in providing leadership through service, and do not generally speak out on controversial political issues. We prefer to let our actions speak for us.
However, there are times when a clear and forceful statement is needed. The escalating situation following the death of Breonna Taylor at the hands of the Louisville Metro Police Department is such a situation.
We stand with those who call for justice for Breonna’s family, and we stand with those who call for long overdue, significant structural reforms to prevent this from happening again. We are not the leaders in this fight, but we are in it, as LGBTQ people and allies, as people of color and allies, and as Louisvillians.
Police abuse is an LGBTQ issue. Moreover, police abuse affects LGBTQ people of color disproportionately. Systems must be implemented to hold police accountable and restore the trust in the community. We support the calls for reform and proposals put forth by the ACLU, the Fairness Campaign, and the NAACP. We support Black Lives Matter Louisville and Showing Up For Racial Justice for the work they are doing in speaking up against racial injustice and their efforts in community organizing.
Louisville Pride will continue to hold anti-racism as a core principle in our work, which is to bring communities together through collaboration, empowerment, and celebration.
Syimone and Leah Halston will co-host the new show
Following the success of the four-week UAW Local 862 Virtual Drag Show, the Louisville Pride Foundation is launching the Republic Bank Queens in Quarantine Variety Show on Saturday, May 30th. This free, weekly series will be live-streamed at 9:00 PM on the Louisville Pride Facebook page and available on YouTube as well.
The show invites viewers to laugh with two of Louisville’s top drag performers, Syimone and Leah Halston, as they spill the tea on life in quarantine. The show features special segment with guests including drag queens, musicians, local celebrities, and people from the LGBTQ community. Viewers can expect sketch comedy, cocktails, and lots of laughs.
Victoria Syimone Taylor is a Louisville native with over thirty years of experience in the entertainment industry, including working at legendary establishments like The Connection Complex , Red Lounge and The Pink Door. Victoria is known and loved throughout the community for her tireless work to ensure that people are seen, heard, and respected. She has been in the Best Of Louisville for her work as a showgirl and DJ. On dealing with quarantine, she says, “You cannot control much in life, but you can control your attitude and your eyebrows.”
Originally from Houston, TX, Leah Halston has toured nationally and won numerous pageant titles during her 28 year career. Known for celebrity impersonations such as Tina Turner, Diana Ross, and Dionne Warrick, Leah has been performing at Play Dance Bar since 2012. Leah’s advice to the audience is, “Watch, Drink, Laugh, Repeat.”
Queens in Quarantine will be free, and viewers are encouraged to make donations that will support local LGBTQ organizations, including the Louisville Youth Group, Sweet Evening Breeze homeless shelter, the Fairness Education Fund, the U of L LGBT Center, and more. In addition, the program provides much needed income for out-of-work performers. The UAW Local 862 Virtual Drag Show raised over $1000 for the One Louisville COVID-19 Relief Fund and provided over $1000 in direct payments to performers who are out of work. The program will highlight a different charitable partner each week, raising awareness about the important work these groups do.
“Louisville Pride brings communities together through collaboration, empowerment, and celebration,” said Mike Slaton, the Executive Director of Louisville Pride. “COVID-19 has changed how we do our work, but it hasn’t stopped it.” During COVID-19, the organization has stepped up to serve the community by delivering programming online and coordinating the sharing of information and resources within and beyond the LGBTQ communtity.
Digital Pride also includes the Community Conversations interview series. Louisville Pride Executive Director Mike Slaton has interviewed guests on a wide range of topics, including homelessness in Louisville, the arts in a virtual setting, and how Community Ministries, Dare to Care, and Metro Government are dealing with COVID-19. Additional Digital Pride programming includes Queer Game Night and Wellness Wednesdays. More information can be found at www.lousivillepride.com.
Digital Pride is sponsored by Republic Bank, Norton Healthcare, UAW Local 862, Caperton Realty, Connally Law Offices, Evo Mortgage, the ACLU of Kentucky, and Heine Brothers Coffee.
Inclusivity at the polls should be a priority at every election.
Imani Barbarin hosts Vote for Access, a five part series addressing voting problems for people with disabilities, including important solutions everyone should know about. Please watch, and explore Vote for Access to learn more.
NOW THROUGH JUNE 22, 2020: County Clerk’s offices are available to answer voter questions.
NOW THROUGH JUNE 23, 2020: Voters can contact County Clerk’s office to schedule appointment to vote.
NO LATER THAN MAY 22, 2020: State Board of Elections will mail postcards to eligible voters explaining the absentee and in-person voting process.
NO LATER THAN MAY 22, 2020: State Board of Election will have an online portal for voter to request an absentee ballot. Votes can request absentee ballot on-line at www.GoVote.ky.com. Voters will supply social security number and birth date. Other information is requested (driver license number and email address), but not mandatory. Voter can also telephone the County Clerk.
JUNE 15, 2020: Last day to request absentee ballot and have ballot mailed. Ballot can be picked up in-person at the County Clerk’s office. Hours are established at the discretion of the County Clerk’s office.
JUNE 8-13, 2020: In-person absentee voting by appointment. (At the discretion of the County Clerk, some counties will have in-person voting on Saturdays.)
JUNE 15-22, 2020: In-person absentee voting by appointment.
JUNE 23, 2020: Primary Election with voting by appointment. Eligible voters with appropriate ID who show up at polls without appointment will be allowed to vote.
JUNE 23, 2020: Ballots returned by US Postal Service must be postmarked June 23, 2020.
JUNE 27, 2020: This is the last day that County Clerks can receive absentee ballot by mail.
JUNE 29, 2020: If signature on absentee ballot does not match registration signature, County Clerk will notify voter. A voter will have until the 29th to correct. This usually means going to the County Clerk’s office to verify signature on absentee ballot is theirs. Questioning signature is at the discretion of each County Clerk or legally designated person(s) to review and count ballots.
Many community partners offer capital and help low and moderate income individuals start or grow a business. If you have an existing loan, please contact your lender organization for more information about relief efforts as they may not be automatically applied.
Existing borrowers are allowed a three-month forbearance period; borrowers can choose to extend loan for three months without penalty.
Applications for our $500 Lifeline Loan (payday loan alternative) and $25,000 Small Business Continuity Loan will be available Monday, April 6. Funds should be available within three to five business days from receiving a completed application.
Through Render Capital, businesses can apply for growth loans of up to $35,000 that provides flexible funding for working capital, website improvements and more. Current borrowers can make interest-only payments for 3 months.
Services include court date information, transportation to and from court, updating contact information, agency referrals, emergency housing, cell phones, supplies, etc.
Contact us via Facebook @TBPLouisville or at any number below:
The Center for Behavioral Health at Spalding University is offering therapy services via telehealth on a sliding scale. There is currently a low wait time for an intake appointment. The Center for Behavioral Health is also offering two free support groups with one of their licensed psychologists on staff.
If you are looking for therapy services at a low cost, please email [email protected] or click here to visit the website for more information.
