Lexington Fairness has been a leader for advocacy and education for LGBTQQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and allies) people in the region since 1992.  In that time countless people have worked and celebrated for fairness.  Supporters have contributed money, talent, time, and other resources.  Through their efforts we have been able to advance visibility, respect, and policies and legislation to further our rights.

Our History

During the time that the local grassroots initiative known today as Lexington Fairness has been active, times and issues have changed.  Lexington Fairness has provided leadership and opportunities that have shaped and responded to the changing times. A small sampling of the accomplishments of this group  includes:

• 1992 - Organized community forums about state Supreme Court ruling on the Wasson Case that successfully challenged sodomy laws in Kentucky.

• 1993 - Advocated in Washington to overturn of sodomy laws.

• 1994 - Began providing information about the records and positions of legislative candidates.

• 1997 - Developed a formal board and affiliation with Kentucky Fairness Alliance.

• 1998 - Educated the community about the importance of opposing a ban on same-sex marriage and supporting a hate crimes bill.

• 1999 - Worked to successfully pass a local fairness ordinance in Lexington, preventing discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity in work, housing, and public accommodation.

• 2000 - Expanded service to cover 16- county area of the Bluegrass Region.

• 2001 - Started entering a float in Lexington’s annual Fourth of July Parade.

• 2002 - Helped organize another LGBT group, Gray Dove, in Madison County.

• 2004 – Worked hard with a coalition of groups in the efforts to defeat the Marriage Amendment banning same-sex unions in Kentucky.

• 2006 - Kept LGBT rights visible through an Oscar Party fundraiser and public education forum about Marriage Equality.

• 2007 - Gathered in Frankfort with over 200 people and other statewide organizations to support the right of colleges and universities in Kentucky to offer domestic partnership benefits.

• 2008 – Organized the first annual Fairness Awards banquet to recognize some of the people who have made the greatest contributions to the LGBT community. 

TODAY – Lexington Fairness is growing! More and more people are joining the work, and fundraising is underway. We will be present and visible at numerous events around the community, especially during the summer months when outdoor festivals abound. We will keep people informed about important legislation and legislative races, about important policy initiatives in local government and educational institutions, and about victories that mean real progress for LGBT people.