Let’s Get Queer in Appalachia
By Spencer Jenkins
OK, y’all — Kentucky is home to an amazing LGBTQ+ community, despite challenges to equality. It's important to acknowledge the amazing LGBTQ+ community within the Bluegrass. Every state is fighting its battle for equality, but let's take a moment to appreciate these gems in our midst. As we like to say, there’s something for everyone from Pikeville to Paducah. Let’s go on a journey to Eastern Kentucky and its queer little Appalachian heart.
Pride Month is typically observed in June, but many Eastern Kentucky communities now celebrate it from September to November. This shift is due to the increasing number of Pride events crowding the calendar in June. Furthermore, newer events coincide with fall and important days in the LGBTQ+ community, such as National Coming Out Day in October and Trans Day of Remembrance in November. As a result, the autumn months have emerged as a time for celebrating inclusion and raising visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.
Pikeville Pride #YallMeansAll
There's something so special about Pikeville Pride that can't quite be found elsewhere. If you're used to the typical corporate-sponsored festivities and endless amounts of booze that can be found at larger pride events, then prepare to be swept off your feet in the best way possible. Pikeville's pride festival is a unique and intimate queer experience unlike any other. Held in a small-town park that feels like it's been pulled straight out of a storybook, the atmosphere is simply magical. The celebration feels more like a giant pizza party amongst friends, complete with incredible drag performances and more rainbows than you can count. It's a celebration that's not to be missed, filled with love and positivity from start to finish.
Pikeville Pride strives to create a welcoming and safe space in Pike County, Kentucky, and the Southern Appalachian region, where individuals of any gender or sexuality can be their true selves, celebrate their community and embrace acceptance.
In April 2017, several hate groups attempted to draw support in the Pike County community, holding a rally in downtown Pikeville. In response, volunteer members of Pikeville’s LGBTQ+ community organized and sent a clear message that racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and bigotry would not be tolerated in Eastern Kentucky.
Pikeville Pride has worked steadily since its first Pride event in October 2018 to highlight LGBTQ+ visibility and to foster an inclusive environment free from discriminatory policies and practices. More than 400 people attended Pikeville’s inaugural Pride event, and their annual celebration continues to grow each year.
What else can you do in Pikeville?
Pikeville's natural surroundings are an outdoor enthusiast's paradise and a major attraction. The stunning Breaks Interstate Park, known as the "Grand Canyon of the South," features scenic hiking trails, breathtaking views and white-water rafting adventures along Russell Fork River. For a more laid-back outing, take a drive through the Appalachian Mountains on the U.S. Highway 23 Country Music Highway.
Pikeville is also rich in history, with plenty of noteworthy attractions. The acclaimed Big Sandy Heritage Center has an extensive collection of local artifacts, photographs and exhibits that provide insight into the area's coal mining legacy and its infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud.
Don't miss the annual Hatfield-McCoy Heritage Day Homecoming, a fun-filled event with live music, family-friendly activities and reenactments of the legendary family feud. Explore, adventure and immerse yourself in everything Pikeville has to offer.
Hop over to Hazard and explore the arts
Nestled in the heart of Eastern Kentucky's Appalachian region, Hazard is a small town with a vibrant arts scene, thanks in large part to the efforts of the Appalachian Arts Alliance. This non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts throughout the region, providing opportunities for local artists, and enriching the lives of community members.
Throughout the year, the Appalachian Arts Alliance organizes a variety of community events aimed at celebrating the arts and fostering a sense of cultural pride. These events include art walks, festivals and live performances, providing opportunities for local artists to share their talents and community members to engage with the arts. Depending on which day you arrive in Hazard, you can experience one or more of the following:
Front Porch Pickin’: This free event brings local musicians together to connect and build community. It happens monthly on the last Wednesday, with 30-70 participants.
Thursdays on the Triangle: This bi-weekly ArtMarket is an opportunity for local makers, crafters and artists to sell their creations in a stress-free environment with live music, craft beer and farm-fresh produce.
Appalachians Folk Night: Hosted in partnership with Hindman Settlement School, this free summer event celebrates Appalachian culture with traditional music, a square dance and food.
The World’s Smallest Shakespeare Festival: This 2-day event showcases local high school and community theater Shakespeare performances, with food, music, art and vendors. Admission is $5 per person.
Let’s Get Queer in Appalachia
4 days
By Spencer Jenkins
OK, y’all — Kentucky is home to an amazing LGBTQ+ community, despite challenges to equality. It's important to acknowledge the amazing LGBTQ+ community within the Bluegrass. Every state is fighting its battle for equality, but let's take a moment to appreciate these gems in our midst. As we like to say, there’s something for everyone from Pikeville to Paducah. Let’s go on a journey to Eastern Kentucky and its queer little Appalachian heart.
Pride Month is typically observed in June, but many Eastern Kentucky communities now celebrate it from September to November. This shift is due to the increasing number of Pride events crowding the calendar in June. Furthermore, newer events coincide with fall and important days in the LGBTQ+ community, such as National Coming Out Day in October and Trans Day of Remembrance in November. As a result, the autumn months have emerged as a time for celebrating inclusion and raising visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.
Pikeville Pride #YallMeansAll
There's something so special about Pikeville Pride that can't quite be found elsewhere. If you're used to the typical corporate-sponsored festivities and endless amounts of booze that can be found at larger pride events, then prepare to be swept off your feet in the best way possible. Pikeville's pride festival is a unique and intimate queer experience unlike any other. Held in a small-town park that feels like it's been pulled straight out of a storybook, the atmosphere is simply magical. The celebration feels more like a giant pizza party amongst friends, complete with incredible drag performances and more rainbows than you can count. It's a celebration that's not to be missed, filled with love and positivity from start to finish.
Pikeville Pride strives to create a welcoming and safe space in Pike County, Kentucky, and the Southern Appalachian region, where individuals of any gender or sexuality can be their true selves, celebrate their community and embrace acceptance.
In April 2017, several hate groups attempted to draw support in the Pike County community, holding a rally in downtown Pikeville. In response, volunteer members of Pikeville’s LGBTQ+ community organized and sent a clear message that racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and bigotry would not be tolerated in Eastern Kentucky.
Pikeville Pride has worked steadily since its first Pride event in October 2018 to highlight LGBTQ+ visibility and to foster an inclusive environment free from discriminatory policies and practices. More than 400 people attended Pikeville’s inaugural Pride event, and their annual celebration continues to grow each year.
What else can you do in Pikeville?
Pikeville's natural surroundings are an outdoor enthusiast's paradise and a major attraction. The stunning Breaks Interstate Park, known as the "Grand Canyon of the South," features scenic hiking trails, breathtaking views and white-water rafting adventures along Russell Fork River. For a more laid-back outing, take a drive through the Appalachian Mountains on the U.S. Highway 23 Country Music Highway.
Pikeville is also rich in history, with plenty of noteworthy attractions. The acclaimed Big Sandy Heritage Center has an extensive collection of local artifacts, photographs and exhibits that provide insight into the area's coal mining legacy and its infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud.
Don't miss the annual Hatfield-McCoy Heritage Day Homecoming, a fun-filled event with live music, family-friendly activities and reenactments of the legendary family feud. Explore, adventure and immerse yourself in everything Pikeville has to offer.
Hop over to Hazard and explore the arts
Nestled in the heart of Eastern Kentucky's Appalachian region, Hazard is a small town with a vibrant arts scene, thanks in large part to the efforts of the Appalachian Arts Alliance. This non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts throughout the region, providing opportunities for local artists, and enriching the lives of community members.
Throughout the year, the Appalachian Arts Alliance organizes a variety of community events aimed at celebrating the arts and fostering a sense of cultural pride. These events include art walks, festivals and live performances, providing opportunities for local artists to share their talents and community members to engage with the arts. Depending on which day you arrive in Hazard, you can experience one or more of the following:
Front Porch Pickin’: This free event brings local musicians together to connect and build community. It happens monthly on the last Wednesday, with 30-70 participants.
Thursdays on the Triangle: This bi-weekly ArtMarket is an opportunity for local makers, crafters and artists to sell their creations in a stress-free environment with live music, craft beer and farm-fresh produce.
Appalachians Folk Night: Hosted in partnership with Hindman Settlement School, this free summer event celebrates Appalachian culture with traditional music, a square dance and food.
The World’s Smallest Shakespeare Festival: This 2-day event showcases local high school and community theater Shakespeare performances, with food, music, art and vendors. Admission is $5 per person.