David sits down with Josh Porter, Assistant Executive Director of Lexington’s Faulkner Morgan Archive to discuss the exhibit “Queer, Here, & Everywhere” displayed at the Central Library until June 26, 2025. They discuss the research that went into the exhibit and future plans to add panels to the exhibit. The exhibit will be at the Lexington Pride Festival on Saturday June 28, and then will move to the Lexington History Museum in August 2025.
Josh Porter is an art historian and curator based in Lexington, Kentucky. In 2023, Josh received his MFA in Curatorial Studies from the University of Kentucky. Born in Eastern Kentucky, Josh brings a unique perspective to the archive in viewing Kentucky’s LGBTQ history through the lens of art, particularly photography. His writing, design, and photography has appeared in Oxford American, Brooklyn Rail, Art In America, Queer Kentucky, UnderMain, and elsewhere.
Queer, Here, & Everywhere: The Roots of Kentucky’s LGBTQ History is the first comprehensive exhibition of Lexington’s LGBTQ history, showcasing the importance of the queer community in this city. Highlighting key moments and figures in Lexington's LGBTQ history, from Sweet Evening Breeze's drag performances in the 1920s to the passage of the Fairness Ordinance in 1999, this exhibit will celebrate the resilience and contributions of the queer community. By shedding light on these often overlooked narratives, we hope to foster a greater sense of belonging for LGBTQ individuals in Lexington while also promoting understanding and appreciation among the broader population.
Tales from the Kentucky Room is hosted by David Bryant and produced by Erin West.
David is the Manager of Central Library, and has worked many years in the Kentucky Room. After several guest host spots, David moved to full time host of Tales from the Kentucky Room in 2025. Local History and Genealogy are passions of his, and he's excited to share them with our audience.
Erin is the Virtual Services Librarian. She's worked for Lexington Public Library since 2003 and began her work with audio editing in 2012 while working at the Northside Branch. Erin enjoys listening to history, true crime and tv show recap podcasts.
