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The Queer Kentucky Polaroid Project: Vincent Donahue – Queer Kentucky

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8 months ago

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The Queer Kentucky Polaroid Project: Vincent Donahue – Queer Kentucky


What is your name?

Vincent Donahue

 

In what city and county do you live?

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Lexington, Fayette

 

What are your pronouns?

He/Him

What does the word Queer mean to you?

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Being Queer means to experience love and life differently than what is expected of your sociological upbringing. It is the experience of sharing community with those like you. It is an indefinable aspect of the individual that cannot be changed, but rather grows with you. Queer is a loving defiance.

 

What was it like growing up as a Queer person in Kentucky?

Being Queer in Kentucky was a unique experience that I wouldn’t change for the world. I felt isolated and alone, living in an environment that wasn’t made for people like me. It felt like there was nobody like me. It made those moments of finding community and acceptance even more profound, and I have learned to grow past my own biases in the process. 

What would you say to any person struggling to come into their own identity?

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Don’t rush it, and don’t feel pressured. You don’t have to define anything to a ‘T’, you can be fluid and uncertain. What matters most is coming to terms with what you feel most comfortable and at home with. Everyone is highly individual and unique, and that’s natural, and you will reach your answers eventually.

What issue are you most passionate about in the Queer community? And what do you think the best solution or approach would be?

Inner division is something that I believe is becoming a larger issue in the community, especially now. There is nothing good to come out of infighting. The community is stronger together, rather than as individuals. We need to express love and compassion, and back up fellow queers, while listening to and educating on the history of the queer community. There is strength in unity. 

Where have you found community?

I have found community in smaller spaces. Going to coffee shops, bars, small local activities, you name it. Leaving the home is how I have found my in-person community, but there is also the world wide web! Online community is just as special to me. Being able to connect with such unique and fascinating individuals and form friendships whether in person or online is one of the best experiences in the world.

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How have recent political changes affected your life? 

The recent political landscape has brought some fear to my life. As a transgender male, I know that the narrative is that I was “corrupted” and wanted to escape being a woman, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. I know that as I begin to pass as a male, that I am safer than my trans sisters, but it does not stop the fear and worry for my own safety as well as my community. It has become more acceptable to openly be crude, aggressive, and outright violent towards transgender people. Being queer in 2025 has become a matter of survival.

What are some ideas you have for bringing other queer people together for community?

Focusing on the concept of “mutual aid” is important. Bringing your individual skills to help others and foster an environment of community and kindness is important nowadays. Exchange skills, information, life stories, among other things in group events. Organize celebrations to distract from the world around you. 

If you have been on HRT, how has it changed your outlook on life? 

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Before HRT, I was doubtful I would ever be happy and live the life I envisioned. I mourned the life as an old man in a rocking chair watching reruns of my favorite shows I’d never get to live, the days on the beach without a shirt playing Frisbee with friends, every small moment of masculinity I’d never get to have. Then I started testosterone. Everything has changed, and I’ve come to be the happiest I’ve been since I was a kid. I can see a future with me in it. 

What are some LGBTQ+ experiences/artists that have helped you express the struggles or the joy of being queer? 

Artists like Dorian Electra, Ethel Cain, Gottmik, among others, make me happy with a variety of emotions, feelings, and expressions around being Queer and similar experiences. 

Are there any specific queer friendly places you’d like to highlight and share with the rest of the community? 

Lussi Brown, Al’s Bar, Third Street Stuff. Well known in the Lexington area.

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If you have some accomplishments you’re proud of, share them here! The accomplishments of queer people are something that should be celebrated!

I’ve given talks on a thesis paper in art history and had my artwork presented in a few galleries! 



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Kentucky

Which Northern Kentucky boys basketball teams can win regional titles?

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11 hours ago

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February 28, 2026

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Which Northern Kentucky boys basketball teams can win regional titles?


The best week of the boys Kentucky high school basketball season is here, as the regional tournaments begin.

Three boys basketball tournaments with Northern Kentucky teams begin next week as they try to punch their ticket to Rupp Arena. They are all in their traditional homes: The Eighth Region takes place at Henry County, the Ninth Region at Truist Arena and the 10th Region at the Mason County Fieldhouse. Here is a look at those brackets.

Eighth Region (at Henry County)

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Wednesday, March 4: Henry County (19-11) vs. South Oldham (20-8), 6:30 p.m.; Simon Kenton (16-10) vs. Spencer County (19-13), 8 p.m.

Thursday, March 5: Walton-Verona (17-15) vs. North Oldham (22-5), 6:30 p.m.; Woodford County (17-7) vs. Gallatin County (11-20), 8 p.m.

Monday, March 9: Semifinals – March 4 winners, 6:30 p.m.; March 5 winners, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10: Final, 7 p.m.

What to watch: Simon Kenton edged Walton-Verona 56-51 for the 32nd District championship. Bray Bilton was the tournament MVP. SK did not play Spencer County this year, and lost to South Oldham in its half of the draw by 20. North Oldham and Woodford County are considered the two favorites, and are both 8-0 in the region as they have not played each other. WV lost to North Oldham by 20 on Feb. 6.

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Ninth Region (at NKU’s Truist Arena)

Saturday, March 7: Highlands (25-5) vs. Conner (14-12), 1 p.m.; Covington Catholic (28-2) vs. Dixie Heights (18-12), 2:30 p.m.; Lloyd Memorial (22-4) vs. Holy Cross (21-9), 6:30 p.m.; Ryle (21-8) vs. Newport (21-9), 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 8: Semifinals – Highlands/Conner vs. CovCath/Dixie winners, 6:30 p.m.; Lloyd/Holy Cross vs. Ryle/Newport winners, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10: Final, 7 p.m.

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What to watch: CovCath is the overwhelming favorite. Its only losses are to other top Kentucky teams Male and Madison Central. CovCath has not played Lloyd or Newport but has beaten the other five teams in the field by an average of 27 points. The Colonels’ closest win against Ninth Region competition is by 18 (72-54) against its first opponent, Dixie Heights.  

Conner beat Highlands 72-58 on Feb. 10. Ryle beat Conner by 12 in the 33rd District final for its first district title since 2014. Ryle beat Newport 45-30 on Dec. 17 but Newport has won seven of nine heading into the regional.

Lloyd is the hottest team in the region besides CovCath, winning 12 straight including a 21-point victory over Dixie in the 34th District final. Lloyd beat Holy Cross by 10, 63-53, on Jan. 6. Lloyd and Newport did not play each other this season, and time will tell if either can challenge CovCath if they get that chance. But barring injuries, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than the Colonels going to Rupp.

10th Region (at Mason County Fieldhouse)

Wednesday, March 4: Scott (15-14) vs. Mason County (7-19), 6 p.m.; Pendleton County (17-12) vs. George Rogers Clark (26-4), 8 p.m.

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Thursday, March 5: Montgomery County (17-12) vs. Bracken County (14-15), 6 p.m.; Campbell County (21-9) vs. Nicholas County (20-12), 8 p.m.

Monday, March 9: Semifinals – March 4 winners, 6 p.m.; March 5 winners, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10: Final, 7 p.m.

What to watch: George Rogers Clark is the heavy favorite here. Scott beat the host Royals 64-59 Dec. 18 in Taylor Mill. The hosts have struggled all year but won the 39th District. Scott survived a wild finish in the 37th District semifinals, with Jordan Clemons hitting a 3-pointer at the buzzer after a steal to give the Eagles a win over Brossart. Freshman Benjamin Brown has averaged 23 points per game in half a season. Pendleton County won the 38th District behind junior Kamden O’Hara, one of Northern Kentucky’s best shooters (15.4 ppg., 100 3-pointers). They drew the short straw after tourney favorite GRC lost the 40th District final to Montgomery County, 73-66. Campbell County has won four straight, including two dominant wins in the 37th District tournament. The streak started with a 90-89 win over its first-round regional opponent Nicholas County Feb. 13. Sophomore standout Austin Davie put up 50 points against Nicholas. Campbell lost by 12 to potential semifinal opponent Montgomery County Jan. 23.



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Cities Drive Kentucky License Plate fund aims to support disaster relief across the commonwealth

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23 hours ago

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February 28, 2026

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Cities Drive Kentucky License Plate fund aims to support disaster relief across the commonwealth


(LEX 18) — With peak flood season approaching in eastern Kentucky, a new license plate is hitting the road with a mission: helping communities recover when disaster strikes.

The Kentucky League of Cities is launching the Cities Drive Kentucky license plate to raise money for communities affected by natural disasters. The plates are expected to arrive at county clerk’s offices across the state next month.

Kentucky League of Cities CEO J.D. Chaney said the idea grew from watching Kentuckians rally together during past disasters — most notably in 2021, when an EF-4 tornado touched down in western Kentucky as part of a widespread outbreak.

“We saw people from the far east going far west that weren’t even touched,” Chaney said.

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Chaney said getting local governments back on their feet quickly is essential to helping residents recover.

“Getting the city up and going to be able to respond to the citizens they serve is absolutely critical for individuals to make recovery,” Chaney said.

The Kentucky League of Cities also aims to serve as a communication hub during disasters, helping local officials manage the flood of offers of support so they can focus on their communities.

“They’ve got [300] or 400 other phone calls they need to be doing, and we help on that other side. So, there’s one point of contact to facilitate those things,” Chaney said.

The need for that kind of support is growing. Research from the organization shows extreme weather caused $22 million in damages in 2025.

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Chaney described the license plate program as a safety net for cities across Kentucky.

“It’s an insurance policy, for Kentucky cities to know that they have that backing with other communities that have the resources so they can immediately get back and start serving their constituency,” Chaney said.

“We hope others also see how important that is,” Chaney added.

The Cities Drive Kentucky license plates will be available at county clerk’s offices statewide next month.





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Western Kentucky residents share benefits of backyard chickens (copy)

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2 days ago

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February 27, 2026

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Western Kentucky residents share benefits of backyard chickens (copy)


Members of the Kentucky House of Representatives voted to pass House Bill 276 earlier this month, which would allow Kentucky residents to keep up to six backyard chickens on residential properties while setting guidelines for local regulation.



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