By Micah Ledford —
Kiki on the Lawn kick-started Pride Week on Tuesday, Sept. 25 in the Red Barn. The event had free food, queer trivia and a drag show. Special guests performed including Kashmeer St. James, Uhstel H. Valentine, Chanel Chapman and LaNaysia.
It was hosted by Strange Fruit, the longest running African-American Queer podcast. Strange Fruit worked alongside Shades, an RSO that provides resources for U of L LGBTQ+ students of color and their allies to put on the event.
“Kiki on the Lawn is a place where Queer-Trans people of color can gather and have a good time and have fun together,” said DeAntre Perry, president of Shades.
Perry’s initial goal for the event was to “start a culture at U of L honoring and highlighting Queer and Transgender people on campus.”
“I just enjoy being able to share my queer-ness with other people!” said freshman Luke Moore who came to the event with hopes of meeting drag queens.
Moore said U of L is one of the few schools to offer an LGBTQ studies minor program, and it has a center for members of the LGBTQ community.
“Our campus is one of the most queer-friendly campuses in Kentucky. Louisville loves the gays,” Moore said.
Photo by Micah Ledford / The Louisville Cardinal
