LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) – LGBTQ community leaders are celebrating the 20th anniversary of a milestone in the fight for equality here in central Kentucky.
The Fairness Ordinance passed in Lexington in 1999, protecting people against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Community leaders who had a role in passing the ordinance tell LEX 18 the hard work that went into it was well worth it.
A panel of community leaders is discussing the 20 year anniversary of the fairness ordinance passing in Lexington. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/Tz1p91thkj
— Katherine Collins (@KCollinsWLEX) June 23, 2019
From newspaper clippings, to photos from council meetings, the exhibit that now sits in the library is a snapshot in time.A panel of community leaders spoke to a crowd on Sunday about when they first knew a fairness ordinance was necessary in Lexington.
Many say they heard several stories of people being discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and it was clear to them that something needed be done.
Jeff Jones was the co-chair of the Lexington Fairness Campaign in 1999, he says the city has changed a lot since then, but there’s still work to be done.
“We know that discrimination still happens. People are tossed out by their families, people are not treated equally in business,” said Jones.
Lexington is also kicking off pride week in the city. A pride parade will be held downtown next weekend.
