Chill Out and Proud Somerset

06/12/2026

We honor those lost to senseless violence as well as those still fighting for freedom. 💜

Today is the tenth anniversary of the the Pulse Nightclub shooting on June 12, 2016. We remember the victims and honor them with action. 💔

Akyra Monet Murray, 18 years old
Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21 years old
Amanda Alvear, 25 years old
Angel L. Candelario-Padró, 28 years old
Anthony Luis Laureano Disla, 25 years old
Antonio Davon Brown, 29 years old
Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, 49 years old
Christopher “Drew” Andrew Leinonen, 32 years old
Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, 24 years old
Cory James Connell, 21 years old
Darryl Roman Burt II, 29 years old
Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32 years old
Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30 years old
Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34 years old
Enrique L. Rios, Jr., 25 years old
Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36 years old
Frank Hernandez, 27 years old
Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velázquez, 50 years old
Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, 25 years old
Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, 25 years old
Jason Benjamin Josaphat, 19 years old
Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40 years old
Jean C. Nives Rodriguez, 27 years old
Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35 years old
Jerald “Jerry” Arthur Wright, 31 years old
Joel Rayón Paniagua, 32 years old
Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, 24 years old
Juan Chavez Martinez, 25 years old
Juan P. Rivera Velázquez, 37 years old
Juan Ramón Guerrero, 22 years old
KJ Morris, 37 years old
Leroy Valentin Fernández, 25 years old
Luis Daniel Conde, 39 years old
Luis Daniel Lestat Wilson-Leon, 37 years old
Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20 years old
Luis S. Vielma, 22 years old
Martin Benitez Torres, 33 years old
Mercedez Marisol Flores, 26 years old
Miguel Angel Honorato, 30 years old
Oscar Aracena-Montero, 26 years old
Paul Terrell Henry, 41 years old
Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22 years old
Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, 33 years old
Shane Evan Tomlinson, 33 years old
Simón Adrián Carrillo Fernández, 31 years old
Stanley Almodovar III, 23 years old
Tevin Eugene Crosby, 25 years old
Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, 35 years old
Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, 24 years old

06/03/2026

Mark your calendars for this year's Jubilee!

06/01/2026

Go get your Pride on! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

is already in full swing! How many festivals will you be joining? 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

Full list/festival websites & info at Fairness.org/KYPride.

05/31/2026

Dearest Beloved Community,

The Board of Directors write to announce that Chill Out & Proud Somerset is on hiatus for 2026 and will not host its annual Pride festival this Fall. This was not a decision made lightly, and there are a few reasons behind it.

The 2025 festival year experienced significantly growing costs alongside difficultly fundraising and low volunteer engagement. While we certainly pulled it off, it was truly a hustle for everyone involved. Our organization survives on donations, grants, sponsorships, volunteers, and the dedicated hard work of our board. A lack of funding and volunteers puts a strain on every aspect of the event.

Many members of our board have been engaged in this festival since its start in 2019 and have powered it at full throttle with dedication and grit. Nearly all of us have also experienced significant life transitions in the last few years and, for some of us, those transitions demanded a step back from what our festival demands. We find ourselves not only a bit shorthanded, but admittedly tired y'all.

This doesn't mean we aren't still working on Pride! We have some organizational housekeeping, team building, and strategic planning to do to ensure Pride in Somerset remains at its best so that will be our board's focus for this year. We want to build upon what we have already established to keep bringing you unique experiences and entertainment each year, especially leading up to a grand celebration for 10 years of Pride in Somerset in 2029!

This is not a goodbye, pinky promise. Chill Out & Proud Somerset will return in 2027 with fresh energy, fresh ideas, and a fresh experience for all of you!

No matter what, we are only a DM away if you need support or resources always.

With unyielding love and Pride,
Your Board of Directors

05/29/2026

05/01/2026

Thank you JustFundKY for funding so many outstanding projects across our state including our annual festival! 🎉

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2026

JustFundKY Awards Over $95,000 to LGBTQ Initiatives Across Kentucky Amid Challenging Climate

At a time when LGBTQ+ communities across Kentucky are navigating an increasingly difficult political and social landscape, we are investing directly in resilience, visibility, and joy.

Today, we announce the recipients of our 2026 Cliff Todd Endowment grants, awarding $95,461 to community-driven projects spanning the Commonwealth, from Pikeville to Paducah. This year’s cohort reflects both urgency and innovation, with organizations adapting creatively to ensure LGBTQ+ Kentuckians remain seen, supported, and celebrated.

Even in challenging times, these organizations are finding ways to build connection, tell stories, and create spaces where people feel safe and valued. This work is not only necessary, it is transformative.

As a $2.4 million endowment, we have invested $748,000 in 94 organizations since 2011, reaching every county in Kentucky. We support educational and community-based initiatives that raise awareness, foster belonging, and advance equity for LGBTQ people statewide.

We remain committed to building a Kentucky where all people, regardless of identity, can live openly, safely, and with dignity.








Carnegie NKY











of.morehead


(blue bridge pride)





Q***r Student Collective UK
***rkentuckypride
(somerset pride)

03/03/2026

02/04/2026

Safety notice regarding a survey soliciting responses from LGBTQIA+ individuals!

SAFETY WARNING!!!

A study called "Adolescent and Young Adult Gender Dysphoria Outcomes Study or AYAGDOS" is currently recruiting transgender youth and young adults. Multiple trans-led organizations and advocates are urging families not to participate, due to serious concerns about the researchers involved and how this data may be used to undermine gender-affirming care.

This is not a neutral or harmless study.

A link to a longer piece explaining what’s going on, who’s behind it, and why families should be cautious before participating in any trans-related research is in the comments.

Please share so families can make informed, protective decisions for their kids. 🏳️‍⚧️