Kentucky Governor marks June as Pride Month
KENTUCKY(KBSI) – Gov. Andy Beshear signed a proclamation officially marking June 2026 as Pride Month in Kentucky.
According to the Governor his administration is working to fight discrimination and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ Kentuckians. He was the first sitting Governor in Kentucky’s history to recognize June as Pride Month and has taken action to veto harmful and discriminatory legislation.
“I believe all children are children of God – no exceptions, no asterisks. I made a pledge to fight for every single Kentuckian, every single day. Our LGBTQ+ community deserves to have their rights protected, and I will always stand firm on my values of compassion, empathy and doing what’s right to protect them,” said Gov. Beshear. “To my LGBTQ+ neighbors: I see you and I support you. And in Kentucky, we’re going to keep building on the progress we’ve made to ensure every person is accepted and celebrated for who they are.”
Gov. Beshear highlighted steps he’s taken:
- In 2021, the Governor proclaimed June as Pride Month for the first time in the commonwealth.
- Gov. Beshear was the first sitting Governor in Kentucky’s history to participate in and speak at the annual Statewide Fairness Rally at the Capitol. He has attended every single Statewide Fairness Rally since taking office.
- In 2024, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order officially banning the practice of conversion therapy on minors in the state of Kentucky, citing that it “has no basis in medicine or science, and it can cause significant long-term harm to our kids.”
- In 2023, Gov. Beshear vetoed legislation banning access to gender-affirming healthcare and restricting bathroom access.
- In 2025, the Governor vetoed legislation that sought to overturn his executive order banning conversion therapy on minors and prevent Medicaid from covering gender-affirming healthcare.
