The Faulkner Morgan Archive is a nonprofit organization that works to share Kentucky’s LGBTQ history. The archive was founded in 2014 and named in honor of two queer artists from Kentucky, Henry Faulkner and Robert Morgan. Starting in April, the Transylvania Library has been displaying an exhibit from the Faulkner Morgan Archive in the first-floor quiet section. Titled “Here, Black, Femme, and Queer,” it features images and stories of Black, femme, and queer Kentuckians.

Once you walk into the quiet section there are two large photographs of Marsha P. Johnson from the Estate of Leee Black Childers Collection at the Faulkner Morgan Archive. The plaque below the posters presents a brief history of Marsha’s life and impact on New York City and the queer community. Leee Black Childers, the photographer of the work, was born in Kentucky and worked throughout his career to highlight queer culture in his photographs. Beyond the large photos, there are many more stories that are presented in glass cases throughout the exhibit. The exhibit highlights the stories of amazing queer individuals, such as Lexington native Charles Dansby (Miss Joyce), who had a massive influence on Lexington’s queer community.

The exhibit spotlights many people who performed at what is now known as the Bar Complex here in Lexington. It was especially impactful reading about Sweet Evening Breeze, one of the only openly queer Black Kentuckians prior to the 1970s. Understanding both the negative and positive history of our city is undeniably vital. It is important and fulfilling to learn about the queer legends that came before us but also to acknowledge how the life they lived before has affected queer individuals today. The house of Sweet Evening Breeze, which witnessed her arrest and was vandalized during her lifetime, still stands here in Lexington and is a twelve-minute drive from our campus. You’ve probably seen her face before if you’ve ever been walking downtown on North Limestone, in the beautiful purple mural titled “Mother Of Us All.” To learn the many more stories of Black queer Kentuckians in the exhibit, stop by the library and learn about Lexington’s History.

The Delta Sigma Phi fraternity hosted their philanthropy event, Sigatoni’s, on Thursday, March 21st. Sigatoni’s was an Italian-themed dinner, with many references to classic films such as The Godfather. As I entered Sigatoni’s I was immediately greeted at the door and ushered to my seat, where I was waited on as soon as I sat down and ordered my meal. I was served my meal quite quickly and it was very satisfying. Live music was also being performed by members of Delta Sigma Phi, including the members of local bands Sun Shy and Sphynx. The atmosphere created by the performance made me feel as though I was in a quaint Italian restaurant. When I eventually had to leave Sigatoni’s, I was satisfied with nearly everything about the philanthropy event. I could tell that the Delta Sigma Phi members had put a lot of work into this event to make sure everything went swimmingly.

Sigatoni’s is a yearly event, with the money raised each year going towards The Nest. The Nest is a foundation with the goal of aiding families in crisis or in need through education, advocacy, and free programming. Delta Sigma Phi has partnered with the Nest many times before and this year they were able to raise over $1500 for the charity. It is great to see Greek organizations on campus doing their best to support organizations like Nest. The only negative thing I can say about Sigatoni’s is that I arrived too late and did not secure a bottle of the exclusive “Sigatoni’s Reserve.”  I will just have to get one next year, where I hope even more people can attend the event. 

On Tuesday, March 19th, the Student Activities Board hosted an event in honor of Women’s History Month, “Zine Queens!” At the event, there was an informational presentation on the history of zines and a taco bar catered by Maria’s Kitchen and Bar. Students were able to look through many magazines that were donated from the Transylvania Library and Carnegie Center.

You may be wondering what a zine is: it is a multimedia print work that is created by folding a piece of paper into a book and filling it with images, words, poetry, and more. They are used to express important themes or messages but they can also just be silly and fun! Zines also have a history of feminism as well as being deeply involved in the “Riot Grrrl” movement; this supported women in being unashamed of their emotions and, in particular, anger. Zines were a stepping stone to intersectionality within feminism. They provided an outlet for all individuals, not just white middle-class feminism. Due to the amazing history of zines, they provided a perfect event for all individuals to come together and express themselves. This event served as a warm and creative way to celebrate Women’s History Month!