06.22.2023

Today’s Forecast

88º | Mostly sunny | 8% chance of rain | Sunrise 6:21 a.m. | Sunset 9:03 p.m.

Y’all means all

Learn more about how our Municipal Equality Index score has changed over time

A set of clasped hands with a rainbow ribbon wrapped around one in the forefront.

Take a moment to reflect on our city’s HRC score. | Photo by Anete Lusina from Pexels

Every year, the Human Rights Campaign releases a Municipal Equality Index which dives into municipal laws, policies, and services to score the city’s inclusivity of LGBTQ+ people. Here’s how we did over the last three years:

In 2020, we scored 95 out of 100
In 2021, we scored 100 out of 100
In 2022, we scored 100 out of 100

Let’s break down how we got here… and how that score may change.

Non-discrimination laws

This category awards up to 30 points based on whether LGBTQ+ discrimination is prohibited by law in areas of employment, housing, and public accommodation.

2020 score: 28
2021 score: 28
2022 score: 30

Municipality as employer

Cities as employers can achieve up to 28 points by meeting certain guidelines for ensuring an inclusive workplace and benefits.

2020 score: 16
2021 score: 22
2022 score: 22

Services and programs

This section has 12 available points for the city’s efforts to include LGBTQ+ communities in services and programs. And we’ve scored 12 out of 12 the past three years.

Law enforcement

This section has 22 available points and looks at the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community. We’ve kept 22 out of 22 points from 2020 to 2023.

Leadership on LGBTQ+ equality

This section has eight available points and looks at city leadership’s commitment to advocacy and inclusion. We’ve kept all eight for the last three years.

Looking ahead

The past three years suggest that our city’s equality score is trending upwards. While we won’t know our 2023 score until December, now is a good time to reflect on current laws and policies that affect LGBTQ+ communities.

Here are some recommendations from the HRC for how we could increase our 2022 score: The city could offer transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits to its employees as well as services to the LGBTQ+ community to prevent youth bullying.

Events

Thursday, June 22

A Fair to Remember | Thursday, June 22 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Henry Dry Goods, 238 Jefferson St., Lexington | $100-$400 | Purchase a signature jacket that will be ready for you to customize + embellish, plus enjoy showroom discounts and light bites.
Commerce Lexington’s Business Link | Thursday, June 22 | 4-6 p.m. | William T. Young Campus Center, 361 N. Broadway, Lexington | $5-$10 | Join Transylvania University + LiveWell Training Club and network your way to success.
Bits & Bites | Thursday, June 22 | 6:30 p.m. | Mirror Twin Brewing, 725 National Ave., Lexington | Free | UK’s Equine Alumni Affiliate Network invites all equine industry members for an evening of food, drink + good conversation.

Friday, June 23

Lexington Green Lakeside Live | Friday, June 23 | 6-10 p.m. | Lexington Green Lakeside, 161 Lexington Green Cir., Lexington | Free | Come enjoy a night of live music, food, dancing, and fun on Lexington’s biggest “back porch.”
Shaker Village Music on the Lawn | Friday, June 23-Saturday, June 24 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg | Free | Venture out to historic Harrodsburg for an evening of live music, outdoor dining, and drinks around the fire pit.

Saturday, June 24

CCI 90th Anniversary Limited Edition Pivot Can Release | Saturday, June 24-Sunday, June 25 | Times vary | Chevy Chase Inn, 833 Euclid Ave., Lexington | Free | Celebrate 90 years of CCI with a special limited release of Pivot Cider in honor of Russell “Red Eye” Salyer.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Ranked

Based on data from the IRS, US Census Bureau, and real estate website Zillow, Fayette County is the seventh wealthiest county in the state. The median income for Fayette is $61,526, ~$6,000 more than the statewide midpoint. Neighboring Woodford County ranked third with a median income of $72,765. (Lexington Herald-Leader)

Health

Kentucky Children’s Hospital ranked nationally in three different categories on U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-24 Best Children’s Hospital list. The areas earning honors were: pediatric cardiology and heart surgery, pediatric orthopedic care, and the pediatric urology team. (Lane Report)

Travel

If you’ve been looking for a sign to visit the Emerald Isle, this is it. Fáilte Irish Imports has a few more spots available for its guided trip to Ireland Sunday, Sept. 24-Wednesday, Oct. 4. Get more details.

State

Being Kentucky Proud just got a whole lot easier. The official Kentucky agricultural brand launched a new website with a product locator where you can find 150+ certified Kentucky-made goods within a few keystrokes. Farm-fresh eggs, crop fibers, and even marshmallows are just a few of the searchable categories.

Asked

Recently, we asked you to get creative + make Lexington into a unique flavor of ice cream using one to three locally procured ingredients. What flavor are you crafting up? Share it with us and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.

Shop

Pro tip: Becoming a Kroger Boost member comes with perks like free grocery delivery, double fuel points, and specialty savings (read: up to $1,000 a year). Learn more and join.*

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

Hey, y’all — it’s me again. Are you tired of seeing my face down here yet? Well, you only have one more day of me before I head out west for a birthday trip to Napa Valley + Sonoma. Most of our stops are already scheduled, but I’m always open to recommendations. Send them my way.

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