Dear Editor:
A recent letter to the editor, written by Eliza Bruce, called upon Henderson to “put an end” to Pride events in our community. Because that piece contains several inaccurate and misleading claims about our organization, our performers, and the people who attend our events, we believe it deserves a response.
It is clear from the piece that the writer did not attend Pride ’26 or our Pride Kickoff Drag Brunch. In fact, we make the reasonable assumption this author has never attended a Henderson KY Pride event. Their account was assembled from selected photos and videos viewed online and then presented as a complete picture of our work.
Pride ’26 set a record for us when it welcomed more than 2,000 people to downtown Henderson. More than 85 vendors signed up, including local businesses, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, churches, artists, musicians, food vendors and community groups. Attendees connected with resources, supported local businesses, enjoyed local, regional, and national talent, and spent the day celebrating alongside friends and neighbors. It is convenient that almost none of that appeared in the opinion piece.
Instead, the writer focused almost entirely on drag and repeatedly described performances as sexual, dangerous or degrading. Drag is a form of live entertainment built around costume, character, music, comedy, dance and theatrical exaggeration. A performer accepting a tip from an audience member is a common part of that tradition. Describing the interaction as sexual does not make it so.
While Pride ‘26 was family-friendly, we completely understand that not every event we host will feel suitable for every person or every family. That is true of movies, concerts, comedy shows, festivals and theatrical productions. Adults decide what they wish to attend, and parents decide what is appropriate for their children.
If you do not like an event, do not attend it. Yes, it truly is that simple.
What is not reasonable is demanding that everyone else lose the opportunity to attend because one person disapproves.
The opinion piece also framed Pride as something being imposed on Henderson by outsiders. That could not be further from the truth. Henderson KY Pride is made up of people who live here, work here, own businesses here, worship here, raise families here and contribute to this community every day. The people who attend our events are predominantly a part of Henderson, although our success has attracted visitors from neighboring cities, counties and states.
We would gladly welcome the writer—or anyone else with sincere questions—to contact our organization, attend an event, meet our board of directors and learn more about what we do.
This year, Henderson KY Pride broke records in attendance, sponsorships, donations, partnerships and outreach. Our support grew because people across this community understand the importance of ensuring LGBTQIA+ people can live openly and safely in the place they call home.
To every LGBTQIA+ person in Henderson, and to those who have traveled to attend our celebrations and events, please hear us clearly:
You continue to have a place here.
Henderson KY Pride will remain dedicated to protecting your right to live authentically, openly and without shame. We will continue creating spaces where you can gather, celebrate and be seen.
One author may call for an “end” to Pride.
But it will take far more than one uninformed letter to the editor to undo a record-breaking year, erase thousands of people or weaken the force this organization has become in Henderson.
To those hoping we will disappear, fall silent or stop fighting for a Henderson where LGBTQIA+ people can thrive: you are going to be sorely disappointed.
Henderson KY Pride Board of Directors
Henderson
P.S. Eliza, our invitation is sincere: attend one of our events in person, meet the people you wrote about, and see the work for yourself. Your ticket is on us.
