Dive into Louisville’s 2023 Municipality Equality Index score
There’s nothing quite like scoring 100. | Photo provided by Louisville Tourism
The Human Rights Campaign released the 2023 Municipal Equality Index, and Louisville is on the list. How did we score?
Each year, the Human Rights Campaign releases a Municipal Equality Index which takes a deep dive into laws, policies, and services and how inclusive they are of LGBTQ+ people. Last year’s edition examined 506 cities on 49 different criteria across five categories — Louisville earned a score of 100 out of 100. Believe it or not, our score actually increased from 2022.
Non-discrimination laws
This category looks at whether LGBTQ+ discrimination is prohibited by law in areas of employment, housing, and public accommodation. Louisville achieved a 30 out of 30 for our laws across the metro and state, with bonus points for protections regarding conversion therapy.
Municipality as employer
Cities can achieve points for inclusive employment policies like trans-inclusive healthcare policies and non-discrimination in city employment. Louisville got a 28 out of 28 — that’s two points higher than last year. We also earned bonus points for city employee domestic partner benefits.
Services and programs
This section considers the city’s efforts to include LGBTQ+ folks in city services and programs. Louisville scored 12 out of 12. We earned five extra points for our LGBTQ+ liaison in the city executive’s office. See the office of equity for more information.
Law enforcement
Looking at the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community, Louisville earned 22 out of 22.
Leadership on LGBTQ+ equality
This section looks at city leadership’s commitment to advocacy and inclusion. Louisville got an 8 out of 8, and earned bonus points for having openly LGBTQ+ elected or appointed leaders.
Looking ahead
2023 was the first year Louisville earned its perfect score without bonus points. However, there’s room for Derby City to earn even more. The city could have a youth bullying prevention policy, for example.
Events
Wednesday, Jan. 24
2024 Discover Boating® Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow | Wednesday, Jan. 24-Sunday, Jan. 28 | Times vary | Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Ln., Louisville | $12-$14 | Dream of warmer weather during this five-day exposition showcasing outdoor adventure gear and accessories.
Thursday, Jan. 25
The Hidden 1980s Series: Pop Culture in the Reagan Era | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6-7 p.m. | The Filson Historical Society, 1310 S. 3rd St., Louisville | $0-$18 | Hear from historian Daniel Gifford, Ph.D. about how some of the 1980s’ biggest hit movies + TV shows impacted the Reagan Era.
Plant 101 Class | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6-7 p.m. | Forage, 1201 Goss Ave., Ste. 2, Louisville | $45 | Get houseplant basics covering everything from basic care to picking the best plant for your space + leave with your own repotted plant.
Always Loretta - The Ultimate Loretta Lynn Tribute | Friday, Jan. 26 | 8 p.m. | Louisville Palace, 625 S. 4th St., Louisville | $26-$90 | Take a musical journey through the life story of the “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
Saturday, Jan. 27
Creed Bratton | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 8 p.m. | Whirling Tiger, 1335 Story Ave., Louisville | $25-$30 | This comedy and music show with “The Office” actor Creed Bratton is sure to be “cool beans, man” — even if it’s not by the quarry.
Give your skin the love it deserves this New Year. | Photo via Elivate Wellness
New Year, same you… but a little more rejuvenated and glowing. That’s what Elivate Wellness’ Fotona 4D FaceLift® procedure can provide. Elivate Wellness is dedicated to helping their clients feel their best, through a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology — and that’s exactly what the Fotona 4D FaceLift® does.
It’s a non-surgical procedure that lifts the face for a freshened, natural-looking appearance through laser skin resurfacing. This process harnesses the body’s natural healing powers and growth factors to firm and tighten skin, ensuring better tone and elasticity through collagen production. (aka, it’s about helping to heal the skin from the inside out.) And unlike surgery, it has a quick recovery time.
Best of all? If you book a Fotona 4D FaceLift® now, Elivate Wellness will throw in a free comprehensive health assessment to help you start 2024 on the right foot.
The Kentuckiana Pride Festival is now taking applications for entertainers and vendors. The event will take place on Saturday, June 15 on the Big Four Lawn. Apply to be a vendor or an entertainer.
Sports
Louisville City FC has revealed kick-off times for this season’s home slate at Lynn Family Stadium. The home opener vs. Pittsburgh will kick off at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 23. See the full list of kick times.
Cause
Pizza Lupo is helping feed + clothe people experiencing housing insecurity this winter. When you order a pie from the Butchertown restaurant, you can purchase one for folks staying at the Wayside Christian Mission. Pro tip: Bring in winter coats, hats, or other items for a discount on your order.
Watch
Did you catch “Jeopardy!” Monday? The Bluegrass State was prominently featured. During Final Jeopardy! the clue was, “The first vice president and the first president not born in one of the original 13 states were both born in this state.” The correct response: Kentucky. Umm... of course we knew that.
Home
Perfect for a cleaner, healthier home: this extra-large maple cutting board, which is BPA and phthalate-free and conditioned with beeswax, flaxseed, and lemon oil.*
Plan Ahead
Planning a wedding this year? The Louisville Water Tower offers a unique and iconic backdrop for your perfect day. (Hint: The Knot recently named it as a top venue that will leave you “awestruck.”) Schedule a tour and save the date for your big day.*
Development
Down the rabbit hole
Rabbit Hole Distillery is planning expansion in NuLu
The expansion along Jefferson Street will see the campus stretch from Clay to Shelby Streets. | Image via Louisville Metro Government
Rabbit Hole Distillery is gearing up to expand its campus in NuLu, in a move that would transform an entire city block.
Located at 711 E. Jefferson St., the operation started distilling bourbon in 2018. The expansion would stretch the property from Clay to Shelby Streets along Jefferson, adding a gift shop, tasting rooms, a dedicated single-barrel tasting space, and an outdoor area.
The expansion will also incorporate an existing structure at 218 Shelby St. That space will reportedly host a tasting room for the Mary Dowling Whiskey Co., an offshoot brand named in honor of a pre-prohibition woman distiller.
The distillery acquired the property for the move for ~$11 million. Construction could begin by October.
Bonus: Rabbit Hole isn’t the only distillery stretching its legs in the area — Angel’s Envy is also growing. The distillery is planning an expansion of its own about four blocks away on East Main Street.
The Buy
The Buy 1.24.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The best baking supplies to cook up something cozy and comforting this winter. Think: a sourdough starter helper, lemon lavender scones baking mix, and Herbes de Provence focaccia mix.
As a longtime “Jeopardy!” viewer, I’m always excited to see my home state involved in a clue.
Here’s a fun game I like to play: try to guess the correct response of Final Jeopardy!, only using only the category + before they give the clue. You’re incorrect 99% of the time, but the one time you get it you’ll feel like you just found a $20 bill in your pocket while doing the laundry.
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