Pride Events and Festivals 2026
Know about an event that we don’t? We are always looking for new events. Email us the details at amewzinthemountains@gmail.com.
Play With Pride – Queer Artists of Kentucky
By Cleetus Russ
The year of 2026 marks 11 years since same-sex marriage was legalized, and 57 years since the Stonewall Riots that lead the fight for queer rights in the U.S. As we finish celebrating this year’s pride, lets take a moment to honor the different letters of the LGBTQIA and their creations. From a multi-genre band from the late 1980s, to modern Death-metal and Indie rock bands today, one of these bands are sure to fit one of your playlists. While I’m only naming three bands here, there are many more bands to give a listen.
Starting off our list with an all female five people band straight from Louisville. Yer Girlfriend was formed in 1989, founded by Carol Kraemer and Laura Shine. They produced three albums during their time as an active band, each album full of political heavy songs. Yer Girlfriend was a very out-spoken group, Kraemer even being an Organizational Manager for Fairness Campaign after the band was no longer active. The Album “L-Word Spoken Here” features the song “L-Word”, a song with a catchy chorus that’s broken up by a speech announcing the start of the Fairness Campaign, the statistics on queer violence and discrimination, and the “taboo” around lesbians in that era. Yer Girlfriends encourages the people listening to really think about the lesbians around you as a person, a powerful message during the 1990s. While the band no longer makes new albums, they occasionally hold reunion gatherings.
A more modern band is The Archaeas, their most recent album being released in 2020. This three person band also comes from Louisville and features a trans woman as their lead guitarist. As of right now, the band only has three albums made as well and haven’t made any new songs since 2022, and their active Facebook account don’t give away to any future updates. The band has a garage-punk theme and has heavy inspiration from the band Guitar Wolf, and Canadian blues musician, Mark Sultan. Each song carries a nostalgic feeling of 2016, when Violet Archaeas made the first EP for the band when it was just her. Since the album dropped two other members have joined the band as well, making the band a trio. The band also hold bake sales in Louisville, as advertised on their Instagram, to support future albums and shows.
June features more than one way to celebrate our differences, as Juneteenth is an important holiday to raise black voices and spread awareness of black history culture and creativity. Lets shine the spotlight on a pair of brothers from Versailles, Kentucky. The two are country singers, who also mix Pop and R&B in their songs. Brandon and Derek carry their heart in everything from the lyrics to their presence, constantly writing music and perfecting their voices, and and customizing their own clothing to be them – something they want everyone to know they’re proud of, and they encourage their fans to be, too. Derek and Brandon push to be an image for queer folk, Encouraging them not to hide.
As we ride through the rest of 2026, remember to support your local artists. Their bravery to chase their dreams, and openly and unapologetically being themselves should be celebrated. Listen to a song, add them to a playlist, recommend a song to a friend, go see them in person — anything to keep supporting queer and small artists. In a year like ours – where we are still facing oppression with threats of our right to marry being stripped, and bills are presented to harm transgender youths – uplift and support the community as passionately as you can.
A Mewz in the Mountains 