Beshear recognizes June as Pride Month in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky.  – Gov. Andy Beshear has signed a proclamation officially recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month in Kentucky.

According to a release by the governor’s office, Beshear is the first sitting governor in Kentucky to recognize June as Pride Month.

“I believe all children are children of God – no exceptions, no asterisks. I made a pledge to fight for every single Kentuckian, every single day. Our LGBTQ+ community deserves to have their rights protected, and I will always stand firm on my values of compassion, empathy and doing what’s right to protect them,” Beshear said. “To my LGBTQ+ neighbors: I see you and I support you. And in Kentucky, we’re going to keep building on the progress we’ve made to ensure every person is accepted and celebrated for who they are.”

Beshear also highlighted the actions he has taken surrounding LGBTQ+ rights.

His office states that in 2021, Beshear first proclaimed June as Pride Month in the Commonwealth. He additionally was the first sitting governor in Kentucky’s history to participate in and speak during a yearly Statewide Fairness Rally at the Capitol, officials say.

The governor’s office says in 2024, Beshear signed an executive order banning the practice of conversation therapy on minors in Kentucky.

In addition, Beshear’s office states he vetoed legislation that would have banned access to gender-affirming healthcare and restricted bathroom access.

In 2025, officials say Beshear also vetoed legislation that sought to overturn his executive order banning conversion therapy on minors and preventing Medicaid from covering gender-affirming healthcare.

“Kentucky – and all of America – cannot possibly reach its full potential unless our people feel supported to be themselves,” Beshear said. “It’s my belief that it’s our job to lift everyone up and not tear anyone down. I’ll never let political games stop me from standing up for my neighbors.”