Our Collections
At the heart of our archive lies a treasure trove of over 15,000 items and 250 hours of recorded interviews, spanning two centuries of Kentucky's LGBTQ history. From individuals to events, and from institutions to activism, our collections reflect the rich diversity of Kentucky's LGBTQ community, serving as a vital resource for activists, scholars, artists, and museums alike.
The collections of the Faulkner Morgan Archive are unique in two ways.
We only collect material with a direct relationship to Kentucky's LGBTQ community and LGBTQ Kentuckians.
We have developed an oral-history-based methodology of collecting, wherein donors are recorded describing their collection and the stories their collection holds. In effect, artifacts become tied to the oral histories of their donors, creating a rich resource for activists, scholars, artists, and museums.
Our collections represent numerous individuals, events, and institutions from across Kentucky, and help emphasize Kentucky's important role within the broader national narrative of LGBTQ history.
Featured Collections
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Featured Collections *
All Collections
Kevin Bell
Kevin Bell, raised in Lexington, began his career as a hustler at the age of 12, after having been molested by a restaurant owner who afterwards gave him cash and drugs. By 14 he was working the Wall in Lexington, and was kept by several wealthy men who took him around the country. Kevin talks about Johnny Angels, Bill Sheehan, Mike McCormick, the Wall, downtown Lexington. He just turned 57, is still a drug user, and has recently been diagnosed with liver cancer. He is a long-term AIDS survivor. He currently lives on East Main Street at the Barclay East Apartments. After filming he mentioned he has a 24 year old son in Richmond, Kentucky. He identifies as trysexual, although his primary attraction is to women. He told me “if I like you, I’ll have sex with you.” He is a sweet man, asking constantly if he was “okay” and with a real desire to please and help.
Interested in USING Our Collections?
Dive into Kentucky's rich LGBTQ history with access to over 15,000 items and 250 hours of oral history. Whether you're a researcher, artist, activist, or simply curious, our archives are open to all.