News Summary
Louisville Food Tours is introducing ‘Pride Plates: Kentucky’s Queer History Food Tours’ that combines local cuisine with LGBTQ+ history. Running three days a week, this engaging three-hour tour showcases landmarks and culinary delights in the Highlands neighborhood. Attendees will explore significant locations while enjoying iconic dishes and learning about notable queer figures in the area, all aimed at fostering understanding and awareness of the LGBTQ+ community’s rich heritage.
Louisville Launches Culinary Tour Celebrating Queer History
Louisville Food Tours is now taking reservations for its unique culinary experience, “Pride Plates: Kentucky’s Queer History Food Tours,” marking its second year of operation. The tour, which spans three hours, invites participants to explore the rich and often overlooked LGBTQ+ history of Kentucky while indulging in local cuisine. Tours are set to run three days a week, starting in June, and can accommodate up to 12 guests per tour, ensuring an intimate and engaging experience.
Tour Highlights and Culinary Delights
Tour-goers will visit several significant locations in the Highlands neighborhood, including eateries and cultural landmarks such as Big Bar, Carmichael’s Book Store, and Ramsi’s Café. The culinary offerings feature iconic Kentucky dishes, including hot brown, fried chicken, spoonbread, and a selection of bourbon cocktails. The tour is designed to celebrate themes of resilience, tenacity, and joy within the LGBTQ+ community, making it both a historical and gastronomic journey.
Historical Significance and Community Involvement
The inspiration for “Pride Plates” stems from the extensive Williams Nicols Collection at the University of Louisville’s library, notable for being one of the largest LGBTQ+ repositories in the United States. The planning and research for the tour involved stories from local community elders and rich historical narratives, enhancing the depth of the experience for participants.
The tour also highlights the contributions of significant LGBTQ+ figures, such as Kelly King, a noted pioneer in Louisville’s drag culture, providing insight into the local queer history that shapes the community today.
Event Details and Collaborations
The “Pride Plates” tour first launched in October as a part of Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week and now re-emerges to coincide with Pride Month, making it a timely celebration of queer culture. Reservations are actively being accepted, with each tour set to take place every Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and tickets starting at $159.
In addition to the food tour, Louisville Food Tours is partnering with the Actors Theatre of Louisville to offer ticket packages. Patrons can purchase a combined ticket that includes access to both the “Pride Plates” tour and a play titled “Gender Play or What You Will,” scheduled to run from June 13 to June 22.
A Growing Emphasis on LGBTQ+ History
This culinary tour reflects a growing recognition of the importance of celebrating diverse histories and narratives within the community. By combining food, culture, and history, the “Pride Plates” experience aims to educate participants and foster a deeper understanding of Kentucky’s queer heritage.
Louisville Food Tours encourages community members and tourists alike to take part in this unique exploration of both culinary and cultural significance, enhancing the visibility of LGBTQ+ narratives while also enjoying the flavors of Kentucky.
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Additional Resources
- LEO Weekly: Louisville Tourism Hosts Pride Plates LGBTQ Food Walking Tour
- LEO Weekly: Louisville Orchestra’s NightLites Series Returns for 2025-2026
- LEO Weekly: Exploring Louisville’s Mayan Cafe
- Wikipedia: LGBT History
- Let’s Go Louisville: Gay Bars in Louisville
