LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Derby hats are a Kentucky mainstay this time of the year. That’s why one Louisville organization is selling custom hats to raise money for LGBTQ children.
Manager Amy Kunzler sells hats and fascinators inside her story, Nitty Gritty.
“This is a project as a fundraiser for the Louisville Youth Group to stand up against anti-LGBTQ, anti-trans legislation,” Kunzler said.
The “Hats Against Hate” fundraiser comes a month after the Kentucky legislature voted to override Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of Senate Bill 150, which bans all gender-affirming care for transgender youth and put limits on discussing gender and sexuality in schools, among other provisions.
“And I know they’ve used a lot of the colors that are the transgender colors,” Kunzler said while describing the hats.
Executive Director Elana Rosenberg said this initiative is aimed at gaining some visibility for the LGBTQ community.
“[Hats Against Hate is] a way to get involved and to respond to the legislation that has passed recently in Kentucky that restricts the rights for trans folks and trans young folks in particular,” Rosenberg said.
Volunteers created 100 hats to sell at $100 each at various stores around Louisville.
“I get asked a lot about how this legislation will impact young people, and the truth is it already is,” Rosenberg said. “Young folks are seeing whether or not they should exist being debated in their government.”
Proceeds go directly toward services and resources for the children at Louisville Youth Group.
The hats and fascinators are sold at five stores in Louisville until May 1. You can find them at: