2009 Statewide Fairness Award Recipients

Kentucky Fairness Alliance (KFA) has selected the 2009 fairness award recipients to be presented at the annual statewide fairness gala, Out & About. 

This year’s award recipients continue to set the bar high and represent excellent work being done to further prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression in public policy.

The “Amper&and” Award recognizes an individual or institution that has made bold advances toward the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.  This year’s recipient is Louisville native and attorney David Tachau.  A partner at Tachau Meek PLC, Tachau has a long history of supporting inclusive civil and constitutional rights.  Most recently, beginning in 2006, he took on injustice by representing KFA and others in stopping the Kentucky General Assembly from granting the University of the Cumberlands, a private, religion-based institution, $11 million to open a pharmacy school.  The case is now on appeal before the Supreme Court of Kentucky, awaiting decision following oral arguments.  Previous recipients include Governor Steven L. Beshear (2008) and the University of Louisville (2007).

The Community Service Award recognizes individuals and institutions who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to serving the LGBT community.  This year’s recipient is the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights (KCHR).  As the state agency charged with monitoring human rights across the Commonwealth, the KCHR has proactively worked to promote fairness against all groups that have been historically discriminated against.  Under the leadership of Executive Director John J. Johnson and Commission Chair George S. Stinson, the KCHR has passed resolutions in support of a Statewide Fairness Law, opposed banning adoption and foster care rights for LGBT couples, and furthered statewide education efforts dealing with the LGBT community by holding a public hearing in June to discuss discrimination against the LGBT Kentuckians – a first by a state government agency.  Previous recipients include Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown (2008) and Rev. Todd Eklof (2007).

“We’re really excited to be able to give back to David and the Commission for the great work they continue to do for the community,” said Travis Myles, KFA Board Chairperson.  “Without them, fair recognition and respect for LGBT Kentuckians would progress much slower.”