Richmond, Ky - Seventeen business owners with establishments on or near Main Street in Richmond are joining with Eastern Kentucky University's Alphabet Center to host "Fairness Over Main," an all-day event on Friday, September 23 organized to show support for local anti-discrimination protections in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.
The group of participating businesses include a number of popular luncheon spots and cafes, a travel agency, yoga studio, bike shop and tattoo parlors -- many planning to offer Fairness-themed menu items and specials to honor the day.
"Fairness Over Main" will end with a community-wide celebration at The Paddy Wagon Irish Pub, 150 E. Main St., titled "T.G.I.Fairness!" Half of The Paddy Wagon's $5 cover charge and proceeds from Fairness-related drink specials that night will be donated to EKU's Alphabet Center in support of its education and outreach work towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality.
A local anti-discrimination Fairness ordinance has been discussed by the former and sitting Richmond City Commission and Mayor for more than two years. So far little action has been taken. The Richmond City Commission has yet to propose or consider a local Fairness law.
In mid-2009, the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights hosted a statewide forum on Fairness protections in the Richmond City Commission chambers, and earlier this year the EKU Alphabet Center partnered with the Richmond Human Rights Commission to present a local public forum on Fairness. The Richmond City Commission has yet to propose or consider a local Fairness law.
The Paddy Wagon, the first local business to join "Fairness Over Main," has pledged to continue offering Fairness-themed drink specials until there are equal anti-discrimination protections for Richmond's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender residents.
Richmond businesses joining "Fairness Over Main:"
Exhale Studios
Madison Garden
Currier's Music World
Lucky Lady Tattoos
Art Attack Tattoos
The Regal Beagle
Mike's Hike & Bike
My Fat Burrito
Babylon Cafe
Creative Arts by Sherri
Sparks Salon
First Gear-Screen printing
The Travel Authority
Dale's Hot Dog Stand
Jett & Hall
Nikki's Tavern
The Paddy Wagon