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Councilwoman Emma Curtis

@emmacurtis.bsky.social

12K followers 320 following 310 posts

Councilwoman 🏛️ Trans Kentuckian 🏳️‍⚧️ Punk/Metalhead/Elder Emo 🤘 Proudly serving the people of Lexington’s 4th District 💙 https://linktr.ee/emmacurtislex

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Jan 3

This morning at 10:03 AM, with my family by my side, I was sworn in to serve as the Councilmember for Lexington’s 4th District.

It’s the honor of my lifetime.

Let’s get to work!

💙

Emma stands across from the Council Clerk with her right hand raised, reciting the Oath of Office.

She is standing next to her mother, who is holding three books (her maternal family Bible, On Tyranny, and the US Constitution) that Emma rests her left hand on.

Emma poses with her family after being sworn in.

Emma’s parents and sister look at her as she lays on the floor of Council Chambers next to her nephew.

Emma lays on the floor of Council Chambers next to her nephew, all of their hands raised in the air.

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · 12h

“There’s a power in a union, there’s a power inside”

Had a great time speaking at the KY AFL-CIO’s Young Workers Summit this morning about how we can build a future that works for ALL of us—not just the ultra-wealthy.

💙✊

Emma poses for a photo with Rep. Rachel Roarx, Rep. Joshua Watkins, Blake Gerstner, and Belle Townsend inside IBEW Local 369.

Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · 3d

Today, Council unanimously approved funding for a roundabout feasibility study, traffic circle quick build program, and crosswalk signal improvement study.

I couldn’t be more proud.

I know it’s hard to feel right now, but I promise—we can still do good things when we show up and do the work.

💙

Emma sits behind the horseshoe in council chambers, smiling to herself as she finishes speaking

Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · 7d

Rather than show one iota of respect for trans students, the University of Kentucky is choosing to throw them to the wolves.

These changes exceed state and federal requirements, pushing trans students off campus and accelerating the housing crisis in our city that UK helped create.

Truly shameful.

UK will no longer offer gender-inclusive student housing under anti-DEI law

University of Kentucky also will no longer offer financial support or resources for identity-based groups or activities.

www.kentucky.com

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · 8d

Baby Driver sold me on it first, but your argument really drove the point home😎🚘🎧

Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · 8d

I was interviewed by @lemonde.fr, a leading international newspaper, about trans life in a “red state.”

I spoke of the manufactured dehumanization of trans folks—but also of the need to fix Lexington’s broken roads and lower our rental costs.

These issues aren’t contradictory—they’re inseparable.

Dans le Kentucky, la peur des personnes transgenres, après l’assassinat de Charlie Kirk

Déjà victimes des obsessions identitaires de Donald Trump, les Américains et les Américaines transgenres sont la cible de nombreuses menaces et insultes depuis la mort du militant ultraconservateur Ch...

www.lemonde.fr

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · 18d

No.

Politico @politico.com · 18d

Amy McGrath has announced a second bid for Mitch McConnell’s Senate seat.

McGrath announces second bid for McConnell’s Senate seat

The retired fighter pilot said she is “battle-tested and ready to fight.”

www.politico.com

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Sep 23

I have no room in my heart for hate 💙

Andy Beshear @andybeshearky.bsky.social · Sep 23

My faith teaches me that you love your neighbor as yourself – no asterisks, no exceptions. That stands even if we disagree. No leader should take pride in having hate for their opponents. Hate leads us nowhere. It has no place in our country, in our society or in our politics.

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Sep 22

Shanah Tovah to every Lexingtonian celebrating Rosh Hashanah!

Wishing y’all a happy and healthy new year 🍎🍯

A graphing reading “Shanah Tovah!” and featuring an apple, a jar of honey, and a fig.

Below it, “Councilwoman Emma Curtis, Lexington’s 4th District”.

Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Sep 12

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death, political leaders have rightfully called for an end to political and gun violence.

But many have done so while, in the same breath, whitewashing the violent rhetoric that Kirk espoused and calling for more violence.

That is unconscionable and it’s dangerous.

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Sep 10

Political violence is never acceptable.

We can never allow it to become acceptable.

Never. Period. End of story.

Praying for everyone impacted by today’s tragic shooting in Utah.

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Sep 1

It was a blessing to attend the Bluegrass Central Labor Council’s annual #LaborDay picnic.

Working people are what make our city and our commonwealth great.

I’ll always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them in the fight for fairness, safety, and dignity for all workers.

#ItsBetterInAUnion

💙✊

Emma poses with BCLC President (and 8th District Councilmember) Amy Beasley at the BCLC Labor Day picnic.

They each hold an AFL-CIO sign that reads “IT’S BETTER IN A UNION.”

Emma stands with Gov. Andy Beshear at the BCLC Labor Day picnic.

Emma takes a selfie with Terrell Renfro from LIUNA Local 189 and his wife at the BCLC Labor Day picnic.

Emma poses with Rep. Anne Donworth at the BCLC Labor Day picnic.

Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Aug 22

Here in Lexington, we love our neighbors—even when the President of the United States tells us not to.

Lexington belongs to ALL of us.

No plans to cover Lexington’s rainbow crosswalk despite Trump official’s memo

The Trump-appointed U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy discouraged “distractions” from roadways.

www.kentucky.com

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Aug 20

Last night, Council passed my Solar ZOTA amendments, which will help prevent pollution, protect our soil, and preserve our land.

Today, I met with local ag leaders to tour their facilities and discuss their needs.

You can take the girl out of the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the girl💙🌾

Emma smiles, a butterfly perched on her arm, while walking with colleagues on a farm in Fayette County.

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Reposted by Councilwoman Emma Curtis

Allison Chapman @alli.gay · Aug 18

I spent the first 25 years of my life living someone else’s life. Now I’m living the life that I want.

Nights like these remind me how lucky I am and I wouldn’t trade this little life of mine for the world.

Thanks for the memories and immaculate vibes
@emmacurtis.bsky.social!

Emma (left) and Allison (right) smiling after a concert, sweaty and happy in a crowded stadium. Emma wears glasses and a sleeveless My Chemical Romance shirt. Allison wears a black ‘Protect Trans Folks’ shirt and a spiked choker.

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Aug 17

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Photo 1: The audience at Sayre Christian Village’s Playing With a Greater Purpose event

Photo 2: A sign reserving Emma’s seat at the same event.

Caption: Playing With a Greater Purpose

I attended Sayre Christian Village's "Playing With a Greater Purpose" event to reaffirm my support for their mission, as well as our city's commitment to continue working alongside them to ensure that our seniors and older adults are able to age in place and with dignity.

Photo 1: Emma speaks during an Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee meeting

Photo 2: Hannah Crepps from the Planning Department presents on the practical implementation of street art and tactical urbanism in Lexington

Caption: Street Art Program

During this week's Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee meeting, we heard an update from the Planning Department on the utilization of street art and other methods of tactical urbanism as a means of improving traffic safety in Lexington.

Councilmember Liz Sheehan and I have engaged thoughtfully with this concept in our capacity as Engineering Co-Leads on the STREET Safety Task Force and I'm excited to see this program grow.

Photo 1: Councilmembers and representatives from different LFUCG departments meet to discuss the FY2026 Ad Valorem Tax Rate.

Photo 2: A graphic breakdown of the different sections of Ad Valorem Tax Rates in Lexington.

Caption: Ad Valorem Taxes

This week, my colleagues and I met multiple times to discuss and set the FY2025 rate for LFUCG's portion of the Ad Valorem Tax. It is important to note that the rates for the majority of your Ad Valorem Tax bill aren't determined by Council, but by the Fayette County School Board.

For our portion, we will not be raising taxes and we will not be sending out multiple tax bills, as was the case in previous years.

Photo 1: Emma speaks during a Board of Adjustment Confirmation Hearing

Photo 2: Ross Boggess speaks at his Confirmation Hearing.

Caption: Board of Adjustment Confirmation Hearing

On Thursday, Council voted to confirm the appointment of Ross Boggess to the Board of Adjustment. Since the vote took place during Executive Session, the final vote counts are confidential.

Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Aug 17

This week, Council returned from the summer recess period and I got to keep doing what I love most—showing up to fight for my neighbors in South Lexington.

Swipe through to see some of what I’ve been up to this week 👉

(1/2)

Emma and her Legislative Aide, Sarah, speak with a School Resource Officer at Southern Elementary

Photo 1: Councilmembers and Mayor Gorton pose for a photo during a proclamation presentation at a Council Meeting

Photo 2: Council meets during a regular meeting

Caption: Return from Summer Recess

This week, Council returned from the annual summer recess period and began conducting official business once again.

Throughout the week, we approved funding for new capital projects, debated a wide range of potential policy improvements in good faith, and did the less-than-glamorous work of making sure that our city services continue to meet our community's needs.

Photo: Vice Mayor Dan Wu hosts a press conference announcing the formation of the Boards & Commissions Subcommittee, Emma and her colleagues standing behind him.

Caption: Fixing our Boards and Commissions
On Tuesday, I joined Vice Mayor Wu to announce the formation of the Boards and Commissions Subcommittee-which I will serve on alongside him, as well as Councilmembers Shayla Lynch and James Brown.

District 4 has the lowest level of representation of any district on our city's boards and commissions. I'm dedicated to changing that and ensuring South Lexington has a seat at the table within our city's government.

Photo 1: Emma poses with teachers and staff at Southern Elementary

Photo 2: Emma poses with the “Welcome Back, SES!” display outside Southern Elementary

Caption: FCPS Back-to-School

I was grateful to spend my Wednesday at Southern Elementary School with some of my youngest constituents and the teachers and support staff who dedicate themselves to ensuring every kid in South Lexington has a world-class education.

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Aug 16

As a kid, I always struggled to sleep.

Usually, I’d lay awake watching The Black Parade is Dead!, in awe as Gerard Way sang “you should have raised a baby girl, I could’ve been a better son.”

That kid is still a part of me—and she can’t believe she gets to see The Black Parade in person tonight 🖤🤘

Emma stands in front of the stage at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, wearing a My Chemical Romance shirt, before the bands performance during the “Long Live” The Black Parade Tour.

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Aug 13

There’s nothing like the first day of school.

I was grateful to join the students, teachers, and staff at Southern Elementary today to welcome everyone back—I even got to help out with lunchroom duty!

Wishing our FCPS students, teachers, and support staff a phenomenal first day and school year 📚💙

Emma poses in front of the “Welcome back SES!“ display in front of Southern Elementary School.

Emma poses with the principal, teachers, and staff of Southern Elementary at the end of lunch period.

Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Aug 12

Throughout my campaign, I promised that I would fight to give renters, young folks, and everyone who’d been left out of Lexington’s government a seat at the table.

As a member of the newly-formed Boards & Commissions Subcommittee, I’ll continue to keep that promise.

Lexington belongs to ALL of us.

WUKY @wuky.org · Aug 12

Lexington's boards and commissions are made up of people who tend to be older, wealthier, and more educated. The demographic differences represent just one of the issues #CivicLex unearthed in its deep dive.

Lexington's boards and commissions don't often reflect the makeup of the city, according to reports. Officials hope to change that

Lexington leaders have agreed to overhaul the dozens of boards and commissions in the city -- after a report found mismatches in representation, accessibility concerns, and other issues.

www.wuky.org

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Aug 7

There is nothing patriotic about this, nothing that makes our military stronger, nothing that helps our veterans.

It is a cruel betrayal of distinguished service members—and it won’t end here.

Whatever we allow them to do to trans people, they will do to any group of people that they do not like.

The Associated Press @apnews.com · Aug 7

BREAKING: The U.S. Air Force has decided to deny early retirement options for transgender service members with 15 to 18 years of service.

US Air Force to deny retirement pay to transgender service members being separated from the service

The U.S. Air Force has decided to deny early retirement options for transgender service members with 15 to 18 years of service.

bit.ly

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Aug 4

Thinkin’ that Lexington doesn’t belong to ALL of us?

Oh, you better believe you’re goin’ on the bitin’ list…

#emmaforlex #bitinlist #tylerchilders

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Jul 31

I used to be afraid of birthdays, but with time I’ve realized what a gift it is to be able to put another year under my belt.

Thank you so much to everyone who’s made this past year so unforgettable!

And friendly reminder—the only “trans agenda” is an average life expectancy.

💙

Emma sits at a table outside a restaurant after a meal, smiling for a photo

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Jul 28

No matter what circumstances we’re born into, we are all children of God.

Whether in Lexington or in Gaza, no child deserves to go hungry.

If we can’t agree on that, what is it that we can agree on?

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Jul 25

Crime has gone down in Lexington because we’ve invested in housing-first programs and built mental health services into our public safety strategy.

This EO threatens that progress, while laying the groundwork for the mass internment of our neighbors.

Don’t let anybody tell you that this is normal.

Alejandra Caraballo @esqueer.net · Jul 25

This is an executive order that lays the groundwork for sending homeless people and people with mental illness to concentration camps to be "civilly committed." It was never going to stop with immigrants.

This is horrifying beyond words.

www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...

Ending Crime and Disorder on America's Streets

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: Section 1. Purpose and

www.whitehouse.gov

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Councilwoman Emma Curtis @emmacurtis.bsky.social · Jul 24

We have to fight this crap at every level.

In May, Council unanimously approved my legislation requiring a review of the City of Lexington’s AI Policy.

You can bet your ass that this trans elected official will fight to stop any of our city’s resources going towards the erasure of trans existence.

Parker Molloy @parkermolloy.com · Jul 24

Trump's new executive order about AI states that companies' models must not incorporate the idea that trans people exist as a concept. Seems bad.

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