Hello and Happy New Year! I, for one, am incredibly thankful this year’s legislative session didn’t start on Jan. 2 like it did last year.
Don’t have much political news this evening, so I’m going to run through some programming notes real quick and then share one of my latest stories with y’all: An analysis of which zodiac signs ran Frankfort in 2024.
Some programming notes
For everyone
Take a second and make sure The Gallery Pass goes to your main inbox instead of spam/promotions/social/updates/etc. I understand I’m probably preaching to the choir because you got an email and then opened it, but still. Thank you!
For paid subs
OK, so, by now, everyone should’ve gotten a formal email from Substack saying that TGP’s paid subscription rates have gone up. We’ve discussed this a few times recently, so I hope this doesn’t come as a surprise.
That email from Substack should tell you when you can expect your rate to go up. For most monthly subs, expect the change in the next billing cycle.
However, due to an internal hiccup between Substack and myself, several annual subs actually ended up paying the initial introductory rate of $55/year instead of the new rate of $70/year. If you’re one of the lucky ones, congrats, thank you for your continued support. If you’re not, thank you for your continued support, as well. Either way, the Substack email should tell you when your rate will go up.
On top of that, I’ve noticed some issues with cards getting charged, especially for annual subscribers. If there was an issue with your card, I think you should’ve gotten some sort of email from Substack and/or the money processor Stripe. Please look into this — check to see if your card has expired or something like that. If you want me to personally go in and see if there’s an issue with your card, let me know by responding to this email.
Please, the Geminis!!
All that said, please enjoy this breakdown of which zodiac signs dominated Frankfort in 2024, with insight from both myself and Tigresse Bleu, an astrologer.
This story was first published by Queer Kentucky, which is where much of my full-length journalism will be found during the upcoming session. I highly recommend following their Instagram and bookmarking their page ahead of the session.
(Writer/editor note: I’ve edited out a few cuss words in this version of the story. If you want the full blast version, head to Queer Kentucky’s website.)
2024 Kentucky General Assembly Wrapped: Horoscope Edition
While it doesn’t dictate every trait we have, our Sun sign rules over our ego — our brightest selves, and areas where we could potentially truly come to life or hold power.
How does this play out in a place known for wielding intense levels of power (and also some ego)? Queer Kentucky analyzed the zodiac signs of Kentucky’s state lawmakers in hopes of gaining some level of clarity as to why Frankfort is the way it is.
With the 2025 legislative session coming up, here are the top signs represented in Frankfort in 2024, as analyzed by an astrologer and a politics reporter.
So, who really holds the power in Frankfort?
Through public bios and social media, we figured out the zodiac signs for all but one of the state lawmakers in office at the end of the 2024 legislative session.
Here’s a breakdown of how heavily each zodiac sign was represented (or not) in Frankfort:
Gemini — 18 lawmakers.
Aries — 15.
Cancer and Capricorn — 14 each.
Scorpio — 12.
Sagittarius and Taurus — 11 each.
Leo and Virgo — 10 each.
Libra — 8.
Aquarius and Pisces — 7 each.
But there were some differences between who gets elected and who gets trusted with power. Only about one-third of lawmakers are in a leadership position within their chamber or committee.
Cancer, Gemini and Taurus tied for the most number of leadership roles, but Taurus and Cancer had the biggest portions of their signs in power.
But what about the top signs overall? Let’s begin.
TIE: Sagittarius and Taurus — 11 lawmakers each
Sagittarius is infectious, bringing its naturally diplomatic and charming energy to Frankfort.
Its mutable energy makes it flexible, allowing it to either take control or a backseat when needed. Often, you can mold Sags into whatever you want or need.
Some notable Sags:
Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson — R-Bowling Green
Outgoing Sen. Denise Harper Angel — D-Louisville — Once told her husband he made her “miss roll call because I couldn’t unmute because you were f****** cussing” in a hot mic moment.
Then we have Taurus: careful and particular, accountable and responsible. Taurus’ placement in the zodiac emphasizes matters of the land, what is natural and material possessions — peak “down to earth.”
When it comes to Frankfort, a Taurus’ fixed energy can make it either a strong, steady force or a tyrant.
Some notable Tauruses:
Senate Minority Caucus Chair Reggie Thomas — D-Lexington
House Banking and Insurance Chair Rep. Michael Meredith — R-Oakland — The guy who made sports betting happen.
Scorpio — 12 lawmakers
Next up is Taurus’ sister sign, Scorpio. A Scorpio’s energy is more hidden — complex, with a lot bubbling underneath the surface while coming off eerily calm.
A water sign, they still acknowledge emotion, but while also being dominant and fearless. They’re not careless but can be cunning.
Some notable Scorpios:
House Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles — R-Owensboro
Rep. Savannah Maddox — R-Dry Ridge
TIE: Cancer and Capricorn — 14 lawmakers each
These sister signs know how to take charge and are seen as the “mom and dad” of the zodiac — the caretakers but with different approaches.
Capricorn typically takes a more structured and stern approach, and tends to think big picture.
It is the earthy “ring leader” of the zodiac and knows how to maturely execute missions. It’s superhuman how much Capricorn can take on and handle. It can turn mishaps and burdens into gold.
Some notable Capricorns:
The top two Senate leaders, Senate President Robert Stivers and Senate President Pro Tem David Givens.
Sen. Karen Berg — D-Louisville — Fierce advocate of LGBTQ+ rights.
Rep. Jennifer Decker — R-Waddy — The mastermind behind some of Frankfort’s most high-profile bills in recent years, including some aimed at diversity, equity and inclusion in education.
Cancer is more of a boss than its given credit for. They can lead just like a Cap, but a Cancer’s biggest strength is often its ability to provide comfort.
Cancers love a soothing environment and will proactively (and sometimes aggressively) work to protect that comfort. Cancers are not afraid to fight or defend, and they’re dedicated and loyal.
Some notable Cancers:
House Speaker Pro Tem David Meade — R-Stanford.
Incoming Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise — R-Campbellsville — The mastermind behind 2023’s Senate Bill 150, which banned gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Senate A&R Chair Chris McDaniel — R-Ryland Heights — One of the heaviest influences on the state budget.
Writer/editor addition from the cutting room floor: Political reporter and TGP creator Olivia Krauth is also a notable Frankfort Cancer. And she was born on Rep. Steve Riley’s 37th birthday.
Aries — 15 lawmakers
It makes sense Aries would be one of the top signs in Frankfort given its natural confidence and leadership skills.
Known to be a trailblazer and a self-starter, Aries can balance out a team by “just going for it.” They also tend to have strong decision-making skills and a charm that can get them in or out of most situations.
Some notable Aries:
House Leaders Speaker of the House David Osborne and House Majority Whip Jason Nemes.
Incoming House Minority Floor Leader Pamela Stevenson — D-Louisville — The first Black woman to lead a party in either chamber.
Rep. Keturah Herron — D-Louisville — The first openly LGBTQ+ state rep in Kentucky.
The Geminis — 18 lawmakers.
The sign known to be wishy-washy or even two-faced turns out to be the one with the most power in Frankfort.
Geminis thrive anywhere it can spread its truth, so political environments make sense. It can be daring and inquisitive, willing to be the one to bring up the elephant in the room.
Some notable Geminis:
Senate Minority Whip David Yates — D-Louisville — Once took a chop from a pro wrestler on the Senate steps.
Rep. Nick Wilson — R-Williamsburg — The guy who accidentally tried to make it legal for you to have sex with your first cousin without it being considered incest (he fixed it, though); also once won Survivor.
Rep. Kim Moser — R-Taylor Mill — Once told the world Kentuckians aren’t a bunch of Neanderthals when the House was considering banning gender-affirming care for transgender kids; has gotten s*** for it in campaign mailers ever since.
That’s all for now, y’all. Remember Kentucky’s 2025 legislative session starts Jan. 7, and I’ll be back before then to run through everything you need to know.
Toodles!!