Episode 30: JP Davis - the Pride of Louisville

Liss’N Kristi

In this episode we meet the incredible JP Davis, a social entrepreneur, serial mega-fundraiser for important causes, and a gay man who bucks the perception that Louisville, Kentucky, is only for straights.
JP talks about his career from White House Intern under George Bush Jr., to assistant to a Conservative member of the UK Parliament, to returning to Louisville to launch his consulting firm, JP Davis Partners, and his support for both infrastructure organizations and nonprofits.
He talks candidly to Kristi and Alissa about his teenage years, realizing he was gay, his brother's experiences with conversion therapy, and dealing with the town and the church.
We also address the broader societal issues of homophobia and racism, the role economic factors play, and the need for compassion to foster real change.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyjpdavis/
https://www.jpdavispartners.com/about
Stories:-
00:00 - Start
00:11 - Introducing JP Davis from Louisville
00:46 - Kristi said: "Is this her somebody"?
01:34 - In Louisville, three gay couples holding hands
02:15 - "Louisville is so gay"
04:06 - Changing hearts and minds in Louisville, KY.
04:45 - Growing up knowing I liked boys
05:54 - "I was super-afraid to act on it"
07:20 - The letter to my 7th Grade self
09:08 - "It's child abuse to tell a child they're bad"
11:15 - "I stayed in the closet six more years"
14:08 - We hold our parents to such a standard
15:03 - "My Dad looks at me and sees shame in himself"
19:45 - "Do you know a transexual?"
23:50 - Start a rumor about yourself
25:50 - "I'd serve with the proud, gap people any time"
27:03 - JP Davis Partners
28:18 - Work in social impact
31:15 - "It's not easy being a homo in Kentucky sometimes"
31:45 - Celebrating Jordan
37:20 - "Dad, I will push you off the boat"
38:18 - Advice for younger generations