LEXINGTON, KY — June 22, 2025 — The LGBTQ+ community of Kentucky is mourning the profound loss of Peter Taylor, a devoted advocate, mental health professional, and longtime board member of the Faulkner Morgan Archive, who passed away on Saturday following a brief illness. He was 68.
Peter died at the University of Kentucky Hospital, surrounded by those who loved him. His death leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of friends, colleagues, and the many whose lives were touched by his steadfast commitment to justice, memory, and community.
A founding force behind the Faulkner Morgan Archive, Peter Taylor played a vital role in documenting and preserving the often-overlooked history of LGBTQ Kentuckians. Colleagues remember him as a man of quiet conviction, a fierce intellect, and a deeply empathetic soul. His work was rooted not only in historical preservation, but in healing — both personal and collective.
“History is written by the winners,” Peter once said, “and the existence of this archive proves that here, by God, we won one.” That statement, now echoed across social media tributes and memorial messages, encapsulates the passion and courage that defined his life’s mission.
Peter’s impact extended far beyond archival work. As a mental health professional, he guided countless individuals through life’s most difficult moments with grace and compassion. As a collector of rare books and a seeker of forgotten stories, he brought nuance and humanity to the historical record. He was a mentor to many, a voice of wisdom in difficult times, and a living reminder that visibility can be an act of resistance — and survival.
The Faulkner Morgan Archive released a statement expressing deep sorrow at his passing, calling him “a beloved friend, tireless advocate, and guardian of our collective memory.” They pledged to continue the work Peter helped to shape, ensuring that LGBTQ stories in Kentucky remain preserved, protected, and honored.
Peter Taylor is survived by a close circle of friends, chosen family, and the many people he uplifted through his words, work, and presence.
A public memorial service is expected to be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, the community is invited to share memories, condolences, and tributes in Peter’s honor through the Archive’s website and social media channels.
Peter Taylor believed in the power of remembering — not just as reflection, but as resistance. His legacy lives on in every voice he helped preserve, in every truth he helped tell, and in every life made better by his care.
May his memory be a blessing. May his work endure. And may we carry forward the stories he so fiercely protected.