Charles & Jack: A Legacy of Love, Advocacy, and LGBTQ+ Empowerment
Written by: Christina Miller
Special thanks to Rare Books Archives and Special Collections at the University of Louisville for providing photos, quotes, and news articles featuring Charles Gruenberger, Jack Kersey, and their friends.
Pictured left to right: Charles Gruenberger and Jack Kersey
One of humanity’s greatest strengths is the love we share for one another. This profound love not only binds us as a community toward a collective purpose but often emerges in the most unexpected places, defying societal barriers and igniting hope.
In the heart of our nation during the 1950s, amidst a backdrop where existing as a queer person was deemed unlawful in much of America, a beautiful love story unfolded. At just 17 years old, Jack Kersey found his soulmate in Charles Gruenberger in Jack’s hometown of Washington, D.C. Their courtship, described by Jack as “old-fashioned,” flourished even amid societal challenges. They created a home together in Louisville, only to face the turmoil of the Korean War when Charles was drafted. Serving at the Pentagon, Charles was caught in a monumental shift: President Eisenhower’s Executive Order 10450 in 1953 made homosexuality a disqualification for federal employment. Undeterred, their bond brought them back to Louisville, where they would continue to navigate a world filled with obstacles.
Throughout their lives, Charles and Jack confronted adversity not only from the government but from a society that struggled to accept their existence. While Charles remained reserved, fearing the repercussions of being openly gay, Jack bravely chose to live authentically, famously stating in a 1985 interview, “You can accomplish so much more by not being in the closet.” Jack became the first person to come out as gay on television in Louisville during a 1978 feature on WLKY, crediting Charles for his courage. “Charles said he could not afford to come out himself, but he encouraged me to do what I wanted and to be my own person,” said Jack during a 1987 interview with the Courier-Journal, “I couldn’t have done it without him.” This moment transformed Jack’s life, even as some long-time friends distanced themselves, fearing association. But love and support from Charles forged an unbreakable spirit within Jack, propelling him to become a fierce advocate for queer rights.
“I always tell people: I am not fighting for gay rights. I am fighting for my rights as a citizen.” – Jack Kersey
See pictured: Jack Kersey on the far left and Charles Gruenberger on the far right walking with their friends in the local pride parade.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Jack’s tireless community organizing laid a vital foundation for contemporary LGBTQ+ advocacy. From the establishment of the Comm-10 Center, which provided crucial support during a time of crisis, to their relentless push for the Glade House —a sanctuary for HIV/AIDS survivors —Jack and Charles epitomized compassion and resilience in the face of adversity. Their love not only fostered change but also spurred the creation of a Field of Interest Fund with the Community Foundation of Louisville, ensuring that their legacy of love and support would continue even after their passing.
Over 70 years later, we still witness challenges and relentless assaults on the rights of queer individuals, especially youth. This reality emphasizes our responsibility as a Community Foundation to honor the legacy of Charles and Jack by nurturing their philanthropic vision and protecting our shared humanity.
We are proud to honor Charles and Jack’s intentions through the Charles & Jack Fund for LGBTQ+ Advancement—a funding opportunity for nonprofit organizations committed to creating supportive, inclusive, and affirming environments for queer youth in Louisville. We invite 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving LGBTQ+ youth aged 24 and under located in Metro Louisville or Kentucky to apply for grant funding until July 28, 2025, at midnight (ET). To assist interested nonprofits, the Foundation will host a virtual information session on June 30th at noon (ET), providing further insight into the application process. Once the community-led advisory committee selects the recipients in August, they will be celebrated during an awards and recognition ceremony at the Louisville Pride Festival on September 6.
Today, let us carry forward the spirit of love, courage, and advocacy that Jack and Charles embodied. Together, we can ensure that future generations thrive and have the freedom to embrace their identities.
Eligible nonprofits may apply now until July 28, 2025. For more information about the application or to schedule a media interview, please contact comms@cflouisville.org.