Kentucky school board meetings are usually snoozefests — unless Donald Yarber is in the room. The Union County school board member turned a routine meeting into a full-blown spectacle after locals confronted him about grotesque anti-LGBTQ+ remarks he made on Facebook. The backlash got so intense, the man literally got up and fled the room mid-meeting.
Yarber, who was first elected to the board in 2021 and somehow reelected in 2024, showed his true colors when he wrote on Facebook: “Keep letting those q***rs influence the minds of your children,” before descending into an unhinged rant referencing AIDS, suicide, and righteousness. The post, of course, has since been deleted — but screenshots live forever, darling.
When he was confronted by teachers, parents, and one brave out dance instructor named Mark Lamb, Yarber couldn’t handle the heat. Lamb gave a moving, heartfelt statement about how those kinds of comments almost drove him to suicide as a child. Instead of owning up or apologizing, Yarber walked right out, leaving behind a room full of furious constituents.
“It’s OK to Be Gay” — But Not in His Book
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just some clueless Facebook uncle sharing a meme. Yarber doubled down afterward, whining online that while the gay community can say “It’s OK to be Gay,” he isn’t “allowed” to say “No it’s not.” That’s not free speech, that’s straight-up bigotry masquerading as a moral stance.
The school district quickly distanced itself from Yarber’s posts, stating that the board member’s views don’t represent the school or district — and clarifying that they legally can’t fire him since he’s an elected official. Translation: Union County voters are stuck with this guy unless they show up at the ballot box next time.
Yarber claims he’s just trying to return control to “parents and teachers,” but what kind of message is he sending to queer kids in the district? That their existence is controversial? That being gay is a sickness? LGBTQ+ students already face higher rates of bullying, depression, and suicide. When an adult in power spews this kind of filth, it isn’t just offensive — it’s dangerous.
When Bigots Run, Communities Rise
What Yarber didn’t count on was the strength and unity of his community. The moment he bolted, parents and teachers rose up. They made it clear that Union County won’t be a haven for hate. This is more than just a local dust-up — it’s a reminder that queer people, allies, and educators aren’t going to sit back while elected officials spew homophobic trash.
For every Yarber, there’s a Mark Lamb — someone who stands tall, speaks the truth, and makes sure queer voices are heard. And let’s be honest: watching a grown man run away from a meeting because he couldn’t handle accountability? That’s not leadership. That’s cowardice in khakis.
Kentucky’s LGBTQ+ youth deserve better than this. And come next election, let’s hope Union County delivers just that.