Kaila Adia Story, PhD is an associate professor in the Departments of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Pan-African Studies, as well as the Audre ‪Lorde Endowed Chair at the University of Louisville. She is also the co-creator, co-producer, and cohost of Louisville Public Media's “Strange Fruit: Musings on Politics, Pop Culture, and Black Gay Life,” a popular award-winning, 8 year running podcast. Her research examines the intersections of race and sexuality, with special attention to Black Feminism, Black Lesbians, and Black Queer identity. Dr. Story was named as an LGBTQ+ community leader and change maker as a part of NBC’s inaugural #Pride30, as well as and recently, Dr. Story was chosen as the 2022 Champion of Pride for the state of Kentucky by The Advocate. Dr. Story has also received recognition from Michelle Obama's non-profit organization, Reach Higher for creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students in and out of higher education.

Credentials: BA-Women's and Gender Studies, DePaul University, 2002; MA-African American Studies with a Women's & Gender Studies graduate certificate, Temple University, 2004; PhD-African American Studies, Temple University, 2007.