Indiana Youth Group (IYG) is a LGBTQ+ advocacy and support group based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded by Christopher T. Gonzalez, in recent years the organization has had a growing number of clients, including LGBTQ+ youth as well as their parents. [1][2]
| Formation | 1989 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | 3733 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208 |
| Award(s) | Lamda Legal Leadership Award (2004)
Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) William A. Crawford Public Services Award (2019) Indianapolis Urban League World AIDS Day Youth Services Champion Award (2019) |
| Website | https://www.indianayouthgroup.org/ |
History
editThe Indiana Youth Group was founded by Chris Gonzalez and his partner, Jeff Werner, in 1989. Chris Gonzalez worked as a counselor at the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard in Indianapolis.[3] He and his partner found that queer youth in Indiana often needed guidance and a safe space to grow. Meetings started in the Damien Center, and eventually included educational and social gatherings. In 1991, they started to provide assistance to homeless youth. The organization created Indiana's first Gender and Sexuality Alliance Network in 2005 and reached out to Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis specifically around 2006. In 2007, the IYG formally took on the Indiana Youth Group title rather than the Indianapolis Youth Group and applied for a state license plate. They received the license plate in 2013 after a legal battle with the state. The IYG moved to a location on North Meridian Street in 2017.[2][4]
They offer programs aimed at aiding LGBTQ+ youth in Indiana including case management, housing, clothing supplies, food pantry, counseling services, and social activities. Their counseling services are funded by the Colts Foundation.[5]
In 2020, they created Project Prism for unhoused youth in Indiana.[3] In 2021, IYG hosted a Thanksgiving meal for youth.[6] In 2022, they created a youth camp called "Queer Camp."[7]
They also provide services in Crawfordsville, Indiana.[8]
Awards
edit- Lamda Legal Leadership Award (2004)
- Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) William A. Crawford Public Services Award (2019)
- Indianapolis Urban League World AIDS Day Youth Services Champion Award (2019)[2]
References
edit- ^ Cooper, Kristen (June 9, 2023). "Indiana feels unsafe to LGBTQ+ community". Indiana Business Journal. Retrieved September 21, 2024 – via ProQuest.
- ^ a b c "Indiana Youth Group". indyencyclopedia.org. July 5, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
- ^ a b "Indiana Youth Group celebrates 35 years of service to LGBTQ+ youth". wthr.com. June 14, 2022. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
- ^ "Indiana Youth Group Wins Again". American Civil Liberties Union. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
- ^ "Indiana Youth Group offers safe space for LGBTQ+ youth". wthr.com. June 8, 2022. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
- ^ Slaby, M. J. "Season for Sharing: Indiana Youth Group builds community among young LGBTQ+ Hoosiers". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
- ^ Winfrey, Katiera (March 22, 2022). "'Queer Camp' aims to provide camaraderie, safe space for LGBTQ youth". Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic | WISH-TV |. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
- ^ "IYG is here to help support LGBTQ teens". Journal Review. September 15, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2024.