In 1976, the first “Gay Pride Week” was held in Indianapolis, hosted by the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) and the Gay Peoples Union. While the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City proved to be a watershed moment in the national fight for equality, those in the conservative state of Indiana continued to socialize privately, for the most part. The fabric of America has always been comprised of LGBTQ+ individuals, but due to social stigmas, legal discrimination, and the perpetuation of violence, many of these individuals lived quietly. It is also important to note that the mainstream civil rights movement excluded people of color, those living in poverty, and transgender individuals. We are cognizant that the community is not monolithic and that some individuals may not identify with these terms. We have chosen to use “LGBTQ+” and “queer” after consulting with Indy Pride board members, historians specializing in the field, and new scholarship. * A note on terminology : We recognize that terminology referring to this marginalized community will continue to evolve. The New Works (August 1990): 15, accessed Chris Gonzalez GLBT Archives.
