History of GLBT-related Events in Indiana

(Note that there is a long history of communities and businesses affirming GLBT rights in our state)

1983
A statewide voter registration effort results in 5,000 registration by November 1984

The Indiana State Nurses Association adopts both a gay/lesbian nondiscrimination policy and a resolution supporting gay/lesbian equal rights legislation.

1984

"Gay Presence on the Circle" gatherings are conducted in downtown Indianapolis in response to a flood of complaints and two documented charges of physical abuse by members of the Indianapolis Police Department. Activist efforts culminate in a Labor Day weekend rally. Mayor William Hudnut responds with a public letter making a nondiscrimination commitment.

1985-86

The State of Indiana makes its first-ever grant to a gay/lesbian organization to be used for AIDS education.

1987-89

Two statewide AIDS organizations and the Citizens Action Council are established.
Indiana is represented on the board of directors of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

1990s

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission is reshaped with the removal of commission members with antigay sentiments.

Indiana is represented on a White House advisory group created by President Bill Clinton.

An effort in the Indiana General Assembly to pass legislation eliminating the adoption rights of gays and lesbians is defeated.

1993

Lafayette becomes the first Indiana municipality to include sexual orientation in its human-rights ordinance, followed in that same year by West Lafayette and Bloomington.

1998

Annual Prayer Gatherings commence at the Statehouse, attracting over 200 people, to raise awareness of and call for an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

2000

Indiana is represented on the Board of Directors of the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition.

A strong lobbying effort results in gays and lesbians being included in the landmark Hate Crimes Reporting Bill passed by the Indiana General Assembly.

2001

Governor O'Bannon signs a policy prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in the state's workforce, covering almost 35,000 employees.
Indiana University extends benefits to domestic partners of LGBT faculty and staff, followed by Purdue University.

2002

The first statewide organization advocating on behalf of transgendered people is formed in Indiana.

Fort Wayne and Michigan City add sexual orientation to their cities' human rights ordinance.

The board of the United Way of Monroe County votes unanimously to adopt a sexual orientation-inclusive non-discrimination policy for all member agencies.

Secretary of State candidate, Todd Rokita, issues a statement affirming that all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, should receive equal treatment under the law.

2006

Indianapolis votes to include sexual orientation and gender identity in its Human Rights Ordinance. This process is mandatory.