Origins of Indiana Pride - Indiana LGBTQ Pride
Location: 40 Monument Circle, Indianapolis (Marion County), Indiana 46204
Installed 2021 Indiana Historical Bureau and Indy Pride
ID#: 49.2021.4
*Visit the Indiana History Blog to learn more about the origins of Indiana Pride and the 1990 “Celebration on the Circle.”
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Side One
Origins of Indiana Pride
Until the 1980s, most LGBTQ Hoosiers socialized privately due to safety concerns. In 1984, police harassment and surveillance of gay men in Indianapolis spurred hundreds to gather at Monument Circle in a show of solidarity against discrimination. While the gatherings helped ignite the local liberation movement, Hoosiers celebrated Pride Week quietly until 1990.
Side Two
Indiana LGBTQ Pride
On June 30, 1990, Indiana held its first large outdoor Pride event, “Celebration on the Circle.” The event provided a public space for attendees to socialize, learn about their rights, and hear from AIDS activists. Despite the presence of protestors, the event empowered attendees, challenged social stigmas, and welcomed a range of sexual and gender expressions.
Annotated Text
Side One
Origins of Indiana Pride
Until the 1980s, most LGBTQ Hoosiers socialized privately due to safety concerns.[1] In 1984, police harassment and surveillance of gay men in Indianapolis spurred hundreds to gather at Monument Circle in a show of solidarity against discrimination.[2] While the gatherings helped ignite the local liberation movement, Hoosiers celebrated Pride Week quietly until 1990.[3]
Side Two
Indiana LGBTQ Pride
On June 30, 1990, Indiana held its first large outdoor Pride event, “Celebration on the Circle.” The event provided a public space for attendees to socialize, learn about their rights, and hear from AIDS activists. Despite the presence of protestors, the event empowered attendees, challenged social stigmas, and welcomed a range of sexual and gender expressions.[4]
Issues of The Works and New Works News are available via the Chris Gonzalez GLBT Archives.
[1] “’Gay Pride Week’ Set,” Indianapolis News, June 17, 1976, 24, accessed Newspapers.com.; “Hoosier Gays Celebrate—Quietly,” Indianapolis Star, June 28, 1982, 22, accessed Newspapers.com.; Bill Lewis, “From Christopher Street to Main Street: 15 Years of ‘Gay Pride,’” The Works (June 1984): 22, submitted by applicant.; Bill Lewis, “Our History: An Update Now, Full Report at Eleven,” The Works (June 1985): 31.
[2] “Gay Knights on the Circle,” The Works 3, no. 11 (September 1984): 6, accessed Chris Gonzalez GLBT Archives.; “Pellets Hurt 2 at Rally,” Indianapolis News, September 1, 1984, 1, accessed Newspapers.com.; “500 Gays Attend Gay/Lesbian Night on the Circle,” The Works 4, no. 1 (October 1984): 9-11, accessed Chris Gonzalez GLBT Archives.; Bill Lewis, “OUR HISTORY: An Update Now, Full Report at Eleven,” The Works (June 1985): 31.; E. Rumbarger, “What do Hoosiers Have to be Proud Of?,” The New Works (June 1989): 4.
[3] “Hoosier Gays Celebrate—Quietly,” Indianapolis Star, June 28, 1982, 22, accessed Newspapers.com.; David Mannweiler, “Gays Plan Gala,” Indianapolis News, June 15, 1983, 2, accessed Newspapers.com.; Tom Green, Jr., “Profile: Kathy Sarris,” The Works 8 (1983): 22?, submitted by applicant.; Bill Lewis, “From Christopher Street to Main Street: 15 Years of ‘Gay Pride,’” The Works (June 1984): 22, submitted by applicant.; Program, 4th Annual Gay Pride Week Brunch, June 24, 1984, Jeffrey L. Huntington Collection, L198, accessed Indiana State Library Digital Collections.; “Alive with Pride in ’85,” The Works (May 1985): 8, submitted by applicant.; Pamphlet, 5th Annual Gay Pride Week Brunch, June 30, Atkinson Hotel (1985), Jeffrey L. Huntington Collection, L198, accessed Indiana State Library Digital Collections.; Flyer, Justice for All (Justice, Inc., 1986): 1, Jeffrey L. Huntington Collection, L198, accessed Indiana State Library Digital Collections.; Pamphlet, 6th Annual Brunch, Gay/Lesbian Pride Week (1986), Jeffrey L. Huntington Collection, L198, accessed Indiana State Library Digital Collections.; Flyer, Gay/Lesbian Pride Week, June 26, 1988, Jeffrey L. Huntington Collection, L198, accessed Indiana State Library Digital Collections.
[4] “1990 Pride Week Festival to Be on Monument Circle,” New Works News (January 1990): cover, submitted by applicant.; Letter to the Editor, Drew Carey, “Nothing is so Vitally Important,” Dignity Central Indiana Newsletter, reprinted in The New Works (June 1990): 3, accessed Chris Gonzalez GLBT Archives.; Ruth Peters, “Gay Pride Goes Public: ‘Celebration on the Circle,’” New Works News (June 1990): 7.; “Gay Rights to be Focus of Event,” Indianapolis News, June 29, 1990, 37, accessed Newspapers.com.; “And Here We are on the Circle,” “Featured Speakers at ‘Circle Celebration,’” “’Take it to the Circle,’” New Works News (July 1990): 1, 5, 7, 12, accessed Chris Gonzalez GLBT Archives.; Kevin Morgan, “Pride and Protest at Gay Gathering,” Indianapolis Star, July 1, 1990, 18, submitted by applicant.; Editorial, Carmen Kruer, Indianapolis, “Proud to be Part of ‘Celebration,’” “3000 Attend ‘Circle Celebration,’” “The Proclamation that Almost Wasn’t,” New Works News (August 1990): 1, 4, 9, 14-15, accessed Chris Gonzalez GLBT Archives.; Donation form, Justice, Inc., New Works News (September 1990): 6.