In the past few weeks, it seems that many divisions are coming to the surface in the local LGBTQ+ Community. As we have seen on social media, there have been accusations, attacks, and condemnations by those representing different parts of the Pride family. While our responses and reactions are not ideal and sometimes inappropriate, they highlight genuine hurt and frustration which exists.
Recently, I have had several conversations about our community, the divisions which exist, and ways we can start to heal together. The overwhelming consensus is that all of us, those who identify as LGBTQ+, have experienced pain, trauma, and hurt by choosing to live our truth. Whether that is growing up in a time and place where we are demonized on State House floors, abandoned by our loved ones, or witnessing our friends be ravaged by disease, all of us have experienced trauma which impacts our interactions with each other. We have also experienced the joy and freedom that comes with being our authentic selves and expressing in than in which we choose.
As a first step, we are working to facilitate dialogue which will begin healing our community. It will be a long process, but we can emerge stronger through vulnerability, sharing our stories, and being willing to listen to others who may have caused pain in the past.
In February, we are holding a closed-door roundtable with leaders of the diverse drag community to talk through some of these issues. It is our hope that by being together, we can come to understand each other’s experience through participating in difficult conversations. From there, we will host a community forum where leaders will talk through their experiences and take a step to building a stronger LGBTQ+ Community in Central Indiana.
If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email me at [email protected]
