June may be coming to a close, but Pride is something we celebrate all year long. Waxi Taxi is a proud ally of the LGBTQIA+ and also very active in the community of Northwest Indiana. As June wraps up, we wanted to share and highlight some LGBTQIA+ organizations in Northwest Indiana. In this blog post, you will find organizations that promote affirming communities, experiences, and inclusivity. These organizations have dedicated themselves to educating and advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community.
PFLAG
About The Organization and Their Mission
PFLAG is the nation’s largest organization that is dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community and the people who love them. They have two locations in Northwest Indiana, including Michigan City and Valparaiso. The organization also has eight other locations in Indiana, hundreds of chapters, and more than 325,000 members. They were founded in 1973 by a mother and her son who identify as gay. Always leading with love, the organization is dedicated to creating an equitable and inclusive world for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
A Fair Chance
Morty Manford, who helped found the Gay Activists Alliance and has since become the president, has been protesting for gay rights since 1972. While participating in a form of direct activism called a ‘zap’, Morty was assaulted by Michael Maye, former president of New York City’s Uniformed Firefighters Association. The event drew media coverage to anti-LGBTQIA+ violence and inspired Morty’s mother to write a letter to the New York Post about the incident that had happened. She titled it, “A Fair Chance.” Jeanne, his mother, then participated in a march with her son, inspiring the parents of gay children to join in on the fight for equality. A year later, PFLAG was born. The organization now offers chapters, virtual meetings, and resources to support the community. They also participate in advocacy work, opposing harmful bills and providing guidance for those who want to help.
LGBTQ of Porter County
About The Organization and Their Mission
The LGBTQ of Porter County organization was founded in 2020 to serve the LGBTQIA+ community by providing connections, conversations, and opportunities for engagement. They dedicate themselves to advocacy work and educating the broader community. Their mission is to create an affirming community for adults and youth in the LGBTQIA+ community by advocating and supporting them. Their vision is to build a community in which people’s differences are seen as strengths.
Connecting Communities
The organization’s website offers a wide variety of resources, including text lines, mental health centers, and social networking communities. They also have programs that aim to educate and provide support for the community. One of these programs is PRISM, a group for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 12-18. The program is intended to provide support, education, and a safe space.
The LGBTQ Center
About The Organization and Their Mission
The LGBTQ Center is Northern Indiana’s only Center dedicated to the promotion of LGBTQIA+ experiences and inclusivity, and is dedicated to creating a community where every individual is valued, respected and empowered. The organization has been around since 2004. They started off as a bookstore and coffee shop, but changed after they received dozens of emails and phone calls looking for an LGBTQIA+ friendly space. They were renamed in 2005, becoming The GLBT Resource Center of Michiana. They began showcasing local artists, hosting youth groups, and offering a comprehensive list of resources to the community. In 2016, they became the LGBTQ Center.
All Are Welcome
The LGBTQ Center offers a variety of Social and Support Groups for different ages, sexualities, genders, hobbies, and more. The support groups were created in order to celebrate diversity by uplifting the community in a safe and affirming space. They are open to everyone regardless of gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or romantic orientation and are led by trained employees. The groups aim to provide opportunities for the community to connect, access resources, and gain support. They also offer countless resources on their website.
Pride at Waxi Taxi
Waxi Taxi is so proud to be an ally for the LGBTQIA+ community. Hair removal is an intimate process, and it is important for our customers to know that Waxi Taxi is a safe space for everybody. Although Pride Month may be coming to an end, the support from Waxi Taxi goes all year long. Happy Pride!
