IYG is located in a little grayish-white house on the northeast side of Indianapolis. Our activity center serves as a safe and confidential environment for LGBTQ youth age 12-20 and their straight allies to hang out and be themselves. The center has a fully functional kitchen, plenty of lounge space, computers, our LGBTQ youth library, a large activity room and a wonderful back yard with a well-used volleyball court and campfire area. The activity center is open during the day on Monday and Tuesday and for programs and activities on Wednesday and Thursday from 3 – 9 PM and on Friday from 3 PM to midnight
Some of the in-house events that happen throughout the year are our Halloween Party, Holiday Party, Day of Silence Party, Pride Night Open House/Party, and Spring Lock-In. Events outside of the IYG house include, our Youth Talent and Drag Show, LGBTQ Prom, marching by the IYG float in the Indy Pride Festival Parade and two LGBTQ youth leadership summits.
Any evening IYG is open, there are at least two staff members present to provide support and supervision, and dinner is provided for the youth by volunteers. All services and programs are free.
IYG’s Coimmunity Education and Advocacy program aims to educate the community and advocate on issues that affect LGBT youth and strives to make the community a more affirming place for these youth. Workshops and trainings are developed for parents of LGBT youth, social service workers, juvenile justice workers, foster parents, and educators. Speaking engagements are provided to many community organizations, service groups, and college classes.
In 2010, IYG’s activity center served 571 unique youth with just under 3400 total visits. Our staff worked with over 32 high school Gay Straight Alliances throughout Indiana. Over 35 workshops, trainings, and speaking engagements were given to foster parents, youth services workers, college students, and community groups.
