The Enduring Pulse: Navigating the History and Future of LGBTQ+ Spaces in Indiana

Imagine living in a world where the simple act of expressing your identity could lead to isolation, discrimination, or even danger. For generations of gender non-conforming and questioning individuals in Indiana, this wasn't a hypothetical scenario but a stark reality. Before the widespread connectivity of the internet and the crucial advocacy of organizations like Indiana Youth Group and GenderNexus, finding kinship and shared identity was often a perilous and lonely pursuit. Yet, amidst these challenges, a vibrant and resilient community began to forge its own path, creating vital safe havens that continue to evolve today.

Forging Connections: Early Community Building in Indiana

The journey for gender non-conforming Hoosiers to find acceptance and community is a powerful testament to human resilience. In an era predating modern LGBTQ+ advocacy, the pursuit of shared identity was often fraught with difficulty, if not outright peril. Social opportunities and emotional support were scarce, leaving many feeling isolated and without a voice.

Pioneering Support: The Indiana Crossdresser Society (IXE)

A pivotal moment arrived in the 1980s with the formation of the Indiana Crossdresser Society (IXE). This pioneering organization emerged as a lifeline for many, providing crucial social forums and offering resources to individuals navigating complex questions of gender identity. Through their impactful "The Works" newsletter, IXE offered glimpses into the lives of early Hoosier female impersonators, particularly in predominantly white areas of Indianapolis, who had graced stages in bars along Virginia Avenue from the early 1930s until World War II. As the 1980s progressed, a resurgence in the popularity of impersonators was noted, with venues like the Alley Cat Lounge and Disco becoming regular hosts for weekly shows. IXE's influence grew rapidly. Their inaugural gathering paved the way for monthly meetings at the 21 Club, which quickly saw attendance outpace even established groups like Cross-Port within a year. By 1987, IXE boasted over 300 members spanning a tri-state area that included Kentucky, actively cultivating a supportive social network for a community that had long been marginalized. These gatherings offered more than just camaraderie; they provided practical support, with members receiving makeup tips from cosmologists, and created a space where spouses were also welcomed and involved. One particularly poignant account highlighted the story of Sharon, a northern Indiana police officer who had contemplated ending his life due to the profound shame and fear associated with his cross-dressing. His high school sweetheart, Ann, knew from the beginning of their relationship, famously placing her choker around his neck on their first date, affirming that "There was nothing wrong with feeling feminine, inside or out." Sharon’s journey, like many others within IXE, was about shedding the burden of self-condemnation and finding acceptance.

"I got tired of feeling bad about myself. The discovery certainly was unpleasant. It was shaming." – A powerful sentiment shared by many in the journey toward self-acceptance.

Confronting Barriers: Discrimination in Public Spaces

Despite the growing internal support, the path to broader societal acceptance, particularly within public establishments, remained challenging. Instances of overt discrimination against cross-dressing and transgender individuals were alarmingly common. The experiences of Roberta Alyson and Kerry Gean illustrate this stark reality: they were refused service or singled out in bars, facing legal challenges merely for presenting authentically. In one such encounter, Gean was asked for identification and then informed she was "breaking the law" because her ID photo didn't align with her presentation, leading to Alyson being charged and fined for "fleeing an officer."

Seeking Dialogue: Bar Owners and Community Leaders

The struggle prompted crucial conversations. Community leaders and law enforcement, including police officer and community liaison Shirley Purvitis, facilitated meetings with gay bar owners to discuss the systemic exclusion of gender non-conforming patrons. Many owners openly voiced their fears, claiming that admitting people in "drag" might alienate their "regular" clientele or lead to legal issues. Some even admitted to implementing explicit policies denying entry based on appearance. E. Rumbarger, a writer for "The Works," described these interactions as eye-opening, noting the initial bewilderment many in the gay community felt towards gender non-conforming individuals: "Did they have two heads?" Rumbarger’s reflection highlighted a significant shift in understanding: these individuals "quite simply looked and acted like women—or to be more precise—ladies." One owner, Gordon, articulated the internal conflict prevalent among many in the gay business community who, for years, had "kept out drags," admitting that he himself was that business owner. While these initial dialogues fostered greater understanding among some individuals, they didn't immediately resolve the broader turmoil or result in widespread policy reform. Discrimination persisted, not only against gender non-conforming individuals but also within the lesbian community, against persons with AIDS, and along racial lines, highlighting the multifaceted struggles for justice within the queer community.

A Glimmer of Hope: Shifting Tides in the 1990s

However, by September 1989, IXE members reported experiencing less hostility at local establishments, signaling a gradual shift towards greater tolerance. As the 1990s dawned, the broader queer community seemed to become more welcoming. This movement gained momentum with the formation of the Louisville Gender Society in 1990, extending support to people in southern Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. IXE continued its vital work until at least 2005, providing solidarity and companionship to countless Hoosiers grappling with distress and loneliness. Although IXE is no longer active as an organization, its legacy of fostering community and support remains profound.

The Modern Landscape: New Chapters for Indiana's LGBTQ+ Venues

The struggle for societal acceptance and civil rights in Indiana is an ongoing journey, as evidenced by contemporary debates surrounding gender-affirming care. Yet, the resilience forged in earlier decades continues to manifest in a vibrant and evolving network of LGBTQ+ friendly spaces across the state.

Lafayette's Resurgent Scene

Lafayette, Indiana, has seen its LGBTQ+ social scene ebb and flow. For years, Zoolegers, which closed its doors in 2007, was the city's primary gay bar, located downtown on Main Street. Today, a new chapter is unfolding. **Bolt**, proudly positioning itself as Lafayette's only LGBTQIA+ bar and dance club, offers premier drag shows weekly alongside a full-service bar. While Bolt has established itself, a new and exciting venue is on the horizon, thanks to the vision of **Colin Alford**, just 19 years old, and his business partner, **Anthony Richards**. These young entrepreneurs plan to open a new bar and performance space for drag shows on Halloween, October 31st, 2022. Located in a strip mall on S. Fourth Street, their establishment plans to host multiple drag shows each weekend, including earlier performances for patrons 18 and over, and later shows exclusively for those 21 and up, with alcohol served in a designated, separate area. Richards is handling the liquor license due to Alford's age. Alford, who has been performing in drag since the pandemic, emphasizes that having his own venue will allow for better control over capacity and safety for both customers and performers. Beyond dedicated LGBTQ+ venues, other establishments like **The Spot Tavern in Lafayette** are also noted for their strong support of the arts and inclusive atmosphere, contributing to the broader cultural tapestry.

Indianapolis and Beyond: Anchors of the Community

Indianapolis, as the state capital, naturally boasts a more extensive array of LGBTQ+ friendly establishments. The city is home to **The Mark III Taproom**, proudly holding the title of Indiana's oldest gay bar, which recently announced the purchase of a new location, ensuring its continued legacy. Other prominent LGBTQ+ friendly spots in Indianapolis include: * **Gregs** * **Red Room Indy** * **Downtown Olly's** * **Metro** * **Tini** These venues, alongside others like Upland Brewing in Carmel (often frequented by LGBTQ+ individuals), form a crucial network of spaces where the community can gather, celebrate, and find solidarity.

The Enduring Spirit: A Community's Ongoing Journey

From the quiet, vital gatherings of the Indiana Crossdresser Society to the bustling drag stages of modern gay bars, the journey of LGBTQ+ communities in Indiana is a compelling narrative of perseverance, identity, and the relentless pursuit of belonging. The path has been marked by significant challenges—discrimination, isolation, and systemic barriers—yet it is equally defined by courage, the formation of resilient networks, and an unwavering spirit to create safe, affirming spaces. The current landscape, with new venues opening and established ones evolving, reflects a continuing effort to build on the foundations laid by earlier generations. While the fight for full societal acceptance and civil rights persists, the existence and growth of these vibrant spaces underscore a fundamental truth: the need for community, celebration, and authentic self-expression will always find a way to flourish. These bars and performance spaces are more than just venues; they are vital beacons of hope, history, and belonging for Indiana's diverse LGBTQ+ population.