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While going through ownership changes, the Mark III Tap Room in Muncie, Ind., has moved buildings, closed and reopened multiple times. (Adobe stock)

Closure of Indiana's oldest gay bar impacts LGBTQ+ community

By Meghan Holt for the Ball State Daily News .Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Ball State Daily News-Free Pre…

Ryan White died in April 1990. He is buried in Cicero, Ind. (Joe Ulery)

World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit

As World AIDS Day turns 35, the mother of an Indiana teen who became the public face of the disease is a reminder of the importance of never …

In the 2018-2019 academic year, the Indiana Dept. of Education identified 16,380 unhoused students enrolled in Indiana schools, or about 1.5% of the total student population. (Adobe Stock)

A New Resource for Indiana Youth Facing Homelessness

The number of homeless adults in Indiana was at a troubling level even before the pandemic, and today, another demographic is facing the same …

According to PEN America, 138 school districts in 32 states enacted some form of book ban or restriction from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Possible Children's Book Ban in Indiana Draws Concerns

Indiana lawmakers are still debating a bill that would ban some books in school libraries. Senate Bill 12 passed the Indiana Senate at the end of …

According to the Human Rights Campaign, from January through early May 2021, lawmakers across the country introduced more than 250 anti-LGBTQ bills. (Adobe Stock)

IN Poised to Pass Transgender-Student Sports Ban

Earlier this spring, Gov. Eric Holcomb vetoed a GOP-authored bill banning transgender girls from school sports. Now, Holcomb's own party is poised to …

In a Human Rights Campaign poll, 73% of voters agreed that sports are important to young people's lives, and that transgender youth should be able to participate safely and comfortably. (Adobe Stock)

For LGBTQ Hoosiers, Equality Act Would End Patchwork of Protections

INDIANAPOLIS -- It is National Coming Out Day, but many LGBTQ Americans say they still face discrimination in employment, housing, public …

The first Pride marches were protests against police brutality led by brown and black people. (Adobe Stock)

Pride Month in Indy: Elevating Forgotten Voices of Color

INDIANAPOLIS - As they reflect on their own fight for equal rights, members of Indiana's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (or …

A survey found that knowing a transgender person makes one more likely to be inclusive and respectful of transgender issues. (nito/Adobe Stock)

Indiana Researcher Examines Public Views of Transgender People

INDIANAPOLIS - In the ongoing battle for transgender rights in Indiana and across the country, researchers have some new insight into how the public …

Senate Bill 12 would give Indiana courts discretion in deciding if bias-crime charges are warranted. (QuinceMedia/Pixabay)

IN Research Suggests Hate-Crime Laws be Carefully Crafted

INDIANAPOLIS – New research examines the complexities of crafting effective hate-crimes legislation. Senate Bill 12 in Indiana, now in the …

If you know someone who strives to make life better for Indiana young people, nominate him or her for a youth worker award by Aug. 14. (B. Gelwick)

Nominations Being Accepted for Top Indiana Youth Worker

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Many people work tirelessly to make life better for youth in Indiana, and one of those individuals will be honored with the …

One in four hospitals in Indiana is run by the Catholic Church. (Virginia Carter)

Health Care Could Be Threatened by Hospital Merger

GARY, Ind. — A proposed takeover of Gary, Indiana's only hospital by a Catholic organization is raising some eyebrows. A merger would mean …

Some members of the LGBTQ community say they feel

LGBTQ Activists Feeling "Erased" in Census Snafu

INDIANAPOLIS – Some members of the LGBTQ community say they're feeling “erased” after learning that proposed questions about sexual …

Gender-diverse teenagers say the depression they feel is often prompted by rejection by family members and bullying at school. (K. Paul)

Report: Indiana Teens Struggle with Depression, Suicide

INDIANAPOLIS – A report released this week on kids' health and well-being in Indiana shows the suicide rate remains high, and advocates for …

Indiana's Supreme Court justices will hear the concerns and suggestions of Hoosiers about race and gender bias in a series of discussions open to the public. (in.gov)

Hoosiers Encouraged to Speak Up about Race and Gender Issues

INDIANAPOLIS – Immigration issues, and accusations of race and gender bias, continue to be in the spotlight across the country. A series of …

Advocates for the LGBT community are worried the Trump/Pence administration will set the clock back on LGBT rights. (Geralt/Pixabay)

LGBT Hoosiers Worry About Trump/Pence Administration

INDIANAPOLIS – There could be some trouble for LGBT rights during Donald Trump’s presidency. President-elect Trump has said he would …

Gov. Pence will soon have bigger fish to fry than the Regional Cities Initiative Project, which he helped kick off back in May. (Office of Gov. Pence/Flickr)

Indiana Democrats Abuzz Over Governor's Race

INDIANAPOLIS – Candidates on both sides of the aisle are chomping at the bit in Indiana to run for governor, once that seat officially becomes …

Couples across the country are celebrating wedding anniversaries this month and next, one year after the Supreme Court decision that legalized their unions. (Jeremy Womack)

Same-Sex Marriage: One Year Later

INDIANAPOLIS – There are a lot of first wedding anniversaries being celebrated in the next few weeks by couples who raced to the altar after the…

A new report documents mistreatment suffered by transgender people in the U.S. justice system. (Kenn W. Kiser/morguefile)

Report: Transgender People are Targets in America

INDIANAPOLIS - Transgender people end up behind bars at a much higher rate than others, and once there they are subjected to harassment, abuse and …

March 31 is International Transgender Day of Visibility. Blogger Meggan Sommerville is spreading the word of acceptance. (Meggan Sommerville)

Day of Visibility for Transgender Community

INDIANAPOLIS - There's a big push on social media this week for those in the transgender community to come forward. Thursday is International …

Legislation to protect LGBT Hoosiers from discrimination failed during this year's session. (Derek Paulson)

ACLU: Indiana Could Lose More Money Over LGBT Issue

INDIANAPOLIS – In some areas of Indiana, it's legal for LGBT residents to be married over the weekend and fired from a job for it on Monday…

The Freedom to Marry campaign is closing up shop in the U.S., but organizers say they'll now focus on ensuring equal treatment for all. (Derek Paulson)

Freedom To Marry: Battle Won, But More to Do in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS - The goal of the campaign known as "Freedom to Marry" was simple: to allow a couple to legally dedicate their lives to each other regard…

Indiana's governor sided with religious groups but supporters say they'll keep fighting for equal rights for the LGBT community (Freedom Indiana)

Supporters: We Won't Give Up The Fight for Equal Treatment

INDIANAPOLIS - Eyes were on Gov. Mike Pence this week as he announced his stance on civil-rights protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and …

2016 will see renewed efforts to protect the LGBT community in Indiana. (Freedom Indiana)

Fight for Rights for LGBT Hoosiers Continues in 2016

INDIANAPOLIS - The new Indiana legislative session kicks off with another debate about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, and the group …

PHOTO: Marriage equality supporters in Indiana are awaiting a U.S. Supreme Court decision they believe will strike down bans on same-sex marriage. Photo credit: tapps/Flickr.

Will Marriage Equality Become Law of the Land?

INDIANAPOLIS – Any day now, the U.S. Supreme Court will announce a decision that could open the door to same-sex marriage around the nation…

PHOTO: Saying it is best for Indiana, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed an amended Religious Freedom Restoration Act on Thursday with changes intended to end concerns that it would allow businesses to discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. Photo credit: Mark Taylor/Flickr Creative Commons.

RFRA Fix: Historic Step or Too Little, Too Late?

INDIANAPOLIS - After a week of national public scrutiny, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed the amended Religious Freedom Restoration Act on Thursday…

PHOTO: A new report finds LGBT women in Indiana and around the country face lower pay, frequent harassment, compromised access to health care, and heightened violence that threatens their economic security. Photo credit: Marius Boatca/Flickr.<br />

Unfair Price? LGBT Women at Most Risk for Poverty

INDIANAPOLIS - Nearly 16 percent of Hoosiers live in poverty, and a new report finds lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) women are among …

PHOTO: Indiana House lawmakers soon could vote on Senate Bill 101, which supporters say would strengthen freedom of religion and protect religious rights. But opponents argue it grants individuals and business a license to discriminate. Photo credit: pippalou/Morguefile.

S.B. 101: Protecting Religious Liberties or License to Discriminate?

INDIANAPOLIS - State lawmakers return to Indianapolis on Monday, and the House soon could vote on a controversial bill involving gender and religious …

PHOTO: According to the Movement Advancement Project, LGBT Hoosiers are at risk of harm through legal discrimination, and hostile education and employment environments. Photo credit: Jamison Wieser/Flickr.

Report Finds Progress in Indiana for LGBT Equality

INDIANAPOLIS - A report finds Indiana is making progress when it comes to LGBT equality. The Movement Advancement Project examined the ways laws …

PHOTO: Today marks World AIDS Day, and events around the state will be held to build understanding of the disease, and educate to stop the spread. A simple blood test can determine a person's status. Photo credit: Alden Chadwick/Flickr.

More Than 500 New HIV Infections in Indiana Each Year

INDIANAPOLIS – For more than 25 years around the globe, Dec. 1 has been a day to bring awareness and understanding about AIDS. And to …

PHOTO: Marriage is now a reality for same-sex couples in Indiana after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to take up cases seeking to defend the ban on same-sex marriage in the state. Photo credit: Emily Roesly/Morguefile.

Same-Sex Hoosier Couples Finally Free to Tie the Knot

INDIANAPOLIS - After years of work and many court battles, same-sex couples in Indiana are finally free to tie the knot. The U.S. Supreme Court on …

GRAPHIC: Three same-sex cases from Indiana will be heard before the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. Graphic courtesy of the U.S. Government.

Future of Marriage Equality in Indiana to Be Considered in Chicago

INDIANAPOLIS – Supporters and opponents of marriage equality in Indiana are headed to Chicago to plead their cases. The Seventh U.S. Circuit …

PHOTO: Sexual violence is a growing problem in Indiana; the state leads the nation in numbers of sexual assaults against teens. Photo by: Anita Peppers.

Sexual Assault: Indiana's "Silent, Violent Epidemic"

INDIANAPOLIS - More than one woman in five in Indiana is a rape victim, and more than two in five have been sexually assaulted. Despite the alarming …

PHOTO: Marriage equality is an issue that, even within the faith community, elicits widely varying views in Indiana. Photo credit: morguefile.com.

Love, Faith, and Marriage Equality: Mixed Views in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS – Arguments of morality and belief are at the forefront of the debate in Indiana over same-sex marriage. The Rev. Melody Merida…

PHOTO: Some Indiana business leaders say banning same-sex marriage would create an unwelcoming business climate and ultimately hurt the state�s economy. Photo courtesy Freedom Indiana.

Business Leaders: Marriage Equality Critical to Indiana’s Economic Future

INDIANAPOLIS - With a ban on same-sex marriage once again on the table at the Statehouse, some Indiana business leaders are speaking out. Cummins…

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IN: LGBTQIA+ Issues