Dear Indiana,
For nearly three decades, you have been my sanctuary. Though I didn’t grow up here, I’ve cultivated my life, family, and community in your embrace. After a divorce in Ohio, I brought my young child to Indiana to complete my education at Purdue University. It’s here that I met my partner, and together we’ve nurtured our two kids in the home we’ve cherished since 2003. We’ve dedicated countless hours to our community — volunteering in schools, coaching sports, hosting dinners for the cross country team, and cheering on our kids at various events. Indiana truly feels like home.
It’s where our friends reside, where we encounter familiar faces at the grocery store, where the barista knows our go-to order, and where I can reach out to our local representative with any concerns. I proudly serve on the board of our local community theater, and my partner spent her formative years here. Our eldest son returned to Indiana after his service in the Marine Corps, and our youngest is pursuing his education at a state university. We’ve created a life, a family, and a future here.
Yet, Indiana, your recent actions are making us feel unwelcome.
The rhetoric and legislation emerging from the Statehouse convey a disheartening message: LGBTQ+ individuals are not embraced here. Bills such as:
- HB132, which unjustly targets transgender individuals by criminalizing their use of restrooms that align with their gender identity.
- SB 289 and SB 235, which aim to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in state agencies and public colleges.
- HB 1041, which seeks to bar transgender women from participating in women’s sports at educational institutions.
- SB 441, which proposes to invalidate modified birth certificates, forcing individuals to revert to their original documents.
Even legislation that doesn’t directly affect my family contributes to a broader effort to marginalize those of us who consider Indiana our home. It pushes us to the sidelines, attempting to erase our existence and make us feel unsafe.
We should not have to abandon our home to feel secure.
And let’s talk about our Attorney General. He has initiated a so-called “Eyes on Education” reporting portal for anyone who spots “real examples of indoctrination,” including a recent submission of a middle school hallway adorned with a pride flag that reads, “You are welcome here.” His stance clearly indicates that we are NOT welcome here.
As my partner and I contemplate the next chapter of our lives, with our children grown and soon to be empty nesters, we should be envisioning travel, downsizing, and relishing our hard-earned life. Instead, we’re grappling with a painful question: Must we leave the community we love to find safety?
If we do leave, it won’t be by choice; it will be out of necessity. We would seek a place where we are valued community members, not just an “issue” up for debate at the Statehouse. We long for somewhere our rights are not negotiable, where we can live without the constant anxiety of being marginalized.
But we don’t want to leave.
Indiana, we care for you deeply. We’ve invested so much into this community, and you have given us so much in return. Yet, love must be mutual. We need reassurance that this state — our home — will advocate for us. That our family, and many others like us, have a rightful place here. Because we truly belong.
To my fellow Hoosiers,
You are not alone. If you share these burdens and questions, I see you. Together, we can wield significant power. Authorities must recognize that we will not tolerate hate in our state.
Here are four ways you can bolster the LGBTQ+ community in Indiana and beyond:
- Stay Informed: Connect with local social justice organizations like the ACLU of Indiana and LGBTQ+ community centers. You can find various resources on CenterLink’s website.
- Take Action: Support organizations like Home Insemination that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights across all levels of government. Get involved by volunteering, donating, or amplifying their work through social media.
- Speak Out: Engage in meaningful discussions with neighbors, coworkers, and lawmakers. Ensure they grasp the stakes and understand how elections and legislation affect LGBTQ+ families.
- Share Your Story: Contribute your voice to the movement! Write your narrative as part of Home Insemination’s campaign to demonstrate why equality is crucial.
The Indiana state motto is “The Crossroads of America.” Let’s ensure the paths lead to equality, not a departure from here.
Your Name
Proud parent, devoted partner, and passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
In conclusion, it’s vital to stand together and uphold the values of equality and acceptance. Indiana holds a special place in our hearts, and we must strive to ensure it remains a home for everyone, regardless of their identity.
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