Mile Square in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Origins of Indiana Pride / Indiana LGBTQ Pride
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
1. Origins of Indiana Pride side of marker
Origins of Indiana Pride Until the 1980s, most LGBTQ Hoosiers socialized privately due to safety concerns. In 1984, police harassment and surveillance of gay men in Indianapolis spurred hundreds to gather at Monument Circle in a show of solidarity against discrimination. While the gatherings helped ignite the local liberation movement, Hoosiers celebrated Pride Week quietly until 1990.
Indiana LGBTQ Pride On June 30, 1990, Indiana held its first large outdoor Pride event, “Celebration on the Circle.” The event provided a public space for attendees to socialize, learn about their rights, and hear from AIDS activists. Despite the presence of protestors, the event empowered attendees, challenged social stigmas, and welcomed a range of sexual and gender expressions.
Erected 2021 by Indiana Historical Bureau • Indy Pride. (Marker Number 49.2021.4.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 30, 1990.
Location. 39° 46.097′ N, 86° 9.526′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It is in Mile Square. Marker is on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lacy Building (a few steps from this marker); James Whitcomb (within shouting distance of this marker); Soldiers and Sailors Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); General George Rogers Clark (within shouting distance of this marker); Oliver P. Morton (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Circle Theatre (about 400 feet away); Bowen-Merrill Fire / Indianapolis Fire Department (about 400 feet away); William H. Harrison (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Also see . . .
1. From “Gay Knights” to Celebration on the Circle: A History of Pride in Indianapolis. After the 1984 gatherings, which some dubbed “Gay Knights on the Circle,” Pride Week celebrations remained relatively private until 1990. That year, the twentieth anniversary of NYC’s first Pride Week, Indiana activists felt ready to celebrate publicly. (Nicole Poletika, Indiana History Blog, Oct. 5, 2021) (Submitted on August 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
2. Indy Pride. Beginning in the early 1980s, years before the creation of the actual organization, Indiana gay and lesbian organizations like Justice,
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
2. Indiana LGBTQ Pride side of marker
3. New Works News, August 1990. The monthly gay newspaper's coverage of the 1990 event, which drew some 3,000 people – as well as a small group of protestors. (Chris Gonzalez GLBT Archives, Indiana Memory repository) (Submitted on August 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
3. Origins of Indiana Pride / Indiana LGBTQ Pride Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
