Thousands support Indy Pride after difficult year for LGBTQ Hoosiers

The Indy Pride Parade hit the streets of Indianapolis Saturday to the cheers of thousands. Grand marshals for the event included families of transgender youth and individuals who advocated for their rights at the Statehouse this year.

Jessie McCormick-Miles walked as a grand marshal and said the feeling of inclusion was overwhelming for the young people at the parade.

“Instead of getting told daily how they don't belong, how having everybody celebrate and have them feel like they do belong,” Miles said.

Her daughter Krista Miles agreed.

“It just felt nice that there were people who are supportive of us,” she said.

Legislation this year targeted LGBTQ youth, that included a “Don’t Say Gay” bill, denial of gender-affirming care for trans youth and the censure of books in schools.

Earlier this week, the ACLU of Indiana filed a new lawsuit on behalf of an Indianapolis teacher challenging the “Don’t Say Gay” law.  ACLU Director of Advocacy and Public Policy Katie Blair walked in the parade and said it grows with support every year.

“Our experience was amazing after a horrific legislative session. And all of the hate coming towards the LGBTQ community, to be able to walk and feel the love of the community was just phenomenal,” Blair said.

Diva Nisha is Bryce de Venecia drag name. He walked in the parade and works in health care. He said the measures passed at the Statehouse will have an impact.

“We actually trained some other organizations about how to respond to trauma, trauma care,” Venecia said. “But there's just always such a supportive atmosphere here downtown.”

Thousands of supporters lined Massachusetts Avenue downtown for the parade. More than 140 parade entries ran the route this year, and it’s become one of Indianapolis’ largest parades. The first Indy Pride parade took place in 2005 and was only 15 minutes long. 

The parade is part of the Indy Pride festival.  Tens of thousands attend the festivities every year.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.