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Proud to stand together
Black gays from throughout the state and elsewhere celebrate their visibility at festival

Picnic at the park: Jashay Rogers (center), Indianapolis, motions toward a performer during the Indiana Black Pride celebration at Watkins Park. The summer festival was launched last year. - Kevin Martin / The Star By Aldrich M. Tan
aldrich.tan@indystar.com

August 13, 2006

Gerry Vance was excited to attend her first Indiana Black Pride summer festival this year.

"My friend thought that Indiana's gay pride had already passed," Vance, 44, said with a chuckle. "I told her, no, this is black gay pride."

That friend was referring to Indy Pride, for years the only gay pride festival in Indianapolis.

Launched last year, Indiana Black Pride, which included a gathering Saturday at Watkins Park, celebrates the growing visibility of gay black Hoosiers, President Robert Ferguson said.

Vance, who grew up in Indianapolis, said it's about time.

"The black community as a whole has been taboo about gays and lesbians," Vance said. "For everyone to come out today and to show that we are here, it means that we have come a long way, especially in Indianapolis."

Ebony Weaver, 29, came from Detroit.

"It's always good to network throughout the different states," Weaver said. "It's like a family thing. We are here to support each other."

Many gay-friendly organizations were present at the festival, including Black Like Us, a support group for black gay students at Indiana University.

Michael Brooks, 21, Fort Wayne, a member of Black Like Us, has been openly gay since 2000. He attended similar Black Prides in Chicago and Atlanta.

"It's great to see one finally here at home," he said.

Call Star reporter Aldrich M. Tan at (317) 444-6309.