A new website providing information about Indiana LGBTQI pride organizations launched on February 1st. The website –www.HoosierPride.org – is part of the recently formed Hoosier Pride Network.
The Hoosier Pride Network is a collaboration between Indiana pride organizations. The idea of the network was originally conceived during the pride season in summer of 2010 and was developed over the fall. Currently, the network has 5 organizational partners, including Fort Wayne Pride, Indy Pride, Pride Lafayette, Spencer Pride, and Wabash Valley Pride. Additional Indiana-based pride organizations are encouraged to join. Participation in the Hoosier Pride Network is 100% voluntary, free, and available to all organizations that hold annual LGBTQI-focused pride vents in the state of Indiana.
The Hoosier Pride Network serves two main functions. First, it facilitates information-sharing between the organizations in order to help the organizations learn from one another and grow. This communication is primarily be online via e-mail or the Hoosier Pride Network Facebook group. Discussions of a face-to-face meeting are also underway.
“The organizations participating in the Hoosier Pride Network do so under the common belief that increased communication between our individual groups can make for a better Indiana pride experience for everyone,” said Spencer Pride Inc. president Jonathan Balash. “None of us have conflicting dates for our pride events, so it just makes sense that each of us should support and promote one another.”
The second function of the HPN is the HoosierPride.org website, which is a single-click resource for individuals seeking information about pride events and volunteer opportunities with Indiana pride organizations. The website is meant to be simple and informative. The homepage serves as a gateway to all things Hoosier pride and consists of links to upcoming events listed by date. There are also links to the websites of the participating organizations. A calendar is available on the site that provide a listing of upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Spencer Pride Inc. manages the website as a service to promote its pride peers from throughout the state.
John Jurijczuk, Indiana-resident and Spencer Pride supporter, created and donated the Hoosier Pride Network logo.
The network plans to continue expand its website content over the next several months as many of the HPN partners further develop their 2011 pride events.
Indiana-based LGBTQI pride organizations who wish to add their organization as a partner in the Hoosier Pride Network should contact Jonathan Balash via e-mail at President@SpencerPride.org. Community members who have feedback about the Hoosier Pride Network or its website can provide feedback to Jonathan as well.