Does the Bloomington area need a GLBT community center?

South-central Indiana lacks a community center for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people and their families and allies. The nearest ones are in Cincinnati and Lafayette.

How do you know there's interest in a community center?

Nearly 130 surveys collected so far from area residents document a perceived need for a center. Ninety-one percent of respondents agreed with the statement "I feel that a GLBT Community Center is a much needed resource in this area." Anecdotal evidence suggests that some newcomers to town have difficulty identifying GLBT-friendly venues, groups and services. Also, several local agencies think a center would be a good place to do social-service and health-care outreach. (About 5-6% of school-aged teens nationally now identify as sexual minority. Alongside this trend is a growing recognition that inadequate family and community support may leave GLBT youth at greater risk than their heterosexual peers for suicide, substance abuse, school drop-out, family conflict, homelessness, and HIV/STD infection.)

Wouldn't a community center duplicate services provided by the IU GLBT office?

In general, IU policy does not allow campus space and services to be used by groups that aren't comprised of at least 50% IU students. In addition, the IU GLBT office is not currently open on evenings or weekends and has not always lent library materials to people younger than 18. Parking on campus can pose a significant problem. And many grant sources that could benefit the local GLBT community are not available to university-affiliated groups. In short, a town-based center would complement the IU GLBT office's services in many ways and vice versa.

What do people want from a community center?

So far, surveys respondents say they want: information bulletin boards; Internet lab; meeting space for groups and large events, support groups; youth services; HIV/AIDS testing and educational resources: video/CD/book library; donated-goods store; and an environment with adequate parking and offering coffee, refreshments, and games.

What is Bloomington Beacon?

Bloomington Beacon (www.bloomingtonbeacon.org) is a non-profit incorporated in 1997. It published a GLBT community newspaper from 1997 to 1999. In 2004, Bloomington Beacon launched its Web site, became a Donor Choice Agency with local United Way, and joined the Bloomington Non Profit Alliance and the National Association of LGBT Community Centers. Bloomington Beacon is a membership organization. Its operations are directed by a board and planned and executed by committees (Resource Development; Programs and Services; Public Relations; Web Site Development).

What are some of Bloomington Beacon's current projects?

• Web site development: Community Information pages targeting: youth; newcomers to town; and GLBT families (those with partners and/or children)
• Fourth Friday Alliance: a monthly social group for pre-college GLBTQI youth in our area
• Forum on Homeless GLBT Youth, Fall 2008
• 2008 Candidate Survey
• Fundraising to rent or buy a space for the center; cultivating corporate sponsors