About Us
WHO ARE WE?
The LGBTQ Center is Northern Indiana's only Center dedicated to the promotion of LGBTQ+ experiences and inclusivity. Our purpose is to see a community where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered.
The LGBTQ Center offers diversity training, social groups, support groups, and more. We are also proud to offer a resource guide of affirming and accepting vendors, businesses, and social services. We are always looking for new ways to empower our community and to educate.
OUR HISTORY
The LGBTQ Center has grown and evolved significantly over almost twenty years.
In August 2004, we started off as a little book store and coffee bar called simply, "Another Bookstore." After fielding dozens of emails and phone calls per week from people looking for LGBTQ+ welcoming businesses, lawyers, doctors, and churches, the owners of the little bookstore decided they needed a change.
In October 2005, Another Bookstore became "The GLBT Resource Center of Michiana." The newly named organization with its 501(c)(3) status as a not-for-profit organization began to showcase local artists, hosted a well attended youth group, and offered a more comprehensive list of resources to the community.
In 2016 after eleven successful years, the organization began its next evolution as The LGBTQ Center. Volunteers gathered at the Center's location on Mishawaka Avenue to add an accessible bathroom, create a more functional office space, and repaint to provide a brighter and more welcoming space. On April 28, 2016, with Mayor Pete Buttigieg cutting the ribbon, The LGBTQ Center officially entered its next phase with a proud declaration: "All are welcome."