IYG

IYG

Founded	1987;38 years ago (1987)
Type	Nonprofit organization
Legal status	501(c)(3)
Location	3733 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
Area served	Indianapolis, Columbus, Crawfordsville, Evansville, Northwest Indiana
CEO	Chris Paulsen
Website	www.iyg.org

IYG, formerly known as Indiana Youth Group is an LGBTQ community center based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1987, IYG is the oldest operating organizaiton dedicated to LGBT youth and young adults in North America. ^[1]

History

The Indiana Youth Group was founded by Christopher T. Gonzalez and his partner Jeff Werner in 1987. ^[1] Gonzalez was motivated to found the group after witnessing an increase in LGBT youth calling a suicide hotline while volunteering as a counselor for the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard. ^{[2] [3]}

In 2007, the Indianapolis Youth Group changed its name to the Indiana Youth Group and applied for a state license plate. They received the license plate in 2013 after a legal battle with the state. ^[4]

In 2017, the Indiana Youth Group moved to its current headquarters at 3733 N. Meridian St. after raising over $1.8 million dollars to purchase the building. ^[3]

In 2024, the Indiana Youth Group changed its name to IYG. ^[1]

Services

IYG offers services including case management, mental health services, affinity groups, housing support, and workforce development. ^[5] Additionally, IYG is the statewide administrator of the Indiana Genders and Sexualities Alliance, supporting the development and maintenance of GSAs at Indiana middle and high schools.

References

1. "About IYG" . Retrieved July 10, 2025.
2. "Indiana Youth Group celebrates 35 years of service to LGBTQ+ youth". June 14, 2022.
3. "New home will let Indiana Youth Group aid more LGBT teens". January 17, 2017.
4. "Indiana Youth Group Wins Again". American Civil Liberties Union. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
5. "What We Do".