What we’re about
## What is Black Queer Indy?
### What we are:
An autonomous, community-run social meetup group where LGBTQIA+ adults of African ancestry in the Indy area can find each other, have fun, and grow in healthy community. Allies are welcome.
### What we aren’t:
A for-profit, a nonprofit, a rigidly organized system, an intentional hierarchical organization, an advocacy group, an emergency responder, a mandatory responder.
## Why does Black Queer Indy exist?
Being Black in Indianapolis feels tricky. Being queer in Indianapolis feels tricky. Being both feels trickier. That’s because the history of racism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia and misogyny here and in the United States – the world, really – is long. It’s because those harmful belief systems are deeply embedded.
Black Queer Indy exists to make it easier for us to find each other, nurture authentic connections, and build against those harmful belief systems.
## Who does this community include?
This community exists for Black queer people in Indianapolis. Allies who respect the “what” and “why” of this group are welcome.
## Wanna be a part? Here are the terms of agreement.
### I agree to take care of this space with my words and actions and hold myself accountable by living up to these norms:
- Opt in. I choose to be a part of this volunteer-led, community-organized meetup group. I understand that there are no fees or dues and that there is no single person who has authority over others. I show up conscious of the value I bring.
- Affirm that a healthy community includes respectful disagreement and work to encourage that practice by cultivating my own curiosity and capacity for deep listening.
- Bring my most healed self to this community, resisting the urge to revert to coping mechanisms that harm myself or others. When I mess up, I resist the urge to shame or blame myself or others.
- Advocate for what I need as a fellow collaborator who is willing to be a part of the solution, whether that’s through thoughtful and constructive feedback, logistical support, or something else.
- Push against harmful beliefs and systems, including but not limited to racism, white supremacy, ableism, fatphobia, colorism, classism, xenophobia, transphobia, homophobia, and misogyny.
## When do we meet?
- 1 monthly in-person meetup organized by BQI volunteers, 3rd Friday of the month, 7-9pm
- 1 monthly virtual meetup organized by BQI volunteers with a focus on people who are new, 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7:30-8pm
- Interact on GroupMe whenever you’d like
- Organize/host your own meetup and share on GroupMe whenever you’d like
Connect right now:
