I moved to Indianapolis as an unpaid intern and finished college by waiting tables at night for a large downtown restaurant.  One evening, I noticed unusually somber and serious faces on the wait staff.  A manager told me the owner was sitting at the bar and to be on my best behavior.

The next day, the weekly work schedule came out, but it was missing a number of wait staff.  It turns out they were fired.  Why? 

Living out of state, this owner would visit once a year and stay for lunch and dinner.  He would watch each employee.  Anyone he determined acted outwardly gay (in his opinion) was fired.  I was outraged and sure this was illegal. Unfortunately, it was legal in the late eighties and is legal now.  In Indiana, you can be fired for being gay.  This owner acted out of fear that wrecked individual lives.

Fear drives hate while love fuels understanding. 

There has been a big debate going on about anti-gay marriage amendments and LGBTQ issues.  I've talked to parents who fear their children will tell them they are gay.  They seem to think being gay is contagious, though, we all know that is not true.

Parents and families are afraid this "alternative lifestyle" will ruin their dreams of grandchildren and social acceptance.   Tragically, many gay youth are kicked out of their homes and abandoned by their families after "coming out".

In Indianapolis there are countless churches, synagogues, schools and neighborhoods where gay couples are raising healthy and ordinary children while being accepted and loved by those around them.

Imagine if parents were able to replace the fear of their children being gay with an understanding that two loving adults will be able to raise a family that will be accepted and a contributing part of our Hoosier landscape. 

If you had a child in kindergarten who came home and told you that another student in the class had two mommies - or two daddies...what would you say? 

That is the moment when either love or fear spreads to the next generation.

Join the movement to make Greater Indy a more welcoming and engaged community! All Focus 2020 workshops are offered at no cost to you and by attending you will become eligible to apply for a $500-$5,000 Community Action Grant, but preregistration is required. To register, click on the date that works best for you. Or, visit www.infocus2020.org  for a full list of workshops and more information. 

Focus 2020 Orientation:    

During this workshop you'll learn the tools, techniques, and strategies for understanding each others differences and similarities. Through fun and engaging sessions you will connect with others to practice and demonstrate dialogue, conflict resolution, empathy, and collaboration skills.