‘The whole point is community’: Indiana Pride of Color’s promise to LGBTQ+ Hoosiers

Indiana Pride of Color (IPOC) is working to create spaces for Black and brown LGBTQ+ Hoosiers to feel seen and heard. The organization is the only BIPOC LBGTQ+ nonprofit organization in the state of Indiana. In December 2023, IPOC came under new leadership, appointing an entirely new board and Belinda Drake as president. In less than three months, the organization partnered with a handful of local organizations to create events and opportunities for underserved BIPOC LBGTQ+ young adults to be seen and heard, Drake said. For nearly a decade, Indiana Pride of Color has worked to create Pride festivals and safe spaces for Black LBGTQ+ individuals and has leaned into educational spaces, Drake said.  Drake is originally from Gary, Indiana, and said she was introduced to the inner workings of the criminal justice and health care systems and how they treat people of color early on. After high school, Drake moved to Indianapolis and became the first member of her family to attend and graduate college. She studied political science and legal studies at IUPUI before interning with State Rep. Andre Carson and pursuing a career in social services. Belinda Drake, board president of Indiana Pride of Color, makes history...