Note: The Pride Coalition is not currently meeting as they have formed South Bend Equality and are working to amend South Bend's Non- discrimination ordinance.
Who We Are:
The Pride Coalition consists of citizens concerned about justice and equality issues within the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. We come from all walks of life and belong to many different organizations. Meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend.
What We Do:
The Pride Coalition meets once a month to discuss important issues facing the GLBT community. We work to find ways to unite our community and to advocate issues that are important to us.
When We Meet:
We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 6 to 7:30 PM
Where We Meet:
We're now meeting at the Planned Parenthood office inside the Hawthorne Plaza on Edison Road in Mishawaka. The Hawthorne Plaza is situated between Grape Road and Main Street across from Pinnacle Gym.
We'd like to get more support for the youth in our schools (A GSA has been formed at on of the local high schools, thanks to the work of Free Rein!).
We'd like to eventually create a comprehensive GLBT directory of gay-friendly groups and organizations throughout the area.
We try to keep an eye on current events and local politics to make sure GLBT issues are always represented. Recently a lawsuit was passed in Indiana to have the state recognize civil unions, and we're continuing to monitor that situation.
We're all continuing to work on improving the Michiana Rainbow Gazzette.
And we're always looking for ways to publicize the Pride Coalition, the Rainbow Gazzette, the gaymichiana.org website, and other GLBT groups. We welcome suggestions and critiques.
Things We've Accomplished:
In 2001 we had our first float in the South Bend Ethnic Festival. This has become a yearly event for us.
In 2001 we helped combine and strengthen three local newsletters into a larger Rainbow Gazzette. The Pride Coalition is now the main editor of the Gazzette and continues to publish and distribute the Gazzette each month.
In 2000 we helped form a Gay & Lesbian Bowling League in South Bend. The league, known as "We are Everywhere!" continues to this day.
The Pride Coalition team raises money for each years AIDS Walk, and works to improve community awareness by hosting a Pride Coalition booth.
We've talked to several community representatives and made them aware of GLBT issues and concerns.
