Pride all year round

Dive into Indy’s 2023 Municipal Equality Index score

A parade of people along Mass Ave. for Pride Fest

Be proud of Indy. | Photo via @larsmillerphotography

The Human Rights Campaign recently released the 2023 Municipal Equality Index, and Indianapolis is on the list. How did we score?

Each year, the Human Rights Campaign releases a Municipal Equality Index which takes a deep dive into municipal laws, policies, and services and how inclusive they are of the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s edition examined 506 cities on 49 different criteria across five categories — non-discrimination laws, municipality as employer, services and programs, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.

Based on these criteria, Indianapolis earned a score of 80 out of 100. In case you missed it, that’s the same as last year’s score. Here’s a breakdown of how we got here… and how that score might change.

Non-discrimination laws

This category looks at whether LGBTQ+ discrimination is prohibited by law in areas of employment, housing, and public accommodation. Indianapolis achieved a 30 out of 30 for our laws across the state, county, and municipality.

Municipality as employer

Cities can achieve points for inclusive employment policies like trans-inclusive healthcare policies and non-discrimination in city employment. Indianapolis got a 20 out of 28, but earned bonus points for city employee domestic partner benefits.

Services and programs

This section considers the city’s efforts to include LGBTQ+ folks in city services and programs. Indianapolis scored 7 out of 12.

Law enforcement

Looking at the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community, Indianapolis earned 12 out of 22. We lost 10 points in the subcategory addressing an LGBTQ+ liaison or task force in the department.

Leadership on LGBTQ+ equality

This section looks at city leadership’s commitment to advocacy and inclusion. Indianapolis got an 8 out of 8, and earned bonus points for having openly LGBTQ+ elected or appointed leaders.

Looking ahead

Indianapolis would achieve a higher score from the HRC with efforts like instating liaisons in the city executive’s office and police department. Indy could achieve bonus points with services for the transgender community, LGBTQ+ older adults, and those experiencing homelessness.

If you want to get involved, here are some local organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.

Click here to have your event featured.

Thursday, Jan. 5

Singles Night Mixer | Thursday, Jan. 5 | 7-9 p.m. | North Mass Boulder, 1411 Roosevelt Ave., Indianapolis | Free | If you’re over the apps, try meeting new people in person who share an interest in being active.
Grimey, Big Guy, Welfare Fraud, Gunmask, Thlurm | Thursday, Jan. 5 | 7 p.m.-1 a.m. | The Melody Inn, 3826 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis | $5 | Catch these punk bands as they take over the dive bar venue.

Friday, Jan. 6

Seth’s Big Fat 70’s Variety Show | Friday, Jan. 6-Saturday, Jan. 7 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Feinstein’s, 1 Carmichael Sq., Carmel | $25 | Experience radio star Seth Rudetsky’s signature deconstructions of 70s variety and award shows.

Saturday, Jan. 7

Free Community Workout | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 8 a.m. | CrossFit East Indy, 300 S. Carroll Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Bring a friend and try out this east side gym alongside its members.

Sunday, Jan. 8

Midwest Reptile Show | Sunday, Jan. 8 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis | $7 | Slither by the fairgrounds to see a variety of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and mammals and shop cages, feeders, and other pet necessities.
Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Hornets | Sunday, Jan. 8 | 5 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $15-$276 | See if the Blue and Gold can keep up their dominance in the new year.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

This billion-dollar startup wants to help you retire

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Weather

39º | Mostly cloudy | 24% chance of rain

Development

Greenwood will soon be getting more than $40 million in luxury apartments, though a final timeline hasn’t been set yet. MHG Apartments will have 202 units at 764 Greenwood Springs Dr., along with a pool, courtyard, grill, dog wash, and business center. Rent is expected to be market rate. 🏗️ (IBJ)

Traffic

INDOT is introducing a couple of new projects in 2023. One proposal involves adding a fourth lane in each direction to the five-mile stretch of I-65 between Fletcher Avenue and the Loop. Another is to build more lanes and rebuild interchanges on the northwest part of I-465. Get all the details. 🚧 (IndyStar)

Coming Soon

Georgia Street Rhythm & Blues Lounge is a new blues-themed eatery moving into the former Burger Study space at Circle Centre Mall in the coming months. The 6,000-sqft restaurant plans to offer Caribbean soul food, live music, and drinks from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. 🎷 (IBJ)

Closed

After 20 years, Circle Centre Mall’s Chick-fil-A has closed. It had its last day at the end of 2022, leaving only seven restaurants behind on the third-floor food court. However, you can still get your waffle fry fix at its new location at 10 E. Washington St. 🐔 (FOX59)

Biz

If you heard that Fountain Square Brewing Co. might be closing, we’ve got some good news. The head brewer and general manager will buy the bar. The new ownership plans to upgrade equipment, improve the beer, and increase the amount of events hosted by the brewery. 🍺 (IndyStar)
All 20 Indy-based 21st Amendment liquor stores are being sold to US Liquor Group LLC. The stores generated $38 million in annual sales, according to a 2020 report. The stores are expected to keep their names. (Inside Indiana Business)

Ranked

No. 5. That’s the ranking Carmel recently received in Best Life’s list of “The 10 Best Lesser-Known Cities to Retire In.” Touted for its “wonderful mix of arts and culture, outdoor recreation, and mouthwatering cuisine,” 40% of the city’s population is 50+. 🏆

Travel

How does Scott’s Cheap Flights work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and Scott’s will notify you when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a $300+ round trip to St. Croix). 🌴*

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Indy VegFest is making a comeback

Indy VegFest is back

Gainbridge Fieldhouse main lobby with people walking around

We can’t wait to see Gainbridge full of vegetarian-friendly eats. | Photo by INDYtoday team

Indy VegFest returns to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday, July 14 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Its vision for 2024 includes a bigger venue, easy access from public transportation, and tons of vegan-friendly local businesses.

Here’s what you can expect:

Taste food from local and regional food vendors like Black Leaf Vegan and Eat Surreal
Learn how to make your own plant-based food during the cooking demonstrations
Support small businesses that offer vegan and cruelty-free products and services
Connect with local nonprofits in the fields of health and wellness, animal advocacy, and environmental sustainability
Enjoy live performances, a DJ, and kids activities

General admission is free and open to everyone. Early Access ticketholders will be admitted one hour early, plus get a goodie bag with giveaways and coupons.

Can’t wait until the summer to explore Indy’s vegan and vegetarian eats? In the greentime, check out Indy VegFest’s website for plant-based recipes and recommendations, and read up on veggie-friendly spots around the Circle City.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Anna.

Editor’s pick: I was surprised to see that the Chick-fil-A (arguably the most popular spot in the food court) is closing at the mall. If you need a refresher on all the area restaurant closings of 2022, check out this roundup and try not to shed a tear.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Learn how to recycle your Christmas tree.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Anna Bowman, Nicole Hernandez, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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