GLBT members, advocates celebrate

It was a celebration of lifestyles. About one hundred gay lesbian bisexual transgender people and their advocates gathered in South Bend to share, learn and educate one another. In it’s second year, The GLBT resource center of michiana teamed up with other area organizations to host “Pride in the Park.” Organizers say people in Michiana are becoming more accepting of the GLBT.

It was a day at South Bend’s Potawatomi Park with good eats and bingo. Members and advocates of the gay lesbian bisexual transgender community celebrated the second annual “Pride in the Park.”

“Our goal is to provide something like that a family a home where people feel comfortable coming in and building a community,” said GLBT Resource Center of Michiana Executive Director Tricia Wainscott.

The GLBT community lies within the greater Michiana community. And that’s an area that GLBT Resource Center Executive Director Tricia Wainscott says can make life difficult on those living an alternative lifestyle.

“It’s conservative enough that people aren’t really out and I think more people would be out if they had a place that supported them,” said Wainscott.

And support is needed for those advocating for their GLBT loved ones. That’s where P-flag comes in. Hank Mascote and his wife formed the group about 20 years ago. It stands for parents and families and friends of lesbians and gays. Mascote says a lot has changed for GLBT people and supporters since the 80s.

“Most people were coming out when they were in their 20s, now kids are self-identifying in their teens,” said GLBT Advocate Hank Mascote.

Mascote says, that’s because people feel safer to be themselves without having to feel like hiding. He says communication is key to continuing the spread of awareness and acceptance.

“The issues is out there and talked about more and more makes a difference,” said Mascote.

In early September, the city of Goshen voted against an ordinance aimed at prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. When asked about that vote, Wainscott said although it wasn’t the turnout she had hoped for, the ordinance did spark a much needed dialogue.

Reporter: Nadia Crow – Fox28.com