To our community,
Reflecting on 2024, it is impossible to ignore the mounting challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth and young adults across Indiana. Last year, our young people endured an especially harsh climate—one marked by a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, increased social stigmatization, and limited access to affirming healthcare and support systems. These barriers didn’t just threaten their identities, they struck at the heart of their mental health, safety, and future.
At IYG, we met this moment not with despair, but with resolve.
We expanded and deepened our commitment to the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. Our free mental health services, now offered across all five of our locations statewide, have become a vital lifeline. Through trauma-informed therapy, crisis intervention, peer support, and inclusive programs, we provided over 1,300 young people with the resources they needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. These services were delivered without cost, without judgment, and with the unwavering belief that every young person deserves to feel safe, seen, and valued.
2024 also brought unprecedented demand for affirming spaces. In response, IYG extended our geographic reach to the far ends of the state, launched new support initiatives, and strengthened partnerships with schools and community providers. Whether a young person walked through our doors in Indianapolis, Columbus, Crawfordsville, or any of our growing locations, they found more than just services—they found community.
Despite the societal and political turbulence, our young people remained resilient. Their stories of courage fuel everything we do. And thanks to the support of our donors, volunteers, and partners, IYG remains a beacon of hope and affirmation during an otherwise difficult time.
As we look ahead, we know the path won’t get easier anytime soon. But with your continued support, we will keep expanding access to life-saving services, advocating for justice, and standing alongside Indiana’s LGBTQ+ youth and young adults—loudly, proudly, and without exception.
With gratitude and determination,
Chris Paulsen
Chief Executive Officer, IYG
