Christopher T. Gonzalez

Christopher T. Gonzalez, also known as Chris Gonzalez, was an activist who succumbed to AIDS on May 5, 1994, in Indianapolis. He left a legacy for gay and lesbian youth in and around the Indianapolis area that continues through the non-profit organization he founded, Indiana Youth Group (IYG), one of the first organizations in the country to support gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth.

Founded in 1987 as a response to the needs of self-identified Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning youth, Indiana Youth Group (formerly known as Indianapolis Youth Group held its first meeting in the living room of founders, Chris Gonzalez and Jeff Werner with support from Pat Jordan. After five years of operation, IYG was named a Special Projects of National Significance for its programs protecting the mental and physical health of Indiana's LGBT youth. For years, IYG operated an activity and program facility donated by the Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, which was renovated and maintained by community supporters. After fully appreciating and utilizing every square inch of that homelike space, IYG now occupies a 15,000 square foot Activity Center with room for large, medium and small groups, a spacious kitchen, education, art, and transitional apparel rooms. Youth with basic needs can access the pantry, showers, and laundry machines. Nationally recognized as the first nonprofit organization in the country specifically dedicated to gay and lesbian youth issues, IYG has garnered countless awards, grants and state funding. In 1992, it was featured on ABC News program 20/20. IYG continues to operate the activity center and provides support groups and workshops on a variety of topics. Additionally, IYG fosters working relationships with high schools around the state to form and support Genders and Sexuality Alliancesformerly Gay-straight Alliances.

Chris addressed these issues by becoming a volunteer counselor for the Gay/Lesbian Switchboard in Indianapolis. During those early years, (the 1980s), the hotline was the sole link to teens who were grappling with their sexuality, peer pressure, sexual identity, parents and family issues, etc. Through calls from a mass number of lonely and isolated youth it quickly became apparent to him that support was needed. The chilling calls reminded Gonzalez of his own journey and he was unwilling to let the gay and lesbian-identified adolescents remain "stuck in a self-hatred kind of place."

Chris was born October 28, 1963 and grew up as the typical model student in Griffith, Indiana. Always a well-spoken and well-liked student, he served as student council president at Griffith High School and was the voice behind morning announcements over the loud speaker heard all over the school. He even dated a pretty pompon girl at one time. However, like so many same gender loving teenagers, Chris was leading a double life in order to cover up who he was inside. Chris was ashamed of his homosexuality and felt like he had to prove to others that he was worthy. He did not want to be a homosexual because he was quite aware of society's small-minded opinions and misconceptions of same gender loving people.