- Christopher T. Gonzalez
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Christopher T. Gonzalez 
Gonzalez, on the right, in 1992Died May 1994 Christopher T. Gonzalez, also known as Chris Gonzalez, was an activist who succumbed to AIDS in May 1994.[1] 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.
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Early life
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.[2] 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 [2].
He grew up in Lake County in a "very traditional Hispanic family"[2] As a member of the Hispanic community, he felt his family would disown him if they ever found out he preferred boys over girls. He pursued his gay identity while still a student at Franklin College of Indiana where he was an active member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and a journalism major.
Self-revelation and self-acceptance
Gonzalez met his life partner Jeff Werner at Franklin College, located in Franklin, Indiana, and by the time he completed his degree, "he came to terms with the fact that he was among the 10 to 15 percent of the population who are homosexual, and thus, learned to accept and like himself."[2] Gonzalez made the fateful decision to come out to his parents and much to his surprise, his Catholic father and his very religious mother accepted him unconditionally [2].
Still, he was well aware of the dismal plight of gay and lesbian youth. The statistics state:
- Suicide is the leading cause of death among gay and lesbian youth.
- Gay and lesbian youth are 2 to 6 times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual youth.
- Over 30% of all reported teen suicides each year are committed by gay and lesbian youth.[3]
Chris addressed these issues by becoming a volunteer[2] 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[2] 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."[2]
Creation of Indiana Youth Group
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[4] 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. IYG now proudly operates an activity and program facility donated by the Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, which was renovated and is maintained by community supporters.[5] 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.[4] 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 Gay-straight Alliances.
Legacy
Gonzalez was a person who fought for the rights of LGBT youth in Indiana and across the country. "Gonzalez made sure the national advocates heard the 'voices from the Heartland."[4] In addition to his commitment to LGBT youth, he also worked with Latino youth at the Hispanic Center, Gays and Lesbians Working Against Violence and lobbied for an Indiana hate crimes bill.[4]
He is buried alongside his partner at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.
See also
- Chris Gonzalez Library and Archives
- Indiana Youth Group
References
- ^ Diana Penner. The Indianapolis Star. 1994-4-3, pp. 1-2. Retrieved 2010-27-2.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Ruth Holladay. Indianapolis Star. 1992-15-3. Retrieved 2010-24-2.
- ^ Pflag of Phoenix. No available date. http://www.pflagphoenix.org/education/youth_stats.html. Retrieved 2010-8-3.
- ^ a b c d Diana Penner. The Indianapolis Star. 1994-7-5. p. 1-2. Retrieved 2010-27-2.
- ^ Indiana Youth Group. http://www.indianayouthgroup.org/aboutus/aboutus.php. Retrieved 2010-5-4.
External links
- Indy Pride, Inc.
- Indiana Youth Group
- Youth as Resources of Central Indiana/United Way of Central Indiana
- The Measurement Group
- National Gay & Lesbian Task Force/ Indiana Youth Group
- Indiana State Department of Health
Categories:- 1994 deaths
- Franklin College (Indiana) alumni
- LGBT people from the United States
- AIDS-related deaths in Indiana
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