Knowing that Gay and Lesbian youth deserved better is what prompted a small handful of gay and lesbian adults and youth to begin what has tuned out to be one of the largest Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual youth programs in the country. The Indianapolis Youth Group (IYG). In late 1987, two members of the "Gay Switchboard" (Chris Gonzalez and Pat Jordan) were speaking to a local university Gay student group, when they were asked what was available for Gay youth in Indianapolis. Unfortunately, the answer was "nothing".
There previously was a Gay youth group (Gay Youth Metro) but it was now defunt. It was clear that there was a need for support for Gay and Lesbian youth. The "Gay Switchboard" was receiving many calls from young Gay and Lesbian people. Out of the frustration of not being able to refer young people to any support systems in Indianapolis, and just turning 22 himself (with fresh memories of how difficult it was growing up Gay) Chris Gonzalez got together a small group of friends to talk about beginning a Gay and Lesbian Youth Group. Although this group was met with skepticism, their courage has resulted in the creation of one of the leading youth organizations serving Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and questioning youth in the country. IYG continues to develop, supporting all youth in sexual and gender self-discovery.