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Indianapolis, February 19, 2005-- The so-called "Anti-Bullying Bill" SB 285 has passed out of the Indiana Senate and now is before the Indiana House of Representatives. Indiana Youth Group (IYG) fully supports the bill, believing all youth, no matter what their sexual identity, should be fully legally supported in their quest to be free from any type of verbal or physical harassment. Our community and schools owe all youth a safe environment free from hatred and bigotry.

Indiana Youth Group (IYG), an organization advocating for and serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth in Indiana, has firm roots in the central Indiana community, and has seen an increase in the community's acceptance of gays since 1987, when the organization was founded. Nonetheless, bullying and gay-bashing is still rampant and often subtly tolerated in some communities, schools and churches.

"We should all be banding together to fight harassment in all its forms," said Linda Perdue, IYG Board President. "The damage bullying does to our youth is far-reaching and incredibly damaging. IYG serves many youth that have done poorly in schools due to frequent moving from school to school to avoid harassment. This effects school performance, of course, and does incredible damage to a child's sense of self worth. We also see youth that flee their homes after continued harassment, becoming homeless, and engaging in harmful activities to support themselves. It's a vicious cycle."

IYG provides empowerment and counseling programs to self-identified LGBTQ youth, and also has outreach programs for schools, providing helpful information and resources to school counselors, teachers and administrators needing accurate information to provide their students. Those interested may call 541-8726 for more information.

IYG is a non-profit organization serving the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth in Indiana. It is one of Central Indiana’s leading providers of services to LGBT youth ages 12 to 20. The IYG mission is to provide a safe place, confidential environment, youth development programs and support services which foster personal strength and wellness among self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people. IYG advocates on their behalf in schools, on the streets, and in the community. Publicly and privately funded, Indiana Youth Group serves over 180 youths each month. For more information, go to www.indianayouthgroup.org.