WELCOME TO THE GAY AND LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD OF INDIANAPOLIS!






"I think I'm gay and you're the first person I've told - Can you tell me if I'm gay?"
 

"I think my daughter is a lesbian. - I don't want her to live that type of life."


 "My partner hits me when he's angry with me. - How can I stop making him angry?"
 
 

Life is full of challenges.....

Sometimes these challenges seem greater for the Gay and Lesbian community. Finding someone who can empathize with us and not judge us for who we are can be difficult.
 

When you need a listening ear.....

The Gay and Lesbian Switchboard of Indianapolis is just a call away. Our Switchboard operators have the training, empathy, and life experiences to give you the non-judgmental support you need. A call to us puts you in touch with someone who will listen, be supportive and offer further resources to assist you with your problem, concern, or question.
 

Support by Telephone.....

Beginning Sept 1, 2001, Switchboard will be taking calls Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings between 7 and 11 PM. Please call us at 317-251-7955. (Local to Indianapolis)  If you call during this time and don't get an answer, the operator may be with another caller. Try back in another 15 minutes. If you try mutliple times in an evening, that may unfortunately be a night we could not get covered. Please try on another night. Or...
 

Support by Email.....

We have 3 volunteers who take Emails from the Internet. You have the option to send Email to a , a , or a . Please allow some time for an answer, as these are forwarded to personal Email boxes which may not be viewed every day.
 

Local Resource Guide.....

We are glad to provide this local Resource Guide detailing many support options, groups, and gay-friendly businesses in the Indianpolis area. Our guide is not as extensive as that found at Gayindy.org. If you don't find what you need here, be sure to check their site and use their search engine to get further information.
 

Volunteer Opportunities.....

The Gay and Lesbian Switchboard is staffed by dedicated volunteers who contribute their skills, knowledge, and life experiences allowing the Switchboard to deliver top-notch service to the Gay and Lesbian community that it serves. The Switchboard always welcomes new operators!

We invite you to review the operator requirements to help determine how you can assist the Indianapolis Gay & Lesbian community:

If you are at a point in your life where you are able to meet these commitments and are willing to contribute your time, knowledge, compassion, and life experiences and want to be a Switchboard operator, please send an Email to the . Please include your full name, your mailing address, phone number, and Email address.

Please also note that upon full training and release of the trainer, volunteers living in the local Indianapolis area (usually all of us) can take calls at home if they are comfortable doing so. We have a package with the phone company that allows operators to set up remote call fowarding right at the start of their shift right from their home. Callers dial the 251-7955 number and that rolls over to your phone. At the end of the shift, the operator shuts off the service, again from their home. Calls after that point receive a message indicating what hours calls are accepted.

Donations.....
The Gay and Lesbian Switchboard - a 501(c)3 organization on file as Community Referral Service - has operated for over 20 YEARS through the generous, tax-deductible donations of individuals and organizations. Our services will only continue with your financial support. Please help us continue to help our community.

Checks should be made out to Community Referral Service and mailed to: CRS, P.O. Box 55082, Indianapolis, IN  46205. A typical annual donation by an individual is $25 to $50. A typical annual business donation is $100 and above. Donations are graciously acknowledged and donations for $250 or above will receive the required letter of receipt as required by 501(c)3 rules.