Although Logansport Pride has only been around for a month, it has already gained a lot of support from the community, recently reaching over 1,000 followers on Facebook.
Logansport Pride aims to provide a safe space, both online and in person, for the LGBTQ+ community and allies, said Josh Weber, CEO and treasurer of Logansport Pride. They also reach out to the non-LGBTQ+ community, because they want to educate and let people know they are there and are seeking equality.
Right now, they’re a community organization, Weber said. While they technically have a small board, they don’t give out official titles until they become a 501c3, he said.
“We give titles, not really, we just look at how active people are and once we file a 501c3, you have to have a board and give the positions,” Weber said. “So we really try to stay away from that as much as possible, giving titles, until we get to that point because once you have that 501c3, you’re stuck. Right now our main goal is just [to] “Increase our reach and make sure people know we’re here.”
Weber, who also owns Logansport Skate World & Fun Center, said he was originally from Columbus, Ohio, where he took for granted the acceptance he saw there. After seeing the backlash surrounding the family-friendly drag show in May, he realized Logansport’s LGBTQ+ population didn’t have a voice or a reason to come together, connect and feel accepted as a community.
“So I just wanted to offer them that, even though [I]…there’s a lot going on, you know, I’m glad that I can spend the little time I have with the people, and give them a reason to organize events and have them consistently, and just feel accepted,” Weber said.
The group gathered for a small meeting Sunday to talk about strengthening their volunteer base and planning upcoming events. They previously hosted a social at the skate center, which Weber said had a good turnout, and have also held events at Stan’s Bar and Grill and MistHaven Camping Resort, both in Peru.
During the meeting, Weber handed out flyers to attendees to spread the word about Logansport Pride. They also discussed ideas for future events such as picnics, shows at the State Theater, movie nights at Mary Max Cinemas, and an upcoming volunteer opportunity at the Peru Pride Festival on August 3.
“We are a big supporter of [the Peru Pride Festival]“We’re not at the point where we’re talking about a festival here in Logansport,” Weber said. “We’re just trying to have consistent events and get some reach, some followers in terms of people or businesses.”
Weber hopes to volunteer in the community, such as with the Cass County Humane Society, to get the group’s name out there and get involved. While they’re not a 501c3, Weber said they do collect donations and sponsorships and also have businesses that support them, such as The Lantern, Savini Comics, Plant Therapy LLC and Fulcrum Barbershop.
“And there’s a lot of other ones, we have the Methodist Church in Royal Center, they’ve been huge supporters and we’ve just started reaching out to businesses,” Weber said. “I just reached out to Mary Max, the Science Project, and talked about LGBTQ+ speed dating, and we’ve just had a lot of support, honestly. It’s been really great.”
The group’s main goal, Weber said, is to secure a downtown location for an annual pride festival, and he said they already have support from some city officials. With Logansport Pride, he hopes to create a sense of community and togetherness, to make people feel accepted, and to create consistent events both in and out of town.
“I really just want to create that platform and just grow what we’re already doing. I think we’ve already built a pretty strong platform, a lot of followers, we already have events,” Weber said. “We have a partnership with Peru Pride, we have a partnership with Stand Up Cass County. I mean, we have so many people that are willing to be a part of it and even in a small, rural town, Logansport, Indiana, to have that much support, it’s amazing to see. And then the more [that] “Jump on board, I think the more that come, the more there will be. I think it’s about getting those first few on board.”
To get involved with Logansport Pride, follow or message them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/logansportcasspride/), on Instagram or message Logansport Skate World & Fun Center on Facebook. The group also has a CashApp account and sells Logansport Pride t-shirts for $30 at the skate center. Weber said they accept any donation or time investment.
“… there’s so much opportunity, even though we’re fresh and new and just starting to put on these events,” Weber said. “So many people have come… saying, ‘Hey, I want to be a part of this.’ And there’s more coming every day.”
