Christopher T. Gonzalez

Christopher T. Gonzalez, (known as Chris Gonzalez), was an LGBTQ+ rights activist from Indianapolis, Indiana. He founded the non-profit organization Indiana Youth Group (IYG), one of the first organizations in the country to support gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth.

Early life Gonzalez was born October 28, 1963, and grew up in Griffith, Indiana, in a traditional Hispanic family. Chris struggled with his sexuality in high school.

Self-revelation and self-acceptance By the time he completed his degree, Gonzalez had come to terms with his homosexuality. While he had been fearful of coming out to his parents, they were ultimately accepting. ) 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. For years, IYG operated an activity and program facility donated by the Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, which was renovated and maintained by community supporters. After fully appreciating and utilizing every square inch of that homelike space, IYG now occupies a 15,000 square foot Activity Center with room for large, medium and small groups, a spacious kitchen, education, art, and transitional apparel rooms. Youth with basic needs can access the pantry, showers, and laundry machines. 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. 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." 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.

He died of AIDS on May 5, 1994.