By Ariel Paul
Rejections, time constraints and 100-degree weather didn’t stop the town of Whiting, Indiana, from celebrating its first pride this June.
On June 22, about 400 people celebrated pride in downtown Whiting, Indiana, despite the near 100-degree weather.
“Our town, though small and people would say maybe a bit old-school, is becoming more progressive than some may think,” said Kathleen Ulm, one of the event organizers, in an email.
According to Ulm, the LGBTQ+ population in Whiting has consistently organized events over the decades. In 2023, a group of people, including Ulm, decided it was finally time to ask the City Council and Mayor to sign a Pride proclamation and hang a Pride flag at city hall. At the time, the council and mayor denied this request.
“You have to continue asking, and that’s what we did,” said Ulm. “Over the course of last year and this year, I’d say over 50 people have spoke or attended council meetings in support. It wasn’t an easy fight.”
Ulm and others again requested a Pride flag at Whiting’s city hall and a small walking parade this year.
The council recognized Pride Month, and while the walking parade was denied, Mayor Spebar allowed them to have a party downtown.
A committee of a dozen people had only one month to plan and fundraise, meeting regularly at a local café. With the support of local businesses and the community, they raised nearly $5,000.
The event featured a DJ, food and games. Resource tables provided mental health and family resources, including one for Whiting High School’s first Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA).
One of the people at the Whiting High School table was Bridget McCullough-Favela, a school psychologist who moved to Whiting in 2019. She grew up in Munster, Indiana. In high school, she and her friends created spaces for themselves, even starting an unofficial GSA at their school.
When McCullough-Favela started a GSA as a student, she had little support from adults. As an event organizer, she could support interested students and help them create that space.
She described the event as “fulfilling” for her younger self.
“It was so nice to see so much positive energy and love and acceptance from all of the people who attended and who were a part of the event,” said McCullough-Favela. “It makes me optimistic for the future.”
While those from Whiting, Indiana, could travel to Chicago Pride, the local event was significant.
“It was nice that we could be a safe and affirming place more locally instead of people having to travel far to find that kind of community,” said McCullough-Favela.
While many residents of Whiting attended, some, like Jacob Paben, came from other parts of Northwest Indiana.
“[Whiting Pride] definitely was an introduction to a new aspect of acceptance and community,” said Paben. “I loved the inclusivity with the kids.”
According to Ulm, the attendees of this family-friendly event ranged from a “one-week-old baby with her two moms” to “a 90-year-old ally mom.” Paben was able to enjoy pride with his partner and stepdaughter.
“Being in a small town, like even the first time or being in a smaller pride event, just gives you the opportunity to connect with people on a more personal level. And instead of just having the experience, you’re building on the experience,” Paben said, referring to all the friends he had made at the event.
Joey Wirtz lives on the Northwest side of Chicago but lived in Whiting in the ’80s. He said he could not imagine anything like this happening back then.
“I thought it was just important to support a community where I have some roots,” Wirtz said. “I really want to acknowledge the people that were responsible and the city government there to allow this to happen.”
According to Ulm, Whiting Pride is already planning for next year—a far cry from the one-month timetable they had to deal with this year.
According to Ulm, the vision is to grow into a street fest and help boost local shops and restaurants. In addition, other events will happen throughout the year.
“I’m proud of Whiting,” said Ulm. “Things are only going to get bigger and better.”