Indy Pride announces new director, board leadership

Indy Pride, which hosts Indiana’s largest LGBTQ pride parade and festival, has new leadership.

Jennifer Carruthers was selected as the organization’s new executive director. She was previously the president of Capital City Pride in Des Moines, Iowa.

She takes the helm as the state’s LGBTQ community faces increasingly hostile federal and state policies.

"I just really want to bring the community-centered approach that I did in Des Moines with an organization that already has a very rich 30-year history," Carruthers told WFYI. "I think that Indy Pride could be a leading pride festival in the U.S.”

Indianapolis has continued to grow its annual pride events over the decades, attracting thousands of attendees.

When she attended the Indy Pride parade last year, she said she was struck by the electricity in the crowd on Mass Ave.

Carruthers’ career includes nonprofit leadership and event management. In Des Moines, she said she oversaw rapid growth at Capital City Pride and strengthened community outreach.

She wants to connect with the community in Indianapolis, too.

“That’s ultimately the goal, is making sure our community feels like they’re connected, they’re celebrated — not just in closed spaces but publicly — and that they can see themselves being reflected openly and safely in the community that they’re in,” she said.

Carruthers joins other new leadership on the nonprofit’s board of directors: Alex Richardson was elected as chair and Komal Sheth-St. Pierre as vice chair. This month, the nonprofit will be looking for new board members to replace six members whose terms expire.

“Like many LGBTQ+ nonprofits, Indy Pride continues to navigate a challenging fundraising environment, particularly amid shifting support for DEI-aligned initiatives,” the organization said in a statement announcing the new leadership. “Even so, the organization remains grounded in resilience and optimism.”

Pride organizations across Indiana reported mixed support last year, including growth in attendance and challenges to organizing.

Carruthers started in December. Pride month is in June.

Contact WFYI reporter Zak Cassel at zcassel@wfyi.org.