Alum Leads Kaleidoscope Community – Safe Gathering Place for LGBTQ+ People
CTS alumni have an incredible impact in our communities. They often lead innovative new ways for beloved community to find places of belonging, particularly for those who are sometimes left on the margins. This is certainly true of Our Kaleidoscope Community, Inc. in Indianapolis. What began as a ministry of Roberts Park United Methodist Church (RPUMC) in Indianapolis has blossomed into a new nonprofit under the leadership of CTS alum, Pastrix Carmen Daugherty (MDiv ’22).
Kaleidoscope is committed to providing safe, sober, social spaces for LGBTQ+ people to gather on a regular basis. They meet every Thursday from 5:30-8:00p. While they still meet at RPUMC, they now occupy the 4th floor of the education wing at 401 N. Delaware Street. “People go to church every Sunday. Why shouldn’t queer people have a place to go once a week for community?” Daugherty stated. “Kaleidoscope is unique because there are no age limits, and we represent every letter of the LGBTQ+ alphabet (and all the demis too!) You’ll find members of the Silent Generation talking to Millenials, Gen Z bonding with Gen X, and so forth. We also have a diverse faith community which means we celebrate and learn about the holy days of all our members.”
While some would not say that Kaleidoscope is a church because it lacks a sacred text, dogma, and rituals, Daugherty refutes that idea. “Kaleidoscope IS the church in its purest form. Kaleidoscope is an example of what the early church looked like before it became the official religion of the Royal Empire. At Kaleidoscope we eat together, support each other, encourage each other, and help each other. This is what the kin-dom looks like.”
Kaleidoscope even has its own “ministry” called #SelfMade. Through this program, gender affirming care boxes are sent to trans and non-binary individuals who cannot afford the items they need to feel comfortable in their own body. They are sent at absolutely no cost to the recipient. So far over one hundred people have been helped through this program in twenty-three states.
Daugherty sees a bright future for Kaleidoscope. “We have big plans; plans to transform the world into a safe place for all people, but we can’t do it alone.” If you would like to know more about Kaleidoscope, volunteer, or donate to their cause, you can visit their website at www.kaleidoscopeinc.org.
