Embedded Files
In November 2021, the community was rocked by a startling increase in anti-LGBT rhetoric against a student-requested GSA club at East Noble High School. In response, the community held Kendallville's very first pride rally at the pocket park (now "Founders Park") across from City Hall. A subset of that rally's attendees including its organizer later met to formally organize a new LGBT advocacy and philanthropy organization.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Mobilize
Mobilize the community in support of an inclusive community.
Advocate
Advocate for and with queer community-members.
Elevate
Elevate queer perspectives, giving queer Hoosiers a voice.
Participate
Support similar and adjacent organizations and demonstrate a strong queer-and-allied segment committed to bettering the community we share.
Leadership
Leadership
Friends of Dorothy operates under a democratic "Co-Chair" paradigm. Group members determine the direction of the group pursuant to its mission and the Co-Chairs manage the daily affairs of the organization. The group's two Co-Chairs are Ellie Shortridge and Zion McNull, both of Kendallville. They can be reached by sending an email to our general inbox: contact@noblecountylgbt.org.
We have two logos. The "Rainbow Slippers" logo is intended to represent FOD on fundraising merch. The "Noble County Progress Flag" logo is intended to represent FOD on official documents, to identify FOD personnel, and for solemn occasions.
What's in the Name "Friends of Dorothy"
What's in the Name "Friends of Dorothy"
After our first meeting in March 2022, when we formally decided to launch an organization to advance LGBTQ interests in our community, the second question was: "What shall we call ourselves?" The group considered several dozen member-submitted name recommendations before deciding on "Friends of Dorothy" via ranked-choice ballot.
A "Friend of Dorothy" was used in the 20th century to refer to gay men, though we use the phrase more liberally to encompass all queerfolk. The origin of the use of "Friend of Dorothy" to refer to gay men is unknown but widely attributed to gay icon Judy Garland (who played Dorothy Gale in the 1939 Wizard of Oz). Notably, the book series which inspired the movie also has a poignant piece of dialogue between one character and Dorothy: "You have some queer friends, Dorothy", and she replies, "The queerness doesn't matter, so long as they're friends."
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