PHOTOS: Indiana's Circle City Is the Hub of Midwest Pride

LGBT Pride as we know it today did not exist in Indiana before 1981. There were no safe gay bars or places for the LGBT community in Indianapolis. In 1981 the first Pride event was a dinner at the now gone Essex House Hotel where many of the attendees wore masks upon entering the hotel so as not to be seen. 

As of 2012, the Circle City IN Pride Festival stretches more than three city blocks, with more than 300 vendors and over 80,000 LGBT and allies in attendance. An addition of a second stage, along with a designated family-friendly entertainment area, are some of the more recent changes.

As a sidenote, this Pride event was over June 11, the day before the Orlando tragedy. As cleanup took place the next day, the community here was stunned to hear of what had happened early that morning.

Thanks to Jason Knight-Nellis for providing the great photographs.