Annette Gross, a Carmel resident and advocate for the LGBT community, is being honored at Empower Indy’s 2017 gala on May 19.
Gross is being honored for her political activism, which includes organizing several different rallies at the Indiana Statehouse that drew thousands of people each, including one to protest a controversial abortion law and another to protest the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Both protests made national news.
Gross will be honored alongside U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, Marissa Miller, founder of Indiana TRANS-Empowerment, Jeff Miner, an openly gay pastor in Indianapolis and Dana Black, an openly gay candidate for Indiana House District 88 in the last election.
Gross became more involved in fighting for the gay and lesbian community shortly after her son came out.
“Being an advocate for my son and the LGBT community has enriched my life in more ways than I ever could have imagined,” Gross said. “I’m grateful to Empower Indy for this honor.”
Pastor Keith McQueen, CEO of Empower Indy, said his organization strives to, “empower the disenfranchised citizens of our city by providing opportunities for economic development, health and wellness and equality advancement. Empower Indy Inc. seeks to be a bridge to a better Indianapolis by promoting social justice for all.” Initiatives include STD testing, a food pantry, a clothing drive and more.
McQueen said Gross is a “beacon of hope” for many.
“Diligent, passionate and consistent are just a few words to be said about the amazing Annette Gross,” McQueen said. “Being a citizen of Carmel Indiana, Annette is an excellent example of a proud Hoosier that makes her voice known. She has spent countless hours helping to organize events to promote equality and to highlight injustice that has plagued the Greater Indianapolis community.”
Tickets to the May 19 gala are available for sale for $50 or $75 for VIP at www.empowerindygala.org. All proceeds will go to the Empower Indy Foundation. The event starts at 8 p.m. at the Downtown Indianapolis Marriott Hotel.
