A spotlight on three Muncie Businesses and organizations that support the LGBTQ community.
Editor’s note: These stories were written prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Indiana Stay-at-Home order, so some events mentioned may be postponed, canceled, or altered. We’re sorry for any inaccuracies.
1. Queer Chocolatier
Perhaps the most well-known LGBTQ space in Muncie, Queer Chocolatier is located just down the street from Ball State in the Village. This chocolate shop is owned by Morgan Roddy and her wife Cheri Madewell, and features a wide variety of truffles, pastries, drinking chocolate, and other beverages. All of Queer Chocolatier’s ingredients are ethically sourced, and many items on the menu are vegan, including the truffles.
Beneath the “Family Wall” of photos celebrating the history and diversity of the LGBTQ community, you’ll find a bookshelf overflowing with titles like Gender Trouble by Judith Butler and Fun Home by Alison Bechdel. This collection serves as a miniature resource library for anyone curious about gender and sexuality — and it’s perfect for perusing a few pages while you polish off a pastry.
According to the shop’s website, they have around 40 books in the library that explore LGBTQ topics. The shop also has a Little Free Library.
Of course, Queer Chocolatier offers more than just food and reading material. They host open mic nights, book readings, chocolate tastings, “Gayyyme Nights,” and more. If you’re looking for a community hub that prides itself on being a safe, sober space for folks of all sorts — or if you’re just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth — Queer Chocolatier is the place to be.
2. Mark III Taproom
Muncie’s oldest and only LGBTQ nightclub, established in 1968. Although Mark III Taproom is only open to those 21 and over, it offers a wide variety of energetic events and delightful drinks.
They host monthly drag shows, weekly karaoke nights, and daily all-around good times — not to mention their $2 tacos. Stop by on a Friday for free pool games, and check out the events calendar on the club’s website to find out when the next trivia night or themed dance party is happening. Don’t forget to try one of their signature Rainbow Long Islands.
Mark III Taproom also holds fundraisers, benefits, free HIV/AIDS testing, safe sex supplies and information, and other events that focus on the health of the LGBTQ community. Stroll down to South Walnut Street to check them out, right across from Made in Muncie Pottery.
3. Muncie OUTreach
For the younger members of the LGBTQ community, Muncie OUTreach provides a space to connect, learn, and have fun. This program provides support groups for parents of LGBTQ kids, youth groups for ages 12-20, weekly art and robotics clubs, and much more.
One of their biggest current projects is organizing Muncie’s first-ever Pride this coming September (find more information on that at munciepride.org). According to their website, before Muncie OUTreach was established, founder Laura Janney realized there were very few resources available for LGBTQ kids in the area — now, they only have to look as far as the YWCA downtown.
