SOUTH BEND, Ind. - A community Thanksgiving took place at Zion Community Church, giving the LGBTQ+ community a place to celebrate.

Dozens of attendees lined up to dive into the potluck before them as warm savory scents featuring a fall assortment--mac and cheese, giant pot pies, green bean casserole, spaghetti dishes, turkey slices, several dessert pies, cookies, caramel apples--filled the air. 

For H.R. Jung, the Executive Director of the LGBTQ center, it was important to provide a get-together celebration.

"A lot of people within the LGBTQ community don't always have someplace to go for Thanksgiving," said Jung. 

As the LGBTQ Center has grown significantly over the past 19 years, it's become a home where the individual is valued, aiming to grow community and inclusivity.

They host events, much like their Thanksgiving feast, with an emphasis on learning, community and fun, such as gardening, nail design or workshop on learning non-violent "compassionate" communication. 

"The community here in the Michiana area has been really supportive of the LGBTQ Center," said Jung. "Obviously, we've had some people who push back against us, but for the most part, you know, it's been a great place to be the center is thriving."