Q mmunity

A virtual walk against AIDS

The Salt Lake AIDS Walk goes virtual this year, continuing the aim of reducing stigma while encouraging a healthier community. This is an annual fundraiser to benefit the Utah AIDS Foundation. Walkers are encouraged to raise money through their networks to play a direct role in providing Utahns with critical sexual health services. Challenge your friends to start a team and encourage them to raise more than the rest.

Given the unprecedented global pandemic of COVID-19, our world as we know it has shifted. While this year’s Salt Lake AIDS Walk will be their first virtual event dedicated to providing everyone with an opportunity to come together in new ways and participate in something truly enjoyable and impactful. More importantly, one thing hasn’t changed — our community’s ability to come together and support one another during difficult times. Almost 40 years after the beginning of the HIV epidemic, our resilient community knows how to courageously lead the charge, fight challenges, and come out on top.

Register at utahaids.org

QUAC to host annual IGLA 2021 aquatics tournament

In May of 2021, Queer Utah Aquatic Club will host the annual International Gay & Lesbian Aquatic Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah — where masters athletes from all over the world will compete in the only international LGBTQ+ inclusive aquatics tournament.

IGLA originated in 1978 in San Diego, Calif., concurrently held with the second-ever Gay Games — a global LGBTQ+ athletic event that includes a larger range of sporting events: track and field, ballgame sports, mat sports, racquet sports, and more. Since then, the competition took place in cities around the world, including Berlin, Stockholm, Sydney, Reykjavik, and Montreal. In February 2020, over 800 aquatic athletes competed and celebrated athletic achievements in water polo, swimming, diving, and synchronized swimming in Melbourne, Australia.

Events like these are very meaningful to the LBGTQ+ community, and especially for those from countries in which people still face oppression for living their authentic lives. In 2016, a few of the competing teams, the IGLA Board, and a QUAC team member made it possible for Ugandan swimmers to participate in the tournament. In Uganda, same-sex sexual acts are still criminalized. Just before the competition, two of the Ugandan swimmers were arrested and jailed for participating in a local Pride event.

To make this event possible — and fabulous — QUAC asks for your kind and appreciated tax-deductible donations. As of July 21, 2020, the organization has raised $1,565 of a $20,000 goal. To donate, visit giveoutday.org. Funds will be used for: Renting pool space, Hiring officials, referees, and safety personnel for each of the events, Securing transportation between the host hotel and the aquatic venues, Obtaining insurance to protect the venues, swimmers and participating teams, Helping those across the world participate in Salt Lake City

Ogden’s Own 5 Husbands sanitizer to donate to UPC

The LGBTQ-friendly people at Ogden’s Own Distillery have made official Pride hand sanitizers and are donating a portion of the proceeds to the Utah Pride Center.

They tell us that it is 80 percent alcohol — a World Health Organization Approved formula. And the ill-informed guess on the other 20 percent ingredient is that it’s the tears of 5 Husbands who are missing Pride 2020! ogdensown.square.site