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8 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | NEWS
news The top national and world news since last issue you should know BY CRAIG OGAN
Gay Calif. judge Justice Martin Jenkins, a former prosecutor (and a judge) has been nominated to California’s Supreme Court. If confirmed, Jenkins will be the first Black man to serve on the court in 29 years and the first openly gay man on the court. Appropriate to National Coming Out Day, Jenkins praised living his authentic life to be a good thing, saying, “I want to say today to those young people who may be watching … that I am not here despite the struggle; I’m here because of the struggle.” Before his legal career, he played professional football for the Seattle Seahawks.
Calling all Yeltsins This column reported the Village People didn’t object to playing the classic hit “YMCA” at Make America Great Again rallies for the current president. They may now have two reasons to object. The first reason is MAGAOTs have rewritten some of the lyrics to suit their political moment: “Young man. Walk away from the hate. We’re all human, and we don’t segregate. Just like women help make America great. We’re all in this together. Our colors are red, white, and blue. They stand for every one of you. Together, here’s what we’re gonna do, we’re gonna make America great! Everybody sing ‘M-A-G-A!”
Qsaltlake.com | ISSUE 317 | NOVEMBER, 2020
Second, a video shows the featured speaker at the MAGA rally in Florida dancing to the song. His dancing likened the cringe-worthy images of former Russian President Boris Yeltsin dancing on stage while campaigning drunk in the 1990s. Yeltsin won that election and resigned in favor of the current Russian president.
2020 Tony Awards gets queer Tony nominations are out and a gay-themed play is one of the most nominated this year, and one of the most nominated non-musicals in Tony history. The most-nominated productions were the Alanis Morissette musical Jagged Little Pill (15), Moulin Rouge! (14), Slave Play (12), Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (12), and The Inheritance (11). The Inheritance, by Mathew Lopez, is a six-hour, two-part, blockbuster, being compared to Angels in America for its depth and breadth. It’s about 21st-century gay men in search of their collective past. They are guided by a fictional characterization of English, gay writer and icon E. M. Forester, writer of Howard’s End, and Maurice, who died in 1970. With 12 nominations (most in history for a non-musical), Slave Play is about interracial relationships in the antebellum South that is relevant today. The play is by black gay playwright Jeremy O. Harris.
Kim Davis just won’t go away The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal by Kim Davis, a former County Clerk in Kentucky’s Rowan County scorned for not issuing a marriage license to two men in 2015. Davis appealed a lower court ruling that allowed lawsuits against her to proceed. She claimed immuni-
ty from suits as she was acting from a religious conscience. All courts have now found her conscience wanting. The news was overshadowed when SCOTUS justices Alito and Thomas reiterated objection to the landmark 2015 marriage equality ruling, Obergefell v. Hodges. They said Davis was the first victim of the “ruinous consequences” for religious liberty they predicted then, would result from the decision.
Italy anti-discrimination is a tough sell A sixth attempt to entice the Italian Parliament to approve a nondiscrimination law with a hate crime feature is being made in Rome. The bill criminalizes discrimination and incitement to violence based on someone’s race or religion, with sentences up to four years. Demonstrations supporting the bill are scheduled in 50 Italian cities. Dueling pro and con demonstrations are anticipated in Rome. Italy’s largest LGBT+ rights group, Arcigay, notes attempts over the last 25 years to lawfully punish acts of homophobia and transphobia that failed. Italy approved same-sex civil unions in 2016 but faced stiff opposition from Catholic groups so it does not allow marriage equality. Fifty-nine percent of Italian approve of samesex relationships, compared with 95 percent of Swedes and well below a European Union average of 72 percent.
The eyes of Texas, not on LGBT Social workers in Texas can now refuse therapy to LGBT clients, ruled the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners. The changes supposedly put the professionals more in line with state statutes, according to the board chair, based on an opinion from the
State Attorney General. The board banned discrimination based on sexual orientation in 2010 and gender identity and expression in 2012. Blow-back from the state’s social workers and the LGBT community lead to the chair to announce the board would, “Revisit the issue — at least partially — at the council’s next meeting.”
Shep’s back on TV Shepard Smith, who was a news anchor for Fox News until last October, has returned to TV on CNBC. Smith left Fox after a period of tension between the network’s news and opinion divisions, and onair feuding between Smith and opinion host, Tucker Carlson. It was long rumored that Smith left because he confirmed in other media that he is a gay man and in a relationship. Smith denied that was an issue, telling the trade press that Fox executives were aware of his private life when he was hired two decades ago.
COVID strikes, bars close for good The COVID-19 pandemic is administering the coup de grâce to gay bars in the U.S. Some of the best-known gay bars in metropolitan cities — Atlanta’s Eagle, Portland’s C.C. Slaughter, WEHO’s Rage, and New York’s Rawhide and Splash — are closing their doors. A historical loss is the closure of The Stud, San Francisco’s venerable leather bar. At least 60 gay bars nationwide, after struggling with changing demographics and online dating, can’t take the COVID shutdowns and regulations of crowd density. It’s not just the bigger cities seeing the closures; bars in East St. Louis, Spokane, and Albuquerque’s Social Club, called SOCH by locals, are closing. Q
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NOVEMBER, 2020 | ISSUE 317 | Qsaltlake.com
Pete Buttigieg endorses Jenny Wilson and Shireen Ghorbani Pete Buttigieg announced that his group, Win the Era, is endorsing 47 candidates running for office in state and
Pete Buttigieg
local governments across the country, including Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and Salt Lake County Councilperson Shireen Ghorbani. Win the Era Leadership PAC and Action Fund were founded by Buttigieg in April 2020 following his presidential campaign. They are working to elect leaders at every level of government who “embody and lift up the values that bring Americans together and represent the spirit of the
Pete for America campaign.” The group says these endorsements aim to “build the bench of the Democratic Party and flip statehouses across the country, while also breaking barriers for political representation.” Nearly half of the candidates are under the age of 40, and nearly 90 percent of the endorsed candidates are running for either state senate and state house. “We need to send Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House, but we also need to elect good leaders at the state and local level. That’s what this endorsement slate is about: making sure that we have forward-thinking, dynamic leaders at every level of our government who will deliver solutions to the biggest challenges we face,” said Buttigieg. “These 47 candidates are generational leaders, diverse and reflective of the country and communities they are seeking to serve. I’ll be urging our network at Win The Era to join me in supporting exciting candidates up and down the ballot.” Q
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A letter to Sandy neighborhood Mormons denounces rainbow flags BY MICHAEL AARON
An anonymous letter was sent around a Sandy community by “neighbors and ward members” saying that rainbow flags planted on front lawns in the neighborhood were “concerning to many of us.” However, those in the neighborhood say that the letter was likely delivered by one disgruntled person, and doesn’t represent the people in the community at all. “Hopefully you read the following in the spirit that it is offered. It is not intended to be contentious or to cause bad feelings,” the letter to “neighbors and ward members” of the Autumn Ridge neighborhood begins. It goes on to question the faith of those who asked Project Rainbow to stake flags in their front yards. “Is choosing to fly the colors of the LGBT community consistent with the covenants you made with God as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day (sic) Saints?” the letter asks. “Can you love and support your neighbor and others without flying a flag that actively promotes a lifestyle that is out of alignment with God’s plan for the family?” “Are you aware of what the ‘Gay Pride’ flag stands for? Are their values, your values?” the letter continues. It goes on to say that it is notable that the local bishop and his church counselors did not choose to fly the flags, and are
“setting the example that we all should follow.” The anonymous letter finishes with a veiled threat that a person flying the rainbow flag may not be “temple-worthy.” Not everyone in the neighborhood agrees. Jill Welker Loveall is part of what she calls the neighborhood’s flag project. She says that a majority of the people in Autumn Ridge were flying the flag, which probably brought fear to the letter-writer.
ISSUE 317 | NOVEMBER, 2020
“My heart is heavy, not only because of that awful letter but because it has gotten so much attention,” Loveall said to QSaltLake Magazine. “I want people to know that this is a fabulous neighborhood full of allies and lovely people. I wish the attention was focused on the fact that we had 80 flags flying for a week in suburban Sandy.” Andy Phillips, who first unveiled the letter to Twitter, said his mother wrote a “brilliant response” and that, “The world needs more fearless leaders like my mother that understands the Good Word.” Cynthia Phillips lives in the neighborhood and flew the rainbow flag and said the original letter was full of “misinformation and self-righteous pretension.” “First, the Pride Flag is most generally understood to be a symbol of peace and inclusion — and a reminder of the LGBTQAI+ movements that seek to ensure equal rights and nondiscrimination for these often marginalized people,” Phillips stated. Phillips continues that church leaders have made several public statements, such as LGBTQ people deserve “kindness, compassion, and understanding,” that “God loveth his children,” and that one needn’t “choose between the two identities of ‘Mormon’ and ‘Gay.’” “It is highly inappropriate for anyone but my Bishop to make a judgment on my temple worthiness or on my position on the covenant path based on whether or not I choose to demonstrate my civil and moral support for the LGBTQA+ community’s right for equal protection of laws and non-discrimination,” Phillips continues. She went on to invite anyone questioning her religious values and moral agency to “do so in my face.” Loveall is hopeful the recent controversy doesn’t stall the growth of the number of flags staked in the neighborhood over the years. “I wish the letter wasn’t the star of the show here, but instead the success of the flag project that has grown over the last three years and always executed with kindness and love. It is my hope that the progress we have made does not get taken over by any aggression,” Loveall said. “I am hoping that love wins this time and that this singular bigot does not get another ounce of attention.” Q
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A Kanab, Utah Trump supporter hurls homophobic slur and coughs on BLM group A Trump supporter was filmed taunting Black Lives Matter supporters with a homophobic slur before coughing on them within inches of their faces at a gas station in Kanab, Utah. He later said that he lost his job and started getting death threats for the stunt. “The action was screwed up on my part,” Brissette told the New York Post. “I should never have done that, and that part I apologize for. But to the person that I did it at, I do not apologize to. I apologize to the general public for being a dumb shit doing that. But the person I did it at deserved it.” “I only made the sound,” he claimed. “I didn’t spit on them or anything. I fakecoughed. It was a fake.” While pumping gas, Robert Brissette
was filmed screaming at Black Lives Matter demonstrators on October 10, saying one protester looked like a “little pansy-ass piece of shit,” and “I hate all, you Democrats. Black lives don’t matter. All lives matter.” Brissette continued to verbally browbeat the demonstrators before coughing on them no less than 11 times. “Oh, I’m so scared of your little fucking virus,” the 42-year-old yelled. Some of the protesters attempted to ward him off with their signs to shove him away. He eventually walked back to his white pickup truck, which sports a pro-Trump flag, as protesters loudly enticed: “Take your hate back somewhere else.” Brissette said he faces several charges and set up a GoFundMe for his legal bills,
Genderevolution conference aims to shatter binaries The 12th annual Genderevolution conference is scheduled online in November. With the theme, “Shattering Binaries,” the conference is designed to create “a time and a space to come together across intersecting identities of gender, sex, race, class, generations, ability, beliefs, and politics.” “Our goal is to shatter binaries, form alliances, friendships, and mentorships as we explore our individual and collective identities,” organizers said in a statement.
“We celebrate our journey, struggle, transition, finding community, intersectionality, and resources.” “Our theme this year is to teach us how to navigate the gray areas, the nuances in life, especially when gender is concerned. Not everything is binary, or black and white; we live in a world of uncertainty and Genderevolution is here to help navigate those tough subtleties with kindness and respect for one another,” they said. “We encourage teachers, health and
and said the BLM protesters “laughed” at him and “threw rocks.” By press time the page had been taken down after only $50 was raised. “I need help to clear my name against these race-beating (sic) protesters,” he wrote, noting his “reputation [is] trashed.” Police, however, said they are still investigating charges. Police chief Tom Cram said the arguments between the BLM protesters and the Trump supporters were getting more intense each week. “You can see the video and see what actually happened. It has all been investigated, the case has been turned over to the County Attorney’s Office for a screening of charges,” Cram said. He added that coughing on people during a pandemic is a crime. “It’s assault, no matter what. The question is, ‘Is it aggravated assault? Is it a felony assault? Is it a misdemeanor assault?’” Cram asked. “With this virus, coughing on people is just a little more serious than simple assault. So, we have to discuss that and decide what we think is appropriate.” Cram said Brissette was not arrested nor booked into jail. Brissette reportedly gave police a statement and then was allowed to go home while police and prosecutors weigh their decision. He told the Post that the police declined to charge him. Kanab police are not responding to media questions. Q medical professionals, social workers, lawyers, law enforcement, community educators, activists, and everyone to attend to better understand gender and to better understand each other,” organizers said. The event will be held Friday, Nov. 13, thru Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration for the event is $25 for one day and $50 for two. Students and seniors receive a $5 discount per day. “We do not want cost to be a barrier for anyone. If you need a scholarship, please fill out this form: bit.ly/GEScholarshipRequest.” More information on Genderevolution can be found at utahpridecenter.org/education/genderevolution-conf
12 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | OBITUARY
Qsaltlake.com | ISSUE 317 | NOVEMBER, 2020
Joe Redburn was the father of Utah’s LGBTQ community 11/17/1938 – 9/6/2020
Joe Redburn, the owner of several Salt lake City LGBT clubs over the years starting with the Sun Tavern in the 70s, died of natural causes Sunday, Sept. 6. He died at the Intermountain Medical Center after being found unresponsive at the South Salt Lake Men’s Resource Center homeless shelter. He was 81 years old. Redburn bought the Railroad Exchange Saloon on the corner of 400 West and South Temple and opened the Sun Tavern as a gay bar on Feb. 20, 1973. “We opened at noon on that day in 1973. I’d never done it before. We were all scared,” Redburn said in an interview with QSaltLake Magazine‘s JoSelle Vanderhooft in 2008. “The Sun Tavern had been the Railroad Exchange, and I found it because that’s where the anti-war people hung out. It was owned by a former Pittsburgh Steeler, and they had a sign outside – it was a Pepsi sign that said Railroad Exchange. And I changed it to say The Sun Tavern. I can remember a guy who had a bar just south who said, ‘You can’t do that! The gay bars can’t have signs!’ And I said, ‘Well, I’m gonna do it, anyway.’ That’s what got me, how oppressed this community was. We were oppressing ourselves. We didn’t think we could put a sign in front of a gay bar.” “I named it after the Midnight Sun in San Francisco,” he said. “When we got the old Sun, I think we put the first sound system in for a DJ in Salt Lake,” Redburn said. “I’ve never just catered to the gay community, everyone was welcome. So we had a lot of straight people that liked it, especially when we put in the sound system.” In the next few years, he leased an adjoining space and called it the East Room, which was arguably the first LGBT community center in the state. In 1977, Redburn hosted what many call Utah’s first Gay Pride — a kegger on the shores of the Great Salt Lake known as Bare Ass Beach. The next year it was
held up City Creek Canyon. “We started having keggers up the canyon, and that kinda started everybody thinking – since Gay Pride was getting started around the country – that we should do more,” Redburn said in the interview. “And then other people kind of got involved so we started having another at Fairmont Park with a couple of hundred people. And that probably launched Pride out of the old Sun. Then it evolved into what it is today.” When the then-Delta Center was built at that location, the original Sun Tavern was relocated to 727 W. 200 South. He later started Bricks Club at the old In-Between bar when one of the owners died, and then The Trapp (now The Sun Trapp), which he owned for 20 years. Redburn was born and raised in Laramie Wyoming. He went to the University of Wyoming there and then Armed Forces Information School in Ft. Slocum, New York. “In those days you either gave yourself up to the draft — which I did — or wait ‘til they drafted you,” he said. “I just wanted to get it over with. In those days, if you checked the box that you were gay they rejected you, so I didn’t. I went in actually lying to them. I was in the U.S. Army at Fort Riley in Kansas for two years. What we did was the news on local stations. Then when I got out, I went
back to Laramie, and then I came over to Salt Lake to get a job here.” With his ultra-deep bass voice, he began a long career in radio on KTKK — one of the first all-talk stations in the country during the Vietnam era. “We started out with a program called Controversy. This was one of the first times in Salt Lake talk radio where the talk show host actually gave his own opinions,” Redburn said. “So we were different and we were probably that successful because I could give my opinions. I was a Goldwater conservative at the time.” Ultimately, Redburn gave up his conservative beliefs and, at the same time as Hillary Clinton, he began to support Democrat Eugene McCarthy and protested the Vietnam War. In time, Redburn would consider himself a Libertarian, while supporting Democratic candidates. He was on the board of directors of the American Civil Liberties Union and ran for the Utah Legislature in 1976 in the Avenues. “I lost two-to-one to Genevieve Atwood. And then the Republican right wing got rid of her because she was too liberal,” Redburn said. “But now the Avenues are like Democrats. Salt Lake has become so Democrat, it’s amazing. I only ran for the legislature once, but it was quite an experience. Everybody ought to do it once.”
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Redburn was honored with the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire Community Service Award in 1983 and the Utah Pride Dr. Kristin Ries Community Service Award. In 2004 he was given the Utah Gay Rodeo Association Grand Marshal Award. Over the many years he owned his bars, on Prides he always held a free steak fry, and hired the Saliva Sisters to perform. In recent years, Redburn spent much of his time posting barbs on Facebook. In the past two years, however, he seemed to drop off the face of the planet. It was then, it turns out, that Redburn found himself homeless. Former Sun Trapp bar owner Frank Chugg, who worked with Redburn for many years, saw him at the bar in August. He could tell he was homeless and Chugg appealed to the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire, whom Redburn hosted for dozens of years beginning with their first reign, for help. Friend Marty Pendry-Struthers did a GoFundMe fundraiser which raised about $2,000. “I can’t even begin to tell you the hundreds of memories we have with our friend, Joe,” said Pendry-Struthers. “What do you say about a sarcastically funny man who also cared so deeply about our community and the lives it surrounded? How do you put into words that his ‘bigger than life’ presence could either scare you or educate you or both? I truly think that, not only have we just lost a powerful and unforgettable human being, but we also lost part of our community’s heart. An icon, a leader, a presence, and a deep, intelligent voice. But most of all, we lost a beautiful friend.” “I first met Joe in 1981 when I repaired his sound system in the original Sun,”
said Club Try-Angles co-owner Gene Gieber. “We had a sarcastic and fun relationship throughout the years. On Sunday afternoons, we would get into beer buying wars on the patio at Backstreet. After opening Try-angles, we would trade (friendly) jabs at each other in our weekly ads. At Off Trax, we named our grilled ham and cheese the Rita Redburn. He ordered one every time he came in. To say that Joe was an icon of the gay community is not enough. He WAS the gay community.” “Joe Redburn was my friend, boss, roommate, and business partner,” said Nikki Boyer, who worked with Redburn for many years since the 70s. “He was the father of the LGBT community. He gave us a wonderful, safe place to meet, exchange ideas, and dance our asses off. We owe him a lot. Rest, my friend.” “Joe was a man who would willing help anyone who needed it,” said Bob Childers. “He gave jobs to many in the community when they were down and needed help. Though he could be gruff on the outside he was a man with a true heart and spirit for the LGBTQ community. Born in Wyoming Joe always head that true western spirit and loved to play country music at Trapp in the DJ booth named for him. Rita’s Roost. He was one of Cher’s biggest fans and would often proclaim loudly, ‘Cher is God!’ Steak Fries, Fish Fries, and his annual Labor Day luau were famous, where he have someone barbecue a whole pig overnight at the bar. Pounds of cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day and, of course, the place to be for those without family on Thanksgiving. Joe donated to the community both financially and with a place for groups to hold gatherings. We have lost a true icon of the community of not only Salt Lake City, but all of Utah.
He will be missed.” “Joe, I am so grateful for your life,” Jim Dabakis wrote on his Facebook wall. “The doors you opened. You made life so much more open and acceptable for so many of us in the community and the state. I am upset at the way life ended for you. If I could have found you, I would have helped. Special thanks to those that tried to help Joe. Salt Lake City flags should be at half-mast. This man was a great, albeit very human, Utah pioneer.” “I can only think of a few people who did as much for the Pride community of Utah as Joe Redburn,” Salt Lake City Weekly Publisher John Saltas wrote in his column. “He did the heavy lifting for decades, including hosting his outspoken radio program, opening the Sun Tavern (now known in its latest iteration as Sun Trapp), promoting and helping to fund the original gay community tabloids, and even hosting the seminal event that grew into Utah’s renowned Pride Parade. That he died alone and homeless is a real kick in the pants and a warning to all wouldbe pioneers: Very few will understand or care what you’re going through today, including some whose lives you’ve made better.” “Joe was a hero in this town. If you don’t know that, especially if you don’t know that and consider yourself part of the LGBTQ+ community, then shame on you,” Saltas continued. “He opened the door for you and held it open. He had the foresight to shape the minds of people like me, to push citizens to do the right thing, to hug, to share, to engage, to grow, to awaken, to be proud of one another.” Funeral services were handled by Franklin County Funeral Home. This story will be updated as funeral arrangements are made. Q
14 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | NEWS
Equality Utah 2020 election endorsements Equality Utah, Utah’s LGBTQ political organization, released its endorsements for the 2020 election. The group endorsed 30 Democrats, two Republicans, and one nonpartisan candidate in 33 races. Eighteen of the endorsements are incumbents. No endorsement was made in the state gubernatorial race, though the group endorsed former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman in the Republican primary race. To find what districts you live in, visit vote.utah.gov.
State Elections
UTAH STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL GREG SKORDAS, DEMOCRAT Opponent has penned many anti-LGBT court briefs in his time in the office OPPONENT: Sean Reyes (R)(I) HOUSE DISTRICT 9 — OGDEN/WEST HAVEN STEVEN OLSEN, DEMOCRAT OPPONENT: Calvin Musselman (R)(I) HOUSE DISTRICT 11 — RIVERDALE/ WASHINGTON TERRACE JASON ALLEN, DEMOCRAT, Engineer OPPONENT: Kelly Miles (R)(I) HOUSE DISTRICT 14 — SYRACUSE OLIVIA JARAMILLO, DEMOCRAT Opponent attempted to thwart the effort to ban conversion therapy, stating on social media that people can overcome “unwanted same-sex attraction.” OPPONENT: Karianne Lisonbee (R)(I) HOUSE DISTRICT 22 — MAGNA CLARE COLLARD, DEMOCRAT Public relations. This race is to replace retiring Rep. Susan Duckworth OPPONENTS: Anthony Loubet (R), Marilee Roose (C) HOUSE DISTRICT 23 — SALT LAKE CITY ROSE PARK SANDRA HOLLINS, DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT Social worker OPPONENT: Bradley Borden (R) HOUSE DISTRICT 24 — SALT LAKE CITY AVENUES/CAPITOL HILL JENNIFER DAILEY-PROVOST, DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT
Nonprofit executive. Poverty, housing, LGBTQ rights proponent NO OPPONENT
HOUSE DISTRICT 25 — SALT LAKE CITY JOEL BRISCOE, DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT Director, Davis Education Association.
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Briscoe was an advisor for a gay student group while a teacher in the early 2000s. OPPONENTS: Karel Mcdonough (R), Cabot Nelson (UU) HOUSE DISTRICT 26 — GLENDALE ANGELA ROMERO, DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT Community programs manager NO OPPONENT
HOUSE DISTRICT 28 — SUGAR HOUSE BRIAN KING, DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT Attorney. OPPONENT: Carol Hunter (R) HOUSE DISTRICT 30 — WEST VALLEY CITY MIKE WINDER, REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT Economic development director OPPONENT; Robert Burch, Jr. (D) HOUSE DISTRICT 32 — SANDY/DRAPER SUZANNE HARRISON, DEM INCUMBENT Anesthesiologist. OPPONENT: Cindie Quintana (R) HOUSE DISTRICT 33 — WEST VALLEY CITY CRAIG HALL, REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT Attorney. Chief sponsor of the bill to ban conversion therapy Opponent: Fatima Dirie (D) HOUSE DISTRICT 34 — TAYLORSVILLE/ WEST VALLEY CITY KAREN KWAN, DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT Assoc. Professor of Psychology OPPONENT: David Young (R) HOUSE DISTRICT 36 — MILLCREEK DOUG OWENS, Democrat Attorney who ran for U.S. House in 2016. This is Patrice Arent’s former seat. OPPONENTS: Lisa Bagley (R), Nishan Beglarian (C) HOUSE DISTRICT 37 — MURRAY-HOLLADAY CAROL SPACKMAN MOSS, DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT, Retired teacher OPPONENT: Maryann Christensen (R) HOUSE DISTRICT 38 — KEARNS ASHLEE MATTHEWS, DEMOCRAT Adopt-a-Highway coordinator OPPONENT: Eric Hutchings (R)(I) HOUSE DISTRICT 39 — TAYLORSVILLE LYNETTE WENDEL, DEMOCRAT Planning commissioner OPPONENT: Jim Dunnigan (R)(I) HOUSE DISTRICT 40 — SOUTH SALT LAKE STEPHANIE PITCHER, DEM INCUMBENT Deputy District Attorney OPPONENT: Jeremiah Clark (R) HOUSE DISTRICT 43 — WEST JORDAN DIANE LEWIS, DEMOCRAT Business Manager OPPONENT: Cheryl Acton (R)(I)(EAGLE FORUM), Jefferson Bardin (UU)
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HOUSE DISTRICT 44 — MIDVALE ANDREW STODDARD, DEM INCUMBENT Assistant City Prosecutor OPPONENTS: Kyle Bird (R), John Jackson (UU) SENATE DISTRICT 1 — ROSE PARK/WEST VALLEY LUZ ESCAMILLA, DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT Chief operating officer OPPONENT: Jim Whited (R) SENATE DISTRICT 6 — TAYLORSVILLE/ WEST JORDAN ERIKA M. LARSEN, DEMOCRAT Attorney OPPONENT: Wayne Harper (R)(I) SENATE DISTRICT 8 — MURRAY/ MIDVALE/COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS KATHLEEN RIEBE, DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT Outdoor education teacher OPPONENT: Brian Zehnder (R) SENATE DISTRICT 19 — EAST WEBER COUNTY/SUMMIT COUNTY KATY OWENS, DEMOCRAT Policy specialist. Opponent is a “religious liberty” supporter OPPONENT: John Johnson (R)
Salt Lake County Elections
SALT LAKE COUNTY COUNCIL AT-LARGE A SHIREEN GHORBANI, DEM INCUMBENT Communications professional OPPONENT: Laurie Stringham SALT LAKE COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2 DEBORAH GATRELL, DEMOCRAT Teacher OPPONENT: Fred Cox (R) SALT LAKE COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 ANN GRANATO, DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT No opponent SALT LAKE COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 6 TERRI TAPP HRECHKOSY, DEMOCRAT OPPONENT: Dea Theodore (R) SALT LAKE COUNTY MAYOR JENNY WILSON, DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT Opponents: Trent Skaggs (R), Michael Cundick (G) SALT LAKE COUNTY ASSESSOR JENNIFER FRESQUES, DEMOCRAT OPPONENT: Chris Stavros (R) SALT LAKE COUNTY RECORDER RASHELLE HOBBS, DEMOCRAT OPPONENT: Erin Preston (R)
State Board of Education
UTAH STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 11 — HERRIMAN TONY ZANI
(R) = Republican, (D) = Democrat (C) = Constitution Party, (UU) = United Utah, (I) = Incumbent For more info, visit equalityutah.org
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Q mmunity Virtual Transgender Health Seminar: Adolescent Medicine
Encircle opens third location — St. George, Utah Encircle, an LGBTQ youth and family resource center which started with a building in the shadow of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Provo Temple dedicated its third location on October 17. The downtown St. George home was donated by an Encircle board member. “Encircle is excited and deeply grateful for the opportunity to bring our life-affirming programs and mental health services to LGBTQ+ youth and their families living in communities throughout Washington County,” says Encircle CEO Stephenie Larsen. “We want every LGBTQ+ youth in the community to know that Encircle provides safe, supportive spaces they can call home.” The board chose St. George native Julie Benson to run the location. “I am just amazed, totally, totally just so grateful that the community here has been nothing but embracing,” Benson said. Encircle named the building after the parents of donor Jared Turner, in a surprise at the open house. “At the age of 17, Kim and Terry slipped briskly into an intimacy from which they
never recovered. Over the past 50 years, that love grew to encompass five children, 10 grandchildren, lifelong friends, international adventures, and fierce advocacy for the LGBTQIA community, immigrants, women, and other minority groups,” Turner said. “Their examples of kindness, service, joy for life, and unconditional love leaves an indelible mark on everyone they meet. The mission of Encircle aligns with the ethos of Kim and Terry as they too provide a safe refuge for those who need it most.” The structure, built-in 1869, was the Horatio Pickett House. Pickett carried a long list of accomplishments and careers, including lumber yard owner, furniture businessman, carpentry shop owner, mortician, lawyer, justice of the peace, school board member, and choir director. Encircle announced Oct. 15 that all locations would be open to the public again, after being closed due to the pandemic. Drop-in hours are Monday through Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. Most programs, however, are still being held online. Q More information on Encircle can be found at encircletogether.org
The University of Utah Health Transgender Program is offering a free virtual seminar to learn how the Adolescent Medicine Clinic offering Gender Management and Support Services works with parents and youth through their body affirming journey. To attend, RSVP at the link uofuhealth.org/seminartransgenderhealth They will have two options for folks: 1) Youth focus 2) Parent/caregiver focus This will allow two separate spaces for groups to ask questions of the providers. The seminar will take place Tuesday, October 27, 6–8 p.m.
Intersex Stories with B Miles B Miles (they/he) has many identities- aerialist, lock picker, dog dad, and intersex. In this 2-hour event, the Utah Pride Center will provide background information on what it means to be an intersex person and examine the harmful effects of living in a society that imposes a strict gender binary. B will share their experiences growing up as an intersex person in Utah, which includes non-consensual/coerced medical interven-
tions. This event is open to anyone interested in the topic and is intended to educate and provide a space to share stories. There will be opportunity for discussion and questions. Content warning: surgery, medical trauma. Sunday, Oct. 25. Register at bit.ly/intersexstories.
ThrillerSLC will raise money for Utah Pride Ctr Queen House Music taking over Salt Lake City and going to raise a little hell. They promise a night of mischief and dark beats from DJs GSP (Greece) & Rafa Mafra (Brazil) At the open-air SKY nightclub. Masks required. Temperature check will be taken before entry. Friday, Oct. 30 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets $15–30 or $250 for VIP booth table of 8 at thrillerslc.com. Q
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From gun violence activist to arming the LGBTQ community
BY MICHAEL AARON
Ermiya Fanaeian
was still in high school when she organized one of the largest rallies to happen in the state of Utah to protest gun violence. She was the face on local television news stations speaking about the need to control gun violence. Today she is running a group that seeks to train and arm people in the LGBTQ community. “My position shifted because of the continuous violence that I saw happening
to trans women across the nation,” Fanaeian told QSaltLake Magazine. “Nothing was being done about violent attack after violent attack that was happening against working-class trans women.” She said that she gave up on politicians solving the problem of murders most often perpetrated by those with guns. “We kept protesting for years, and all politicians would do is end up letting the attackers off the hook with a slap on the wrist,” she said. “And often these were the same liberal politicians who were calling
to disarm people.” She then realized, she said, that it was up to the LGBTQ community to protect itself. She organized a local chapter of the national Pink Pistols organization. Pink Pistols was founded in 2000 under the slogan, “We teach queers to shoot. Then we teach others that we have done so.” “Armed queers don’t get bashed,” the organization’s website says. “We change the public perception of the sexual minorities, such that those who have in the past perceived them as safe targets for violence and hateful acts — beatings, assaults, rapes, murders — [so that they] will realize that now, a segment of the sexual minority population is now armed and effective with those arms. Those arms are also concealed, so they do not know which ones are safe to attack, and which are not … which they can harm as they have in the past, and which may draw a weapon and fight back.” Fanaeian said that a recent assault in Michigan was the final straw for her. The brutal beating of a black transgender woman named Iyanna Dior in June enraged activists after a video of the assault went viral. Another wave of nationwide calls for justice and awareness of the high rates of violence against black transgender women were raised. “That’s when I thought it was time for us to put safety into our own hands,” Fanaeian said. “I never thought I would own a gun.” She now has an AR-15, which she takes to local gun ranges to practice shooting along with other members of Salt Lake City Pink Pistols. “We typically practice at TNT [Gun Range], and we also like to utilize outdoor nature spots,” she said. “We are partnering with professional trainers who have trained all different kinds of folks. From people who are experienced but want to learn more, to people that have never even held a gun. It’s important to get that kind of professional training in as well.” While she has the AR-15, she recognizes that is difficult to carry around during
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a normal day. For that, she says a handgun is needed. “I suggest a Glock. Glocks are pistols that are easy to carry whether you want to open or conceal carry,” she said. “Glocks are small and reliable and are a good self-defense tool when you are first starting.” The group is still growing and is mostly organized through its Instagram page @ PinkPistolsSlc.
“We are very active on social media, and are continuously partnering with other organizations that have similar goals to us such as the National African American Gun Association,” she said. “We are currently creating a calendar of shooting practices. If someone wants to get involved all they have to do is reach out to us on Instagram @PinkPistolsSlc.” Pink Pistols was first introduced to
Salt Lake City in 2002 by gay activist David Nelson. The group changed its name to Stonewall Shooting Sports of Utah and was run by Scott Mogilefsky. Another swell of interest happened after the Orlando Pulse massacre in 2016 while Matt Schlentz was president. Q For more information on Pink Pistols SLC, go to instagram. com/pinkpistolsslc. For the national organization, go to pinkpistols.org
Over 40 transgender people were killed by violence in the past 11 months since Transgender Day of Remembrance ’19
At least 44
transgender or gender non-conforming people were fatally shot or killed by other violent means in the United States since the last Transgender Day of Remembrance in November 2019. The vast majority of those victims were transgender people of color, specifically Black or Latinx. We say at least because too often these stories go unreported or misreported. Very often a police department will misgender a trans person when talking to the public about the cases. The Human Rights Campaign says that there has never been such a high number of cases since they started tracking data in 2013. International statistics may be impossible to obtain, because in many countries transgender people are so oppressed that authorities would never release such information. Here are the names of transgender people in the United States who fell to violence since November 20, 2019:
NIKKI KUHNHAUSEN, 17, was found dead Dec. 7 in Larch Mountain, Oregon. She’d been missing since June. The suspect, who met her on Snapchat, told detectives he felt “shocked”, “uncomfortable”, and “really, really disturbed” when he found out she was trans. Her mother worked with Washington state legislators to have the Nikki Kuhnhausen Act signed into law – preventing defendants from claiming “diminished capacity” upon leaning of a victim’s gender identity. ALICE CARTER, died Dec. 18 in Washington D.C. at the age of 35. Known for years as Baby Alice, Carter’s friendly and cheerful disposition despite her struggle with homelessness and substance abuse made her a popular figure. YAHIRA NESBY, 33, was found dead by police who were called to her apartment Dec. 19 in Brooklyn, N.Y. She had been shot
in the chest and leg. A man was been arrested trying to escape from the scene. She was a beloved member of the ball scene and the House of Chanel. MIA PERRY, 26 was killed Dec 29 in Washington, D.C. by armed members of a private security company who responded to a call about an intruder in a vacant apartment building reportedly used for sex work. DUSTIN PARKER, 25, was fatally shot in McAlester, Oklahoma, early on New Year’s Day. His employers released a statement shortly after his death, remembering Parker as “a steadfast friend, an amazing husband, and father and generous to a fault. He loved fiercely, worked tirelessly, and took on life with so much hope and enthusiasm that his presence
brightened all of our lives.” ALEX MCCRAY, 22, died by suicide on January 4. In October 2015 he had won a court case over access to gender-appropriate bathroom and locker rooms at his high school. CAMILA MARIA CONCEPCION, a trans Latina writer, actor, and activist who worked on the Netflix series “Gentefied” and “Daybreak,” died Feb. 21 by suicide in Los Angeles. NEULISA “ALEXA” LUCIANO RUIZ, was fatally shot in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico on February 24. According to Metro Puerto Rico, members of her community knew her as “humble” and “noble.”
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YAMPI MÉNDEZ AROCHO, 19, was killed in Moca, Puerto Rico, on March 5. Arocho, a transgender man, shared his love for basketball and the NBA — donning Miami Heat apparel on social media. The biography line on his Facebook reads simply, “Humility Prevails.”
JOHANNA METZGER, a transgender woman, was killed in Baltimore, Maryland on April 11. According to reports, she was visiting a Baltimore recovery center from Pennsylvania at the time. Johanna was known for her love of music and taught herself to play multiple instruments.
SCOTTLYN KELLY DEVORE/ JOHN SCOTT was strangled on March 12 in Augusta Georgia. They were presenting as Scottlyn at the time of their death. A man and a woman are charged with their death.
SERENA ANGELIQUE VELÁZQUEZ RAMOS, 32, was killed in Puerto Rico on April 21. Ramos was killed alongside Layla Pelaez Sánchez, 21. According to reports, Ramos was visiting the island on vacation and was set to return to her home in Queens, New York, at the end of the month. Loved ones are mourning her death, calling her “full of life,” a “happy person,” and a “sincere friend.” On May 1, two men were charged under federal hate crimes law for Ramos’s death.
MONICA DIAMOND, 34, a Black transgender woman, was killed in Charlotte, North Carolina on March 18. Diamond was active in the Charlotte LGBTQ and nightlife community and was the co-owner of an event promotion company. She also was the co-CEO of the International Mother of the Year Pageantry System — a pageant that honors LGBTQ mothers. LEXI “EBONY” SUTTON, 33, a transgender woman, was killed in Harlem, New York on March 28. According to reports, Lexi was fatally stabbed in Harlem River Park. “I really looked up to her because of her tolerance and respect,” said Lavonia Brooks, a friend of Lexi. “Lexi had a beautiful heart, she was very gifted.” Brooks also noted that Lexi loved poetry, makeup, and fashion.
LAYLA PELAEZ SÁNCHEZ, 21, was killed in Puerto Rico on April 21. Sánchez was killed alongside Serena Angelique Velázquez Ramos. According to reports, Sánchez had recently moved to the island and was living in the Tejas neighborhood in Las Piedras. On May 1, two Puerto Rican men were charged under federal hate crimes law for Sánchez’s death. PENÉLOPE DÍAZ RAMÍREZ, a transgender woman, was killed in Puerto Rico April 13.
NINA POP, a Black transgender woman, was killed in Sikeston, Missouri, on May 3. She was deeply loved by her family, friends and community, according to her Facebook page. HELLE JAE O’REGAN, 20, a transgender woman, was killed in San Antonio, Texas, on May 6. O’Regan was proud of her trans identity and on Twitter, she often spoke out against injustice, including the LGBTQ inequality, the prison industrial complex, and the need to decriminalize sex work. Damion Terrell Campbell, 42, has been charged with O’Regan’s murder. JAYNE THOMPSON, 33 a was shot and killed by a police officer on May 9 after she was discovered unresponsive outside a marketplace in Orchard Mesa, Colorado. The officer said she pulled out a knife when he tried to give aid. TONY MCDADE, a Black transgender man, was killed in Tallhassee, Florida, on May 27. His friends and family shared how he was an energetic, giving person with a big heart. DOMINIQUE “REM’MIE” FELLS, a Black transgender woman was killed in Philadelphia, Pennsyania, on June 9. One personal friend posted online, “Dom was a unique and beautiful soul
who I am lucky to have known personally. I am beside myself right now. We need to fight!! We need to do more!!!! We will get justice.” RIAH MILTON, a 25-year-old Black transgender woman, was killed in Liberty Township, Ohio on June 9. In March, she posted the status “Never been scared to struggle. Imma get it eventually” — a comment highlighting her resilience and optimism as a person facing a transphobic, misogynist, and racist society. SELENA REYES-HERNANDEZ, a 37-year-old transgender woman, was killed in Chicago on May 31. An 18-year-old man was arrested after admitting to shooting her in the head and back upon finding she was transgender after he went home with her. BRIAN “EGYPT’ POWERS, a 43-year-old Black transgender person, was killed in Akron, Ohio, on June 13. Powers worked at a local catering company and is remembered for wearing long, colorful braids — “unicorn braids,” as Powers called them. BRAYLA STONE, a 17-year-old Black transgender girl, was found killed in Little Rock, Arkansas, on June 25. “Brayla Stone was a child. A child, just beginning to live her life. A child of trans experience. A Black girl. A person who had
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hopes and dreams, plans and community,” said Tori Cooper, HRC director of community engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative. On September 4, a man was arrested on a murder charge in connection to her death. TATIANA HALL, 22 was found dead in Philadelphia on June 30. Little information is available about her death. MERCI MACK, a 22-year-old Black transgender woman, was killed in Dallas, Texas, on June 30. Her loved ones shared how beautiful of a friend she was. On her social media, she had recently posted that she enjoyed baking and that she was looking forward to returning to work. On July 8, a man was arrested on a murder charge in connection to her death. DRAYA MCCARTY, 28, was found dead on the side of a road in or near Baton Rouge, La. in late June. Very little info can be found about her murder. SHAKI PETERS, a 32-year-old Black transgender woman, was killed in Amite City, Louisiana, on July 1. BREE BLACK, a 27-year-old Black transgender woman, was killed in Pompano Beach, Florida, on July 3.
SUMMER TAYLOR, a white non-binary person, was in Seattle, Washington, on July 4. Taylor was participating in the Black Femme March in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and against police brutality. Taylor worked full time at Urban Animal veterinary hospital. MARILYN MONROE CAZARES was a transgender Latina killed in Brawley, California. Mindy Garcia, an aunt of Cazares, said she “loved to sing and dance” and “never bothered anyone.” DIOR H OVA, who some reports identify as Tiffany Harris, a Black transgender woman, was killed in the Bronx, New York. According to her Facebook, Ova loved fashion — listing her career as a personal shopper and posting photos with luxury fashion brands that she loved. On August 13, a man was arrested on a murder charge in connection to her death. QUEASHA D HARDY, a 22-year-old Black transgender woman, was killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on July 27. Hardy, a hairstylist, was extremely loved by her community. Friends and loved ones describe her as loyal, loving, “always smiling,” “the life of all parties,” and “truly one of a kind.” AJA RAQUELL RHONESPEARS, aka ROCKY RHONE, a Black trans-
gender woman, was killed in Portland, Oregon, on July 28. According to Facebook, she studied at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and was the owner and founder of International Barbie, a Portland-based clothing brand. KEE SAM, a Black transgender woman, was killed in Lafeyette, Louisiana, on August 12. ISABELLA MIA LOFTON was found dead after an apparent fall from the sixth to the fifth floor of a Brooklyn building Sep. 7. Her body was partially nude and wrapped in a plastic tarp. Authorities say that she had alcohol and drugs in her system and died of accidental causes, but the family believes her death was foul play. AERRION BURNETT, a Black transgender woman, was killed in Indepedence, Missouri, on September 19. Her friends and family shared “if you wanted to have a good day, you need to smile, Aerrion was the person you wanted by your side.” MIA GREEN, a 29-year-old Black transgender woman, was killed in Philadelphia on September 28. Her friends and family shared how “her smile was so perfect and so contagious. She made me laugh.” MICHELLE MICHELLYN RAMOS VARGAS, a transgender woman from Puerto Rico
in her mid-30s, was killed in San Germán, Puerto Rico on September 30. FELYCYA HARRIS, a 33-year-old transgender woman was killed in Augusta, Ga. in October. Felycya was an interior decorator who ran her own company where she enjoyed lending her eye to improve the surroundings of others and made others feel comfortable in their own space. BROOKLYN DESHAUNA SMITH, 20, a Black transgender woman, was killed in Shreveport, Louisiana, on October 7. Brooklyn attended Bossier Parish Community College and studied cosmetology. SARA BLACKWOOD, a transgender woman, was killed in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 11, recognized as National Coming Out Day. She enjoyed playing video games and was a fan of the show “My Little Pony.”
Transgender Day of Remembrance From Nov. 14–23, Project Rainbow will display over 300 transgender flags at the Salt Lake City-County Building at 450 S. State St. representing the number of transgender people worldwide known to have died of violent causes. On Friday, November 20, Transgender Education Advocates of Utah will hold an online Transgender Day of Remembrance at 7 p.m. at teaofutah.org. Q Special thanks to Dallas Rivas for his help in compiling this list.
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quotes “Whether we’re talking about gender inequality or racism or queer rights or indigenous rights or animal rights, we’re talking about the fight against injustice.” — Joaquin Phoenix, 2020 Oscar Awards
“I was raised around heterosexuals, as all heterosexuals are, that’s where we gay people come from… you heterosexuals.” — Ellen DeGeneres
“When life gives you lemons don’t make lemonade, make pink lemonade. Be unique.” — Wanda Sykes
“I want to thank Alec Baldwin for not coming tonight. I already have a reputation as a liberal media lunatic. I don’t need that guy following me around.” — Tina Fey, accepting the 2010 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
“I’m going to say this because I love you. Your disproportionately large head gives you a marionettelike quality.” — Jack McFarland (aka Sean Hayes), Will & Grace
“All I needed now was a computer. And a 10-year-old kid to teach me how to use it.” — Chevy Chase
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guest editorial
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Joe Redburn was a trailblazer for LGBTQ equality in Utah BY ROCKY ANDERSON
Joe and I
became friends in the late ’70s or early ’80s, working together on the board of the Utah Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. He was, as everyone knows, a trailblazer for LGBTQ equality in Utah, but his commitments extended to civil rights of all kinds for everyone. Joe was a loyal and generous friend — with a warm, wry sense of humor, and a wonderfully deep voice and laugh. He generously hosted campaign fundraisers (memorable parties) at The Trapp when I ran for mayor. (However, characteristically, he didn’t hesitate to call and rip into me when, as mayor, I advocated an end to smoking in all public places!) I proudly provided legal representation for Joe when we successfully challenged the constitutionality of the police looking through a peep-hole in the door of the Sun Tavern, witnessing people drinking after-hours, for which the Sun was cited. Joe worked hard as a business owner to provide unique places for gays and straights alike to gather and build fond lifetime memories. I was amazed when, as a rather naive straight Utah college boy, I visited the Sun Tavern in the old Railroad Exchange location with some friends and found there was an openly-gay bar where straight people like me were welcomed. Getting to know one another in settings like that is perhaps the best means of developing friendships and expanding understanding between people with differences, leading to collaborations like Joe and I had in our battles for greater justice. Joe invited me to be the grand marshal of the Utah Gay Rodeo when I was mayor. I was to gallop around the arena, wave to the crowd and cut sharply at a certain place to join a line of rodeo dignitaries lined up in the middle of the arena. When I first got on the horse provided to me, I fell to the ground because the left stirrup,
which bore all of my weight lifting myself over the saddle, came unbuckled. A couple of guys hustled to fix the stirrup. Then, Joe introduced me through the sound system as the Grand Marshal. I confidently galloped into the arena, waved to the crowd as I held the reins in my left, rode two-thirds the way around the arena, and listening to Joe’s booming voice say the crowd, “Mayor Anderson is a quite a horseman in his own right.” Within seconds of Joe’s kind comment, as I leaned hard to the left and cut sharply toward the group in the middle of the arena, the left stirrup unbuckled. Suddenly, straddling the horse, I panicked, and as my right leg barely hanged over the saddle and clutching the saddle horn for dear life, Joe sarcastically announced to the crowd, “Well, maybe I spoke too soon.” I was mortified but laughing at Joe’s hilarious commentary. I hadn’t heard from, or about, Joe for several years. I was devastated to learn, af-
ter Joe’s death, that he had been homeless. Had I known, I would have made sure he had a home and I am, frankly, upset that no one who knew reached out to all his friends to join together to help. (I’m aware there was an online effort to raise a little money, but, as with mouse-click activism, we need to organize by talking with one another once in a while!) Working together, we could all have made such a difference. I know many others that, if they had known, would have helped Joe in his time of need, as he would have done for any of us. Let us never forget that, if we seek to claim membership in a “community,” we must all watch out for each other and extend the same kinds of generosity toward others that Joe did for so many throughout his life. Q Rocky Anderson is an attorney and politician. He served two terms as the 33rd mayor of Salt Lake City from 2000–08. He is the Executive Director of High Road for Human Rights and a founding member of the Justice Party.
Know who WANTS your business and will treat you with the DIGNITY and RESPECT you deserve
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sex and salt lake city
Sharing more at Thanksgiving BY DR. LAURIE BENNETT-COOK
Growing
up, Thanksgiving was always one of my most favorite holidays. Not because of the fictitious stories we were given as kids — how together the indigenous and the white people sat around and ate corn. But because: 1) it’s Fall and seriously this is my favorite of all seasons. 2) It had been our biggest family gathering of the year, much like a family reunion, and everyone turned out with their best dishes. Of course, not everyone’s “best dishes” were actually something you’d want to put in your mouth. At Thanksgiving, family members would travel from all over the country to be together. I’d play with cousins only that one time a year, and we would lease an entire church to use the kitchen and set up tables in the cultural hall. There were over 100 of us, all related. I loved it! But, things change. It’s been a long time since my entire family came together like we did when I was growing up. I know I’m not the only one who can say that. Most people have stories of this one aunt or uncle who was a racist or another who would drink too much or another who everyone was warned to just not talk about certain things around. But … they’re family so you just tolerate and put up with it all. Personally, I don’t remember having any stories like that or family members who were problematic. Our gatherings are some of my favorite childhood memories. But then, I was a kid and honestly, all I remember is good food and play. You see, as we get older and learn to love ourselves more — realizing just what amazing individuals we are; start thinking for ourselves; and expanding our world views — we began to form beliefs of our own. We also come to realize that just because we share the same DNA with someone, we don’t automatically share the same beliefs. For me, feeling quite liberal in comparison to other family members isn’t anything new, but to the degree, we differ in our beliefs over the
past few years has been sadly, disappointingly, surprising. For instance, I didn’t realize I was related to flat out racists. By that recognition, I also didn’t know some who share my DNA thought those closest to me were “degenerates” considered to live lives not deserving. Most disappointing was the realization that their beliefs of superiority were held just as strongly as my beliefs for equality — and
for equally as long, if not longer. The past few years served only to confirm our differences and led me to feel more convicted in my beliefs that ALL people regardless of gender, sexual expression or orientation, or relationship configuration, or race, or age, or social/ economic status are deserving of respect, kindness, food, shelter, healthcare, education, and on and on. Unfortunately, the past few years also served to confirm the beliefs of those opposed to such thoughts on equality. At the time of this writing, we are two weeks away from the election and there’s still no predicting the outcome. It’s
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weighing on many of us. Whatever the outcome, I hope this Thanksgiving we will come together strong and resolved to make the world better. I hope we recognize the need to relieve toxic people from our social sphere, related or not, and come together under a banner of support and love for our fellow humans. It is my hope that we can share a day of food and laughter with others, even though the gatherings may be small, in a positive spirit of hope for the future we have the power to create. So what does all this Thanksgiving talk have to do with sex anyway? I mean, I am a sexologist, and this is supposed to be a sex column. Well, as a sexologist, I’m also a mental health provider and, as such, I believe my work includes advocacy and
social justice. To be honest, an unsafe social climate can do a real number on one’s libido. An unsafe social climate can prevent people from mutually supporting one another during a time we need it most — and well, that’s just not sexy or sex-positive. This year, regardless of our election results, I am grateful that I can look out to this wide QSaltLake audience and see genuine love, support, and laughter. And that is better than any family gathering. Happy Thanksgiving. Q Dr. Laurie Bennett-Cook is a Clinical Sexologist with a private practice in Salt Lake City, Utah. She can be reached at: DrLaurieBennettCook@gmail.com
NOVEMBER, 2020 |
ISSUE 317 | Qsaltlake.com
creep of the month
VIEWS | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | 23
Amy Coney Barrett BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI
Ruth Bader
Ginsburg. What a devastating loss. For her family, for the country, for the rule of law. We didn’t let her have a single moment of peace in the last years of her life. She didn’t get to retire. She didn’t get to look back on and celebrate her historic and spectacular legacy. Nope. Because millions of Americans voted for a washed-up TV crook masquerading as a businessman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg worked until her dying day. She deserved better. And now, even though it was literally her dying wish not to be replaced by him and even though a clear majority of Americans think the next justice should be appointed by whoever wins the 2020 election, Trump is getting to choose her replacement. A man who lost the popular vote by millions who leads a party that represents a minority of Americans will have appointed three Supreme Court justices by the end of his first term. Trump has nominated Amy Coney Barrett, a woman who has benefitted from the glass ceilings RBG has shattered, is poised to follow RBG and to not only reinstall those glass ceilings but make them stronger. You might be reading a lot of “think pieces” about how we might be able to avoid a Coney Barrett confirmation. We only need four Republican Senators to vote against her! Surely there are four with a conscience! Ha. Right. If you believe that then you have perhaps been in a coma during the entirety of Trump’s presidency. And for that I envy you. The Republicans have unlocked the ultimate level of Grand Theft Democracy: stacking the Supreme Court with conservative judges. They will stop at NOTHING to see this through. They don’t even care if, as some pundits have mused, that
rushing through a nomination might result in the death of the GOP. But what the fuck do they care? They have stacked the lower courts with Trump appointees, and now they’re taking the Supreme Court. They will have power from beyond the grave and will haunt us for the rest of our lives. That isn’t an exaggeration. Coney Barret isn’t even 50 years old. A lifetime appointment could be hella long for her. And for us. “President Trump and his party and Judge Barrett will overturn the Affordable Care Act, and they won’t stop there. They have made clear that they want to overturn Roe v. Wade, and restrict reproductive rights and freedoms,” Democratic Vice President Nominee Kamala Harris said during a campaign stop in North Carolina. “Judge Barrett has a long record of opposing abortion and reproductive rights. There is no other issue that so disrespects and dishonors the work of Justice Ginsburg’s life than undoing the seminal decision in the court’s history that made it clear: a woman has a right to make decisions about her own body.” Not for long. But don’t worry. I’m sure Coney Barret will be great for LGBTQ rights, right? Ha. Brian Brown, the co-founder of the National Organization for Marriage, in an email to anti-marriage equality supporters, writes that this Supreme Court nomination could “pave the way for the restoration of marriage to our laws and scrapping the illegitimate, anti-Constitutional imposition of same-sex ‘marriage’ on the nation. It will mean that religious liberty will be restored to its rightful place as a foundational constitutional right, and that the fake ‘rights’ that are constantly demanded by the left – including special rules for homosexuals and the so-called transgendered – will no longer see the light of day.”
Could marriage equality be undone? Well, of course it could, just like Roe v Wade. And if that happens, the right to marry will go back to the states who will once again decide whether or not LGBTQ people are fully human or not. Brown writes, “You can be certain that LGBT extremists will be doing everything in their power to block this confirmation. It’s imperative that we be on the front lines fighting for control of the Supreme Court by demanding that Republicans support President Trump’s nominee.” He’s right, of course. Supporters of equality will oppose this nomination with everything we have. Unfortunately, we don’t have very much right now. On top of it all, we still have a pandemic raging through the country that has claimed over 200,000 lives and a president who is far more concerned about rigging the election by lying about absentee ballots and claiming that he might not give up power if he loses. It is difficult not to get discouraged. But for those who depend on the highest court in the country for our most basic civil rights: LGBTQ people, women, Black and brown people, immigrants, people with preexisting medical conditions to name a few. We are all in danger. But we are not dead. So we are not defeated. We must keep moving forward. Q D’Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and comedian living in Michigan with her wife and son. She has been writing about LGBT politics for over a decade. Follow her on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski.
24 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | FABBY AWARDS
Qsaltlake.com |
2020 FABBY AWARDS
RESTAURANTS Most Fabulous Inexpensive Restaurant
THE OTHER PLACE A unique comfort-food restaurant that is family-oriented from bone-to-bone, You’ll never feel the same … it’s a privilege and an honor to enjoy their hospitality, and amazing food. Please wear a mask.
Most Fabulous AfterHours Restaurant
ALBERTO’S
From SLC to PC and WVC, the burritos and much more yumminess are within your fetished needs and empty gut. An over-easy egg on any dish will melt your Chupacabra. Go in like the she sexy masked avenger you are.
Most Fabulous Restaurant for Breakfast
PARK CAFE
Liberty, liberty, liberty. Where everybody knows your name, you hope, and where friends meet for a fabulous breakfast. Get there early or stand outside waiting to get in.
ISSUE 317 | NOVEMBER, 2020
What an interesting year for our readers’ choice issue. So many businesses were basically silenced this year, especially in the arts and events space. We celebrate the most fabulous of the most fabulous with this abbreviated Fabby Awards issue. These businesses, services and people are our friends and allies and our fellow LGBTQ community members. If you haven’t tried some of these places, give them a shot!
Most Fabulous Vegetarian/ Vegan Restaurant
Most Fabulous Greek/ Mediterranean Restaurant
While most guys and dolls enjoy a morning rush horizontally, they have no qualms going vertical for a fabulous, healthy meal. The primo staff at this diner provide the the guilty-pleasure dessert of eye-candy. But social distancing is a given.
Mazza, Mazza, Mazza: back in the Q chariot this year. And yet, the hot wait staff still won’t wear short-short togas. But, the dining experience wins. Masks, please.
Most Fabulous Contemporary Restaurant
CAFFÉ MOLISE
MAZZA
VERTICAL DINER
CURRENT
This charming and exotic fish and oyster restaurant makes any mermen’s and mermaid’s fin curl. From an astonishing cocktail/ wine menu to unique plates such as Spanish Octopus and Mary’s Organic Chicken, Current may always stay current. Glitter masks encouraged!
Most Fabulous Italian Restaurant
Most Fabulous Asian Restaurant
TAKASHI
This amazing LGBTQ-friendly establishment has been taking home Fabby awards for years, and thankfully so. From Q and all your homo followers: we bow in gratitude. Please wear a mask.
Most Fabulous Ogden Restaurant
Most Fabulous Mexican Restaurant
While there are no frills driving to and from Salt Lake City to beautiful and friendly Ogden, the No Frills Diner is a 1960’s style comfort-food hangout worth the commute: Poodle skirts are recommended. Masks are required.
Located in downtown SLC, this contemporary Mexican restaurant has fabulized the gay community. Well, anything for Chi-Chi Rodriquez: am I right gurls?!!??! Unfortunately, please cover up that beautiful smile of yours.
NO FRILLS DINER
CHILE TEPIN
Is it ciao or chow? I guess it depends if you can stick a noodle to the wall or up your nostril. I’m assuming either will do for this multi Fabby winner. We love you. Mask it!
Most Fabulous Wine Selection
BTG
By The Glass is no cheapskate. If memory corrects, I believe they have a wine bubbler. LOL. This downtown hotspot provides a unique experience to your palette, and so forth it. An Uber recommended and mask a must!
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Most Fabulous Steakhouse
Most Fabulous Burger Joint
Peanut shells and movie stars at this local “rustic” favorite. Ye haw! Everything from Steak & Avocado Egg Rolls to Gorgonzola New York Steak, how can you go wrong? Bandannas necessary!
Call me bent over for a fresh, unique burger between a couple of warm buns named Top and Bottom. With atmospheric dining: rather it be in the quaint fast-food dining area, or in the larger gaming/booze hall, Proper Burger is tinted with the colorful gay rainbow. There’s an amazing, good-looking staff (chefs, bartenders, cashiers, and more). Wear a mask, Luvs!!
RUBY RIVER
PROPER BURGER
Fabby Award Winner
Most Fabulous Pizza Most Fabulous Beer Selection
SQUATTERS This longtime Fabby winner and local brewery has been successfully squatting in the entertainment district of Downtown Salt Lake since before the introduction of the vinyl record. Congrats! Please wear a mask, but just know vinyl is out!
PIE PIZZERIA
Thankfully, no self-respecting homo is scared of a dungeon, especially when it involves 16-inches of yumminess, a talented and friendly staff, and where everybody should know your name, or at least your alias. Dungeon folk must wear a mask.
2020 BEST PIZZA
Fabby Awards
801-582-5700 275 S 1300 E SLC
801-582-5700 1320 E 200 S SLC
801-466-5100
3321 So. 200 E SLC 801-233-1999
7186 S Union Park Ave Midvale
thepie.com
POST OFFICE PLACE
16 W MARKET ST. • POPSLC.COM
EAT & DRINK-IN AVAILABLE 21+ FOOD • JAPANESE WHISKY • COCKTAILS
TAKASHI
18 W MARKET ST. • 801.519.9595
CURBSIDE AVAILABLE DETAILS AT TAKASHISUSHI.COM LUNCH • DINNER
801-495-4095
10627 S Redwood Rd. South Jordan
801-627-1920
4300 Harrison Blvd Ogden
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Qsaltlake.com | ISSUE 317 | NOVEMBER, 2020
TIE: Most Fabulous Barbecue
PAT’S
A pat on the back for this charming red farmhouse setup with lawn sculptures for purchase. Seriously, they grill the food outdoors with a shining grin (behind a mask).
SUGAR HOUSE BBQ From Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese to Bourbon Street Jambalaya, and more scrumptiousness, this fabulous eatery in the heart of Sugar House (duh!) is super quaint, and the staff is really kind of hot, just sayin!
Most Fabulous Seafood Most Fabulous NEW Brunch Place
DIVERSION SOCIAL EATERY A new take on food as a social event was starting to build up some steam when a certain anti-social virus came to town. But this Marmalade Neighborhood restaurant has some great grub and a very different idea of brunch. Bring it on because they have $3 mimosas as $6 outlaw coffee. Get the steak and egg poutine at this now-social distancing eatery.
Most Fabulous Bakery/Pastries
GOURMANDISE Well-known among the dessert industry, and because of the brilliance of Jacob Sanderholm, this bakery burns it up. And the LGBTQ says so. Buns, nuts, foam, and Skittles (possibly), this is the place you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, and/or check out Jacob in an apron. BAM! Masks on, please.
MARKET STREET GRILL
Shrimp on a skewer. Whiskers on a catfish. Mussels on the hot date across from you. Enjoy those options more so than trying to clean a crawfish. An awesome Pina Colada will drown your fears. Wear a mask.
Most Fabulous Sandwiches
SOUP KITCHEN
Here, a staple doesn’t hurt at all. With a few locations around the valley, this long-engaged, comfort-food space reminds you of being wrapped in a blanket on your futon chair. Don’t miss out on their specialty sandwich: the S.k.s. Soup Kitchen Special. Be wise, wear a guise!
Most Fabulous Brew Pub
SQUATTERS
Whether your squatting at the airport, or downtown SLC, or in the Park City area, the Squatters Mug Club is a must. The best part is that the members show you the shape of their buttocks after midnight. Please wear a mask and underwear.
Most Fabulous New Restaurant
STEYK CENTER A new, elongated swelling of the Tavernacle Club, is the Q readers Fabby winner. A grub hub of the finest and holiest. Piano playing is not an option, Michael Aaron, and with you specifically, a mask is necessary.
Most Fabulous Local Coffeehouse
COFFEE GARDEN Don’t forget to bring your laptop and backpack to this one-stop bean counter that’s been bedazzled for decades. It’s a beautiful garden. Bee bonnets please!
Most Fabulous Soups
SOUP KITCHEN
open daily 7am to 8pm order online at coffeegardenslc.com 801-355-3425 • 878 e harvey milk blvd
No soup Nazis here. With three locations, they know how to get the soup on during a rainy or snowy day, or just for the heck of it. Fabulous choices daily. Mask On!
Most Fabulous Food Truck
FRY ME TO THE MOON
This mobile eatery is not fearful of space travel: you can find it in the remote areas of Daybreak, Roy, Spanish Fork, West Valley City, and most importantly, at the Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce Gala on Oct. 22. They offer a kids menu, and vegetarian, vegan and keto options. Fabulous. Social distancing a must.
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BARS Most Fabulous All-Gay All-Day Every Day Bar
SUN TRAPP
Bad-ass patrons will take down any anti-gay hooligans at this decades-long staple of queerness in SLC. Not to say it’s unsafe; quite the contrary. The Trapp is a kick-your-feet-up kind of place, with an incredible staff and a lot of enjoyment.
Most Fabulous Irish Pub
PIPER DOWN
The Irish sure know how to party with style and flair. This super gay-friendly establishment boasts that we all are “cut from the same cloth”. With an incredible staff, a quaint fire-pit porch, live music, trivia nights, and $1.50 mimosa Sundays, this is the best place to free-ball it.
Most Fabulous Bar for the Buck
Most Fabulous Park City Bar
SHOPPING
Social distancing is a must at Gene Nate’s watering-hole (he has one in his pants, too), but I digress. An “everybody knows your name” hangout for years at low prices, this Fabby winner is definitely no square.
A popular biker bar on historic Main Street in Park City is also a welcoming establishment to the LGBTQ community: staff and patrons, alike. Good times!
SPARK
CLUB TRY-ANGLES
Most Fabulous Beer Bar
BEER BAR
The iconic-named Beer Bar, (no homo could come up with a more unique name), is a multi-annual FABBY winner, and we can’t be more thrilled.
Most Fabulous Wine Bar
BTG
Here at the Q, when it first was honored with a FABBY award, we thought the acronym stood for Birthing The Gays or Bathing the Gays. Lo-and-behold, it stands for By The Glass. Posh, and pretty; just remember to hold your wine glass by the stem, or else your gay card will be revoked.
Most Fabulous Cocktails
TWYST Most Fabulous Sports Bar
GREEN PIG
This establishment makes your tail curl (just go with it!). Great food, great mingling, and great community watching: LGBTQ and all other walks of life. From Sunday and Monday football to karaoke to trivia. Or just sit back with a cocktail on the rooftop bar.
Most Fabulous Lounge
RED DOOR
A sleek and sassy martini bar in the arts district of Salt Lake. Posh, without being snooty, this is a fun and charming establishment before-and-after an evening at the theatre. Esquire Magazine also said it was a best bar in America. So there you go.
A newcomer to the Wasatch Front, this club gets you all twisted in unusual positions at its will. Food, events, and libations on the Exchange Place patio or downstairs in the newly renovated boiler room. Congratulations to their first, and likely not their last, FABBY award.
Most Fabulous Bar that Gives Back to the Community
CLUB TRY-ANGLES Love is always in the air at Try-Angles, and Gene, the owner, is not only driven to support the community in very special ways, but he will also take the Cookie Monster T-shirt off his back for you.
NO NAME SALOON
Most Fabulous Ogden Bar
SAND TRAP
One patron of the FABBY award-winning bar in Ogden said: “As someone who likes to occasionally drink a few brews and embarrass himself in public by singing karaoke terribly, the Sand Trap is my place.” Don’t we all?
Most Fabulous Dive Bar
CHEERS 2 U
Peanut shells and porn movie stars. LOL, that’s not true! Just kick back and relax with a good pint or stein, and a whole lot of winks and smiles.
Most Fabulous Local Shop for Clothing Shop sustainably and locally at this gay-owned, FABBY-winning clothing boutique. From undies to ties, shoes, cuff links, and more, Spark has everything you need to dress for success, and/ or a hot date. Club-wear to boardroom chic, there is nothing more sparkling than Spark.
Most Fabulous Book Store
KING’S ENGLISH
During this pandemic, we at QSaltLake sat back and watched the adorable Rob Eckman read stories on Facebook live. That’s just who they are — ready to be part of our lives no matter what. They have so many readings from authors Utah would like never see otherwise that they make our hamlet a nicer place to live.
OUR MOST FABULOUS CUSTOMERS DECLARED US SALT LAKE’S MOST FABULOUS BOOKSHOP. AND THANK YOU.
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Most Fabulous Furniture
GREEN ANT
This vintage furniture store specializing in rare and collectible mid-century modern and pop-art pieces is not for the birds. Buyand sell, babies!
Most Fabulous Consignment/Gently Used Clothing
Qsaltlake.com |
Most Fabulous Place to Buy Drag Attire
Most Fabulous Jeweler
Swimming in all types of wigs, knee-high boots, naughty nurse costumes, and, occasionally, used clothing with a 20-dollar bill in a pocket, Pib’s is posh!!
9th & 9th Jewelers offers free overnight digital CAD renderings, price quotes, and any changes you want to your design within 24 hours. Now that deserves a Fabby!
9TH & 9TH JEWELERS
PIB’S EXCHANGE
Most Fabulous Antiques
ICONOCLAD
Do you love cast-off fashion? Well, then check out Iconclad, where you will find old-school fashionwear; plus locally made art and accessories.
ISSUE 317 | NOVEMBER, 2020
HAIGHT & ASHBURY HOME
Currently open Fridays and Saturdays, H&A has furniture, home decor, clothing, and accessories. Where old meets new.
Most Fabulous Adult Toy Store Most Fabulous Nursery/ Garden Center
MILLCREEK GARDENS
For 65 years, Millcreek has been your favorite garden center. The sprawling nursery has everything that a Utah garden can grow, and then some. They also have extremely knowledgeable people wandering about to help.
801-308-2050
www.jonjepsen.com
CAHOOTS
While cozy, the adult section at Cahoots is a place you wouldn’t be embarrassed to walk into, especially because the staff is so helpful and, well, adult about it all.
Most Fabulous Gift Store
CAHOOTS
You know something’s a little off when you walk into Cahoots and blush. And that’s before you get to the adult section. From risque calendars to cards and games you’d probably not show your mother... unless you have THAT mother.
Most Fabulous Florist
THE ART FLORAL The people are what make The Art Floral so Fabby. Did you see them handing out flowers at the Utah Pride 2.0 Road Rally? They gave out 2,000 carnations with QSaltLake last year. Fabby.
2020 FABBY 3500 S 900 E
AWARDS
CELEBRATING 65 YEARS AS YOUR FAVORITE GARDEN CENTER
801.487.4131
NOVEMBER, 2020 |
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SERVICES Most Fabulous Barber
FRIAR TUCK / KYLEE HOWELL As “Utah’s queerest barbershop,” Kylee gives back to the community in a huge way; both volunteering in local LGBTQ organizations and providing free services to homeless youth. That deserves a FABBY.
Most Fabulous Hair Stylist
MATTHEW LANDIS
Probably the most famous name in hairstyle, but you’ll need to go to Matthew Landis Atelier in the 9th & 9th neighborhood to find him. Watch for him on Good 4 Utah and see his work on the anchors’ coifs.
Most Fabulous Insurance Agent
Most Fabulous Real Estate Agent
BABS DE LAY
Babs was selling homes in Salt Lake before the Mormon pioneers climbed through Emigration Canyon. She’s on every city commission there is. She basically runs this town. And she knows her shit when it comes to buying and selling in Salt Lake.
Most Fabulous Veterinarian
ANIMAL CARE CENTER
The first time Michael walked into Animal Care Center it happened to be the week after Pride. There was a huge standard poodle with rainbow fur greeting everyone at the door. It’s true what they say, in his experience — They care about your pets as much as you do.
SENTRY WEST / JON JEPSEN
Most Fabulous Kennel/ Pet Boarding
Jon Jepsen is a doer in this community. He volunteers on boards, was on the first Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission, and is just a nice guy. He has partnerships with so many insurance companies that he will surely find one that fits your needs.
Drop off your dogs for the day, overnight, or for a week. Your pups will love their time at “summer camp.” You can even check in on your loved one by cellphone.
CAMP BOW WOW
ADVERTISE 801-997-9763 SALES@QSALTLAKE.COM
THANK YOU READERS FOR VOTING
ME...FABBY!
Utah’s FIRST OUT REALTOR –
LICENSED WHEN WE WROTE CONTRACTS ON BARK IN 1984 AND STILL IN THE TOP 500 SELLING AGENTS IN THE SALT LAKE BOARD OF REALTORS. BABS DE LAY, PRINCIPAL BROKER/OWNER URBAN UTAH HOMES & ESTATES 801.201.8824 URBANUTAH.COM
30 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | FABBY AWARDS
Most Fabulous Church
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
The host of the Salt Lake Men’s Choir and the Matrons of Mayhem, as well as many other LGBT events, is also a great place to visit on Sundays. Pastor Curtis, when the Rona wasn’t around, loved to head down to the Utah Pride Center just to chat with the people there. Same-sex marriage became legal? Pastor Curtis was their marrying people. Beware of his dad jokes though.
Most Fabulous Attorney
CHRIS WHARTON The Wharton in Wharton and O’Brien donates much of his time to helping the community and those in it. He’s also my city councilperson and had the pothole on my street fixed. Okay, that last part wasn’t true. But I’m sure he’d try!
Most Fabulous Car Dealership
MARK MILLER SUBARU Mark Miller has been a proud Pride sponsor for many years. They know love is love and love makes a Subaru. They have the national awards to prove it. They also save homeless dogs in a big way, which is huge in my book.
Most Fabulous Caterer
LUX CATERING AND EVENTS
Lux has donated thousands of dollars worth of food and services to Utah’s LGBTQ community over its many years. They are the most environmentally-aware caterer in the state. Check out what a Certified B Corporation is and you’ll understand their way of business. They are also a certified LGBT Business Enterprise.
Aww shucks, I think you’re fabulous, too.
Qsaltlake.com |
Most Fabulous Photographer
Most Fabulous Place to Get Pierced
David Daniels’ photos have graced our pages since we had pages. He volunteers his services for many LGBT events and can take some kick-ass photos for your wedding, boudoir, or special event.
Koi has been punching holes in human bodies since 1997 and would have been winning FABBY Awards back then if our prestigious had existed then.
Most Fabulous Landscape Designer
Most Fabulous Political Group
Anesi has been supporting Utah’s LGBTQ community since, well, I promised I wouldn’t tell. Check for his YouTube video touting his French Kitchen Urban Farm behind his offices or attend one of the many Alternative Garden Club events he offers his wisdom at no cost.
The sharp minds at Equality Utah keep our issues upfront and center in the eyes of Utah citizens and legislators. The nation looks to how EU does things to model their own campaigns.
Most Fabulous Wedding Officiant
UTAH PRIDE CENTER
DAVID DANIELS
DEAN ANESI
CHRISTOPHER SCUDERI Christopher may be the hardest working minister in the valley. He even gets up for an Easter service in Park City at the crack of dawn. He’s been doing samesex weddings since before it was legal. He also takes care of funerals and healing blessings.
Most Fabulous TV News
FOX 13
Don’t let the word “Fox” in “Fox 13 News” scare you. This group of professionals is the hardest-working news team in the state and regularly reports on Utah’s LGBTQ community … in a good way.
Most Fabulous Radio Station
KRCL FM 90.9
First Bappst Church
Not what you’d expect, but maybe what you’re looking for 800 S 1300 E. www.firstbappst-slc.org
ISSUE 317 | NOVEMBER, 2020
KRCL is northern Utah’s only non-profit, member-supported community radio station dedicated to broadcasting a well-curated contemporary eclectic mix of music and community information 24 hours a day. Listen to Sue Robbins for an LGBTQ take on the world.
KOI PIERCING
ORGANIZATIONS EQUALITY UTAH
Most Fabulous Group for Youth
The Utah Pride Center dedicates an entire floor for youth to hang out, not to mention several services for them to build and grow. Many of those services include their families to make their home life a safe space as well.
Most Fabulous Group to Donate Money To
UTAH PRIDE CENTER
From youth to elders, from counseling to event facilities, our Utah Pride Center has something for everyone, and our readers know it. This is where to put your tithing every week.
Best Annual LGBT Event
DAMN THESE HEELS
This year Damn These Heels had to put on an event in the midst of a pandemic and it shined. With a full slate of films still shown, though virtually, it gave our community something to enrich our lives, even if it was without the hugs and crowd noise.
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PEOPLE
Most Fabulous Television News Anchor/ Personality – Male
Most Fabulous Leader of an LGBT Group
MARK KOELBEL
DEB HALL / SAGE
With his every-changing hair color, great looks, and professional delivery, Mark Koelbel once again snags a FABBY.
Deb Hall is, by far, the most popular leader among our readers this year. Her work on helping LGBT seniors is making a difference in their lives.
Most Fabulous Politician for the LGBT Community
JIM DABAKIS
While no longer in office at the Capitol Building, Dabakis is still moving and shaking things in the state with his Utah Progressives group. If you’re not subscribed, look it up and get learning.
Most Fabulous TV News Reporter
BEN WINSLOW We’ve decided to name this category after Ben and retire it until he decides to retire in Palm Springs with the rest of them. His ever-present feeds of information both on the tube and the intertubes are engaging with just enough snark to still be uber-professional. Always look for his socks if they are onscreen.
Most Fabulous Television News Anchor/ Personality – Female
Everything from Angels to Zen
MARY NICKLES
With our community’s two favorites now off the air, Mary Nickles, who was always a bridesmaid and never a bride in the past FABBY Awards rose to the top. Mary was the very first news anchor to do an interview with us the day our first issue went to press, and she was awesome. She even showed up at our launch party that night.
12896 S Pony Express Rd Suite 200 in Draper (just north of IKEA) 801.333.3777 www.ilovelotus.com
LotusStore
Free $50 Gift Card or iPod
with new patient exam, complete series x-rays and cleaning.
One offer per family. Not valid with any other offer. Limitations and Exclusions Apply.
Dr Josef Benzon, DDS
Located in Bountiful & Salt Lake www.alpenglowdentists.com
Salt Lake 2150 S. Main St 104 801-883-9177
Bountiful 425 S. Medical Dr 211 801-397-5220
To schedule an appointment, please call 801-883-9177
Most Insurances Accepted, Evening and Saturday Appointments Available
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PUZZLES | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | 33
NOVEMBER, 2020 | ISSUE 317 | Qsaltlake.com
Question for a Dear
Each Sudoku puzzle has a unique solution which can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits 1 through 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit, as must each column and each 3x3 square. Qdoku
Q doku Level: Easy
9
9
5
6 7 8 4 6
3
7 5 2 4 3 4 7 5 2 8 3 6 7 1 1 9 8 7 5 3 2 7 8 9 1 5 6 3 6 4 8 3 8 2 1 1 3 8 9 6 6 3 9 6 5 1 9 7 2 8 7 1 4 9 3 4 7 1 9 2 6 9
6
7
2 7 4 4 6 1 7 1 5 5 3 8 1 9 4 3 5 2 1 7 5 6 3 8
4 5 1 8 7 4 2 9 2 6 9
3 1
4
6 5 7 3
5 1
8
5
3
5
8
8 3 4 2 2
2 5 4 8 8 6 9 9 3
48 Golden Girl McClanahan 49 Modern Family network ACROSS 52 Cause of Apr. angst 1 Drivers get off on it 54 What 1-Down says 5 Guitarist Eddie Van she has, to answer ___ the question 10 Like sex with pro60 Baby Doll director tection Kazan 14 Nevada neighbor 61 Like phone sex 15 Manhandle 62 Hung jury event 16 Opposed to, to 64 Ball of film Jethrene Bodine 17 Walk-way connector 65 Handle a shrew, for Shakespeare 18 Flashy Chevy, for 66 Love Affair costar short Dunne 19 Porn actor Sulik 20 Condom, in slang 67 Unit of force 21 Start of a question 68 Killed, to King James asked of 1-Down 69 “She Bop” singer 23 Like premature Lauper ejaculation DOWN 25 Tickled pink 1 Dear ___ (advice 26 Prepares for press columnist Mark 27 Juicy fruits Hagen) 29 “Hoedown” compos2 A good place to keep er Copland lube 31 Big Lovely band 3 Fruity rum drink singer 36 End of the question 4 Acidity nos. 5 Utter chaos 40 Corduroy rib 6 Aid’s partner 41 Cheri once of SNL 7 Prot. denomination 42 Myra Breckinridge 8 Look up to author Vidal 9 Andersen’s “The 43 Woody woe Darning-___” 45 Like many a Hair10 Mideast peacemaker spray review 11 With a wide-open 47 Famous artist “of mouth Finland” PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 36
12 Penalized, as a speeder 13 Mireille of Hanna 21 Cul-___ 22 Bob Marley, e.g. 24 Maryland, and others 27 Trent of Mississippi 28 “What does she see ___?” 30 Socrates’ P on paper 32 HRC, e.g. 33 Britten’s bit of tea 34 Deli sandwich 35 Agenda listing 36 How to compensate for your lover’s absence? 37 Camus, by birth 38 The Gay ‘90s, for one 39 Like some war, ironically 40 Tip of what a missile launcher may shoot off 44 Choice marble 46 Like many a Paul Cadmus painting 50 Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Kinky ___ 51 Pinkish yellow 53 “Pardon me” 55 Shakespeare’s Hamlet, e.g. 56 Edna, for one 57 Used airplanes 58 Love, to Amelie Mauresmo 59 Material for Sylvia Beach? 63 Island necklace
34 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | Q&A
who’s your daddy
Qsaltlake.com | ISSUE 317 | NOVEMBER, 2020
Grand music BY CHRISTOPHER KATIS
One of my
all-time favorite gay singers is Steve Grand, whose hits like “Stay,” “All American Boy,” and “Pink Champagne” have made the 30-year-old singer a “must hear” for gay music lovers. I had the opportunity to ask Steve some questions about his music, his career, and what he’s up to during the pandemic.
pop/punk/emo scene; artists like Blink 182, My Chemical Romance, and Taking Back Sunday. Over the last years, my inspiration is artists like Lana Del Rey and Lady Gaga.
How are you spending your time during the pandemic? The beginning of quarantine was more difficult than I realized, but I’m back into the swing of things. I did a lot of work on my underwear/swim-
You did a really beautiful duet with Eli Lieb a few years back; is there someone you haven’t worked with you’d like to? Thanks so much! I really loved collaborating with him. Such a talented, sweet guy. Generally, I don’t seek out a lot of collaborations. I was the kid at school who ended up trying to do as much of the group project as possible! I always say I would love to do something with Todrick Hall one day and I’ve told him.
wear line I launched last December called Grand Axis. The swimwear was supposed to come out in April, but the factory in New York City shut down. We were able to go live in September. In the last few weeks, the songwriting bug has seemed to hit me again. I feel like I haven’t been truly inspired to write in a year no matter how much I try, and now it feels like the flood gates are opening again.
Thanks for answering my questions, Steve. What made you pursue a career in music? I started playing the piano when I was five after I saw Schroeder play that little grand piano on the Charlie Brown cartoon. I thought it was the coolest thing! However, music didn’t really become my life until I was about 11 or 12. Adolescence was a difficult time for me, and music became my outlet to try and express myself and heal. How has being a gay man impacted your music? Being gay has certainly impacted the way I see the world and interact with others, so of course, it flavors my music. When I was younger, the angst and frustration I felt being attracted to straight guys who I knew could never reciprocate the feelings I had was a driving force for me, at least I was able to put those feelings into a song. Who influenced you musically? I’ve had many music “phases” throughout my life. I listened to a lot of classic rock with my dad that inspired me when I was young. Then as a teenager, I was really into the
Your song, Pink Champaign, feels very personal. What’s the story behind it? There is a story behind all my music. That one is about my struggle with alcohol abuse a few years back, and navigating that gray line between just having a good time drinking with your friends, and when consumption becomes something darker and unhealthy.
When can we expect another album? Probably not before next summer. I may do a shorter one. But I want it to be something happy and summery — there is enough darkness in this world right now. Thanks for taking the time, Steve. Q You can check out Steve’s music on his YouTube channel (YouTube.com/SteveGrandMusic), buy his music at shop. SteveGrand.com, and check out his underwear line at shopGrandAxis.com — he and his mom do all the fulfillment!
NOVEMBER, 2020 | ISSUE 317 | Qsaltlake.com
BARBER
marketplace HAIR SALON
MARKETPLACE | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | 35
WEDDING SERVICE S
VO I C E L E S S O N S
TYING THE KNOT? hair
Know who WANTS your business and will treat you with the DIGNITY and RESPECT you deserve
UTAH VOCAL STUDIO SINGING LESSONS
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at Image Studios Draper 177 W 12300 S
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COUNSELORS
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36 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | QMMUNITY
SPORTS
QUAC — Queer Utah Aquatic Club quacquac.org questions@ quacquac.org Salt Lake Goodtime Bowling League bit.ly/slgoodtime Stonewall Sports SLC fb.me/SLCStonewall stonewallsaltlakecity. leagueapps.com 385-243-1828 Utah Gay Football League UtahGayFootballLeague.com fb.me/UtahGayFootballLeague Venture Out Utah facebook.com/groups/ Venture.OUT.Utah SUPPORT
Alcoholics Anonymous 801-484-7871 utahaa.org LGBT meetings: Sun. 3p Acceptance Group, UPC,1380 S Main Tues. 8:15p Live & Let Live, Mt Tabor Lutheran, 175 S 700 E Wed. 7p Sober Today, 375 Harrison Blvd, Ogden Fri. 8p Stonewall Group, Mt Tabor Lutheran, 175 S 700 E
utahpridecenter. org/programs/youthfamily-programs/
Puzzle Solutions
2 9 8 6 3 4 7 1 5
9 1 4 5 8 2 3 6 7
3 7 2 9 4 6 8 5 1
6 8 5 7 1 3 9 4 2
1 5 3 2 7 8 6 9 4
7 4 6 1 5 9 2 3 8
4 2 7 3 6 5 1 8 9 3 2 7 5 6 4 9 7 8 2 1 3
6 9 4 7 5 3 1 8 2
3 1 2 8 9 6 7 4 5
8 5 7 4 1 2 6 3 9
2 7 3 6 1 5 9 4 8 2 7 1 3 5 6 7 1 2 4 8 9
9 8 5 4 3 2 7 6 1 5 3 4 9 2 8 3 4 5 7 1 6
6 4 1 7 8 9 2 3 5 6 8 9 4 1 7 8 9 6 2 3 5
2 7 3 9 6 1 5 4 8 3 6 9 5 7 8 4 1 2
1 4 9 5 8 7 3 6 2 1 5 8 9 2 4 3 7 6
6 8 5 4 2 3 1 9 7 4 2 7 3 6 1 5 8 9
7 9 1 6 5 4 8 2 3 5 1 4 8 9 7 6 2 3
8 3 4 2 7 9 6 5 1 8 9 6 2 4 3 1 5 7
5 6 2 1 3 8 9 7 4 7 3 2 1 5 6 8 9 4
umen.org
8 3 9 4 2 1 5 7 6 1 4 8 2 9 3 6 4 1 8 7 5
BUT WITH A CAPE
5 6 1 8 9 7 4 2 3 9 6 5 8 7 1 5 3 2 6 4 9
RELIGIOUS
First Baptist Church firstbaptist-slc.org * office@firstbaptistslc.org 11a Sundays 777 S 1300 E 801-582-4921 Sacred Light of Christ slcchurch.org 823 S 600 E 801-595-0052 11a Sundays
utahpridecenter.org
Alternative Garden Club bit.ly/altgarden * altgardenclub@gmail.com blackBOARD Men’s Kink/Sex/BDSM education, 1st, 3rd Mons. blackbootsslc.org blackBOOTS Kink/BDSM Men’s leather/kink/ fetish/BDSM 4th Sats. blackbootsslc.org Gay Writes writing group, DiverseCity 6:30 pm 2nd, 4th Mondays, Community Writing Ctr, 210 E 400 S Men Who Move menwhomove.org OWLS of Utah (Older, Wiser, Lesbian. Sisters) bit.ly/owlsutah qVinum Wine Tasting qvinum.com Sage Utah, Seniors fb.me/sageutah sageutah@ utahpridecenter.org 801-557-9203 Temple Squares Square Dance Club templesquares.org 801-449-1293 Utah Bears utahbears.com fb.me/utahbears info@utahbears.com
1 8 6 2 9 4 5 3 7
POLITICAL
Equality Utah equalityutah.org * info@equalityutah.org 175 W 200 S, Ste 1004 801-355-3479 Utah Libertarian Party 6885 S State St #200 888-957-8824 Utah Log Cabin Republicans bit.ly/logcabinutah 801-657-9611 Utah Stonewall Democrats utahstonewalldemocrats.org fb.me/ utahstonewalldems
1to5club@
YOUTH/COLLEGE
Encircle LGBTQ Family and Youth Resource Ctr encircletogether.org fb.me/encircletogether 91 W 200 S, Provo, 331 S 600 E, SLC Families Like Ours (ages 2-10) utahpridecenter.org/ programs/youth-familyprograms/ Gay-Straight Alliance Network gsanetwork.org Salt Lake Community College LGBTQ+ 8 slcc.edu/lgbtq/ University of Utah LGBT Resource Center 8 lgbt.utah.edu 200 S Central Campus Dr Rm 409 801-587-7973 USGA at BYU usgabyu.com fb.me/UsgaAtByu Utah State Univ. Access & Diversity Ctr inclusion.usu.edu/ lgbtqa Utah Valley Univ Spectrum facebook.com/ groups/uvuspectrum Weber State University LGBT Resource Center weber.edu/ lgbtresourcecenter 801-626-7271 Youth Activity Night ages 10-14, 14-20 utahpridecenter.org/ programs/youth-familyprograms/
4 5 2 3 6 7 9 8 1
HEALTH & HIV
Peer Support for Mental Illness — PSMI Thurs 7pm, Utah Pride Ctr Planned Parenthood 654 S 900 E 800-230-PLAN Salt Lake County Health Dept HIV/STD Clinic 660 S 200 E, 4th Floor Walk-ins M–F 10a–4p Appts 385-468-4242 Utah AIDS Foundation utahaids.org * mail@utahaids.org 1408 S 1100 E 801-487-2323
Rainbow Law Free Clinic 2nd Thurs 6:30–7:30pm UofU Law School, 383 S University St
1 to 5 Club (bisexual) fb.me/1to5ClubUtah
Youth Survivors of Suicide Attempt utahpridecenter.org/ programs/youth-familyprograms/ youthsosa@ utahpridecenter.org
Crystal Meth Anon crystalmeth.org Sun. 1:30pm Clean, Sober & Proud LGBTQIA+Straight USARA, 180 E 2100 S LifeRing Secular Recovery 801-608-8146 liferingutah.org Sun. 10am Univ. Neuropsychiatric Institute, 501 Chipeta Way #1566 Thurs. 7pm, USARA, 180 E 2100 S, #100 Sat. 11am, First Baptist Church, 777 S 1300 E Men’s Support Group utahpridecenter. org/programs/lgbtqadults/ joshuabravo@ utahpridecenter.org Survivors of Suicide Attempt bit.ly/upc_sosa sosa@ utahpridecenter.org Trans Adult Support utahpridecenter.org/ programs/lgbtq-adults/ lanegardinier@ utahpridecenter.org TransAction utahpridecenter.org/ programs/transaction/ Sundays 2–3:30pm Women’s Support Group utahpridecenter.org/ programs/lgbtq-adults/ mariananibley@ utahpridecenter.org Youth Support Group ages 10-14, 14-20
9 3 7 8 1 5 4 2 6
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 YWCA of Salt Lake ywca.org/saltlakecity 322 E 300 S 801-537-8600
LEGAL
SOCIAL
Weds 6pm Raw Bean Coffee, 611 W Temple Utah Male Naturists umen.org info@umen.org Utah Pride Center utahpridecenter.org info@utahpridecenter.org 1380 S Main St 801-539-8800 Venture OUT Utah bit.ly/GetOutsideUtah
3 4 8 7 5 6 1 9 2
LGBTQ-Affirmative Psycho-therapists Guild of Utah lgbtqtherapists.com * jim@lgbtqtherapists.com Utah Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce utahgaychamber.com * info@utahgaychamber.com LGBT & Allied Lawyers of Utah lgbtutahlawyers.com * lgbtutahlawyers@gmail.com Utah Independent Business Coalition utahindependentbusiness.org 801-879-4928
HOMELESS SVCS
VOA Homeless Youth Resource Ctr, ages 15–21 880 S 400 W 801-364-0744 Transition Homes: Young Men’s 801-433-1713 Young Women’s 801-359-5545
Wasatch Metropolitan Community Church wasatchmcc.org 801-889-8764 Sundays except the 2nd Sunday, 11:15a at Crone’s Hollow, 3834 S. Main
7 1 5 4 2 9 3 6 8
BUSINESS
Weber-Morgan Health Mon., Weds 1-4:30p 477 23rd St, Ogden Appt 801-399-7250
6 2 9 1 8 3 7 5 4
Qmmunity Groups
Qsaltlake.com | ISSUE 317 | NOVEMBER, 2020
BOOK REVIEW | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | 37
NOVEMBER, 2020 | ISSUE 317 | Qsaltlake.com
the bookworm sez REVIEW BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
Found in Transition: A Mother’s Evolution During Her Child’s Gender Change BY PARIA HASSOURI, MD C. 2020, NEW WORLD LIBRARY, $25.95, 215 PAGES
In your mother’s book, you were known before you were born. She noted every kick, every headbump, every stretch you made as she carried you. She felt your burps, and when you rolled over. And though she’d never met you, she recognized you the minute you arrived because your mother knew you before you were born. But as in the
new book Found in Transition by Paria Hassouri, MD, a mother can’t know everything. She always wanted to be a mom. Born in the U.S., raised in Iran, Paria Hassouri was a teen when she returned to the U.S., where her mother insisted that Hassouri and her sisters get an education. But schooling was secondary in Hassouri’s eyes. She’d wanted children since she was a child herself, and was particularly eager to have daughters, though she was not terribly disappointed that her first two babies were sons. For much of her life, the second-born, Ava, had been a handful. There were many conversations with teachers through the years, Hassouri recalls: teachers worried that Ava was depressed, had behavioral issues, or was suicidal. Ava was a smart kid with great creativity and she loved to try new things, but she didn’t tend to stick with them for more
than a few months. Because of that, when, at the edge of adolescence, Ava finally told her parents that she was a girl, Hassouri thought it was another “phase.” To her own later guilt, she refused to believe her child. Though Hassouri was a pediatrician, her first identity was as the mother of three children, two boys and a girl, and now what? She was confused, wounded, and greatly saddened. She and her husband had carefully named their offspring according to family tradition, and now one of them wanted a new name and new pronouns that sounded wrong to Hassouri’s ears. She mourned that her second-born would never become the man she’d envisioned. She cried and grieved. And yet, she writes, there really were just two options. “I choose figuring it out,” she said. “I choose my child.” Reading Found in Transition is tough – not for what it is but
by. Take a grasp and know you did the right thing.
Rest assured you’re doing fine.
for what author Paria Hassouri says. It’s almost like sandpaper on a sunburn. Foremost, there are a lot of hard truths inside this memoir, for which Hassouri states “I have to own them and be honest about them,” and that took courage – although confessions seem to be necessary here, for her and for readers. This book, in fact, would’ve been much different absent those harsh, sometimes incomprehansible feelings and thoughts; readers may’ve even sensed that it wasn’t quite complete. No, it would have been the lesser without its brutal truths from this maternal point of view, because here’s the thing: though Ava is a constant presence in a memoir that truly wouldn’t exist without her, this is really not her story. It might make you angry, it might make you cry, but this tale belongs to her mother; indeed, Found in Transition is one-hundred-percent a mother’s book. Q
q scopes NOVEMBER BY SAM KELLEY-MILLS
ARIES March 20–April 19
Much progress succeeds in a personal relationship. Celebrate and spend time with those who matter to you. While it might not always be appropriate to flirt, make sure to keep the dynamic playful and lighthearted. The more you work on this relationship, the more you can grow.
TAURUS Apr 20–May 20
An attempt to make things better could be unsuccessful. But don’t let this hold you back from trying again. The second time will not only go smoothly but will actually be favorable. Don’t be afraid to get messy and find a way to provide a better life for yourself. You deserve the best!
GEMINI May 21–June 20
A willingness to reach out to a friend in need leads to a rewarding outcome for you both. Anyone who puts you down is not worth your time. The reward is that you’ve done what needs to be done while others stand
CANCER June 21–July 22
Put together a group that knows how to get the job done. You work best with a network, even if some of the links are a tad weak. At the end of the day, the circle will produce a lot of joy. It may get a little messy but no order ever resulted without a bit of chaos. Keep on producing!
LIBRA Sept 23–October 22
However you spin it, there is no way of convincing yourself that running away is the right choice. That’s probably because it isn’t. The real path to glory is by putting faith in others and growing your address book. As independent as you like to be, your favorite activities are not done solo.
SCORPIO Oct. 23–Nov. 21
LEO July 23–August 22
Someone you have left out of your social scene may not be there when they finally come to mind. Spend some time ensuring that no one who has put their trust in you is forgotten. Take stock of your friends and maybe even start a group chat. It’s amazing how much the world needs you.
VIRGO August 23–Sep. 2
Nov. 22–December 20.
Everything you thought was going right comes into question. The best way to turn things around is to eliminate elements that provide doubt. In the end, focus on what is going right for you and cultivate it. Focus on staying healthy and having a positive outlook and the rest will fall into place. Even if the structure of your life is crumbling, it isn’t ready to fall anytime soon. Spend a little time working on what needs to be done, but don’t let it distract from enjoying life. Working on the spirit and getting a grip on things is the only way you’ll prevail.
SAGITTARIUS
A family drama or relationship complication could dampen your spirits. But the lessons about life you are learning are crucial. Find time to make things right and never forget that bad can result in good. That’s not to say that everything will be as good as it was bad,
but you’ll find satisfaction.
CAPRICORN Dec 21–Jan 19
The best way to tackle big messes is to clean one at a time. The same goes for trying to please other people. Not everyone is stimulated in the same way, so get to know them on their terms. You’ll find that the more you adapt, the more you help yourself by helping others.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20–Feb. 18
The question keeps coming up in your mind regarding the location of a great person you once knew. It has been a long time and you could desire to catch up. The best place to start is by asking common friends or family members. Don’t put in too much effort. But if you can do it, it’s worth it.
PISCES Feb 19–Mar 19
A secret you once held dear is forgotten but only triggered by an important event. Take time to figure out what you should keep to yourself and what begs for sharing. In the end, giving up information no longer matters as long as no one gets hurts. Q
38 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | FINAL WORD
Qsaltlake.com | ISSUE 317 | NOVEMBER, 2020
the perils of petunia pap smear
A tale of indecent eruptions BY PETUNIA PAP SMEAR
The road
home from Yellowstone National Park is fraught with danger and excitement. Let me continue the story I began last month about my summer vacation to Yellowstone, the world’s oldest national park. Now remember it was August and we were in the middle of that gawd-awful breasticle-wilting heatwave. Driving my beloved Queertanic hundreds of miles in the extreme conditions of 100-degree heat, up precipitous mountain passes to reach the Yellowstone plateau, made me just a touch nervous because, just like me, Queertanic is no spring chicken. She is 14-years old with 171,000 miles on her odometer. But to my delight, she sailed up the highway with ease, pausing briefly only for gas and to refill my travel mug with diet Mt. Dew — the nectar of the gods. After touring the park, and on the last day, the grand finale was a visit to Old Faithful. I was ever-so-excited to witness something that could still splooge with force, distance, and volume after lo these many years, unlike a certain aging queen. I watched in jealous awe the eruption of the famous geyser. Then, what comes naturally to any queen feeling inadequate, I did some shopping therapy in the gift shop. A short time later, I left with bags full of trinkets, only to witness another eruption of the infamous hot spring fountain. Envious, that is unlike me, of the recovery time between eruptions was a short ninety minutes, I suddenly decided the trip was over, and time to head home. In a spiteful huff, I turned on the GPS and cruise control, cranked the air to full blast (as it was 100 degrees outside), and began speeding toward home. Just outside the park, I noticed the smoke drifting from the California fires and wondered if the world was burning. It was then that I observed that the AC in Queertanic was putting out warm air. Perplexed, I looked at the engine temperature gauge, that pegged the top of the red zone. Oh no! I pulled over, only
150 miles from home and approximately 10 miles from the nearest town in the middle of nowhere. Anxiously, I exited the car and popped the hood. Wafts of steam erupted from the engine. I remembered the scene from the movie Red Dawn where, in a similar circumstance, Patrick Swayze peed into the radiator. Unfortunately, having “gone” just before setting out, I was as dry as a shriveled up old queen with an enlarged prostate. Looking about desperately, I noticed an irrigation ditch beside the road. So, I snatched my travel mug, poured out my precious, but empty, diet Mt. Dew, dipped it with water and poured the cool liquid over the top of the radiator. More steam! I repeated several times until I thought things cooled down enough that I dared to remove the radiator cap. I removed my bra to use as a hot pad to open the radiator cap. Then I poured several mug fulls of water into the radiator. In the many trips to the ditch, I happened to step in a fresh cow pie. As I scraped the noxious manure from my shoe, dragging it over sagebrush, the heel broke. Damn! Now, to not contaminate the interior of Queertanic, I threw the broken stinky shoe into the adjacent field before getting back in the car. Gingerly, I started the engine and drove ever-so-slowly to the nearest town, which was just a village. I came across an auto junkyard, Bubba’s Auto Repair. Desperate for assistance, I pulled int, and an incredibly tanned, hunky Bubba shirtless, in overalls, came bounding from the building. After bending his body over the engine and moving his firm, delectable round buns in a “come hither” fashion, he stated, “Yeah, it’s broke and I don’t have the tools to fix it.” With the nearest tow truck at least 75 miles away, I decided to journey on as far as possible. Remember, it was over 100 degrees, and
to take the strain off the engine cooling system, I turned off the AC and rolled down the windows. I then turned the heater to full blast, hopefully dissipating heat from the engine. Doing this, the temperature gauge remained within an acceptable operating range. I was sweating profusely and my eyeliner began to run down my cheeks more than Tammy Fae Baker on her best day. My makeup liquidized into a river of glitter, running down my cleavage and off the end of my breasticles. My wig lost its structural integrity by hanging in my eyes. And there was a faint hint of manure wafting. Surely I was in HELL if it exists. Finally, after torturous hours, I arrived safely at home. The next day I took Queertanic to the shop. Diagnosis: blown head gasket. Queertanic VI is dead. Long live the Queertanic VII! This story leaves us with several important questions: 1. Was Queertanic jealous of the steaming geyser? 2. Was discarding the broken shoe considered a form of glitter pollution? 3. Possibly, was Bubba going commando under those overalls? 4. Should I had given up the journey, remained in Idaho, and moved in with Bubba? 5. Would water-filled breasticles be engineered for such emergencies? These and other eternal questions answered in future chapters of The Perils of Petunia Pap Smear. Q
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