POLITICIAN CALLS FOR MUSKETS TO DEFEND SEMINARY FROM LGBTQ • AFFIRMATION CONFERENCE
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Your problem is... BY MICHAEL AARON
When I
was younger, I would go on solo journeys in the hope of “finding myself.” I’ve been to The Wave on the Utah/Arizona border, solo camping in the West Great Salt Lake Desert, a trip with no planned destination which ended up in Denver. On one of these trips, I flew to Las Vegas and rented a convertible. I drove to Kingston, Ariz. and drove Route 66 to the Grand Canyon buck naked. I then spent a few days in Canyon De Chelle, and then driving the Burr Trail. On my fifth day I was in Escalante, Utah and was giving up hope that my 7-day vision quest would yield anything more than a great journey of crossing off bucket-list items. I woke up well before dawn and left the mini-cabin I’d rented, and drove to my grand temple — Bryce Canyon. Bryce is my religion. At dawn, however, it is to me a world force. I arrived at my favorite vantage point just as the sun was peering over the horizon. I watched in awe as the orange and yellow cliffs turned vermilion and looked hot to the touch. I hoped that it would inspire the epiphany I sought. While enthralled, no revelation was forthcoming. I left Bryce Point and took a hike through Wall Street. Nothing. I decided it was time to leave Bryce and find my next journey. I jumped into the car, set the car radio to find a station with no luck, and headed back to Highway 12. As I got to the stop sign at the junction, I couldn’t decide whether to turn right and go back into town and rent the mini cabin for another day, or turn left and go back to Vegas and abandon my hope for an epiphany. As I sat at there, trying to make up my mind, watching the rear view mirror for approaching cars, the radio suddenly stopped on a station. A voice came on that I recognized as Richard Simmons’. “Your problem is, you have no goals,” his voice crackled, and off the radio went looking for a better signal. I thought to myself, “Oh my god, Richard Simmons, you’re right.” I signaled left and drove back to Vegas to return the car and changed to an earlier flight to get back home. My vision quest had succeeded. Q
contributors Joshua Adamson Pickett, Diane Anderson-Minshall, Chris Azzopardi, Paul Berge, Jeff Berry, Paul Campbell, Laurie Bennett-Cook, Roger Cox, Stephen Dark, Jennifer Dobner, Mikki Enoch, Jack Fertig, Greg Fox, Oriol Gutierrez Jr., Tony Hobday, Ashley Hoyle, Joshua Jones, Christopher Katis, Rock Magen, Sam Mills, Craig Ogan, Mikey Rox, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Gregg Shapiro, Petunia Pap Smear, Steven Petrow, Ed Sikov, JoSelle Vanderhooft, Ben Williams, D’Anne Witkowski distribution Roger Cox publisher
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QSaltLake Magazine is a trademark of Salt Lick Publishing, LLC., Q Media Group Copyright © 2021, Salt Lick Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted or reproduced without written permission from the publisher. 8–18,000 copies are distributed free of charge at over 300 locations across the state. Free copies are limited to one per person. For additional copies, call 801-997-9763. It is a crime to dispose of current issues or otherwise interfere with the distribution of this magazine. Printed locally in the USA on recycled paper. Please recycle this copy when done.
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news The top national and world news since last issue you should know BY CRAIG OGAN
Queer Olympics — Tokyo 2020 Starting with the moniker, Tokyo 2020, the 2021 Olympics, delayed by COVID 19 for one year, were bound to be different. No spectators, a weird Opening and Closing, and all the hijinks in between. Some notable queer activity brought a sense of normal to the Games.
NEW ZEALAND WEIGHTLIFTER Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard finally got to compete at the Tokyo Olympics. Hubbard didn’t complete any of her first three lifts, ruling her out of medal contention in the women’s over-87-kilogram division. It was a significant outing even though, a pioneer for transgender athletes, she is now among the first openly transgender athletes to compete at the Olympics.
CANADIAN SOCCER PLAYER Canadian Mid-field soccer player, Quinn, was the first openly transgender Olympic Gold medalist after Canada beat Sweden on penalties in the women’s soccer final taking the Gold. Quinn uses one name and prefers gender-neutral pronouns.
DIVER’S GAY DAD Jerry was a single gay man in Florida 20 years ago and read a magazine article about a gay man adopting a child from an orphanage in Cambodia. He liked the idea and was able,
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after some hoop-jumping, to adopt an 18-month-old boy he named Jordan. Jordan Windle, now, is a seven-time U.S. national champion, six-time U.S. junior nationals champion, two-time Junior Pan American Championships medalist, a diving World Cup competitor and this year competed in the Tokyo Olympics. Jordan stated, “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him [his dad].”
RAVEN‘S GESTURE CAUSED TROUBLE Shot putter Raven “Hulk” Saunders earned the silver medal in her event, putting the shot at a distance of 19.79 meters. It was her first Olympic medal. At the podium, Saunders raised her arms overhead to form an X, a gesture she said represented “the intersection of where all people who are oppressed meet.” She said it was a “shout out” to Black people, the LGBTQ community, and those dealing with mental health. At first, the IOC thought it was a violation of Olympic rules. After some investigation, it was determined that Saunders was “respectful of all communities, competitors, and spectators.”
ITALIAN ARCHER OUTS Italian archer Lucilla Boari won a bronze medal and then came out in a press conference. She is the first Italian woman to ever win an archery medal. While speaking with the Italian media, Boari got a message of congratulations from Sanne de Laat, a Dutch archer. De Laat wrote, “I can’t wait until you’re here so I can give you the biggest hug there is. I love you so much. Great job.” Moved by the message, Boari appeared to tear up. “That’s Sanne, my girlfriend,” she explained, somewhat surprising the Italian media.
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Napolitano and Kudlow
TOM DALEY, SWIMMER/ KNITTER Britain’s Tom Daley got his long-awaited gold medal in diving and addressed LGBT youngsters, “I hope that any young LGBT person out there can see that no matter how alone you feel right now, you are not alone.” Daley paired with Matty Lee to capture the men’s synchronized 10-meter platform. He is a previous bronze winner from 2012 and 2016. He also knitted while waiting to compete and completed a sweater as a memento of the Tokyo Olympics. He is the husband of Utah Fav, Dustin Lance Black.
POLISH ROWER Katarzyna Zillmann, a rower competing for Team Poland, won silver along with her team in the quadruple sculls. She was very brave to thank her girlfriend publicly at the press conference. Poland’s political and social culture does not welcome open homo-ness. Zillman surprisingly said that she not only has been out, but that she’d even spoken to the press about it previously — the news just never took off. “The conversations with you after the medal race were not groundbreaking for me,” she said. “I’ve already talked about it in interviews before, but for some reason, it wasn’t published.”
Allegations from a Fox News employee have ended legal analyst and former judge Andrew Napolitano’s tenure as a Fox News commentator and launched an investigation of former White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow’s program on Fox Business. Kudlow is accused of making racially charged comments off-air. A lawsuit alleges Napolitano had “sexually harassed numerous young male employees during his tenure at Fox News.” The employee claims in the suit, Napolitano stood “awkwardly close” to him in an elevator and began stroking his arm. The bad conduct was reported to the network’s HR department. The network and Napolitano have since parted ways. Fox has not taken any action about Kudlow.
Gay Muppets Various characters on “The Muppet Show” set off “gaydar” alarms over the years. A new YouTube series about the kid-friendly variety series explains that gaydar was not wrong. In the series, docu-journalist Matt Baume, says, “Since Hunt’s face never appeared on camera, he became one of the most famous gay men in the world who nobody recognized.” Hunt was hired at 18 years of age to control and voice puppets on “Sesame Street”. The 1976 debut of Jim Henson’s “The Muppet Show” allowed Hunt to put more of his personality into the onscreen characters. That gave Hunt’s characters like Scooter, Statler, Janice, and Beaker a distinctly queer sensibility. Hunt lived with HIV until 1992, dying at age 40.
Priest Revealed Using Grindr Resigns A conservative Roman Catholic publication, “The Pillar,”
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used a combination of tech tracking sites to cause the resignation of a top administrative officer of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The allegations of “possible improper behavior,” are based on the publication’s tracking of Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill’s activity on the dating site, “Grindr”. Burrill was USCCB’s general secretary, a position in which he coordinated a variety of administrative matters. “The Pillar” published an article based on data saying it had, “correlated to Burrill’s mobile device” and indicated he had visited gay bars and private residences based on Grindr coordinates.
LGBT vaccinated v COVID Ninety-two percent of LGBT respondents to a new survey by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation report they have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. The research surveyed more than 15,000 adults through the Community Marketing & Insights 15th annual LGBTQ Community Survey. Vaccination rates do vary within the LGBT community, according to the survey results, but the rates were still higher than the general U.S population. Though not specifically researched, the report’s authors think the reasons for higher
vaccine acceptance in LGBT are the mostly liberal political views of LGBT people and living in urban areas. The report shows LGBT individuals at all levels of education have high levels of vaccination and “COVID isolation significantly impacted LGBT people and may have motivated quick vaccination to allow re-entry into the community.”
HRC Implicated In Cuomo Resignation The new president of the Human Rights Campaign, Alphonso David, was an adviser and legal counsel to embattled New York Governor Andrew Cuomo before taking the HRC
job. The NY State Assembly impeachment committee targeted David for an appearance before the committee. The impeachment effort has been paused after the Governor announced his resignation in light of the NY Attorney General’s report that the Governor harassed and assaulted women on his staff. The New York AG connected David to retaliation against women who accused Cuomo of sexual harassment. David may still get to testify as the State Assembly investigates Cuomo’s policies which may have led to 15,000 COVID deaths in NY care facilities at the beginning of the COVID shutdown in 2020. Q
If Maddow Leaves, Whither goest MSNBC? Rachel Maddow, one of the most prominent hosts in cable TV and host of the highest-rated show on MSNBC, is considering leaving her nighttime program when her contract expires early next year. Co-workers report the journalist and author is fatigued as she has been hosting her show 5 nights a week since 2008. She is also well known as a hands-on host and producer and diligent researcher for show content. Recently she has expressed a desire to spend more time with her wife at their home in rural Massachusetts. Maddow also has written two well-received nonfiction books since 2019, including last year’s “Bag Man: The Wild Crimes, Audacious Cover-up, and Spectacular Downfall of a Brazen Crook in the White House,” about former vice president Spiro Agnew.
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Issue 327 | SEPTEMBER, 2021
Utah Pride Center’s new CEO is a trans healthcare advocate The Utah Pride Center completed its nationwide search for a new leader to replace outgoing CEO Rob Moolman. Trans healthcare advocate Stacey Jackson-Roberts, who was raised in Beaver, Utah, will take the helm effective September 1. The Utah Pride Center Board of Directors released a statement saying they know “Stacey Jackson-Roberts, MSW, LCSW-C will bring valuable expertise, insight, and leadership skills to the Utah Pride Center, pointing to her decades of experience in healthcare policy, program administration, labor relations, and clinical practice.” Jackson-Roberts was born and raised on a cattle ranch and dairy farm in Beaver, Utah. With family ties in more rural parts of Utah, she says she knows what it’s like to grow up in communities that are less affirming to LGBTQ+ individu-
als. In a statement, Jackson-Roberts says she plans to use those life experiences to focus on increasing resources in more remote parts of the state and in systemically marginalized communities. “As a transgender kid growing up in a small town in the outskirts of Utah, it was hard to find belonging and acceptance. I know there are LGBTQ+ youth in more rural parts of the state that need the support, that need to know the Utah Pride Center is there for them, and wants them to feel heard, loved, and accepted,” she said.
WORK AND EDUCATION According to Jackson-Roberts’ LinkedIn profile, she graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Law and Constitutional Studies in 2003. In 2011, she earned a degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at American University, and in 2013 earned an MSW at
Smith College School for Social Work. At Smith, she was the president of the Student Body Council, a Social Action Rep., and an LGBTQ Rep. to the Curriculum Committee. Her thesis was titled ‘Pushed to the Edge: The Treatment of Transsexuals through Time.” She has been in private practice at Venus Rising Therapy and Consulting, LLC in Silver Spring Md. since 2016. She was also a lead therapist at the Chase Brexton Health Care Center for LGBTQ Health Equity from 2016 – 2020. “As the Lead Therapist for LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health, at a federally qualified health center in Baltimore, Stacey built out a dedicated line of LGBTQ+ services in a predominantly BIPOC community in a high need, underserved city,” the Center Board wrote in their announcement. “While there, she worked to form a coalition of allied BIPOC, LGBTQ+, health-
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care organizations, and labor unions to pass state legislation in Maryland. This was key in making preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) more accessible. Stacey also helped found Collective Action for Safe Spaces, which works to end street-based sexual harassment and assault among women, queer, trans, black, and indigenous people of color in the Washington D.C. area. She also previously served as a Health Policy Fellow with the Transgender Law Center in California, working to expand health care parity for gender diverse individuals.”
help make participation as accessible as possible,” she told QSaltLake Magazine. “The valuable feedback gained from the listening tour will inform strategic planning to meet the diverse needs of the LGBTQ community throughout the Beehive State.”
PLANS FOR UPC
She says she plans a progressive approach to leadership at the Center. “While interviewing, I noted that I would be utilizing a “Crawl, Walk, Run Model,” she said. “In this model, the initial phase will be focused on assessment and rapport building with the various stakeholders. I’ll also be balancing the ‘fierce urgency of now’ of many challeng-
Jackson-Roberts says she will begin September 1 and will launch a “listening tour” to determine how to move forward in her leadership role at the Center. “We plan to partner with community members, leaders, and allied organizations to host events throughout Utah. We will also host virtual town halls to
“As a transgender kid growing up in a small town in the outskirts of Utah, it was hard to find belonging and acceptance.”
es our community faces juxtaposed with building and enhancing programming that is sustainable and evidence-based with regard to efficacy.” Over time she hopes to expand the Center’s reach into the far reaches of the state “During my tenure, I hope to build long-term programing that extends into rural areas of Utah and is deeply rooted in intersectionality and anti-racism,” she said. “My vision of the future includes enhanced virtual services, expanded health services, collaborative development of housing for LGBTQ Elders and transitional housing for LGBTQ folks who lack secure housing, and partnerships with allied organizations that mutually build the capacity of each organization to meet the needs of LGBTQ community members.” Q For more information on the Utah Pride Center, visit utahpridecenter.org.
“To someone who is considering this program and team for care, I would say go for it.”
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Issue 327 | SEPTEMBER, 2021
She immediately called the Sheriff’s Department and Schulte’s father. “I stopped my car and I called the police right then,” Hunter told the Times-Independent. “I told them, ‘I think I just found their car.’” Hunter then looked around the campsite and “noticed a few things that were off.” She said she then came across what she believed was Schulte’s body. Police later found Beck’s body nearby. Grand County Sheriff’s Lt. Shan Hackwell said in a statement on Aug. 18 that the bodies of two Moab women had been found in the South Mesa area of the La Sal Loop Road in Grand County, but declined to provide their names to press. The sheriff’s office the next day issued a statement naming the couple and saying it believes there is “no current danger to the public,” fueling speculation on social media that this was a case of murder-suicide. Friends and family were adamant in their responses that would not be the case. A spokesman for the sheriff’s office later said investigators do not believe the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide, and that both women were killed by a third person.
Moab lesbian couple found shot to death while camping A recently married lesbian couple from Moab was found dead of gunshot wounds by a friend out to look for them. The couple worked in Moab, but were homeless, living in campsites in the mountains near the town. The Grand County sheriff’s department, Utah’s State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and are collaborating to find how Kylen Schulte and Crystal Turner were killed. The couple was last seen at Woody’s Tavern on Saturday, Aug. 14. They told friends there that they were having to move their camp spot because they were camped near a “creeper dude.” When Schulte did not show up for her shift at the Moonflower Co-op and Beck hadn’t shown up for her shifts at McDonald’s, friends created a Facebook page asking people in the area to help find the couple. Schulte’s father, who lives in Montana, began calling people in the Moab area who knew the couple, begging for them
to search for them. Police had already searched popular campgrounds in the area but hadn’t turned anything up. On the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 18, Schulte’s coworker and friend Cindy Sue Hunter went out looking for them. Hunter told the Moab Times-Independent that she then went into the La Sals with the plan of looking in places where the couple’s vehicle might have crashed off the road or in places where they might have become stuck. Hunter said she spoke with people in the area during her search, but none said they had seen the couple. After searching around popular campsites, Hunter said she spotted the couple’s car a few miles from Warner Lake. “I’m going toward Sand Flats Road, and out of the corner of my eye I saw a flash of silver through the trees and I saw a campsite down a tricky little side road. Very easy to miss. And that’s when I found their car,” Hunter told The Daily Beast.
Two GoFundMe campaigns were set up to help with the costs of funerals and moving the deceased’s bodies to their respective homes for burial. A candle-light vigil was held, drawing dozens of people, outside Moonflower Co-op. Sunset Grill held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser with all proceeds going to family members. No further statements from officials were available at press time. Q
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When you need to sell or buy property, keep your money local ... and support independent, LGBTQ+ owned business BABS DE LAY, Principal Broker/Owner “Utah’s FIRST OUT REALTOR!” URBAN UTAH HOMES & ESTATES 801.201.8824
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Affirmation International conference once again virtual The 2021 Affirmation International Conference will be held virtually from Sept. 11 to 19. This year’s theme is Lighting the World Together, and programming for the conference is being finalized. This conference is for the entire LGBTQIA+ Latter-day Saint community, including current and former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, family members, friends, and church leaders. Several featured speakers with a diversity of sexual orientations, gender identity, faiths, and life experiences will participate in the conference
Featured speakers EMMETT PRECIADO is an American transgender actor and singer-songwriter of Spanish, Mexican, and European descent. He served as a sister missionary for 18 months in The Salt Lake City, Utah Mission. When Emmett returned from his mission, he attended a semester at Brigham Young University–Idaho. In the late summer of 2015, Emmett dropped out of college and moved to Utah to pursue his physical transition from female to male. He remained as active in the Church as possible for a couple of years and has spoken at and participated in conferences and events for LGBTQ Mormons. In the Spring of 2020, Emmett was cast as Rowan, a recurring character on Freeform’s Good Trouble. At the end of 2020, he shot his first guest star role on The Good Doctor as Rio Gutierrez. In the spring of 2021, Emmett guest-starred as Mateo Cruz on ABC’s Rebel. BLAIRE OSTLER is a philosopher who is specialized in queer studies and is a leading voice at the intersection of queer, Mormon, and transhumanist thought. She is an author who recently published her first book, “Queer Mormon Theology: An Introduction.” She is a board member of the Mormon Transhumanist Association, the Christian Transhumanist Association, and Sunstone. Blaire is no stranger to Affirmation or the International Conference. She was the Master of Ceremonies for the 2019 conference held in Provo, Utah, and inter-
viewed award-winning filmmaker, writer, and social activist Dustin Lance Black for the 2020 conference. This year, she’ll moderate a panel discussion featuring BYU LGBTQIA+ student leaders. HAO LEE is the president of AffirmaEmmett Preciado tion Hawaii, which was started by BYU–Hawaii students in 2020. During her time as a student, she advocated for LGBTQ+ students through communication with the BYUH administration, including both the president and vice president of BYUH. CAROLYN GASSERT is a cisgender demisexual lesbian woman who grew up in the Mormon church in South Carolina and is the president of USGA BYU–Provo. Her academic and professional goal is to become a therapist in Utah working with marginalized groups, especially LGBTQ+ youth, and young adults. TJ THOMAS is an active Latter-day Saint therapist and bisexual. He served a mission in Benin and Togo, West Africa, and attended BYU for his undergraduate degree. He went on to receive his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. He now works as a therapist for a wide variety of clients, with a focus on youth in the LGBTQ+ and LDS intersection. He strives to make mental health resources more accessible to all and provides free resources on his Instagram page (@tjcounseling) and his weekly podcast, Therapy Thursday. He has also been a guest on many podcasts to discuss mental health and the LGBTQ population, including “Questions from the Closet,” “Listen, Learn and Love,” and “Oh My Health There is Hope.” REV. MARIAN EDMONDS-ALLEN is the executive director of Parity, a New York City-based national nonprofit that works at the intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ concerns, and the director of Blessed by Difference, a project that seeks to pro-
mote curious and collaborative bridging across the LGBTQ+ and faith divide. In 2013, Marian was named Person of the Year by QSaltLake Magazine for her visionary leadership, and in 2015 was named a Petra Fellow for her work with LGBTQ+ homeless youth. She is formerly the executive director of OUTreach Resource Centers, the national program director of the Family Acceptance Project, and the executive director of the Utah Pride Center.
Schedule Three special tracks have been scheduled, including one for youth aged 11 to 18 years, parents and allies, and church leaders. The conference will be held virtually. While the group would rather meet in person for the conference, being virtual does have some advantages, say conference leaders. With a virtual conference, people can attend from anywhere there is a good Internet connection. Last year’s program brought many people who had never traveled to previous conferences. There is no cost to register thanks to a grant Affirmation received to support this year’s conference. Organizers hope that, with there being no cost to register and with the conference being virtual, this year’s conference will be the most accessible conference ever. While there is no requirement to pay to attend, there is a suggested donation of at least $35, which will get you a limited edition enamel pin featuring this year’s conference logo and theme and those who donate $65 or more get a pin and a conference t-shirt. Q For more information on the conference, go to conference. affirmation.org
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Leaders of LGBTQ groups honored with Living Color awards The third annual Living Color Gala honors individuals and organizations who are working toward a more equitable and inclusive future for our state. The awards are sponsored by Living Color Utah, a Salt Lake City Corp. project comprised of local minority chambers of commerce and business alliances. These are LGBTQ+ individuals or organizations being honored this year: ARIEL MALAN, MHA (she/her) PROGRAM COORDINATOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH HEALTH TRANSGENDER HEALTH PROGRAM
“As the Transgender Health Program, our administrative team of three all identify as queer or trans and that representation means something to our communities. We’re creating the healthcare services and support that we deserve as a community. I want the visibility of queer and trans communities to be welcomed and for initiatives to be funded and supported at an institutional level. It’s important to know if our systems will support us even when it’s difficult.” ROBERTO LOPEZ
TREASURER & BOARD MEMBER AT PROJECT RAINBOW UTAH
“Our number one priority at Project Rainbow is advocacy through
visibility. For that one child in the most rural parts of our state who is driving in the backseat of their parents’ car and passing out flags in their neighborhood, the one teen sneaking their mother’s heels to get that runway walk perfected, or the elderly couple that can sit on their porch watching that flag wave in their yard knowing that they made it… together. Providing these flags as beacons of hope spreads the message that we are here, that we are not alone, and that there is a community out here for everyone.”
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TALIA KEYS
MUSIC DIRECTOR & MUSICIAN AT TALIA KEYS MUSIC / ROCK CAMP SLC
“Our camp aims to bring marginalized genders to the forefront in the music industry. Less than 25 percent of the music industry identifies as female, even less trans and non-binary. We have kids coming to camp from all over and we aim to only diversify our camp more. The kids that I get to work with at Rock Camp SLC are so excited to learn music, make friends, and smash the patriarchy! They are bright, inclusive, and ready to change the world.” The Living Color Gala will be held Thursday, Sept. 16, 5–8:30 p.m. at the Grand America Hotel with live cultural entertainment, silent auction, a three-course meal, and speeches from the honorees. Q Tickets to the Living Color Gala are available at https://purchase.growtix.com/e/ Living_Color_Gala_August_2021
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Salt Lake Men’s Choir returns with Music for a Kinder World Songs of love, hope, and unity as Utah’s OTHER Choir returns to the stage. Friday, Sept. 10 and Saturday, Sept. 11 at First Baptist Church, 8th South and 13th East. Free parking. Masks required. Tickets to the concert are available at tickets.slmc.me
UofU LGBT Resource Center Gay-la The University of Utah LGBT Resource Center’s annual Gay-la is happening Sunday, Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Red Butte Garden Orangerie. This event is the group’s largest fundraiser of the year for student programs and scholarships. While organizers are excited to join together in person, tickets are limited for this special event to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The event includes brunch, access to the full Garden during and after the event, musical entertainment, and some promised surprises.
TICKET INFORMATION: Single: $100 (one ticket) Group: $500 (five tickets) Department: $1000 (10 tickets) Tickets are available and donations can be made at tinyurl.com/Gay-laTickets21 Email Bree at bpeacock@sa.utah.edu with any questions or accommodations needs.
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Vendors can also apply at the group’s Facebook Page. More information at linktr.ee/loganpridecenter
Marmalade Jam Fest Join the 6th annual Marmalade Jam Fest in the gayest residential neighborhood in the state. This year is certain to be even bigger and better than last with more music, more preserves, more crafts and most of all, more fun. Free admission. All ages. Saturday, Sept. 18 and Sunday, Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Garten at Mountain West Cider, 417 N 400 West.
Queer Spirit: Queer Retrieval Retreat
Fifth-annual Logan Pride The 2021 Logan Pride will take place Saturday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Willow Park, 450 W. 700 South, Logan, Utah. This year’s theme is “Stand Out, Together.” Proceeds fund the Logan Pride Foundation, which works to strengthen the LGBTQ community, individuals, their families, and allies through advocacy. They bring the communities of Cache Valley and Northern Utah together in equality and love. Volunteers are being sought through the group’s Facebook page at fb.me/loganprideUT
TICKETS.SLMC.ME
This Queer Men’s retreat is a calling for men to come together to explore the magic of being Queer in this rapidly changing world. Sage, young, trans, gay, bi or any variation to the relationship of Queer is invited to explore the power and birthright of this sacred calling. Ancient tribes and communities of indigenous societies see being Queer as a unique sacred gift. Throughout various cultures and traditions Queer folks have been the gatekeepers, medicine folk and shamans; unique conduits of Spirit and healing to tribe and community. This retreat is a unique exploration of these sacred gifts. Retreat: October 6–10, Spring City, Utah $600 per person including room and board at bit.ly/queerspirit21
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Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber to host a ‘Shark Tank-like’ event Sept. 23 The Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “shark tank” to dive into different facets of business and self discovery in the 3rd annual Economic Summit — “Lead OUT Loud.” They will bring together powerful, well known speakers to educate and vitalize Utah’s LGBTQ+ and allied business owners to help their businesses thrive. Registration and open networking begins Sept. 23 at 9:30 a.m. Then, grab a seat, your coffee/beverage and a new friend as they will start promptly at 10 a.m. A catered lunch will be served at noon and sessions will end at 4:30 p.m. A happy hour party/networking event on the patio of
the Living Planet Aquarium will take place afterwards, with entertainment, light appetizers, and a cash bar. Whether you are an aspiring business owner, new business owner, or have been in business 50+years, organizers promise there will be a nugget or two for you. Chamber Gold members will receive complimentary registration for two if registered before September 10. Summit Sponsors and Chamber Corporate Partners will receive registration for 4, Chamber social media, website, event recognition, and an exhibit table. Q Details at info@utahlgbtqchamber.org
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Obituary: Brandon Creer JAN. 29 1965 — JULY 12, 2021 Brandon Allen Creer (BC), 56, of Lakewood, Colorado, a resourceful soul, who surprised everyone by living this long, was finally called home by Heavenly Father on July 12, 2021. His strong heart gave out ending a life of much sorrow and suffering for him and his family due to schizoaffective disorder (bipolar type), alcoholism, AIDS, Hepatitis C, chronic broken back pain, and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (a rare, terminal blood disorder). Despite his serious health challenges, he enjoyed the good times life offered and never failed to seize a moment to exuberance with abandon. He taught us much about living a day at a time with patience and faith in God’s purposes by never giving up or losing hope. It was a bright and hopeful day when darling first-born, Brandon, entered this world bruised and battered on Jan. 29, 1965, in Santa Rosa, CA. He moved with his family to Ogden, Utah in 1971, lived in North Ogden, Liberty (where he grew up), and spent most of his adult life in Salt Lake City. In 1983, he graduated from Weber High School with the help of a dear school counselor, Noreen Francis, who had the
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compassion to recognize his challenges. Brandon was not always able to fully utilize the gift of high intelligence that was given him, though there were highlights in his life when he was editor of a newspaper and a counselor for youth in drug rehab. He owned and operated the Pillar LGBT Newspaper in Salt Lake City for a number of years. He also enjoyed landscaping work with his dear friends Layne Johnson and Scott Smith. He was naturally brilliant with technology and held a variety of IT jobs over the years including Phillips BTS and the Blackwater Corporation. He attended Weber State University, Utah State University, and the University of Utah. He was musically gifted, played a variety of instruments, and enjoyed leading the Odyssey House choir, playing the piano, and marching in Weber High’s band with the oboe and xylophone. He loved all things in nature, especially the mountains, the ocean, and cats. Brandon served the Lord in the LDS South Carolina Mission. He was blessed with special spiritual experiences throughout his life and was supported by many generous and caring angels as he struggled to deal with and change the impulsive bipolar episodes that often lead to destructive behaviors. To say his life was a roller coaster ride is putting it mildly (and we were on it with him!). He suffered much abuse because of judgment and misunderstanding but he also experienced the best of human nature. Those who knew Brandon remember him as a handsome, gregarious, imaginative, non-stop talker with plenty to say, who was full of energy, wit, and humor. He had a gift for public speaking and shared his story of addiction with the public and media to help prevent addiction in others. Out on the streets
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and in grocery stores, Brandon often gave what little money he had to people, saying, “They needed it more.” Brandon was preceded in death by grandmothers Annabelle Pace Creer Sims and Aloa Rae Bean Patterson Ross Streight; grandfathers Allen Bradford Creer, Byron Sims, Theodore Otto Ross; and two uncles, Michael Ray Patterson, and Steven Pace (Kathy) Creer. He is survived by partner, Laird Layne Johnson; father, Preston Allen (Lenise) Creer; mother, Roberta Ann Patterson (Ercell) Blain; grandfather, Robert Bruce (Dee) Patterson; three sisters and their spouses, Cailin Ann Creer (Dave) Scadden; Sallyann Creer (Mike Vashro); Karalee Creer (Arian) Baquero; brother, Seth Preston (Marie) Creer; Aunt Becky Creer (Fred) Trevey; Uncles, David (Donna) Ross, and Jeff (Zandra) Ross, and numerous other relatives. In memory of Brandon, pray for those who suffer from mental illness and/or addictions, and please support programs within the community that help the mentally ill, addicted, and the homeless. Donations to Odyssey House, Deseret Industries, any LDS fund, Catholic Community Services, or homeless shelters would be a positive way to turn tragedy into triumph. There is peace in knowing Brandon is remembered through these worthwhile purposes. Deepest appreciation is expressed to Layne Johnson, his partner of almost 25 years, who kept him alive and generously provided for all his needs. The family is also grateful for the medical personnel (especially Lisa Smith) at Denver Health, and all others, at various times, who saved his life and cared for and loved him even during those times when he wasn’t exactly his loveable self. Internment in Meadow View Cemetery, Eden, Utah. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Condolences can be sent to Layne Johnson, 5400 W Mississippi Ave Apt 9, Lakewood, CO 80226. To see the worth of every soul as a child of God with infinite worth; to love despite their behavior, your expectations of them, or when they don’t fit into society’s tidy box, is to truly love as Jesus Christ did. Q
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BYU Pride March ended at Kiwanis Park in Provo.
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PHOTO VIA BYU PRIDE, INSTAGRAM
BYU Pride holds inaugural march, receives national grant Hundreds of people marched in Provo in June, including BYU students, alumni, and professors. It started at Joaquin Park and ended at Kiwanis Park south of campus. Guest speakers addressed the
BYU Pride founder, president David Shill
crowd at the beginning of the event, including former Studio C cast member Stacey Harkey, and OUT Foundation member Emma Ramirez. Campus Pride, a national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBTQ students, awarded ten Social Justice Mini-Grants for Activism Funding worth up to $600 each from the inaugural class of projects. The program was launched in June as part of the organization’s 20th-anniversary celebrations. BYU Pride was one of the
inaugural recipients. David Shill, president and founder of BYU Pride, said that the organization will use the grant to fund initiatives including monthly events, safe housing initiatives, pride marches, petitions, and community unification. “BYU Pride has gained a lot of attention for having put on the first-ever pride march, so now we need to keep the momentum by planning largescale community events,” Shill wrote in the application for the grant. “We have planned events and worked on various projects in the past without much funding that were widely successful and hope to scale up our events with this funding.” BYU Pride’s mission statement is to “empower students to celebrate progress made by the LGBTQ+ community at BYU and to advocate for change through collaborative activism.” The next event being held by BYU Pride is the RaYnbow Collective Back-to-School Pride night, which will present a Pride March at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, followed by live music, an art show, speeches, and food trucks through 7 pm at Kiwanis Park, 1019 N 1100 E, Provo. More information at info. byupride@gmail.com. Q More information on BYU Pride is available at linktr.ee/byupride
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quotes “Being able to compete with the best in the world as my most authentic self at the biggest international multisport games shows how far we’ve come on inclusion in sport. I’m hoping that by competing at these Games I can show the LGBTQ community that we do belong and we can achieve anything we put our minds to.” —Canadian swimmer Markus Thormeyer to Outsports
“Growing up in a small French town in Quebec, I didn’t know or even know of a single LGBTQ person or athlete until I was older ... I hope the increased visibility can give young people a sentiment of belonging and encourage communities to be inclusive and welcoming.” — Elissa Alarie, Canadian rugby player
“I feel incredibly proud to say that I am a gay man and also an Olympic champion ... When I was younger I didn’t think I’d ever achieve anything because of who I was. To be an Olympic champion now just shows that you can achieve anything.”.” — British diver Tom Daley
“I represent Poland and I wish for the equal rights” — Polish Olympian Aleksandra who went to the opening ceremony with rainbow accents on her mask
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who’s your daddy
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33 years of ‘meant to be’ BY CHRISTOPHER KATIS
Editor’s note: Due to a change in the focus of this issue, Christopher’s article, that he dutifully got in early and everything, will be printed in an upcoming issue. This is a readers’ favorite from 2018.
When I
was in my very early 20s, my friend Aimz, whom I’ve known since we were in second grade, told me there was a new tenant in the basement apartment at the house she rented, and I was going to love him. Emboldened by wine coolers (don’t judge us, it was the ’80s), we concocted a plan to introduce me. As her roommate/cousin Jax flicked the lights on and off in their place, Aimz and I went around back to knock on the neighbor’s door to ask if he too was having issues. Nope, everything was fine. Crap. Aimz and I hadn’t planned what to say next. So, after several seconds of awkward silence, the guy said goodnight and shut his door. We ran back upstairs giggling. Not long afterward, the neighbor moved out. A couple of years later I was on my first date with Kelly, whom I had met through a personal ad. Halfway into the evening, he looked at me and asked if I had a friend that lived on 900 East and 600 South. Aimz? That’s why I looked familiar to him! He had briefly lived in the basement apartment. Not long after that first date, we decided to spend some time together during the day in the middle of the week. At some point, we ended up at the Capitol, which is a lovely building. The Legislature was in session and through my volunteer political work, several lawmakers waved hello to us. The late Frances Farley (through whom I first met Michael Aaron) even hosted us on the Senate floor. As we were leaving the building, Kelly asked if I knew Gov. Norm Bangerter or at least where he lived. In a flash, I was following Kelly up the driveway of the governor’s mansion, standing next to him as he knocked on the back door —
thinking to myself “What. The. Hell?” A rather baffled looking security guard opened the door and asked if he could help us. Kelly replied enthusiastically, “Can we have a tour?” The guard scoffed, said “no,” and shut the door. Kelly turned to me and deadpanned, “Do you think it would have helped if I had asked if Norm was at home?” At that moment, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this man who would knock on the back door of the governor’s mansion to ask for a private tour. A few months later, in Mineral Fork Canyon, we exchanged vows and rings and jumped over a broomstick. That was 30 years ago. And if I do say so myself, that’s pretty impressive for any couple — gay or straight. What’s our secret? I don’t know. I’m not sure if we have one. However, I do know that we strive hard to support each other and that I’m a much better man because he’s in my life. Also, he makes me laugh like no one else. He’s incredibly compassionate. He even made me a dad. There is no other man I want to wake up with every morning. Are we perfect? Far from it. Does our relationship work for us? Apparently so.
I guess it was meant to be. On our first anniversary, we found ourselves at a divey, long-forgotten Chinese restaurant. When we opened our fortune cookies, we simultaneously exclaimed, “You have to see my fortune!” On that anniversary, not only did we get the same fortunes, but they read, “His heart was yours from the first moment that you met.” Aimz knew that all along. Q
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creep of the month
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Anti-Vaxxers BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI
What an
incredibly stupid time to be alive. Every day Republicans and their network, Fox, are telling people NOT to get vaccinated. That COVID-19 is either a hoax or just not a big deal. That being required to wear a mask is akin to living in Nazi Germany. That being unvaccinated is patriotic. But it’s not. It’s idiotic. People! Are! Still! Dying! From! This! Virus! And the vast majority of deaths at this point are among unvaccinated people. There are plenty of people who can’t get vaccinated, including kids under 12 and people with compromised immune systems or serious health conditions. Which is why the willfully unvaccinated people are especially awful. A living example of selfishness and stupidity. Honestly, it’s a strange strategy to tell your base to NOT save themselves from a deadly virus. Then again, Republicans believe that dead people vote, don’t they? Oh, wait. Dead people only vote for Democrats. Being sick sucks. Even a mild cold can ruin an entire week, let alone COVID-19. Look, I’ve had cancer. Twice. And if I could get a shot that would help protect me from getting it again, I would do that. But it’s not an option. But I can, and did, get a shot to protect me and everybody else from COVID-19. People are scared of cancer. They believe it’s real. Well, most people do. There are always going to be people on the fringe who believe that every health problem is a conspiracy by Big Pharma to make money. It would certainly help if Big Pharma didn’t legitimately have skeletons in its Big closet. But when I was diagnosed, everything happened so fast. I got a referral for a surgeon, had surgery on my birthday, and was promptly sent to a medical oncologist where my body was pumped with
really horrifying medication, frankly (one of the medicines I got was a very bright red, like I was getting an infusion of Faygo Red Pop). I lost all of my hair. Then I was sent to a radiation oncologist where I was microwaved like a bag of popcorn. To make a long story short, it was not fun. But also through it all there wasn’t a sizable population of Americans claiming that cancer was a hoax and that everybody being treated for it was a dupe. Cancer hasn’t been politicized like COVID-19 — not on a national level with one of two major political parties egging on their followers to die to own the libs. It bums me the fuck out, frankly. And it’s scary. I mean, the folks who are the loudest and most adamantly anti-vaccine because they say it’s government overreach and mind control and against our freedom are the same people who say that the people who stormed the capitol were just tourists. Which is to say, the very people who are crying fascism are also cheering on fascism. Instead of fighting the virus, we’re fighting each other. And each side is not armed with the same arsenal. On one side, you’ve got people who are like, “Okay, I’m going to defer to the scientists and medical experts on this whole COVID-19 thing” and then you have people who will beat the shit out of a grocery store clerk (or worse) who asks them to wear a mask. There is no middle to meet in here. We’ve all lost a lot in the past 18 months. Hundreds of thousands of Americans lost people they love, and yet somehow that’s not a motivation to the anti-vax creeps. They would rather scream maskless about shutdowns than do anything to alleviate the cause of the shutdowns. But instead of coming together in order to achieve a common goal during a time of crisis, we’re coming apart
at the seams. And one side believes seams exist, and the other doesn’t. I’m getting on a plane for the first time in well over a year. I am not excited about it with the Delta variant and all, even though I’m vaccinated. And I am hopeful that there is no one on my flight who throws a fit over the federal transportation mask mandate. But if there is, I’ll do my best to film it, adding to the archive so that our children’s children will one day be able to relive this very, very stupid and selfish time. If you’re not vaccinated, then get vaccinated. If you are vaccinated, then encourage people who aren’t vaccinated to get the shot. It’s the patriotic thing to do, if you’re into that. It’s the moral thing to do. It’s the only real way out of this. The Republican response to COVID-19 is eerily similar to their response to HIV/ AIDS in the early 80s. They ignored it, made jokes about it, and didn’t care about the people who were dying. That they are doing the same thing during another health crisis should disqualify them from holding public office. Vote them out. Q D’Anne Witkowski is a writer living in Michigan with her wife and son. She has been writing about LGBTQ+ politics for nearly two decades. Follow her on Twitter @ MamaDWitkowski.
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sex and salt lake city
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Reflections BY DR. LAURIE BENNETT-COOK
“I always
thought I’d have a house with a front porch swing. Seems like such a simple thing, but it just never happened.” This is my mom talking. I’m listening and nodding. Today is my parents’ 48-year anniversary and my dad is sitting across from her in one of those awkward hospital recliners that are apparently supposed to be comfortable enough to stay and visit your loved one for hours. She’s been in the hospital for the past few days recovering from an injury and I’ve spent several hours listening to her reminisce about life. In doing so, I can’t help but assess my own life. Life is fascinating — how nothing seems to change day-by-day and yet when you look back a decade, a year, or even a few weeks, so much is altered. It can drag on daily as we find ourselves needing to “waste time” and yet looking back it passes in a blink and we’d do anything to regain that wasted time. Now, sitting with the two of them, observing as they interact, it becomes glaringly obvious that it is time to help them transition to the next stage of their lives. Currently, they live independently, alone. But over the past year, my brother and I have watched them mentally and physically decline and become less and less able to clean, cook, drive, etc. My dad wants to move to assisted living. My mom, who is at this moment bedridden, refuses. This part of being a child of aging parents is one I’ve read about many times as well as talked with friends and professionals. I’m sure many can relate that when you’re actually faced with it yourself, it all feels a bit overwhelming. Growing up my parents were (to me) invincible people. They both worked full time as well as volunteered; Had active social lives; Were stylish and friendly and everyone in town knew who they were. They never missed an extracurricular activity that any of us five kids were par-
ticipating in and they somehow managed to make time to take us on adventurous summer camping trips. They were equally as active when my kids were born and they became grandparents. They lived only a few blocks away and all of my children have fond memories of spending endless time at grandma and grandpa’s house. But — nothing ever stays the same. I sit quietly and listen to them as they talk about life over the years, about plans for the future, and notice that frequently they make comments like “we never did do ____,” or “I always thought there’d be time for ____.” I’m feeling humbled and can’t help but realize I’m being clued into some sage wisdom, albeit unintentionally, but nevertheless I’m taking notice. There have been many articles written about the top five regrets people have as they age and/or recognize they have little time left to live. They are: • I wish I hadn’t worked so hard • I wish I traveled more • I wish I’d stayed in touch with friends and family • I wish I’d been more honest about who I am • I wish I’d let myself be happier I look at my parents sitting here struggling to carry on a conversation with each other and wonder which, if any of these, resonate with them. I think about my mom’s statement of her desired porch swing. It’s such a simple thing really. For whatever reason, it just never happened for her. When I ask her why, she says, “it was always going to be ‘one of these days but it just never actually came.” I think about the above in regard to my own life. How many of us work jobs we hate or too many hours? How many times I’ve passed up travel or various experiences because … I’ll get to it next time, later, another time, etc. How many of us keep people in our circle who are toxic to us and in doing
so are unable to really be our authentic selves? How much delaying things for ‘one of these days’ keep us denying ourselves opportunities for happiness? My parents are elderly now. They are seemingly happy, but definitely struggling mentally and physically. If any of us are fortunate to live to a ripe old age, one day we’ll be where they are now. In the meantime, I ask, what are we each going to do differently so we are not faced with the top five regrets of the dying and can instead say, “I lived as much as I could, for as long as I could?” Q Dr. Laurie Bennett-Cook is a Clinical Sexologist and divides her time between Palm Springs, Calif., and Salt Lake City. She can be reached at: DrLaurieBennettCook@gmail.com
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guest editorial
Utah Pride Center leadership team supports past work of outgoing CEO Rob Moolman Dear Community Members, You deserve to know that the leadership team at the Utah Pride Center are extremely grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Dr. Rob Moolman as CEO of the Utah Pride Center. We fully understand and support his choice to step aside at this time and wish him the very best in his future endeavors. We especially hope that he takes an extended break to heal and recover with his family, his dogs, and his supportive husband who has sacrificed endlessly to allow Rob to accomplish so much in just 3-1/2 years. We have witnessed Rob tackle one of the most challenging and difficult jobs imaginable with grace and dignity. With great gratitude we thank him for his amazing contributions. Under his leadership he has since helped us restructure and move the Utah Pride Center forward safely through a pandemic. Here is a sampling of a few of the accomplishments achieved under his leadership: MENTAL HEALTH — Under the leadership of Dr. Rob Moolman, the Mental Health Department was able to secure additional funding to hire a second fulltime therapist, a part-time therapist and a full-time administrative employee to increase our capacity. During Covid-19, our services continued uninterrupted via telehealth platforms which allowed us to extend into areas never served before. We created partnerships with the University of Utah’s Nursing College, Intermountain Healthcare and Latino Behavioral Health Services allowing us provide life-saving services to more communities. EDUCATION & TRAINING — In November 2019, the Education & Training Department was in need of revitalization and resources. The requests for trainings were being pushed out for months. Under Rob’s guidance we redesigned the department to provide a variety of updated trainings and two annual conferences to educate each other and local educators. His leadership and trust has allowed us to make our visions and dreams into a reality with an Education & Training Department that is thriving. Today we are regularly educating and building LGBTQIA+ inclusive schools, community spaces, companies, and more.
PRIDE & CENTER EVENTS — Under Rob’s leadership, in 2020 the Utah Pride Center hosted what may be the only in person covid safe Pride celebration in the country, by creating the Utah Pride Road Rally. And in the Spring of 2021, we again created another covid safe Pride celebration with the unique Pride Story Garden and Rainbow March & Rally to celebrate our community. Both brought thousands of people safely together and raised the critical funds needed to support the yearround life-saving programs and services of the Utah Pride Center. COMMUNITY SPACE — During our temporary closure due to covid, Rob encouraged us to update and prepare our community space for a post-covid reality with a strict eye for frugality. This includes two re-purposed meeting rooms and the equipment to host hybrid groups with both in-person and virtual participants from all across the state of Utah. We look forward to when we can host 40+ community groups each month at the Utah Pride Center. RAINBOW WELLNESS — This new program was created during the pandemic to serve even more members of our community while creating community partnerships with a variety of local instructors. This program provides extensive opportunities to exercise the body, expand the mind and engage the spirit for adults of all ages. This includes yoga, hiking, bird watching, somatic movement, writing workshops, painting, super soaker battles and more. Rob’s passion for providing something for everyone was instrumental in making this program a reality in 2021. ADULT FOCUS PROGRAMS — Under Rob’s insistence, we were able to create a new full-time position that would focus on growing our focus or identity groups. Today these groups include: TransAction for our trans, non-binary and gender non-confirming community members, the People of Color and Allies group, 1 to 5 Club bringing together our bisexual community, the Utah Queer Historical Society and more. During Covid-19, Rob Moolman ensured that these underserved communities had the support they needed and that virtual programming continued throughout the pandemic.
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SENIOR PROGRAMS — Beginning in 2019, the SAGE volunteer program transitioned to a full-time program dedicated to serving Utah’s LGBTQ+ seniors. Because of Rob’s vision and support, today this is the Utah Pride Center’s largest program, which serves our seniors through out the state of Utah, even during the pandemic. Rob has consistently supported growing numerous SAGE satellite groups throughout the state including rural spaces. Because of Rob’s belief in the senior program, we have a support system for our senior community that helps us limit isolation, reduce the risk of suicide and sustain friendships. YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMS — On that fateful day, April 30th, 2020, Rob said “we will do whatever it takes to take care of the youth.” Throughout Rob’s career as an educator, youth have always been a priority. He knew that our youth already face many barriers in this world and that love and support from the Utah Pride Center would and will always be there for them. When planning dances, Rob would have the youth planning committee present a budget, obtain approval, create a plan of action, and execute that plan. Today these impressive youth have learned valuable life skills from Dr. Rob Moolman. SUICIDE PREVENTION — Due to the unwavering support of Dr. Rob Moolman, the Utah Pride Center has a new program dedicated to providing education, resources, and support to LGBTQ+ individuals across the entire state of Utah. This department is tasked with decreasing suicide risk and providing support to those who have attempted or lost loved ones to suicide. Today we partner with a number of state, county and local suicide prevention coalitions and tasks forces to represent our community. During a global pandemic many would have paused, but Rob Moolman insisted we charge forward. As you can see, amazing progress has been made under the leadership of Rob Moolman. Like millions of other organizations, we have felt the effects of Covid-19. In 2020, because of the uncertainty of private/corporate donations, and the viability of hosting the Utah Pride Festival, the Center was forced to downsize to ensure that it would survive, and our services would continue. When a worldwide pandemic threatened the viability of hundreds of thou-
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sands of businesses and non-profits across America, we were all forced to make difficult choices and adjust to the reality of our new world. And while 20+ million American’s were losing their jobs and understood the gravity of the situation, inexplicably a handful of ex-employees have somehow chosen to believe that their layoffs were somehow different than the 100+ million unemployed people around the world. We are united in our defiant denial of the false accusations made repeatedly by a small group of malcontent former employees who claim the contrary. Know that three (3) independent investigations have repeatedly found their claims to be without merit. We vehemently deny their attempt to slander Dr. Rob Moolman’s good name, his amazing contributions, the reputation of the Utah Pride Center and the unflinching work accomplished by the dedicated staff. The staff, board members, volunteers, clients, sponsors, donors and community members are exhausted by the endless baseless accusations and character assassination from this small vocal group. These individuals have incessantly criticized and attacked every attempt to heal and have continually criticized the ongoing achievements of the staff and volunteers. We will not be deterred by their distractions. Now it’s time for us to do our part—to heal, to create alliances, and to build on UPC’s amazing work. We invite the community to join us as we move beyond and look forward to the future. We are surviving and thriving! Please join us in thanking Dr. Rob Moolman for his amazing tenure and with extreme gratitude we say thank you for a job well done! In solidarity, the Utah Pride Center Program Directors / Leadership Team, Amanda Darrow (SHE/HER/HERS) — Director of Youth, Family, & Education Programs Deb Hall (SHE/HER/HERS) — Director of Adult Programming Jonathan Foulk (HE/HIM) — COO, Interim CEO John Johnson (HE/HIM/HIS) — Director of Operations & Administration Joshua Bravo (HE/HIM/THEY/THEM/EL/ELLOS) — Clinical Director Katie Perkins (SHE/HER/HERS) — Director of Suicide Prevention Services This is an opinion piece been presented with no edits.
6
TH ANNUal
Saturday, Sept. 18 Sunday, Sept. 19 11am–7pm MUSIC, Preserves, Crafts, FUN! THE GARTEN, 417 N 400 W
TheMarmaladeJamFest
24 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | VIEWS
guest editorial
The LGBTQ+ generational wealth gap is a serious issue. This is why. BY FINBARR TOESLAND
It’s no
secret that LGBTQ+ people face a range of financial challenges that heterosexual people simply don’t need to contend with. Less discussed are the effects of financial discrimination on building LGBTQ+ generational wealth. The stereotypical view of a wealthy gay couple with no children and a sizable disposable income is just that — a stereotype. In reality, the “American Dream”— buying a home, getting married, having kids, finding a good job and investing in a 401(k) — is out of reach for many LGBTQ+ people, according to a survey by TD Ameritrade. Almost two thirds (35 percent) of LGBTQ+ millennials say they are unlikely to achieve these goals by age 40, compared to fewer than half of straight millennials. The same survey found that while the average annual income for a straight household is $79,400, the average LGBTQ+ household earns just $66,200 a year. LGBTQ+ people are being left out of generational wealth for many reasons including family rejection, systematic barriers and a lack of financial education. With almost half of LGBTQ+ adults saying they have been excluded by a family member or close friend as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity, according to a study by the Pew Research Center, a lack of familial financial support is a common problem for many in the community. This combination of unique financial barriers that LGBTQ+ people face is what has led to generational wealth gap. It’s a problem that will only affect more queer people if we don’t address it now.
LEGACY FINANCIAL EXCLUSION At every stage of life, it’s not uncommon for LGBTQ+ people to encounter financial challenges that their heterosexual counterparts won’t face. Being kicked out of their homes as teens due
to unaccepting parents, not receiving financial support from family for college, being removed from an inheritance — the financial cost of being LGBTQ+ can be substantial. With the average inheritance reaching close to $177,000 according to a HSBC survey and Cerulli Associates forecasting that up to $68 trillion will trickle down to younger generations within 25 years, LGBTQ+ heirs could collectively lose trillions through inheritance exclusion. “Even much smaller amounts could help folks pay off debt, pay off a home, send their own kids to college and help them with their own retirement. Many LGBTQ+ kids aren’t getting these benefits,” explains John Auten-Schneider. Auten-Schneider is the co-owner of The Debt Free Guys blog and host of the Queer Money podcast, a leading gay money blog and podcast for the LGBTQ+ community run by him and his husband, David. Raising a deposit for a house or apartment can be a difficult task for all people, but without financial support from family, many would not be able to fund a deposit. When David’s parents pass away, David’s sister will likely be inheriting upwards of $1,000,000. Yet, David says, he won’t receive any of this money, solely because he’s gay. “His parents have every right to do with their money what they want, but it’s a particular disappointment that they’ll do this only because he’s gay. This, of course, means we need to plan differently for our retirement than his sister does,” explains John. Just because David and John are LGBTQ+ financial experts doesn’t mean they don’t deal with many of the same systematic challenges that impact other members of the community. Younger LGBTQ+ people also face challenges directly related to their sexuality or gender identity.
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Issue 327 | SEPTEMBER, 2021
A disproportionately high number of young people experiencing homelessness identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. According to research from the Williams Institute, between 20 percent and 45 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+. Lacking access to basic housing or financial support from family can set up a young person up for economic disadvantage before they even graduate from high school. LGBTQ+ students also shoulder a larger student debt burden than their straight peers to the tune of an extra $16,000. “This has been attributed, in part, to LGBTQ+ college students assuming more debt simply to leave hostile home lives. In some cases, parents may forgo helping their queer children in favor of helping their straight children,” explains John.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER At the start of 2020, Michigan-based Lexa VanDamme was at her financial rock bottom. Stuck at work after a 70-plus hour work week with no money in her bank account, bills due the next day and a broken down car, she decided to make a change. “I realized that I needed to face my financial situation,” says VanDamme. “I dove deep into the online world of personal finance to learn about budgeting, debt payoff methods, saving and investing.” After her crash course in finance, VanDamme refinanced her credit card debt into a lower-rate personal loan, created a workable budget and started a side hustle to make extra income. There were a few bumps on her journey: “I actually cycled back into credit card debt three different times. I would pay it off, then eventually max it out a few months later,” says VanDamme. Still, she managed to pay off her debt by following the financial rules she had set for herself. While trying to learn about personal finance on her own, VanDamme realized there was a need for accessible and relatable content that appealed to a wide range of people. She decided to create The Avocado Toast Budget (The ATB). Starting out as a blog just over a year ago, The ATB now counts more than 400,000 followers on Tiktok. “For the longest time, the loudest
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voices in the personal finance community were cis, straight white males and, as a queer woman, I wanted to share information and tips that were often overlooked by those creators,” says VanDamme. For many LGBTQ+ people like VanDamme, after spending so long hiding who she really was, she wanted to live as true to herself and be as free as possible. “This led to me ignoring my spending habits and being stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. Airing my financial dirty laundry brought up similar feelings of anxiety and concern I felt when first coming out. How would people react? What would they think?” says VanDamme. There is already a heavy stigma around talking about personal finances, especially when you may be struggling financially. “Since queer people often spend our lives fighting for the world to accept us and our queerness, we may be less apt to talk about our financial insecurities and struggles,” says VanDamme. Genuine representation goes beyond just diversifying the financial content creators who receive media platforms, with the advice given by these experts also needing to be fully inclusive. “Advice tended to ignore how systems of oppression affect people of color, women, the LGBTQ+ community and more. We know statistically that it’s easier for some to build wealth than others,” she adds. VanDamme has an ongoing series on Instagram focused on the intersectional nature of many financial issues. The series helps shed some light on the economic realities that often contributes to minority community challenges. From financial inequality that disproportionately impacts disabled people to wealth inequity and racism and the cycle of poverty, VanDamme works to educate her audience on pressing topics that matter to them. “It’s especially important to talk about the financial challenges that trans people in our community face. This includes increased reports of lower wages, limited and more expensive housing options, and twice the rate of unemployment. This heavily impacts their ability to build wealth,” she explains.
INTERSECTIONAL CHALLENGES While being LGBTQ+ can underpin unique money issues, queer people of color and queer women often experience additional difficulties around financial matters. In addition to the financial barriers faced by LGBTQ+ people, queer people of color also face a racial wealth gap. Employment discrimination, systematic inequalities and disparities in financial education all contribute to this unequal financial playing field. According to research from the Federal Reserve, the average white family’s wealth is eight times higher than the wealth of an average Black family. The gender pay gap also contributes to excluding women from building generational wealth, according to the latest statistics compiled by Pew Research, which show that women earned 84 percent of what men earned in 2020. Carmen Perez, creator of Make Real Cents, a personal finance blog dedicated to helping people achieve financial independence, believes it’s important to have experts who are more representative of the people they’re speaking to. “I heard a quote a while ago: ‘You can’t be what you can’t see.’ I think that’s really important because eventually, if you don’t have a model to follow, either you have to be the first, or it’s never going to happen,” she says. As a woman of color and a lesbian, Perez knows firsthand how important it is to address the absence of representation in financial education. “It’s definitely one of the things we have to step back and look at in the LGBT community,” says Perez. “There’s a compounding effect because not only am I part of the LGBT community as a lesbian, but I’m also a minority, and I’m also a woman, and there’s a lot of hurdles up against a lot of folks in this space,” she adds. With more than 60,000 people following her Make Real Cents account, Perez is playing a part in democratizing access to finance. There, she does everything from break down the cost of credit to explain 401(k) company matches with easy-to-read graphics and Insta stories.
Her methods are a world away from the complexity of some traditional financial advisors and tools. “Millennials are starting to change the money game because we’re delivering advice in a way that isn’t super technical. It can be so overwhelming to watch CNBC with all these screens and tickers that don’t mean anything to you personally,” says Perez. Increased representation in the finance space means a light can be shone on vital issues, resulting in deeper conversations that make money less taboo. “We’re finding instances where historically people who have been locked out of the finance industry, by design, are speaking up. Unlike some traditional financial advisors that give out all this jargon and talk in all these terms that many may not understand,” says Perez.
FUTURE GENERATIONS Despite the long-standing barriers facing LGBTQ+ people in gaining access to financial education and financial services, LGBTQ+ personal finance content creators now offer a way for many to improve their financial literacy in more convenient ways than ever before. While investing early and regularly is one of the most effective ways to secure a financially comfortable retirement, it’s never too late to build wealth and support for the next generation of LGBTQ+ people. “[You can] create legacy wealth within the LGBTQ+ community by setting up your estate plan to donate to LGBTQ+ causes that will help homeless youth and [by] giving to local, younger LGBTQ+ folks you know personally,” adds John. Negotiating the LGBTQ+ generational wealth gap is no small feat. But continuing the discussion around both financial literacy and taking steps to combat systematic financial issues can go a long way to address the financial challenges impacting the LGBTQ+ community. “The stronger we are as LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, including our financial strength, the stronger we are as a community,” concludes John. Q Finbarr Toesland is an award-winning journalist committed to illuminating vital LGBTQ+ stories and underreported issues. His journalism has been published by NBC News, BBC, Reuters, VICE, HuffPost, and The Telegraph.
26 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | QDAY AT LAGOON
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Photos courtesy of Brad Montgomery
Issue 327 | SEPTEMBER, 2021
SEPTEMBER, 2021 |
QDAY AT LAGOON | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | 27
Issue 327 | Qsaltlake.com
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28 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | COMICS
At the Olympics
47 Most like the Family Stone? ACROSS 48 “Jailhouse Rock” star 1 “Spartacus” or “Ben- 50 Light trucks Hur” 53 Thumbs-up 5 Russian river 54 Bowie collaborator 9 Oscar Wilde forte 55 “Rita Will,” for one 14 Bride and bride’s 58 Jason went cruising vehicle in this 15 City near Tahoe 59 Belle Brockhoff, at 16 Use for a bed the Olympics 17 Eric Radford, at the 62 The whole shebang Olympics 63 Portable erection 19 Change the constitu- 64 In harmony tion 65 Right, to the ass 20 Husband of a Duke 66 Brian of figure skating 21 Zippy flavors 23 USMC barracks boss 67 Drops down 24 Adam Rippon, at the 68 Cause of Venus envy? Olympics DOWN 27 Poorly endowed 1 “East of Eden” direcDickens character? tor Kazan 30 Movie house guides 2 Maplethorpe photos, 31 “Where did ___ e.g. wrong?” 3 “Da Doo Ron Ron” 32 Town in da Vinci’s beginning land 4 Systematize, as rules 35 Michelangelo’s 5 Grecian vessel David, and more 6 They are but openings 36 Like some memories 7 Lend it to Marc 38 Guitar of ShakeAntony speare’s day 8 “SNL” producer 40 Gus Kenworthy, at Michaels 9 Hooch holders the Olympics PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 29
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10 Prepare to shoot straight 11 Get inside of again 12 Gay men’s chorus event 13 Sign at a bank 18 Antigay crusader Bryant 22 NASA outfits 25 Bunkmates on base 26 You might say it when you get it 27 Lover’s spat, e.g. 28 “Firebird” composer Stravinsky 29 Zip 33 Racism and homophobia 34 Bird feeder food 37 Place for Susie Bright’s drawers 39 Barely makes, with “out” 41 Enjoy the bedroom 42 It’s not a mistake at the Red Cross 43 Affirmative to a male 46 One of Cindy Brady’s cross-dresser curls 44 Ingrid’s “Casablanca” 49 Wraps for female role impersonators 45 Dame Edna
Issue 327 | SEPTEMBER, 2021
50 Trattoria topping 51 Boyd’s “Gay Priest: an ___ Journey” 52 Fowl places 53 “___ we a pair?”
56 Roughly 57 Porn star Ryan 60 Not well endowed 61 Second pitches for Bernstein
SEPTEMBER, 2021 |
PUZZLES | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | 29
Issue 327 | Qsaltlake.com
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30 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | QMMUNITY
Qmmunity Groups BUSINESS
LGBTQ-Affirmative Psycho-therapists Guild of Utah lgbtqtherapists.com * jim@lgbtqtherapists.com Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce utahlgbtqchamber.com * info@utahgaychamber.com LGBT & Allied Lawyers of Utah lgbtutahlawyers.com * lgbtutahlawyers@gmail.com Utah Independent Business Coalition utahindependentbusiness.org 801-879-4928 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 YWCA of Salt Lake ywca.org/saltlakecity 322 E 300 S 801-537-8600 HEALTH & HIV
Utah AIDS Foundation utahaids.org * mail@utahaids.org
1408 S 1100 E 801-487-2323 Weber-Morgan Health Mon., Weds 1-4:30p 477 23rd St, Ogden Appt 801-399-7250 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
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 Wasatch Metropolitan Community Church wasatchmcc.org 801-889-8764 Sundays except the 2nd Sunday, 11:15a at Crone’s Hollow, 3834 S. Main
LEGAL
SOCIAL
Rainbow Law Free Clinic
1 to 5 Club (bisexual) fb.me/1to5ClubUtah
2nd Thurs 6:30–7:30pm UofU Law School, 383 S University St POLITICAL
Equality Utah equalityutah.org * info@equalityutah.org
175 W 200 S, Ste 1004 801-355-3479
Peer Support for Mental Illness — PSMI Thurs 7pm, Utah Pride Ctr
Utah Libertarian Party
Planned Parenthood 654 S 900 E 800-230-PLAN
Utah Log Cabin Republicans
Salt Lake County Health Dept HIV/STD Clinic 660 S 200 E, 4th Floor Walk-ins M–F 10a–4p Appts 385-468-4242
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6885 S State St #200 888-957-8824
bit.ly/logcabinutah
801-657-9611 Utah Stonewall Democrats utahstonewalldemocrats.org fb.me/ utahstonewalldems
1to5club@
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 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 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
umen.org
Alcoholics Anonymous 801-484-7871 utahaa.org LGBT meetings: Sun. 3p Acceptance Group, UPC,1380 S Main
Issue 327 | SEPTEMBER, 2021
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 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
Youth Survivors of Suicide Attempt utahpridecenter.org/ programs/youth-familyprograms/ youthsosa@ utahpridecenter.org 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 The OUT Foundation theout.foundation fb.me/theOUTfoundation 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
TransAction utahpridecenter.org/ programs/transaction/ Sundays 2–3:30pm
Utah Valley Univ Spectrum facebook.com/ groups/uvuspectrum
Women’s Support Group utahpridecenter.org/ programs/lgbtq-adults/ mariananibley@ utahpridecenter.org
Weber State University LGBT Resource Center weber.edu/ lgbtresourcecenter 801-626-7271
Youth Support Group ages 10-14, 14-20
Youth Activity Night ages 10-14, 14-20 utahpridecenter.org/ programs/youth-familyprograms/
utahpridecenter. org/programs/youthfamily-programs/
SEPTEMBER, 2021 |
BOOK REVIEW | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | 31
Issue 327 | Qsaltlake.com
the bookworm sez REVIEW BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
The Natural Mother of the Parent: A Memoir of Nonbinary Parenthood BY KRYS MALCOLM BELC, C.2021, COUNTERPOINT PRESS, $26, 304 PP
It’s really very common. Giving birth is so common, actually, that someone does it in the U.S. nearly eleven thousand times a day — which means that it’s really not much of a big deal, unless it’s your baby. In that case, it’s a one-of-a-kind miracle and, in the new book “The Natural Mother of the Child” by Krys Malcolm Belc, it’s an answer, and a whole lot more questions. They had wanted their chil-
q scopes SEPTEMBER BY SAM KELLEY-MILLS
ARIES March 20–April 19 As temperatures are cooling, so should your temper. You are not angry, but the frustration you’ve been experiencing is due to being pent up. The best way to find some peace is to indulge in some major pleasure.
TAURUS Apr 20–May 20 How far do you want to take a dream? This is a question you need to ask, as your heart and your head are fighting for attention. Divide your need for structure from the need to break free to find some balance.
GEMINI May 21–June 20 What is important today may not matter much tomorrow. Don’t rush into a situation without knowing what you really want. A bit
dren to be close in age. That was the plan — Irish Twins, they called them — but when Krys Belc went to the birth clinic, visibly pregnant with Samson and toting five-month-old Sean, the child of his partner, Anna, women in the clinic’s waiting room stared. Or were they, like Belc’s neighbors, staring because Belc looked like a pregnant man? Yes, Belc inherited his father’s looks. He feared that he might’ve inherited his father’s temper, too; sometimes, Sean was too much and being neither mother nor father, Belc was often unable to comfort the boy. Belc didn’t particularly enjoy being pregnant; in fact, it brought old memories and new notions to surface. Absolutely, he grew up loved and maybe a little protected, but he wanted what his brothers had; he was sure his mother once harbored hopes of sharing a pregnancy with
him, but not anymore. And then it happened: seeing the newborn son he made, made Belc realize that he needed to become the person he always knew he was. A few months after Samson was weaned, Belc began taking testosterone. How does one say goodbye to breasts that fed a beloved son? Belc didn’t want his, but finding the right decision was unsettling. How does a grown son reconcile himself to the idea that his father won’t hug him anymore? Sadly, Belc’s father was generally awkward around him since his transition. How can nonbinary parents not get frustrated at the loops of paperwork to protect their parenthood? “Natural mother,” indeed. And how can anyone ever fully thank those who helped make them parents? If ever there was a book that turned itself in circles to get to the right ending, “The Natural Mother of the Child”
of patience will be rewarded, as the longer you build anticipation, the better the reward.
pens, you will feel a sense of great accomplishment.
CANCER June 21–July 22 Find some comfort in the familiar while thinking outside the box. There is a chance you can appreciate something new and old at the same time. Mix up a relationship standard for some surprisingly good results.
LEO July 23–August 22 Take time to get your financial matters in order. There could be some great developments in store if you look for them. A big package of opportunities is hiding in plain sight, so reach out and take hold of it.
VIRGO August 23–Sep. 2 Family is important to you, and there is someone close that may need some help. Get in touch and do your best to pull them from the void. No matter what hap-
LIBRA Sept 23–October 22 Everything you are trying to accomplish may be easier to conceive than to achieve. Be practical and don’t let wishful thinking guide your moves. At the end of the day, reach for the sky but look for your wings too.
SCORPIO Oct. 23–Nov. 21 There could be a desire to secure a sense of purpose. Rest assured that anything you put your mind to will make a difference. Take action to get the thrills you crave. There are opportunities for growth on the horizon.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22–December 20.
You have your eye on a great prize, and while things may seem great on the surface, there is much more of a complex situation that you are not fully aware of. Do some research and be willing to
is it — and that’s not unpleasant. Nothing and everything in this book is black and white; it’s calm and turbulent, surefooted and not. Author Krys Malcolm Belc takes readers on a journey to fatherhood that started when he was a girl, envying his brothers without knowing exactly why, giving readers a distant, poignant sense of something wanting. That feeling trails throughout Belc’s story, as we wait for what we know is coming and it’s worth it: after his account of pregnancy and the self-consciousness of being mother-not-mother, his decision to transition solidifies like a ship through fog. Look at “The Natural Mother of the Child” first as a parenting book, because that’s exactly what it is: the story of learning enough about one’s self to be a good parent. As for the trans part of this memoir, that’s icing on a cake that’s uncommonly good. Q expand your mind.
CAPRICORN Dec 21–Jan 19
End a cycle of counterproductive moves and simply stick with a project. Put faith in relationships but don’t spend more than you can afford to lose. At the end of the day, a safety net is key to success, so move forward.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20–Feb. 18 A creative streak is only getting stronger and there is a great deal of potential for a new path in an artistic field. Don’t jump too fast but take time to understand what defines you in the public eye. People are watching.
PISCES Feb 19–Mar 19 Even if you don’t have a good sense of what is happening in a relationship, there’s a good bet that things are not what they appear to be. Go directly to the source and figure out what is best for you. Enjoy responsibly. Q
32 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | CELEBRITY
Qsaltlake.com |
Issue 327 | SEPTEMBER, 2021
deep inside hollywood BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE
Harry Styles is ‘My Policeman’ Legendary gay novelist E.M. Forster penned classics like “Maurice,” “Howards’ End” and “A Room with a View,” but he had as complicated a personal life as any queer person in the middle of the 20th century. His longstanding relationship with police officer Bob Buckingham, as well as with Buckingham’s wife, May, became the inspiration for Bethan Roberts’ novel, “My Policeman.” Currently in post-production, the film version of that novel is the kind of openly queer production that the book’s fictional protagonists could only dream of. Starring Harry Styles and Linus Roache as younger and older versions of Tom, the titular cop, the film also features queer, non-binary actor Emma Corrin (Princess Diana on “The Crown”) and Gina McKee as younger and older versions of wife Marion, with David Dawson (“The Last Kingdom”) and gay screen vet Rupert Everett as the man who becomes involved with the ostensibly heterosexual married pair. Adapted by “Philadelphia” screenwriter Ron Nyswaner and directed by gay filmmaker Michael Grandage (“Genius”), we’re looking for this to do for bisexual poly relationships what mainstream queer filmmaking almost never does: get it respectfully right.
Shangela helps drag ‘Lone Star Bull’ into the action hero zone. Who gets to be an action hero? That’s the question “Lone Star Bull,” currently in production, plans to explore when it eventually hits theaters near (one hopes) you. The debut feature from filmmaker David Stoddart, written by brothers Edward and Rory McHenry (creators of the World War II puppet comedy “Jackboots on Whitehall”), tells the story of a former military man turned nightclub bouncer, a medical student who does drag at the bar, and the mission of vengeance they undertake when the club owner is shot during a homophobic attack. The film stars four queer actors: “Brothers and Sisters” alum and Hallmark Christmas movie mainstay Luke Macfarlane, Molly Bernard (“Younger,” “Transparent”), “Mad Men” co-star Bryan Batt and drag superstar D.J. “Shangela” Pierce. In a genre that has historically had little desire to engage with queer characters or themes, what we’re hoping for here is a little bloodlust and vigilante justice from some pissed off homos with very particular sets of skills. We’ve earned it.
‘Real Housewives of the North Pole’ promises holiday mayhem NBC streaming service Peacock is throwing its hat into the Christmas movie ring with a brand-extending concept: take sister network Bravo’s realest housewives and allow them to ruin Christmas for anyone who gets in their way. That seems to be the promise of “Real Housewives of the North Pole,” starring “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” glamourpuss Kyle Richards and “Breaking Bad” alum Betsy Brandt. They’ll play two women who’ve won the holiday house decorating contest for a decade in the town of North Pole, Vermont, only to find themselves in a knock-down-drag-out, friendship-ending fight that splits the town into feuding factions. Shooting soon, we want this fight before Christmas on our screens by December if only to spill a little corrosive acid on the cozy genre that seems to dominate TV for the last hundred days of the year.
Madonna’s ‘Madame X’ documentary gets into the groove Did you miss Madonna’s “Madame X” tour? The album? Well, now’s your chance to get acquainted with it when Paramount+ drops her tour documentary, also called “Madame X.” Shot during the Lisbon dates of her 2019 concert tour, the spectacle of it all incorporates a lot of high-concept sets, costumes, musicians and dancers (48 of those, to be exact). Directed by Portuguese photographer Ricardo Gomes in collaboration with SKNX, the team that created Amazon Prime’s documentary “Madonna – World of Madame X,” the concert film will showcase the ambitious concept album’s influences rooted in international pop. Ms. Ciccone has stated that she hopes the film will “remind us of the sacred bond of our shared humanity,” which is an appropriately grandiose goal, and nothing less than what we’d expect from a woman who’s never aimed for the small gesture. The movie arrives Oct. 8 on Paramount+ and we’ll be there, lounging on our couch watching the hardest working pop star in the world refuse to stop making noise. Long live the queen. Q Romeo San Vicente is waiting for you to justify his love. PHOTO: RICARDO GOMES / PARAMOUNT+.
SEPTEMBER, 2021 |
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the perils of petunia pap smear
The tale of a loser BY PETUNIA PAP SMEAR
The road
to winning the lottery is fraught with danger and excitement. Last month I related the tale of traveling to Malad, Idaho to purchase lottery tickets. The story continues. After Blaze, the stunningly handsome cashier sold me my lottery ticket and a corn dog, I flirtatiously lingered at the counter to flutter my eyelashes in my best “come hither, I’ll meet you out behind the store” look at the object of my obsession. And why wouldn’t any red-blooded American boy get all hot and bothered over a potential lottery-winning queen with a three-foot beehive and a pound-and-a-half of glitter on her upper lip? Suddenly, I was brought out of my flirtatious trance when I was bumped in my maximus buttockus. Now normally, I don’t mind being bounced in my bodus rotundus because you never know when magic might strike. But on this occasion, to my great annoyance and horror, I was rudely knocked aside by a smelly, unkempt, dirty man with only one tooth left in his mouth, trying to purchase a bottle of extra proof tequila. With hopes of becoming the next Mrs. Blaze dashed, I dejectedly left the store and went out into the parking lot and waited, in Queertanic while I watched the door of the store, just in case Blaze caught my hint … Because you know, hope always springs eternal! After a few short moments of daydreaming about
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the life Blaze and I could create together, who should come staggering out of the store towards me but the one-toothed man. He made a beeline towards me with a hungry sparkle in his eye and his one remaining tooth prominently displayed as he eagerly grinned at me. Apparently, he had also witnessed my flirtations and was interested. Thank goodness Queertanic has power locks. I clicked the switch just in the nick of time, as he reached my door and offered to share his tequila while giving me a massage. Not thinking clearly or quickly enough to come up with a decent response, I politely thanked him for the kind offer, but explained that I could not partake because I was preparing to go on a Mormon mission and alcohol was not allowed. A bit shaken by this tragic near matrimonial experience, I drove to my friend Wayne’s house to commiserate the tragedy of my lost love. When I arrived back home, I remembered that it was underwear night at Club Try-Angles. What better way to get over such a harrowing narrow escape than by ogling nearly naked boys? So, I quickly changed into a party caftan, changed wigs to match the color of my dress, and grabbed the matching purse. As I was transferring my stuff from purse to purse, I could not find my wallet. Oh shit! I must have left my wallet in Malad at the store. I looked at my lottery ticket to see the name of the store and called and asked if they had found a lost wallet. The answer was a resounding “no.” Accepting the inevitable, I took off my party caftan and wig and proceeded to call the credit card companies to cancel all my cards. What a pain. I was most upset because my lifetime pass to the national parks card was in the wallet and that is not replaceable. I needed to call four credit card companies and dealing with them was a lesson in frustration. With the first of four calls, after being on hold for at least 45 minutes listening to some horrible pan-flute solo, I finally got the automated response. After listening to an unbelievably lengthy menu, it asked me to answer some questions.
For some reason, the computer could not understand my voice and kept repeating the question back to me. I finally asked to speak to a representative. The computer said, “I’m sorry, I did not understand your response. Did you say representative?” Yes, representative! REPRESENTATIVE!! REPRE-SENT-A-TIVE!!! God damnit! Then the system kicked me out and I had to start all over again, with another 45 minutes of pan-flute. Finally, on the fourth call attempt when stating “representative”, I got an actual person. Sadly, they had such a thick accent that I was unable to understand hardly a word they spoke to me. In desperation, I even removed my disco ball earrings hoping I could hear better. In the end, I eventually had to hang up and try yet a fifth time. After about two hours of this, victory was ultimately mine! I successfully spoke with a real person, whom I could understand, and they were very helpful and canceled my card. Now “rinse and repeat”, four more times. I was tired and hungry by the time I got finished so I went to bed, dreaming of underwear-clad boys hiding my wallet from me. The next morning, in the cold light of day all I had left to do was to go to the DMV and get a new driver’s license, but due to pandemic concerns, hours of operation were limited and waiting times were impossibly long. Oh! My! Hell! Will this nightmare never end? Just at my greatest moment of despair, Wayne called and said he found my wallet in the creases of his sofa. I guess late is better than never! This story leaves us with several important questions: 1. Does a glitter mustache impede an automated phone system from understanding my voice? 2. Would the Mormon Church let a queen with a beehive serve a mission? 3. Should I go back to Malad, and strike up a relationship with the one toothed man? 4. Is he my last hope? 5. How long will it take the dent in the side of my head created by my disco ball earrings pressing against it to go away? 6. Can you un-cancel a canceled credit card? These and other eternal questions will be answered in future chapters of The Perils of Petunia Pap Smear. Q
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