Utah Pr!de 2023 will be 'Unapologetic

Utah Pride will take place the first weekend of June and this year leaders went to the community to vote for the theme. The community chose “Unapologetic” for this year’s event.

Britt Martinez, adult programs manager for Utah Pride Center, offered up this theme.

“Unapologetic to me means living in authenticity regardless of how the world views us. We are what we are and we’re not taking no for an answer,” Martinez said in a statement.

“This year, that’s exactly the message our community chose to represent our celebrations in June: being Unapologetic is coming out to celebrate our identities together free from fear and imposed standards, free to express our wholeness and beauty,” event leaders stated.

The event will take place June 1 through 4 at Washington Square in downtown Salt Lake City.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31

As in previous years, the first event of the week is the PRIDE INTERFAITH WORSHIP SERVICE Wednesday, May 31 at 7pm at First Baptist Church, 777 S 1300 E, Salt Lake City. Organized by the Utah Pride Interfaith Coalition Interfaith Service brings together faith communities of many varieties from across the Salt Lake Valley.

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

An evening of glamour and entertainment featuring MONÉT X CHANGE is promised at UTAH PRIDE LIVE . Also appearing are ULTRA NATÉ , DANA GOLDBERG , BRIAN JUSTIN CRUM , and DJ GSP. See the Entertainment pages starting on page 20 for bios.

The event is Thursday, June 1 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Hilton Salt Lake City, 255 S. West Temple.

Ticket includes VIP reception, food, hosted bar, and after party “We are bringing a slice of Hollywood to the Beehive State,” said organizer Jonathan Foulk. “This evening of entertainment and glamour is an all-new addition to our traditional schedule of events. The only thing missing from this incredible gala is you.” The event is 21+ and has separate ticketing, though included in the Utah Pride Total Experience pass.

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

The night kicks off with the PRIDE MARCH AND RALLY at 6 p.m at the Utah State Capitol Building.

“We organize to fight for our rights, safety, and visibility. The Rally and March are a celebration of our identities, and a protest against discrimination. Join the fight on Friday night at the Capitol to hear from our community’s diverse voices, and to show the world your rainbow colors!” wrote organizers.

The march will end at the Utah Pride Festival grounds at Washington and Library Squares with the LOUD AND QUEER CONCERT. The concert is headlines by ICONA POP, with TRIXIE MATTEL and ANABEL ENGLUND. See their bios on page 20.

“After our rally at the state Capitol and march to Washington Square, the party officially blasts off,” organizers wrote in a statement. “Be the first to step foot onto the brand new and improved Utah Pride Festival grounds and enjoy a magical evening of music and merriment.”

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. is YOUTH PRIDE , an outdoor youth party on the grounds of the Festival open to ages 13–20. Music, crafts, drag artists and all the exclusive enjoyment.

Also at 11 a.m. is a DRAG BRUNCH for those over 21 at Shades on State, 366 S. State St. Entertainers include LAWANDA JACKSON , DEXTACI , OLIVIA KNOWLES , TIFFANY BONET, and KC SUNSHINE

Olivia Knowles

Then on Saturday, the official FESTIVAL begins at 1 p.m. at Washington and Library Squares, 450 S. 300 East. Headliners for the day are DRAMA , LA ROUX , CRYSTAL WATERS, RÊVE , BLACK BELT EAGLE SCOUT, RUBIO, ISIS MURETECH , DAN SLATER , and NINA FLOWERS . Bios on page 20.

SUNDAY, JUNE 4

Many people’s favorite event of Pride weekends is the UTAH PRIDE PARADE — Utah’s largest LGBTQ+ event of the year with nearly 150,000 spectators and participants. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and runs through about noon. Grandstands will be available this year as well. Check for next month’s QSaltLake for the route and grand marshals. The most-attended Festival day is always Sunday. This year, the organizers expanded the hours to noon to 11 p.m. Headliners are VINCINT, JORDY, DEBORAH COX , JODIE HARSH , CUB SPORT, MARRLO SUZZANNE AND THE GALAXXY BAND, RAFA MAFRA , GSP, and KARSTEN SOLLORS . See bios on page 20.