QSaltLake Magazine | Issue 349 | June PRIDE 2023

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QSaltLake celebrates its bronze anniversary and looks to the future

BY MICHAEL AARON

Nineteen years ago April 29, the first issue of what would become QSaltLake Magazine rolled off the presses and onto shelves of over 200 locations across the valley. It was a four-month effort to sell enough ads, hire a staff, set up an office, and put together enough stories to fill a newspaper.

That morning, I was interviewed by Mary Nickles on 2News This Morning and then the Good Morning Utah at Channel 4. In the afternoon, I was on-air at KCPW helping with their radiothon and promoting the launch. In the evening, I was at the launch party to end all parties in both King Suites of Hotel Monaco, hobnobbing with all of the KUTV crew and online personalities, the mayor, several legislators, queer leaders, and so many friends there was a line in the hotel lobby to be allowed up.

While I consider we started our 20th year on January 4 when we opened the office, this is likely the true anniversary in most ways.

In 2004, our community was fighting a constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage and dealing with police targeting our community. Utah Pride had 20,000 attendees. Utah Pride Center was called the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Utah. Salt Lake City’s mayor was Rocky Anderson, and Utah’s governor was Olene Walker.

Today, there are new challenges for our community. While we have the right to marry, many other of our wins over the last two decades are being pushed back by ultra-conservatives — some within our own ranks. The transgender community, which was barely visible 20 years ago, is front-andcenter in the right’s attempts to silence us and, to some, deny our very existence.

In the past few years, people asked if there was still a need for a queer local publication. I held fast then, and I’m even more convinced now that QSaltLake Magazine is a vital part of our progress forward. Q

IF YOU WANT A SINGING CAREER, STAY AWAY FROM SECONDHAND SMOKE.

Her partner, Karen Florida

Ellie’s severe asthma attacks were triggered by secondhand smoke at work. She and her partner have to live with its effects forever. If you or someone you know wants free help to quit smoking, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

#CDCTips

Ellie, Age 57

The top national and world news since last issue you should know

BY CRAIG OGAN

Roberta Kaplan gets it done

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher always said, “If you want to hear a speech, ask a man. If you want to get something done, ask a woman.” It took Roberta Kaplan to finally win a suit against a man who has escaped legal punishment for 50 years — the USA’s 45th president. The civil suit for writer E. Jean Carroll, about a sexual assault in the 1990s in New York resulted in a $5 million settlement for sexual abuse and defamation. Kaplan is proudly a lesbian and a longtime champion of lesbian, gay, and women’s rights. Kaplan is most famous for representing Edie Windsor, a lesbian widow who challenged the Defense of Marriage Act. In 2013, DOMA’s section 3 was ruled unconstitutional by the U. S. Supreme Court

FDA clarifies gay/bi blood donations, sort of

The Food and Drug Administration announced it will allow more gay and bisexual men to donate blood. The prior rule: if a man had anal intercourse with another man within the last three months, the blood could not be used. A significant change: Men in monogamous relationships are no longer required to abstain from sex to donate. Now, all potential donors need to

complete individualized risk assessments — regardless of gender or sexual proclivity. People who have had anal sex with new partners or more than one partner in the last three months would be asked to wait to donate blood.

RIP Dame Edna, never a drag

Though not a gay man, comedian Barry Humphries, created one of the most recognizable drag characters in recent memory, the internationally renowned stage personae’ Dame Edna Everage. Humphries died in his native Australia at age 89. He started performing as Dame Edna in the 1950s. The Dame was one of many stage characters he created and became the most famous. Humphries, as Dame Edna, won a Tony Award for the Broadway play, “Dame Edna: The Royal Tour.” Dame Edna’s alter ego was married four times. Apparently, a bio-woman could not compete with Humphries’ uber-feminine creation, Dame Edna.

Twitter changes language/ conduct policy. Oh poop

Twitter has removed language in its “hateful conduct policy” prohibiting the targeted misgendering or “deadnaming” of transgender people. The policy has been in place since 2018. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said the move made Twitter less safe for people and advertisers. Twitter’s report function still allows users to report a tweet for “misgendering or deadnaming” a person or a group

of people. The site responded to a request for comment with the ��“Pile of Poo” emoji , an automated message it sends as a reply to all media requests.

Transgender Legislative Round-Up

NORTH DAKOTA law now regulates and restricts transgender health care to people younger than 18. Also, public schools and government entities are now prohibited from requiring teachers and employees to refer to transgender people by the pronouns of choice.

Teachers are now required to tell a parent or legal guardian if the student identifies as transgender.

Transgender students are prohibited from using the bathroom of their choice without prior approval from a parent or guardian. Not clear if this is needed every time the child needs the bathroom or if a blanket notification is allowed.

MISSOURI ’s attorney general announced new restrictions on gender-affirming care for adults in addition to minors. The regulation is a legal opinion from existing law and is believed to be the first regulation of transgender care for adults in the U.S. Advocacy groups are threatening to sue for administrative overreach. Minors would no longer have access to puberty blockers, hormones, or surgery. The adult ban affects Medicaid healthcare subscribers and inmates in local and state jails and prisons.

Missouri law now prohibits transgender girls and women from participating in female sports teams at public, private, and charter schools through the collegiate level.

KANSAS Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed four anti-trans-

gender bills. Veto override votes narrowly failed.

MONTANA House Speaker ruled Rep. Zooey Zephyr, Montana’s only transgender elected official, could not participate in debates until she apologized for saying lawmakers would have “blood on their hands” if they supported a bill regulating medical care for transgender youth. This action resulted in widespread protests by transgender activists and allies at the state house in Helena. Montana became for 15th state to regulate affording minors access to medical procedures to change sexes.

COLORADO became the first U. S. state to include gender-affirming health care as an essential health benefit, or EHB. Under federal law, each state is required to provide ten EHBs, such as prescription drugs and emergency services. The Federal Department of Health and Human Services officially signed off on Colorado considering gender-affirming health care an EHB. Colorado 4th Congressional Representative known, as the “AR 15 Barbie”, objected to the federal ok, calling it a disgrace.

WASHINGTON State Governor signed a law protecting minors seeking gender changing medical care in Washington from the intervention of estranged parents. The law requires pro-forma notification of parents of children in “state care” who are seeking surgery or pharmaceutical solutions to change sex.

U.S. CONGRESS passed legislation that would ban transgender women and girls from competing in female school athletics. The “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act” goes to the U. S. Senate for action, which it will not receive.

Courts examine trans insurance coverage

The Richmond-based U. S. Court of Appeals said it will take up whether North Carolina’s state health insurance plan can bar coverage for treatments sought by transgender people for gender reassignment surgery and hormone therapy. North Carolina is among a group of at least 15 states where employee health plans do not include coverage for gender transition-related procedures.

Surfer wipe-out

Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton said she does not intend to participate in upcoming World Surf League events after the organization announced a change in policies that will allow transgender women to compete in women’s events.

Watch your mouth, coach

UC

basketball coaching

legend Bob Huggins was fined for using gay and religious slurs during a radio interview. Huggins is legendary for his number of wins on the court and DUIs, suggesting that no member of the Xavier University basketball team would transfer to his School, West Virginia U. “Catholics don’t do that.” He said, “Any school that can throw rubber penises on the floor and then say they didn’t do it, by God, they can get away with anything.” When asked by the interviewer if it was “transgender night” at the ballgame, Huggins answered, “No, what it was, was all those faggots, those Catholic faggots, I think.” The Hall of Fame Coach was later suspended and fined and he apologized for the slurs.

An attractive Good Morning wake up call

ABC News has named Gio Benitez co-anchor of Good Morning America’s Saturday and Sunday telecasts. He is apparently gay, as GLAAD heralded his appointment with a statement, “GLAAD congratulates Gio Benitez on his new role as co-anchor of Good Morning America’s Weekend show and applauds ABC News for continuing to elevate inclusive and intersectional LGBTQ experiences.” Use of the word, “intersectional,’ is apparently a reference to his Hispanic ethnicity. Since 2020, Benitez has covered transportation, aviation, and space exploration at ABC News.

Gotta love Midwest cities

The City Council of KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI declared the city will be a sanctuary

for Missouri residents seeking medical treatment for gender issues. Directions were issued to city departments to ignore the Missouri Attorney General’s “diktat” that adults would also be covered by the legislature’s ban on gender-related medical therapies for minors.

In CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA , the Human Rights Commission asked Mayor Rob Green to sign a letter proclaiming June as Pride Month. The mayor spoke of his Christian values when announcing his decision not to support the proclamation. A manure storm ensued. At city council meetings, citizens told the mayor they were embarrassed. Others told him that they felt unsafe. The mayor relented, saying, in an example of “Iowa nice,” “We don’t have to agree in order to love each other and to try to understand each other.” Q

Equality Utah decries vandalism of senator’s home

The home of Utah state Sen. Mike Kennedy, a Republican lawmaker from Utah County, was targeted in an act of vandalism following his sponsorship of a bill that prohibits transgender surgeries and medical interventions for minors in the state. The incident sparked condemnation from both opponents and supporters of Senate Bill 16, while Kennedy himself vows not to “back down.”

Kennedy took to social media to share a photo revealing the extent of the damage inflicted on his property. The message, spray-painted in red on his garage doors, walls, and driveway, contained a derogatory slur aimed at transgender individuals and read, “these trannies bash back.”

Local law enforcement, the Lone Peak Police Department, received notification of the vandalism at around 7:30 a.m. on April 21.

“The suspects appear to have targeted the senator based on legislation that recently passed in the last legislative session. Officers are working diligently to gather evidence to find the suspects involved,” a statement from the department said.

SB16, sponsored by Senator

Annual LGBTQ+ Survey

QSaltLake Magazine asks you to please take part in the Community Marketing & Insights 17th Annual LGBTQ Community Survey. This survey provides free data to help non-profits, universities, and organizations better understand and serve the LGBTQ community. The report will be

Kennedy, was passed during Utah’s 2023 General Session and quickly signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox. The bill received support solely from Republican legislators, while civil rights organizations have threatened legal action to temporarily halt its implementation. The law, effective since January 28, prohibits transgender surgeries for minors and restricts new treatments like puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.

Responding to the vandalism, Kennedy released a statement through the Utah Senate, asserting his unwavering commitment to his principles.

“To those who seek to use violence, vandalism, and intimidation to deter me from standing up for what is right, let me be clear: you will not succeed. I will not be deterred by your cowardly actions,” Kennedy wrote. “We will not let fear and violence control our destiny. As Utahns, we will always stand up and push back against radicals who seek to push their agenda in our state. I am more determined than ever to work with the good people of Utah to make our state a better place for all, especially our children, and I won’t back down.”

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“I will not back down from fighting for what is right and just. Your attempt to threaten and silence me will only make me louder. I am more determined than ever to work with the good people of Utah toward a better future for our state,” Kennedy wrote on his Facebook page.

In response to the incident, both the ultra-conservative Utah Eagle Forum and LGBTQ civil rights organization Equality Utah issued statements denouncing the act of vandalism.

The Utah Eagle Forum highlighted Kennedy’s courage in defending the welfare of Utah’s children and condemned the vandalism as a threat to his safety and an assault on the community’s shared values. They pledged to stand together in support of those who tirelessly work to protect children and uphold their common principles.

Equality Utah wrote that “we want to make it clear that Equality Utah condemns these tactics in the absolute strongest terms.”

“As LGBTQ Americans, we know what it is like to be on the receiving end of violence. We know what it is like to fear for our own safety. It is never acceptable to replicate the violent or threatening tactics we have had to endure and target those with whom we have disagreements,” the statement read. “These heinous acts do not help LGBTQ Utahns. They do not advance a climate of equality. In fact, they harm our efforts to build bridges and

create deeper understanding with our fellow Utahns.”

“We understand that many in our community are frightened by the unprecedented number of bills introduced across the country that directly impact LGBTQ youth. We work tirelessly with lawmakers to help them understand the complexity of these issues and to have compassion and empathy for our community. Because we have been able to develop meaningful relationships with many lawmakers with whom we have fundamental disagreements, we have been able to experience incredible progress in a very conservative state. We will never achieve equality unless we continue to actively build bridges of understanding through mutual respect,” the statement continued. “The culture wars are now escalating into real-world violence, and we all have an obligation to take a stand and condemn extremism wherever it manifests — be it acts of vandalism or political acts of violence.

Commenters on Kennedy’s Facebook page largely expressed their support for his stance on the issue, with many commending his commitment to public service and integrity. One individual even offered assistance in removing the paint from his home.

As the investigation into the vandalism continues, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the ongoing discussions and the broader debate on transgender rights in Utah. Q

Utah parent challenges Bible under new book ban law

A Utah parent has raised eyebrows by challenging the Bible under a new state law that prohibits the presence of “pornographic or indecent” material in schools. This law has been controversially utilized to remove books written by predominantly LGBTQ+ and Black authors from school shelves.

The unnamed parent submitted a book challenge to the Davis School District in December, asserting that the Bible is “one of the most sex-ridden books around” and called for its removal from school libraries for evaluation. In the challenge, the parent expressed gratitude to the Utah Legislature and Utah Parents United, an ultra-conservative group claiming to advocate for parental rights in education, for making the book-banning process easier and more efficient, sarcastically suggesting that books can be banned without even reading or examining them.

Utah State Representative Ken Ivory, who sponsored H.B. 374, the book ban bill, denounced the parent’s request as a political stunt that would drain school resources. He highlighted the detrimental effects of sexualization and hyper-sexualization, linking them to sexual exploitation and abuse, and emphasized the importance of keeping such content out of schools. Ivory expressed disappointment in what he calls the parent’s mockery, remarking that it minimized the seriousness of the issue.

Utah Parents United spearheaded the campaign to ban books containing perceived objectionable content in school districts across the state. Brooke Stephens, the group’s curriculum director, even filed a police

report alleging that 47 books available in Davis School District libraries contained “pornography” in violation of state law. As a response to their efforts, Utah lawmakers passed and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed H.B. 374, which mandates the removal of books containing “pornographic or indecent material” from public K–12 schools.

The Bible challenge submitted on December 11 included an eight-page list of passages deemed unacceptable under the law. The parent, claiming to have read the Bible, cited instances of incest, onanism, bestiality, prostitution, genital mutilation, fellatio, dildos, rape, and even infanticide as evidence of its purportedly pornographic nature. They argued that the Bible, according to Utah Code Ann. § 76-101227, held no educational value for minors and should be classified as pornographic based on the new definition.

“Ceding our children’s education, First Amendment Rights, and library access to a white supremacist hate group like Utah Parents United seems like a wonderful idea for a school district literally under investigation for being racist.,” the parent wrote in their complaint.

. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice found that the district had intentionally ignored widespread racial harassment within its schools.

Christopher Williams, a spokesperson for Davis School District, confirmed that the Bible challenge has been forwarded to a committee for review. Williams emphasized that the district treats all requests equally and follows the necessary protocols in addressing them. Q

SLCC students film transgender documentary

Salt Lake Community College film students produced a documentary covering three local transgender individuals of various backgrounds and ages.

“‘We Belong’ is a documentary celebrating transgender people,” student

director Noah Rivas said in an interview on KRCL’s RadioActive. “As a trans person myself, I’ve always wanted to put myself into the films I create. That was a huge inspiration for pitching this documentary and making it happen.”

Individuals featured in the film candidly discuss their personal journeys of coming out, grappling with gender dysphoria, and confronting the painful reality of transphobia.

56-year-old Sara Jade Woodhouse came out as transgender later in life, and tells the story of how she knew she was meant to be a woman.

“From the time I was four years old, and people started breaking off into boy groups and girl groups, I always knew there was something different,” Woodhouse said in the film. “But this was the 60s or 70s, and I was in small-town Salem, Utah — so the word trans-anything was not in my vocabulary.”

This year, the Utah State Legislature passed, and Gov. Spencer Cox signed, Senate Bill 16 — legislation that blocks transgender minors from receiving gender-affirming healthcare. Oliver, a trans youth member who spoke during a House committee hearing, explained that they needed to mature politically because their rights are on the line.

“I think it’s kind of sad,” they said in the film. “I’m 16, I would much rather be reading or playing video games than going out to the Capitol to [explain] to people how I’m a normal person and they don’t need to interfere with the way my life is headed.”

Also in the film, 28-year-old Milo Johansen talks about the challenges of raising a child and the fear that comes with being a transgender parent.

“It’s scary with a lot of laws in certain places [where] parents are having their children taken away for being trans,” he says. “I always joke about ‘over my dead body,’ but that’s a little too real sometimes.”

“Our ‘tagline’ was that we were celebrating transgender individuals, and we went into this with a really happy approach,” said the film’s producer, Connor O’Hagen. “And a part of the history, there’s a lot of pain that’s there. We realized that, overall, celebration doesn’t always have to be super-joyous. We changed the tone to be about the trans community and what the reality is.”

A trailer for “We Belong” is available to watch on YouTube. Q

Time

Warp Alert! Salt Lake Men’s Choir will take the audience back to the 1950s in a musical extravaganza

In a stroke of pure nostalgia mixed with utter hilarity, the Salt Lake Men’s Choir has announced an upcoming concert that promises to transport audiences straight into the heart of the 1950s. Prepare for some sharp suits, greased-up hair, and maybe a poodle skirt or two as these crooners belt out the greatest hits of the era.

Under the direction of artistic director Dennis “Melody Man” McCracken, the choir has been rehearsing diligently for their grand performance, aptly titled “Rockin’ ‘Round the Clock.” Their setlist is a delightful blend of classic tunes that will have the audience twisting, jiving, and dancing in their seats.

The choir will serenade the crowd with their harmonious rendition of Elvis Presley’s timeless ballad, “Love Me Tender.” But don’t get too comfortable swaying in your seat, as the tempo quickly picks up with Bill Haley and the Comets’ iconic anthem, “Rock Around the Clock.”

The choir will shake things up with “Shake, Rattle and Roll” and “Blueberry Hill.” The audience won’t be able to resist joining in and singing along, caught up in the contagious energy.

Then, as the night falls, the choir will create a magical

atmosphere with their angelic harmonies in “In the Still of the Night.” Audience members will be transported back to simpler times, swaying arm-in-arm with their loved ones, reminiscing about soda shops and sock hops, and “Save the Last Dance for Me.”

The choir will ignite the stage with Jerry Lee Lewis’s “Great Balls of Fire.” The piano keys will be [almost] literally ablaze as pianist Aaron Flood rocks out with his fingers moving faster than the speed of sound. It’s a spectacle that shouldn’t be missed — fire extinguishers on standby, just in case!

To let everyone catch their breath, the choir will dive into a string of timeless classics like “Bye Bye Love” by the Everly Brothers and “Good Night Sweetheart It’s Time to Go” by The Spaniels. Audience members will be crooning along, swaying, and waving their lighters (or cell phones) in the air.

So, mark your calendars for June 9 and 10 and dust off your poodle skirts and leather jackets because the men’s choir is ready to take you on a hilarious journey through time.

June 9–10 at 7:30 p.m. at Murray High School, 5440 S State St. Tickets $20 at saltlakemenschoir.org/tickets or at the door.

QSaltLake Lagoon Day 2023 set for Aug. 13

One day each summer, Utah’s queer community floods Lagoon theme park with red. Members of the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters will take over the park for the QSaltLake Day at Lagoon this year on Sunday, Aug. 13. The event attracts as many as 2,000. Supporters are

encouraged to wear red shirts and stop by the QSaltLake pavilion — the Honey Locust Pavilion— for a group photo at 4 p.m. and to mingle with other queers and allies. The pavilion is open the entire day and is a popular place to have lunch, take a break, and mingle with the Matrons of Mayhem.

will just say thank you to everyone who is working to end gender bias in our workplaces and community at large.”

NGLCC President and Co-Founder Justin Nelson also joined the event.

Utah

LGBTQ+ Chamber president invited to the White House

Liz Pitts, president & CEO of the Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, joined other top women National LGBT Chamber of Commerce affiliate chamber leaders for a kickoff event at the White House for the U.S. Small Business Administration 2023 Women’s Business Summit.

SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman kicked off the event, which coincided with Women’s History Month, followed by remarks by President Biden, who announced the addition of new federal resources to support women-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs, including a planned expansion of the SBA’s Women’s Business Centers.

President Joe Biden welcomed the crowd, saying that there are over 12 million women-owned businesses in the country, including three small business panelists in the session.

“Small businesses like yours account for 40 percent of the nation’s GDP. You create twothirds of all the new jobs. And you employ nearly half of all private-sector workers,” the president said. “For an American economy to be strong,

it’s going to have to have a strong small-business base.”

“Every time someone moves to start a new business, it’s an act of hope. We’re seeing a lot of these across the country. A lot of hope. And once again, it’s women leading the way,” he said. “In 2021, women started and owned half of all the new businesses in the United States, up from less than a third had women started by them in 2019. Women-owned businesses like yours add $1.8 trillion to America’s GDP every year, and that number grows.”

“So, look, on behalf of a grateful nation, I want to thank you all because you’re such an inspiration to so many men and women around the country,” Biden said to close his remarks.

Pitts said that she felt energized by the conference.

“I was honored and thrilled to represent Utah’s LGBTQ+ business owners and leaders of marginalized gender at the White House Tuesday,” she said. “To be in the room with amazing and powerful women, trans and cis, was an experience that will stay with

me always; one I will recall, especially when our local social justice work becomes daunting. If I could share with all queer and gender-marginalized leaders the feeling of being included and celebrated as we were at the Whitehouse this week, I would. For now, I

“It was an extraordinary day having 10 of our top women affiliate leaders represent the LGBTQ business community at the White House,” said Nelson. “We look forward to continuing to work alongside our steadfast partner in SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman as more opportunities and resources are made available to women business owners nationwide.”

In Utah, women own over 89,000 businesses, a surge of 21 percent since 2014, according to the Women’s Business Center of Utah. They noted that women-owned businesses earn $15.7 billion a year in the state. Q

Park City students question Gov. Cox on trans, book banning issues

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox visited Park City High School in April, where he was asked about censoring books in school libraries and gender-affirming care for minors as he tours the state, advocating for balance amid the ongoing “culture war” in America.

The Republican fielded questions from five students selected to represent various school groups.

Three of the students were among numerous high schoolers who proudly wore rainbow armbands as a symbol of their support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Chloe Taurel asked about S.B. 16 and the measures he took to include the views of transgender youth before signing the bill into law. Taurel emphasized the significance of involving

and amplifying the voices of young individuals in the realm of politics, even prior to reaching voting age.

Cox said that, prior to the passage of the bill, he organized a meeting bringing together conservative state leaders, transgender youth, and advocates from Equality Utah. As a result, certain modifications were made to the legislation.

Student Jackalyn Vazquez raised concerns about Utah’s “sensitive materials” law that target works that feature LGBTQ+ and minority characters or are written by authors who belong to these communities.

Cox answered that the state is trying to maintain a balance to ensure schools are providing age-appropriate materials. Q

Gay Rodeo returns to Utah

BY GLEN CLAYBURN

Drag Racing on Steers and Undies on Goats? You will find this and more at the Crossroads Of The West Regional Rodeo.

Giddy up for the return of the Utah Gay Rodeo on June 17th and 18th at the Golden Spike Arena in Ogden, Utah, which promises to showcase more than the typical Western traditions.

“It’s a big party. It’s a big festival,” says Raeann Grow, president of the Utah Gay Rodeo Association. She

describes it as “country lifestyle, with a flare and a live rodeo at the same time.”

There will be 13 events, such as bull riding, steer riding, calf roping, pole bending, team roping, and others that rodeo fans will recognize. But this rodeo also features three “camp” events: goat dressing, steer decorating and a wild drag race.

Each of the categories uses a two- or three-person team.

“In goat dressing,” Grow explains, “the team has a certain timeframe to run, get their goat, and put a pair of

underpants on it. It’s literally people putting underwear on goats,” she states.

Steer decorating involves putting a ribbon on a steer’s tail, and in the wild drag race, one person on the team is dressed in drag and must get on the steer and ride it to the finish line.

“All the other events are standard events as you’d see at any other professional rodeo,” Raeann says, “and include competitors who are gay, straight, and transgender. Everyone’s welcome to compete, and everybody’s welcome to attend.”

All activities are family-friendly. Grow says nothing is above a PG rating. The rodeo events are in the arena, and county fair-style games and entertainment will take place on the grass outside the arena called the Courtyard from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Inside the arena, vendors

will sell everything from blankets and Western hats to T-shirts, candles, and more. Food and alcohol are available on-site as well, and UGRA will hold a Silent Auction to help raise money for charity and future events.

Throughout the weekend, there will be entertainment in the Golden Spike Arena Courtyard.

Saturday night, June 17, there will be a special performance by past and present International Gay Rodeo Association Royalty from various parts of the country.

Utah’s own Rodeo Queen, Ari Versace Stephens, will be headlining the night.

Admission to the rodeo is $15 each day, and entertainment in the Courtyard is free. Q

For more information and tickets, visit the UGRA website utahgayrodeo.com or the Golden Spike Arena website goldenspikeenventcenter.com.

Weber State University holds ‘Lavender Graduation’ for LGBTQ students

Weber State University in Ogden held a series of affinity graduation ceremonies for various subgroups, including LGBTQ students, Latinos, and others, to provide a more intimate space for celebration as the spring semester came to a close.

The University’s LGBT Resource Center recognized the need for representation among the LGBTQ community, as they sometimes feel overlooked in the larger commencement ceremony. Adrienne Andrews, Weber State’s vice president of equity, diversity, and inclusion, explained that the affinity ceremonies aim to give these students a dedicated space to celebrate their achievements alongside their peers.

The Lavender Graduation marked the beginning of the series of ceremonies. The event, held at Shepherd Union, featured around a dozen participants who received rainbow tassels and listened to a presentation on the history of such celebrations. Katelyn Blanch, a manager at the LGBT Resource Center, emphasized the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of LGBTQ+ students who have been historically underrepresented.

“It’s a great event to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community that we have here at Weber State and the community that supports them,” said Katelyn Blanch, LGBT Resource Center administrative assistant. “Our LGBTQ+

students are very passionate and have put in a lot of work, and they’ve been underrepresented for so long.”

Graduates were given rainbow tassels and had lunch with presentations about the history of lavender graduations and reading of graduate names.

Lavender graduations began in 1995 at the University of Michigan after lesbian speaker and author Ronni Sanlo was denied access to her children’s graduations due to her sexual orientation. The tradition has now expanded to hundreds of universities across the country.

Other affinity ceremonies included the Pacific Islander community, the Asian community, the WSU Ballet Folklórico (a Hispanic/Latino dance group), the Latinx community, students of African descent, and Native American students.

Weber State introduced the concept of affinity celebrations in 2019 with a special ceremony for Latinos, and last year marked the first time the university held a full array of affinity graduation events. Andrews expressed the university’s desire to make affinity celebrations a permanent fixture in their annual graduation events.

As the university celebrated the accomplishments of its graduating students, the most popular majors among this year’s Weber State graduates included nursing, psychological science, criminal justice, communication, computer science, and professional sales. Q

Bastian mansion turned into UVU art museum

A 39,000-square-foot private mansion with nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms built in 1993 for Bruce and Melanie Bastian is now the Utah Valley University Museum of Art at Lakemount Manor.

Bruce divorced Melanie a year after the mansion was built after being married for 18 years when he came out as gay. He has since become a major donor to the Human Rights Campaign and other LGBTQ causes, including the fight for same-sex marriage. Bruce built another mansion five miles north in Orem.

Bruce Bastian co-founded, with Alan Ashton, the company behind the word-processing software WordPerfect in 1978. The success of WordPerfect made him one of the country’s wealthiest people — with a spot, for a time, on the Forbes 400 list.

The UVU Museum of Art at Lakemount Manor is preparing to unveil its first exhibition, “The Art of Belonging.” The exhibit focuses on BIPOC culture, with works from local, national, and

international artists that “demonstrate how art museums can work toward social, racial, and economic justice,” according to a release from UVU. The exhibition is in three parts, curated by artist and educator Jorge Rojas and Fanny Guadalupe Blauer, executive director of Artes de Mexico en Utah.

The exhibition is part of a larger UVU initiative to explore “themes of belonging in community and culture.” Six rooms and a hallway have been converted into gallery spaces, with one part of the exhibit solely curated by Rojas, another of Rojas’ work curated by Taylor Wright, and the third a statewide juried exhibition featuring 50 artworks in various media from 40 Utah BIPOC artists. Among the pieces in the juried exhibition is an acrylic painting by Crystal Callison depicting expressionless people, a piece with glass beading on canvas from Bianca Velasquez, and two rooms with video projections of pieces. Q

PHOTO: BENJAMIN ZACK

Unofficial BYU lavender graduation held

Former Brigham Young University instructors Daniel Barney and Roni Jo Draper organized a Lavender Graduation ceremony on April 15, ahead of BYU’s official graduation ceremonies. Lavender Graduation is an event that celebrates and honors LGBTQ+ students as they complete their studies.

The ceremony took place at a residence about a mile from the BYU campus. A colorful inflatable rainbow arch marked the entrance, and chairs were set up on the lawn for the attendees.

Addressing the crowd of around 20 graduates, Draper, wearing earrings that read “BOLD” and “LOVE,” spoke about the significance of the event. She acknowledged the challenges the LGBTQ+ students faced during their time at BYU and praised their resilience. Each graduate’s name and a brief biography were read aloud by Barney, drawing cheers and applause from the audience, particularly when it was announced that one student would be getting “gay married” later in the year.

As a symbol of recognition, Draper presented each student with a purple and white cord to wear with their graduation gown and cap.

While Lavender Graduations are official events at some universities, this event was not sponsored or endorsed by BYU. As an institution owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which opposes samesex marriage, BYU has strict policies outlined in its Honor Code that prohibit “samesex romantic behavior.”

Many LGBTQ+ BYU students face challenges due to the fear of being reported

to the Honor Code Office.

Julia Sasine, a recent sociology graduate and president of the Cougar Pride Center, expressed the sadness of not being able to openly share her life and love with her peers at BYU. Openly identifying as LGBTQ+ also resulted in frequent questions about her experiences at the university and within the church, which Sasine found exhausting as they often included recounting traumatizing encounters.

However, the Lavender Graduation ceremony focused on celebrating the graduates’ achievements and looking towards their future rather than dwelling on past difficulties. Rin Butler, a biology major, created a paper chain countdown to graduation, symbolizing their eagerness to move beyond BYU. Butler mentioned instances where they felt unsafe on campus and described an incident where their roommates incorrectly assumed they were on a date, resulting in a conversation about violating the Honor Code.

For many graduates, the Lavender Graduation held greater significance than the official BYU ceremony. It provided an environment where they felt seen and recognized as complete individuals. Maddison Tenney, founder of the RaYnbow Collective, emphasized the importance of being able to integrate their identities as a queer person and a person of faith. The event allowed LGBTQ+ friends to celebrate one another’s accomplishments and inspired a sense of self-worth and potential for success.

The Lavender Graduation ceremony provided a space for LGBTQ+ students. Q

In a resounding display of support, a bisexual and nonbinary leader was approved as the new senior minister at the First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City by an overwhelming 97 percent of the congregation. The community, consisting of over 300 members, eagerly anticipates Rev. J Sylvan’s arrival in the Fall and embraces their unique approach to ministry, which places queerness at the forefront.

Affectionately known as “Reverend J,” the 40-year-old minister envisions a community of faith that seamlessly integrates tradition and radicalism. Rev. J brings to the pulpit a diverse range of skills honed through their background in the arts, yoga, and studies at Harvard Divinity School.

The congregation’s enthusiastic endorsement was evident during a recent standing-room-only gathering that celebrated Rev. J after the vote on April 30. Members of the church, who cheered and gave a standing ovation, warmly welcomed the new minister, who took a symbolic victory lap around the premises, complete with high-fives.

Rev. J’s immediate predecessor, Rev. Tom Goldsmith, led the Unitarian church on 1300 East in Salt Lake City for an impressive 34 years before retiring in 2021. Also a Harvard graduate, Rev. Goldsmith ardently advocated for various causes, including the environment, immigrant rights, LGBTQ equality, and opposition to nuclear testing. He also voiced his dissent against Salt Lake City’s controversial

1999 sale of a block of Main Street to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the creation of a plaza.

Rev. J sees their ministry as an opportunity to address pressing issues, including recent legislation in Utah that restricts gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. Drawing from personal experiences, Rev. J emphasizes the profound impact such legislation has on families. While they don’t consider themselves overtly political, Rev. J acknowledges the perception that others may have of them and anticipates naturally expressing their beliefs.

Rev. J’s path to the pulpit was shaped by a diverse range of experiences. Growing up in Indiana during the 1980s and ’90s, they pursued a degree in religious studies and East Asian studies before relocating to Boston. There, they explored their passions for poetry and managed a yoga studio. In 2016, Rev. J received a ministry fellowship from Harvard Divinity School, which allowed them to fuse their love for religious studies with their creative

inclinations. Their sermon on the biblical Joseph and his rainbow-colored “princess dress” earned them the prestigious Billings Preaching Prize.

Rev. J and their wife, Sue, exchanged vows in 2018 in a ceremony officiated by Rev. J’s yoga teacher, with a drag performer dressed as Galadriel from “Lord of the Rings” fame in attendance. The couple shares the joy of raising their 2-year-old son, Lucien Elijah.

Rev. J often dons a clerical collar, though it is not a requirement for Unitarian ministers. Their decision to wear it stems from a personal connection to their Catholic upbringing, viewing it as an act of reclamation.

Rev. J acknowledges the challenges faced by those perceived as women, feminine, or female, in being taken seriously as ministers and recognizes the collar as a visual means of communication.

The First Unitarian Church has long attracted individuals who have departed from other denominations, particularly those who left the Mormon Church. Q

First Unitarian Church SLC members overwhelmingly choose queer leader

views

pride quotes

“We’re not supposed to conform, we’re not supposed to be like somebody else, we’re not supposed to act like somebody else — and as long as you stay true to exactly who you are, you will be rewarded in ways that you can’t imagine.”

Ellen DeGeneres

“The world has caught up with me and I’m a living witness that dreams do come true, even if they aren’t the ones you start out with.”

Billy Porter

“How many years has it taken people to realize that we are all brothers and sisters and human beings in the human race?”

—Marsha P. Johnson

“We have to do it because we can no longer stay invisible. We have to be visible. We should not be ashamed of who we are.”

Sylvia Rivera

“If you are not personally free to be yourself in that most important of all human activities — the expression of love — then life itself loses its meaning.”

Harvey Milk

“We are powerful because we have survived.”

Audre Lorde

David Archuleta’s mother on leaving the LDS Church

BY LUPE MARIE BARTHOLOMEW

Ichose to give up my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This hasn’t been an easy journey for me, I have cried tears of pain and disappointment for quite some time before I made this decision. Either I was all in or all out, and here’s the reason why I’m all out.

In October of 2022, I was serving as the music coordinator in my ward. I loved my calling so much, even though when I was called to it, I felt very incompetent. I was starting to get to know many people, and my love for them grew as I served. The people in the ward are over-the-top amazing, and I felt so honored and so lucky to be around them. They’re humble, loving, accepting, amazing teachers, and leaders.

Some of my own family members (first-generation “Mormons”) left the church quite some time ago, and some were leaving the church. That caused me a lot of pain, and I couldn’t understand how they could do that.

Well, I decided last year I was going to remain faithful no matter who left the church and couldn’t wait to get on my journey of attending the Temple once a week, paying tithing, serving on callings, etc., and keep doing everything right even if I had to stand alone.

My son David visited my home and stayed with me many times while he did shows in Salt Lake, and we had many conversations about

where he was at in his life. One day he received a letter at my house, and it was sent by a group named “Mama Dragons.“ It was a heart attack of beautiful letters from mothers of the LGBTQ community in support of David coming out. It was a beautiful thing for me to share this moment with him because I felt that these were moms with whom I could relate and who were walking the same journey for quite some time. I have just started mine, and it’s all new to me. I was surprised to see there were so many of them.

I invited David to come to sacrament meeting with me, and he came a few times, but then he stopped because he said, “It hurts too much to be there, Mom.” For some reason, I couldn’t understand why he was saying that, but then it hit me how the LGBTQ has been really not welcome in this church, “We love you, but you’re not welcome to participate in all the blessings because of who you are.” Some talks have been really hurtful towards them, and I didn’t get it then because I was so committed to stay and obey.

I cried many nights at bedtime, and my husband is a witness to this because I was feeling so much pain to see my child suffer so much. I sat in church in sacrament meeting one day and looked around and then said to myself, “God is not here.”

How can a loving God be so exclusive? I did not teach my children their whole lives to serve and love a God who is not accept ing of them. God is love.

By November, I wrote a letter to my bishop and told him I was stepping away from the church.

And by March, I decided to give up my membership completely after finding out the true story of Joseph Smith and many other things I won’t go into detail.

Everything went downhill for me very quickly and did not want to participate in and support these beliefs anymore.

I love honesty and will always respect someone or an organization that is always being honest in their deal-

ings with their fellow men.

I love truth and will stand by truth.

Sadly, I’ve seen many cases of family and friends who won’t talk to you anymore because you leave the church. If you’re one of them, I will totally understand if you choose to do the same with me. I have walked in your shoes before. I know how much pain it causes to hear the news, but I’m on a new journey now. I feel it has been an awakening in my life, and I’m finally ready to move on.

Love you all. Q

Tucker Carlson

BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI

4 in the morning, and I can’t sleep—a fun part of getting older. And so I’m up reading about white nationalist Tucker Carlson being fired from Fox News.

It takes a lot to shock me. But Carlson’s firing is pretty shocking, especially since he would have been fired a long time ago if he had been working for an even marginally legitimate news network.

After all, he’s openly racist, misogynist, fascist, and really hates LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender people.

Last year Media Matters crowned Carlson Misinformer of the Year, and for very good reason.

“Carlson has demonized and thus endangered the LGBTQ community, elevated pro-Kremlin propaganda as Russia invaded Ukraine, spread conspiracy theories about January 6 as committee hearings took place, and undermined election results ahead of the 2022 midterms,” Media Matters explains. “Carlson fomented and perpetuated the right-wing anti-LGBTQ panic, especially by spreading dehumanizing rhetoric against trans individuals and youths. Carlson framed LGBTQ individuals as inherent sexual predators of minors.”

Carlson made his obsessive hatred of transgender people very clear on his Fox show.

After the shooting at a Nashville Christian school in March, where six people — three adults and three children — were killed, Carlson fixated on the shooter’s gender identity after reports

came out that the shooter may have been transgender. He claimed that transgender people were targeting Christians.

“Transgenderists hate Christians above all, because Christians refuse to join every other liar in our society and proclaim that transgenderists are gods with the power to change nature itself,” Carlson said on his show.

Except transgender people aren’t asking anyone to worship them. They are asking to be treated like human beings whose lives matter, something Carlson clearly thinks is asking too much.

“For that refusal,” he continued, “that unwillingness to bow down and worship a false idol, in this case of transgenderism, they were murdered. We have never seen this battle so starkly set as it is now.”

This prompted Faithful America to respond to Carlson’s rant: “As grassroots Christians, we reject these evil, malicious lies, and we proclaim Christlike love and affirmation for the trans community. Trans people and pro-trans theologies aren’t just compatible with Christianity, but are at the very heart of our loving and inclusive faith.”

There is no evidence of a widespread transgender plan to violently target Christians. On the other hand, right-wing Christians do show up with guns at drag queen events, but I’m sure Carlson would deem them “peaceful protesters” just like he did the Jan. 6 insurrectionists.

After all, according to Media Matters, Carlson did tell his viewers on October 27, 2022, that drag queens were “adult” men “with a fetish for kids” and “people

should definitely arm themselves” against drag queens. Carlson also said that children at drag shows is a “huge moral crime that nobody should accept” and “obviously a kind of child molestation.”

Carlson’s guest list was a rotating who’s who of people who have either been deemed Creep of the Week by yours truly, or who are always possibilities: Candace Owens, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Stephen Miller, Matt Gaetz, J.D. Vance, Ron DeSantis, Matt Walsh, and so many more.

They weren’t always asked to be on the show to talk about how much they hate LGBTQ+ people. Sometimes it was to call COVID a hoax, demonize immigrants, paint Black Lives Matter as a hate group, and tanning your balls. You know, normal stuff.

Honestly, Carlson being on air — as the most popular Fox host, mind you — was not only a threat to human decency, it was also a threat to democracy itself.

His firing comes after Fox News settled for $787.5 million with Dominion Voting Systems, a company that hosts like Carlson repeatedly claimed were involved with stealing the election in 2020. There’s a reason why your grandparents still believe Trump won (to be clear: he did not). Their favorite “news network” has been telling them that for years.

And what do you know, communications from Fox hosts like Carlson that came out during the discovery phase of the trial showed that they, in fact, did not believe that Trump won. But when they said as much, Fox’s ratings went down. Lying made for booming businesses. Until it didn’t.

I mean, $787.5 million is a LOT of money. It’s the biggest media settlement in U.S. history. Go big or go home, amirite?

But hey, his firing frees Carlson up to run for president.

Oh, shit. He’s going to run for president. I may never sleep again. Q

It’salmost

D’Anne Witkowski is a writer living with her wife and son. She has been writing about LGBTQ+ politics for nearly two decades. Follow her on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski.

PHOTO VIA TWITTER

who’s your daddy

The best parts of Pride

BY CHRISTOPHER KATIS

a minute since I last marched in a Pride parade. In fact, it’s been almost ten years. Kelly, the boys, and I walked in support of our friend, then-Sheriff Jim Winder, who was running for re-election. Everything about the day reminded Kelly and me of the Pride parades we’d marched in when we lived in San Francisco. Well, except Salt Lake’s celebration is better organized and starts pretty much on time.

It’s been

love for another man a sin, proclaiming my status as a dad a threat to my kids.

I remember the first time I encountered them. They were strategically located along the parade route on Market Street, corralled behind barricades with a couple of SFPD officers preventing insults thrown from both sides escalating to fists being thrown. They were a rain cloud on a sunny day.

There are two seemingly very opposite participants in these events that I encountered in my very first Pride nearly 35 years ago, the last one I marched in a decade ago, and that I suspect will be front and center this year as well. Let’s face it, we can’t seem to escape from corporate sponsors and homophobic protestors. And that’s both bad and good.

Let’s start with the bad. The fact that such a wide array of corporate America – from banks and grocery stores to tech and phone companies – have saddled up to be a part of the celebration strikes me as insulting to the origins of Pride. Corporate America didn’t kick open the doors of freedom to LGBTQ+ people. Drag queens of color did.

And sometimes I wonder if we as a community have forgotten that. I wonder if we fail to remember that Pride doesn’t stem from financial sponsors, it was born from revolution. It wasn’t a parade that happened that night at the Stonewall Inn all those years ago. It was a riot.

But deep in our collective psyche, I think we must somehow remember that. Maybe that’s why some of the largest cheers coming from the crowds during those parades in 1990s San Francisco were reserved for ACT UP – individuals who were tired of waiting for a callous government and uninterested corporations to do something about the AIDS pandemic.

Then there are the homophobic protestors that show up every year. Their homemade signs declaring my

In Salt Lake, there were fewer of these supposedly “God-loving” individuals, but they were still obnoxious. However, one of them actually managed to make me laugh. He was brandishing a sign announcing that women who were disobedient to men and drank alcohol were akin to the Whore of Babylon.

But the presence of these two groups is also a good sign. It means we’re winning.

Beyond allowing us to have bigger and better celebrations, corporate support is proof that they recognize both our buying power and that they don’t want to be on the wrong side of human rights. LGBTQ+ people are more likely to buy a product or do business with a company when we view them as supportive of their queer employees, specifically, and the community in general.

And those protestors? The more we become engrained as just another part of society, the less relevant they become. Take, for example, marriage equality. As of June 2022, a whopping 71 percent of Americans support it – including Republicans and those over 65. Every protest sign is proof that we’re still here and that we’re thriving.

And you know what? I’m glad the protestors and the corporations are always there. They remind me we’re winning. Sometimes, the best parts of Pride are the ones you like the least.

Happy Pride, everyone! Q

ERIN MENDENHALL Mayor

Salt Lakers, I am thrilled to welcome Pride — one of my favorite capital city celebrations of one of our beloved communities — back to Salt Lake City.

The energy, the colors, the bold joy is hard to beat and our community is fortunate to have one of the best Pride celebrations anywhere. One where people come from all over the state and the region to participate. Its success speaks volumes to what everyone involved in this celebration has created over the years. No matter your gender, your sexuality, your religion, you deserve to be celebrated and honored for your individuality and uniqueness. Traditions like this are special as we renew our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate our City that prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion in everything we do. I’m proud to acknowledge the progress we’ve made, and to ensure this work never stops.

This past winter, Salt Lake City received a perfect 100-point score from the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. It marks the second consecutive year we’ve achieved this goal.

It is the maximum score possible and we are the first city in Utah to accomplish this feat. This score of 100 is a marked improvement over the 66 the City received in 2019, just before I took office.

It shows our commitment as an administration and as a city to LGBTQ+ people and rights.

While we have come so far, we also have more work to do. We must recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of equity and inclusion at all levels -- personal and professional. Let’s show our Pride by working together. Your City will continue to show up and support our LGBTQ+ community everyday because Salt Lake City would not be the amazing place it is without you. Your City sees you. Your City celebrates you. And, your City loves you!

I can’t wait to celebrate with you all this weekend.

Sincerely,

Erin Mendenhall Mayor of Salt Lake City

2023 UTAH PR!DE

What’s new at this festivalyear’s

UTAH PRIDE will once again take place the first weekend of June — May 31 to June 4. Leaders went to the community to vote for the theme. The community chose “ UNAPOLOGETIC ” for this year’s event.

“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,” said Britt Martinez, Utah Pride Center adult programs manage, who came up with the winning theme. “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.

What’s New

“We are exceptionally excited to present a whole new Pride to the state of Utah,” said Gia Bianca Stephens, Director of Special Events and Operations. “New ideas, new concepts, fresh talent. Ninety percent of our headliners are coming from outside Utah, and it’s their debut in Utah. Pride has been a celebration for over 30 years, and we wanted to make sure we bring at least another 30 years of queer celebration.”

Utah Pride Live

“The first new event that happens is the UTAH PRIDE LIVE . It is a gala-type event. The Center has never really taken a bite

out of the gala pie before,” Stephens continued. “We’re trying to bring a bit of Hollywood to the Beehive State. We have some exceptional talent, including MONÉT X CHANGE of RuPaul’s Drag Race. We also have BRIAN JUSTIN CRUM, GSP, DANA GOLDBERG , and ULTRA NATÉ — House music legend. We are kicking things off in style for utah Pride.

“This is an amazing opportunity for the people to have some fun and give back to the community,” added communications director Rosa Bandeirinha. “As you know, Utah Pride Center is a nonprofit, and we rely on donations to offer our daily free services.”

Loud+Queer Opening Concert

“The next new thing we are bringing to our Pride lineup is the OPENING CONCERT on Friday,” Stephens said. “I will be hosting the event alongside Whitney Rose of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.”

“This concert features an appearance by ICONA POP, a special appearance by ULTRA NATÉ , TRIXIE MATTEL of RuPaul’s Drag Race, DJ RAFFA MAFRA and ANABEL ENGLUND.

Utah Pride Festival Entrance/Security

The world has gotten used to entering the UTAH PRIDE FESTIVAL near the Salt Lake City Main Library main entrance. But this year, everyone must enter from the east end of Library Square at Third East at 450 South. (See the map on page 36)

Part of the reason for the change

is that everyone entering the event will go through metal detectors rather than being wanded.

“Using metal detectors will cut the time to get through the entrance line by about two-thirds,” said Zeb Williams, Special Events Manager for Utah Pride. Williams said that the grounds will be swept for weapons each night as well.

“I’m very proud that Pride is spending the money on extra security,” Williams said.

Utah Pride Parade Route

The UTAH PRIDE PARADE route has also changed. Those who have their favorite places along Second South will need to find new favorite places, as the parade now travels along First South.

Those in the parade will be staging on streets surrounding the Salt Palace Convention Center, funneling to the starting point of West Temple and First South. The Parade heads east to Fourth East, then south to Seventh South, and then west to Second East where the parade disbands.

Step-off time is still 10 a.m.

Drag Brunch

Saturday morning is 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

The event is so popular they had to add a second show More details are in this guide

11am–6 pm

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31

Pride Interfaith Service

This year’s interfaith service will be held at First Baptist Church at 777 S. 1300 East. and begins at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 31. The Utah Pride Interfaith Coalition is a piece of Utah Pride that helps the LGBTQ community practice their spirituality without judgment. The Utah Pride Interfaith Coalition believes that each person, no matter what culture or sexuality, should honor the divinity within themselves and are capable of holiness with their spirituality. The coalition’s mission is to be able to afford resources and opportunities for the LGBTQ community to express their faith regardless of personal preference or beliefs. In 2002, the coalition started holding services, and it has been a positive spiritual outlet for many participants at the Utah Pride Festival for 21 years running.

Over a dozen events in June to Celebrate Pride 2023, including: Kickoff Market

THURSDAY, JUNE 1 UTAH PR!DE LIVE

MONÉT X CHANGE

Born and bred in New York City, Monét X Change is an entertainment spitfire and the first double-crown winner from RuPaul’s Drag Race, having earned the title Miss Congeniality on Season 10 and becoming the first queen of color inducted into the Hall of Fame after winning All-Stars 4.

Known for delivering energetic and show-stopping performances, Monet’s showmanship is a reflection of a tireless work ethic to cultivate and perfect her immaculate lip-syncing skills, comedic chops, and (mostly) pitch-perfect live singing skills.

DANA GOLDBERG

Veteran host and comedian Dana Goldberg is a force of nature on stage. Her quick wit and playful stage presence have earned loyal fans across the globe. Goldberg has raised over $30 million for non-profits in the fight for marriage equality, LGBT rights, women’s health, and HIV and AIDS education and prevention.

BRIAN JUSTIN CRUM

ULTRA NATÉ

Baltimore singer/songwriter/DJ/producer and music legend Ultra Naté has long been adored by electronic, dance and pop fans since the early 90’s. Ultra is celebrating her 30th plus year in the game having debuted on the scene in 1989 with the with the early underground favorite, It’s Over Now and her revered 1990 album, “Blue Notes In the Basement,” which spawned the hits Rejoicing, Deeper Love, Scandal and Is It Love?. She is honored to be considered an icon of the Dance and LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

BJC is a singer-songwriter currently creating in Los Angeles. He is known for his soaring vocals and emotional storytelling. His first single “Show Me Love” reached #2 on the Billboard Dance charts. He became a viral sensation with his cover of Radiohead’s “CREEP” on America’s Got Talent with over 100 Million views. He got his start on Broadway at just 17 years old. From “Wicked” and Pulitzer Prize winning “Next to Normal” to QUEENS rock theatrical “We Will Rock You.” BJC has sold out concerts all over the world. His first single “Other Side” was released during Pride last year.

GSP

DJ GSP, aka Georgios Spiliopoulos, is a native of Athens, Greece, who has been a professional DJ for more than 15 years. He is known worldwide for his mostly Tech and Progressive House with a touch of Tribal Percussions and lots of vocals. He is also a music producer, event organizer and promoter, graphic designer, and record label owner. He has lived in London, Rio De Janeiro, Los Angeles, and now makes his home in Salt Lake City.

MONÉT X CHANGE

PHOTO: STEVEN SIMIONE

PRIDE MARCH & RALLY

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.

“After our rally at the state Capitol and march to Washington Square, the party officially blasts off,” organiz-

ers 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.”

LOUD+QUEER CONCERT

ICONA POP

Icona Pop is a Swedish pop duo consisting of Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo. They rose to international fame with their hit single “I Love It” in 2012, which became a global chart-topper and an instant club classic. Known for their catchy electro-pop sound and energetic live performances, Icona Pop has become a popular favorite among the LGBT community, thanks in part to their upbeat, empowering anthems and their vocal support for LGBT rights. They

POP

PHOTO: YOYE LAPOGIAN

have performed at numerous Pride events around the world, including Stockholm Pride and San Francisco Pride, and have frequently collaborated with openly gay artists such as Charli XCX and Zara Larsson. In addition to their music, Icona Pop has also been involved in various LGBT activism campaigns, such as the “Love Is Love” campaign in support of same-sex marriage.

Natured, and Jamie Jones. She’s performed at Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival, and Ultra Music Festival, and is a staunch advocate for LGBTQ rights, using her platform to raise awareness and promote equality. With a soulful sound and infectious energy, Englund is a favorite among dance music fans, inspiring audiences and making the world a better place.

TRIXIE MATTEL

Trixie Mattel, a popular drag queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race, is known for their folk music and drag performances. In 2015, they ranked sixth in season seven, but in 2018 won Season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Their debut album “Two Birds” (2017), showcased their unique blend of country-folk and drag, followed by “One Stone” and “Barbara.” Mattel also hosts TV shows such as “The Trixie & Katya Show” and “Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts.”

GIA BIANCA STEPHENS

Your co-hostess for the evening is Utah-based drag queen living her best gay life, Gia Bianca Stephens. She is the director of the Quorum of the Queens show, Salt Lake City’s Showgirl, and (as Ted Nicholls) Utah Pride’s Director of Special Events and Operations. She is also a Kylie Minogue mega-fan.

ANABEL ENGLUND

Anabel Englund is a rising star in electronic music, collaborating with industry heavyweights like MK, Hot

WHITNEY ROSE

Also co-hosting is Whitney Rose, co-founder of Prism Lifestyle Company, founder of Wild Rose Beauty, co-host of the Wild Rose Podcast, and you may have seen her on Bravo TV’s The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

UTAH PR!DE 2023 AT A GLANCE

Wednesday, May 31

INTERFAITH WORSHIP SVC.

7pm, First Baptist, 777 S 1300 E

Thursday, June 1

UTAH PRIDE LIVE Featuring MONÉT X CHANGE , with ULTRA NATÉ • DANA GOLDBERG • BRIAN JUSTIN CRUM • GSP

6–11pm, Hilton Salt Lake City Center, 255 S W Temple St

Friday, June 2

PRIDE MARCH AND RALLY

6–8 pm, Utah State Capitol, 350 N. State St.

LOUD & QUEER CONCERT

8 pm to midnight, Washington & Library Squares, Entrance: 450 S. 300 E.

8 pm – RAFFA MAFRA

9 pm

ANABEL ENGLUND

10 pm – ICONA POP

11 pm

TRIXIE MATTEL

Saturday, June 3

YOUTH PRIDE

11 am – 1 pm, Washington & Library Squares, Entrance: 450 S 300 E

DRAG BRUNCH

10:30 am & 3 pm, The Exchange, 32 Exchange Pl

PRIDE FEST

1 pm to midnight, Washington & Library Squares, Entrance: 450

S 300 E

MAIN STAGE:

1 pm – HOE SHIH MINH & THE MINH-UETS

1:40 pm – SHECOCK WITH A VENGEANCE

2:10 pm – DOOMCUPCAKE

2:40 pm – THE DEVONCE EXPERIENCE

3 pm – KING’S KIKI

3:20 pm – ESERA

3:40 pm – CHEER SALT LAKE

4:30 pm – GINGER & THE GENTS

5 pm – ICKY ROGERS & PHO3NIX THE CHILD

Legend

Food Trucks & Vendors

8th Street Greek Food

Vendor Booths

Food Booths

Food Trucks

Beverages Stages

Restrooms

Exit Only – No Entry

Entrance

All American Burger

Annies Crepes & Cakes

Bruges

Cluckers Sliders

Comfort Bowl

Cowboy Corndogs

Deep Sea Bites

District Thai

Docar Roasted Corn

Expo Foods

Falafel Tree

Fatty Tuna

Feinga Enterprises

Forty Three Bakery

Fry Me to the Moon

Green Chili House

Iceberg

Jamaica’s Kitchen

La Catrina

Nectar SLC

Nikko Sushi and Ramen

Noemi’s Catering

Pizza Cone Zone

Salt City Barbecue

Smoke a Billy BBQ

Sobe Eats

Texas Twister

Thai Rex

The Rolling Pineapple

The Salty Pineapple

Tiki Treat

Umani

Williams Services Corp

Yoshi’s Enso Grill

Utah Pride Festival Bag Policy

Any bag larger than 4.5’’ x 6.5’’ will need to be CLEAR.

CLEAR bags may be no larger than 12’’ high, 12’’ wide, and 6’’ deep.

6:15 pm

RUBIO

7:15 pm – BLACK BELT EAGLE SCOUT

8:15 pm – RÉVE

9:15 pm – CRYSTAL WATERS

10 pm

DRAGONETTE

11 pm – DRAMA (Club Set)

DANCE AROUND THE WORLD STAGE:

3 pm – ISIS MURETECH

6 pm – DAN SLATER

9 pm

NINA FLOWERS

Sunday, June 4

PRIDE PARADE

10 am to noon, Downtown

PRIDE FEST SUNDAY Noon to 11 pm, Washington & Library Squares, Entrance: 450

3:45 pm – MARRLO

SUZZANNE AND THE GALAXXY BAND

5:15 pm – CUB SPORT

6:30 pm – JODIE HARSH

8 pm – JORDY

9:15 pm – VINCINT

10:30 pm – DEBORAH COX

DANCE AROUND THE WORLD STAGE:

2 pm

RAFA MAFRA

4 pm – GSP

6 pm

KARSTEN SOLLORS

Bags larger than 12’’ x 12’’ x 6’’ are not permitted inside Festival grounds.

All bags and belongings being brought onto Festival grounds are subject to search.

No weapons of any kind including firearms and self-defense tools, weapon facsimiles or toys resembling weapons

No illegal substances of any kind

No fireworks and/or any type of explosive

PRIDE FESTIVAL

From 1 p.m. to midnight, the Pride Festival is jam-packed with national and international and local entertainmane.

DRAG BRUNCH

At noon and 4:30 p.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 .

YOUTH PRIDE

An outdoor youth party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the grounds of the Festival

for ages 14–20. Entertainers are DJ ALLIYAH YONNI , an animal show with JACKSON CARTER , a drag show with VERONISA THE EMPRESS and JENNA , and youth DJ AYDEN LEIGH

A Youth Pride ticket is good for the rest of the day (no re-entry). Parents can drop their kids of, or if they wish to stay, they can hang out at the Parents Lounge with purchase of a Festival Ticket.

HOE SHIH MINH & THE MINH-UETS

Hoe Shi Minhchecked out Why Kiki when it first opened and said, “I do drag.” They said to come in full drag and maybe they’d book me. Now she has performed in Salt Lake, Los Angeles, Boise, and Denver.

SHECOCK & THE ROCK PRINCESS

When Sofia Scott first came out trans, she went to her first drag show, Miss City Weekly

event and immediately started working a Rock Princess identity. And, voila, Shecock & the Rock Princess was born.

DOOMCUPCAKE

When Ogden-based musician and singer/songwriter Zaza began playing her instruments and songs online, Sofia Scott (Shecock with a Vengeance) noticed, and booked Doomcupcake for their Ogden Pride show in 2022.

THE DEVONCE EXPERIENCE

Trained in jazz, hiphop, jazz funk, dancehall, and heels, Devonce works to inspire other artists, dancers, and performers in Salt Lake City

DRAMA

PHOTO: ZOE RAIN

KINGS KIKI

Salt Lake City’s monthly all King show at Why Kiki bar.

ICKY ROGERS & THE PHO3NIX CHILD

ESARA

A child of Samoan immigrants, Esera began his performance career as a cruise ship entertainer. Now in Utah, he brings his art to the Utah LGBTQ+ community. He will release several singles this summer.

CHEER SALT LAKE

Cheer Salt Lake is the only adult, charitable cheerleading team in Salt Lake City. For 12 years, they have raised funds for those in need while building the spirit of the community.

GINGER AND THE GENTS

Dirty rock and soul resting on a bed of heavy blues, with a twist of nostalgic classic rock, is one way to describe the music of Ginger & The Gents. Grit, soul, and Rock ‘n Roll is another.

Icky Rogers is a queer hip hop artist based in Salt Lake City. He describes his music as cosmic hip-hop, blending influences from both new and old-school artists. Cassie Houston, aka The Pho3nix Child, is a self-described “non-binary, femme-presenting, bi-polar poet, rapper and dancer from Salt Lake.

RUBIO

Fran Straube is a multi-talented artist who excels in songwriting, singing, playing multiple instruments, producing, modeling, and acting. While playing with bands like Picnic Kibun and Fármacos, their stardom came with the alt-rock group Miss Garrison. The success of the band sparked Straube’s interest in electronic music, and they launched their solo project Rubio. The project, influenced by mysticism, folk instruments, and digital percussion techniques, has become one of the most exciting and innovative musical projects in Chile. Rubio has taken their sound to international stages, including performances at SXSW, Primavera Sound, and Festival NRMAL in Mexico.

BLACK BELT EAGLE SCOUT

Katherine Paul, better known as Black Belt Eagle Scout, draws

on her roots in her family’s Skagit Valley Singers drum group, where she first learned to drum. Her third album, “The Land, the Water, the Sky,” was released in January and showcases her dynamic percussion skills, creating a frictionless momentum throughout the intimate and deeply personal project. With her unique blend of traditional indigenous sounds and contemporary indie rock, Katherine Paul continues to establish herself as an important and inspiring voice in the music industry.

RÊVE

Canadian singer-songwriter Briannah Donolo, professionally known as Rêve, is a self-proclaimed “messy singer of songs” and Pisces sun. Her social media

presence reflects her passion for music and storytelling. Her latest single, “Whitney,” pays tribute to her childhood inspirations and the determination to pursue her dreams. The song, written six years ago in her bedroom, is a relatable anthem for aspiring artists with lofty goals and “no Plan-B.”

CRYSTAL WATERS

American singer-songwriter and producer Crystal Waters is known as the Queen of House Music with a powerful voice and energetic dance tracks. She is perhaps best known for her hit song “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless),” released in 1991 and quickly became a dance floor anthem. In addition to her success in the music industry,

Waters has also been recognized for her activism and advocacy work, including her outspoken support for LGBT rights. In 2014, she performed at the 25th Anniversary of the GLAAD Media Awards, and has spoken publicly about the importance of representation and visibility for the LGBT community in the entertainment industry.

DRAGONETTE

Canadian electro pop singer-songwriter Martina Sorbara, professionally known as Dragonette, released her latest album, Twennies in November. With a voice that seamlessly blends power and vulnerability, she captivates audiences with her unique style and electrifying stage presence.

DRAMA (DJ SET)

DRAMA is the multicultural collaboration between producer Na’el Shehade’s chic Chicago house-infused production style, and vocalist Via Rosa whose soulful delivery is inspired by the improvisational nature of jazz and playful patterns of hip-hop and bossa nova. The duo plays to the complementary dynamics of their unlikely pairing by blurring the lines between R&B and dance-pop, heartbreak, and bliss.

Dance Around the World Stage

ISIS MURETECH

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Isis Muretech is an aspiring and talented DJ/Producer that became famous for her unique style of music in the LGBTQ club scene. She is known for her powerful energy in Tribal House, House, and Techno. She is the first woman from Mexico to DH outside the country.

DAN SLATER

Dan Slater is an Australian DJ and producer based in the United States. After years in the club scene as one of the most in demand dancers and show producers, Dan’s love of music eventually lured him onto the decks – and this new chapter has gained him the attention of promoters and clubbers around the world.

NINA FLOWERS

Jorge Flores, aka NINA FLOWERS, was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.He began his career in music in 1989, where he became a resident DJ at one of the most prestigious clubs in the Caribbean. He brings “The lights, the music, the stage, and the crowd – putting it all together –magic in the making”

UTAH PRIDE PARADE

The UTAH PRIDE PARADE is Utah’s largest LGBTQIA+ event. It annually hosts nearly 150,000 spectators and participants, and creates a spectacular chance for our community to be UNAPOLOGETIC! This is Utah’s 33rd annual pride parade.

This year, as it has for years, the parade will start at 10 a.m. What is different this year, is that it will satart from West Temple and FIRST South.

The parade is expected to last around two hours. Most of the route is within two blocks of the Festival entrance on THIRD East midblock between Fourth and Fifth South

PR!DE PARADE ROUTE

VINCINT

PHOTO: MAXWELL POTH

PRIDE FEST

MAKARIA

Makaria Elixabete, aka Marissa Macias, is a singer, performer, recording artist, songwriter, model, filmmaker, actor, producer and director. She sings and performs latin-pop, pop, dance, eclectic, and ballads in English and Spanish.

ESTHER REINA

Strongly influenced by the community, culture and sounds of their hometown, they truly understand the power of sound and perform music that speaks to fans across the musical spectrum.

KING CYBORG

KingCyborg is a singer-songwriter and producer born and raised in Luanda Island. This wild spirit and talented Angolan artist lures her listeners into a multifaceted musical world, carried by a voice tinged with soul and nostalgic influences, creating a unique brand of music that penetrates and heals.

MARRLO SUZZANNE & THE GALAXY BAND

Marrrlo Suzzanne and the Galaxxy Band is a group of powerful live vocalist drag queens and their kick-ass band. They perform rock anthems from various decades at their shows. Their theatrical shows include elaborate costumes, exaggerated makeup, and even bigger hair! They are a blend of current drag culture and classic rock music. Their live music, choreography, and stunning vocals will get you off your feet.

LADY LAVISH

The self-proclaimed Hip Hop queen of Salt Lake City.

HEAL IN A HEEL

Offering classes to “elevate yourself,” this is a group of incredible choreographers, dancers, prances, babes, and baddies alike. All in heels.

CUB SPORT

Cub Sport is an Australian pop group that has released five studio albums, This Is Our Vice, Bats, Cub Sport, Like Nirvana and earlier this year, Jesus at the Gay Bar. Lead vocalist Tim Nelson and vocalist and keyboardist Sam “Bolan” Netterfield married in 2018. Their songs continually share insight into gender and sexuality, and they campaigned for marriage quality well before it became legal in Australia. They played this year’s World Pride, which was in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time.

We Help You Help.

JODIE HARSH

Jodie Harsh is a London-based DJ, music producer, promoter, and drag queen. She played herself in “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie,” and was declared “Britain’s BestKnown Drag Queen” by Out Magazine. In 2021, she signed to Warner Records and has since released four singles, including “Hectic” earlier this year.

JORDY

Openly gay singer-songwriter JORDY has been releasing music since 2017, steadily building a repertoire of hooky, sweet-sounding pop songs. His debut album, Mind Games, dropped in 2021, and he’s collaborated with fellow rising indie-pop acts like Joy Oladokun, Emma Løv, and Loote. He was nominated for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist at the GLAAD Media Awards in 2023. He just released his second album,

titled “BOY,” which includes, “Story of a Boy,” a queer approach to the classic love song “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” by Nine Days. Once the song went viral on TikTok, with the transgender community using snippets to show their journeys transitioning.

VINCINT

Vincint is an openly gay singer-songwriter from Philadelphia who gained widespread recognition for his powerful vocals on Fox’s The Four: Battle for Stardom. He has since released a series of successful singles, including “Marrow” and “Please Don’t Fall in Love.” He was nominated by GLAAD Media Awards as Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist for his debut album, “There Will Be Tears.” Vincint’s mission, in his own words, is “to make you cry and make you dance.”

DEBORAH

Deborah Cox is a Canadian-born

singer-songwriter and actress who achieved worldwide success with her powerful vocals and impressive range. She rose to fame with her hit single “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here,” which spent a record-breaking 14 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart. Cox has collaborated with notable artists such as Whitney Houston and Celine Dion, and received critical acclaim for her Broadway performances in shows like “Aida” and “Jekyll & Hyde.” She has played many pride festivals, including two World Prides. Last year she was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Dance Around the World Stage:

worldwide. He is also a music producer, event organizer and promoter, graphic designer, and record label owner. He has lived in London, Rio De Janeiro, Los Angeles, and now makes his home in Salt Lake City. His style is mostly Tech and Progressive House with a touch of Tribal Percussions and lots of vocals. He is considered to be one of the Best European Circuit DJs, having already played several times in cities like London, Paris, Vienna, Barcelona, Madrid, Athens, Dubai, Mykonos, Rome, Milan, Nicosia, Pafos, Larnaka, Agia Napa, Cologne, Beirut, Amsterdam, New York, Florianopolis, and Los Angeles. His sound is very significant, known all over from his gigs and his podcasts, which remain in the top 50 and many times #1 internationally. They are broadcasted regularly by many international web radios.

RAFFA MAFRA

Born in southern Brazil, Rafael spent most of his adult life living in Dublin, Ireland, where he started his DJ career and soon became one of the most wellknown DJs, specially in the gay scene. His music is deeply rooted in the Circuit style, uplifting Tech/Progressive House with Tribal beats and a lot of vocals.

GSP

DJ GSP, aka Georgios Spiliopoulos, is a native of Athens, Greece, who has been a professional DJ for more than 15 years. He DJ’d in Greece for many years in the most important events and major clubs, until 2010 when he started exporting his talent to Europe. Now he is known

GUSMEN Magazine wrote, “The majority of the party people, with whatever preference of music they have, will always find themselves in his DJ-sets.”

KARSTEN SOLLORS

Having commercially released more than 60 records to date, Karsten is a proud advocate of the Chicago sound. He draws his influence from some of the scene’s most acclaimed names while retaining a strong penchant for soulful vocals and infectious grooves. Largely defined by earnest transmissions of sincere energy, Karsten’s undeniable drive and dedication have proven to be key in ensuring his assent within the international dance music scene alongside his raw passion for music.

Utah Pride tickets are on sale now at utahpride.org

2023 UTAH PR!DE What you need to know

Buy Your Tickets in Advance

Online ticket sales are $20 for a one-day pass, $15 for chidren 3–12 years old, seniors over 65, and military.

DAY-OF TICKETS WILL BE $30 AT THE GATE.

In an effort to speed up getting everyone into the Festival grounds, Day-Of tickets are at a premium. Get your tickets in advance and save the cash at UTAHPRIDE.ORG

The entrance to the Festival is on 300 East

Another effort to speed up getting everyone into the Festival grounds is having everyone scanned by metal detector rather than wands. This saves a tremendous amount of time per person. This requires a single entrance, which is now accessed at 450 South 300 East. All corners of the grounds are exit only. Re-entry must be done back at the entrance point.

Utah Pride Festival Bag Policy

Security is of top concern for the Utah Pride Festival.

ANY BAG LARGER THAN 4.5″ X 6.5″ MUST BE CLEAR CLEAR bags may be no larger than 12″ high x 12″ wide x 6″ deep. Bags larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″ ARE NOT PERMITTED INSIDE FESTIVAL GROUNDS

All bags and belongings being brought onto Festival grounds are subject to search.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

The following items will not be allowed onto Festival grounds under any circumstances:

• Weapons of any kind including firearms and self-defense tools, including weapon facsimiles or toys resembling weapons of any kind

• Illegal substances of any kind

• Fireworks and/or any type of explosive

• Outside food and beverage of any kind

• Animals of any kind

• Professional photographers or photography equipment without proper credentials. Only official Utah Pride Festival photographers are permitted to bring professional equipment.

• Sound amplification equipment of any kind

• Coolers or ice chests

• Camping chairs, blankets or umbrellas

• Drones or any unmanned aircraft system of any kind

• Laser pointers, hula hoops, poi balls, throwing toys

• Glass or glass containers, boda bags, Camelbak, etc.

• Skateboards, in-line skates, hoverboards, one wheels, scooters, bikes

• Posters, banners or signage of any kind

• Any other item that presents a disturbance to the peace of the Festival as identified by Festival Staff.

• Festival Staff reserves to the right to refuse entry to any ticketholder who does not comply with these rules or Staff instructions. Entry rules are subject to change at any time.

The Parade was moved to 100 South

The Utah Pride Parade route has also changed. Those who have their favorite places along Second South will need to find new favorite places, as the parade now travels along First South.

Those in the parade will be staging on streets surrounding the Salt Palace Convention Center, funneling to the starting point of West Temple and First South. The Parade heads east to Fourth East, then south to Seventh South, and then west to Second East where the parade disbands.

Step-off time is still 10 a.m. Q

The history of Utah Pride from the 1970s to 2010

BY BEN WILLIAMS

Craig Miller, Ben Barr, Val Mansfield, Kathy Worthington, and Kim Russo.

PRIDE IN THE 1990S

Celebrating

Pride Day in Utah is part of a directive that originated in 1969 when the Eastern Regional Conference of Homophile Organizations adopted the motion to hold “parallel demonstrations on the last Saturday in June to commemorate the rebellion on Christopher Street.” The reference to the rebellion, of course, refers to the Stonewall Inn riots in New York City. Utah has celebrated being “gay and proud” for the last 36 years and perhaps for some people even longer.

PRIDE IN THE 1970S

A “Beer Bust Kegger,” sponsored in 1974 by Sun Tavern owner Joe Redburn, was the first attempt to bring people together to celebrate the emergence of an openly gay community in Utah. More than 200 gay men and women celebrated “Gay Pride” along the shores of the Great Salt Lake at what was once known as “Bare Bum Beach.”

The first official community-sponsored pride celebration was called “Gay Freedom Day” and was held June 1, 1975. Sponsored by the Gay Community Service Center, it was held in City Creek Canyon where festivities included free beer, food, soft drinks, volleyball, an all-day “do your own thing” talent revue and sing-a-long, games for prizes, and a white elephant auction. A shuttle service from local gay bars provided additional transportation.

Over the next three years, Gay Freedom Days was promoted mainly by the Gay Service Committee and the Salt Lake Coalition of Human Rights. The most ambitious promotion was a festival and conference held in 1977 which featured Sgt. Leonard Matlovich as keynote speaker. Matlovich was an ex-Air Force sergeant and recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, and also a gay Mormon.

As the heady “Gay Power Days” of the 1970s began to wane, a fragmented community ravaged by the onslaught of a conservative backlash tried to hold scaleddown celebrations. Without widespread

support, the spirit of Gay Pride was kept going by individual groups such as the Tavern Guild, Affirmation, and the University of Utah Gay Student Union.

PRIDE IN THE 1980S

In 1983, members of the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire met to revitalize the true concept of a pride day. Tim Leming, Marshall Brunner, Larry Pacheco, and Mel Rohland, among others, formed a committee and put together an event billed as a “Basket Social” held in Fairmont Park.

This Pride Day Committee sponsored the event over the next three years and was the first to adopt a national Pride theme. The chairs were Marshall Brunner, Nikki Boyer, and Beau Chaine.

Chaine was the last chairman during these years and held Gay and Lesbian Pride Day in Pioneer Park in 1986.

In 1987, the newly formed Gay and Lesbian Community Council of Utah took over the responsibilities of Utah’s annual event. Donnie Eastepp, Emperor XII of the RCGSE, was elected chair of the Pride Day Committee. He created a community service award, which was presented to Dr. Kristen Ries for her efforts treating AIDS patients when no other doctors in Utah were willing to do so. The award was established to recognize outstanding service to the gay and lesbian community. Eastepp also moved the location of Pride Day to Sunnyside Park where it remained until 1989.

Floyd Gamble, Steven Lloyd, Julie Pollock, Curtis Jensen, Kevin Hillman, Deborah Rosenberg, Antonia Dela Guerra, Kyle Kennedy, Kathy Matthews, and Julie Hale were the chairs and co-chairs of GLCCU’s Pride Day Committee over these seven years. They provided Utah’s gay community a consistently successful event celebrating Utah’s sexual minorities.

The Kristen Ries Community Service recipients were Rev. Bruce Barton, KUTV Channel 2, Chuck Whyte, Nikki Boyer, Becky Moss, Ben Williams, the College of Monarchs of the RCGSE,

In 1990, on the 21st anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, the Salt Lake City queer community held its first Gay and Lesbian Pride March. Nearly 200 people gathered on the steps of the Utah State Capitol and heard speeches from Connell “Rocky” O’Donovan, Becky Moorman, Angela Nutt, and Robert Austin. The Pride festival was held at the Northwest Community Center.

Under the direction of Kevin Hillman and his co-chairs, Pride Day expanded, and in 1991 moved to the Salt Lake County Fairgrounds in Murray. The 1991 Pride Committee added to the festival a pride guide, an art show and contest sponsored by Angela Nutt and David Thometz, and a Utah Gay and Lesbian Film Festival created by Marlin Criddle.

They also brought in a nationally syndicated columnist, Dell Richards, as keynote speaker. For entertainment, Lynn Lavner, a nationally known lesbian singer performed, with interruption by a contingency of neo-Nazi skinheads who marched into the celebration and were met by Anti-Violence Project founder Michael Aaron. While no violence occurred, it was a tense situation. Dozens of festivalgoers surrounded the skinheads and turned their backs on them, making them invisible to the crowd and, thus, negating the reason they were there. They left after less than 10 minutes.

O’Donovan’s second pride march was also disrupted by neo-Nazis who stood on the east steps of the Salt Lake City and County Building, taunting the marchers rallying at Washington Square.

The tradition of an annual pride march and rally ended when O’Donovan left Salt Lake City in 1992. No one came forward to organize a third, and it would be two years before Bruce Harmon and Rev. Bruce Barton, along with then-Pride chair Jeff Freedman, stepped forward to reinvent the march and rally, transforming it into something even greater: the Pride Parade.

Pride Days under the directions of the GLCCU transformed the celebration from simply a day in the park to a major annual event that Salt Lake City’s politicians began to attend, and the quality

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of entertainers and speakers increased.

With the election of Freedman as chair of the GLCCU’s Gay Pride Day Committee, the organization began its transition from being simply a committee to being GLCCU’s sole entity when the organization collapsed in 1995. Freedman and co-chair Julie Hale were the last formally elected chairs of the Gay Pride Day committee under the direction of GLCCU.

Freedman, a former emperor of the Royal Court, served longer than any other Gay Pride Day volunteer in Utah at that point. His vision of Pride Day encompassed the entire spectrum of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight allies communities. The Pride Day events of the latter half of the 1990s were thus stamped indelibly with Freedman’s concept that Pride Day was a community party. He brought professionalism to the job as he endeavored to ensure gender parity. Freedman’s co-chairs were Hale, Carrie Gaylor, and Kim Russo.

The Kristen Ries Award recipients during Freedman’s era were Bruce Harmon, Clariss (Doug Tollstrup) Cartier, Charlene Orchard, Barb Barnhart, Rev. Kelly Byrnes, Jeff Freedman, Maggie Snyder, LaDonna Moore, and Dr. Patty Reagan.

In 1994, the first parade was organized as the kick-off event to Pride Day. Emperor XV, Bruce Harmon, assisted by his partner Rev. Bruce Barton, established the annual parade that continues to this day. Bruce Barton nearly single-handedly, on his own sewing machine, created a 100-foot rainbow flag that was carried annually in the parade.

In 1996, Freedman, Gaylor, and Harmon invited Chaz Bono, who had not yet tran-

sitioned to male and was a spokesperson of the Human Rights Campaign’s National Coming Out Project, to be the first grand marshal of Utah’s Gay Pride Parade.

Over the next few years, Freedman and his committees also invited Candace Gingrich, Deb Burington, Charlene Orchard, and actor Dan Butler to serve as grand marshals.

Freedman was instrumental in getting corporate sponsorships for Pride Day and moving it to downtown Salt Lake City — first to the Gallivan Center and later to Washington Square. Freedman’s last act of the period was organizing Pride Day, Inc. as a separate entity from the defunct GLCCU.

PRIDE IN THE 2000S

With the new millennium came controversy as Pride Day began to expand exponentially. Kim Russo became director of the new corporation for two years, assisted by co-chairs Adam Frost and Billy Lewis.

During the Russo years, Utah State Rep. Jackie Biskupski and Mayor Rocky Anderson served as parade grand marshals, and Marlin Criddle, Brenda Voisard, Laura Milliken Gray, and Brook Heart-Song were honored with the Kristen Ries Award.

Unfortunately, without the community’s oversight, fiduciary problems surfaced in 2001.

Pride Day 2002 was run by a committee headed by Sherry Booth, with Chad Keller as chair of the parade. Steve Kmetko, host of E! News Live, was grand marshal, and the tradition of a grand marshal reception was started. Also in 2002, the Community Volunteer, Organization of the Year, and the Pete Suazo Political Action Awards

were created to recognize contributions to the community. The first Utah Pride Interfaith Service was also that year.

The 2002 committee tried to rebuild the image of Pride Day, but because Pride Day, Inc. had found itself in serious debt, the committee elected to be absorbed by the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah, a move that generated much controversy in the community because of the secrecy surrounding the move.

The Utah Pride Center has provided direction for the event for the past decade and even changed its name to reflect this. Under the auspices of the former Gay and Lesbian Community Center, the volunteer position of director of Pride Day, Inc., became salaried for the first time in 2003. The same year a Dyke March was added to the annual Pride Day Parade. Donald Steward was the parade coordinator for three of those years.

In 2004, the Salt Lake City Film Center was asked to curate a series of films during Pride week that reflected the best in gay cinema. The Damn These Heels film festival was held annually thereafter.

2005 saw Pride Day organizers charging a first-time $5 admission fee for the events on Library Square and Washington Square. This move generated considerable discontent, but eventually provided for higher quality performers at the celebration.

In 2009, Cleve Jones, during a rally at the Utah Pride Festival, called for a March on Washington to coincide with National Coming Out Day and kick off a grassroots campaign for equality in each of the nation’s 435 congressional districts to launch a new chapter in the gay-rights movement.

The grand marshals chosen under the direction of the Center were Kate Kendall, Bruce Bastian, Utah State Senator Scott McCoy, J. Boyer Jarvis, John Amaechi, Mayor Ralph Becker, Cleve Jones, Sister Dottie S. Dixon, Roseanne Barr and Dustin Lance Black.

The Kristen Ries Award recipients were Doug Wortham, Lucia Malin, Jane and Tami Marquardt, Utah State Rep. Jackie Biskupski, Doug Fadel, Stan Penfold, Walter Larabee, Mark Swonson, Michael Aaron and Valerie Larabee.

By 2010 Utah’s Pride Day Parade was listed as Utah’s second-largest parade and, in 2011, more than 100 float entries were listed. Q

Why Pride Matters:

PRIDE : we come together as one. Facing adversity in any and all ways it may come. The visions we have of love and acceptance are much too strong for fear and hate to divide us. In times like this we want … nay, we must rise up. For we have brothers and sisters here and in faraway lands whose voices have been stripped by power and ignorance. We will unite. We will overcome. Even with every path being barricaded and concrete running our path; we will blossom. Pride is the dandelion that some many people try to prick, prod, spray and get rid of. But every year through every crack we can see and smell and smile at that little yellow blossom of hope. We are the dandelion and there’s nothing on this planet that can stop us. With our arms locked tightly we will light the way for those who have fallen and those who may not know that they have a crack to grow through. Pride: it’s still important to me. When I think I’ll never be able to grow as me it’s my

hope for a better tomorrow, my dream of a better today. Pride: my only forever.

Corbyn Stincelli

PRIDE is about spreading hope that not only are things getting better but things will continue to improve because we won’t forget the battles, the lives lost and the pain suffered that now affords us a growing list of equal rights in the United States. But let’s not forget places like Russia, India or Uganda that have criminalized being gay or doing anything that publicizes the LGBT lifestyle. Pride matters because it’s not always obvious that our world is built around straight privilege; which says it’s ok that the top NFL draft can kiss his girlfriend but our gay professional sports hero, Michael Sam is doing something wrong by kissing his boyfriend on television. That kind of controversy needs to end. Gay Pride helps.

—Mary Malla

GAY PRIDE is the celebration of life, human rights and ultimately the right to love whoever we want. That is always worth celebrating.

—Christopher Jones

AS A LATIN GAY MAN , I’ve been quite lucky and have not experienced much homophobia in my life, but when the attacks in Orlando occurred it was the first time in a very long time I felt scared. Once I processed what had happened and saw both gay and straight people unite together I then realized it was not a time to be scared but a time to feel proud of who I am. Orlando is exactly why we need to attend pride events, to honor those who tragically lost their lives, to show strength and pride during this time. To show that love will win.

—Alberto Rodriquez

IN MANY SOCIETIES , being queer is condemned. People are punished, tortured and banished from their communities because of whom they love. In the United States, we take Pride for granted. In more than 70 countries, being gay is illegal. Although we won marriage equality, we have so much work to do, and Pride is an agent of change in our fight for equality.

—Basil Soper

Regional Prides

Davis County Pride

Davis County’s second annual Pride is MAY 6 at Layton Commons Park, 437 North Wasatch Drive, Layton Utah, from noon to 6 p.m. More info at daviscountypride.org

Pride of Southern Utah

Pride in St. George has not yet announced a date. Watch for more information at prideofsouthernutah.org

Helper, Utah Pride Vibes

Yes, Helper Utah has a Pride, in its second year. Saturday, JUNE 10 from 5 to 10:30 p.m. on Helper’s Historic Main Street. Entertainment this year is Early Successional and Talia Keys. There are vendors and food trucks available. helpervibes.com.

Utah Trans Pride

The fourth annnual Utah Trans Pride event, hosted by Gennderbands, will take place Saturday AUGUST 12 from 1 to 7 p.m. Watch genderbands.org for location and more details.

Provo Pride

Last year, Provo Pride was canceled days before it was to happen. See ProvoPride.org to see if one happens this year.

Ogden Pride

The 9th annual Ogden Pride has been announced for AUGUST 4–6 with the theme “The Future is Inclusive.”

Idaho Falls Pride

This year’s Idaho Falls Pride Parade & Festival will be Saturday June 24th. More at IdahoFallsPride.org As more regional prides are announced, watch qsaltlake.com.

Making customers happy since 1984!

GREEN

PTC presents Utah premiere of 7-time Tony-nominated musical ‘The Prom’

Pioneer Theatre Company announced the Utah premiere of “The Prom,” a 7-time Tony-nominated musical from the team behind another PTC favorite: “Elf The Musical.” The production features music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and a book by Bob Martin and Beguelin, and is based on an original concept by Jack Viertel. Directed and choreographed by PTC Artistic Director Karen Azenberg, the show will run from May 12 through 27, 2023.

“The Prom” tells the story of four fading Broadway stars who hear of a small-town Indiana prom where trouble is brewing because one student wants to bring her girlfriend. The parents want to keep the dance straight, but Broadway’s brassiest come to join the fight, and they are ready to kick-ball-change the world.

“The Prom, with its feelgood message of love and acceptance, is exactly what our world needs right now,” said director/choreographer Karen Azenberg. “PTC couldn’t exist without the LGBTQIA+

community, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to bring such a celebration of diversity — not to mention a great musical — to Utah for the very first time.”

Returning to PTC are Anne Tolpegin (Mrs. Lovett in PTC’s “Sweeney Todd,” “Les Miserables” on Broadway) as Dee Dee Allen, and ensemble members Lucy Anders, Kyle Caress, Howard Kaye, Micki Martinez, and JP Qualters. The cast also includes several newcomers, including Josh Adamson (“General Hospital”) as Trent Oliver, Bernard Dotson (“Ragtime” original Broadway cast) as Mr. Hawkins, Mia Cherise Hall (“Alter Ego” on Fox) as Alyssa Greene, Celeste Rose (“We Are the Tigers,” Off Broadway) as Emma Nolan, and Wendy Waring (Ulla in Broadway’s “The Producers) as Angie Dickinson.

“The Prom” is a celebration of diversity and a timely message of love and acceptance that is sure to be a hit with PTC audiences.

Tickets are available now at PioneerTheatre.org or by calling PTC’s Box Office at 801-581-6961

REVIEW BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Harley Quinn: Ravenous

BY RACHAEL ALLEN, C.2023, RANDOM HOUSE, $19.99, 349 PAGES

Forget about it.

Put it out of your mind, don’t worry about it. It’s likely nothing, so let it rest. Let it go and don’t be afraid because, as in the new book “Harley Quinn: Ravenous” by Rachael Allen, fear is how they make you scream.

Being a First Year intern at Gotham University was going to be The. Best.

Having completed the University’s gap-year program last year, Harleen Quinzel was practically bouncing. She’d

q scopes

JUNE

BY SAM KELLEY-MILLS

ARIES March 20–April 19

Step in and help a friend in need. This is a true time to get into the spirit of togetherness, even if you aren’t sure what you have to offer. Be there for the ones that need you the most, even if you aren’t feeling the most generous.

TAURUS Apr 20–May 20

Stop worrying so much about the past and get into the spirit of celebration. It’s time to get reconnected with old friends and make new ones while you’re at it. The harder you try to get out of a task, the more you’ll be drawn into it.

GEMINI May 21–June 20

What you put out there is bound to come back to you. There is a sense that you are appreciated, but the exhaustion is

decided on research, possibly psychology, as a career and First Year program included mentorship and a chance to study some of Gotham’s worst, most notorious criminal minds. The Joker, Two-Face, King Shark, Mr. Freeze, she could be assigned to any one of them at Arkham Asylum.

First Year was also going to be a bit of a relief.

Sure, she’d still have to put up with classmates like the jerk who kept asking if she was “straight now” (nope, still bi, today, tomorrow, last week) and she’d have to try to fit in, which was hard to do after what happened at the end of last year. Then, some of Harleen’s friends were attacked with a fear spray that made them scream and scream, and her best friend died from it. There was gossip but Harleen had her research to enjoy, she loved her mentor, and she was fascinated by Talia al Ghul, who’d tried to assassinate Go-

getting to you. Take a few minutes and recenter yourself during these times. The party is about to start!

CANCER June 21–July 22

Nothing is going to happen unless you take charge. The longer you wait to take action, the more waiting everyone has to do. Don’t fret because the universe has a way of helping the big picture come together. Have faith!

LEO July 23–August 22

Figure out a plan and stick to it. The fates have determined that you are the one to bring order to chaos, even if you happen to be the one bringing it. Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty in the process of cleaning up.

VIRGO August 23–Sep 2

With a lot riding on you, now is the time to take real action. Have pride in what you are doing, and don’t let others judge you too quickly. The start of a new

tham’s mayor. Talia was a great study-subject – even though Harleen wasn’t technically supposed to ever speak to her.

Until Talia said that she knew who made the fear spray. She needed information for information, tit for tat, and she hinted that she knew the truth about Straw Man, who was rumored to haunt Arkham and who had a hand in the fear spray, so...

So then Harleen woke up in the hospital, the victim of a bad accident and amnesia. But was it an accident? Were this guy, Win, and the adorable Ivy trustworthy? And the escape of Gotham City’s worst, most violent criminals... was Harleen at fault?

Let’s say a movie theatre mushed its film to a pulp and made a novel from the leftover cells. Or they used the mush to paint a BenDot artwork panel, but in words. That’s kinda how you could think of this book.

era is upon you, especially if you want change in your life. Hold on!

LIBRA Sept 23–October 22

Someone you care about may not be feeling their best. It might be easy to feel deflated, but you are the air that helps them get back to good. What you put out there will come back to you, and everything will be better. Enjoy!

SCORPIO Oct 23–Nov 21

With much of the party time going right now, it could be a nice opportunity for romance, or good old-fashioned lovemaking. Proceed with caution but don’t worry about much. As long as your heart is in it, things will work.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov 22–December 20

Never forget how much you enjoy just being you. Even if things aren’t feeling normal, the core of what you believe is going to excel your mood into a good place. Try taking the

As a part of the “DC Icons” franchise,”Harley Quinn: Ravenous” almost screams graphic novel or comic book.

So what’s the problem?

Nothing, as long as you know that before you pick it up because that’s the sort of feel you’ll get in what only looks like a regular novel. Nothing, if you relish a story that starts with action and peppers it with chaos before dropping readers into a land of dark monsters and crime. Nothing at all, if you’ve read author Rachael Allen’s novel-before-this-one – otherwise, you’ll be awash in humor, feminism, superheroes, and scrambling to find your footing. Be warned.

Overall, love a funny, crazy-paced dark-Gotham novel with a feminist warrior, you’ll devour “Harley Quinn: Ravenous.” As for a bookmark...? Nah, forget about it. Q

time to figure out what works best for refocusing efforts.

CAPRICORN

Dec 21–Jan 19

Whoever said life wasn’t fair is probably right. That doesn’t mean you have to settle for less. Determine what you want and go for it. Many people are working on simply not caring about their burdens. You should do the same.

AQUARIUS Jan 20–Feb 18

Take it upon yourself to reflect and reject all that is bringing you down. Focus on financial issues so you can move on to more important matters. It’s about time for a community event or two, and you don’t want to miss out!

PISCES Feb 19–Mar 19

The feelings that others share may seem to bring you down, but you hear it because of the admiration you’ve earned. Set the tone and be an example of celebration and light. Open the doors to wonder and let others follow.

Cheers to summer 2023: Party-startin’ drink recipes to sip in the sun

Anotherhot-and-sweaty season is upon us — and it’s time to throwback a few cold ones. From pick-me-up coffee concoctions to a cocktail that’ll tickle your pickle, these are the mustmake recipes of Summer, 2023.

1. THE AMETHYST

Summer-staple sangria takes the backseat when you break out Black Box Pinot Noir to serve as the base of this fun-and-fruity cocktail. Chilled red wine meets citrus and sparkling wine for a fizzy-fresh drink with zip, designed by Cocktail Guru Jonathan Pogash.

1½ oz Black Box Pinot Noir

¾ oz crème de cassis

½ oz honey syrup

1 oz fresh grapefruit juice

Sparkling wine

Strawberry slice, garnish

Shake all ingredients (except for sparkling wine) with ice and strain into a chilled champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with strawberry slice on rim of glass.

2. RISE & SHINE COFFEE COCKTAIL

When you need more than a mimosa to get you back in the game after a long night of pride partying, opt for this easy-to-prepare energy bev crafted from liquid coffee concentrate, handcrafted at Barnie’s CoffeeKitchen in Winter Park, Fla.

1 oz Fernet

¾ oz Amaro

¾ oz Grand Marnier

½ oz simple syrup

1 Barnie’s Blend BREWSTICKS

Mix ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour and serve in a rocks glass. Garnish with orange twist.

3. ANCHO BERRY MARGARITA

All bets are off when the blender comes out hello, margies! but it’s easy to go green this summer with this made-by-hand margarita-on-the-rocks recipe born at the Living Room Bar and Fireplace at the Inn & Spa at Loretto in Sante Fe, N.M.

1½ oz. VIDA Tequila

½ oz Cointreau

½ oz fresh lime juice

Macerated Blueberries:

6 oz Ancho Reyes Chile Liquor

Tbsp sugar

1 pint fresh blueberries

Rim martini glass with raspberry chipotle sea salt and serve.

4. CHERRY BLOSSOM SOUR

If you missed the iconic Cherry Blossom blooms in the nation’s capital this spring, have a taste of the next best thing from the AC Hotel Washington D.C. in Maryland (eh, it’s close enough), which boasts a beverage-first culture that we all can agree is pretty boss.

1½ oz Sloop Betty Vodka

¼ oz St. Germain

¼ oz simple syrup

¼ oz cherry brandy

¼ oz Oloroso sherry

1 oz lemon juice

1 mint sprig, garnish

Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake 10 to 20 times. Double-strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with mint sprig. For added flavor, rim glass with vanilla sugar. To make, split one vanilla bean in half, remove seeds and whisk in a bowl with ½ cup of sugar.

5. DEL FRISCO’S GRILLE DUTCH MULE

Spicy, sweet and a little bit sour and punched with ginger is just what the doctor ordered when you want something a bit more sophisticated than a so-last-year shandy.

½ oz Madam Pattirini Gin

4½ oz Wasatch Top of Main Ginger Beer

Red grapefruit slices, garnish

Mint sprigs, garnish

Fill wine glass ¾ full with ice. Add gin and ginger beer. Place grapefruit slice in glass and top with mint sprig.

6. INK BOMB

Arguably the most innovative cocktail on this list, this squid-ink shot from Death Ave. in NYC isn’t for the weak of stomach. Cocktail enthusiasts can harvest their own ink by cleaning store-bought cuttlefish at home.

1 oz Tsipouro grape pomace brandy

¼ tsp cuttlefish ink

Splash of sour mix

1 tsp fresh lime juice

Serve with grilled seafood.

7. SENOR SCOTT

Hot, sweet and salty simultaneously, this sparkling collins cocktail is the perfect pairing for an outdoor summer meal derived south of the border.

2 oz VIDA tequila

1 oz. Aperol

Blood Orange DRY

Slice of lime

Paper thin strip of bell pepper

Cinnamon salt

Rim half a collins glass with lime and cinnamon salt and fill halfway with ice. Add tequila and Aperol and stir. Top with Blood Orange DRY and stir again. Garnish with red bell pepper and slice of lime.

8. YOU LOOK SMASHING

You’ll already look smashing, but this cocktail in hand won’t hurt either.

2 oz High West Bourbon

6 blackberries

3 mint leaves

1 lemon wedge

¼ oz maple syrup

Serve in rocks glass.

9. BASIL POM BOMB

No need to feel guilty for indulging in a few of these crisp cocktails from POM Wonderful and bubbling with antioxidants!

1½ oz Madam Pattirini Gin

1½ oz 100% Pomegranate Juice

½ oz fresh squeezed lime juice

¾ oz agave

3 basil leaves, muddled

Top with sparkling water

Sliver of lime, garnish

Pomegranate seeds, garnish

Serve in short glass or wine glass.

10. TICKLED PICKLE

Caution: May cause cravings for hoagies and chips.

2 oz Five Husbands Vodka

¾ oz lemon juice

¾ oz simple syrup

1 oz sour pickle brine

1 oz Wasatch Devastator Double Bock

Combine all ingredients (except beer) in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a tumbler glass. Top with a heavy splash of lager beer. Stir gently, garnish with skewered mini pickles and dust with cayenne pepper. Q

author Zachary Zane takes you to just some of the places

hooked up

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

Sex writer

Zachary

Zane’s first book, “Boyslut,” wasn’t even on shelves when we recently connected, but the author was already thinking about his next.

“I might just transition more into sex travel,” Zane says. “I would love for that to be a thing, where I could just travel the world, having sex in various countries and writing about my experiences.”

For now, think of “Boyslut” as an introduction to Zane, where the author lays the groundwork for his next essay collection. In his book debut, a self-proclaimed “memoir and manifesto,” he celebrates sex without shame as a proudly “perpetually horny” polyamorous, bisexual man. Zane explores growing up with intrusive thoughts and guilt around sex, which manifested as OCD, where those thoughts cycled through his mind in vicious, unhealthy ways. Society’s shaming of queer sex didn’t help any. “My OCD was the ultimate drag queen — reveal after reveal,” he writes.

Though this is Zane’s first book, the Brooklyn-based author and columnist is a familiar name in the sex writer community. He currently has two columns, including “Sexplain It,” a sex and relationship advice column at Men’s Health, and “Navigating Non-Monogamy,” where he writes about his polyamory journey for Cosmo. Dan Savage has called Zane “one of the best sex writers working today,” and Billy Porter said he’s doing the “Lord’s work by promoting bi-visibility.”

In a recent interview, the “Boyslut” author mentioned people ask him all the time why he’s not on OnlyFans, thinking he’s some kind of “sex god.” “I’m not,” Zane says. “I have good sex. I enjoy it. I’m communicative. I’m open.

I’m sexually shameless. I honestly think if you actually saw it, you’d be underwhelmed.”

“I like when the words speak more,” he adds. “They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. We need an opposite phrase, where it’s ‘1,000 words is worth a 1,000 words.’” What have you learned about the differences in sex culture from around the world? It’s underrated how much sex influences the dynamics of a culture and a society. I really do think it gives me a better sense of how people treat each other, how people view themselves, how people view their relationships. Is this a culture that tends to have more, let’s say, discreet men? Is it a culture that tends to have more people that tend to be cheating than not cheating? Again, I don’t want to stereotype an entire country based off of one person I had sex with there, but I do think it really can help you better understand aspects of a society in a country. That’s pretty cool. Selfishly, I have to ask: Where are the hottest men? I love Central and Latin America. I think also there’s a lot more bi guys there, and there’s certain cities and countries I’ve been to where it’s like, “Oh. If you are a top and masculine, you are straight,” and I’m like, “Well, no. I think objectively not.” But there are certain cultures where it’s honestly more accepted for men to have sex with men in that way, as long as they’re top,

‘Boyslut’

he’s

dominant and masculine. I’m like, “Fine, you can be a dom, top and destroy me and call yourself straight. I don’t give a fuck. I still came my face off.” But I think I have the most fun in a lot of Central American and South American countries, sexually.

Also, the bi element of me… even if it’s not even a super LGBTQ-friendly country, they still don’t mind the fact that I’m effeminate. I don’t know if they consider me metrosexual. I don’t know if they’re like, “Well, so many other guys in our culture are bi but fuck women, and they’re considered straight,” so I’m considered straight even though I fuck men quite often. I think really what I’m saying with all of this is I need to get my ass back to Colombia.

When were you last in Colombia? Little over a year ago? It was my only time there, and I fucking loved the sex culture there. I loved the bi boys there. I loved the prostitutes there. I loved just the overall. There was also just a lot more queerness in Colombia and a lot in Central and Latin America. Here, it’s like we have gay bars. We have straight bars and very few in between, versus I’d go to gay bars and there’d be a lot more women there in a fun way, where either they’re supporting their gay friends or they are themselves,

and it wasn’t as just strictly gay or straight. As a bi person, I actually like when women are in spaces as well. I enjoy that immensely and have a lot of fun, assuming they are queer women, faghags or whatever you want to call it. Best hotel sex experience? So this was in Colombia, where I went to this after-hours at 5, 6 a.m. It was just a strip club, but you can hire the sex workers, and literally, it’s connected to a hotel, so then you can go and hook up in the hotel. I did that with a couple of sex workers. It was closing down at, like, noon. I’m just having sex with a sex worker, and she’s like, “Do you want to stay up? I have more girls,” so she took me to this hotel that was literally a sex hotel, where outside, I remember the security with guns, very prominent machine guns, and each room had a gate. So they all have those metal gates, and you go in. There’s no one in there, and you have to call to get room service, and it comes through this little room, and it had a stripper pole, beds, condoms and a little jacuzzi. She comes over, and she invites her girlfriends so we can just party and have fun. It was so much fun. Midway through, we’re all having sex and she’s like, “Do you like guys too?” I’m like, “Yeah.” She’s like, “All right. I’ll invite some guy friends too.”

Which modes of transportation have you had sex in? I’ve had sex on a plane. I’ve definitely had sex in a car. I’ve blown my Uber and Lyft driver. I’ve gotten blown in the backseat of an Uber and Lyft. I’ve had sex on boats. I’ve never had sex on a subway or train. Wait, I’m trying to think if that’s true.

No motorcycle sex? No motorcycle. It’d be so funny if, not in the motorcycle itself, but that little side seat that they have, if that’s where you were doing it.

What language gets you the horniest? Ooh. It’s Spanish. Even though not all Spanish accents are created equal, and I think some are sexier than others, but I like Spanish. I like Italian. I think there’s such a very sexy vibe to those languages that I find very hot. Host or travel? Well, if I’m in New York, I prefer to host because I have my setup. I like to get throat-fucked, so I’ll do blindfold and then have my head over the bed. I leave the door unlocked, and I fucking love that dynamic, which

you can only do while you’re hosting, but obviously in foreign countries, travel, because I want to see where people live and I’d prefer to not have people to my hotel. I’d much rather see where people live, and what the deal is and what their dynamic is, which is not in my English-speaking hotel. Uber or Lyft for an outof-town hookup? Whatever is cheaper. Q

Chris Azzopardi is the editorial director of Pride Source Media Group and Q Syndicate. He has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.

Dreaming of the Old Guard

BY ALPHA MERCURYF

a loss. When I see people dress up like slaves or pups but don’t act in ways that are slave-like or pup-like, I feel a loss.

It’ssaid

that the modern gay male Leather community in the U.S. had its origins with servicemen returning from World War II in the 1940s. Missing the camaraderie of the military, they formed fraternal civilian groups that had strict rules and codes of conduct. The groups were usually framed around motorcycles and riding them, but the purpose of the groups was to create families of men with a common cause. These groups gave birth to both modern motorcycle gang culture (which was mostly straight) and gay male Leather culture.

The period of the first few decades of Leather culture began to be known in the modern era as “The Old Guard.”

Pre-Internet, pre-cell phone, pre-personal computer, even for a time pre-Stonewall, the Old Guard was to some degree a secret society. If mere homosexuality was viewed as a perverse aberration by mainstream society, homosexual men engaging in BDSM was something whose perceived transgression could not be underestimated. So it was done in secret. One could only become a member of an Old Guard group by being sponsored by a current group member and being (what we now call) vetted by the group. You had to earn your way. There were very strict rules and protocols both for Dominants and submissives. Honorifics were mandatory. Only Dominants could wear covers (motorcycle caps.) A submissive could only wear a collar if they had been given it by a Dominant that they served. You couldn’t go to a store and buy leather gear or clothing for yourself, it was gifted to you by the group when you were deemed worthy. When you had earned it. Every piece of leather attire had a specific meaning, purpose, and manner in which to be worn. You could not give yourself a title (Master, slave, pup) you had to earn it.

In this pre-digital age, anything you learned was done through in-person mentoring. An expert in something (rope bondage, flogging, fisting) would train you how to master that skill – or how to experience someone else exercising that

skill upon you. The Old Guard groups were strong brotherhoods that taught, nurtured, and protected their own.

They were families.

FAST FORWARD TO NOW.

The Old Guard is gone. The mainstreaming of LGBTQ+ people and culture has made the need to be invisible obsolete. Computers, the Internet, and cell phones have made secret groups meeting in person unnecessary. You can watch a YouTube video on how to tie someone up or flog them or fist them. If you want to have a kinky scene you just pull up an app on your phone and find someone to do it with.

Many things are great now for the Kink/Leather/Fetish/BDSM community. LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. have made remarkable progress in the time since World War II in terms of visibility, representation, protections, rights, and political advocacy. (Although Republicans are trying to reverse that progress.) Those of us who share what used to be called “the love that dare not speak its name” now have representatives in government, our own celebrities and TV shows, and a whole month where our collective pride is celebrated by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. What we’ve gained is tremendously important and worthy of gratitude every day of our lives.

The current Kink/Leather/Fetish/ BDSM community is nothing like the Old Guard. Some would argue it’s better because it’s more far-reaching, inclusive, and available than it’s ever been. The modern community is worldwide. You can chat with someone on the other side of the world about your mutual kinky interests. I’m not trying to diminish that.

But I think we’ve lost some things too.

When I’m in a kink space and I see someone wearing a nice collar, ask them who put it on them, and am told no one, they just like how it looks, I feel a loss. When I meet someone who says they’re a Master and then I hear about consent violations on their part, I feel

Please understand I haven’t declared myself the authority or arbiter of True Kink. I simply feel like we’ve lost something. This is something I struggle with a lot. If anyone can be or do or say anything they want with no knowledge or training or consequences, and then be and do and say something totally different tomorrow, does what they are and do and say really mean anything? Is status you don’t earn actually status?

I’ve been told that every new generation finds their way into kink and redefines it for themselves and that that’s a good thing. I wonder if that’s true though. Other communities don’t let new members come in and redefine what they are. Part of what makes a community what it is is that there are certain standards and traditions to be upheld. If you’re not willing to honor those standards and traditions, you can’t be part of that community. Yet how can communities evolve if they are stuck in rigid feedback loops of unchangeable rules? Communities must evolve in order to stay relevant and attract new members. I simply feel our particular community has evolved so much that it’s unrecognizable from where it started, and that much has been discarded that was valuable.

Leather bars are nearly extinct. Serious groups that teach and mentor are scarce and short-lived. Standards are gone. Anyone can be anything, just because they say they are, without vetting or training. That’s why I dream of the Old Guard and wish it had survived long enough for me to be a part of. And of course, there are some who say the Old Guard never existed, or that it wasn’t anything like what it’s been mythologized into.

All that may be true.

But to paraphrase a line from the movie L.A. Story, “The Old Guard may not be the truth, but it is what I wish were true.” Q Have thoughts, questions, or comments about this column or anything to do with Kink? Write to me at kink@qsaltlake.com and I’ll print them and answer them in an upcoming column. Be safe and have fun out there! Alpha Mercury has been an out and proud member of the Kink/Leather/ Fetish/BDSM community his entire adult life. He has a degree in Film Production from the University of Southern California and is a published author of erotic fiction. Alpha Mercury lives with his Leather Family in Salt Lake City.

BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE

Intersex documentary

‘Every Body’ hitting theater screens for Pride month Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Julie Cohen (“RBG”) is back with a new documentary called “Every Body,” about the lives of intersex people. The film tells the story of three people born intersex, which is when a person displays physical characteristics — chromosome patterns or genitalia — that don’t fit traditional binary definitions of gender, often causing doctors and families to actively assign a gender to the newborn child. The adults profiled in the film share their experiences of forced surgeries, shame and secrets, and have now chosen to be public to advocate for the end of medically unnecessary interventions. Produced with NBC News and distributed by Focus Features this June, it’s a timely and urgently needed film to help squash the ignorance about gender currently running rampant in the United States. Make it a Pride Month watch and buy a ticket when it comes along.

Kristen Stewart is taking it on the road to ‘Sacramento’

Kristen Stewart is at the point in her career when doing anything she wants is what she wants, and what she wants right now isn’t another prestige drama like “Spencer” (even though she was great and you know she was great). Instead, she’s signed on for a low-key road-trip comedy called “Sacramento.” To be directed by Michael Angarano (“This Is Us”) and co-written

deep inside hollywood

by Angarano and actor Chris Smith (“Young & Hungry”), the film follows two longtime friends — Angarano and Michael Cera — who are both married and settling into domestic life, but still decided to take a spontaneous road trip from Los Angeles to Sacramento. Stewart plays Cera’s wife, while Maya Erskine (“Pen15”) co-stars as Angarano’s wife. And even though that’s all we know of the plot, it seems highly unlikely that these women will be sidelined as characters. We just trust. Production begins this spring. Look for it down the road.

Hari Nef is about to do some ‘Bad Things’

We’ve gone on record about our enjoyment of Hari Nef’s ability to make whatever project she’s in stop and take notice of her (and don’t get us started about our excitement over the trans actress’s upcoming role as one of the endless stream of Barbies in “Barbie”). So we’re more than a little enthusiastic about her next film, “Bad Things.” It’s a thriller with an ensemble cast, about a group of women on a weekend getaway to a place where they commit some genuinely wicked acts. Directed and written by Stewart Thorndike — whose earlier film “Lyle” was described as a “lesbian ‘Rosemary’s Baby’” – it stars Gayle Rankin (“Glow Men”), Annabelle Dexter-Jones (“Succession”), queer artist Rad Pereira (“Betty”) and the “Breakfast Club” legend herself, Molly Ringwald. Shooting’s already wrapped and, after premiering at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, will drop on horror streaming service Shudder on August 25. Sounds like the perfect end-of-summer rager.

Billy Porter to star as James Baldwin

You can’t stop Billy Porter’s drive to do everything he sets his mind to. The “Pose” star and collaborator Dan McCabe (“Fruits of Thy Labor”) are going to adapt David Leeming’s book “James Baldwin: A Biography” as the basis for a James Baldwin biopic with Porter set to star. For newcomers, Baldwin was a gay Black writer and civil rights activist whose novels, plays and essays are essential texts of 20th-century Black American life, and is a particular hero of Porter’s. This is all in the early stages, but the time couldn’t be more appropriate for a film about his life. Renewed interest in his work — and renewed bans by right-wing racists — after Raoul Peck’s brilliant, incendiary documentary “I Am Not Your Negro” and Barry Jenkins’s beautiful adaptation of the novel “If Beale Street Could Talk” means it’s always a good time to bring Baldwin into the cultural conversation. More on this project as it develops.

The Muppets Meet Lil Nas X (and dozens of other stars)

Let’s just call the Muppets canonically queer because of “Rainbow Connection.” But even if they weren’t, we’d still be clearing our viewing schedule for May 10. That’s when Disney+ drops “The Muppets Mayhem,” a new series starring everyone’s favorite puppet rock band, Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem, alongside humans Lilly Singh (“A Little Late with Lilly Singh”) and Tahj Mowry (“Baby Daddy”). There is an unmanageably long list of guest stars who’ll be joining

the band as they spend the series working toward recording their very first album, but we’ll stick to the real-life musicians in the mix: queer icon Lil Nas X will show up, as will Chris Stapleton, Weird Al Yankovic, Ziggy Marley, Kesha, Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles, deadmau5, Billy Corgan, Steve Aoki, Tommy Lee and the one and only Paula Abdul. For more queer cred, “Queer Eye” star Karamo Brown will also guest star, though he’s not a musician. Go check out the rest of the list online; you’ll see just how overstuffed it is, and you’ll like it like that.

‘The L Word’ is dead. Long live ‘The L Word’

None of Showtime’s TV series have been renewed yet since the announcement that all of the network’s content is getting folded into Paramount+, and that spells the end of “The L Word: Generation Q,” which has been cancelled after three seasons. Call it the broken promise of the streaming explosion, when a glut of new “content” made keeping up with new shows an impos-sible task, only to have corporate entities come along and destroy what they created. But die-hard “L Word” fans are allowed to hope for more anyway, as Ilene Chaiken is developing a full reboot of the series, with the working title “The L Word: New York.” What little information there is suggests a full reboot with all new characters in a new city. After all, lesbians are paying extremely high rents everywhere, so why not find out which glammy ones are competing with Sarah Jessica Parker for extremely expensive shoes and pigeon-shaped clutch purses in Manhat-tan? Stay tuned for more as this

one, as it’s still in the earliest stages of development.

Luke Macfarlane joins Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne for ‘Platonic’

We were hoping to see Luke Macfarlane move on from “Bros” to more comedy — he was, quite frankly, underappreciated in that film — and now it’s happening. He’s joined the cast of the up-coming sitcom “Platonic,” which stars Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne. It’s been a long time coming for this one — it got a series order in October 2020 — and it reunites Byrne and Rogen after co-starring in “Neighbors” and “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising.” They’ll play platonic friends who re-unite in middle age after a long time apart, upending their lives and other relationships in the pro-cess. Macfarlane joins the supporting cast that includes Tre Hale (“Love and Monsters”), Carla Gallo (“Bones”), and Andrew Lopez (“Blockers”). The 10-episode season drops on Apple TV+ May 24, so summer comedy television is already shaping up.

Sam Green

explore

scientists from Isaac Newton to Laurie Anderson, creating a collage of sensory input. It’s the kind of aural expe-rience that’s going to be best experienced in an immersive theatrical setting — think the 2022 Tilda Swinton-starring arthouse sensation “Memoria” from queer filmmaker Apichatpong We-erasethakul, but in a somewhat less trippy package. This is one for the art-queers, who always deserve a little treat but never find it at the multiplex. It opens April 28 in New York, with more cities to follow.

Lucas Hedges and Mike Faist are bringing ‘Brokeback’ back

and JD Samson

‘32 Sounds’

Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker Sam Green (“The Weather Underground”) and queer electronic musician JD Samson, of the bands Le Tigre and MEN, have an unusual col-laborative project quietly dropping into your friendly neighborhood arthouse cinema very soon. It’s a documentary called “32 Sounds” and it explores the experience of sound from a variety of angles: inside the womb, bird calls, Foley artists, weather, John Cage’s legendary “silent” compo-sition “4:33,” and more. As the sounds roll out, the film references artists and

A new version of Annie Proulx’s short story, “Brokeback Mountain,” is coming to London’s West End, and it will star BAFTA-nominated Mike Faist (he was Riff in Spielberg’s “West Side Story”) and Academy Award-nominated Lucas Hedges (“Manchester by the Sea”). And it’s something of a musical, or, as it’s being called, “a play with music,” which suggests to us that it’s less “Rent” and more… well something less traditionally musical-theater-ish.

Adapted by Ashley Robinson, with songs by gay songwriter and lead vocalist of the band

The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells, who composed the music for “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie,” the Jonathan Butterell-directed production (he directed the film version of “Jamie”) will take the stage at Sohoplace Theatre for a 12-week run beginning May 10. We’re very pleased to see Lucas Hedges return to more queer material after his moving performance in “Boy Erased,” and hopeful that this new staging makes its way back to the United States. Q Romeo San Vicente can’t quit you.

Q mmunity 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

Peer Support for Mental Illness — PSMI

Thurs 7pm, Utah Pride Ctr

Planned Parenthood

 bit.ly/ppauslchiv

654 S 900 E 801-322-5571

Salt Lake County Health

Dept HIV/STD Clinic

610 S 200 E, 2nd Floor

Walk-ins M–F 8a–5p Appts 385-468-4242

Utah AIDS Foundation

 utahaids.org

* mail@utahaids.org

150 S 1000 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

LEGAL Rainbow Law Free Clinic

2nd Weds 6–7:30pm probono@law.utah.edu

POLITICAL

Equality Utah

 equalityutah.org

* info@equalityutah.org

376 E 400 S 801-355-3479

Utah Libertarian Party Mail address: 129 E

13800 S #B2-364

Draper, * chair@ libertarianutah.org

866-511-UTLP

Utah Stonewall Democrats

 utahstonewalldemocrats.org

 fb.me/ utahstonewalldems

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

SOCIAL

Alternative Garden Club

 utahagc.org/clubs/ altgardenclub/

1 to 5 Club (bisexual)

 facebook.com/ groups/1to5clubutah

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

OWLS of Utah (Older, Wiser, Lesbian Sisters)

 bit.ly/owlsutah

qVinum Wine Tasting

 qvinum.com

Seniors Out and Proud

 fb.me/soaputah

* info@soaputah.org

801-856-4255

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

 fb.me/utahmalenaturists

* 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

 fb.me/UtahGayFootballLeague

Venture Out Utah

 facebook.com/groups/ Venture.OUT.Utah

SUPPORT

Alcoholics Anonymous

801-484-7871

 utahaa.org

LGBT meetings:

Sun. 3p Acceptance

Group, All Saints

Episcopal Church, 1710 Foothill Dr

Tues. 7p Live & Let Live, Mt Tabor

Lutheran, 175 S 700 E Wed. 7p Sober Today, 1159 30th St , Ogden

Wed. 7p Bountiful

Men’s Group, Am. Baptist Btfl Church, 1915 Orchard Dr, Btfl

Fri. 7p Stonewall Group, Mt Tabor

Lutheran, 175 S 700 E

Crystal Meth Anon

 crystalmeth.org

USARA, 180 E 2100 S

Clean, Sober & Proud

Sun. 1:30pm

Leather Fetish & Kink

Fri. 8:30pm

Genderbands

 genderbands.org

fb.me/genderbands

LifeRing Secular Recovery

801-608-8146

 liferingutah.org

Weds. 7pm, How was your week? First Baptist Church, 777 S 1300 E

Sat. 11am, How was your week? First Baptist Church, 777 S 1300 E

LGBTQ-Affirmative Psycho-therapists Guild of Utah

 lgbtqtherapists.com

* robin@lgbtqtherapists.com

Survivors of Suicide Attempt

 utahpridecenter.org/ mental-health/sosa/

YOUTH/COLLEGE

Encircle LGBTQ Family and Youth Resource Ctr

 encircletogether.org

fb.me/encircletogether

91 W 200 S, Provo, 190 S 100 E, St. George 331 S 600 E, SLC

Gay-Straight Alliance Network

 gsanetwork.org

OUT Foundation BYU

 theout.foundation

 fb.me/theOUTfoundation

Salt Lake Community College LGBTQ+

 slcc.edu/lgbtq/

University of Utah LGBT Resource Center

 lgbt.utah.edu

200 S Central Campus

Dr Rm 409, M-F, 8a-5p 801-587-7973

USGA at BYU

 usgabyu.com

 fb.me/UsgaAtByu

Utah State Univ. Inclusion Ctr

 usu.edu/inclusion/ Utah Valley Univ Spectrum

 instagram.com/ spectrum.uvu

Weber State University

LGBT Resource Center

 weber.edu/

lgbtresourcecenter

Shepherd Union Suite 323 Dept. 2117 801-626-7271

Westminster Diversity Center

Bassis 105, M-F 8a-5p

 westminstercollege. edu/diversity

JOIN OUR GROUP OF ACTIVE OUT SENIORS

Our Vision is to reduce social isolation and loneliness, improve the health and well-being of older adults and to empower them to lead meaningful and connected lives in which they are engaged and participating in the community.

Our Mission is to reimagine aging by empowering older adults to live life to the fullest potential guided by these five pillars:

• Cherish the Journey

• Encourage the Body

Recent events: Snowshoeing, Bingo, Valentines Pot Luck & Dance, Movie Night, Walking Groups, Theater groups

• Inspire the Mind

• Nurture the Spirit

• Empower the Future

Find us at SeniorsOutAndProudUtah.org and Facebook.com/SOAPUtah

Utah Pride Center

Weekly drop-ins and activity nights held at the Utah Pride Center, 1380 S Main St. Some require registration at utahpridecenter.org/ programs/

ADULT & SENIOR

Silver Pride Senior (50+) Mon 2–4 pm, in-person.

Neurodivergent

Support & Social Club, Mon 6–7 pm, In-person & virtual Bi+Pan Support & Social Club, Mon 6:30–7:30 pm, Inperson & virtual registration req’d Trivia Night (21+ Mon 7:30–9 pm, in-person (no more than 6 per team).

Health Insurance

Help From Take Care Utah, Tue 3–5 pm, in-person, 18+.

Gay Men’s Peer Support Group, Tue 6:30–8 pm, in-person, 18+ * billblevins@ hotmail.com

Pride in Recovery, 18+ Tue 7–8 pm, in-person

Gay Men’s Sack Lunch, Wed, Noon–1 pm, in-person, any gay male-identifying humans 18+.

Women’s Support Group, Wed, 6–7 pm, in-person & virtual, registration req’d

LezBee Honest Support & Social Club, Wed, 7–8 pm, In-person & virtual, registration req’d Trans/Nonbinary Support Group, Thurs 6–7:30 pm, In-person & virtual, registration req’d Queer People Of Color Support & Social Club, Thurs, 6:30–7:30 pm, Inperson & virtual, registration req’d

Parents & Caregivers

Support Group, Thurs 6:30–7:30 pm, In-person & virtual, registration req’d Game Night, 18+ Fri

5:30–9 pm, in-person, Families Like Ours, Sun 3:30–5:30pm, in-person

YOUTH & FAMILY

PROGAMS

Youth 10–13 Support Group, Tue 5–6pm pm, registration req’d Youth 10–13 Activity Night, Thu 5–6 pm, registration req’d Youth 10–13 Free Time Hours, Tue/Thu 3–8 pm, reg. req’d Teens 14–17 Support Group, Mon 5–6 pm, registration req’d Teens 14–17 Activity Night Wed 5–6 pm, registration req’d Teen 14–17 Free Time Hours, Mon/Wed 3–8 pm, registration req’d

the perils of petunia pap smear

A tale of to float or not to float? That is the question.

BY PETUNIA PAP SMEAR

Theroad to the Pride parade is fraught with danger and excitement.

Finally, the grips of this endless winter have released us, and it is finally pride month. Every year I anxiously await Pride Day, just like a little kid waits for Christmas morning.

I’m reminded of several years ago when the Matrons of Mayhem prepared a float for the Pride parade. We built it on the chassis of a borrowed 1970s vintage Buick. Now since my own beloved land yacht Queertanic was also a Buick, I thought this would be fantastic. How wrong I was!

In hindsight, when considering the float car without my rose-colored glasses, the car had seen much better days. The engine ran very rough and would sometimes stall when put in gear. The owner assured us that once it got warmed up, the engine would purr like a kitten. So, armed with staple guns and gallons of hot glue, we giddily set about attaching rainbow colors and elaborate decorations to every possible surface. In all the hustle and confusion, my right breasticle accidentally got stapled to the front of the float. I broke my whole set of Lee Press-On-Nails removing it. After several hot glue burns, much running mascara, and many, many swear words, we got the float looking pretty good.

The morning of the parade, it was time to drive the float from Murray to downtown. One of my fellow Matrons, Harry-It Winston, drove the float. She started the engine and put it in gear. It promptly died. After several more failed attempts, she gunned the hell out of it and took off. I quickly jumped into Queertanic and followed behind. Off we went, slowly up the streets. It soon became apparent to me that we were in trouble. The float hit a bump, and one of the smaller decorations fell off. I honked, but Harry-It must not have heard me. So, I stopped Queertanic, wriggled out from

behind the steering wheel, picked up the piece, threw it into the trunk, squeezed myself back into the car, and raced to catch up with the float. Every time the float would hit a bump, another piece of decoration would fall off. Rinse and repeat! Thank goodness Queertanic’s trunk was large enough to hold my standard pizza order of 25 pies, because by the time we reached downtown, there was the equivalent of 15 dead bodies in my trunk.

Now, keep in mind that it is rather difficult for me to get in and out of Queertanic quickly while wearing breasticles and beehive hair. I honked my horn and flashed my lights to get Harry-It’s attention, but unaware that there was a problem, she just kept going gayly forward, afraid to stop lest the engine die again. After the 10-mile journey and 23 lost decorations, we finally arrived, much worse for wear, at the parade assembly area. In all of the commotion, my left breasticle had fallen off, and my beehive wig was knocked sideways. Thank goodness we had a couple of hours before the parade began because it took us that long to reapply all the fallen decorations, not to mention get my hair back upright and reapply my mascara.

By parade time, we were able to reassemble the float, and it looked tremendous, if I do say so myself. This was going to be fantastic. Hopes welled up within my breasticles that we could possibly win the trophy for best float. Our friend David volunteered to drive the float for us, while we rode and waved to the people. I perched my ample buttockus maximus in a comfortable spot on the rear end of the float where both my hands would be free to wave to the adoring crowds. I had prepared for this by studying videotapes of the elbow, elbow wrist, wrist, wrist, touch the pearls technique that Queen Elizabeth used when waving to the crowds.

The parade officials gave us the signal to begin. The engine roared to life, the float lurched violently for-

ward ten yards, and the engine died. I fell off the back end, landing on the street like sequin-covered roadkill. Several bystanders came to my aid and helped pick me up off the pavement, and I carefully “remounted the rear.”

This scenario repeated over and over again and again for the entire length of the parade. After I had fallen off the rear for the third time, I resigned myself that I needed to keep a death grip on an iron rod that was protruding from the chassis. I couldn’t help but sing my dirty version of the Mormon hymn.

“Hold to the rod, the iron rod; ‘Tis strong, and bright, and true. The iron rod is the dildo of God; ‘Twill safely guide me through.”

At one point, despite holding to the dildo … er … rod, I fell off again, but my fingers were so tightly gripping the rod, they wouldn’t release. I was dragged several yards before a handsome bystander boosted me back up to my perilous perch. I have never been so glad to see a parade end in my life. This story leaves us with several important questions:

1. Should I have left my right breasticle attached to the front of the float to act as a cow catcher like on a locomotive?

2. What kind of solvent is best to remove road tar from sequins?

3. Is it considered a grand gay social faux pas if a queen can’t keep ahold of a rear end?

4. How many times can a queen remount a rear before she is labeled a slut, or, worse yet, incompetent?

5. Was holding onto the iron rod good training for solo sex?

6. Does this make me a Power Bottom For Jesus?

These and other eternal questions will be answered in future chapters of The Perils of Petunia Pap Smear. Q