Equality Utah announces 2023 LGBTQ scholarship program

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Equality Utah, Utah’s largest LGBTQ+ political organization, announced it will provide financial assistance to LGBTQ+ students across the state.

“We are looking to assist students who have financial need, have demonstrated a commitment to building community, and are eager to excel,” the group wrote in a statement.

Through the scholarship program, eligible students can receive up to $2,500, which can be renewed annually for up to three years. In addition to the financial aid, recipients will also benefit from personalized mentoring provided by Equality Utah and their certified Business Equality Leaders.

To be considered for the scholarship, freshmen and sophomores must be enrolled full-time in accredited colleges within Utah. The organization encourages interested students to submit their applications no later than July 21.

Equality Utah encourages community involvement in identifying students who could benefit from this financial boost.

“We are immensely grateful to the donors, mentors, and scholarship team who have made this program available for our community,” the group wrote. “LGBTQ Utahns have tremendous potential to be a positive force in the world. We are happy to do our part to ensure the next generation have the opportunities and resources they need to soar through life.”

To apply, go to bit.ly/ EUScholarship2023 Q

Trans Pride Festival by Genderbands is in August

BY BLAIR HOWELL

Pride is for everyone. Representation comes from our communities, not from what we see in mainstream media. When every person in the community comes together, no matter their age, race, or physical or mental abilities, it allows us to live authentically and free. Pride is for everyone.

The nonprofit group Genderbands is holding its fourth annual Utah Trans Pride Festival on Aug. 12 for the first time since Covid. The Festival is one of only three transgender pride festivals in the country.

Genderbands supports the transgender, gender-nonconforming, and other gender-diverse communities in a variety of ways, largely by assisting with transition-related costs. They provide medical and non-medical grants, free binders, and social and educational activities.

Like the many other pride festivals, the Utah Trans Pride Festival will have a variety of vendors, live entertainment, and food. It is unique because they spotlight and celebrate the diverse transgender community by prioritizing trans vendors and entertainers.

The free event will include a pre-party the day before and an after-party the night of. The festival will offer a chill zone — a sensory-friendly space to decompress, a freebie/resource booth, and “pay it forward” opportunities. A well-known headline entertainer is about to be announced.

“I want to give opportunities to members of the trans community that they wouldn’t otherwise have.” founder Ian Giles explains. “Oftentimes, we see the same 50 vendors at a festival. I want to see something new! I want to see people who don’t or can’t come to Pride. Like the singer who only performs at a coffee shop, the young trans artist fundraising on Instagram, and people with disabilities that prevent from attending. I want to break down every barrier that would prevent anyone from participating in Pride.”

Some of the accessibility steps being taken are affordable vendor fees, putting booths by sidewalks for wheelchair access, food for people with dietary restrictions and allergies, as well as the previously mentioned chill zone.

With all of the anti-trans bills being pushed through in Utah and across the

Seniors Out and Proud to celebrate one-year anniversary

Seniors Out and Proud, a community organization dedicated to supporting and empowering senior citizens, better known as SOAP is gearing up for a grand celebration as they mark their oneyear anniversary. The event promises an unforgettable day of festivities and gratitude for the incredible support received over the past year.

The anniversary party will take place Sunday, July 16, from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm at the picturesque Washington Park’s Mt. Dell upper pavilion, located at 7945 E Mountain Dell Golf Rd, Salt Lake City. Attendees will have the opportunity to bask in the natural beauty of the park while enjoying the festivities.

The highlight of the celebration will be a delectable BBQ feast prepared exclusively for the attendees. Mouthwatering dishes will be served, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience for all guests.

As the festivities kick into high gear, attendees will be treated to a special live performance by the renowned country, it’s more important now than ever to celebrate and stand with each other.

As a largely volunteer-run organization, Genderbands relies on donations from individuals, merchandise sales, sponsors, and funds raised at Utah Trans Pride.

One-time donations can be made at donorbox.org/ donate-to-genderbands. Recurring donations can be made at donorbox.org/ gbfriend. For more information visit genderbands. org/utahtranspride Q

Follow them on Instagram at @ genderbands, @utahtranspride, and @genderbandsutah. Also on Facebook and TikTok: @genderbands

Two Old Guys Band, a beloved local act known for their incredible talent and ability to create a vibrant atmosphere. To get a taste of their music, interested individuals can visit their Facebook page at fb.me/ twooldguysmusic or their website at twooldguysmusic. ueniweb.com

An opportunity drawing will offer attendees the chance to win prizes. Additionally, the event will provide an opportunity to express gratitude to the remarkable volunteers who have contributed their time and effort to Seniors Out and Proud’s success.

The organizers have promised a day full of surprises and delights, ensuring that every moment of the celebration will be filled with joy and excitement.

This special anniversary party is free of charge, thanks to generous donations specifically dedicated to making this event possible. Q

Information on SOAP and the event is on their website at soaputah.org and Facebook page, fb.me/soaputah