SLCPD seeks tips after Pride flags burned

The Salt Lake City Police Department is asking for help identifying the person or people responsible for burning multiple Pride flags.

The investigation began at 8:02 a.m. on Monday, July 3, when officers responded to a home near 850 S. Washington Street (about 250 West) after the homeowner reported their Pride flag had been cut down and burned.

Officers learned that at least four other Pride flags in the area were vandalized. The vandalism is reported to have happened between 1 and 1:30 a.m.

Police are asking anyone living in the area to check home surveillance or doorbell cameras to see if they captured the suspect.

Anyone with information about the situation – and who has not yet already talked with an officer – should call 801-799-3000.

“The Salt Lake City Police Department recognizes our responsibility to investigate hate crimes thoroughly and impartially to hold offenders accountable and ensure justice for survivors,” the department wrote in a statement. “The Salt Lake City Police Department educates its officers and works with our community to recognize, and condemn, hate crimes and works to prevent them from occurring in the future. The effects of a hate crime can be devastating and long-lasting for both the individual victim and the larger community.”

Homeowner Paul Johnson posted on his Facebook page about the incident.

“[I] started today with a very heavy heart and tears in my eyes as I found out my neighborhood and my home were targeted in a hate attack early this morning. Someone came down my street and cut down at least 5 Pride flags, including mine, before setting them on fire,” he wrote. “Whoever did this is a coward, and I’m just sad for them.”

“Within 12 hours of this incident, some kind, anonymous person left a new flag with a note of love. It’s been a hard day, but I will sleep well tonight with my new Pride flag flying, in addition to keeping the remains of the damaged one,” he continued. “We will not be cowered by hatred and intolerance. It’s un-American and will never be welcome in Salt Lake City.”

If you are the survivor of a hate crime or witness a hate crime, SLCPD says it is important to report it to the appropriate authorities so the case can be investigated, and support and resources offered.

• Call 9-1-1: If the crime is in-progress or there is an immediate threat to the safety of yourself or others.

• File a police report by calling 801799-3000 and asking to speak with an officer about filing a hate crime report.

• Request assistance from an SLCPD Victim Advocate. You can call 801-7993000 and ask to speak with a victim advocate or call 801-580-7969 24/7.

Cancer’s a Drag features honoree Michael Aaron

Cancer’s a Drag is an inaugural event created by the American Cancer Society of Utah to provide support for the numerous LGBTQ+ community members living in Utah. This event will consist of 20 honorees who will participate in a fundraising competition culminating with a live drag performance at the event on Thursday, August 17.

There will also be an Allied Against Cancer on August 19 and 20 to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in partnership with the Utah Beer Festival at Granary Live. Music, Drag Queen Bingo, Silent Auction, over 200+ Beers and Ciders, and so much more!

Organizers say Cancer’s a Drag will feature entertainment from some of the best drag queens, a silent auction, dinner, and an amazing time you will not soon forget.

The focus of the event is health equity, says event organizer Catina Struble.

“Unfortunately, so many of us have a connection to cancer, whether it be ourselves or someone we love,” Struble said. “Research confirms that the LGBTQ+ community carries a disproportionate burden of cancer, has distinctive risk factors, and faces additional barriers to accessing health care. We plan to change that and have fun doing it.”

Struble says money raised at this event will stay in Utah, with a focus on our Utah health initiative and breaking down the barriers that exist between the LGBTQ community and access to care.

One of the honorees is Michael Aaron, founder and editor of QSaltLake Magazine, now in its 20th year.

“Yeah — he didn’t think he’d last that long in a job either,” Aaron’s fundraising page reads. “He has been a leader in the

LGBTQ community for 40 years. He says he was two years old when he started. He has been a Matron of Mayhem since the troupe’s inception, back when they were called the Utah Cyber Sluts. He is a baritone in the Salt Lake Men’s Choir. Think Josh Groban meets a screeching cat. He loves to camp, garden, and sit in hot springs. Usually without pants.”

“Understanding that our community, especially our lesbian sisters, are disproportionately affected by cancer, and that two immediate family members are breast cancer survivors, provides my passion for the goals of Cancer’s a Drag,” Aaron said.

Sponsorships are available.

Cancer’s a Drag will take place Thursday, August 17 at Venue 6SIX9, 669 S. West Temple, at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at cancersadrag.org

Support Michael Aaron’s efforts to raise money for the charity at bit.ly/cancerdragmaaron

QSaltLake Lagoon Day 2023 set for Aug. 13

Members of the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters will take over the amusement park for the QSaltLake Day at Lagoon this year on Sunday, Aug. 13.

Supporters are encouraged to wear red shirts and stop by the QSaltLake pavilion — the Honey Locust Pavilion— to mingle with other queers and allies. The pavilion is open the entire day and is a popular place to have lunch and take a break.

Tickets at shop.lagoonpark.com with special code 2023QSL

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