SLC Pride: Transforming Pride

Organizers are calling the new SLC Pride a “new chapter of pride in the Salt Lake Valley ... the first-ever hyperlocal, community-focused, radically-inclusive festival.” The event will be held at The Gateway Saturday, June 29 from 3 to 10 p.m. and Sunday, June 30 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“With our trans community being hit left and right in the legal arena, we chose to clap back this year by putting them in the center of our pride love fest,” organizers said in a statement. “With a theme of Transform Pride, we are highlighting this historically under-represented part of our community and asking them to showcase their talents.”

Two-thirds of the all-local performers at the Festival will have trans- or gender-non-conforming representation.

Local food artisans, artists, shops, and community groups will have tables at the event. Several panels will take place as well.

“We’ve worked hard this year to create a space where everyone can celebrate who they are,” the statement continued. “Never again will you have the chance to attend SLC Pride’s first festival, so gear up in whatever outfit makes you most feel at ease (gender exploration encouraged and celebrated) and come experience what we mean when we say hyperlocal, community-focused and radically-inclusive.”

Masks will be available at the gates. The grounds are wheelchair-friendly, and misting stations will be available to cool off. Noise-canceling headphones and kinetic sand will be available in a neurodivergent area.

The festivities kick off on THURSDAY, JUNE 27TH , with the GenderFuq Pride Kickoff Party at 110 S Rio Grande Street. Attendees can enjoy performances by Body Horror, Grace & Silence, FloatingRound, and Sleepy Moon Ray. The event will also showcase drag performances by Lux St. Diamond, Justin Secrecy, and Black Luscious, hosted by Sammee St. James and Mona Diet. This all-ages event will include a Queer Market, ensuring there is something for everyone.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28TH , marks the 55th anniversary of Stonewall. The community is invited to remember and celebrate this pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history at The Locker Room and Club Verse.

The main festival begins on SATURDAY, JUNE 29TH , running from 3 to 10 p.m. at The Gateway. The celebration continues into the night with an after-party at The Locker Room and Club Verse.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30TH , features the second day of the festival from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Gateway. A special Trans-Pancake Breakfast on the Green will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. The location for the after-party will be announced closer to the date.

On MONDAY, JULY 1ST, volunteers are encouraged to help with the post-event clean-up, although some may choose to rest or return to work.

SLC Pride’s mission is to celebrate the Queer community and its diversity, emphasizing visibility, belonging, support, and equity. The event aims to highlight the rich and complex tapestry of Queer identity, amplifying community voices through an atmosphere of acceptance, understanding, and celebration.

The vision for SLC Pride is a community where all Queer people and their families thrive, where leading an authentic life is respected and valued, and where joy and empathy are commonplace. The organization aims to create a financially and environmentally sustainable event that is accessible to all, focusing on local artists, performers, organizations, activists, and politicians. Safety and minimizing trauma are top priorities, and the event is free for those under 18, with minimal costs for others.

Pride festivals serve as safe spaces for authenticity, community, and suicide prevention. Despite anti-LGBTQAI+ legislation, the community remains resilient. Donations and sponsorships are crucial to keep Pride financially accessible, covering essential costs such as stages and sanitation. Contributions can be made through the event’s 501(c)(3) financial sponsor, ICCJ, with donations earmarked for SLCPRIDE.

Organizers say by supporting SLC Pride, individuals

can help ensure a weekend filled with love, community, and celebration for all

Stage schedule

Saturday

SOUTH STAGE

3pm Opening Ceremonies

3:45pm Burning Avenues

4:40pm NuaNua Collective 6pm Shecock w/a Vengence

7:20pm Doom cupcake

8:40pm Queer Variety Extravaganza

3:30pm Mended Hearts Club

4:30pm Will Baxter Band

5:40pm BOOTLEGG

8:15pm TinkFu

NORTH STAGE

3:30pm Mended Hearts Club

4:30pm Will Baxter Band

5:40pm BOOTLEGG

8:15pm TinkFu

Sunday

SOUTH STAGE

12:30pm Pepper and the Roses

1:50pm Queer Variety Extravaganza 2.0

3:10pm Sleepy Moon Ray 4:30pm Marqueza

5:40pm DJ Rey

NORTH STAGE

1:10pm CARE

2:10pm Zaza Historia VanDyke

3:30pm Mandy Danzig, Alisa Jo

4:40pm Leetham

5:30pm DJ High Intentions

More information at slc-pride.org

Saturday

BURNING AVENUES, a punk musician from Salt Lake City, Utah, seamlessly blends the raw energy of punk with the catchy melodies of pop punk. Known for their electrifying performances, Burning Avenues captivates audiences with frantic beats, fierce guitar riffs, and deeply personal lyrics.

MENDED HEARTS CLUB is an indie folk duo from Salt Lake City, known for their heartfelt lyrics and harmonious melodies. Comprised of talented musicians Aiden Barrick and Judith Rognli, they blend acoustic guitar with soulful vocals to create a warm, evocative sound that resonates deeply with listeners. Their music explores themes of love, loss, and healing, offering a poignant and introspective listening experience.

The WILL BAXTER BAND, based in Salt Lake City, delivers an electrifying blend of blues, soul, and rock. Led by charismatic frontman Will Baxter, the band is known for their tight musicianship, smooth grooves, and Baxter’s soulful vocals. Their dynamic performances captivate audiences, featuring a mix of original songs and innovative covers that showcase their musical versatility.

THE NUANUA COLLECTIVE, based in Salt Lake City, is a community collective established in 2019 for LGBTQ+ Pacific Islanders & QTBIPOC. Nuanua means “Rainbow” in Sāmoan. The dynamic arts group fosters creativity and community engagement and is dedicated to promoting diverse artistic expressions. They sponsored the FaFa Fest earlier in June for Queer Indigenous community members, followed by a special edition of Oceania Out Loud with live performances from IndigiQueer artists eager to share their talents with the audience.

Mississippi born and raised, BOOTLEGG ’s music career started in the church choir and progressed to school band, choir, and opera, all the way to here on this stage. While growing up on church music, funk, and disco, he listened to and gained swagger from many hip-hop and R&B artists. This eventually led to an appreciation for EDM music and many other styles of music.

WITH A VENGEANCE is a powerhouse punk rock band hailing from Salt Lake City. Known for their high-energy performances and unapologetic attitude, they blend aggressive riffs with fiercely rebellious lyrics, creating a sound that resonates deeply with fans. Their music tackles social issues, championing individuality and defiance against the status quo. With a strong local following, Shecock With A Vengeance has become a staple in the Salt Lake City punk scene.

DOOM CUPCAKE is a unique musical act from Salt Lake City, blending elements of darkwave, synth-pop, and goth to create a distinctive and captivating sound. Known for their haunting melodies, brooding lyrics, and atmospheric performances, Doom Cupcake captivates audiences with their enigmatic presence and emotional depth.

TINKFU, based in Salt Lake City, is a trailblazing figure in the local music scene, renowned for her vibrant DJ sets and eclectic mix of beats. Specializing in electronic, house, and hip-hop genres, TinkFu infuses her sets with infectious energy and a deep love for music that transcends boundaries. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, she champions inclusivity and empowerment through her performances, creating spaces where everyone can dance freely and feel celebrated.

QUEER VARIETY EXTRAVAGANZA is made up of many local queer and queer-friendly visual, drag, and musical artists, including Black Luscious, Citrus Pastel, Cookie Sinclair, Diana Lone, Duke Wellington, Edgy Emerald, Heels In Motion, LUMINOUS, Luna Sol, MayadaBanjara, Mik Jager, Nu-tral, Reija Blades, Whorechata

Sunday

PEPPER AND THE ROSES, hailing from Salt Lake City, form an indie rock band celebrated for their poetic lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes. Led by Pepper’s emotive vocals and complemented by the Roses’ intricate instrumentation, their music weaves tales of love, introspection, and the human experience. Drawing inspiration from folk, alternative rock, and indie influences, they craft melodies that resonate deeply with audiences.

QUEER VARIETY EXTRAVAGANZA 2.0, made up of Billy the King, Daisy Voo, Dem E Fluxx, Divina 2.0, Justin Secrecy, Liam Manchesthair, Notta Genda, Rubi K Rose, Shortcake The Clown, Systeen Chapelle

ZAZA HISTORIA VANDYKE is a POC, trans femme, parent, performer, songwriter, and artist from Ogden, Utah. You can find Zaza anywhere. She can be loud and proud with an instrument in hand, either playing upright bass for “The Backyard Revival” or playing guitar and singing her own original music. She’s the girl at every campfire and party, singing and playing acoustic guitar, In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find Zaza without a guitar close by.

SLEEPY MOON RAY, a rising singer-songwriter from Salt Lake City, enchants audiences with her ethereal voice and introspective lyrics. Combining folk, indie, and dream-pop influences, her music transports listeners to a world of emotive melodies and heartfelt storytelling. Sleepy Moon Ray’s songs explore themes of love, growth, and the human experience with a delicate vulnerability that resonates deeply.

Often accompanied by vocalist ALISA JO, MANDY DANZIG ’s shows are rollicking romps through traditional and original music filled with joy, and an invitation for everyone to sing along. Mandy plays almost anything with strings, and during her shows, she flows effortlessly from one instrument to another, weaving in and out of songs with her effervescent storytelling.

Japanese-Venezuelan singer, songwriter, producer, and visual artist MARQUEZA has been a natural performer and creative since childhood. Identifying as gender-fluid and genre-fluid, they are influenced by a wide range of styles ranging from R&B, jazz, rock, pop, punk, experimental, electronic, Japanese City Pop, and more. Mostly self-taught, everything Marqueza writes is intuitively done through improvisation, utilizing a pitch-perfect ear and natural sensitivities to sound to create gently flowing and emotional soundtracks.

LEETHAM is an LGBTQ+ progressive pop artist based in Salt Lake City. Leetham’s music celebrates the queer community and looks to make sure everyone is included in the community. Leetham has played major festivals in their Utah scene and abroad, including but not limited to the Utah Pride Festival, Utah Beer Festival, and Mesa Music Festival.

Austin (HIGHINTENTIONS ) Miller, originally from picturesque Ogden, Utah, embarked on a transformative journey to Los Angeles during the pandemic. As a dedicated nurse, they navigated uncertainty with resilience and compassion. Once the pandemic’s grip loosened, Austin felt a call to pursue their true passion. Growing up as a non-binary, queer individual in a conservative state instilled a profound sense of empathy and determination in Austin, driving them to dismantle barriers and amplify marginalized voices.

Salt Lake City’s Rey Méndez, known as DJ REY, is celebrated for his electrifying sets and dynamic mixing skills. Specializing in genres like house, techno, and Latin beats, DJ Rey creates vibrant atmospheres that keep crowds dancing all night. With a keen ear for music and a passion for innovation, he seamlessly blends diverse sounds, captivating audiences with his unique style.