contRIBUtoRs Joshua Adamson Pickett, Diane Anderson-Minshall, Chris Azzopardi, Paul Berge, Jeff Berry, Paul Campbell, Laurie BennettCook, Roger Cox, Stephen Dark, Jennifer Dobner, Jack Fertig, Greg Fox, Oriol Gutierrez Jr., Tony Hobday, Blake Howell, Ashley Hoyle, Joshua Jones, Christopher Katis, Alpha Mercury, Sam Kelly-Mills, Craig Ogan, Peter Reynolds, Mikey Rox, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Gregg Shapiro, Petunia Pap Smear, Steven Petrow, Ed Sikov, Justin Utley, JoSelle Vanderhooft, Ben Williams, D’Anne Witkowski
dIstRIBUtIon Roger Cox
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The top national and world news since last issue you should know
BY CRAIG OGAN
Demo VP, gay choices
Before she chose a Minnesota Walz as her dancing partner, two gay officials were on the dance card to be the Democratic vice presidential nominee. The most straight-acting gay man in Washington D.C., Trans. Secretary Pete Buttigieg, was asked by TV news’ favorite lesbian, Rachael Maddow, about taking the VP nomination. In a flash of the famous “Buttigieg-Gay Sense of Humor,” he said, “I will do all that I can to help elect her.” When she followed up insisting on an answer, asking, ‘You wouldn’t say no?” His answer was a clever, “Sure.” Critics carped he needed to show more “camp humor” to be the first gay VP. Enter the jolly jokester from Colorado, Governor Jared Polis. Non-lesbian Dana Bash on CNN asked Polis the same question, and (drum roll) he said, “Look, if they do the polling and it turns out that they need a 49-year-old balding gay Jew from Boulder, Colo., they got my number.” (cymbal crash). Unfortunately, Gay history was not to be made this time.
GLAAD kind of SAAD
GLAAD couldn’t have been very glad for the attention from The New York Times report of spending “lavish” amounts on the salary, firstclass travel, luxury hotels, expensive car services, and a
home office remodel for chief executive Sarah Kate Ellis. NYT suggested a violation of IRS rules and GLAAD internal policies. For all its activity, GLAAD is a small organization with only 60 employees and a $30 million budget. GLAAD sources suggest the coverage is retaliation for GLAAD’s criticism of the NYT for its “problematic coverage of transgender people” and less than full-throated editorial support for “gender-affirming” surgical and pharmaceutical therapies for minors. The most scrutinized expenses are attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where GLAAD rented a pricey mansion to host world bigwigs, and summer meetings held in Provincetown. The GLAAD board authorized the expenses as necessary to raise the millions needed for its mission. GLAAD was founded in 1985 as the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation focused on combating negative media coverage about gays and lesbians. The organization formalized the acronym GLAAD as the official name to allow it to focus on transgender issues.
Coming Out by the numbers
A recent Gallup poll reported that 48% of LGBTQ+ people began to understand they were not straight starting at the age of 14. By the age of 18, 72% say they knew who they were and had begun to talk openly to friends and relatives. By age 22, 51% report they were open to all, and by age 30, that figure becomes 72%. How Gallup got answers from the 18% who said they never told anyone is a wonder, but that was what the report showed. Gay and
lesbians make up just 5% of the “never-outers.” Bisexuals make up 24% of never-outers. The report indicates that 19% of gays and lesbians and 6% of bisexuals who are “out” reported “poor treatment like harassment or discrimination.”
WEHO hot yoga for Second Gent
In a mark of progress, the spouse of a U.S. presidential candidate goes to a hot yoga studio, cavorts with gay pals, and then is paged at his favorite coffee hangout in a gay part of town. Instead of denying it, the campaign of the newly anointed Democratic presidential candidate wrote a charming “slice of life tell-all” with a video and distributed the story to the media. After the current president retreated from the 2024 campaign, his vice president and acclaimed successor tried to contact her husband to tell him the good news. Turns out he had turned his phone off for a session at a West Hollywood “SoulCycle” class and, as The Advocate magazine reported it, “Having coffee with his gay besties.” The Second Gentleman was quoted, “We’re out there having coffee, messing around and talking, and … people are coming up to me, so it’s now, like, after the announcement has gone out.” The Advocate opines, “The VP’s hubby wanting to be so focused on hanging out with his gay besties that he left his phone in the car is probably the cutest piece of information to come out of this election cycle!” This isn’t your father’s Oldsmobile.
Gotta watch your mouth
You just cannot call a fan a “faggot” if you are in Major League Baseball; that is reserved for soccer and has
to be in Spanish. Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has been suspended for two games after he yelled what is a homophobic slur when used by a straight person in response to a heckler. Duran was not batting well, and the heckler yelled that Duran needed a “tennis racket.” Duran yelled back what most drag queens have yelled at the midnight show, “Shut up, you fucking faggot.” Yelling at the heckler took some of the shine off the evening as just before the game, Durran received his team’s “2024 Heart & Hustles Award” for best embodying the “values, spirit and traditions of the game.” Come to think of it, maybe his outburst was consistent with “the values, spirit, and traditions of MLB.” Duran eventually walked on the play and then struck out in his final at-bat at the bottom of the ninth. (For the baseball-challenged, that means he didn’t play well in the game’s last moments.)
Upper Midwest senate races
Say goodbye to the Upper Midwest’s legendary friendliness. The Senate races for Minnesota and Wisconsin are anything but friendly. Wisconsin: Putting the lie to the notion of “Wisconsin Welcomes you” is Erick Hovde running against incumbent Tammy Baldwin. Hovde won
the primary with the Republican presidential nominee’s endorsement. Hovde doesn’t welcome marriage equality, is way against abortion, and says being transgender is “insanity.” He is unwelcoming to surgery and pharmaceutical gender therapies. He does welcome restrooms and sports that comport with birth gender identity. Minnesota: Former NBA player Royce White has been endorsed to run against incumbent U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. He is not “Minnesota Nice.” He was not nice during the primary election with alleged campaign finance violations over contributions from a Minneapolis strip club owner. He is not nice about “liberals” and says they have “poisoned America’s soil.” Don’t get him started on the LGBTQ community, which he
calls “the Church of LGBTQ.” His “X” account is full of slurs and posts decrying “faggots” and “trannys.” Even though he thinks a “small group of Jews” have all the power, he claims he is not antisemitic because he “Prays to a Jewish carpenter every morning for salvation.” Nice, welcoming guys they are NOT. Both are forecast to lose bigley.
Straight-washing star walks
It’s never been a secret that actor Joaquin Phoenix has some eccentric behavior. The latest bizzarro is that he developed a script for a gay romance. The plot is about a gay Los Angeles police officer and a Native American man who have a relationship and must flee to Mexico. It is set in the 1930s, and Phoenix
envisioned some racy sex scenes. He cast himself as the gay police officer. He hired Todd Haynes, a noted director of gay-themed films, to helm the movie. The movie was to have been filmed in Guadalajara, Mexico (standing in for a cleaner, safer 1930 LA). Five days into rehearsal, Phoenix “stormed off the set.” The crew opined that he was uncom-
fortable with the explicit gay scenes he had written and approved. The production company says the film is “dead, and not paused” as the financing was contingent on Phoenix being the star. Apparently, after playing a Roman emperor in a long-term sexual relationship with a sister, there’s only so much that can be expected of an actor. Q
Mpox is still spreading
LDS Church updates policies on transgender members
In August, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints updated its General Handbook, altering policies regarding the treatment of transgender individuals within the Church. This move has sparked concern among activists and LGBTQ organization leaders, who worry about its impact on transgender Mormons. They express hope that the Church will eventually reverse these policies, drawing parallels to the Church’s 2019 reversal of its 2015 exclusionary policy, which labeled same-sex married couples as “apostates” and generally barred their children from baby blessings and baptisms.
According to leaders of Affirmation LGBTQ Mormons, Families & Friends, before these updates, transgender members of the Church could expect their gender identities to be respected through the use of their chosen names, to participate in church meetings aligning with their gender identities, and to have some opportunities to be called to serve within the Church.
“The recent updates reduce the hope that the gender identities of transgender members will be respected, prohibit transgender members from church meetings aligning with their gender identities, restrict access to restrooms, and explicitly prohibit transgender members from serving in the Church as teachers or working with children,” the group said in a statement.
“Rather than seek to better understand, include, and affirm transgender individuals who are also Latter-day Saints, leaders of the Church have opted to further restrict these members’ ability to participate,” the statement reads. “While these changes specifically impact individuals who have socially or medically transitioned, all are affected by the messages conveyed in these policies, which reject authentic experience and identity.”
The Utah Pride Center released a statement saying, “The policy appears to undermine a core value common to both the LDS Church and The Utah Pride Center: that ALL visitors are welcome here.”
“This policy forms unnecessary barriers for trans youth and adults who just
want to stand in what they believe are holy places. These new rules produce a tremendous amount of shame for individuals who choose to live authentic, vulnerable, and honest lives,” the statement continued. “Our doors are always open, and we are dedicated to providing a safe, affirming space where you will always be celebrated for who you are.”
The Church, in a statement, said the updates were made to “help local leaders minister more effectively to individuals who identify as transgender and their families,” to ensure “consistency in policies while allowing local leaders flexibility to minister based on each person’s needs.”
The updated policies are available on the church’s website and are summarized here:
Definition of Gender
According to the church handbook, “Gender is an essential characteristic in Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness (see Genesis 1:27). The intended meaning of gender in ‘The Family: A Proclamation to the World‘ is biological sex at birth.”
Addressing those who are born with ambiguous gender, the policy states that it is up to parents and doctors to determine how the child will be raised. If the individual experiences emotional conflict later in life because of that decision, they should receive “special compassion and wisdom” and should involve the Office of the First Presidency on how to move forward.
Baptism
The church policy stipulates that baptism and confirmation are conducted according to one’s biological sex at birth. Worthy individuals who do not undergo any surgical, medical, or social transition away from their birth sex may be baptized. Exceptions to this policy require First Presidency approval, or in the case of an 8-year-old, stake president approval. If granted, the individual is restricted from receiving the priesthood, temple recommend, or certain Church callings while transitioned.
“Individuals who have taken steps
to transition and then transition back to their biological sex at birth and are worthy and committed to keeping God’s commandments may be baptized and confirmed,” the policy reads.
Baptism
The church policy stipulates that baptism and confirmation are conducted according to one’s biological sex at birth. “Worthy” individuals who do not undergo any surgical, medical, or social transition away from their birth sex may be baptized. Exceptions to this policy require First Presidency approval, or in the case of an 8-year-old, stake president approval. If granted, the individual is restricted from receiving the priesthood, temple recommend, or certain Church callings while transitioned. “Individuals who have taken steps to transition and then transition back to their biological sex at birth and are worthy and committed to keeping God’s commandments may be baptized and confirmed,” the policy reads.
Temple Ordinances
Temple ordinances are received according to a person’s biological sex at birth. Worthy members who do not pursue surgical, medical, or social transition away from their biological sex at birth may receive a temple recommend and temple ordinances. Social transitioning is defined in
the policy as “intentionally identifying and presenting oneself as other than one’s biological sex at birth, and may include changing dress, grooming, names, or pronouns.”
Church leaders are encouraged to approach these situations with sensitivity and Christlike love, the policies state.
Preferred Name
A supplement to the policy states that preferred names and pronouns should be left among the individuals and their family, friends, and church members. Local leaders should not determine or prescribe how members address an individual.
Overnight Activities
Transgender individuals are required to attend overnight activities based on their biological sex at birth when those activities are gender-specific, such as Young Women camps and Aaronic Priesthood quorum camps. For gender-neutral overnight activities, individuals who have pursued surgical, medical, or social transitions away from their biological sex are required to
leave the activity at night and find other overnight accommodations. Gender-neutral activities include young single adult conferences, For the Strength of Youth conferences, and youth conferences.
Callings
Transgender individuals who pursue surgical, medical, or social transition away from their biological sex at birth may not be assigned to fulfill gender-specific roles, serve as teachers, or work with children or youth. They may receive other callings or assignments that provide opportunities to progress and serve others.
Restrooms at Church
“Restrooms should provide a private and safe environment. Care must be taken to respect the privacy and dignity of all individuals,” a supplement to the policy reads. “Individuals who pursue surgical, medical, or social transition away from their biological sex at birth should use a single-occupancy restroom when available. If a single-occupancy restroom is not available, a local leader counsels with the individual (and the
parents or guardians of a youth) to find a solution, such as using a restroom that aligns with the individual’s biological sex at birth, or using a restroom that corresponds to the individual’s feeling of their inner sense of gender, with a trusted person ensuring that others are not using the restroom at the same time.
Taylor Petrey, editor-in-chief of Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought told The Salt Lake Tribune’s “Mormon Land” podcast that the updated policies stigmatized transgender people.
“It fed into a lot of the fearmongering that has been happening about trans people in the world right now,” Petrey said. “The new policies remove a lot of the space that local leaders had to really minister to trans people and to find appropriate ways of engaging them in their congregations and communities, and this new document and the new policies really undercut their ability to do so. The old policy was a little bit more relaxed with respect to social transitioning. It certainly allowed for a wider range of callings that people might be able to hold.” Q
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Goud Maragani Sues Equality Utah, Troy Williams for loss of job
In a highly charged legal dispute, attorney Goud Maragani has filed a lawsuit against Troy Williams, the executive director of Equality Utah, along with the organization itself and its foundation. The lawsuit, filed in Utah’s Third District Court, alleges that Williams and Equality Utah engaged in a deliberate campaign to defame Maragani, interfere with his employment, and cause significant emotional distress. The complaint seeks damages exceeding $300,000, as well as punitive damages and attorney fees.
Maragani is the former president of the now-dissolved Log Cabin Republicans of Utah and chair of the Utah gay-Straight Coalition.
Maragani is partly represented by attorneys from America First Legal Foundation, a right-wing nonprofit led by Stephen Miller, a former senior adviser to President Donald Trump. The organization, founded three years ago, primarily focuses on opposing policies implemented by President Joe Biden’s administration.
Maragani’s Background
Goud Maragani moved to the Salt Lake Valley in 2020 to take a position with Lucid Software. He ran for Salt Lake County Clerk in 2022 and House District 48 earlier this year, losing both races. He is one of 200 members of the Utah Republican Party’s State Central Committee.
Maragani, who says he identifies as gay, Christian, and a racial minority as an Indian American, has publicly opposed several of Equality Utah’s positions, particularly those relating to transgender issues. His opposition includes resistance to policies that allow transgender minors to transition, biological males participating in female sports, and the use of female restrooms and locker rooms by transgender women.
Maragani is known for aggressive, name-calling posts against those with whom he disagrees.
Some of the names he calls Williams include “#MascaraTroy” who promotes “anti-family, pro-trans-ing children policies,” “too busy applying
his #mascara and glitter, getting ready for another ‘exclusive’ at the gov’s mansion.” He regularly called transgender activist Sue Robbins, “Boy Named Sue” while she was working with the group during the legislative session.
He regularly throws the term “groomers” at Williams, Robbins, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Rep. Nate Blouin, senators Jennifer Plumb, Todd Weiler, and Daniel Thatcher, Utah State School Board member Sarah Reale, and Equality Utah.
Last year, the national Log Cabin Republicans political organization dissolved its Utah chapter, saying then-president Maragani was “promoting discord within the greater [Log Cabin Republican] community, as well as within the Utah Republican Party.” The chapter had been active for at least 30 years.
Maragani then created the Utah GayStraight Coalition, which largely reposts his messages on their social media.
Allegations in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit accuses Williams and Equality Utah of intentionally defaming Maragani, portraying him in a false light, and using improper means to interfere with his employment at Lucid Software, where he was employed in the General Counsel’s Office. The complaint asserts that Williams made reckless and defamatory statements with the intent to damage Maragani’s reputation and career. According to the lawsuit, the conflict began in July, 2023, when Mar-
agani posted on social media about a policy issue related to transgender individuals’ use of women’s locker rooms — a position that was in direct opposition to that of Equality Utah.
“Have you noticed that @TroyWilliamsUT & @EqualityUtah are quiet on the issue of men in women’s locker rooms?” the post read. “Cat got their tongue or is Troy too busy applying his #mascara and glitter, getting ready for another ‘exclusive’ at the gov’s mansion?”
On August 1, 2023, Williams allegedly sent an email to Kat Judd, Manager of Human Resources at Lucid, expressing concern over what he described as Maragani’s “bizarre and disturbing obsession” with Equality Utah and its staff. The email, as cited in the lawsuit, questioned whether Lucid would remain a safe environment for a transgender speaker scheduled to train employees and implied that Maragani’s rhetoric could endanger transgender individuals in Utah.
Williams’ email read:
“I’m writing out of concern from a member of the Lucid team who has been engaging in disturbing behavior toward us. Goud Maragani is demonstrating a bizarre and disturbing obsession with me and our Equality Utah team. I know that we have another training set upon
Troy Williams, executive director of Equality Utah
Goud Maragani, plaintiff
August 11th with our transgender trainer, Olivia Jaramillo. I’m concerned that he will begin to attack her as well. Is Lucid going to be a safe environment for her? Can we jump on a call this week and talk through this? This is just a small sample of the bile that Gould [sic] regularly posts. And while Equality Utah was at the GOP convention building bridges with delegates, he was passing out vile, offensive and misleading flyers about our organization. I’m very worried that his extreme transphobic rhetoric may also endanger transgender people throughout the state. Thank you for considering this request to talk.”
The lawsuit claims that Williams continued to send emails to Lucid’s HR department, attaching screenshots of Maragani’s social media posts and escalating his accusations.
Williams’ second email read:
“Sorry, I forgot to include one more tweet (there are so many to choose from). Goud sent this thru his LCR account, viciously speculating that Sue Robbins, a transgender advocate who works closely with Equality Utah, simply has a sexual fetish. Goud has been regularly advancing a “grooming” narrative, to demonize transgender people, and positioning them as a threat to children. These tweets put our community in danger. They are cruel, disgusting and dehumanizing.”
Williams also forwarded these allegations to media outlets, resulting in coverage by major news organizations.
Impact on Maragani’s Employment
Maragani, in the lawsuit, claims the actions of Williams and Equality Utah led to significant professional consequences for Maragani. The complaint states that Maragani was summoned to a meeting with Lucid’s HR department on August 7, 2023, where he was warned about the potential impact of his social media activities on his employment. During the meeting, Maragani defended his right to express his views outside of work hours, noting that he had kept his political activities separate from his professional duties. Despite this, the HR department expressed concerns about how his views could conflict with Lucid’s values and its relationship with Equality Utah, which had partnered with the company on
diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
On August 9, 2023, Maragani received an email from Lucid HR reiterating these concerns and warning him that continued social media activity in conflict with the company’s values could lead to termination. The lawsuit claims that this was followed by a negative mid-term performance review, starkly different from previous evaluations, which ultimately culminated in Maragani’s termination on October 13, 2023. The lawsuit argues that this termination was a direct result of the defamatory campaign orchestrated by Williams and Equality Utah.
Further Allegations and Claims for Relief
In addition to defamation and tortious interference, Maragani’s lawsuit accuses Williams and Equality Utah of intention-
al infliction of emotional distress. The complaint alleges that the defendants engaged in a sustained and deliberate effort to cause Maragani harm by making false accusations and perpetuating a public narrative that painted him as dangerous and unhinged. The complaint also references a tweet from April 2024 in which Williams allegedly referred to Maragani as “not well” and compared him to “Gout inflammation that goes away.”
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the harm caused to Maragani’s reputation, career, and emotional well-being. It also demands attorney fees and costs associated with the legal action. Williams, Equality Utah, and Maragani refused requests for comment on this story. America First Legal Foundation did not respond to a request for comment. Q
Utah LGBTQ+ Economic Summit Sept. 26
The 6th Annual Utah LGBTQ+ Economic Summit, where LGBTQ+ and allied business owners from across Utah will gather to connect, learn, and grow. A community of entrepreneurs and professionals will head to Millcreek Common for a day filled with educational sessions, inspiration, and networking opportunities with the theme, Thrive With Pride. The event is produced by the Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.
The Summit features insights from industry leaders and experts, offering a wealth of knowledge and practical advice. Attendees will have the chance to hear from influential speakers, including past presenters like Salt Lake City and County Mayors Jackie Biskupski, Erin Mendenhall, and Jenny Wilson, as well as national chamber leaders and local business icons.
Networking is a key highlight of the event, providing participants with the opportunity to meet fellow business owners and build valuable connections. Additionally, attendees can take advantage of complimentary professional headshots provided by the renowned Cat Palmer Photography.
Throughout the day, enjoy refreshments, starting with coffee in the morning, a catered lunch in the after-
noon, and a happy hour to wrap up the event. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a new business owner, or have decades of experience, the Summit offers something valuable for everyone.
The Summit is designed to provide vital information, resources, and a supportive professional community to help you start, maintain, and grow your business. You’ll gain expert advice from successful business leaders, discover new strategies for business development, and access tools and resources tailored to help your business thrive in today’s competitive market. The event also focuses on inclusivity and accessibility, with a hybrid format that ensures participation no matter where you are.
A highlight of the Summit is the opportunity to learn about LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) certification. This certification can open doors to new business opportunities, including access to corporate supplier diversity programs and increased visibility within the business community. The day will also celebrate the accomplishments of local LGBTQ+ and allied businesses with the Business of the Year Awards. Q
More information at utahlgbtqchamber,org
FBI reports recent surge in sextortion cases in Utah
The FBI has reported a significant rise in sextortion cases across the Mountain West region, while the Utah Department of Public Safety noted a record number of extortion and blackmail incidents in the past year.
In 2022, QSaltLake reported on a scam involving Scruff and Grindr users being told that an exchange they had the night before was with an underage child who, the scammer said, claimed had committed suicide after. The scammer demanded money to keep quiet.
According to state data, Utah has seen a steady increase in extortion and blackmail cases over the past five years. By October 31, 2023, 622 incidents had been recorded that calendar year, surpassing the total for all of 2022 and nearly equaling the combined totals of 2021 and 2020.
The FBI Salt Lake City field office, which covers Utah, Montana, and Idaho, receives dozens of sextortion reports monthly. With the advent of technology and online dating, anonymous extortion scams have become easier to execute. Scammers often threaten to expose private photos unless the victim pays them.
A recent media spotlight on sextortion cases involving the website Ashley Madison prompted Jacob G. (name withheld upon request) to share his experience of being extorted on the LGBTQ+ app Grindr. In April, Jacob exchanged explicit photos with someone on the app, only for the situation to quickly escalate into extortion.
“He was demanding that I drive to a gas station and buy gift cards in the amount of $1k,” Jacob recounted. The extortionist threatened to post Jacob’s photos on a website with child sexual abuse mate-
rial, warning that Jacob would face jail time if the photos were found there. “It honestly was one of the most terrifying moments in my life,” Jacob said.
After researching extortion scams and finding similar stories on Reddit, Jacob blocked the extortionist, hoping nothing further would happen. “I’ve had a bunch of friends say the same thing has happened to them recently as well,” he said, hoping his story would raise awareness about these scams.
Grindr acknowledged that bad actors sometimes exploit features on the platform, a challenge faced by all social networking and dating apps.
A Grindr spokesperson stated, “Grindr has always taken its role as a connector for the queer community very seriously and is committed to creating a safe and authentic environment free of scammers, fake and harmful accounts, and spam.” The company employs a dedicated moderation team and machine learning tools to detect and remove violating accounts.
Grindr also provides resources to protect users against scams, including Holistic Security and Scam Awareness Guides and safety tips available within the app. “We encourage users to report any suspicious behavior and use our video calling feature to connect with other users before meeting them in person,” the spokesperson added. Grindr is committed to supporting law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting bad actors.
Immediate Actions to Take:
DO NOT PAY OR ENGAGE FURTHER: Resist the urge to pay the blackmailer or continue communication. Paying or engaging further only signals that you are a profitable target.
SCREENSHOT EVERYTHING: Preserve all communications with the perpetrator. Capture their Grindr profile details, chat messages, extortion threats, personal photos/videos they have, and any money transfer receipts.
LOCK DOWN YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA: Protect your online presence to prevent sextortionists from contacting your friends, family, or employer. Adjust privacy settings on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to maximize your privacy.
REPORT THE USER TO GRINDR : Use the platform’s reporting tools to document the sextortion attempt. Include all relevant details and screenshot evidence to help Grindr’s security team take action.
CONTACT LAW ENFORCEMENT: Sextortion is a serious crime. Report it to your local FBI field office or file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Provide all documentation and details about the scammer’s contact information and any money transferred.
Legal Rights and Support:
Victims of Grindr sextortion have strong legal protections. Under federal law, it is illegal to distribute private sexual content without consent. States also penalize sexual coercion and revenge porn. If the scammer obtained money from you, they could be charged with theft and wire fraud. Legal options include:
RESTRAINING ORDERS: Petition for a restraining order against the scammer.
CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS: Press charges against the perpetrator.
CIVIL SUITS: Recover damages through a civil suit.
Attorneys who work with the LGBTQ community can be found at qpages. com/cat/attorneys/.
FAQs for Victims:
CAN I STAY ANONYMOUS? Yes, your name and identifying details can remain private in public court records. Attorneys will work to seal sensitive documents and evidence.
WHAT IF THE PERPETRATOR IS ABROAD? U.S. authorities can prosecute these crimes with the cooperation of foreign law enforcement. Scammers from various countries have been brought to justice through a global network of investigators.
WHAT IF MY PHOTOS/ VIDEOS ARE SHARED?
Act quickly to file DMCA takedown notices with any platforms hosting your content without consent. Obtain court orders to remove the material from search results.
HOW LONG WILL RESOLUTION TAKE? While criminal investigations may take time, most sextortion cases can be contained within days to weeks with proper intervention.
DO I HAVE TO REVEAL MY NAME OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION? No, all consultations are confidential, and extensive measures are taken to protect your privacy.
Emotional Support and Recovery:
Remember, you are not to blame for the scammer’s actions. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or an LGBTQ-affirming therapist. Join support groups for sextortion survivors and engage in self-care activities. Your sexual orientation and practices are your own, and sharing intimate content consensually is your right. LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychotherapist Guild of Utah The Trevor Project Online Community Q
Mpox is still here, and free vaccine is ending
BY LYNN BELTRAN, S: COUNTY HEALTH DEPT.
Salt Lake County Health Department has seen an increase in mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) cases in the last two months. While it’s easy to think the risk to the community has gone away since the initial outbreak in the summer of 2022, we want people who may be at risk to be informed and protected.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that while cases have declined sharply since 2022, the U.S. continues to identify about 60 new cases per week across the country. Most of those cases are in people who are not vaccinated against mpox, or who only received one shot of the vaccine. (Spoiler alert: It’s not too late to get your second shot, even if your first was in 2022!)
Getting the mpox vaccine is also now a bit of a time-sensitive issue, as the vaccine (called Jynneos) that protects against mpox is about to become costly. With the initial outbreak in 2022, Utah’s public health system received a supply of free vaccines to administer to people
in the community who were most at risk of infection. That initial free supply will expire at the end of October, and after that (or once the free supply is used up), people who need the vaccine will need to pay for it out of pocket ($275 per dose!) or use their health insurance. It is important to know that the illness caused by the mpox virus is not mild. Most people who get infected are seriously ill for several weeks or longer. Most infections include painful lesions on the body or in the genital area, and lesions may also appear on the face. Lesions often continue to appear for several weeks and can be very painful. Many people who have the virus also experience significant flu-like symptoms, and some may have difficulty swallowing or defecating, which can lead to hospitalization. Mpox is spread through close contact with an infected partner. This could include sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact that’s not sexual. Even prolonged, close face-to-face interactions can spread pox. People who are not
vaccinated or who have only one dose of vaccine are more likely to suffer longer-lasting and more severe symptoms.
It’s an incredible “public health win” to have a vaccine available for a sexually transmitted infection. If most of the people who are at risk in a community are vaccinated, protective herd immunity is more likely to occur, and that can lead to zero new infections.
The mpox vaccine is a two-dose vaccine, where you should get the second shot no earlier than 28 days after the first shot. It is never too late to get that second dose, even if it has been two years since your first shot.
Salt Lake County Health Department still has a few hundred doses of free mpox vaccine to give out before the expiration date. We recommend the vaccine for all men who have sex or are intimate with men, as well as transmen and transwomen who have sex or are intimate with men.
Get your mpox vaccine now, before we run out of free supply, and before you’ll have to pay $550 for it yourself. Call 385468-SHOT from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to make an appointment. Sameday appointments are often available. Q
Equality Utah announces Allies Gala
Equality Utah is set to host its highly anticipated annual fundraiser, the Equality Utah Allies Gala: Enchanted World, on Saturday, October 5, at the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City. This year’s event will be headlined by Andy Bell, the iconic frontman of the beloved Europop band ERASURE.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. with heavy hors d’oeuvres by Culinary Crafts, drinks, and live music on every level
The main show starts at 8 p.m., and an after-party will take place af the end of the show. Bell, renowned for his contributions to the music world and his status as a gay icon, will bring his captivating performance to Salt Lake
City. His musical journey with Vince Clarke, formerly of Depeche Mode and Yazoo, has produced timeless hits that have united fans across the globe. Erasure’s debut album, Wonderland, was released in 1985, followed by a string of hit albums featuring classics like “A Little Respect,” “Chains of Love,” and “Oh L’Amour.”
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Bell is a dedicated advocate for HIV/AIDS research and funding. He has leveraged his celebrity status to support various LGBTQ and arts-related causes, as well as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Q Tickets and more info at equalityutah.org/allies24
Seniors Out and Proud expands activities with new independent film group
Seniors Out and Proud (SOAP), an organization committed to providing engaging social opportunities for LGBTQ+ seniors, announced the launch of its new Independent Film Group, along with the return of several popular activities across Utah.
NEW INDEPENDENT FILM GROUP
The group offers a monthly gathering at the Broadway Theater in downtown Salt Lake City. This group is perfect for those who enjoy quirky, independent, or foreign films that often fly under the radar of mainstream theaters. The Broadway Theater, operated by the Salt Lake Film Society, is a cherished venue known for its eclectic film selection.
Each month, the chosen film will be announced on SOAP’s Facebook page on the Monday of the movie week. After the screening, attendees have the option to gather for dinner or drinks at a nearby location to discuss the film. Participants are responsible for their own movie tickets and dining costs.
Deb Hall, the group’s coordinator, is hopeful that this initiative will resonate with the community, highlighting that independent films celebrate diverse voices and perspectives—an ethos that aligns with SOAP’s mission.
GAME NIGHT RETURNS
As the summer winds down, SOAP is bringing back its beloved Game Night this fall. Recognizing that many members have been busy with outdoor activities, SOAP is excited to reintroduce this indoor social event. Members are encouraged to suggest their favorite games, whether it’s Bingo, Poker, Trivia, or something nostalgic.
Details on the first Game Night will be provided in the September newsletter.
WALKING GROUPS RESUMING
SOAP’s walking groups are also making a comeback. The Ogden SOAP Wednesday Walk-About continues weekly at the Ogden Botanical Gardens, combining exercise with a post-walk dinner. Meanwhile, the Salt Lake SOAP Tuesday Troopers, which took a break due to summer heat, resumed at Liberty Park. These walking groups cater to all fitness levels and offer a relaxed, inclusive environment for socializing.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AND PADDLING
SOAP’s love for the outdoors shines through in its upcoming events. The Pride Paddlers group will convene on September 1 at Cutler Marsh in Logan, offering a serene paddling experience that coincides with SOAP’s Labor Day Campout. Additionally, the Southern Utah Paddling Group will meet at Gunlock Reservoir on September 29, inviting participants to enjoy a day on the water in the picturesque St. George area.
PICKLEBALL
SOAP offers weekly Pickleball sessions Wednesdays through September at 6pm at the Murray Park Pickleball Complex, 166 E Myrtle Ave, open to all skill levels.
DINING GROUPS
The Dish in Salt Lake City and Chew and Chat in Utah County, provide opportunities to share a meal and conversation with fellow members. Attendance for these dining events is capped at 15 to ensure an intimate and enjoyable experience, so early RSVPs are recommended. Q Info at soaputah.org
Transformative retreat for gay, bi, and trans men promises community, healing, celebration
In a world where social apps often fall short of fostering genuine connections, many gay, bisexual, and transgender men are left feeling isolated and frustrated in their search for community. In response to this growing need, Mindfully Gay is offering a unique and transformative retreat in Sandy, Utah, from September 20 to 22. This retreat is not just another event — it is a curated experience designed to create a space where men can come together to explore their interests, share their stories, and celebrate the rich diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. Organizers are emphasizing the importance of building a supportive and understanding community, one that acknowledges and honors each individual’s unique journey. Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities aimed at nurturing both the body and spirit. The retreat will feature yoga sessions, sound healing practices, and rituals that honor personal growth and transformation. Sharing circles will provide a safe space for participants to express their experiences, fostering deeper connections and un-
derstanding among the group.
The retreat also promises a perfect blend of relaxation and reflection, set in a beautiful, serene location. With communal sleeping arrangements — either on floor mats, futons, or camping in the yard — the experience is designed to foster closeness and camaraderie among participants.
The $250 registration includes housing accommodations, food, supplies, and tuition. It is held at a private residence in Sandy, Utah, which allows the group to keep the prices reasonable for all to attend. Given the intimate nature of the event, space is limited, and those interested are encouraged to secure their spot early.
What to Expect: Meet and greet so we get to know each other, meditations, yoga, recreational activities, nutritional perspectives, acupuncture to enhance relaxation, sharing, rituals and ceremony including a sweat lodge. Connecting in meaningful and heart-centered ways.
Facilitators:
Jerry Buie, MSW: Owner of Pride Counseling, Utah’s first openly out and LGBTQIA+ affirming practice, Jerry has been a cornerstone of the
community since 1998, addressing diverse mental health needs. He has been mentored in various indigenous earthbased systems such as Native American traditions, Andean practices, Amazonian influences, Dagara (Burkina Faso), and Mongolian Shamanism.
John Cottrell, PhD: A clinical psychologist with extensive experience in psychotherapy, drug and alcohol treatment, and psychological testing, John brings a wealth of knowledge from his years of practice in Salt Lake City. As a certified yoga instructor, personal trainer, and sports nutritionist, John offers a variety of ways to create healthy living.
Nick Walton: A certified nutritionist, Nick specializes in helping people manage
chronic diseases through evidence-based nutrition. His approach is personalized, budget-conscious, and focused on sustainable health practices.
Together, these facilitators create the “magic” of Mindfully Gay, offering a space where healing, growth, and connection flourish.
This retreat offers a rare opportunity for gay, bisexual, and transgender men to disconnect from the often disappointing world of social apps and instead connect with like-minded individuals in a meaningful, supportive environment. It’s an invitation to explore, heal, and celebrate together — a chance to find where you truly fit in. Q
For more information and to register, go to mindfullygay.com.
views quotes
In the week before this issue was published, Goud Maragani:
Called Lt. Gov. Diedre Henderson Cox’ “liberal white lady LG” and Kamala Harris a “puppet master.”
Said Utah Democrats are “obsessed with giving your kids pornographic books; letting boys into girls [sic] locker rooms, bathrooms, & sports; allowing lewd conduct in front of kids under 14; sterilizing & mutilating kids with gender dysphoria.”
Called Pete and Chasten Buttigieg “gross” because they are “Two gay white guys [who] hired a surrogate to make a black baby. Do people not think that’s weird? They literally created a baby of a specific racial makeup for clout.”
Richard Ostler, author of “Listen, Learn & Love: Embracing LGBTQ Latter-day Saints,” sold through Deseret Book, an “effeminate, beta male.”
Claimed that Sarah Reale would “be center stage with @Pink tonight, handing out pornographic books.”
Said Tara Lipsyncki was going to read pornography to children and Planned Parenthood would be providing abortions in the parking lot at her Queer Block Party
WhatGLAAD must sweep Sarah Kate Ellis to rebuild reputation
BY MARK SEGAL
would you suggest if a politician used public tax funds to rent a seven-bedroom Swiss chateau, remodel their home office with your tax dollars, rent a vacation home in Provincetown for their family, and enjoy first-class air travel and Mercedes car service at their whim? You’d likely call for their resignation or at the very least an investigation to determine if any laws were broken. The same standards should apply to leaders of our LGBT non-profits. All the examples I just mentioned were actions taken by GLAAD’s head, Sarah Kate Ellis, who has led GLAAD since 2014. While she has built a formidable organization, raking in millions of your donations, she seems to have become excessively comfortable with spending those donations on her own lifestyle. There used to be a term for those overpaid within our community: “Gay Inc.” Her spending is nothing less than, and I’m being polite here, gay greed. This is a subject I know well, having fought mainstream media’s depictions and censorship of the LGBT community—a field that I, along with others, pioneered in 1972, long before GLAAD existed and when Sarah Kate Ellis was one year old. We did this by disrupting live TV shows like The Today Show, The Tonight Show, and The CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite. These actions led to agreements with CBS News (thanks to Walter himself) and an agreement with Av Westin at ABC in 1973. Years later, we worked with Cathy Renna, who was the National News Media Director at a new organization called GLAAD, and we secured their first victory by canceling a nationally syndicated show called Dr. Laura. Through these and other efforts, we fought to give visibility to our community and lift us out of the darkness of invisibility. We did this out of passion for our community, making it possible for many of you today to have the privilege to be your true selves. It was a labor of love. We
did not receive chandeliers or chateaus. Most of the time, we ended up in jail.
This week’s New York Times investigative report reveals that GLAAD’s Sarah Kate Ellis has lived a life of luxury on your donations—into the millions of dollars. This includes renting a seven-bedroom Swiss chateau, a vacation home in Provincetown, remodeling her home office at $20,000, enjoying Mercedes car service, and flying first class—along with a salary listed in 2021 as $575,000, with additional compensation over $27,000. That’s $600,000 without travel, for an organization that has a half-million-dollar yearly travel budget. But there’s one item in the Times report that stands out and should tell you all you need to know: that $20,000 remodeling of her home office included a chandelier.
group focused on communications, Mr. Ferraro gets an F in communicating.
Mr. Ferraro wasn’t even transparent on the issue of yearly bonuses. In the last few days, I’ve spoken to many LGBT pioneers who’ve been fighting for equality for over 50 years. Most of us request that Sarah Kate Ellis never again describe herself as an activist, since many of us view her as a profiteer.
The word about GLAAD is that they are more interested in hobnobbing with
Non-profits should not operate like this, and such behavior would not be tolerated in other communities. Even right-wing organizations have been targets for similar practices—just think of the National Rifle Association. Can you imagine the executive directors of the NAACP or Amnesty International behaving similarly?
Of course, GLAAD spokesperson Richard Ferraro has attempted to defend her, spouting lines similar to, “She’s going to comply with new rules,” “She needed the lavish housing for meetings,” and “We don’t think she can get that bonus in her final year of $1.3 million.” Nothing is said about the $150,000 signing bonus, a $250,000 exit bonus, nor how her yearly bonus system works. For a
celebrities to bring in donations. When you misuse those donations for home chandeliers, Swiss chateaus, and vacation homes, you start morphing into the lifestyles of those celebrities, which makes you part of their world and not our world.
There is value for our community with GLAAD, but for them to be reputable again, they have some house cleaning to do. That means sweeping out the disreputable Sarah Kate Ellis and searching for someone who will bring transparency and honor back to the organization. Their focus should be on building community, not building chandeliers. Q
Mark Segal is an American journalist. He is the founder and publisher of Philadelphia Gay News and has won numerous journalism awards for his column “Mark My Words,” including best column by The National Newspaper Association, Suburban Newspaper Association and The Society of Professional Journalists. This article is based on an investigation by the New York Times.
Letcreep of the month
J.K. Rowling
BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI
me begin by saying that I hate boxing. I think it’s super gross to watch people punch each other in the face for entertainment.
But what I hate even more is transphobia. And the treatment of Algerian boxer Imane Khelif over her competing in the Olympics is truly the grossest.
In case you haven’t been following the Olympics, here’s the in-a-nutshell version of what happened, as reported by The Advocate: “Italian boxer Angela Carini competed against Khelif in a boxing match at the 2024 Olympic Games. 46 seconds into the fight, however, Carini withdrew from the match and claimed that she was feeling an intense pain in her nose.” She then told news outlets that competing with Khelif was “unfair.”
Why was it unfair? Well, it’s likely that Carini was referencing a decision made in March by the International Boxing Association to exclude Khelif and another boxer, Lin Yu-ting of Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), from competing because they failed a “gender test.”
“According to the results of DNA tests, we identified a number of athletes who tried to deceive their colleagues and posed as women. According to the results of the tests, it was proved that they have XY-chromosomes. Such athletes were excluded from the competition,” IBA President Umar Kremlev told Russian news outlet Tass. (Hat tip to Google translate!)
I may have dropped out of two different biology classes in college, but I know that people with XX chromosomes are generally female, and those with XY chromosomes are generally male. I also know that this is not true for all people all of the time. It’s a very narrow reading of biological sex that excludes people who are intersex. Furthermore, many people point to these two little letters in order to declare that “there are only two genders!” and
completely ignore the existence of transgender people, not to mention the fact that someone’s chromosomes do not dictate someone’s gender.
So does Khelif have XY chromosomes? I don’t know (also, it’s none of my business). But it’s clear she doesn’t identify as trans.
“The Algerian boxer was born female, was registered female, lived her life as a female, boxed as a female, has a female passport,” said International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams according to The Advocate. See? Case closed! Now if we can all just move along…
Oh, wait. J.K. Rowling, one of the world’s most notorious transphobes, has something to say?
On X, Rowling posted a photo of Khelif and Carini. In the photo Khelif looks like she’s patting a crying Carini on the back. But that’s not what Rowling sees.
“Could any picture sum up our new men’s rights movement better?” Rowling posted. “The smirk of a male who’s [sic] knows he’s protected by a misogynist sporting establishment enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head, and whose life’s ambition he’s just shattered.”
Of course, once Rowling learned that Khelif is not a man, she apologized…. Ha. Just kidding.
X user @YourAnonNews posted, “Imane Khelif should sue every single account and outlet saying she is trans. Assholes are putting her life at risk, it is illegal in her country to be trans. The continuance of the blatant trans lie continues unfettered on Twitter.” Rowling responded to ths with, “The idea that those objecting to a male punching a female in the name of sport are objecting because they believe Khelif to be ‘trans’ is a joke. We object because we saw a male punching a female.” Asshole, indeed.
“Suspicions of cis women as trans aren’t new, especially when it comes to women of color,” Marie-Adélina de la Ferrière writes in The Advocate.
I know, absolutely shocking that there’s a big overlap between transphobes and racists.
“For years, trans individuals have raised the alarm about the increasing impact of transphobia beyond trans bodies,” she continues. “This goes beyond transphobic tweets and posts. The bills aimed at restricting trans bodies from accessing bathrooms and medical treatment are all in the supposed name of protecting cis women. Yet, cis women are increasingly vulnerable to these policies and attacks. And if they can seek to control trans bodies, they certainly won’t stop there.”
She is absolutely right. As author and leading trans activist Raquel Willis posted on X, “The anti-trans ‘gender critical’ crusade has…always been about pushing white supremacist, bioessentialist purity standards. All women who don’t or can’t conform to those ideas are in danger.”
It’s not hard to see the line between this and anti-choice legislation that seeks to ban abortion with no exceptions and then virtually imprisons any pregnant person seeking one by making it illegal for them to even leave the state.
As I said, I do not support punching people in the face, but I do advise that you punch anti-trans and anti-choice candidates as hard as you can at the ballot box. Q
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.
Letme
‘NY Times’ report on GLAAD is petty vindictiveness and shoddy reporting
BY ZEKE STOKES
say up front that no one from GLAAD asked me to write this, and I did not run its content by them or coordinate in any way. These are my independent observations based on my experience as Vice President and Chief Programs Officer under the leadership of Sarah Kate Ellis for five years. I was there for much of what is detailed in the recent New York Times story, and I feel compelled to provide a counterpoint to the imbalanced — and perhaps libelous — story put forward by the Times.
Before I get into the content of the piece, it’s incredibly relevant to point out that the writer of this piece, Emily Steel, signed an open letter last year criticizing GLAAD and more than 100 other organizations and leaders who spoke out against The New York Times’ coverage of transgender people. That alone should have disqualified her from investigating and writing this story. I won’t speculate about her motives or those of her editors, but the fact that she had taken a public position against GLAAD’s work speaks volumes.
Beyond that, the piece is riddled with bad reporting, innuendo, lies, mistruths, facts out of context, and misinformation. I know because I was there — but no one at the New York Times bothered to call any of us (and there are many) who could have instantly debunked this nonsense.
So let’s get into it — facts first.
Sarah Kate Ellis’s salary is not $1 million per year. It’s not even close. It’s easily searchable and publicly available on GLAAD’s IRS 990 forms, which are filed annually. The most recent documents indicate a salary of roughly $575,000 and a bonus of about $27,000 — a lot of money, yes, but a far cry from $1 million and very much in
line with the leadership of nonprofit organizations with similar budgets.
Much has been made of GLAAD’s work at Davos, so let me offer some context there as well. The World Economic Forum meets in Davos each year and is composed of leaders from government, business and international organizations, civil society, academia, and media to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Until GLAAD entered the frame in 2017, LGBTQ issues were not on the agenda. Today, they are a centerpiece. While I did not attend any of GLAAD’s trips to Davos, I was privy to the strategy, logistics, and other details related to those activations. Here’s the truth. Those trips are funded by a donor who specifically designated those funds for that purpose in order to provide GLAAD an opportunity to have a seat at the table with world leaders, Fortune 100 CEOs, and global influencers in order to make progress on criminalization of LGBTQ identities, HIV medication access, and reform in the Catholic Church. You don’t do that with events and meetings at the local Hampton Inn. If you want to have a seat at the table with world leaders, you go where they are.
GLAAD is not a direct services organization — it is an agent of culture change, and culture change is a long and expensive game. When you show up to Davos, Cannes Lions, the Emmys, Sundance, and other places of elite influence, you must show up as their equal in order to earn a place in the conversation and be trusted to co-create the change we are advocating for. And what is the change that has happened, exactly, from GLAAD’s presence in Davos?
A simple Google search will produce a laundry list of impact for the LGBTQ community from GLAAD’s
work there, especially critical at a time when DEI and other inclusive programs are under attack in the corporate world. It’s also worth noting that GLAAD’s fingerprints are all over many things that never are acknowledged publicly because to do so would damage the work and the end goal.
Nonetheless, here are just a few headlines tell the tale:
Sarah Kate Ellis has taken the organization from literal bankruptcy to the stages at Davos, the Emmys, Cannes Lions, the Super Bowl, and countless other places to represent our community and make change. She has made GLAAD a juggernaut with a place at the table at the world’s most influential cultural moments and among the globe’s leading decision makers and culture shapers. That’s why Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023 and why she commands the respect of the team she leads at GLAAD, the board of directors who hired her, and the leaders of the industries in which she is making change every day. On a personal level, she is one of the most honorable, visionary, judicious, and impactful leaders I have ever worked with.
It’s a shame to see the New York Times stoop to petty vindictiveness and shoddy reporting for clicks and revenge. It’s not just an attack on Sarah Kate Ellis — it’s an attack on all of us who have been a part of turning GLAAD around and making it a leading global voice for equality and acceptance. My only demand of GLAAD’s leadership would be to go even bigger, even louder, even harder, and even faster. Stay the course. The world needs you now more than ever. Q
Zeke Stokes is former Vice President and Chief Programs Officer at GLAAD and an executive producer of the award-winning documentary ‘TransMilitary.’
Utah Election 2024: Ask the AG
BY CHRISTOPHER KATIS
One of the most important races this election year is for Utah Attorney General. In this two-part series, I asked the major candidates their positions on issues impacting our community. Here is the first set of responses from Michelle Quist (Utah United), Rudy Bautista (Democrat), and Andrew McCullough (Libertarian). The GOP candidate did not respond. Disclosure: Ms. Quist and I were neighbors in L.A. and occasionally socialized.
If SCOTUS overturns Obergefell, which legalized same-gender marriage nationwide, and Utah’s Amendment 3, defining marriage between one man and one woman, becomes law again, would you defend it?
QUIST: Any reversal of Obergefell won’t necessarily result in the restoration of Amendment 3, which was struck down in 2013; Obergefell was decided in 2015. The former didn’t rely on the latter. Regardless, there is little appetite for Amendment 3 in Utah anymore, and I would advocate against it.
BAUTISTA : I would not defend any law that attempts to limit a person’s ability for “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” I would support challenges to any illegal law passed by asking the courts to enter a default judgment striking down such laws.
MCCULLOUGH : The tendency by the current Supreme Court to walk back on the long series of court decisions enforcing Federal constitutional rights against State incursions is alarming. The current Court wants to cut back on the use of the Fourteenth Amendment to protect citizens; and I would hope to see Utah in the forefront of opposition to that movement.
HB 257 requires people to use restrooms in government operated buildings that correspond to their gender assigned at birth (on their birth certificate.) It will likely face legal challenges. As AG, what do you do?
QUIST: As AG, I would be obligated to represent the state in any litigation related to HB 257. However, if the legal challenges suggest it infringes upon constitutional rights, I would seek a reso-
dom” bills. How will you protect the rights of the community against this type of legislated discrimination?
QUIST: While religious freedom is a protected right, it cannot be used to justify discrimination. I am committed to rigorously reviewing any proposed laws that could infringe on the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals before they pass, challenging those that vi-
lution that upholds the law without compromising the civil liberties of Utahns.
BAUTISTA : In regards to HB257, it is designed to only perpetuate hate! We already have laws that protect a person’s privacy. This law is designed only to shame and hurt people. As AG, I would support any legal challenge designed to strike down the law.
MCCULLOUGH : Both sides in this dispute claim this is a matter of personal safety. Birth certificates can be changed by court order. I am not sure if that is an adequate remedy, but I’m open to discussion. It is not as simple as saying that people can determine which sex they are simply by declaring it.
Anti-LGBTQ+ proposed laws are often couched as “religious free-
olate constitutional protections.
BAUTISTA : The First Amendment has been recognized as protecting a person’s right of freedom of religion and has been interpreted to stand for the principle of separation of church and state. As AG, I will not defend any law which is designed to restrict a person’s right to the pursuit of happiness.
MCCULLOUGH : Businesses generally should not discriminate but I am not without sympathy toward an artist who is approached to individually design wedding items, for instance. As an attorney, I can turn down a case I do not want to pursue. I tend to think others who are in individual service professions should have the same right. Q
See more responses in next month’s issue.
Upcoming Regional Prides
Pride of Southern Utah Lake Day 2024
A day of sun, water, food, and celebration at Southern Utah’s annual Quail Creek Lake Day. As in years past, they’ll be located near the waters edge, close to Dig Paddlesports.
WHEN: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1–5 P.M.
WHERE: QUAIL CREEK STATE PARK, HURRICANE, UTAH
INFO: PRIDEOFSOUTHERNUTAH.ORG
Logan Pride Festival
Since 2017, the Logan Pride Foundation has served the Cache Valley community as a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating diversity while promoting LGBTQIA+
visibility, acceptance, and support in our region. While we host many projects and activities throughout the year, our hallmark event is our annual Pride Festival, which occurs each September. This single-day event has notably generated the largest reach and impact in and for our community, with over 3,000 attendees.
Sponsorships are available from $500 to $5,000.
Vendor booths are allotted a 10×10 plot, which they can set up as they wish. Last year, the event had 84 booths.
Musicians and drag artists are welcome to show interest in performing in
ple performance spaces. The event is free for attendees. Donations to the festival help fund the Logan Pride House, the nonprofit’s home that provides a place for activities and support groups for Cache County’s LGBTQ+ community.
WHEN: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
WHERE: WILLOW PARK, LOGAN INFO: LOGANPRIDE.ORG
Pride of Southern Utah Pride in the Park
Pride in the Park returns to St. George this September for a day of entertainment, food, vendors and activities. This is a free all-ages event to celebrate our local LGBTQ+ community alongside friends, families and allies.
WHEN: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M.
PARK, 2099 S. CONVENTION CENTER DR. , ST. GEORGE
SLC Leather Pride
The Salt Lake City Leather Pride Festival is a day of celebration for the Men’s Leather and Kink community. The indoor-outdoor event is set to take place on Sunday, October 6th, from 1 to 8 p.m. at MILK+. Free tickets will be available in advance, granting access to a series of events designed to connect, educate, and celebrate this vibrant subculture.
The highlight of the festival is the MR LEATHER SLUT Title contest, which, alongside various activities, aims to bring together leather enthusiasts from around the globe.
When you help care for a loved one, you take care of ever y thing . But are you taking care of yourself?
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FALL ARTS: UTAH SYMPHONY
The Utah
Symphony’s 2024–25 season promises an exhilarating journey through classical music, highlighted by exceptional performances and world-renowned guest artists. The season underscores the remarkable talent of the 87 musicians who make up one of the country’s premier orchestras.
“Our orchestra is really one of the best in the country,” says Concertmaster Madeline Adkins. The musicians, many of whom come from across the nation and around the world, are deeply embedded in the local community, contributing not only through performances but also by nurturing young talent as educators.
Steve Brosvik, the Symphony/ Opera’s president and CEO, emphasizes that the orchestra is an integral part of Utah’s cultural identity.
“Our musicians have each prevailed through grueling auditions against hundreds of other musicians to achieve a spot on this team — and, collectively, they form the foundation of music and music education across our state,” says Brosvik. He likens the symphony to a “major league team,” contributing to Utah’s rich cultural landscape alongside its renowned national parks, skiing, and professional sports.
The 2024–25 season opens with a series of dynamic performances that will captivate audiences. Concertmaster Madeline Adkins will take on a dual role as both soloist and leader in a performance of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, which will be played without a conductor,
transforming the piece into an intimate collaboration among the musicians.
“It’s something very special and unique, to have the whole orchestra moving and breathing together in this way,” says Adkins.
Another highlight is Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, a challenging work that showcases the virtuosity of every section in the orchestra.
The season will also feature a highly anticipated one-night-only performance by the legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma in December, marking his first appearance in Salt Lake City since the 2002 Olympics.
“For him to come here to play with our musicians speaks to the caliber of talent and skill that we have here,” says Alex Purdy, principal tuba.
Other guest artists include violinist Augustin Hadelich, who will perform Brahms’ Violin Concerto under the baton of conductor Elim Chan, making her Utah Symphony debut, and pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, who will perform Britten’s Piano Concerto, a piece that brought him international acclaim at the 2011 BBC Proms.
The Utah Symphony has been selected to host the 2025 National Conference of the League of American Orchestras.
Music Director Emeritus Thierry Fischer will return to conduct two performances during the conference week, showcasing a program that highlights Utah’s cultural heritage and diversity, with South Korean-German violinist Clara-Jumi Kang as soloist in the Korngold Violin Concerto.
Thierry Fischer will also lead two backto-back Mahler weekends earlier in the season, featuring Mahler’s Fifth Symphony and his “Tragic” Symphony, delving into the composer’s emotional depth.
Meanwhile, the search for the symphony’s next music director continues, with David Robertson serving as the inaugural creative partner. Robertson’s programming promises to break new ground, including a festival celebrating orchestral music in films, with live performances of Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times and a weekend dedicated to the iconic film scores of John Williams.
Robertson’s creative vision extends to performances of works by contemporary composers, including Steve Reich’s The Desert Music and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, which will explore the primal forces of nature through music. “Working with David Robertson as our Creative Partner has been an incredible journey,” says Adkins. “His mind is amazing in the way he understands the structure of very complicated works.”
Diversity and inclusivity are central to the Utah Symphony’s programming this season. Nearly three-quarters of the 2024–25 Masterworks programs feature women or people of color as guest artists, conductors, or composers. Notable performances include works by Jessie Montgomery, Florence Price, and Angel Lam. The season will also continue the symphony’s tradition of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Celebración Sinfónica, featuring works by renowned Latin American composers.
The Utah Symphony Chorus will feature prominently in three Masterworks weekends, including performances of Mozart’s Requiem and Poulenc’s Gloria. The symphony will also present a multimedia performance of Holst’s The Planets, featuring NASA footage projected on a giant screen, adding a visual element to the symphonic experience.
In addition to the Masterworks Series, the Utah Symphony will continue to push the boundaries of traditional classical repertoire with innovative programming across its Pops Series, Films in Concert Series, Family Series, and Special Events. Highlights include Cirque Cinema, a Pops Series performance featuring acrobats, ballet dancers, and aerial artists set to film music, and REVOLUTION: The Music of The Beatles, which
will bring the iconic band’s biggest hits to life with orchestral accompaniment.
The Films in Concert Series will feature live performances of scores to beloved films such as Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and Beauty and the Beast
“The Films in Concert allow us to be part of the action,” says Adkins. “It’s music you know and love—and it’s a relaxed and easy way to be introduced to the orchestra and our musicians.”
Throughout the holiday season, the Utah Symphony will bring the community together with cherished musical traditions, including the annual Messiah Sing-In and the Holiday Pops Extravaganza!. Family-friendly performances, such as Here Comes Santa Claus! and Halloween Spooktacular, will delight audiences of all ages, making classical music accessible and enjoyable for the whole family.
The Utah Symphony’s commitment to music education remains strong, with outreach programs that reach more than 130,000 students across the state annually. From in-school performances to sideby-side concerts with student musicians, the symphony continues to nurture the next generation of classical artists.
As the Utah Symphony embarks on its 2024–25 season, it invites audiences to experience the power and beauty of live orchestral music. Whether through traditional Masterworks performances, innovative multimedia presentations, or family-friendly concerts, the symphony remains a cornerstone of Utah’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Fall Schedule:
Jurassic Park in Concert
FILMS IN CONCERT SERIES
“Welcome…to Jurassic Park!” This action-packed adventure pits two kids and a few scientists against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery, groundbreaking special effects, and their celebrated orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live, this epic showing is 65 million years in the making.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 13, 7PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
SATURDAY, SEPT. 14, 7PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
Cirque Cinema: Troupe Vertigo POPS
It’s a feast for your senses — the Symphony’s spectacular orchestra joins forces with the skilled aerial artists, contortionists, and ballet dancers of L.A.’s Troupe Vertigo. Don’t miss this dazzling show with visually stunning acrobatics and fantastic feats, all set to familiar film music performed by the symphony.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 20, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
SATURDAY, SEPT. 21, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
Celebración Sinfónica
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a program featuring the spirited sounds of Latin America and Spain, led by the vivacious conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez and featuring Costa Rican trumpet soloist José Sibaja. Thursday, Sept. 26, 7:30pm, The Noorda at UVU
FRIDAY, SEPT. 27, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
SATURDAY, SEPT. 28, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
An American in Paris
MASTERWORKS SERIES
An evening of good ol’ fun with a night of music by some of the great American composers of the 20th century, including two works that made their mark on the film and theatre worlds — Gershwin’s An American in Paris (you can even hear the Parisian taxi horns) and Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. You’ll be snapping your fingers to these luscious tunes regardless of whether you’re a Shark or a Jet. The program begins with the striking melodies of Barber’s Second Essay for Orchestra before Randall Goosby makes his highly anticipated return, performing Florence Price’s sweepingly amorous Violin Concerto No. 2 and her aptly named Adoration.
FRIDAY, OCT. 25, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
SATURDAY, OCT. 26, 2024 | 05:30 PM | ABRAVANEL HALL
Halloween Spooktacular
SPECIAL EVENT
Gather ’round for a night of spine-tin-
gling tales told through haunting melodies at their Halloween Spooktacular! From classic Halloween favorites to thrilling orchestral arrangements, this concert promises to be frightfully fun for the whole family, filled with spooky surprises and hair-raising harmonies. Grab your costumes and join them for a Halloween adventure you’ll never forget — because when they play on stage, the spirits come out to play, too.
TUESDAY, OCT. 29, 7PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
Orli Shaham Performs Mozart MASTERWORKS SERIES
Creative Partner David Robertson enjoys a dynamic connection with their orchestra (and their audiences), and this program brings a soloist with whom he also shares undeniable artistic chemistry — his wife and world-renowned pianist Orli Shaham. Listen as she brings Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 to life with extraordinary virtuosity, promising a sojourn into refined beauty and delicate expression. Paired with the lush romanticism of Brahms’ Serenade No. 1 and opening with a captivating Schoenberg work in honor of his 150th birthday, this evening will resonate long after the final note has faded away FINISHING TOUCHES REHEARSAL FRIDAY, NOV. 01, 10AM, ABRAVANEL HALL
FRIDAY, NOV. 01, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
SATURDAY, NOV. 02, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
Pictures at an Exhibition
MASTERWORKS SERIES
Step into a gallery of musical masterpieces with Pictures at an Exhibition. Composed in the wake of the loss of Mussorgsky’s dear friend — architect and artist Viktor Hartmann — this timeless work captures the essence of each of Hartmann’s pictures with breathtaking clarity and depth. With memorable favorites like the solemn “Old Castle,” the whimsical “Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks,” and the epic “The Great Gate of Kyiv,” each of the
10 unique portraits adds to a kaleidoscope of complex emotions and memories. Similarly, as poignant and powerful choral compositions by Fauré and Poulenc fill the hall on the first half of the program, you’ll feel the bittersweet beauty of remembrance and the transcendent power of music to express the inexpressible.
FRIDAY, NOV. 15, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
SATURDAY, NOV. 16, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
Beethoven’s “Eroica”
MASTERWORKS SERIES
From the majestic opening chords that command attention to the triumphant finale that resonates with resolve, every note of Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony takes you on an epic journey of grandeur and drama, with musical innovation that lives up to its “heroic” name. Experience the dynamic interplay of melodies, the bold harmonies, and the intricate orchestration of a Beethoven masterpiece. Feel the energy of Britten’s Piano Concerto, which the British composer debuted at the 1938 Proms in London. British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, who rose to worldwide renown performing this work at the BBC Proms in 2011, brings his intense musicality to its four distinct movements.
THURSDAY, NOV. 21, 7:30PM, THE NOORDA, UVU
FRIDAY, NOV. 22, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
SATURDAY, NOV. 23, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
64th Annual Salute to Youth
SPECIAL EVENT
Experience extraordinary rising talent that you must see and hear to believe! Following a rigorous audition process, Utah’s most hardworking young musicians have the one-in-a-lifetime chance to play a concerto movement alongside the Utah Symphony, joining the ranks of the hundreds of Salute to Youth soloists that have come before them.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27, 5:30PM ABRAVANEL HALL
Messiah Sing-In
SPECIAL EVENT
Let the holiday music begin on Thanksgiving weekend with this cherished tradition (it’s one that some of their audience members have been attending for 35 years!). Composed by Handel in 1741, the oratorio Messiah draws inspiration from both the Old and New Testaments, detailing the life of Christ in three parts. With the Utah Symphony Chorus, sing along with the beloved choral numbers of this famous composition—including
the “Hallelujah” Chorus!—in an evening of joy and community. A performance unlike any other, the Messiah Sing-In is ranked as one of the “Top 100 Things to Do in Salt Lake City.”
SATURDAY, NOV. 30, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
SUNDAY, DEC. 01, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
Celtic Woman
SPECIAL EVENT
This holiday season, Celtic Woman returns, adding their angelic harmonies to the thrilling live sound of the symphony in an intimate concert setting. From delicate Gaelic carols to stunning arrangements of classics like “Silent Night,” Celtic Woman has a wealth of seasonal music to gladden your heart. With crystalline voices, Irish fiddling, magnificent brass fanfare, Irish harp, and the proud call of the bagpipes, join them for one of their most popular performances of the year.
TUESDAY, DEC. 03, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
Tchaikovsky’s The Tempest
MASTERWORKS SERIES
Centered around the allure of the sea, this program is as captivating as a siren’s song. Prepare to be swept away by the evocative tone poem The Tempest, Tchaikovsky’s symphonic narration of Shakespeare’s play, and the ocean’s tumultuous beauty. Then, allow the melodies of Shostakovich’s mesmerizing Second Piano Concerto, celebrated particularly for its breathtaking second movement, to wash over you. They set sail through Britten’s Four Sea Interludes from the opera Peter Grimes and conclude with a suite from Korngold’s majestic score for The Sea Hawk — written specifically for the swashbuckling cinematic adventure and resonating with the depths of the ocean’s mysteries.
FINISHING TOUCHES REHEARSAL FRI-
DAY, DEC. 06, 10AM, ABRAVANEL HALL
FRIDAY, DEC. 06, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
SATURDAY, DEC. 07, 5:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma SPECIAL EVENT
With 19 Grammy Awards to his name, classical music’s most celebrated star for more than four decades comes to Salt Lake City for a one-night-only performance. Yo-Yo Ma shares Dvořák’s divine Cello Concerto, bringing his unparalleled talent and deep desire to build community and reinforce their humanity through music. Don’t miss this opportunity to
witness the cellist who is adored around the world — tickets will sell out fast.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons MASTERWORKS SERIES
For the first time in 10 years (you could even say 40 seasons), Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, one of the original odes to nature, returns to Abravanel Hall. From the ethereal awakening of spring to the serene stillness of winter, their musicians, led by Concertmaster and soloist Madeline Adkins, come together to illustrate nature’s ever-changing beauty. Along with Angel Lam’s new work Please let there be a paradise… and Glazunov’s music from the ballet The Seasons, this concert will transport you through landscapes teeming with life, echoing the gentle whisper of zephyrs, the joyful chirping of birds, and the quiet majesty of falling snow.
FRIDAY, DEC. 13 & 14, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
Holiday Pops
Extravaganza POPS
Step into a winter wonderland at Maurice Abravanel Hall! The highly-anticipated return of this popular program celebrates the magic of the season with cherished holiday favorites, delightful surprises, and, of course, Santa himself. Make it a new tradition.
FRIDAY, DEC. 20&21, 7:30PM, ABRAVANEL HALL
More information at utahsymphony.org
AM I OKAY TO DRIVE? BUZZED
DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING
FALL ARTS: UTAH OPERA
Utah Opera is set to feature a rich blend of passion, power, and poignant storytelling with its upcoming 2024–25 season. With four distinct productions scheduled for the season, opera enthusiasts can expect an emotional journey through tales of revenge, love, sacrifice, and resilience, all performed at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City.
Sweeney Todd: A Tale of Dark Revenge (October 2024)
Kicking off the season in October is Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, a dark and gripping tale set in the heart of Victorian London. Just in time for Halloween, this production transports audiences to a world of revenge, twisted justice, and infamous meat pies. The opera follows the story of Sweeney Todd, a barber wrongfully exiled, who returns to seek vengeance on the corrupt Judge Turpin. With the help of the cunning Mrs. Lovett, Todd’s quest for retribution takes a macabre turn, leading to a series of gruesome events that blur the lines between justice and savagery.
Director Doug Scholz-Carlson brings this chilling tale to life, while audience-favorite conductor Robert Tweten returns to guide the music. Michael Mayes stars as the vengeful Sweeney Todd, with Audrey Babcock as the resourceful Mrs. Lovett. The production also features former Utah Opera Resident Artists Amy Owens and Christian Sanders in the roles of Johanna and Toby, respectively.
“Sondheim’s genius lies in his ability to use the chorus as a character itself, delivering messages of morality with a clever twist,” says Dr. Sharon Bjorndal Lavery, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera Chorus Director & Opera Assistant Conductor. Swee-
ney Todd is a classic that has enthralled audiences for decades, and this Utah Opera production promises to be no exception.
Hansel and Gretel: A Family Favorite Returns (January 2025)
In January 2025, the Utah Opera presents Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, a production that has become a staple in the company’s history. This enchanting opera, based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, is known for its appeal to audiences of all ages. The story follows the adventures of siblings Hansel and Gretel as they navigate a treacherous forest and confront a menacing witch. The opera’s themes of power and resilience are beautifully portrayed through its folk-inspired music and heartwarming narrative.
Conductor Stephanie Rhodes Russell returns to the podium, while Kyle Lang directs this magical tale. Former Utah Opera Resident Artist Sarah Coit takes the stage as Hansel, alongside Maureen McKay as Gretel. Grammy-award-winning Frederick Ballentine will portray the Witch, adding a touch of menace to this otherwise whimsical story.
“It’s a story about coming of age, and perhaps one of the first ‘stranger danger’ tales in opera,” notes Christopher McBeth, Utah Opera Artistic Director. Hansel and Gretel will also feature a collaboration with The Madeleine Choir School, continuing a long-standing partnership that adds depth to this beloved production.
Pagliacci: A Tragic Tale of Jealousy and Betrayal (March 2025)
In March, the Utah Opera will stage Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, a tragic opera that delves into the complexities of love,
jealousy, and power within a traveling comedy troupe. The opera centers on the tumultuous relationship between Canio, the troupe leader, and his wife, Nedda. As jealousy and suspicion take hold, the boundaries between performance and reality blur, leading to a heartbreaking climax.
Joseph Colaneri, a master of Italian opera, returns to conduct this powerful piece, while Tara Faircloth directs. Jonathan Burton stars as Canio, delivering one of opera’s most iconic arias, “Vesti la giubba.” Lydia Grindatto, a rising star, makes her Utah Opera debut as Nedda, bringing emotional depth to this tragic role.
Madame Butterfly: A New Interpretation of a Classic (May 2025)
The season concludes in May with a bold new production of Giacomo Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. This timeless opera tells the story of Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese geisha who falls in love with an American naval officer, Pinkerton. Despite her deep love, Pinkerton’s fleeting intentions lead to devastating consequences, exploring themes of passion, power, and cultural conflict.
Directed by Matthew Ozawa, this production offers a modern reimagining of the classic tale, set in a virtual Japanese fantasy world. Ozawa’s vision brings a fresh perspective to the story, addressing cultural stereotypes and offering a more nuanced understanding of the characters.
The production features a talented team of Japanese and Japanese American designers, providing a culturally insightful experience. Derrick Inouye conducts, with Hiromi Omura as CioCio-San and Utah native Eric Taylor as Pinkerton. Nmon Ford and Nina Yoshida Nelsen round out the cast as Sharpless and Suzuki, respectively.
The Utah Opera’s 2024-25 season promises to be a powerful exploration of human emotions, with each production offering a unique perspective on the interplay of passion and power. Whether through the dark revenge of Sweeney Todd, the enchanting journey of Hansel and Gretel, the tragic love of Pagliacci, or the culturally reflective Madame Butterfly, audiences are in for an unforgettable experience.
More information at usuo.org
Why you need dental insurance in retirement.
Many Americans are fortunate to have dental coverage for their entire working life, through employer-provided benefits. When those benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock, leading people to put off or even go without care.
Simply put — without dental insurance, there may be an important gap in your healthcare coverage.
When you’re comparing plans ...
Look for coverage that helps pay for major services. Some plans may limit the number of procedures — or pay for preventive care only.
Look for coverage with no deductibles. Some plans may require you to pay hundreds out of pocket before benefits are paid.
Shop for coverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.
Medicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1
That’s right. As good as Medicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. That means if you want protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.
Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.
The best way to prevent large dental bills is preventive care. The American Dental Association recommends checkups twice a year.
Previous dental work can wear out.
Even if you’ve had quality dental work in the past, you shouldn’t take your dental health for granted. In fact, your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2
Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.
Consider these national average costs of treatment ... $222 for a checkup ... $190 for a filling ... $1,213 for a crown.3 Unexpected bills like this can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.
1 “Medicare & You,” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2024. 2 “Aging changes in teeth and gums”, medlineplus.gov, 4/17/2022. 3 American Dental Association, Health Policy Institute, 2020 Survey of Dental Fees, Copyright 2020, American Dental Association.
“Absolutely love”
“I absolutely love my dental insurance. My dental office files the claims, leaving me with very little balance to pay.”
Dorothy P., TN
FALL ARTS: PLAN-B THEATRE
Plan-B Theatre Unveils Season 34: A Deep Dive into the Power
Plan-B
Theatre, known for its commitment to original and thought-provoking works, has announced its 34th season, featuring three world premieres that challenge audiences to explore the delicate balance between speaking out and listening. The 2024/25 Subscription Series, which will unfold across two iconic Salt Lake City venues, promises to be a compelling journey through diverse narratives, each shedding light on critical themes of identity, history, and personal power.
The season kicks off with FULL COLOR, a groundbreaking production that brings together the voices of eight Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) playwrights. Following this, the focus shifts to the world of sports history and cultural legacy with KILO-WAT, a tribute to the pioneering Japanese-American basketball player Wat Misaka. Finally, audiences will be treated to THE BEATRIX POTTER DEFENSE SOCIETY, a deep dive into the hidden facets of the beloved author Beatrix Potter’s life. Complementing these productions is the 12th annual Free Elementary School Tour, which will premiere EllaMental, a play designed to engage young students in a conversation about mental health in the post-pandemic era.
of Voice and Silence
FULL COLOR: Amplifying BIPOC Voices
Opening the season from October 24 to November 10, 2024, at the Studio Theatre in the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, FULL COLOR promises to be both a bold and intimate exploration of BIPOC experiences in Utah. This production brings together the talents of eight BIPOC playwrights—Tatiana Christian, Chris Curlett, Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin, Courtney Dilmore, Bijan J. Hosseini, Tito Livas, Iris Salazar, and Darryl Stamp— each contributing a unique monologue that reflects their personal journey.
Through these stories, the playwrights dismantle stereotypes and showcase the diverse realities of BIPOC life. From the heartwarming to the discomforting, each monologue is designed to evoke strong emotions and invite the audience to engage in deep reflection. As the third installment in Plan-B’s Color Series, following ...OF COLOR (2019) and LOCAL COLOR (2021), FULL COLOR moves beyond fictional narratives to present raw, first-person accounts, blending storytelling with lived experiences.
Directed by Jerry Rapier, the production features a talented cast, including Estephani Cerros, Pedro Flores, Talia Heiss, Terence Johnson, Alec Kalled, Yolanda Stange, Abyanna Wood, and one yet-to-be-announced actor. The creative team includes Emilio Casillas on
lighting design, Janice Chan on scenic design, and Cheryl Ann Cluff on sound design. Together, they aim to create an immersive experience that challenges the audience to see and hear differently.
KILO-WAT: A Sports Legend Reimagined
Running from February 14 to 16, 2025, in a co-production with UtahPresents at Kingsbury Hall, KILO-WAT by Aaron Asano Swenson delves into the life of Wat Misaka, a Japanese-American basketball player who broke racial barriers in the 1940s. Misaka’s story is not just one of athletic triumph but also a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the complexities of being a trailblazer in a time of war and racial prejudice.
Misaka led the University of Utah’s basketball team to victory in the 1944 NCAA Championship during World War II, a time when Japanese-Americans on the West Coast were facing internment. After serving in the U.S. Army, Misaka returned to lead his team to another championship and made history as the first non-white player drafted by the New York Knicks.
Swenson’s play brings this remarkable story to life, with Bryan Kido in the lead role. Directed by Jerry Rapier, the production will feature innovative projections designed by Swenson himself, alongside scenic design by Janice Chan and sound design by Cheryl Ann Cluff. KILO-WAT not only celebrates Misaka’s achievements but also invites the audience to reflect on the broader historical and cultural context of his legacy.
THE BEATRIX POTTER DEFENSE SOCIETY: Unveiling Hidden Histories
Closing the subscription series from March 27 to April 13, 2025, THE BEATRIX POTTER DEFENSE SOCIETY by Janine Sobeck Knighton offers a fresh perspective on the beloved author known for Peter Rabbit. This play, set in the intimate Studio Theatre at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, explores the lesser-known aspects of Potter’s life, particularly her subversive role in challenging Victorian gender norms.
The narrative delves into the coded text and hidden meanings within Potter’s famous journals, suggesting that her relationship with Edith Rawnsley, wife of the vicar Hardwicke Drummond Rawnsley,
may have been more significant than previously recognized. The play raises questions about historical erasure and the ways in which women’s contributions are often overlooked or diminished.
Directed by Cheryl Ann Cluff, with costume design by Victoria Bird and projections by Daniel Charon, THE BEATRIX POTTER DEFENSE SOCIETY promises to be a visually and intellectually stimulating production that reexamines Potter’s legacy through a contemporary lens.
EllaMental: Engaging Young Minds
In addition to the subscription series, Plan-B’s 12th annual Free Elementary
School Tour will premiere EllaMental, a new play by Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin, aimed at students in grades 4-6. This production addresses the emotional challenges faced by children in the wake of the pandemic, offering a narrative that is both relatable and comforting. The tour will reach 100 Utah schools in person, with an additional 100 schools participating virtually.
Directed by Jerry Rapier and designed by Arika Schockmel, EllaMental is a vital addition to Plan-B’s educational outreach, providing young audiences with tools to navigate their feelings in a rapidly changing world.
Looking Ahead
With a season rich in new voices and diverse perspectives, Plan-B Theatre continues to push boundaries and spark conversations. Subscriptions for the 2024/25 season are available now at a discounted rate, with single tickets going on sale starting July 1, 2024. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Plan-B Theatre website or contact their office directly.
Plan-B’s 34th season is more than just a collection of plays; it’s a call to action, inviting audiences to reflect on when to speak up and when to listen—a theme that resonates now more than ever.
More informatin at planbtheatre.org
Plan-B’s ‘EllaMental’ is an ode to kids with ‘big feelings’
“EllaMental,” created specifically for grades 4–6, centers on Ella, a Black, twelve-year-old sixth-grader struggling to make sense of her big feelings from the pandemic — grief, loss, fear, and anger — in a post-COVID world.
BY DEE-DEE DARBY-DUFFIN
“Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.” — David Augsburger
Years ago, I was a teacher of third graders. It was the most incredible and exhausting endeavor I had ever embarked upon. For five years, I was responsible for the molding of minds, for the care of our most precious resources. As a Black teacher with a minority-majority classroom in a very, very white state, I did not take that lightly.
I saw kids with big emotions “going through something” that didn’t have the language to tell me, or anyone else, what they were going through.
I learned that you can’t teach a kid who is hungry. I started each school day making sure everyone
had had breakfast. I always had food for those who hadn’t in my desk.
I learned that you can’t get good behavior from a child who has been punished simply for being. A lot of older kids with “behavior issues” were brought to my classroom instead of the principal’s office. I didn’t have any more classroom management training than my colleagues, but what I did that was different was
offer a safe space. I gave these students language so they could decipher what they were feeling. I allowed them to express those feelings without judgment or punishment. I became their ally.
I learned to listen and I know for a fact that every student who passed through my classroom knew they were seen and heard and loved.
ELLAMENTAL is an ode to those young people.
We rarely ask children to express themselves when they are experiencing pain. We want to see joyful, gleefully laughing children. Adults don’t always listen to children who are “going through something.” We end up asking them to bury their feelings with our silence.
I co-taught a three-month Plan-B playwriting residency for K-6 students in the spring of 2022. Experiencing firsthand the academic and social delays and the related “big feelings” and “behavior issues” made me wonder what it was like to have entered the lockdown in third or fourth grade and return to in-person school in fifth or sixth grade. Because every one of these kids was “going through something.”
And then came the commission to create a children’s play.
I wanted to give voice to children with “behavior issues,” who often aren’t asked what they think or feel about the world around them. I specifically wanted to write about Black children because they are the most demonized in public school settings. I was that little Black girl who felt unseen and unheard. I was lucky enough to find teachers (or did they find me?) who were able to see me and all of my heartache and offer me a life raft, a place to put all that was bottled up inside of me.
Mrs. Shepard (4th grade) introduced me to prose/poetry competitions.
She picked me up during the summer to drive me to the competitions (back when students could
ride in teachers’ cars).
Mrs. Varnadore (7th grade English) taught me how to read Shakespeare. I still remember Hamlet’s “To Be or Not to Be” soliloquy.
Mrs. West (12th grade English) taught me how to stand up for myself.
I know that if I want to see myself reflected on stage, I have to write the stories. I know that if I want to offer solace and solutions for Black pain, I have to utilize every platform available to me.
Listening is how I showed my classroom and my own children love.
Writing is my advocacy.
I hope students see themselves in Ella and find their Mrs. Shephard-Vamadore-West.
Being able to write a play that speaks to young people and the things they are going through is one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I do not take that lightly. Q
Actor and singer Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin has created roles in 15 world premieres at Plan-B Theatre. She has written several short plays for the company and now her play “EllaMental” will serve students in grades 4-6 statewide this entire school year as Plan-B’s 12th annual Free Elementary School Tour. Find details at planbtheatre.org/ ellamental on how to bring “EllaMental” to your school, as well as as two free public performances (Wednesday, September 24 at 4pm at the Day-Riverside Branch of the City Library and Friday, September 26 at 2:30pm at the Kearns Branch of the Salt Lake County Library.
FALL ARTS: PYGMALION PRODUCTIONS
Pygmalion
Productions opens their 2024–25 season with “Tender Hooks,” a play by Julie Jensen. Pygmalion produces theater that highlights women’s issues, concerns, and shared experiences. Every production is rooted in its mission to amplify women’s voices — whether through the work of playwrights, directors, performers, or the stories they bring to life on stage.
TENDER HOOKS is a play about social class in a rural setting, focusing on an older woman terrified by a family moving in next door. It was written by Julie Jensen, who has received a Kennedy Center Award for New American plays, a Joseph Jefferson Award for Best New Work, and an LA Weekly Award for best new play. Jensen is a frequent speaker and workshop coordinator, and she coordinates masterclasses and teaches intensive playwriting courses at the Kennedy Center.
The play’s development began at the Ossabaw Island Artists’ Colony in Georgia, a nurturing environment where the story first took shape. It was further refined at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, Utah, and later at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles.
The play has been successfully produced at various the-
aters, starting with its debut at Mill Mountain Theatre in Roanoke, Virginia, where it won the Mill Mountain Playwriting Award. It continued to gain acclaim with a production at the Women’s Project in New York City.
The upcoming production at Pygmalion Theater in Salt Lake City, UT, promises to bring a new perspective to this richly layered play. Known for its dedication to socially relevant works, Pygmalion Theater is an ideal venue for “Tenderhooks,” and the production is expected to offer Salt Lake City audiences a unique and compelling theatrical experience.
At its core, “Tenderhooks” is a story about the barriers we create when confronted with the unfamiliar and the potential for connection that lies beyond those barriers. The play’s exploration of the dynamic between the older woman and her new neighbors serves as a microcosm for broader societal issues, making it a relevant and timely piece in today’s world. The young girl’s interaction with the older woman not only drives the narrative but also highlights the innocence and honesty that can bridge the gaps between people from different backgrounds. Q
More information at pygmalionproductions.org
FALL ARTS: SLAC’S 53RD SEASON
Salt Lake Acting Company continues its momentum with more brave, contemporary, professional theatre of regional and world premieres and the return of the annual Summer and Children’s shows. Announced shows include: WHITELISTED by Chisa Hutchison, a regional premiere running from Oc2 2 through 27. Workshopped in SLAC’s 22/23 New Play Sounding Series, it is a haunting comedy. Rebecca Burgess is living her life when weird, supernatural shit starts happening to her for no reason she can think of. Of course, the fact that she can’t think of the reason is probably why it’s happening. This heart-pounding, suspenseful, highly theatrical piece is a cautionary tale that considers the possibility of cosmic justice in the absence of social justice.
THE ROBERTASSEY by Kathleen Cahill, a world premiere, runs from Feb. 5 to Mar. 2. Workshopped in SLAC’s 18/19 New Play Sounding Series, the show is a comedy about grief. Roberta arrives in Dublin, but her suitcase — which contains her father’s ashes — doesn’t. Her trip
turns into a magical mystery tour, and the lost suitcase becomes a symbol of her life. This lyrical and intoxicating comedy tests forgiveness, love, and our trust in the universe.
BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL , story and book by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming, music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe, running Apr. 9 to May 4. Making its return to SLAC’s stage after 20-years, this musical comedy/horror sensation is based on the “cult story” published in The Weekly World News about a half boy/half bat creature discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Virginia. This campy, heartfelt musical is a satirical commentary on prejudice and tolerance in America. Recipient of the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical.
SLAC’S SUMMER SHOW, a world premiere, runs from June 25 to Aug. 17. You know the drill: Bring your friends to the best summer party in town! Don’t miss out on the fun. Join in on the laughter and treat yourrself to a good time. More information is at saltlakeactingcompany.org
FALL ARTS: GINA BACHAUER
The Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation presents its 2024–25 concert series with four laureate pianists.
ANNA HAN in concert, September 27
The Bachauer laureate offers touchpoints of the vast piano literature, extending from toccatas by Bach and Prokofiev to Rachmaninoff’s monumental 2nd Sonata.
Hailed by the Washington Post as “prodigiously gifted… a display of imagination, taste and pianistic firepower far beyond her years,” Han strives to deliver heartfelt performances through a variety of classical piano repertoire.
Born in Mesa, Arizona, Han began her musical journey at four at the East Valley Yamaha Music School. She started private piano lessons at age five with Fei Xu, who guided her through 13 years of rigorous training. At eleven, Anna won first place in the 2007 MTNA Competition and debuted with the Chandler Symphony Orchestra, performing Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1. In the following years, she triumphed in numerous international competitions, including the New York International Piano Competition, and was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts in 2014, earning recognition for her performances of Chopin.
CARTER JOHNSON in concert, November 15
The 2024 Bachauer Artists Competition Silver Medalist triumphantly returns to Utah with a program full of passionate expression and virtu-
osity, including music by Schumann, Liszt, Mozart, and Prokofiev.
Praised for his interpretive sensitivity, imaginative programming, and ability to make classical music speak to all kinds of audiences, Johnson is quickly establishing a reputation as one of his generation’s most gifted and multi-faceted pianists. The silver medalist in the 2024 Gina Bachauer Competition, his most recent competition victories include first prizes in international competitions such as
the 2023 Concours Hauts-de-France, the 2021 International Competition of Polish Music, the 2020 Valsesia International Competition and the 2023 Weatherford College International Competition.
Born in 1996 on Vancouver Island, Canada, Johnson began piano study at age 5 with Shelley Roberts, with whom he studied performance and pedagogy for over 12 years. After continuing his studies with Michelle Mares, he completed a Bachelor of Music with Mark Anderson at the University of British Columbia. He then received a Master of Music from the Juilliard School under the direction of Joseph Kalichstein and Matti Raekallio. He continued to the Yale School of Music, where he completed a Master of Musical Arts with Wei-Yi Yang and is currently there completing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree.
STEPHEN BEUS in Concert, February 28, 2025
Widely acclaimed as a performer and teacher, the Bachauer Gold Medalist takes the Bachauer stage in a concert focused on music of the night, with music of Amy Beach and Franz Liszt, and Nikolai Medtner’s haunting “Night Wind” Sonata.
PASQUALE IANNONE in concert, April 11, 2025 4/11/25
The famed Italian pianist and Bachauer laureate presents a colorful and passionate program featuring Beethoven’s Appassionata, Chopin’s Polonaise-Fantaisie, and the complete set of Rachmaninoff’s Moments Musicaux. Since 1976, the Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation has been instrumental in the arts. Each year, its educational outreach programs introduce thousands of children to the magic of music. Its prestigious competitions, festivals, and concerts help undiscovered talents find new audiences and reach international acclaim. A non-profit foundation based in Salt Lake City, the Bachauer aims to enrich society by continuing to provide opportunities for classical music to be performed everywhere and enjoyed by all. Q
Tickets and more information at bachauer.com
FALL ARTS: RIRIEWOODBURY
Ririe-Woodbury
Dance Company will present its fall program, RE-PLAY, a captivating lineup that promises to enthrall audiences with a mix of innovative choreography and dynamic storytelling, featuring the return of a beloved piece, a stunning premiere, and a brand-new work by artistic director Daniel Charon. The program opens with the return of THE BUNKER , a physically theatrical and witty piece by Laja Field and Martin Durov, first commissioned by the company in 2022. This satirical dance-theater work is set within a research study observing six people confined to the same space for five years. Blending humor with keen observations of human nature, The Bunker takes audiences on an amusing and insightful journey through the characters’ lives.
Audiences will also be treated to the company premiere of WISH YOU WERE HERE by Monica Bill Barnes. This enchanting piece, akin to a partner dance without a partner, features a large cast of guest dancers from several Utah universities. The dancers gesture as if inviting an unseen partner, creating a mesmerizing visual experience as they swirl through ever-shifting choreography.
Rounding out the program is a world premiere by Charon. Known for his visionary approach, his New Work, set to Philip Glass’s Sonata for Violin and Piano, explores the evolving reality of human experience in an increasingly technology-driven world.
RE-PLAY runs Sept. 19 through 21, with the Moving Parts family and sensory-friendly performance on the afternoon of the 21st.
More information at ririewoodbury.com.
2024 Utah Queer Film Festival Announces Film Lineup and Ticket Sales
Festival program highlights LGBTQIA+ stories from international and local Utah filmmakers; HallowQueen theme promises both light-hearted and profound aspects of being queer.
Utah Film Center announced its film lineup for the 2024 Utah Queer Film Festival, formerly known as Damn These Heels. The program features LGBTQIA+ films from international and local filmmakers, exploring and celebrating diverse stories.
“The 2024 festival theme, HallowQueen, promises a diverse selection of films that explore both the light-hearted and profound aspects of queer life — referencing performance, alter egos, and identity itself,” organizers wrote in a statement. “Audiences can look forward to a captivating mix of genres, featuring both narratives and documentaries. The film programming will highlight stories from BIPOC, senior love, musical journeys, family-friendly films, and works by local filmmakers. For those seeking a spooky element, there will be a late-night block of dystopian films, adding an eerie chill of the season to the festival.”
All films were selected by a committee of queer participants, ensuring authentic representation and perspectives. This year’s festival showcases 12 feature
films, 5 short films preceding features, and 15 short films curated into 3 film collections, including a dedicated short film showcase by Utah-based filmmakers. Tickets are now available for purchase.
Utah Queer Film Festival’s film lineup is programmed by a committee comprised of queer community participants who play a crucial role in reviewing, debating, and selecting the festival’s film program. “Our team of 27 programmers have watched hundreds of films and spent countless hours curating the most exceptional international films and local favorites,” said 2024 UQFF Festival Director Cat Palmer. “The lineup features inspiring films that delve into themes of identity, acceptance, and resilience, all within the lively HallowQueen theme, promising a fun and festive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.”
Tickets are now available for purchase, and in line with the festival’s commitment to inclusivity, a “pay what you can” pricing model is offered. This allows attendees to choose their payment amount based on their financial circumstances.
FEATURE FILMS
A HOUSE IS NOT A DISCO 2024/ USA/ Documentary (Director: Brian J. Smith)
A House Is Not a Disco documents a year-in-the-life in the world’s most iconic “homo-normative” community: Fire Island Pines. Situated fifty miles from New York City, this storied queer beach town finds itself in the midst of a renaissance as a new generation of Millennial homeowners reimagine The Pines for a new, more inclusive era.
Preceded by the short film: ONE STORY AT A TIME: CELESTE LECESNE by Eve Tenuto, Natalia Lyudin
A LONG WAY FROM HEAVEN 2024/ USA/ Documentary (Director & Screenwriter: David Sant)
A Long Way From Heaven tells the story of Brigham Young University’s queer underground, demanding their place in the sunlight. Presented by the Artist Foundry’s Utah Filmmaker Showcase program.
ALL SHALL BE WELL 2024/ China/ Drama (Director: Ray Yeung)
Angie and Pat are a well-off lesbian couple in their mid-60s, until Pat unexpectedly dies, and Angie embarks on a later-life emancipation journey. After 30 years, Angie has no legal right to remain in the flat she shared with Pat and is at the mercy of the dwindling goodwill of her dead partner’s family.
Teddy Award for Best Feature Film at 2024 Berlin International Film Festival
Preceded by the short film: MAKING UP by Ryan Paige
CAMILA COMES OUT TONIGHT 2021/ Argentina/ Drama (Director & Screenwriter: Inés Barrionuevo, Screenwriter: Andrés Aloi)
When forced to move to Buenos Aires and her liberal public school behind, Camila’s fierce but immature temperament is put to the test and a feminist revolution is born. Jury Award (Premio Maguey) at 2022 Guadalajara International Film Festival; Best Director Award at 2022 International Film Festival of Kerala Prix Libertés Chéries
Preceded by the short film: HELLO STRANGER by Amélie Hardy
Twelve-year-old Sav Rodgers watched the film Chasing Amy, and his life was forever changed. Developing a kinship — and maybe a slight obsession — with it as he grew into his queerness, he decides to fund and direct a documentary that examines its role in LGBTQ+ film culture.
Best Documentary Award at 2023 FilmOut San Diego; Grand Jury Prize Feature at 2023 Hell’s Half Mile Film & Music Festival; Jury Award Winner at 2023 Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival; Best Documentary Feature at 2023 St. Louis International Film Festival; Best Documentary at 2024 Omaha Film Festival
CHUCK CHUCK BABY 2023/ United Kingdom/ Drama (Director: Janis Pugh)
Unhappily, Helen lives with her ex-husband, his 20-year-old girlfriend, their new baby - and his dying mother Gwen. Her life is a grind, and like all the other women she toils with at the local chicken factory, is spent in service of the clock.
Preceded by the short film: MOTHER by Meg Shutzer, Brandon Yadegari Moreno
DESIRE LINES 2024/ USA/ Action (Jules Rosskam
Desire Lines is a hybrid feature documentary that blends personal interviews, archival materials, and narrative fiction as a framework for exploring the complicated and often unwritten history of transmasculine sexuality. Testimonials from transgender men both past and present dissect how cultural expectations, political agendas, and gatekeeping practices shape the locus of desire.
INDIGO GIRLS: IT’S ONLY LIFE
AFTER ALL 2023/ USA/ Documentary (Director: Alexandria Bombach)
Known for stirring harmonies and socially conscious lyrics, iconic folk rock duo Indigo Girls are the subject of this intimate and insightful documentary, which tracks their decades-long career. Sundance award-winning director, Alexandria Bombach, brings us into a contemporary conversation with Amy and Emily—alongside the band’s home movies and intimate present-day verité.
SUMMER QAMP 2023/ Canada/ Documentary (Director: Jen Markowitz)
Summer Qamp is a documentary following a group of LGBTQ+ youth at an idyllic lakeside camp in Alberta. The campers enjoy the traditional summer camp experience in a safe, affirming environment.
Preceded by the short film: BAY CREEK TENNIS CAMP by Michele Meek
THE ABCS OF BOOK BANNING 2023/ USA/ Documentary (Sheila Nevins)
The ABCs of Book Banning reveals the voices of the impacted parties of books banned from school districts, inspiring hope for the future through the profound insights of inquisitive youthful minds.
THE SUMMER WITH CARMEN 2023/ Greece/ Drama (Director & Screenwriter: Zacharias Mavroeidis, Screenwriter: Fondas Chalatsis)
While spending a steamy day together at a nude beach in Athens, best friends Demos and Nikitas start brainstorming ideas for a screenplay based on the colorful events of a previous summer.
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ALLEE WILLIS 2024/ USA/ Documentary (Director: Alexis Manya Spraic)
Songwriter/artist Allee Willis, best known for writing the “Friends” theme song, the Earth Wind & Fire mega-hit “September” and “The Color Purple” musical, began filming her life as a kid in 1950s Detroit and never stopped.
SHORT FILM COLLECTIONS
HALLOWQUEEN SHORT FILM
SHOWCASE
AMPHIBIAN 2023/ China/ Action (Director & Screenwriter: Jie Zhang, Screenwriter: Jin Yeahzy)
Being amphibious is a forced, reluctant choice, This film aims to make people see- see a few brave souls becoming themselves.
BEACH LOGS KILL 2024/ USA/ Drama (Director: Haley Z. Boston)
A nightmarish queer awakening story set at a high school football game.
FUTURE FLOWERS 2022/ China/ Drama (Director & Screenwriter: Hao Zhou)
A lesbian and a gay man in a sham marriage ambivalently follow a propagandistic program that nudges them toward a single goal: procreation.
PIECHT 2023/ Germany/ Drama (Director & Screenwriter: Luka Lara Steffen) While Johanna’s mother dreams of an alternative ecological life, a real nightmare begins for Johanna.
SAFETY STATE 2024/ USA/ Drama (Director & Screenwriter: Jeanette Buck, Screenwriter: Rani D. Crowe)
In the dystopian near future, a gay and a lesbian couple form an unlikely friendship as they flee the midwest for safety in New England.
WILLA JUSTICE: DRAG QUEEN PRI -
VATE EYE 2024/ USA/ Drama (Director & Screenwriter: Jonathan Andre Culliton) With Willa Justice (Lady Chilane) hot on the trail of high desert murderer Pink Face (Heather Muriel Nguyen), she must follow her heart, and a mysterious chicken, to find her beloved boyfriend Jamie Bondopolous (Scott Turner Schofield) and solve the case.
QUEER BIPOC SHORT FILM SHOWCASE
EMERALD CITY 2024/ USA/ Drama (Director & Screenwriter: Josef Steiff)
Two lone hitchhikers, unknowingly connected by the secrets they carry, cross paths near the US/Mexico border where they develop a tentative friendship that gradually becomes more.
If 2023/ India/ Drama (Director: Tathagata Ghosh, Screenwriter: Buan G.)
An arranged marriage tears a lesbian couple apart, but with a mother’s love, perhaps, another future is possible.
REMEMBER, BROKEN CRAYONS COLOUR TOO (BIPOC Short Film Showcase) 2023/ Switzerland/ Documentary (Directors: Shannet Clemmings, Urša Kastelic)
Shannet, a Black Transgender woman from Jamaica, shares her journey of healing as she wanders the empty streets of a European city.
Special Jury Award for Documentary Short Film at 2024 Flickerfest Interna-
tional Short Film Festival; Documentary Short Jury Award at 2024 SXSW South By Southwest Film Festival; Best Student Documentary Short Winner at 2024 Palm Springs International ShortFest.
UTAH QUEER LOCAL FILMMAKER SHOWCASE
CANYON CHORUS 2023/ USA/ Documentary (Director & Screenwriter: Chris Cresci, Screenwriter: Makenna Wall & Tim Kressin)
Set against the backdrop of Desolation Canyon, UT, Mikah Meyer, a world-record traveler and LGBTQ+ advocate, reflects with three close friends and his mentor, Larry Edwards, on their stories and the power of mentorship within the queer community.
Discover three queens showcasing what it means to “show up” in the vibrant world of drag in Utah. More information can be found at utahqueerfilmfestival.org
We knew Chappell Roan when
Just before reaching pop superstardom, Chappell Roan spoke to us about making straight boys dance and being part of pop music’s ‘alliance of queer girlies’
BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI
Whenwe
connected in late September
2023 as her tour bus left Salt Lake City, some of Chappell Roan’s first words were, “Hopefully this Zoom works.” You might call that iconic if Roan were the star she is now, when fame turns every sound bite into a viral TikTok. At that moment, Roan wasn’t asking for much — just a stable, uninterrupted connection. Back then, before her single “Good Luck, Babe!” gave her even more lift, she had high hopes for her career but was still focused on the basics. Today, Roan is a chart-topping mega success who may or may not be unintentionally losing wigs on stage , and so her concerns are far grander than ensuring her Zoom is functioning smoothly. Someone else can do that for her! There’s a follow-up album to be recorded!
In the almost 11 months since our interview, Roan’s career has taken off spectacularly, a rare trajectory for any artist. Though it may seem like her rise
was swift, 26-year-old Roan has been building her career since before she was a teenage camper at Interlochen in Michigan back in 2014. After possibly making history earlier this month with what may be the “biggest set of all time” at any Lollapalooza festival worldwide with 110,000 concertgoers, according to a festival spokesperson via CNN, it’s hard to believe I saw her perform at a modest club in Detroit, where she played to about 1,000 people at St. Andrew’s Hall last October, a month after releasing “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” It’s thrilling to see Roan take center stage and inspire many young queer people by showing them what success can look like for a dedicated, young queer woman, particularly one who, as she told me, came from “Trump country.” After all, every future Midwest princess needs her queen. Truth be told, this interview from just before that Detroit show almost didn’t happen. With a small, niche media team like ours, it’s often a balancing act to
manage our workload, and I almost had to let this one slip. But I have Martha Tang (and Lady Gaga) to thank for ensuring it didn’t. Tang, who works for Mighty Real Agency and has previously been a publicist for Gaga, played a crucial role. In 2008, during Gaga’s debut with “The Fame,” when many queer media journalists bypassed the chance to interview her, thinking she’d be a passing trend, Tang persuaded me otherwise. When Roan was about to release her debut, Tang again encouraged me to prioritize this opportunity. She drew a parallel between Roan’s rising star and Gaga’s breakthrough in 2009, noting that many journalists regretted passing on pre-fame Gaga. Now, in retrospect, my conversation with Roan captures a time when her life was still relatively ordinary — who doesn’t hope for a working Zoom? — and reflects how it has since transformed into something extraordinary, for both her and our community.
How is life on the road? I am very lucky and love touring. I know a lot of artists really hate it. They think it’s horrible, but I love it. It’s just like now that I’m on a bus, I have nothing. It’s so Gucci and I don’t have anything else that I want right now. It’s so awesome. You’re just a few dates into the tour. When you look out at the crowd, is it just one big queer party? Last night I played Salt Lake City. Obviously everyone’s dressed up, there’s drag queens in the crowd. There’s a lot of twinky girlies and there’s the occasional random straight boyfriend standing right front and center, just there for his girlfriend. And it’s every show. Everywhere I play there’s always just one random boy who doesn’t want to be there, but it’s fine. They’re the ones I pick on the whole time. I called some guy out last night and I was like, “What’s your name?” He was like, “Seth,” and I was like, “Are you good at dancing? And he was like, “No.” I was like, “Well, we are about to teach you ‘Hot to Go!’”
He had all those twinks to teach him, right? Yeah. And I was like, “You better get ready. You fucked with the wrong pop star.”
How did he do? He was very embarrassed. I could tell he hated it, but I was like, you’re at my show. You’re going to have fun.
I feel like your success has been a long time coming. Label issues, a pandemic. And the album is finally here. What does that feel like? I feel really at peace, which is something that I didn’t really know I would feel. But I just feel gratitude and peace. I’m very proud of myself, I’m proud of my team, I’m proud of my friends that helped make this, and I’m proud that I kept going through all of the part-time jobs, through being dropped by a label, through all the breakups, through all the times my bank account was nearly empty. I’m very grateful that I kept going, and it feels very good, it feels very right. I’m having a blast on tour, and I think as long as I’m literally putting on shows that make people happy, or playing music that makes people feel seen and heard, I can’t
ask for anything else. All my dreams came true. This is it, I don’t need anything else. When did you first see yourself as a performer? Well, I opened for Declan McKenna, who’s a U.K. pop rock artist in 2018. I mean, as a child, did you always envision this for yourself? No. I mean, when I was little, like 10 and under or a tween, I had it in my head that there’s no way I could ever be this girl. That’s what this project is honoring — that inner child of mine — and proving to her that she deserves to be that version and that she does exist. But when I was on tour with Declan, I was so jealous of them, because they had glitter on their face every night, and they threw balloons in the audiences and they were jumping off amps and speakers and everyone was screaming, and I was like, “Why am I doing this job and that’s not it? There’s no reason to be doing this job if it doesn’t feel like that.” So I just love performing. I feel very myself on stage. I feel like that’s what I was put on this Earth for — to throw fun parties. You said that you didn’t think that you could have this life, and here you are. What was holding you back? Was it being a queer person in the Midwest that made you feel limited? I didn’t see myself as queer growing up at all. So that was one thing, one hump I had to go over. The other hump was loving myself, feeling confident in my body and loving my music. All three of those things were non-existent. [A crew member on the bus wakes up as Chappell is talking.] Oh, I’m so sorry. I did not know you were down there. I’m so sorry. I’m doing an interview. Sorry. Someone’s really sleeping in the bunk next to me, I did not know someone was there. We’ll keep it down. Anyway. There were so many things that I had to get over that I just deemed impossible for myself, and I think a lot of it came from my community that I grew up in, just not really supporting women in the way that helped women grow out of what served men. I felt that I was only meant to be a mother or a wife and a loyal woman of God, and if I wasn’t those things then I
was nothing. So to get over that hump took years, and I did know I was queer, though, since I was in seventh grade.
How did growing up in a small town affect you as a queer person? There was no queer representation. I didn’t know a single out lesbian girl, gay girl, bi girl, nothing. There were a couple of gay boys in my school who were out and they got terrorized, slurred, threatened. I mean, it was horrible. I saw what would happen if you came out, and I knew that it was a sin at the time, and I think that to grow into the queer girl that I am today, I obviously had to stop dating men who were not it. I had to stop settling for losers and start dating women and getting rid of that shame. I still struggle with it. I have a girlfriend now, and I just struggle with it still, but it’s taken baby steps to get to a confident drag queen version of myself.
Drag culture is a big part of your life and music. When did you find the art form really useful for coming into your authentic self? I think when I moved to West Hollywood. I had really never even seen a drag queen before. I was 18. It was Disney Princess vibes. When I went to Disney World when I was 7 and I saw Princess Jasmine, it’s no different than me watching a drag show now. I’m in such awe of the makeup, the hair, the outfit, the dancing, the songs. It’s just magical to me, and I just think it’s the funnest thing ever to watch a drag show. It’s all for the fun of it, and I think [my] album is super obnoxious and very tongue-in-cheek, and I think that’s exactly what drag queens do.
Obviously, you love drag queens, you love the art form, but it’s hard to ignore that it could also be kind of a political move by incorporating it into what you do. Is that part of the intent? I think it’s just a way to not be afraid. Drag queens have always existed and they’re not going anywhere. They’re not unsafe. It’s like, if anything, we need to keep the narrative in our court, in the queer people’s court. The narrative is ours, and so if we stop, then the narrative becomes theirs, and I know it’s very divided right now, but, dude, a lot of things that are everyday acceptable, are like drag. It’s like, stop, don’t tell me that
metal bands aren’t drag queens. Do people know when they dress up for football games and paint their faces and do their hair crazy, that’s drag? And yes, I do it to protect my community and literally prove that it’s not dangerous, but also I feel like there’s just a giant misunderstanding. It’s obviously more of an attack on trans people than drag queens. I’m just kind of like, I don’t think you guys know what a drag show is. I bet they would have a lot of fun. I’m just like, you should come!
Are there songs on this album that you can point to where those influences might be especially heavy? I mean, “Pink Pony Club” and “My Kink Is Karma.” In the music video, I’m literally a drag clown devil situation. I learned how to do drag brows and everything for that. I mean, even in “Casual.”
Who taught you drag brows? Patrick Starr on YouTube. I think the songs themselves have drag elements, but more so in the visual aspects of how I do my makeup on stage or just “Casual.” There’s this mermaid drag girly who comes out of the water. It’s very campy. I think all the songs are very camp, and I think if you’re taking it seriously, you see it as tasteless, but the reality is that’s just drag; it’s supposed to be tacky.
It explains your appreciation for “Showgirls.” That is the most insane movie. Every time I watch it, I’m like, what the fuck?
For the album, you also recruited Mike Weiss, who has worked with Charli XCX on some of her biggest gay songs of her career. How did that relationship start? We were just so stuck on “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl.” It was so frustrating. We just couldn’t get it across the finish line. It was just lacking a lot of depth, and I was just like, “You know what? Who does Charli’s shit?” Because I loved “Yuck” and I loved a lot of stuff on “Crash.” So we asked him, and he pretty much nailed it, first try. I was like damn, he was the key. When you look at the landscape of pop artists right now, how does it feel to be among those in the pool of queer artists? And what would you like to see when it comes to LGBTQ+ visibility within the pop arena? To be part of it is much more fun than what I was a part of before, which was this dark alt-pop girl vibe that was really just not fun. Gay clubs are much more fun than street clubs. The thing is, I love seeing other queer artists, of course, and I love talking to them. I feel like there’s a little alliance with all the queer girlies. I was literally talking to Renee
Rapp this morning, and then Hayley Kiyoko and I are friends and, obviously, I opened up for Fletcher. There’s a lot of little pop girlies that are friends. I know for my project, I am very adamant about giving back to the queer community, and that is what I encourage other artists to do, whether they’re queer or not: just giving back to the community that supports them so much, whether that be by lowering ticket prices to what they can, or lowering merch prices to what they can, or donating a portion of every ticket or doing charity events.
That’s the most important part, because no one’s going to stand up for queer people. It’s got to be us. We have to support each other. We have to do mutual aid funding and mutual safe spaces, and I try to donate to and a portion of every ticket goes to For The Gworls, which is a grassroots Black trans charity out of New York. I know that there are massive queer charities, but I think it’s just important to fund the little ones as well. 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.
On it.
Ending racial injustice requires all of us to work together and take real action. What can you do to help?
Educate yourself about the history of American racism, privilege and what it means to be anti-racist. Educate yourself about the history of American racism, privilege and what it means to be anti-racist.
Commit to actions that challenge injustice and make everyone feel like they belong, such as challenging biased or racist language when you hear it.
Vote in national and local elections to ensure your elected officials share your vision of public safety.
Donate to organizations, campaigns and initiatives who are committed to racial justice.
deep inside hollywood
Tig Notaro, Justin Simien Board Separate ‘Star Trek’ Projects
BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE
Tessa Thompson produces thriller ‘His & Hers’ Tessa Thompson, co-star of the “Creed” film series and an ongoing player in the MCU (“Thor”), chooses her other projects with care. And she’s just signed on to executive produce and star in the psychological thriller “His & Hers,” based on the novel by Alice Feeney. The six-episode Netflix series, written by Bill Dubuque and Dee Johnson (“Fellow Travelers,” “The Good Wife”), is to be set in Atlanta where a former journalist (Thompson) lives as a recluse. Then she learns of a murder in her small Georgia hometown that, ironically, brings her back to energetic life. We love Thompson in anything and we really love a murder mystery, so as soon as Netflix drops this one, it’ll be time to binge before anyone spoils the ending.
Tig Notaro, Justin Simien board separate ‘Star Trek’ projects
The Star Trek panel at San Diego Comic-Con was abuzz with new projects. First up: Tig Notaro, Oded Fehr and Mary Wiseman, all of whom starred in “Star Trek: Discovery,” and Robert Picardo
from “Star Trek: Voyager,” are joining the crew of “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.” The upcoming series already boasts big names like Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti for its story
of young space travelers working toward original “Trek” ideals of optimism and hope for the future. Production begins next month. Meanwhile, “Dear White People” creator
Justin Simien and actor Tawny Newsome (Star Trek: Lower Decks) are co-writing their own as-yet-untitled “Star Trek” sitcom with “Trek” franchise captain Alex Kurtzman. The live-action comedy option hasn’t figured into “Trek” output yet, so this will be quite literally
where no one has gone before. Together the projects bode well for an invigorated, multivalent franchise, and that’s good. We’ve had a lot of dystopian entertainment lately, and something other than fatalistic doom will be a more than welcome arrival.
Russell Tovey leaps into ‘Doctor Who’ spinoff
Disney and BBC jointly announced at San Diego Comic-Con a new project titled “The War Between the Land and the Sea.” Does that sound like it’s connected to “Doctor Who?” No? Well, it is. The five-part spinoff series will see returning DW cast members Jemma Redgrave and Alexander Devrient joined by both “Loki” star Gugu Mbatha-Raw and the prolifically employed Russell Tovey (most recently of “Feud: Capote vs The Swans,” and whose off-camera art podcast is a breath of fresh air). The story involves the threat of an ancient species that seeks to destroy humanity, necessitating the involvement of UNIT (that’s “Doctor Who” stuff, don’t worry about it) to save Earth’s population. Production begins next month, will stream on
Disney+ in the U.S., and just became must-watch future TV.
‘Queens of the Dead’ to serve zombie realness
What happens when the zombie apocalypse targets queer club kids? The answer will be revealed in “Queens of the Dead,” from Tina Romero (daughter of legendary “Night of The Living Dead” filmmaker George Romero). Co-written by Romero and author Erin Judge (“Vow of Celibacy”) , the action descends on a glamour-obsessed group of young queer Brooklyn “drag queens, club kids, and frenemies” (per the official logline) who have to band together and put their own pettiness on hold to fight back against the zombie menace. Naturally a very cool cast has already been assembled: Jaquel Spivey (“Mean Girls”), Katy O’Brian (“Love Lies Bleeding”),
Margaret Cho (“Fire Island”), Brigette Lundy-Paine (“I Saw The TV Glow”) and Cheyenne Jackson (“American Horror Story”) and production begins soon. Slay, queens, slay. Romeo San Vicente is Daddy of The Dead
REVIEW BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
‘Blessings’ by Chukwuebuka Ibeh
C.2024, DOUBLEDAY, $28, 288 PAGES Sometimes, you just need to step back a minute. You need time to regroup and think things through, and a scenery change is the place to do it. Get past your current position, and situations can become clearer somehow.
Thoughts can be reorganized. Problems pivot. As in Chukwuebuka Ibeh’s new novel Blessings, you’ll have a different perspective. Obiefuna didn’t say much on the road to the seminary. What was there to say? His father had caught him in a too-cozy situation with a young man who’d been taken in as an apprentice, and for that, Obiefuna was being sent away. Away from his mother, his younger brother, Ekene, and from the young man that fifteenyear-old Obiefuna was in love with.
SEPTEMBER
BY SAM KELLEY-MILLS
ARIES March 20–April 19
If you have a challenging person in your life, spend less time around them or less time caring. At the end of the day, going solo is a good way to go.
TAURUS Apr 20–May 20
Limit your consumption of anything that upsets you. Less can be more, and giving yourself a break is never a bad idea. It’s all about moderation.
GEMINI May 21–June 20
The location of your heart is not in your chest but in your soul. If that sounds like a metaphor,
the bookworm sez
Life in seminary was bad – Obiefuna was always on alert for Seniors, who were said to be abusive because the abuse was allowed, even encouraged – but things weren’t as bad as he thought they might be. He made friends and got good grades, but he missed his mother. Did she suspect he was gay? Obiefuna wanted to tell her, but he hid who he was.
Mostly, he kept to himself until he caught the eye of Senior Papilo, who was said to be the cruelest of the cruel. Amazingly, though, Senior Papilo became Obiefuna’s protector, letting Obiefuna stay in his bed, paying for Obi’s first experience with a woman, making sure Obiefuna had better food. Maybe Obiefuna loved Senior Papilo, but Senior had other boys, which made Obi work twice as hard to be his favorite. Still, he hid.
And then, Senior Papilo passed his final exams and moved on.
So, eventually, did Obiefuna. Sure, there were other boys – one who almost got him expelled, a chaplain who begged forgiveness, and there was even a girl once – but Obi grew up and fully embraced his truth: all he wanted was to be accepted for himself, to be loved.
then you get why it’s crucial to follow your heart. Be humble.
CANCER June 21–July 22
The best way to focus is to embrace privacy and alone time. Whether it be a few minutes or a few hours, make sure to pamper yourself and avoid stress.
LEO July 23–August 22
Are you ready for some art?
You can create or simply appreciate, but art can stimulate. The imagination leads to a better method for solving problems.
VIRGO August 23–Sep 2
A friend or family member is making you wait. Patience is key, and distractions are always wise. Find something you enjoy and dive right in. Enjoy!
As Nigeria moved toward making same-sex marriage illegal, though, neither one looked likely…
So here’s the puzzle: the story inside “Blessings” is interesting. Obiefuna is a great character who takes what happens with quiet compliance, as if he long ago relinquished hope that he could ever control his own life. Instead, he passively lets those who surround him take the reins, and though reasons for this are not clearly stated and it’s uncomfortable, it’s easy to grasp and accept why. This goes, too, for the Seniors whose actions readers will tacitly understand.
What’s not easy to accept is that author Chukwuebuka Ibeh’s story often slows to a glacial pace, with great chunks of the books’ multiyear timeline crunched into basically only highlights. You’ll be left loving this story but hating its stride.
The best advice is to embrace this moving novel’s message and accept the slowness, love the excellent characters, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself checking to see how many pages you have left to crawl through. Yes, you’ll enjoy the soul-touching cast in “Blessings,” but if speed in a plot supersedes good characters, then step back. Q
LIBRA Sept 23–October 22
A lot of history seems to be taking place during your lifetime. Learn from the past and present, and embrace the future. There’s a major flow of inspiration.
SCORPIO Oct 23–Nov 21
Someone who you used to love has left and come back! It might not seem so obvious, but you are desired in ways you didn’t think was possible.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov 22–December 20
It’s a good time to get affairs in order, and your life needs redecorating. Change what you can to feel good about the things you can’t. Balance!
Dec 21–Jan 19
A new appreciation is being forged towards an old love. Whether that be a hobby, work, or a person, it’s never too late to re-ignite the flames of passion.
AQUARIUS Jan 20–Feb 18
Show off what you have to your friends and let them see what you’re made of. It could be nice to get compliments or feedback from those who care.
PISCES Feb 19–Mar 19
What you see as a problem is the first step in a solution. Sometimes, you need to break what’s broken to put it back together right. Weird but true!
CAPRICORN
We’ll Miss You, Richard
1 “From Here to Eternity’ actor
6 Fashion accessory for Zorro
10 “Get your rear in gear!”
14 GLAMA award, e.g.
15 Meat that goes in your boxers
16 NG: Fill with freight
17 Start of a Richard Simmons quote
19 Singer on “Lord of the Rings” soundtrack
20 “The Way We ___”
21 What we eat
22 NG: Brittany port
23 Hrs. in P-town
24 NG: Olympics chant word
25 “Streetcar” director and namesakes
26 What a queen does
28 More of the quote
32 NG: Like many a contrast
33 Blow, as dough
34 Queer body part on TV
35 Part of Q and A (abbr.)
37 NG: Note to be paid
38 NG: Ancient European language
39 More of the quote
44 NG: Ghost
45 Andrew Webber
49 NG: Kind of child
50 NG: Can’t help but
54 Hard top
55 NG: Verb ending
56 End of the quote
58 Kind of bear
60 Bas relief of Eleanor’s husband
61 Co-founder of MGM
62 Become husband and husband on the fly
63 Alfred Douglas’ school
64 “___ want is a room somewhere...”
65 NG: Antisocial elephant
66 “Atlas Shrugged” author Ayn
67 Rupert Everett’s “The Next Thing” DOWN
1 They damage the scenery on Broadway
2 6-0 for Mauresmo
3 Staying power?
4 Spencer-Devlin’s “Look out!”
5 “I’ll anything once”
6 Nuts
7 NG: Toward shelter
8 Swallow alternative
9 Cold-cocks
10 NG: Parsonage personage
11 Hall & Oates song about a fellator?
12 Journeys like a post-Trojan War epic
13 Straight, at the bar
18 NG: Takes too much, for short
22 NG: Ran, as colors
24 NG: Free from tangles
25 “The only horrible thing in the world is ___” (Wilde)
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 Therapists Guild lgbtqtherapists. com
* robin@lgbtqtherapists.com
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
linktr.ee/ spectrumqsa
uvu.edu/lgbtq/ * lgbt@uvu.edu
801-863-8885
Liberal Arts, Rm 126
Weber State University
LGBT Resource Center
weber.edu/ lgbtresourcecenter
Shepherd Union Suite 323 Dept. 2117
801-626-7271
Westminster Student Diversity Center
Bassis 105, M-F 8a-5p
bit.ly/westdiversity
Thethe perils of petunia pap smear
A tale of beach body bingo
BY PETUNIA PAP SMEAR
road to achieving a hot summer beach body is fraught with danger and excitement.
I AM IN HEAT!
Now, before ya’ll get all excited/revolted about where I might be in ‘that special time’ of my ‘monthly flow,’ eewww! What the Hell are you thinking? It’s summertime, and the weather is hotter than Satan’s house cat. The extreme summer temperatures that we have been experiencing are beginning to get the upper hand on me, and not in the ‘happy ending hand job’ kinda way we might dream of.
As a general principle, drag queens do not sweat. We glisten. But, and this is a huge butt, as a generously upholstered, comfortably cushioned, fluffy around the edges queen of ample proportions who happens to be carrying a lot of extra cargo in her girdle, I have come to realize that in the heat of the summer, the ‘glistening’ in my panties can approach the flow rate of Niagara Falls, thereby surpassing most, if not all, ‘crimson tides.’ Being a drag queen, and thereby a biological male, I always believed that I was not to be visited by the monthly ‘crimson tide’ or shall we say, ‘attend the red wedding.’
But enough about being a moist queen! Back to our story about getting ready for the beach. A true and proper queen should always endeavor to look her best in public. Therefore, if I was going to appear in swimwear at a pool or beach, I decided that, first and foremost, I needed to get a bikini wax job. Having watched a few waxing tutorial videos on YouTube, I thought I had a grasp of the concept and began the process. First off, I gathered up a few scented Christmas candles that had been gifted to me over the years, and I popped them in the microwave to melt the wax. With the bowl of hot wax in hand, I laid a towel down on the floor, then I stripped down to my birthday suit, laid on the towel, and prepared to pour the hot wax onto
my panty hamster. I screamed in agony as the first dribbles of hot wax reached my junk forest. The burning pain was worse than as if I were trying to pee with a raging case of Gonorrhea. (Not that I may or may not have any firsthand experience with such things.) I stopped. Surely, the people in the videos had not experienced such painful problems. The air was thick with the toxic smell of overcooked Bayberry Christmas Candle and scorched hair from my ‘love rug,’ which was now stained red from the coloring of the wax like a horrible, disfiguring disease. Therefore, I called a cease and desist to this waxing project debacle. Now, like any other self-respecting Idaho farm potato queen, I had been raised to be self-reliant. My dad taught me that nearly everything on the farm could be fixed with bailing wire and duct tape. So, applying these principles to this situation, I determined that duct tape could serve the same defoliating function as wax. Thus, I headed out to the garage to find some duct tape.
It was one of the many 100-degree days we have endured this summer. As I entered the garage, the thermometer said it was 135 degrees inside. Within seconds, I realized that my panties were getting all moist from the heat. I began to ‘glisten’ voluminously! In fact, it was beginning to feel as if A River Runs Through It. (Where is Brad Pit when you need a river guide?) Oh my God! There’s not a large enough maxi-pad in the world to contain this much glistening. I’d better hurry.
As I was rummaging around the disorganized garage, frantically searching for the last roll of duct tape I knew had to be in there, I was now sweating (way past glistening) buckets. While trying to wipe the hair out of my eyes and feeling around in the dark corners of the garage, Revoltingly, I inadvertently shoved my hand directly into a mouse nest. Oddly enough, I could still smell the faint stench
of bayberry candle and burned hair wafting about my person. I was beginning to feel panic in the dark, hotter-than-the devil’s-armpit garage with parts of mouse nest sticking to my sweaty hands. And now my panties had become so swampy that I was feeling like Katherine Hepburn must have when she was trapped in the oppressively hot swamp with Humphry Bogart in “The African Queen.” Alas, I couldn’t find the roll of duct tape, but as I was dejectedly walking back to the house, I noticed that Queertanic’s bumper was being held on by a large contingent of duct tape. So, I dashed to the car, tore off the bumper and recycled the tape. Viola, I began applying duct tape to my bikini lawn with reckless abandon. I yanked the tape off quickly. The removed tape resembled about 20 million spiders on their backs with legs in the air. I have been told that my screams of pain could be heard on the International Space Station and, subsequently, NORAD moved the military threat level to DEFCON 1.
But pool parties, HERE I COME!
This story leaves us with several important questions:
1. Should I install sump pumps in my breasticles to siphon off the excess glisten?
2. Should I capture that liquid and pipe it into the Great Salt Lake to restore it to historical levels?
3. Would this kill all the brine shrimp in the Great Salt Lake?
4. How and where does one responsibly dispose of hair-encrusted duct tape?
5. Could this qualify as an EPA superfund clean-up site?
6. Would it be possible to sew the strips of hair-covered tape into a fur coat?
These and other eternal questions will be answered in future chapters of The Perils of Petunia Pap Smear. Q
