QSaltLake Magazine | Issue 367 | January 2025

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

BY CRAIG OGAN

Gay billionaire to be Sec Treasury

A very successful billionaire investment manager who founded a multibillion-dollar investment company after working for the bete’ noir of all Republicans, George Soros, and is married to a former New York City prosecutor named John, lives in South Carolina, with two children has just been nominated to be the next Secretary of the Treasury. Since he is going to work for the next “Republican” president, you may ask, “What’s her name?” The name is Scott Bessent, and he is a he. The Associated Press says this is one cabinet nominee of the president to be sworn in in January who may get bi-partisan support. While that is hard to see, the man has supported other Democratic politicians, including Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama, and opposes the Republican proposal for major tariffs. Bessent will not be the first gay man confirmed by the Senate, that was Secretary of State James Buchanan in 1854. The first “out” gay man confirmed in the modern era is the current Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg.

Speaking of Mayor Pete

The Republican gains in the 2024 election have upended many political calculations. The State of Michigan is a good example. The current governor has two years to run before being “term-limited,” and the Michigan Dem Party thinks there will be a fractious scramble for the nomination. In light of the big gains Republicans made in the state legislature and other local offices, Michigan Democrats want to find a candidate who can spread oil on the roiling waters. They are looking to the oleaginous Pete Buttigieg, who moved to Michigan from Indiana when he wanted to work as Trans Secretary

four years ago. The move to Travers City, Mi., was made to be closer to his husband’s family and the allure of free babysitting. Also, the political climate in GOP-dominated Indiana, where he was South Bend’s mayor, is a little less promising for Mayor Pete than the more Dem-friendly Michigan. He proved to be a very adroit and telegenic spokesperson for the current Dem administration. His personality is considered less incendiary than the current Michigan governor and some of the homegrown Michigan politicians who have shown an interest in the race.

RIP: Nikki Giovanni

Nikki Giovanni, the renowned writer and activist, died in Blacksburg, Virginia. Her wife, Francis Fowler, announced that Giovanni, who was known for poems about civil rights, love, and Black joy, and for her stirring public readings, was felled by complications of lung cancer. A major figure in the Black Arts Movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s, she wrote about civil rights, lynchings in the South, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and the Birmingham, Ala., church bombing of 1963, in which four young girls were killed. She became a media figure with her groundbreaking, two-part interview with black, gay writer James Baldwin for “Soul!” Reviewing the interview, the New Yorker magazine wrote, “Two of the most important artist-intellectuals of the twentieth century were engaged in intimate communion on national television.” Giovanni gave very popular public readings of her poems, appearing alongside gospel choirs and other musicians. Giovanni taught at Rutgers University and Queens College. She met her wife at Virginia Tech in 1987 while continuing her career there. They were legally married in 2018. She received seven NAACP Image Awards, 31 honorary doctorates, and a 2024 Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking for “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project.” She is survived by her wife and a son. RIP: a strong voice, a contributor to life.

Rush to marry

The prospect of the incoming Republican U. S. federal executive branch is motivating gays and lesbians to marry and

finalize adoptions before Inauguration Day in 2025. Politicians and activists opposed to the new administration and some in the media are suggesting that marriage equality and gay and lesbian nondiscrimination measures in place may be withdrawn. Mary Bonauto, civil rights project director at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, thinks the concern is overstated and says, “Certainly, for the foreseeable future, marriage equality is not one of the things that would change.” Pointing out that the new president has not proposed overturning marriage equality and, “The Republican party has removed decades-old language defining marriage as being between one man and one woman from its platform.” Longtime Supreme Court reporter and Slate legal analyst Mark Joseph Stern thinks the death or retirement of one of the three Democratic-appointed justices could see marriage equality “Sent back to the states as abortion was with the overturning of Roe v Wade.” Stern thinks the federal legislation, “Respect for Marriage Act,” would remain in place. There would be many court cases if Obergefell is overturned and the anti-marriage equality language remains or is reinserted in state constitutions. Stern suggests, “To be safe, gay and lesbian couples should marry in ‘Blue’ states to ensure recognition of their marriages.”

Lucy, you got some “splaining to

do”

The Human Rights Campaign and the LGBTQ+ Congressional Equality Caucus are decrying Rep. Chris Pappas, a Democratic member of Congress from New Hampshire, for voting for a military spending package that strips healthcare access from transgender kids of military service members. Pappas was one of 81 Dems to vote for the bill but is a member in good standing of the Equality Caucus. He is the only out LGBTQ+ member of Congress to back the legislation. He defended his vote, arguing he supports health care for transgender youth, but his desire to see the military service members get a 14% raise trumped his support for the government paying for surgical and pharmaceutical therapies for gender reassignment

LPGA bans trans golfers

The Ladies Professional Golf Association announced Wednesday that trans women who went through “male puberty” are no longer eligible to compete in elite competitions. The U.S. Golf Association announced the same policy. The policy says the LPGA leadership trying to square the circle, “Is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach. The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.”

Porn Hub Stats

Some interesting info comes out of a Pornhub report on the most searched words and sites. In its annual analytics report, it is reported the most-searchedfor gay performer is Malik Delgaty. Other popular gay performers are fellow muscle-guys Cade Maddox, Rhyheim Shabazz, and Dante Colle, and fem-boys Tyler Wu and Hunnypaint. Transgender performers who also came out on top are PuppygiriXO, Emma Rose, and Daniela Chanel. The most popular LGBTQ+ term and category on the site is “twink.” Other popular search terms for steamy videos are “anime,” “pinoy,” “femboy,”

and “straight guys first time.” To see the full list of Pornhub’s 2024 stats, head to the official website here. Searchers in Utah must use a VPN or show a temple recommend before viewing the data.

Gay rights group 100 anniversary

It took a young German immigrant and a stint in the World War I army to start the first legally incorporated gay rights organization in the United States. Henry Gerber founded the “Society for Human Rights” in Chicago on December 10, 1924. Gerber came to the U.S. in 1913. In Germany, he had been expelled from school and lost several jobs for being gay. In the U.S., he enlisted in the army during the war. Returning to Chicago, he was involved in Chicago’s Roaring 20s gay scene. His out behavior resulted in institutionalization, arrests, and being interned as an enemy alien. Strangely, the authorities gave him the choice of being imprisoned or going back to the Army. He chose to reenlist. Stationed in Germany, he got involved with Magnus Hirschfeld’s gay rights movement, the Scientific-Humanitarian Community in Berlin. Leaving the service, he returned to Chicago, got a job with the U. S. Postal Service, incorporated the nonprofit “Society for Human Rights,” and published a gay-rights newsletter, “Friendship and Freedom.” He was arrested for organizing efforts and finally acquitted. His arrest doomed the Society, and it closed in 1925. He moved to New York City, joined the Army again, and served another 17 years. After service in WW2, he moved to Washington D.C. and joined the “Mattachine Society” gay rights organization that started in California, which conducted the first “marches” for nondiscrimination during the 1950s “Gay Scare.” He wrote several unpublished books and founded the “The Gerber/Hart LGBTQ+ Library and Archives in Chicago,” which was named after him and Pearl Hart, an activist lawyer who defended gays and immigrants. After his death in 1972, he was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame, and in 2015, his apartment building in Chicago was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U. S. Park Service.. Q

pUblIsheR/edItoR Michael Aaron

desIgNeR Christian Allred

sales Michael Aaron, 801-997-9763 x1 sales@qsaltlake.com

Rivendell Media, 908-232-2021 ext 200 sales@rivendellmedia.com

NatIoNal NeWs edItoR Craig Ogan 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

pUblIsheR

Q Media Group

222 S Main St, Ste 500 (by appt. only) Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 tel: 801-997-9763

CONTACT EMAILS:

geNeRal: info@qsaltlake.com

edItoRIal: editor@qsaltlake.com

aRts: arts@qsaltlake.com

sales: sales@qsaltlake.com

Check us out online at: QSALTLAKE.COM FACEBOOK.COM/QSALTLAKE INSTAGRAM.COM/QSALTLAKE TWITTER @QSALTLAKE

QSaltLake Magazine is a trademark of Salt Lick Publishing, LLC., Q Media Group

Copyright © 2024, Salt Lick Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted or reproduced without written permission from the publisher. 8–18,000 copies are distributed free of charge at over 300 locations across the state. Free copies are limited to one per person. For additional copies, call 801-997-9763.

Utah Pride Center displays panel of the National AIDS Memorial Quilt

As part of World AIDS Day on December 1, the Utah Pride Center and Seniors Out and Proud displayed a block of the National AIDS Memorial Quilt. The block includes a panel of the first Utahn included in the quilt, Michael Spencer, who performed as Tracey Ross with the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire and died in 1987.

“We’re honored to display a block of the AIDS Quilt in our LGBTQ+ history library,” said Utah Pride Center Executive Director Chad Call. “As LGBTQ+ history remains absent in schools, it’s our responsibility to preserve and share these stories. This quilt reminds us of the lives lost, the resilience of our community, and the importance of remembering and honoring those who came before us.”

“It’s up to our community to preserve and share our rich, diverse culture,” said Jackson Carter, who spearheaded the

project. “We were incredibly lucky to get a quilt block to display in our library.”

In January 1989, it was announced that Salt Lake City would be the first stop on the U.S.-Canadian tour of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. The display, meant to raise awareness of the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic, featured 576 panels of the quilt at the Salt Palace from March 16 to 19. This represented only a fraction of the quilt, which by then had grown to 8,288 panels, weighed 16 tons, and served as a poignant reminder of the lives lost. For every panel displayed, five more people had died from AIDS.

The arrival of the quilt marked a historic moment for Utah. It was not only an educational opportunity but also a powerful statement on the epidemic’s toll in the state. Ben Barr, then director of the Utah AIDS Foundation, emphasized

To mark the quilt’s arrival, an interfaith candlelight service was held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, followed by a moving candlelight procession to the Salt Lake Art Center (now Utah Museum of Contemporary Art) near Abravanel Hall. Gay historian Ben Williams described the march as one of the first large-scale public actions led by the LGBTQ+ community in Salt Lake City.

The quilt’s visit was a profound moment for Utah, underscoring the personal and collective losses of the AIDS crisis while fostering greater awareness, compassion, and solidarity.

Today, the quilt has roughly 50,000 panels dedicated to more than 110,000 people and weighs 54 tons. It is considered the largest community arts project in history.

its importance, saying, “The quilt visually provides a really safe, non-threatening way to educate kids about AIDS.”

David Sharpton, then-director of the People with AIDS Coalition of Utah, reflected on its personal resonance, “For those of us who have AIDS, the quilt is a part of us. The reality is that one day, there will be a panel with our names.”

Panels from the quilt were displayed at the Utah State Capitol ahead of the official opening. The 3-by-6-foot panels were stitched into larger 12-by12-foot sections, some of which adorned the walls of the Capitol building. The public display served as a solemn introduction to the main event at the Salt Palace.

The quilt is now part of the National AIDS Memorial, which has a website where individuals can search for names and see panels of people included at AIDSMEMORIAL.ORG/QUILT

“By sharing the story of the struggle against HIV/AIDS, we remember, in perpetuity, the lives lost, we offer healing and hope to survivors, and we inspire new generations of activists in the fight against stigma, denial, and hate for a just future,” leaders of the Memorial wrote in a statement. Q

Salt Lake City, Park City get high rankings for LGBTQ equality. Others get ‘F’

Salt Lake City slipped four points to 96 out of 100 rating in the Human Rights Campaign 2024 Municipal Equality Index. The MEI is a nationwide evaluation of 506 cities on how inclusive a municipality’s laws, policies, and services are of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Park City increased to a score of 85, compared to last year’s 70 rating. Other cities in the state received the equivalent of an “F” grade, with Ogden at 57, Provo at 51, Logan and Orem at 48, West Valley City at 41, , and West Jordan at 35. Orem and Provo raised from being in the bottom three cities in the state because they reported hate crime statistics to the FBI in the past year.

“Even when anti-LGBTQ+ extremists in state capitals are working to undermine their progress, mayors and city councilmembers keep fighting to make sure that LGBTQ+ people in their communities — especially trans people — are supported and lifted up to the fullest extent possible. This year’s Municipal Equality Index shows the results of their dedication, while acknowledging the increasingly hostile environment in which they must govern.,” wrote Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City was able to achieve a rating of 96 by getting “Flex Points,” similar to extra credit at school. For anti-discrimination laws, the capital city received 20 out of 30 points, getting credit for nondiscrimination laws for employment and housing, but lacking a law protecting from

LGBTQ bias in public accommodations. As an employer, the city was credited for having a non-discrimination policy in city employment, and an ordinance requiring nondiscrimination policies for its city contractors. This year, the city lost points for transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits

The Salt Lake Human Rights Commission earned the city five points, as did an LGBTQ+ liaison for the mayor’s office. Law enforcement received a perfect score for having an LGBTQ liaison and for reporting FBI hate crime statistics.

Flex points were given for having openly LGBTQ elected leaders, city employee domestic partner benefits, the state policy that forbids conversion therapy for youth, and city services for a variety of LGBTQ demographics.

Park City

“Park City has a well-established reputation as a welcoming town for the LGBTQ+ community,” said Mayor Nann Worel last year. “And we remain committed to listening, learning, and working with the LGBTQ+ Task Force toward continuing to expand inclusivity in our community.”

Park City’s LGBTQ+ Task Force was formed in 2020 to advise on how the City could better reflect its values around inclusivity. In the past, the LGBTQ+ Taskforce has worked to raise community awareness and visibility on the Wasatch back by hosting a Living Library event, organizing a two-session DEI Training for City staff and local stakeholders with Equality Utah, participating in the 4th of July parade, wrapping

the Main Street Trolley in “Ride with Pride” branding for Pride Month, placing progress pride flag banners on Main Street, organizing a Utah Pride Parade entry, and hosting the Queerski event.

“Park City is engaging in the ongoing work of fostering an environment where the LGBTQIA+ community feels included and valued in the community. Although there is still room to grow, this score is something to be proud of, and it personally makes me excited to be a part of PCMC,” said Task Force liaison Browne Sebright.

Ogden

Ogden had similar scores for municipal non-discrimina-

tion laws as Salt Lake, but lacked transgender benefits for municipal employees and an ordinance requiring city contractors to maintain an LGBTQ nondiscrimination policy. City police do not have an LGBTQ liaison. Ogden does have at least one openly LGBTQ elected official and has a human rights commission.

Logan

Logan received points for a non-discrimination in city employment law and reporting hate crime statistics to the FBI. All other categories were rated at zero. This is the first year Logan has been included in the MEI.

The bottom cities received points only because the state of Utah has nondiscrimination policies and protects children from so-called conversion therapy. Q

PERSON OF THE YEAR

The person who, for better or worse, most affected Utah’s LGBTQ+ community in 2024

UTAH GOV. SPENCER COX

To

some in the LGBTQ+ community, he was a bit of a “hero” in 2016 after he made an impassioned speech at a Salt Lake City vigil in response to the Orlando Pulse Massacre, where a gunman killed 49 people at the LGBTQ+ club on its Latin night. The speech went viral because he — the Republican Lt. Governor of a very red state — apologized to the LGBTQ+ community for his past treatment of fellow students who were gay while he was growing up.

“It’s an incredible speech full of empathy and humility, and it’s worth watching in full,” wrote Emily Crockett of Vox. “The speech is not

only a moving tribute to the Orlando victims — it’s also a great example of how to be a good ally to marginalized communities that you support but aren’t a member of.”

To others, he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing who would turn on a dime back against the LGBTQ+ community if push came to shove.

To the former, now-Utah Gov. Spencer Cox is a tremendous disappointment. To the latter, an “I told you so.”

2015 COX

Starting in 2015, Cox seemed to be a compassionate leader as it came to the queer community. Then-Lt. Gov. Cox made an appearance to show support for a young man

in Delta, Utah who (falsely) claimed he was attacked for being gay. He said, “The original allegations were incredibly troubling and not representative of the love and compassion the people of Utah exhibit daily.” After his Pulse speech, his reaction to its worldwide response was that the LGBTQ+ community treated him “with the kindness, dignity and respect — the love — that I very often did not deserve. And it has made me love you.”

In his first year as the governor of Utah, Cox became the first Utah governor, and the first Republican governor in the country in recent years, to proclaim June as Pride month, saying, “There

should be nothing controversial about supporting a group of people in our state who have historically felt marginalized.” Asked what message he wanted to send to LGBTQ people with the proclamation, he said at the time, “We love you, we care about you, Utah is an awesome place… for everyone.”

He also stood up to the Utah Legislature in 2022 and vetoed a bill banning transgender girls from playing school sports, saying, “Four kids who aren’t dominating or winning trophies or taking scholarships. Four kids who are just trying to find some friends and feel like they are a part of something. Four kids trying to get through

each day. Rarely has so much fear and anger been directed at so few. I don’t understand what they are going through or why they feel the way they do. But I want them to live. And all the research shows that even a little acceptance and connection can reduce suicidality significantly. For that reason, as much as any other, I have taken this action in the hope that we can continue to work together and find a better way.”

“I don’t understand what they are going through or why they feel the way they do. But I want them to live. And all the research shows that even a little acceptance and connection can reduce suicidality significantly,” Cox wrote.

He later explained, “I struggle to understand so much of it, and the science is conflicting. When in doubt, however, I always try to err on the side of kindness, mercy, and compassion.”

The legislature overrode the veto, to which Cox said, “I remain hopeful that we will continue to work toward a more inclusive, fair, and compassionate policy.”

THEN CAME 2023.

“In 2023, I miss the Spencer Cox of 2016,” wrote Jacob Newman, a gay Salt Lake City man in a letter to the editor. “This past year, Cox has turned his back on the LGBT community to score political points. He supported and signed legislation that harms transgender youth, neglected to mention the LGBTQ community in his Pride Proclamation, and attacked DEI programs at Utah’s colleges and universities as ‘evil.’ With hate crimes against LGBTQ people on the rise and many elected

officials in this state labeling our community as ‘groomers,’ we need more leaders like 2016 Cox, who are unafraid to call for unity and love.”

The Utah Legislature passed the anti-transgender and anti-DEI bills within the first days of the session, and Cox signed the bills into law immediately after they reached his desk. Obviously, Cox and the legislature came to an agreement to “rip the Bandaid off quickly” to avoid the inevitable media and community outrage of a full, open process.

This year, the same tactic was used to pass increasingly bad laws for the LGBTQ+ community, and Cox was there, pen in hand.

“If the past two years are any indication, the Utah State Legislature and the governor’s office have a new ‘Utah Way.’ This year and last, legislators pushed through anti-transgender bills within the first few days of the session, and the governor immediately signed them into law. The move limits the amount of discussion, and bad press, that these message bills produce,” QSaltLake editor Michael Aaron wrote.

Cox signed House Bill 257 into law, effectively restricting transgender individuals from using restrooms aligning with their gender identity in public schools and government-owned buildings. Utah was the first state this year to enact such legislation, drawing condemnation from LGBTQ+ advocates.

Under the newly enacted law, “sex” is defined by a person’s genitalia.

Cox defended the bill, saying it aimed to bolster privacy protections for all individuals using public facil-

ities. Opponents argue that the law unfairly targets transgender people, exacerbating existing stigma and exposing them to heightened risks of violence and harassment.

“Spencer Cox rushing to make these divisive bills some of the first he signs this year is a perfect demonstration of the kind of governor he has become. Rather than placing common sense and good public policy over red meat culture wars, he has completely caved to the right wing of the Republican party in an effort to keep his political career alive,” wrote the Utah Democratic Party. “While Governor Cox might think it’s no big deal to throw vulnerable Utahns under the bus to secure his party’s nomination, there are real consequences to these culture wars, and real impacts which will be felt by communities of color and the LGBTQ community.”

During an event promoting his “Disagree Better” initiative in Washington, D.C., Cox called gender-affirming health care for transgender people “gender mutilation surgery” and claimed that

“no one” in Utah has taken their own life as a result of the state’s ban on such care for transgender youth.

“Even before Utah’s moratorium on transgender medical care, genital surgeries for youth simply did not happen. In order to disagree better, it’s important that the language our leaders use be factual and not inflammatory. In his recent comments, Governor Cox missed the mark on both counts,” Equality Utah Executive Director Troy Williams said. “So, we are going to challenge him to be true to his Disagree Better initiative.”

So, QSaltLake Magazine declares Utah Gov. Spencer Cox the Person of the Year, defined as “the person or people who most affected Utah’s LGBTQ+ community, for better or worse.”

The one-time ally turning against the community for political expediency explains our positive/negative graphic on the cover.

While we hope that Ally Cox will return, we are resigned to believing the “I-told-you-so” group was right all along. Q

views

quotes

“Can some kind woman in Congress teach Nancy Mace how to close and lock a bathroom stall door when she pees? Sincerely, Americans who would like the House to focus on issues that actually matter.”

—Janice Hough

“Sarah McBride is a man and should use the men’s restroom or a single occupancy restroom. We need a bill like this in #utah. I know of at least one #trans woman (ie, man with mental health problems) who uses the women’s restroom at the Capitol.”

—Goud Maragani

“You know good and well transgender folks aren’t going around raping women. It’s bullshit made up issue and you fucking know it”

—ryanosaurus77

“I’d rather share a bathroom with a trans woman than any space public or private with Gaetz. I’m well over 18 so not his target demographic, but still don’t want to be anywhere near him.”

—CountessGPS

asJustUtah’s LGBTQ+ community has faced adversity before. We can do it again.

BY RANDELL HOFFMAN

coming out in the 1970s and 1980s was a form of political resistance, speaking out and standing together today is crucial.

Displayed at the Utah Pride Center is a quilt panel honoring Michael Spence, also known as the drag queen Tracy [or Tracey] Ross. This display helped me connect the recent news of Donald Trump’s reelection with a reminder of a past defined by marginalization and a future where hard-won rights are again at risk.

During his first term, the Trump administration worked to undermine LGBTQ+ protections. I fear a second Trump administration will roll back rights for LGBTQ+ citizens, particularly for transgender individuals.

But we have been here before. By the 1980s, few states recognized hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals. Homosexuality — or sodomy — was criminalized, and many states enacted policies to block lesbian and gay educators from public schools or discussing their private lives at work. Protections in housing and employment in Utah were only won in 2015.

Today, we face a similar fight, though we now have the historical context and resources to help us resist.

Reflecting on Michael Spence’s life and legacy led me back to Utah’s response during the AIDS crisis. Utah did not begin recording cases of HIV/AIDS until 1983 with Robert Michael Painter and one other person. After about six years of deflecting the problem, President Ronald Reagan helped Congress pass its first substantive federal funding with the AIDS Service Demonstration Grants — of which Utah received $6.4 million for research — and then with the CARE Act, named after Ryan White in 1990. While much of the nation exhorted condemnations and cautionary tales about AIDS, I have found no comments on the epidemic from Governors Scott Matheson or Norman Bangerter. Meanwhile, Utah Bureau of Epidemiology Director Craig Nichols refused to connect

advocacy groups considered to be too centered on gay and lesbian rights with federal grant funds. Utahns with AIDS were left on their own and could only rely on the state to count them as a statistic to report.

Want to receive a weekly mix of Utahns’ ideas, perspectives, and solutions? Enter your email address below to sign up.

The lack of government support galvanized Utah’s lesbian and gay community to step up to meet the crisis. In 1985, Dr. Patty Reagan founded the Salt Lake AIDS Foundation (now the Utah AIDS Foundation). Other groups, like the People With AIDS Coalition; AIDS Project Utah; Gay and Lesbian Community Center and Clinic; and ACT-UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) worked to support and educate the public. Tensions often rose between leaders and volunteers, with overlapping missions and limited resources, thus creating friction. Yet, the efforts of activists like Dave Sharpton and Sheldon Spears, mobilized a community determined to survive. Sharpton, along with others, founded Horizon House, a sanctuary for those with HIV/ AIDS who had nowhere else to go.

Utah’s first public memorial event was a 1989 candlelight vigil that began at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral and passed Temple Square before ending at the Salt Palace, where an enormous section of the National AIDS Memorial Quilt was displayed. Religious and civic leaders joined this event, marking a significant moment of public solidarity and inspiring the first Pride march two years later. Another vigil, in 1990, took place in Memory Grove, where hundreds gathered to honor lives lost. These memorials provided a rare public space for grieving and solidarity amid the ongoing crisis and the humanization of public health statistics. Now, annual fundraisers, marathons, and walk-a-thons are held across the state.

In my research, I have so far found names for only 366 Utahns who died from AIDS — many who were born and

raised in Utah but were far from home in their last days. Today, the AIDS Memorial Quilt remains a testament to lives cut short and our chosen community’s resilience, standing as both a memorial and a reminder of how far we’ve come.

In the face of a familiar future, I recall

the strength that Utah’s lesbian and gay community displayed during the AIDS crisis. While we have come a long way, the familiar challenges ahead require a unified response. Utah’s LGBTQ+ community now has more tools than ever: social media, massive fundraising resources, and effective grassroots organizing. The COVID-19 pandemic also strengthened our sense of community and readiness.

As a historian of LGBTQ+ Utah, I am inspired by the strength, unity, and resilience that our community has shown throughout history. We have confronted adversity before, from organizing during the AIDS crisis to advocating for marriage equality and nondiscrimination protections — and we can do it again. Q

Randell Hoffman (he/they) is a historian, preservationist, and quilter committed to making history accessible and relevant to diverse communities. As an independent researcher of Utah’s LGBTQ+ history, Randy focuses on amplifying overlooked narratives and fostering spaces where historical preservation intersects with community empowerment.

Michael Spencer as Tracey Ross

WhenKirk Cameron

BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI

I was an adolescent, obsessed with the New Kids On The Block and poring over teen magazines, I saw a lot of Kirk Cameron, star of the TV series “Growing Pains.” Curly-haired and baby-faced, he was the king of magazines like 16 and Tiger Beat in the late ‘80s. I collected those magazines, read them page to page, and handled them like they were the Dead Sea Scrolls. Call it a desperate attempt at self-imposed heterosexuality, which I never achieved. Also the start of my budding obsessive-compulsive disorder.

In the decades since, Cameron has devolved from America’s teen crush to a right-wing lunatic. And now he wants to indoctrinate kids with right-wing propaganda.

“For the last couple years, I’ve been reading wholesome Christian children’s books at public libraries contra the drag queen story hour and hearing from parents they don’t want woke indoctrination for their kids,” Cameron said in a video posted by Right Wing Watch. “They don’t want gay dinosaurs and trans ducks teaching their children morality.”

I have to admit that I’m not wellversed in my children’s shows these days, but this is apparently a reference to the show “Dino Ranch,” though I don’t know of the trans duck of which he speaks.

“They want kids books and TV shows that are going to reinforce the stuff that parents are trying to teach their kids at home about the sanctity of life, about forgiveness, about family, about the dangers of socialism, and learning to embrace the identity that God gave you,” Cameron CONTINUES. “And so what we want to bring to families is what we’re considering a modernized version of ‘Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.’”

The audacity. As if Cameron could ever fill the MR. ROGERS-SHAPED HOLE in our hearts.

The show, called “Adventures of Iggy and Mr. Kirk,” stars Cameron with Iggy, the evangelical iguana. Are there iguanas in the Bible? I don’t know. TL;DR.

Cameron claims there is great demand for such a program.

He tells FOX NEWS, “Parents are asking us for it. They’re saying things like, ‘Where’s Mr. Rogers? We want a show with wholesome, moral values.’ If you watch many of Hollywood’s kids’ shows, you would think that parents want woke instructions for their kids.”

What are “woke instructions,” I wonder? That empathy is not weakness? That racism is bad and definitely still exists? That love is love? That the toxic masculinity-fueled misogyny so celebrated by this country puts women in actual danger, unlike a transgender person who just needs to pee at Target?

The whole concept of “woke” has been

co-opted by the radical right, who have turned it into a rallying cry for people who believe that a man marrying a man is disgusting and/or against God, that public schools are performing complete gender affirmation surgeries on kids, that unhoused people are just lazy and that police aren’t violent ENOUGH against Black and brown people.

“That’s why I’m so excited about our show,” Cameron told Fox News. “Because it gets to the heart of the kinds of values parents are trying to teach their kids at home, and this show is going to reinforce those values while keeping the ‘wow’ factor of the entertainment.”

Keep in mind, before “woke” became the right-wing’s favorite slur, “woke” just meant being aware of the oppression and marginalization of minority groups. It meant acknowledging that there are systemic justices in our society that cannot be fixed just by ignoring them. But that makes conservatives sad — conservatives who, for three presidential elections, now have run on a platform of “fuck your feelings.”

Cameron called Trump’s election a referendum on wokeness.

The four years of Joe Biden’s presidency “brought to attention where we go when we abandon good, wholesome, American constitutional values,” he said. “And this has served as a wake-up call for parents, and families all over the nation who not only voted, but they’re also looking for an opportunity to lean into a solution and actually participate by training their kids, and raising them up in the way they should go.”

It can never be sad enough that Trump is a RAPIST, a RACIST, a LIAR, a MISOGYNIST, a SERIAL PHILANDERER, and a BUFFOON. His election teaches our kids that if you’re famous, you can DO ANYTHING If you’re rich, there are NO CONSEQUENCES. You know, those “good, wholesome, American CONSTITUTIONAL VALUES.” 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.

AsA few good men

BY CHRISTOPHER KATIS

difficult

as this is for me to believe, in October, Niko celebrated his 18th birthday. I’m no longer the father of boys; I’m the father of men. I’d like to think of good men. Raising sons is challenging, especially these days. There are a lot of expectations placed on boys and what it means to be a man. Guys are bombarded with a barrage of ultimatums. You need to act this way or behave that way to be a “real” man. We hear too much talk these days about being an “alpha” male, which has justifiably led to a lot of discussion about toxic masculinity.

This type of debate isn’t a new phenomenon. When I was Niko’s age, the manhood litmus test was whether or not you ate quiche or if you were willing to wear pink — spoiler alert, real men didn’t do either.

Even politics are not immune from these displays of preconceived machismo. The GOP National Convention was rife with “real men.” My god, former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan even ripped his shirt off during his speech.

My fear is that too many people cannot separate theatrics from reality. I’m afraid that too many people cannot distinguish truth from hyperbolic rhetoric. And actions taken based on political theater can lead to dangerous results. We’ve seen it happen in countries around the world for centuries.

The Saturday following the election, I had lunch with my mom, two of my siblings, and Kelly (as we do every weekend.) The restaurant we chose has floor-to-ceiling picture windows facing the street. We were seated at a window table. A caravan of supporters of the president-elect was driving towards the Capitol, their vehicles festooned with flags and photos.

At one point, a nearby traffic light must’ve turned red because a couple

dozen trucks were stopped directly in front of us. As the drivers joyously honked horns and the passengers yelled the new president’s name, the customers inside the restaurant stared silently out the windows. Finally, one of the servers pulled the blind’s down.

The whole experience lasted only a minute or two, but it was surreal — like a scene from a movie. Honestly, it was a little scary. Nothing terrible happened. But when we’ve been told repeatedly by the media over the past decade or so that the nation is more divided than ever before, it may not take much for the powder keg to explode. It may just be a matter of time before honking horns and stunned silence turn into punching fists or worse.

Look, from the very first time a parent holds their baby, they have an idea of the type of man or woman they hope that kid will grow up to be. Parents try to instill in their child a certain set of values. The funny truth about values is that everyone believes theirs are the right ones to hold.

Those (mostly) men driving up State Street, honking their horns, and waving those flags saw the election results as validation of the values that had been instilled in them by their parents. I’m not saying that their beliefs are wrong; it’s just that we hold different moral compasses.

I think because we’re gay men, Kelly and I worked extra hard to raise two men who have integrity and empathy and who display kindness and acceptance. For the most part, we were quite successful. They’re not perfect, and not surprisingly, neither are their dads. But the boys have grown into being really good men.

And in my humble opinion, now more than ever, the world needs a few more good men. Q

HELPFUL SIDE-BAR FOR STORIES

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE

• Talking about wanting to die

• Looking for a way to kill oneself

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

• Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Withdrawing or feeling isolated

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

• Displaying extreme mood swings

The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk. Warning signs are associated with suicide but may not be what causes a suicide.

WHAT TO DO

If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide:

• Do not leave the person alone

• Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt

• Call the U.S National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8 or 800-273-8255

• Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional

THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

9-8-8

A free, 24/7 service that can provide suicidal persons or those around them with support, information and local resources.

For the 21st year, you, our readers, have made your voices heard. With over 4,000 votes cast in our annual readers’ choice poll, we are proud to announce 125 FABBY Award winners in this issue. In a year marked by shifts in the social and political landscape, knowing where and by whom you’ll be treated right is golden.

MOST FABULOUS RESTAURANTS

MOST FABULOUS Mexican Restaurant

RED IGUANA

You simply can’t visit Salt Lake without a stop at Red Iguana it’s practically a rite of passage! This spot is so beloved, they had to open Red Iguana 2 just two blocks away to keep the lines from stretching all the way to the airport. One reviewer even jokes, “Drag your luggage straight from the airport to Red Iguana.” And they’re not wrong! Owners Bill and Lucy are some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. Holy mole, don’t miss it!

RUNNERS UP: CHILI TEPIN, RIO GRANDE CAFE

MOST FABULOUS AfterHours Restaurant

PIE HOLE

This pizza is the bomb after a night out in SLC! Order before you go out to have it waiting for you after leaving the bars with a craving at 344 S. State Street.

RUNNERS UP: DEE’S FAMILY RESTAURANT, BELGIAN WAFFLE & OMELET INN

MOST FABULOUS Greek/Mediterranean

THE OTHER PLACE

The Other Place has been dishing out Greek and American comfort food since 1986, and it’s pure deliciousness. Think marinated steak & eggs, gyros, lamb dishes, and housemade baklava all in hearty portions. Loyal fans, including the Salt Lake Man’s Choir, swear by the friendly vibes, tasty eats, and breakfast served anytime. Opa!

RUNNERS UP: LAZIZ, THE MED

MOST FABULOUS Local Coffeehouse SUGAR HOUSE COFFEE

Always proud to fly the rainbow flag, Sugar House Coffee is all about creating a warm, inclusive space where everyone feels at home. Pair their amazing coffee with a house-made aioli panini, fresh salads, baked porridge, pastries, or their must-try espresso brownies. Come for the vibes, stay for the treats! Pick up a Q!

RUNNERS UP: COFFEE GARDEN, BEANS & BREWS

MOST FABULOUS Restaurant for Breakfast

PENNY ANNE’S

Penny Ann’s Cafe is the go-to for fluffy pancakes and breakfast magic in Salt Lake. Weekend lines prove it’s worth the hype. Hate lines? Try lunch. Fast service, cozy vibes, and delicious bites—this spot’s got it all.

RUNNERS UP: PARK CAFE, LEFT FORK

MOST FABULOUS Asian Restaurant SAWADEE

Craving Thai? Sawadee is a downtown favorite serving up authentic flavors like pad Thai, pineapple curry, and honey-ginger duck. With weekday lunch specials, veggie-friendly options, and curries spiced just how you like them, it’s perfect for a date or dinner with friends. Bonus: the wine list is fab, too!

RUNNERS UP: TAKASHI, KYOTO

MOST FABULOUS Sandwiches

MOOCHIES MEATBALLS

From the back of a pottery studio to four locations from downtown to Lehi, Moochies is about meatballs and a damned fine Philly Cheesesteak. Oh, and the gourmet grilled cheese sandwich with a side of mac and cheese. Holy hell. Don’t bypass the international salads. Guy Fieri says the meatball sub will ‘’knock your head off.’’ But don’t worry. No heads are truly harmed at Moochies.

RUNNERS UP: GROVE MARKET, SOUP KITCHEN

MOST FABULOUS Soups

SOUP KITCHEN

So, another category which we need to just go ahead and name for the winner. Most locations are in the worst places anyone would put a restaurant, but they still have a line out the door. Over 30 years of serving breadsticks. Oh, and soup and sandwiches.

RUNNERS UP: PORCUPINE GRILL, CAFE ZUPAS

MOST FABULOUS Seafood MARKET

STREET GRILL

When the salmon are running, run to Market Street. I once had a client come in from New York City who was skeptical when I said he should try the clam chowder. I was nervous when he took the first bite and sat there, deadpan. He looked up and said, “I had to fly across the fucking country to the middle of the desert to have the best clam chowder in my life.” Yup.

RUNNER UP: CURRENT FISH AND OYSTER, TAKASHI

MOST FABULOUS Bakery/Pastries GOURMANDISE

It all started in downtown Salt Lake over 30 years ago on Third East. A bakery with a new name we couldn’t pronounce, but pastries and cakes we couldn’t resist. Now also in Draper, American Fork and the SLC Airport.

RUNNERS UP: DELICE BAKERY, FILLINGS & EMULSIONS

MOST FABULOUS Vegetarian/ Vegan Restaurant

VERTICAL DINER

The home of fine vegan dining is Vertical Diner on Harvey Milk Blvd. They believe that eating a plant-based diet will positively change the world environmentally, socially, emotionally, physically and creatively. PETA says “Forget Popeyes and Chick-fil-A. The best “chicken” sandwich is a delicious one for which no one had to die. “Great Food! Great People!”

RUNNERS UP: ZEST, BUD’S

MOST FABULOUS PARK CITY Restaurant HIGH WEST

The Saloon at High West is known for pairing whisky with heavy victuals (pronounced “vittles”) As you would ask which glass of wine should be paired with your meal, ask your server which whiskey will pair well with your food selection.

RUNNERS UP: RIVERHORSE, HEARTH & HILL

MOST

FABULOUS

Steakhouse RUBY RIVER

Ruby River is all about steaks, with flavors inspired by everything from San Francisco kitchens to Texas truck stops. Named after a favorite Montana fishing spot, Ruby River Steakhouses call Utah home. Carnivores rejoice: prime rib, ribeyes, pork chops plus seafood and salads for everyone else!

RUNNERS UP: CHRISTOPHER’S, MADDOX

Most Fabulous New Restaurant URBAN HILL

Restaurateur Brooks Kirchheimer delivers a family-focused fine-dining gem in the vibrant Post District. With stunning design, a topnotch culinary team, and a commitment to extraordinary service, Urban Hill transforms every meal into a special occasion

RUNNERS UP: WOODBINE FOOD HALL BLIND RABBIT

MOST FABULOUS Contemporary Restaurant

THE DODO

The Dodo was the quirkiest giant dove in history, and Dodo Restaurant channels that charm with its amazing location overlooking Sugar House Park’s tall pines, flower gardens, and sprawling green lawns, all set against stunning Mount Olympus sunsets. Oh, and the food? Especially the desserts? Fab!

RUNNERS UP: CURRENT, CAFE NICHE

MOST FABULOUS Barbecue PAT’S BARBECUE

A Guy Fieri favorite. Who says great barbecue is reserved for the South? In Salt Lake City, Pitmaster Pat Barber is what Guy calls a “culinary gangster” because of his unbeatable briskets, chickens and sausages that he smokes for 10 hours at a time.

RUNNERS UP: RR&R BARBECUE BLATCH’S VEGAN BBQ

MOST FABULOUS Salads

CAFE ZUPPA

At Café Zupas in Salt Lake City, salads take center stage with fresh, bold flavors. Favorites like “Nuts About Berries” and Thai Chicken Peanut pack a punch, alongside housemade soups and panini sandwiches. Top it off with a sweet treat, and you’ve got a meal worth savoring!

RUNNERS UP: DESERT EDGE, BAGELS & GREENS

MOST FABULOUS Ogden Restaurant ROOSTERS BREWERY

Roosters in Ogden, led by Kym and Pete Buttschardt, is more than a restaurant—it’s a lifestyle! Since 1994, they’ve brought community vibes, great food, and craft beer to Historic 25th Street, Layton, and West Ogden. Don’t miss the Naughty Brussels, Kym’s Capellini, and the fan-favorite O-Town Nut Brown Ale. Now also in Layton and at the Salt Lake International Airport.

RUNNERS UP: SLACKWATER PIZZERIA, NO FRILLS DINER, UTOG MOST FABULOUS Beer Selection

THE BAYOU

Buzzy eatery and bar offering Cajun-inspired fare and pub grub plus over 7 million beers you could spend a week deciding among. Seriously, we counted them. Just pick one and get out of our way.

RUNNERS UP: SQUATTER’S, RED ROCK

MOST FABULOUS Wine selection at a restaurant LAKE EFFECT

Lake Effect is a wine lover’s dream, offering over 70 expertly curated bottles in a stunning, vintage-meets-modern space. Since 2017, this Salt Lake hotspot has wowed guests with delicious food, handcrafted cocktails, and live music nearly every night. Sip, savor, and soak up the vibrant, classy downtown atmosphere.

RUNNERS UP: MAZZA, BTG

MOST FABULOUS Burger Joint

LUCKY 13

If there is an award out there for best burger in Utah, Lucky 13 has won it multiple times. This is their 12th Fabby. Our favorite is the nut butter burger. One day we hope to wrap our lips around the Big Benny. If you can finish him and a Lucky 13 Burger off in an hour, they’ll give you $1,000 cash. Is that prostitution?

RUNNERS UP: CROWN BURGER, PROPER BURGER

MOST FABULOUS Brew Pub

SQUATTERS PUB BREWERY

Founded in 1989 by Jeff Polychronis and Peter Cole, Squatters sparked Utah’s craft beer revolution. Against all odds, they turned crumbling west downtown Salt Lake into a brewpub hotspot earning awards, fans, and a legacy. Cheers to icons like St. Provo Girl Pilsner.

RUNNERS UP: RED ROCK BREWING, DESERT EDGE BREWERY

MOST

FABULOUS Pizza

PIE PIZZERIA

From a graffiti-strewn dungeon a stone’s throw from the UofU to six locations from Ogden to South Jordan, the home of the Zappi is just pure, gooey yum. Hand-tossed dough, in-house sauces and dressings, the same way they’ve done it for 44 years.

RUNNERS UP: BRICKS CORNER, SETTEBELLO

MOST FABULOUS Italian Restaurant

CAFFÉ MOLISE

Michael Aaron went to opening night of Caffe Molise in 1993 back when it was next to Dinwoody Park. It’s been his favorite restaurant since. Now on 4th South and West Temple, it’s just more grand and delicious than ever. Pollo alla Gratella is his fave.

RUNNERS UP: TUSCANY, SICILIA MIA

DADDY

Tacos Daddy is a Utah-based taco truck serving up “stupid yummy” eats like tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, gorditas, sopes, and combo plates. Catch them at Club Try-Angles on the first Sunday of the month for Beer Church and Drag Bingo, or book them for your next event deliciousness guaranteed.

RUNNERS UP: FRY ME TO THE MOON, SUSHI SQUAD

MOST FABULOUS BARS & CLUBS

MOST FABULOUS All-Gay-Every-Day Bar

CLUB TRY-ANGLES

Goddammit, Gene. Club Try-Angles is about to celebrate its 23rd New Year’s Eve. Can you imagine how much cannon confetti that means? This is the bar that serves Thanksgiving, Christmas, and St Paddy’s Day dinner, welcoming patrons who might not have a place to go, or choose not to so they can be with chosen family. And they do it without sending a press release. They do it for love of their community. With themed Friday nights and Underwear Night on the 3rd Saturday, plus Beer Church Bingo on the first Sundays. There’s always something going on at Try-Angles.

RUNNERS UP: MILK+, SUN TRAPP

MOST FABULOUS Bar for the Buck CLUB

TRY-ANGLES

The coldest and cheapest beer in all of Salt Lake City, not to mention all of their cocktail prices. If you go broke here, you have a problem.

RUNNERS UP: MANNY’S, DUFFY’S

MOST FABULOUS Night Club

MILK+

MILK+ is likely the largest LGBTQ+ focused bar in Salt Lake with an open floorplan and large outdoor area. Special events and themed nights and a full kitchen serving tasty food, not your average bar fare. The Mexi Bowl is food elevated. Wine Wednesdays and Karaoke Sundays.

RUNNERS UP: SKY, TWIST

MOST FABULOUS Irish Pub

PIPER DOWN

Bangers and mash, Saturday and Sunday brunch, poker nights and live music on weekends, how can you go wrong? There’s an event damn near every single day. And as LGBTQ friendly as they come. May the road rise up to meet you.

RUNNER UP: O’SHUCKS

MOST FABULOUS Beer Bar

BEER BAR

Isn’t it kind of cheating to name yourself after a Fabby category? Well, it’s about love, they say. “Beer Bar is a love letter to the beer of the world. Our goal is to bring some of that world, and that love, to you all.” Well, that says it all.

RUNNERS UP: FISHER, TF BREWING

Most Fabulous Food Truck TACOS

MOST FABULOUS Monthly bar event FLUFF PARTY AT TRY-ANGLES

It’s the battle of the furriest for best monthly bar event: Bear Night and Fluff Party Fridays. United Utah Furry Fandom is a vibrant, creative community of artists, performers, and costume enthusiasts who love bringing anthropomorphic animal characters to life. Think cosplayers or comic book fans, but with fur. These “fursonas,” are about fun, self-expression, and creativity.

RUNNERS UP: BEAR NIGHT, UNDERWEAR NIGHT (BOTH AT TRY-ANGLES)

MOST FABULOUS Wine Bar

BTG

When BTG, aka By The Glass, opened, Michael Aaron thought he had died and gone to Heaven. His favorites are flights with tastes of three or four wines. How else can you enjoy a $50 bottle of wine if not an ounce or so at a time? Also serving food, this is a great date or “where should we go now?” night.

RUNNER UP: LAKE EFFECT

MOST FABULOUS Bar that Gives Back to the Community

CLUB TRY-ANGLES

Love is always in the air at Try-Angles, and Gene, the owner, is not only driven to support the community in very special ways, but he will also take the Cookie Monster T-shirt off his back for you. But please have him leave it on.

MOST FABULOUS Shopping

MOST FABULOUS Book Store

UNDER THE UMBRELLA BOOKSTORE

Under the Umbrella Bookstore is Salt Lake City’s cozy haven for queer stories, community, and creativity. Stocking books by and about LGBTQ+ folks, it’s a treasure trove of representation across all genres. With local queer-made goods, drag story hours, book clubs, and more, it’s a year-round celebration and a safe space.

RUNNERS UP: KING’S ENGLISH, 9TH & 9TH BOOK AND MUSIC GALLERY

MOST FABULOUS Local Shop for Clothing MOST FABULOUS SHOES

SPARK

Shop sustainably and locally at this gay-owned, FABBY-winning clothing boutique. From undies to ties, shoes, cuff links, and more, Spark has everything you need to dress for success, and/or a hot date. Club-wear to boardroom chic, there is nothing more sparkling than Spark. They’ve expanded into a second space for women’s clothing as well. And while you are there, don’t you have a VCR that needs some cleaning?

RUNNERS UP: ICONOCLAD THE OTHERSIDE THRIFT BOUTIQUE

MOST FABULOUS Underwear

AQUA UNDERWEAR

Aqua Underwear is here to break the mold! Handmade by queer Chicane sewist Mel Martinez, AU offers fun, affirming, and fully customizable undies for all bodies and identities. From boxer briefs to tucking underwear, and even accessible features— these comfy, stylish garments are made to fit YOU, however you are. At Under the Umbrella, queer pop-ups, and online.

MOST FABULOUS Place to Buy Drag/Halloween Attire PIB’S

EXCHANGE

Swimming in all types of wigs,

knee-high boots, naughty nurse costumes, and, occasionally, used clothing with a 20-dollar bill in a pocket, Pib’s is posh!!

MOST FABULOUS Consignment/ Gently Used Clothing

ICONOCLAD

The crown jewel and most awarded destination for new, secondhand, and festival fashion. Specializing in an eclectic mix of new and pre-loved gear, iconoCLAD caters to your unique festival vibes and everyday style essentials. A must for anyone who loves Burning Man.

RUNNERS UP: DECADES, COPPERHIVE VINTAGE

MOST FABULOUS Jeweler

9TH & 9TH JEWELERS

At 9th & 9th Jewelers, they turn treasures into sparkle magic! From hand-mined gems to dazzling lab-grown diamonds, their family crafts jewelry that’s bold, beautiful, and built to last. Whether it’s custom designs or timeless classics, they’re here to make your next heirloom totally unforgettable—and totally you.

Most Fabulous Florist

LITTLE GAY GARDEN

Welcome to Little Gay Garden, where flowers are grown with Pride! June, a flower farmer/ florist, and her partner and two dogs cultivate beautiful, organically grown blooms in Millcreek and Rose Park. She offers plant consultations and garden support year-round. Little Gay Garden is here to help make your spaces blossom with love!

RUNNERS-UP: THE ART FLORAL, NATIVE FLOWERS

MOST FABULOUS Gift Store

MOST FABULOUS Adult Toy Store

CAHOOTS

You know something’s a little off when you walk into Cahoots and blush. And that’s before you get to the adult section. From risque calendars to cards and games you’d probably not show your mother... unless you have THAT mother.

Queer Owned Queer Everything ueer

MOST FABULOUS SERVICES

MOST FABULOUS Attorney

ORLANDO LUNA

Legal drama? Orlando has your back. Oluna Law serves up fierce, personalized representation in Family Law, Immigration, and Civil Litigation. No jargon, just clear strategies and real results. His expert team keeps it smart, sassy, and all about you. Justice should always come with style.

RUNNERS-UP: CHRISTOPHER WHARTON, HAWKES QUAM

MOST FABULOUS Flea Market

URBAN FLEA MARKET

This monthly market is as much event as it is fleas. Wait. That’s wrong. The year-round market lets you shop, browse and enjoy the experience of a (second) Sunday at the Gateway 10am–4pm.

MOST FABULOUS Place to Get Pierced

KOI PIERCING

Koi has been punching holes in human bodies since 1997 and would have been winning FABBY Awards back then if our prestigious publication had existed then.

MOST

FABULOUS

Tattoos CORY HARRIS, LOYALTY TATTOO

The reviews are rave for the talented Cory Harris. Most talk about how it’s great to be zapped by such a nice guy. And, he wants to do more dog tats.

Most Fabulous Radio Station X96

Utah’s orginal alternative since before radio was invented along the Wasatch Front with Radio From Hell in the mornings.

RUNNER-UP: KRCL 90.9-FM

MOST FABULOUS Barber GOD SHAVE THE QUEEN

WHAMbarber George Michael Duven (get it?) burst onto the scene and can be found supporting many community charity events offering prizes of a free haircut. He also offers manscaping services to keep all your regions tidy. All that and he’s not too hard to look at, as well.

RUNNERS-UP: PUCK THE BARBER, JOSH LUCERO

MOST FABULOUS Kennel/Pet Boarding Dog Grooming

THE DOG DEN

Pawsitively the Best for Your Pup. With certified, pet-loving pros trained in dog behavior and stress-free handling, your fur-kid is in great hands. From balanced playgroups (yes, size matters!) to a perfect mix of exercise, rest, and mental fun, we ensure tails wag and stress stays low. Go sniff them out soon!

MOST FABULOUS Insurance Agent JON JEPSEN, SENTRY WEST

Jon Jepsen is a doer in this community. He volunteers on boards, was on the first Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission, and is just a nice guy. He has partnerships with so many insurance companies that he will surely find one that fits your needs.

RUNNER-UP: BEN PEHRSON

MOST

FABULOUS

Real Estate Agent MARY OLSEN

From Semper Fi to sold signs, Mary Olsen’s your go-to Realtor with 20+ years of experience turning fixer-uppers into dream homes. Whether buying or selling, she’s got the strategy, the charm, and a dash of stardust to make real estate magic happen in Salt Lake and beyond.

RUNNERS-UP: BABS DE LAY, WYATT HENDRICKS

MOST FABULOUS Church FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

The host of the Salt Lake Men’s Choir and the Matrons of Mayhem, as well as many other LGBT events, is also a great place to visit on Sundays. Pastor Curtis, loves to head down to the Utah Pride Center just to chat with the people there. Same-sex marriage became legal? Pastor Curtis was their marrying people. Beware of his dad jokes though.

MOST FABULOUS Car Dealership MARK MILLER SUBARU

Mark Miller has been a proud Pride sponsor for many years. They know love is love and love makes a Subaru. They have the national awards to prove it. They also save homeless dogs in a big way, which is huge in our book.

MOST

FABULOUS Wedding Officiant

CHRISTOPHER SCUDERI

Christopher may be the hardest working minister in the valley. He even gets up for an Easter service in Park City at the buttcrack of dawn. He’s been doing same-sex weddings since before it was legal and takes care of funerals and healing blessings.

RUNNER-UP: JENN WILDE/WILDE HEART WEDDINGS

MOST FABULOUS Financial Institution

MOUNTAIN AMERICA CREDIT UNION

Nearly a million members and $13 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union assists members on the right path to help them identify and achieve their financial dreams.

RUNNER-UP: AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

MOST FABULOUS TV News

KUTV NEWS

This award bounces around more than a twink at Milk+. While an affiliate of Sinclair, Inc. the local anchors and crew are personable, fair, and balanced. Just go get a beverage refill when they cut to the national feed.

Most Fabulous Massage AMMON HANKS

Master of muscle magic, licensed massage jherapist and deep tissue guru, Ammon specializes in sports recovery and tension relief that’ll have you feeling unstoppable. With hands that heal and techniques that transform, he’s here to work out the knots, restore balance, and get you back to living your best life pain-free.

RUNNER-UP: ALOHA BODYWORKS

MOST FABULOUS Financial Planner

TRACEY DEAN

Tracey Dean is a licensed investment advisor representative founder of Tracey Dean Financial, LLC. which means she is a fiduciary, acting in the best interest of her clients, first, foremost, and always. She is an energetic, hard working, trustworthy partner who works in different facets of the financial services industry. She is also the best convention wife there is.

Best Tex Mex cook and eaterDALLAS RIVAS

Alright, this one was a “Name Your Category and FABBY Winner,” and it was Dallas who nominated himself. But it was too cute to pass up. And we are hoping for an invite to dinner.

MOST FABULOUS Caterer LUX CATERING & EVENTS

Lux has donated thousands of dollars worth of food and services to Utah’s LGBTQ community over its many years. They are the most environmentally aware caterer in the state. They are also a certified LGBT Business Enterprise.

Most Fabulous Photographer CAT PALMER

From capturing punk legends in L.A. to creating stunning headshots in Salt Lake City, Cat Palmer’s lens tells unforgettable stories. Mentored by Ansel Adams’ protégé, she blends artistry with advocacy, mentoring young photographers and championing community causes. Need a headshot? Cat’s your go-to for portraits with personality.

MOST FABULOUS ARTS

MOST

FABULOUS Theater Company

SALT LAKE ACTING COMPANY

Since 1969, SLAC has been the arts organization for Salt Lake’s most open and adventurous audience, now presenting a yearround season of 5 to 7 regional and world premieres, to an audience of over 37,000. Forever known for Saturday’s Voyeur, the company now produces SLACabaret.

RUNNERS-UP: PLAN-B THEATRE CO., DESERT STAR PLAYHOUSE

MOST FABULOUS ART MUSEUM UTAH

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

UMOCA was started by Alta Rawlins Jensen as the Art Barn Association. It was housed at the adorable building near the UofU until 1979 when it moved to the center of downtown in the Salt Palace building. They believe in the power of the art of our time.

RUNNER-UP: UTAH MUSEUM OF FINE ART

MOST FABULOUS Music event of the year

KILBY COURT BLOCK PARTY

Kilby Court is celebrating 25 years of music and it’s planning to celebrate in a big way come spring. The iconic Salt Lake City venue announced the lineup fort its fifth Kilby Court Block Party which features groups like LCD Soundsystem, the Postal Service, Vampire Weekend and Wu-Tang Clan among other big names and up-and-coming acts.

RUNNER-UP: SALT LAKE CITY PRIDE

MOST FABULOUS Musical Group

SALT LAKE MEN’S CHOIR

Just having sung its 41st holiday concert, the Salt Lake Men’s Choir has staying power. It is the largest member-supported arts organiztion in the state, and now boasts about its greatest number of singers onstage, providing an ongoing tradition for the holidays for our community, and a summer concert of different genres of music each year.

MOST FABULOUS Dance Company

BALLET WEST

This world-renowned dance company is as old as Michael Aaron. Started in 1963, it was the first ballet department in an American university at The University of Utah. Artistic Director Adam Sklute energized and expanded Ballet West’s remarkable repertoire since 2007. Now you can see Dracula with the live music of the Ballet West Orchestra through Oct. 30.

RUNNER-UP: RDT, ODYSSEY DANCE CO.

MOST FABULOUS Organizations

MOST

FABULOUS

Political Group STONEWALL DEMOCRATS

Utah Stonewall Democrats started out as Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats GLUD. I think they changed the name because of the ugly-sounding acronym. Or maybe, we’d started it before the terms Gay and Lesbian were “in fashion.” Methinks it’s the latter.

MOST FABULOUS Group for

Youth ENCIRCLE

Encircle is a non-profit organization with the mission to bring the family and community together to enable LGBTQ+ youth to thrive. They provide drop-in hours for 12–25-year-olds, daily programs, friendship circles, and therapy services.

MOST FABULOUS SOCIAL GROUP

BLACK BOOTS

A sex-positive social and educational group for men with leather, kink, BDSM and fetish interests since 2013. blackBOOTS hosts social events, lunches, workshops/classes and Leather Church on the third Sunday of each month at Club Try-Angles.

RUNNERS UP: OGDEN PRIDE, SALT LAKE MEN’S CHOIR

MOST FABULOUS Sports Group

STONEWALL SPORTS SLC

Ready to play, make friends, and give back? Stonewall Sports Salt Lake City is all about inclusivity, fun, and philanthropy. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just here to have a good time, we welcome all LGBTQ+ folks and allies to get active, connect, and support our community.

RUNNER-UP: QUAC,

SANDERS

Salt Lake City’s rising star Spencer Sanders delivers raw, genre-blending singles from his debut album Almanac. Through haunting ballads like Rust, country-tinged Iced Moonshine, and the uplifting Golden Age, Sanders explores queer love, loss, and resilience. Honest, emotional, and unforgettable—he’s the voice we’ve been waiting for.

FABULOUS Musician SPENCER

MOST FABULOUS PEOPLE

MOST FABULOUS Bartender SETH SHOEMAKER, CLUB TRY-ANGLES

Everyone loves Seth. You should see how many votes he got. What’s not to love? An adorable smile, a friendly demeanor even in the busiest times, and he’s not too hard to look at. You just want to stuff him and put him on the mantle.

RUNNER-UP: RILEY RICHTER, CLUB VERSE

MOST FABULOUS TV News Reporter

BEN WINSLOW

We’ve decided to name this category after Ben and retire it until he decides to retire in Palm Springs with the rest of them. His ever-present feeds of information both on the tube and the intertubes are engaging with just enough snark to still be

uber-professional. A promoter of UTA Route 500 the Capitol Connector. We think it’s more about protecting his socks on the walk up the hill than protecting the environment.

RUNNER-UP: MARY NICKLES

MOST FABULOUS Leader of an LGBT Group

SEAN CHILDERS-GRAY OGDEN PRIDE

Ogden Pride is in great hands. Husband, father, educator, and transgender man, Sean has been in a leadership rle there for seven years. His journey is one of passion and perseverance. From charity work to fighting for trans rights, he took his case to the Utah Supreme Court in 2021, securing a victory for all transgender Utahns. His motto: “Let’s turn the next mountain into a molehill!”

RUNNERS-UP: CHAD HALL, TROY WILLIAMS

QSALTLAKE’S WRITER OF THE YEAR

The columnist who, for better or worse, most affected Utah’s LGBTQ+ community in 2024

FABULOUS QSaltLake Columnist CHRISTOPHER KATIS

Gay fad, Former “kid avoider” Christopher Katis was once the “cool uncle” who avoided kids. He was floored when his partner Kelly came out as wanting to be a gay dad. Now, he’s navigating fatherhood in Salt Lake, writing the “Who’s Your Daddy” column in QSaltLake since 2009 (don’t tell Kelly it’s been that long he wants him to retire. We demanded he tell Kelly to eat rocks), and busting stereotypes one adorable moment at a time. He’s all about changing minds and celebrating the joys of being a gay dad. Q

Thank you for taking the time to vote in this year’s FABBY

QUEER GUIDE

2025 Sundance Film Festival

This year’s

Sundance Film Festival will take place in Salt Lake City and Park City from January 23 though February 2, 2025. The Festival will kick off in person in Park City on January 23 at noon with a full day of premieres. In addition to in-person screenings, the Festival’s online component will take place January 30 through February 2.

So far, the Festival has announced 22 full-length amd eight short films with queer-related content. Seven of the full-length films are competing for the coveted Festival awards — five in dramatic and two in documentary competitions. Twelve non-competing premieres with LGBTQ+ content will be shown at the festival.

Through the Sundance Labs, artist granting, fellowships, intensives, and the Festival, the Sundance Institute provided support to a diverse community of nearly 1,500 artists. Of those who voluntarily shared their backgrounds, 64 percent are artists of color, 55 percent are women, 41 percent identify as LGBTQIA, 6 percent as transgender, and 8 percent have a disability.

Of the 57 short films announced, half were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as women; 16 percent were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as nonbinary or gender-nonconforming individuals; 62 percent were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as people of color; and 56 percent by one or more filmmakers who identify as LGBTQ+; 6 percent were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as transgender; and 8 percent were directed by one or more filmmakers who identify as a person with a disability.

See the full selection of films and ticket packages at FESTIVAL.SUNDANCE.ORG

Here is our 22nd annual Queer Guide to Sundance:

U.S. Dramatic Competition

Plainclothes

A promising undercover officer assigned to lure and arrest gay men defies orders when he falls in love with a target. Plainclothes is brimming with an atmosphere of paranoia and anxiety. As Lucas, a young police officer contending with a secret attraction to men, Tom Blyth palpably embodies this tension in a breakout performance. Straining to fill a prescribed role

in the implicitly straight culture of the police force, he carries the crushing weight of both the consequences of his increasingly fraught undercover work as well as the threat of exposure of his exhilarating, clandestine encounters with Andrew (Russell Tovey). Writer-director Carmen Emmi, making his feature directorial debut, cleverly deploys lo-fi VHS footage at key moments to ramp up the sense of unease, alternately signifying the police surveillance that haunts his conscience as well as flashes of memory. A shrewd play with chronology similarly keeps the audience on its toes, wondering if Lucas will be able to handle the stress of his secret or if he’ll finally reach a breaking point.

–BASIL TSIOKOS

Twinless

Two young men meet in a twin bereavement support group and form an unlikely bromance. Writer-director-actor James Sweeney’s bittersweet tale of trauma-bonding friendship is a smart comedy willing to confront themes like loss, loneliness, and codependency head-on. Sweeney scripts a slippery narrative to mirror his emotionally damaged characters as they struggle for connection, revealing painful personal truths along the

way. With his Sundance debut, Sweeney shows major promise both in front of and behind the camera. Dylan O’Brien returns to the Festival after starring in the 2024 U.S. Dramatic Competition entry Ponyboi. O’Brien has quickly established himself as one of the great new actors of his generation. With Twinless he continues to impress, showing an acting range not only in characters but also between the film’s comedic voice and tender heart.

–CHARLIE SEXTRO

World Cinema Dramatic Competition

Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears)

Anand, a 30-something city dweller compelled to spend a 10-day mourning period for his father in the rugged countryside of western India, tenderly bonds with a local farmer struggling to stay unmarried. As the mourning ends, forcing his return, Anand must decide the fate of his relationship born under duress.

Anand’s (Bhushaan Manoj) grief over losing his father is compounded by having to return to his ancestral home with his mother, and the inevitable questions from extended family about his marital status. Wholly original in depicting queer life among the rural and lower castes of India, writer and director Rohan Parashuram Kanawade in his debut feature shares this semi-autobiographical story of two men who find each other amid their shared origins in the farming life of their elders. Featuring impressive turns from nonprofessional actors, beautiful cinematography in open landscapes and small villages, and gentle, open-hearted storytelling that skews predictable tropes, the film

is an achievement of independent Indian filmmaking with characters and a story that will connect with audiences. –SUDEEP SHARMA

Sauna

Johan thrives as a gay man in Copenhagen, enjoying endless bars, parties, and casual flings. Everything changes when he meets William, a transgender man, and falls into a deep love that defies societal norms around gender, identity, and relationships. The steamy mystique of the gay bathhouse is the perfect location for this exploration of queer affinity and slippery understanding. The storied setting is paired perfectly with the breaking of brand new narrative ground in this film that marries sweet romance with spiny complexity. Johan and William echo, invert, flip, and reconfigure the stories that they have been told about themselves, their world, and their community. Vacillating between attraction and revulsion, affection and grotesque jealousy, these two young people negotiate the tricky terrain of the contemporary queer romantic landscape. Writer-director Mathias Broe flexes his storytelling musculature and dexterity in this intricately engineered and beautifully fashioned film with stellar performances from leads Magnus Juhl Andersen and Nina Rask. –ASH HOYLE

Where the Wind Comes From

Alyssa, a rebellious 19-year-old girl, and her friend Mehdi, an introverted 23-year-old man, use their imagination to escape their

unpromising reality. When they discover a contest in the south of Tunisia that may allow them to flee, they undertake a road trip regardless of the obstacles in their way.

Director Amel Guellaty offers us a window into a side of Tunisia we have rarely seen, imbuing the world of her charming debut feature with surreal visual flourishes that transform and brighten everyday moments. Eya Bellagha and Slim Baccar have undeniable chemistry as Alyssa and Mehdi, organically capturing the crossfire banter of their friendship as well as their shared struggle to break free from the responsibilities and restrictions that hold them back from pursuing their dreams. Their unexpectedly chaotic journey to Djerba is underscored by a thoughtful comedic touch and a hypnotic indie soundtrack from the region.

With creativity, warmth, and spirit, Where the Wind Comes From honors Tunisian youth while recognizing the uncertain road that lies ahead of them. –ANA SOUZA

U.S. Documentary Competition

Speak.

Five top-ranked high school oratory students spend a year crafting spellbinding spoken word performances with the dream of winning one of the world’s largest and most intense public speaking competitions.

Directors Jennifer Tiexiera and Guy Mossman take us behind the scenes of the prestigious competition that’s seen Oprah, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Josh Gad, and Brad Pitt compete. The film provides a heartfelt glimpse into the lives of five competitors raising prized pigs, managing TikTok fame, dating dreamy boyfriends, and navigating compli-

cated family dynamics all while handling the immense pressure of striving for a championship title. Tiexiera and Mossman skillfully blend moments of youthful levity with the weight of urgent social issues tackled in their speeches, from anti-LGBTQ+ legislation to the epidemic of school shootings. These students aren’t just driven competitors. They’re grappling with real-life problems, but their passion and ambition offer hope that the next generation of leaders is ready to rise to the challenge of an increasingly fraught world.

–STEPHANIE OWENS

World Cinema Documentary Competition

GEN_

At Milan’s Niguarda public hospital, the unconventional Dr. Bini leads a bold mission overseeing aspiring parents undergoing in vitro fertilization and the journeys of individuals reconciling their bodies with their gender identities. He navigates the constraints set by a conservative government and an aggressive market eager to commodify bodies.

In a politically charged environment where an individual’s reproductive rights and gender expression are often discussed in the abstract, it is easy to be distracted from the reality that in vitro fertilization and gender-affirming surgeries are medical procedures conducted by professionals working with deep scientific knowledge. In one of the few public hospitals in Italy allowed to provide this kind of care, Dr. Maurizio Bini and his team meet with a diverse group of patients who need medical intervention in order to lead healthy, purposeful, and meaningful lives. With rare access and an intimate cinematic style,

we see the profound emotional and physical care that Dr. Bini and his colleagues bring to their work in corporally realizing the dreams of people to bear children or transition to their true identity.

–SUDEEP SHARMA

Shorts

SWEET TALKIN’ GUY / USA (DIRECTORS AND SCREENWRITERS: SPENCER WARDWELL, DYLAN WARDWELL, PRODUCERS: APRIL S. CHANG, VICKI SYAL)

A trans woman goes on three consecutive dates with straight men. As the men grapple with their fragile masculinity, their sexual identities unravel in frantic monologues ironically delivered to the object of their desires.

ARE YOU SCARED TO BE YOURSELF BECAUSE YOU THINK THAT YOU MIGHT FAIL? / CANADA (DIRECTOR AND SCREENWRITER: BEC PECAUT, PRODUCER: EMILY HARRIS)

While recovering from top surgery, Mad struggles with wanting their partner’s attention and accepting help from their mother.

GRANDMA NAI WHO PLAYED FAVORITES / CAMBODIA, FRANCE (DIRECTOR AND SCREENWRITER: CHHEANGKEA, PRODUCERS: DANIEL MATTES, KAREN MADAR)

During her chaotic family’s Qingming visit, dead Grandma Nai sneaks away from her peaceful afterlife after overhearing that her Queer grandson is about to get engaged to a woman.

SWEETHEART / U.K. (DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER: LUKE WINTOUR, SCREENWRITER: ALASTAIR CURTIS, PRODUCERS: LUKE KELLY, CHLOE CULPIN, ELLIOT ZELMANOVITS)

In 1723 London, Thomas Neville is discovered cruising in the public toilets and forced to take refuge in a Molly House. There, he encounters a secret community as they prepare for a night of festivities.

THE EATING OF AN ORANGE / U.K. (DIRECTOR AND SCREENWRITER: MAY KINDRED-BOOTHBY)

Convention and sexuality are explored through slugs, rituals, and the eating of an orange.

INKWO FOR WHEN THE STARVING RETURN / CANADA (DIRECTOR, SCREENWRITER, AND PRODUCER: AMANDA STRONG, SCREENWRITERS:

BRACKEN HANUSE CORLETT, RICHARD VAN CAMP, PRODUCERS: MARAL MOHAMMADIAN, NINA WEREWKA)

Dove, a gender-shifting warrior, uses their Indigenous medicine, Inkwo, to protect their community from an unearthed swarm of terrifying creatures.

LUZ DIABLA / ARGENTINA, CANADA (DIRECTORS, SCREENWRITERS, AND PRODUCERS: GERVASIO CANDA, PAULA BOFFO, PATRICIO PLAZA, PRODUCER: COURTNEY WOLFSON)

Martin, a flamboyant urban raver, is involved in a strange car accident on his way to a party in the middle of the Argentine Pampas.

HOLD ME CLOSE / USA (DIRECTORS AND PRODUCERS: AURORA BRACHMAN, LATAJH SIMMONS-WEAVER)

A chronicle of the power and complexity of the relationship between Corinne and Tiana, two Queer Black womxn who experience cycles of life’s joys and pains together in the home they share.

Premieres

April & Amanda

Two legends contested their identities as women in the court of public opinion: April Ashley, who was immortalized as a trailblazer by embracing her transgender history; and Amanda Lear, who has consciously denied and obfuscated her history for decades. Their divergent paths reveal disparate but intertwined legacies. Zackary Drucker’s beautifully balanced approach illuminates the juxtaposition of the dovetailing stories of two inversely complex titans of trans feminine history. Returning Drucker to Sundance after she co-directed The Stroll, which premiered in the U.S. Documentary Competition in 2022, April & Amanda navigates fine lines with such grace it feels like watching narrative ballet performed on high wires. Drucker continues to flex her strong archival sensibility in this piece while also deploying

contemporaneous interviews that capture her remarkable generosity, her sparkling intellect, and her extraordinary literacy in nuance. Examining who we leave behind to become who we want to be, this document of proximate lives antithetically led unfurls a multiplicity of experience that is relatable to anyone with a human heart and an active imagination.

–ASH HOYLE

Come See Me in the Good Light

Two poets, one incurable cancer diagnosis. Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley go on an unexpectedly funny and poignant journey through love, life, and mortality. “In the good light and in the lightning strike. My love come become beside me,” invites Gibson in their poem “The Good Light.” The Colorado poet laureate and beloved spoken word performer extends this welcome and challenge to audiences in this intimate and heartbreaking yet buoyant documentary. The perspective of such a radically tender, magnanimously thoughtful, and thoroughly in love individual on themes of mortality, grief, legacy, and letting go is a vital instruction on how to both live and die gracefully. Rallied around by powerhouse executive producers Tig Notaro, Brandi Carlile, and Sara Bareilles, director Ryan White (Assassins, 2020 SFF; Ask Dr. Ruth, 2019 SFF) returns with this moving portrait that will dare any eye to stay dry. –ASH HOYLE

Heightened Scrutiny

Amid the surge in anti-trans legislation that Chase Strangio battles

in the courtroom, he must also fight against media bias, exposing how the narratives in the press influence public perception and the fight for transgender rights. After his 2020 premiere of Disclosure, Sam Feder returns to the SFF with Heightened Scrutiny, another cornerstone contribution to contemporary trans cinema. Feder’s deep research and keen sociopolitical eye map a disturbing correlative relationship between media coverage of trans issues and material legislation impacting the lives of trans Americans with crystalline and alarming clarity. These macro forces are illuminated with intimacy and charisma in the story of Chase Strangio and his consequential career as an ACLU lawyer participating in historic trans litigation. His preparation for Supreme Court argumentation is as urgent as it is high stakes. In Heightened Scrutiny, both Feder and Strangio display signature intellectual rigor, critically contributive insight, and unshakable commitment to justice that solidifies them both as preeminent trans masculine voices of our time. –ASH HOYLE

Jimpa

Hannah takes her nonbinary teenager, Frances, to Amsterdam to visit their gay grandfather, Jim lovingly known as Jimpa. But Frances’ desire to stay abroad with Jimpa for a year means Hannah is forced to reconsider her beliefs about parenting and finally confront old stories about the past. Sophie Hyde, winner of the World Cinema Directing Award Dramatic for 52 Tuesdays (2014 SFF), returns with an expansive family portrait centered on Jimpa (John Lithgow), an aging, hedonistic patriarch living loud and proud in Amsterdam’s vibrant gay community. Reconnecting with Jimpa during a long working holiday,

Hannah (Olivia Colman) navigates ambivalence toward her estranged father while Frances (Aud Mason-Hyde) discovers the pleasures and perils of queer life in the big city. Co-written by Hyde and Matthew Cormack (52 Tuesdays), Jimpa is a loving and insightful examination of intergenerational tensions within the LGBTQ+ community and the complex and contradictory attachments that form between family, friends, lovers, and comrades. Lithgow breathes messy life into the mercurial but bighearted Jimpa, complementing Colman’s moving turn as his weary yet loving daughter.

–MATT CORNELL

Kiss of the Spider Woman

Valentín, a political prisoner, shares a cell with Molina, a window dresser convicted of public indecency. The two form an unlikely bond as Molina recounts the plot of a Hollywood musical starring his favorite silver screen diva, Ingrid Luna.

No stranger to the Festival (Gods and Monsters, 1998 SFF) or the megaplex (Dreamgirls, The Twilight Saga, Beauty and the Beast), director Bill Condon returns with a stellar, reimagined interpretation of Kiss of the Spider Woman (previously a 1985 film and 1993 Chita Rivera–helmed, Tony-sweeping musical). Set amid Argentina’s Dirty War of the 1980s, Condon marries a textually rich historical and political drama with the flashy technicolor extravagance of an old Hollywood musical.

Jennifer Lopez is an astonishing scene-stealer in a career-highlight performance as Luna/Aurora, with showstopping musical numbers that underscore the exuberant prowess of her dancing and voice. Diego Luna delivers unrelenting revolutionary conviction as Valentín, and Tonatiuh gives his Molina a tenderhearted power and theatrical flair. –CAMERON ASHARIAN

Magic Farm

A film crew working for an edgy media company travels to Argentina to profile a local musician, but their ineptitude leads them into the wrong country. As the crew collaborates with locals to fabricate a trend, unexpected connections blossom while a pervasive health crisis looms unacknowledged in the background. Acclaimed multidisciplinary artist and director Amalia Ulman returns to the festival with her highly anticipated follow-up to El Planeta (2021 SFF), blessing us with her signature idiosyncratic humor and surreal characters in a fresh setting that honors her Argentine roots. Equipped with a fantastic cast, including Chloë Sevigny, Simon Rex, Alex Wolff, and Joe Apollonio, Ulman drops us into a satire that is at once an excavation of media exploitation and a charming look at the unexpectedly profound exchanges that can emerge when cultures blend. Not one to shy away from subverting stereotypes or uncovering uncomfortable truths, Ulman reaffirms the singularity of her voice, ensuring her visual playfulness and absurdity fuse seamlessly with the warmth she has for the vibrant world of Magic Farm. –ANA SOUZA

Move Ya Body: The Birth of House

Out of the underground dance clubs on the South Side of Chicago, a group of friends turn a new sound into a global movement.

Vince Lawrence was an eccentric, nerdy Black child growing up in Mayor Daley’s segregated Chicago. One summer when

his dad couldn’t afford to send him to summer camp, Lawrence embarked on a personal journey that would lead him to become the first person to record a house song. He catalyzed a force of radical togetherness that would break down his city’s invisible walls of segregation, and fundamentally transform the music world.

Peter Hujar’s Day

A recently discovered conversation between photographer Peter Hujar and his friend Linda Rosenkrantz in 1974 reveals a glimpse into New York City’s downtown art scene and the personal struggles and epiphanies that define an artist’s life.

In Peter Hujar’s Bloomsday-esque narration of one day in his life, quotidian details like the price of a sandwich mingle with cameos by the likes of Allen Ginsberg. As trivialities and incidents accumulate, softly spoken is the voice of an artist wishing to be truly seen amid his existential fear it won’t happen. In recreating the recounting of Peter’s day to author Linda Rosenkrantz in her 94th Street apartment in New York City in 1974, director Ira Sachs playfully creates a wholly new work of contemporary cinema. With a consciously self-aware style and actors Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall reenacting the encounter with fidelity and elegance, Peter Hujar’s Day is an evocative experience rooted in a particular time and place, but it is also eternal in its recognition of the unstoppable flow of time. –SUDEEP SHARMA

SALLY

Sally Ride became the first American woman to blast off into

space, but beneath her unflappable composure was a secret. Sally’s life partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, reveals their hidden romance and the sacrifices that accompanied their 27 years together.

Cristina Costantini’s rich portrait of astronaut Sally Ride brings a fullness to her life that goes beyond the headlines of her trailblazing voyage past Earth’s atmosphere. SALLY skillfully weaves together the dual threads of Ride’s story: the private romance she shared with her partner and the professional trajectory of her time in the space program that saw her contend with overt sexism and homophobia, prompting her secrecy. Rare archival footage brings the viewer behind the scenes to witness NASA training and missions, while press appearances reflect the media frenzy Ride was subjected to both before and after her historic first flight. O’Shaughnessy takes a fitting central role in recounting her beloved Ride’s story and the legacy she left behind that inspires countless women and girls to dream for the stars. –BASIL TSIOKOS

The Librarians

As an unprecedented wave of book banning is sparked in Texas, Florida, and beyond, librarians under siege join forces as unlikely defenders fighting for intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy.

Kim A. Snyder (Us Kids, 2020 SFF) takes us to an unexpected front line where librarians emerge as first responders in the fight for democracy and free access to information. As they well know, controlling libraries and the flow of ideas means control over communities.

Across the U.S., sweeping book bans target stories addressing race and LGBTQ+ issues. Snyder immerses us in this escalating

conflict, capturing heated community meetings that lay bare the arguments for censorship. At the center of it all are the steadfast librarians, determined to protect children’s right to access books that educate, empower, and provide solace despite facing harassment, threats, and even laws aimed at criminalizing their work. A cautionary tale and rallying cry, Snyder captures how these librarians transform their seemingly quiet profession into a bold stand for freedom.

–STEPHANIE OWENS

The Wedding Banquet

Frustrated with his commitment-phobic boyfriend, Chris, and out of time, Min makes a proposal: a green card marriage with his friend Angela in exchange for expensive in vitro fertilization treatments for her partner, Lee. Plans change when Min’s grandmother surprises them with an elaborate Korean wedding banquet.

Andrew Ahn returns to Sundance (Spa Night, 2016 SFF) with an exuberant romantic comedy that pays tribute to the unexpected ways friendship and community form modern family. Ahn collaborates with James Schamus, co-writer of Ang Lee’s beloved 1993 classic The Wedding Banquet, to create a contemporary reimagining that playfully complicates the original film’s conflict and comedy, updating a romantic triangle into a codependent queer quad of young lovers.

Led by a cast of some of the most acclaimed and funny actors working today, the core four’s charming performances are complemented by the beautifully articulated work of Joan Chen and Academy Award winner Youn Yuh-jung (Minari) as the complex, formidable matriarchs of the bride and groom’s families. –HEIDI ZWICKER

Episodic

Hal & Harper

Hal and Harper and Dad chart the evolution of their family.

Director Cooper Raiff (Cha Cha Real Smooth, 2022 SFF), also appearing as the eponymous Hal, presents two siblings who consider their codependence a feature, not a bug. As Harper, Lili Reinhart superbly mirrors Raiff’s sardonic yet wounded nature, while demonstrating an engaging solemnity all her own. Their intimacy is built on a lifetime of inside jokes and shared pains, portrayed via flashbacks where Raiff and Reinhart play the elementary school-aged versions of themselves. Raiff’s familial tone weaves the balance between children on the precipice of damage and adults mired in self-made messes. As their father, Mark Ruffalo brings a wry charm that belies a chasm of guilt, firmly at the root of all that Hal & Harper is trying to uncover.

The Festival will share the first four episodes of the new series in-person audience, and all eight episodes of the first season online.

– DREA CLARK

Pee-wee as Himself

A chronicle of the life of artist and performer Paul Reubens and his alter ego Pee-wee Herman. Prior to his recent death, Reubens spoke indepth about his creative influences, and the personal struggles he faced

to persevere as an artist. Beloved for nostalgic, avant garde programs like Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Pee-wee Herman became a lynchpin of American culture and a household name. Behind the scenes, artist Paul Reubens wanted control of Pee-wee’s fictional world as much as he wanted to dictate the public’s awareness of himself (or lack thereof). That divide backfired when scandal hit. Attempting to unearth the real Paul is the heart of this documentary, where revelations are equally vulnerable, candid, and sarcastically guarded. His earliest influences, performance art background, and complicated relationship with sexuality are aided by a trove of archival footage and never- before-seen personal photographs. Often sparring with off-screen director Matt Wolf, Reubens is a captivating and complex subject seeking to control his own story until the very end.

NEXT

Rains Over Babel

A group of misfits converges at Babel, a legendary dive bar that doubles as purgatory, where La Flaca the city’s Grim Reaper presides. Here, souls gamble years of their lives with her, daring to outwit Death herself.

Steeping us in the intoxicating brew of a tropical Colombian steampunk fever-dream, firsttime feature director Gala del Sol creates a mesmerizing, fantastical world where life and death collide and fates turn on the roll of dice. A patchwork of vibrant characters inhabited by an alluring ensemble cast take us on a playful

ride of subversions running wild where rebellion is king. Everyone’s personal demons are exorcised on this colorful, retro-futuristic stage as passion and performance promise an escape from heartbreak.

Filled to the brim with lively music and queer joy, Rains Over Babel sings an ode to the resilience and reimagination needed to heal in a world driven by societal pressure. Daring, ambitious, and stylish, it ensures a dreamy cinematic experience. –Ana Souza

Midnight

Touch Me

Two codependent best friends become addicted to the heroin-like touch of an alien narcissist who may or may not be trying to take over the world.

Writer and director Addison Heimann’s second feature film is provocatively comedic, inventive, and insane in the best possible way. An ode to the deliriously stylistic lens of Japanese cinema in the ’60s and ’70s, Touch Me dares to “go there” with its themes of mental health, desire, and Hentai-infused sexual abandon.

Olivia Taylor Dudley sinks into character to portray a fractured and wandering human being in desperate need of a life-affirming touch, while Lou Taylor-Pucci’s tracksuit-clad alien persona is played to delightful perfection. Jordan Gavaris and Marlene Forte round out an impeccable cast of far-out characters who manage to be at once acrimonious yet relatable. The end result is a weird, wild, and frenzied fever dream with so much to unpack. While we may not be able to relieve our-

selves of self-doubt, deep-seated childhood trauma, and debilitating anxiety with the simple touch of an extraterrestrial being, maybe life isn’t so bad after all?–ADAM MONTGOMERY

From the Collection

Unzipped

Director Douglas Keeve goes behind the scenes of designer Isaac Mizrahi’s relentless drive and bold vision to bring his 1994 collection to life. From sketches to runway, this insider’s journey is packed with backstage drama, creative triumphs, and iconic supermodels, including Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Linda Evangelista. Sundance celebrates the 30 year anniversary of the first great American fashion documentary, Unzipped, a film that launched an entire subgenre. Director Douglas Keeve established a formula when he chose to follow a breakout designer rushing to create a new collection to launch at Fashion Week. Keeve weaves together a dizzying collection of go-sees, fittings, photoshoots, and fashion shows, riding the whirlwind of Isaac Mizrahi’s work life. Editor Paula Heredia’s rapid-fire style darts between passing moments of glamour, only occasionally slowing down to relish time backstage with icons like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford. Cinematographer Ellen Kuras’ camera oozes cool as it swaps black-and-white to color film, giving the viewer an insider’s peek into ’90s chic. – CHARLIE SEXTRO

More information on Sudance Film Festival is at FESTIVAL.SUNDANCE.ORG

pride journey

Park City, Utah, a mountain haven of LGBTQ inclusivity

BY JOEY AMATO

Nestled in

the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, Park City is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a world-class dining and relaxation experience. Originally a silver mining town, it has evolved into one of the most popular destinations in the United States, offering not just world-class ski resorts and summer outdoor activities, but also a rich blend of culture, fine dining, and leisure. Whether you are planning a winter getaway, visiting the renowned Sundance Film Festival, or just a weekend escape, Park City offers something for everyone. Among the many things that make it a premier destination are events like the Park City Wine Fest.

PARK CITY WINE FEST is a premier event that draws wine lovers from across the country. Held annually, this multiday festival is a celebration of fine wines from around the globe, paired with the breathtaking backdrop of the mountains. The event is perfect for both wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike, offering something for every palate.

The Wine Fest is not just about tasting a wide variety of wines; it also showcases local cuisine, with restaurants and chefs from Park City presenting gourmet dishes that complement the wines. Wine education is another key aspect of the event, with seminars led by sommeliers, winemakers, and wine experts who share their knowledge on everything from pairing wine with food

to understanding different wine regions.

The festival is a true highlight in Park City’s event calendar, combining the beauty of the location with a sophisticated, yet relaxed vibe. Attendees can explore a variety of experiences, including scenic mountain hikes paired with wine tastings, grand tastings at the base of Park City Mountain Resort, and intimate, wine-paired dinners, like the one I attended at the beautiful Waldorf Astoria. The Rustic Reds dinner was a wonderfully sophisticated wine-paired feast led by Wine Academy of Utah’s Jim Santangelo. The five-course meal began with a delicious amuse-bouche followed by beef tartare, endive salad, filet mignon and chocolate cake, each paired perfectly with a glass of wine hand selected by Santangelo.

For those who appreciate fine dining, Park City is home to a variety of outstanding restaurants, with Edge Steakhouse being one of the best.

Located in the WESTGATE PARK CITY RESORT & SPA, Edge Steakhouse blends traditional steakhouse fare with an innovative approach to cooking. Known for its exceptional service, high-quality cuts of meat, and fresh seafood, this restaurant offers a dining experience that is both luxurious and satisfying. What sets Edge Steakhouse apart is its attention to detail. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of cuts, from Wagyu beef to dry-aged steaks, all expertly prepared to perfection. Additionally, Edge offers an extensive wine list, making it easy to find the perfect pairing for your meal. The combination of excellent food, a sophisticated atmosphere, and top-notch service has earned Edge Steakhouse numerous

awards and recognitions, making it a must-visit for any foodie in Park City.

No visit to Park City would be complete without a stop at HIGH WEST DISTILLERY, the first legally licensed distillery in Utah since Prohibition. High West offers a unique experience, blending the old-world charm of the American West with modern-day distilling techniques. Located in the heart of downtown Park City, High West is known for its award-winning whiskeys, but it’s also a fantastic place to grab a bite to eat.

High West’s rustic atmosphere is part of its charm, and the distillery offers a range of whiskey varieties, from smooth bourbons to bold ryes, all made using time-honored methods. In addition to tastings, visitors can take tours of the distillery to learn about the history of whiskey-making in Utah and the art of distillation. I had the chance to attend an elegant Woodland Masquerade at the distillery in Wanship, a quick 20-minute drive from Park City. The event contained entertainment, delicious food and of course whiskey.

Park City isn’t just about great food and drinks – it’s also a haven for those looking to relax and recharge. One of the standout lodging options in Park City is LIFT PARK CITY, a modern mountain resort located in the heart of Canyons Village. LIFT offers luxury accommodations with a contemporary design, providing guests with all the comforts of home while being just steps away from worldclass skiing, hiking, and biking trails.

LIFT Park City is designed with both relaxation and adventure in mind. The resort features spacious residences with fully equipped kitchens, private balconies,

and stunning views of the mountains. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, fitness center, and other amenities that make it easy to unwind after a day of exploring.

Speaking of relaxing, after a day of outdoor activities, there’s no better way to unwind than with a visit to Serenity Spa.

Located within the Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, Serenity Spa offers a wide range of treatments designed to soothe both body and mind. From massages and facials to body wraps and aromatherapy, the spa’s expert therapists provide personalized treatments that leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The spa’s tranquil atmosphere is the perfect antidote to the stresses of everyday life. With its serene decor, calming scents, and peaceful music, Serenity Spa creates a truly relaxing environment where guests can escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Whether you’re indulging in a full day of pampering or just popping in for a quick treatment, Serenity Spa offers a luxurious retreat that will leave you feeling revitalized.

For those seeking a cozy and casual dining experience, CAFE TERIGO is a local favorite. This family-owned restaurant is known for its delicious

Italian-inspired dishes, made

locally

City, Cafe Terigo has a charming, rustic atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner.

The menu at Cafe Terigo features a variety of Italian and Mediterranean dishes, from wood-fired pizzas to house-made pastas. The restaurant is also known for its creative salads, seafood dishes, and delectable desserts. Whether you’re in the mood for a light bite or a hearty meal, Cafe Terigo’s menu offers something for everyone.

Park City is home to not one, but two gay ski weeks. The first, ELEVATION UTAH, takes place February 19–23, 2025,

and features Après-ski events, dance parties, and casual meetups, which draw attendees from around the country. QUEER SKI will take place from March 18–25 and is known to be more of a localized event drawing LGBTQ individuals from the region.

As my time in Park City came to an end, I couldn’t help but reflect on the town’s unique charm and diversity of experiences. From the adrenaline of skiing down powdery slopes to the peacefulness of a sunset hike, Park City captures the essence of adventure and tranquility in equal measure. The warmth of its local community, combined with its breathtaking natural beauty, makes this mountain town a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Our final evening consisted of the Rarities & Reserves tasting at Red Pine Lodge. We had the chance to sample a wonderful selection of small-batch and boutique wines from around the country in the most wonderful setting, high atop a mountain. It was the perfect way to end a perfect trip discovering Park City. Whether you’re a ski enthusiast or a nature lover, Park City should be on your list of places to explore.

Enjoy the Journey! Q

When buying or selling real estate, you don’t want a part-�me agent working a side hustle, but a professional who’s versed in winning a mul�ple offer ba�le, marke�ng strategies to get the best price, knowing LGBTQ vendors and allies for mortgages, inspec�ons, a�orneys, etc. With four decades as a full-�me agent/broker and the first ‘out’ REALTOR® in Utah, I’d love to help you with this huge financial decision. I sell downtown condos in Salt Lake, homes with casitas in St. George, homes of those who have passed, and 1031 exchanges on income or commercial proper�es. Text or call any�me. exchanges on income or commercial proper�es. Text or call any�me.

Babs De Lay, Urban Utah Homes and Estates 801.201.8824

with fresh,

sourced ingredients. Located on Main Street in downtown Park

JONATHAN BENNETT IS THE GAY KING OF CHRISTMAS

From ‘Mean Girls’ to Hallmark’s champion of queers, his story is a testament to the power of being unapologetically yourself

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

Fortunately,

queer representation on the Hallmark Channel is no longer a rare Christmas miracle, and much of that progress can be attributed to Jonathan Bennett. The actor, producer and proud Midwesterner is breaking barriers and challenging norms as a trailblazing advocate for queer love stories on a national stage.

From his early days in Toledo, Ohio, where he embraced life as a self-described “little queen,” to earning the fan-dubbed title “The Gay King of Christmas,” the “Mean Girls” actor has built a career rooted in authenticity, resilience and a passion for storytelling — especially narratives that celebrate inclusivity and resonate with diverse audiences. Now 43, he takes pride in seeing others thrive in the spaces he has worked tirelessly to create. He has not one but two groundbreaking queer-inclusive projects on the Hallmark Channel: “Finding Mr. Christmas,” a reality competition series he hosts in search of the next leading man for a Hallmark Christmas movie, and “The Groomsmen,” a three-part film that follows three best friends from diverse backgrounds and cultures as they come together to celebrate their weddings.

In a recent video interview, Bennett reflected on his roots, fondly recalling late-night drives from Ohio to Ann Arbor to go clubbing at NECTO. (“Necto for life, baby!” he exclaimed.) He also shared his aspirations for LGBTQ+ representation in media, including a dream project: reuniting with Lindsay Lohan for a holiday film. (Lindsay, are you listening?)

Ever the showman, Bennett introduced himself on camera with a playful face-framing gesture but confessed he couldn’t fully commit to the move. “My suit’s so friggin’ tight I can’t even lift my arms,” he joked. While it wasn’t exactly the moment for an armpit reveal, Bennett cheekily added, “Watch ‘Mr. Christmas.’ There are plenty of shirtless guys there.”

What can you tell me about growing up in Toledo and spending some time in Ann Arbor? I was just a little queen dancing around in Toledo, but we only had one gay bar called Bretz and me and my friends would drive up to Michigan and go to the Nectarine. Is it called Necto now or do they still call it Nectarine?

It’s just Necto. Now it’s Necto, very millennial. They shortened it and made it cooler.

For Gen Z’ers, it’ll just be Nec. N. It’ll just be the letter N.

What do the people back home in Ohio say about you being “The Gay King of Christmas”? My family loves it. It’s been a journey going from a little gay boy in Ohio scared of his own shadow, because it’s just a different place to grow up. You have to code-switch. You have to do all these things to protect yourself growing up and then to really own who you are and be unapologetically yourself. And then to

do that on national television and then to tell queer stories with love stories that look like your love story for the world to see has been such a journey. It really has.

And it’s scary at times, but also so rewarding for so many, many reasons. I tell these stories and make sure that we’re telling queer love stories on Hallmark because I think Hallmark has the power to reach such a vast audience.

After doing my first Hallmark movie, “The Christmas House,” where I had the first same-sex kiss, I saw the outpouring of support and love and the need for that story to be told. I knew that my purpose in life and my mission was to tell queer stories to a broad audience and not tell queer stories to a queer audience because those stories are being told a lot.

But what I wanted to focus on was telling queer stories to a broad audience that might not know an LGBTQ+ person in their life or might not know that they know one and be able to really show the humanity of those characters — and what their love looks like — so that way people watching could then identify with them as people and maybe connect with them as people. Maybe you can also change some hearts and minds that way. With these films, how did you start to see that you were having that kind of influence? After I did “The Christmas House,” so many people reached out online and messaged me just saying, “Thank you. I got to watch a Christmas movie with my family like we always do at the holidays, but this time I was able to see a love that looked like mine on screen.” And it’s a super powerful thing for people to feel represented in storytelling.

And it was the outpour of support and the outpouring of a lot of moms messaging me saying, “Hey, my teenager just came out to me and we were looking for what we could watch and watching your movies and seeing your love, he just lit up because he felt so connected to the characters and he felt seen.” So it wasn’t just the queer people reaching out to me. It was a lot of the parents reaching out saying, “Hey, just want to tell you ‘thank you.’” And that was the moment

where I was like, oh, this is my mission now. This is what I do. This is all I do. You keep breaking new ground regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion onscreen on Hallmark. Do you intend to keep moving in that direction? I love a challenge and I love doing things that haven’t been done. That’s what ignites me. Tell me no, because that will fire me up more than anything. Tell me we can’t do it, because I will find a way for it to happen. Being a queer actor in Hollywood for 20 years, I got so many nos and doors closed that it just fuels your fire where you’re like, I now have a tank, a battering ram, a cannon, and I will bust down any door that you try to close and I will open it no matter what. And it’s not about me opening the door, it’s about who walks in the door after I open it. That’s my goal: opening the doors of new characters and new storytelling on Hallmark and just in the Christmas space and in the romantic-comedy space in general. I love breaking down doors, but I also do it because I’m excited to see who walks through it after me. It’s not about me, it’s about the stories. I’m happy to open the door to let others walk through.

After seeing one of the contestants, DAXTON BLOOMQUIST, on “Finding Mr. Christmas” and hearing his story as a fellow gay Midwesterner, you got emotional. What was going through your mind? I think that moment with Daxton in the first episode is a culmination of all my hard work for the past four years of telling queer stories. And I remember him saying to me, “The reason I’m able to be here covered in glitter with a big rainbow sweater and a boa and feel confident prancing down the runway of the sweater challenge is because I feel safe because you’re here. Because I know you did it.” And when he said that to me, I got so emotional because it was like that moment where you’re like, it worked. It friggin’, friggin’, friggin’ worked. There’s that old poem about the person going with all the starfish that washed up on the sea, and they’re throwing the starfish back and they look down and the guy says, “But there’s thousands of

them. This isn’t going to make a difference.” And the guy picks up a starfish and throws it back in the sea and he goes, “It made a difference to that one.” And so it’s like, I’m not going to be able to save everyone and I’m not going to be able to do everything for everyone, but just Daxton telling me that was enough. I did it. I open the door and guess what? Daxton was the next person to walk through it. What a friggin’ delight.

What challenges have you faced in changing the narrative for queer people on TV? It has been challenging and it hasn’t, because the network has been super supportive of every single queer idea or storyline I bring to them. They pretty much greenlight everything I bring that makes sense and works. The challenge for me as a creator, producer, writer and actor is bringing to Hallmark storylines and scripts that are rooted in humanity with a love story that is authentic and beautiful. That’s where the challenge is — making sure that we’re telling a story that everyone can relate to. I think the big challenge for me in telling queer stories is… I have written on my dry erase board at home “BBD: Bigger, Better, Different.” What are we doing that is BBD with storytelling? Is it bigger than another story we’ve told? Is it better than another story or is it different? It’s got to have at least two of those three qualities. So the pressure to tell queer stories is immense for me because I want to make sure that every time I do it, I do it in the most authentic, correct way possible. And I’m very proud of the projects that I’ve done and been a part of and told queer stories in because I do feel like every single one of them is authentic. They’re authentic and they’re grounded. We’re not just telling a gay story to tell a gay story. What inspired the portrayal of a gay man within a circle of straight male friendships in “The Groomsmen”? Could you share what influenced this dynamic and what thoughts guided you in shaping this group dynamic? I got married two years ago. My group of friends were my groomsmen in my wedding; some were gay, some were straight, and I was the groomsman

in most of their weddings the years before that. Some of us were gay, some were straight. And I thought that was a really interesting plot for a storyline because it’s something that really happens in 2024. And it’s something we don’t see in movies a lot. We don’t see straight friends and gay friends in one kind of squad brotherhood, navigating life. But that’s the funniest group of friends to navigate life with. And it’s the most interesting group of friends to navigate life with.

Because in my group of friends, we make fun of each other constantly every single day. If you’re being nice to me, I know something’s up; if you’re making fun of me or calling me out or cracking a joke at my expense, that’s how a lot of men show love for each other. That’s how we share our emotions with each other.

But then that same group of friends, at the end of the day, if you’re crying and need someone, a shoulder to cry on, they’re the first ones there. So I think there’s a really fun dynamic of taking the piss out of each other. I can’t lie to my squad. If I try, they call me out instantly and they’re like, “Bullshit, Jonathan.”

And then, if at the end of the day, those same guys that are making fun of me for not being authentic and real, I can then

call and say, “I need help,” and they’re the first ones to show up. So I think it’s a really powerful dynamic to show in movies, and we’ve never seen it before. So that, again, goes back to my storytelling kind of agony that I have when trying to tell these stories. Is it bigger, better and different than the other stories we’ve seen? “The Groomsmen” definitely was, and that’s why it was a no-brainer. People on the internet are really into the chemistry between you and your co-star, Alexander Lincoln. What should people know about building that relationship for the screen? You know what? Alexander is such a goof and an idiot, and I mean that in the best way possible. He’s just unapologetically Alexander. And that’s what’s so fascinating about him. And it goes back to the thing that I really try to strive for, which is being unapologetically yourself. And he is that. And so it was so easy to have chemistry with him because we both were like, here’s who I am. Here’s my quirks. Here’s what I do. It was almost like when I met my husband, Jaymes. I was just myself and just so stupid and corny and cheesy and wacky, and that’s what made Jaymes fall in love. And so meeting Alex, we both were just authentically us. It was just so fun to have him on set because he also is different from any of the other Hallmark actors that you’re used to seeing. He has a different style in his acting, which I thought was really refreshing. I have to ask about you and Lindsay — Lindsay Lohan, of course. Oh yes. There’s only one Lindsay in my life.

You are now both a part of the Christmas universe. Does that mean you two will bring your universes together at some point? So let me tell you what I want: I want to do a Christmas movie with Lindsay, and I want her to be my guardian angel. I want it to be a “Christmas Carol” where she’s like the Christmas angel or ghost that comes and helps lead me through whatever I need to learn on my journey around the holidays, because I think that would be so funny, and I think Lindsay would look so fierce in a really amazing, sexy, white outfit, and she’s just like my angel that comes and leads me around, and I think that would be a really fun movie to make.

And you’ve told her this? I have not, but we’re telling her right now.

What did you think of the new “Mean Girls” adaptation? I haven’t seen it because I was busy being on Broadway. I didn’t get to see the movie because I was in a show eight times a week, so haven’t seen it, but maybe I’ll watch it one day.

Did you contribute to any of the decor in the “Finding Mr. Christmas” house? And did you take any of the decor with you when you left it? I helped design the entire aesthetic of the show and the house. I was one of the designers of it. However, I didn’t actually physically do anything because we had the most amazing art department and set designer that did all that stuff. And so I helped come up with it, but I didn’t actually execute any of it.

I didn’t steal anything from the set, but I did walk out with 10 new friends, which are the hunks of “Finding Mr. Christmas,” because they’re such a brotherhood. They’re such a squad. They’re just such a great group of guys and they’re there for each other. And so I walked out with 10 new friends.

Did you ever steal anything from the “Mean Girl” set? No, but I stole my jacket from “Christmas House” because... well, I wouldn’t say I stole it, but I took it and then they never asked for it back because it was fitted to me like a glove. It fits so well that I’m like, OK, I’m taking this home. I need this jacket in my life. And then they called a few months later and were like, “We need the jacket back because it’s going in the Smithsonian archives under the LGBTQ+ archives for the first time there was ever a same-sex kiss in a Christmas movie. And I was like, OK, it’s a good weekend to give the jacket back. And so I have to go pretend like, oh, I must have taken it accidentally and send it back to the network so they could put it in the archives. The one time I take a jacket that’s fitted to me like a glove is the time that the Smithsonian calls and is like, “We need the jacket back.” 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.

Iam not

a basketball guy. What I mean by this is I’m five-eight on a good day. The part of my brain responsible for hand-eye coordination didn’t grow in until eighth grade, at which point I used it solely for evil (read: musical theatre). I’m not a sports fan in general, which means I’m definitely not a University of Utah basketball fan. This is not to say that I’m anti-basketball, unlike my partner Nathan. Nathan is a six-footthree-inch, corn-fed specimen from an undisclosed location in the American Midwest who converted me to professional baseball through the simple act of taking me to a live game. When I asked him his feelings on basketball, he shrugged; when I asked if he’d ever been to a live game, he winced. “I understand why people like it, but the sneakers on the hardwood floor, with the sweat … it’s too squeaky. It’s a very squeaky game.”

We are not a basketball household. So when Jerry approached me about writing a play based on the life of Wat Misaka, my first question was “who?”

Once Jerry laid out the basic facts for me, I was sold on the story. How could I not be? By the age of 25, Wat Misaka had led the University of Utah

Telling Wat Misaka’s

story in my play

KILO-WAT

helped me understand my own

BY AARON ASANO SWENSON

basketball team to two national championships before being drafted by the New York Knickerbockers, making him the first Asian American — in fact, the first person of color — in the NBA. Even though the Knicks let him go after only three months, he was offered a position on the Harlem Globetrotters, which he turned down so he could finish his engineering degree. And all of this happened between 1943 and 1947, when anti-Japanese sentiment in the United States was at an all-time high.

By the end of our meeting, I knew the following: the play would be performed by one actor, it needed to be about 45 minutes long, and I couldn’t interview the subject of the play since Wat Misaka passed away in 2019. After several months, I knew a lot more about Wataru Misaka, his life, his accomplishments, and his tour of duty as a military intelligence officer during World War II. But I still didn’t know how I was going to tell his story. I tried a few different approaches in a few different ways. The dividing line between myth and legend is vanishingly small for sports heroes in the U.S., so I thought about the story as if it were a traditional Japanese folktale. I tried writing it as a live recording of a sports podcast. I’m a fiend for trivia, so I played with the idea of framing it all as a pub quiz-style game. I even tried a few passes as a first-person monologue, which I had determined not to do at the outset — I didn’t know how to be

sure what he might say. None of these approaches felt like the right fit. I liked little bits of each, but not enough of one.

In the end, it was that trivia helped me find my way — not surprising, since trivia may be one of the few places where the interests of “sports people” and “theatre people” overlap.

CONNECTION

Before I continue, I’d like to acknowledge that I’m oversimplifying some extremely complex scientific processes in the interest of constructing a convenient metaphor. In my defense, A) I’m sorry, and B) I really wanted to do it.

You’ve probably heard that lightning takes the path of least resistance. And that’s not exactly wrong, but it’s not exactly right, either. It might be more accurate to call it “the path of best connection.” When a cloud has enough charge for lightning to form, it sends out tendrils called “stepped leaders.” They reach out in every direction, about a hundred and fifty feet at a time, at about 200,000 miles an hour. Each leader is basically testing a different route until one connects with the earth. When it does, a massive stream of opposite charge races back up along that connection to the cloud where it started in a burst of light. This power surge, called the “return stroke,” is what we think of as lightning. Not the process — the build-up, the exploring, the moment of connection. Just the part we see: this colossal, incandescent bridge between heaven and earth that moves so quickly our eyes can’t tell what just happened.

Connection defines us. Even when I’m the only one credited for part of a project, I’m not working alone. I can’t throw together a convincing color commentary for a sporting event. I can’t construct a garment from scratch. I can’t create a documentary film about Wat Misaka containing primary source interviews from experts in multiple fields, friends and family, and the man himself. I do the things I know how to do. I ask the questions I know how to ask. I use the resources I’m able to find; then I tell you what I found, how

men’s

I experienced it, and what it meant to me. For nearly everything else, I look to the absurdly gifted people around me for guidance and inspiration.

THE COST OF MEMORIES

My maternal grandparents, Hideyuki “Harry” Arita and Gail Kimiko Minamoto, were both born in the United States to immigrant parents. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, which authorized the U.S. Army to remove Japanese Americans from “military areas,” which included the entire west coast. This forced relocation applied to both “issei” — “first-generation” immigrants born in Japan — and their American-born, “second-generation” children, or “nisei.” Harry and Gail met briefly before their imprisonment, and they continued their courtship through letters. My grandfather was released early from the Minidoka incarceration camp to a job in Northern Utah, and my grandmother joined him a few months later. They were married in Brigham City in 1946 and lived there briefly before relocating to California. None of the letters survived. We have no records of how they spent that time, or where. But Wat Misaka spent Christmas of 1946 with his family in Ogden, and the U’s victory at the NIT championship happened in March of 1947. Even if my grandparents never met Wat Misaka in person, they must have known who he was. Unfortunately, I’ll never know for sure.

My mother heard very little from her parents about their experiences during and immediately after the war. There are things we’ll never know, and that’s okay. In a lot of cases, it’s a blessing. The more you know, the more you carry. This is the cost of memories, of legacy. Parts of the story might change or soften with time, but I can’t begrudge anybody for wanting to set something down after carrying it for decades, or finding a gentler way to carry it so the weight doesn’t injure or kill them. In the decades since my grandparents passed away, I have come up with dozens

of questions I wish I could ask. I missed my opportunity, but there are other things I didn’t try, and I wish I had before I finished writing this piece. There were people that I could’ve talked to, who would’ve been able to pick up the phone when I called, who could’ve given me answers that illuminated things I couldn’t see, things I didn’t even know I was looking for. I didn’t think I could handle asking questions of people who really knew the answers. There were some answers I wasn’t sure I could bear. There are questions that will haunt us no matter who we are, that linger like radiation, invisible and slowly fading, damaging us on scales

that we might not see or comprehend, unspooling our DNA and changing the parts of us that tell us how to be ourselves.

RECOLLECTIONS

I will never meet Vadal Peterson, who was the head coach when Wat Misaka played for the University of Utah. Nonetheless, he taught me something important through the training he assigned to Wat and the rest of the team. The success of the University of Utah men’s basketball team was never just about strategy — it was about conditioning and teamwork. It was about preparing their bodies and their minds for unforeseen challenges. It was about trusting the work, and it was about trusting your teammates. We all live on to one extent or another through the recollections of others after we die. Much has been said about this by people

more eloquent than I. But it’s equally important to remember that the same people carry us with them while we are still alive. It is so easy for us to lose ourselves in this world and its stories. When we forget who we are, they can remind us. After lightning strikes, when the afterimage fades, we can only retell what’s been recorded. There’s no substitute for connection. You tell yourself you’ll get around to it until one day you can’t, because one of you isn’t around anymore. The dead don’t hold still for us. That was a mistake I made in my own life as well as in writing this show. Once someone passes away, it’s easy to assume that you can take your time making your peace, filling in the remaining gaps. But the dead don’t hold still. The distance between us and those who are gone keeps changing because we are constantly in motion. Our mutual orbits are distorted by the gravity of newer, larger things.

RECONNECTION

To tell this story, I had to tell my own — how I found my connection with Wat Misaka, and how he reconnected me with my own family. I can’t interview Wat Misaka. I can’t ask my grandparents to fill in any blanks. But there are still a few people I can talk to about them, who remember them as “Gail” and “Harry,” and not “Grandma and Grandpa Arita.” They can add color and detail to the versions of my grandparents that still live in my head and heart. That’s the miracle of community and communal storytelling. Even if I’ll never speak to them again in this life, I can still get to know them a little better because of the connections that still exist between us. There is still time for lightning to strike — to connect us across time and space, to illuminate our surroundings and the path ahead, if only for a short while. Q Aaron Asano Swenson is probably best known for his portrayal of Hedwig in all three of Plan-B Theatre’s HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH. Public performances of the world premiere of his play KILO-WAT are February 14–16, 2025, in a Plan-B Theatre/ UtahPresents co-production as part of the Stage Door Series at Kingsbury Hall (not at Plan-B’s regular home at The Rose). planbtheatre.org/kilo-wat

While trying to uncover who ‘fake Tegan’ is, the lesbian duo uncovered a lot more in the process

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

Thenew Hulu documentary “Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara” makes some horror films look like Disney fare. That’s because something is especially scary when it could happen to you. Or in this case, a lesbian Canadian indie-turned-pop duo beloved by the LGBTQ+ community: Tegan and her twin sister Sara Quin. To chilling effect, the film chronicles a terrifying series of events that infiltrated their lives.

In the early stages of their rise in the 1990s, Tegan and Sara — known for their infectious indie-rock songs in the early 2000s — became iconic figures within the LGBTQ+ community, at a time when openly queer musicians were still a rarity. Their deep connection with queer fans was particularly strong, given the scarcity of such representation in music. Their mainstream breakthrough came with the release of “Heartthrob” in 2012, marking their shift to synth-pop and earning them millions of new fans, including Taylor

The Horror Behind the Music: Tegan and Sara’s Unbelievable Real-Life Catfishing Saga

performed during her “Red” tour that same year.

A DISTURBING BETRAYAL

But behind the scenes, the Quins were facing a disturbing betrayal. Tegan discovered in 2011 that someone with access to deeply personal details of their lives — details they hadn’t shared publicly, like their mother’s cancer diagnosis — was impersonating her and had been since 2008. This “fake Tegan,” the name they used within their inner circle to keep track of the imposter sister, befriended fans on social media, even engaging in romantic conversations, all while feeding them false information and ghosting on planned meetups. Things escalated further: their passports were leaked, private photos were made public, and the invasion of their privacy continued. Beyond the Quins, their closest friends, cyber security specialists, the FBI and numerous victims who were deceived by fake Tegan, no one knew the sisters were living through this real-life nightmare. “Just so frightening and overwhelming,” Tegan shares. “And I’m really good at dissociating from scary things.”

On a video call with Tegan, who I interviewed in 2013 while this was happening in the background, she admitted why they chose to stay silent about

being catfished at the time. Primarily it was out of necessity for the safety of them and the numerous people — from fans to lovers — deeply affected by fake Tegan. “We didn’t talk about it publicly, because it just seemed like it would be worse,” she says. “It would make it worse, it would draw too much attention. It might attract more predators.”

The other reason is simple, and once you watch the film, it becomes clear — it unfolds like a whodunit game of “Clue,” or as the documentary itself references, given the Myspace-era time frame in which some of this is happening, the 1995 cyber-thriller “The Net.” Except this wasn’t a movie.

“It’s not an easy story to sit down and tell,” Tegan explains. There were other difficult decisions they had to make, too, like figuring out who they could trust with sensitive details. What if they confided in the person who was actually the imposter, posing as Tegan? She adds, “I certainly couldn’t email about it, because I wasn’t 100% sure my emails weren’t being constantly hacked.”

FAME AMPLIFIES THE PROBLEM

Their catfishing ordeal is compelling in its own right, but director Erin Lee Carter frames this disturbing story within the larger context of how fame can ampli-

Swift, with whom they later

fy situations where fans feel entitled to the most intimate details of the artists they admire. “It’s just so unnatural to be famous,” Tegan reflects, acknowledging that the artist-fan relationship should be centered on the music — yet stardom often complicates that dynamic, making it something far more invasive or even parasocialistic. Given this, can we really blame Chappell Roan for setting stricter boundaries with fans and photographers? “Fanatical” may just challenge your perspective on whether these boundaries are an act of ingratitude or simply a necessary part of doing the job of an artist who also happens to be a person.

“There were just expectations on artists,” she reflects. “There’s always been, and I think these days the younger artists are stepping up and going, ‘Actually, I don’t want to do this.’ I love how Mitski handled this record cycle. They virtually did no press.”

She says that Mitski, a fellow queer artist, is “an example of an artist who said, ‘The world’s my oyster, and everyone is listening to me and talking about me right now, and I’m not going to take every opportunity. I’m not.’ And I think some of these younger artists are prioritizing themselves and their health and their families over fame. A lot of queer artists and women, specifically, are speaking out right now, which is so inspiring and amazing.”

She adds that Roan is “just one artist basically saying, ‘Leave me alone.’ I mean, you think every famous person likes having to spend six or seven figures a year on security? Have their houses camped out at? They can’t go for dinner or to Disney World with their kids without people coming up and asking for selfies. We’re at a point in our culture where we have to ask ourselves if that’s OK. People will tell you, ‘Well, that’s your job, and you owe that to us.’ And I’m not interested in playing that game because I don’t feel that way. It’s absolutely not my job, and I’m absolutely not.”

Chalk it up to Tegan and Sara being 43 now — and also being inspired by a

new generation of artists like Roan. “I don’t feel like I owe anyone anything except for what I choose to put out in the world, and you can take it or leave it, you know, so I don’t…,” she says, laughing. “I think we’re old.”

“We’re not those kinds of people where you can scour our social media,” she adds. “You don’t see us with our friends. You don’t see us with our family. You don’t see us with our partners. We keep the majority of ourselves private, but I think we do a really excellent job of still making you feel like you’re a part

“Culturally, everything has shifted so much in the last 20 years,” she says. “We’re so glad there was no Internet when we were teenagers,” she says, “because we would have absolutely filmed ourselves and put ourselves on the internet. It’s no judgment of people that are doing it. We would have done it. We filmed ourselves all the time, but we just played it for our friends.”

The violation of their privacy that would come later serves as a stark reminder of how drastically the internet can alter someone’s life. While stealing intimate

of what we’re building and the music and our story, but we’re very, very protective of our personal life now.”

CULTURE SHIFT

Tegan recognizes how vastly different being a public figure would feel in the 1990s; for one major reason she’s grateful the duo did make waves before information was tweeted and dissected on Reddit. The sisters built relationships with their loyal queer following offline, through more direct, personal and physical methods, like in small clubs, in magazine interviews and during meet-and-greets.

details once required breaking into a filing cabinet by first breaking into someone’s house, now it only takes a few clicks.

The film asks, with urgency and abiding relevancy: What exactly is the “job” of a pop star? The follow-up question it seems to ask is just as important: Is that job different for queer pop stars? For queer artists in the pre-digital age of the 1990s, when social media did not provide a window into the lives of their favorite artists, fans of queer artists felt the need to understand the identities of those they admired. To love them was to know them,

fully. Tegan and Sara became mirrors for fans, reflecting their own identities and experiences — a connection I can personally relate to. While many queer artists wouldn’t overtly label the pressure of this representation as a burden, and many express gratitude for offering visibility to those who need it, this responsibility often comes at the cost of privacy and the erosion of personal boundaries

During their career ascension especially, Tegan acknowledges that she and Sara kept some healthy distance from fans, but their very presence as openly queer artists created a deep connection with many in the queer community. For many queer people, finding a queer-to-queer experience was rare, and this made their bond with Tegan and Sara even more significant.

“I definitely think we made a lot of space for queer people, for sure,” she says. “I think they were feeling very realized and seen by us, and we felt the same. I was looking out into an audience of people who looked like me, who lived the same lifestyle at times where we didn’t even have equal rights. There was a pretty

epic energy exchange and love felt.”

SUSPECTS

The film takes you through a maze of potential suspects, including those closest to them and die-hard fans. But it also shifted course during the actual filming of it, the primary reason being “it’s a complicated portrait that we have of this person,” Tegan says. “I think this person was young and confused and has issues. It just felt time to move on.”

“By the end of production, I think we all had a really complicated understanding of everyone in the movie,” she adds. “I mean, many of the victims had also victimized me. Many of the victims were also deeply apologetic, and were like, ‘What was I doing on Tumblr, looking for your personal email?’”

Tegan describes “Fanatical” as “a bit of a time machine” that examines just how “commonplace and normalized” it has become to pry into the lives of public figures. Even as they were making the documentary, she says, “we just recognized that this film ended up being a human story about the internet and

fame.”Although the film provided Tegan with “the closure I needed” regarding fake Tegan, new evidence has surfaced regarding that person’s identity. People have come forward with additional information, leading to breakthroughs. “We had some pretty revelatory meetings with an FBI profiler and investigator with 25 years of experience,” she says. “They reviewed everything and created a fascinating map, which is why we think we know who the fake Tegan is.” According to the film, which Tegan again confirmed during our interview, all the physical evidence so far points to someone in the U.K.

With this saga mostly behind them, Tegan and Sara are considering their follow-up to 2022’s “Crybaby.” “We’re still going to make music,” Tegan assures. “We’re just going to do it on our own terms, like we always have.” 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 X @chrisazzopardi.

REVIEW BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

‘One

Day I’ll Grow Up and Be a Beautiful Woman’ by Abi Maxwell

C.2024,

KNOPF, $28, 307 PAGES

“How many times have I told you that…?” How many times have you heard that? Probably so often that, well, you stopped listening. From your mother, when you were very small. From your teachers in school. From your supervisor, significant other, or best friend. As in the new memoir “One Day I’ll Grow Up and Be a Beautiful Woman” by Abi Maxwell, it came from a daughter.

When she was pregnant, Abi Maxwell took long walks in the New Hampshire woods near her home, rubbing her belly and talking to her unborn baby. She was sure she was going to have a girl but when the sonogram technician said otherwise, that was okay. Maxwell and her husband would have a son.

q

scopes

JANUARY

BY SAM KELLEY-MILLS

ARIES March 20–April 19

A new start is always a great idea, and even more so when it is on everyone’s mind. Be diverse and show that you can be whatever you want to be. Express yourself and be stylish.

TAURUS Apr 20–May 20

Focus on finances and get your head in the game of being a true adult. It might seem like a thankless task, but the rewards are abundant. Peace of mind leads to pieces of bliss.

GEMINI May 21–June 20

The worst way to get your way is to give in to the pressures of others. Even though you want to make everyone happy,

the bookworm sez

But almost from birth, their child was angry, fierce, and unhappy. Just getting dressed each morning was a trial. Going outside was often impossible. Autism was a possible diagnosis but more importantly, Maxwell wasn’t listening, and she admits it with some shame.

Her child had been saying, in so many ways, that she was a girl.

Once Maxwell realized it and acted accordingly, her daughter changed almost overnight from an angry child to a calm one — though she still, understandably, had outbursts from the bullying behavior of her peers and some adults at school. Nearly every day, Greta (her new name) said she was teased, called by her former name, and told that she was a boy.

Maxwell had fought for special education for Greta once autism was confirmed. Now, she fought for Greta’s rights at school, and sometimes within her own family. The ACLU got involved. State laws were broken. Maxwell reminded anyone who’d listen that the suicide rate for trans kids was frighteningly high. Few in her town seemed to care.

Throughout her life, Maxwell had been in many other states and lived in other cities. New Hamp-

it is not really worth it sometimes. Deal with a firm hand.

CANCER June 21–July 22

You are always down to celebrate and this time is a good opportunity to dance and be merry. Look forward to what’s to come with open arms and a big heart. No shame in happiness!

LEO July 23–August 22

The best possible outcome may come with some compromise. Stay true to your method and beliefs, but enjoy hearing the perspectives of others. In the end, diversity is a pleasure.

VIRGO August 23–Sep 2

You aren’t convinced that change is really happening, but that’s not to say you can’t prioritize. Consider friends and personal matters you want to improve and get to work. It’s a good time!

shire used to feel as comforting as a warm blanket but suddenly, she knew they had to get away from it. Her “town that would not protect us.”

When you hold “One Day I’ll Grow Up and Be a Beautiful Woman,” you’ve got more than a memoir in your hands. You’ve also got a whitehot story that seethes with anger and rightful resentment, that wails for a hurt child and rattles the bars of injustice. And yet, it coos over love of place, but in a confused manner, as if these things don’t belong together.

Author Abi Maxwell is honest with readers, taking full responsibility for not listening to what her preschooler was saying-not-saying, and she lets you see her emotions and her worst points. In the midst of her community-wide fight, she reveals how the discrimination Greta endured affected Maxwell’s marriage and her health – all of which give a reader the sense that they’re not being sold a tall tale.

Read this book, and outrage becomes familiar enough that it’s yours, too. Read “One Day I’ll Grow Up and Be a Beautiful Woman,” and share it. This is a book you’ll tell others about. Q

LIBRA Sept 23–October 22

Whatever you do, you can’t go wrong with being thankful for what you have. Perfection is an illusion, but can also be a reference point. Don’t worry about flaws as they add charm.

SCORPIO Oct 23–Nov 21

There could be some confusion regarding a relationship, but that’s okay. As long as fun is at the heart of your interactions, nothing else matters. Slide into the present and enjoy!

SAGITTARIUS

Nov 22–December 20

Don’t get stuck on ideas that hold you back. Even if you don’t fully understand, you can appreciate what works and what doesn’t. Go with the flow and learn new techniques.

CAPRICORN

Dec 21–Jan 19

You might be feeling left out, but it’s simply a space you can occupy and thrive. Career and hobbies are calling for you to make a difference. Figure out a path you like and proceed.

AQUARIUS Jan 20–Feb 18

Exhaustion is overtaking you, so take time to rest. Some meaningful stimulation is bound to help with the healing process. The soul needs the body to get on the same page. Enjoy yourself.

PISCES Feb 19–Mar 19

The most complicated of situations have simple solutions. Take your feelings into account and find stimulation in doing the right things. There is no better time to adopt new habits. Q

Kyle’s Bed & Breakfast by

Greg Fox

41 Put out

42 Part of YSL

1 Byte beginning

5 Confrontation between divas, e.g.

10 “To know me love me”

14 Spread out on the breakfast table

15 Switch positions

16 Glenn Burke, formerly 17 Thoroughfare for those into urine?

20 Cirque du Soleil show with eggs

21 Takes advantage of pupils?

22 Live in gay Paree

23 Tic (sometime fruit mint)

24 Disney star Funicello

27 Organ pleasured by Bernstein

28 One-time link

29 Chinese revolutionary Sun -Sen 30 Spider who bit SpiderMan, and others 32 “And bed” 34 “Shakespeare In Love” Oscar winner Judi 35 Fairy tale girl into fisting?

44 Try to catch your lover cheating, perhaps

47 Org. in many spy movies

50 Mouth-to-mouth pro

51 Club where you can dance with a sailor

52 One who does this has balls

54 Lesbian opponent of Wade

55 Give a gentle push

57 Invitation from bottoms to tops?

58 Castro Street, on BART

59 Breakfast for hustlers and prostitutes?

63 Bolshevik Trotsky

64 The British Museum’s Marbles

65 Hitchcock flick based on Leopold and Loeb

66 Ancient European language

67 Lorca’s shore

68 It gets spilled at wild parties

1 Imports from the land of the samurai

2 It helps you get it up

3 Move to a gay-friendly state, e.g.

4 One path to internet porn

5 Ravenclaw, cofounder of Hogwarts

6 Straight

7 Lief’s tongue

8 “___ Were a Rich Man”

9 Bears org.

10 Icon letters

11 Like half of the odd couple

12 Overdo the S&M 13 Info for waiters

18 Anthem starter

19 Albert in “The Birdcage”

25 Counterfeiters’ nemeses

26 Chinese tree

31 Cruising greeting 33 Chances

34 “Well, You Evah” (19-Down tune)

36 Like food that makes you spit

37 Nastase of the net

38 TV actress Dietrich 39 Rubber 40 Virgin submission of old

43 Having a hissy fit 44 Screw up 45 Shakespeare’s Shylock for one 46 Where to see chaps in chaps

BUSINESS

LGBTQ+ Affirmative

Therapists Guild

 lgbtqtherapists.com

* jim@lgbtqtherapists.com

Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

 utahlgbtqchamber.com

* info@utahgaychamber.com

Utah Independent Business Coalition

 utahindependentbusiness.org

801-879-4928

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-7233

YWCA of Salt Lake

 ywcautah.org

322 E 300 S 801-537-8600

HEALTH & HIV

Planned Parenthood

 bit.ly/ppauslchiv

654 S 900 E 801-322-5571

Salt Lake County Health Dept STD Clinic

 slco.org/health/ std-clinic/

610 S 200 E, 2nd Floor

Walk-ins M-F 8a-5p Appts 385-468-4242

UAF Legacy Health

 uafhealth.org

150 S 1000 E 801-487-2323

Weber-Morgan Health

Mon., Weds 1-4:30p 477 23rd St, Ogden Appt 801-399-7250

HOMELESS SVCS

VOA Homeless Youth Resource Ctr, ages 15—21

880 S 400 W 801-364-0744

LEGAL

Rainbow Law Free Clinic

2nd Weds 6-7:30pm Olpin Student Union, Panorama East probono@law.utah.edu

POLITICAL

Equality Utah

 equalityutah.org

* info@equalityutah.org

376 E 400 S 801-355-3479

Utah Libertarian Party

129 E 13800 S #B2-364 libertarianutah.org 866-511-UTLP

Utah Stonewall Democrats

 utahstonewalldemocrats.org

 fb.me/ utahstonewalldems

SPIRITUAL

First Baptist Church

 firstbaptist-slc.org

11a Sundays

777 S 1300 E 801-582-4921

Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church

10:30a Sunday worship

175 S 700 E 801-328-0521

 mttaborslc.org

Sacred Light of Christ

 slcchurch.org

823 S 600 E 801-595-0052

11a Sundays

SPORTS

The Divine Assembly

 thedivineassembly.org

10am Sunday worship

389 W 1830 S, 11am meditation, 12pm 532 E 800 N, Orem SOCIAL

Alternative Garden Club

 utahagc.org/clubs/ altgardenclub/

1 to 5 Club (bisexual)

 fb.com/ groups/1to5clubutah

blackBOARD

Men’s Kink/Sex/BDSM education, 1st, 3rd Mons.

 blackbootsslc.org

blackBOOTS Kink/BDSM

Men’s leather/kink/ fetish/BDSM 4th Sats.

 blackbootsslc.org

Dudes Movie Night

Fourth Thursday Dinner and Social fb.com/ groups/312955669422305/

Mindfully Gay

 mindfullygay.com

OWLS of Utah (Older, Wiser, Lesbian Sisters)

 bit.ly/owlsutah

qVinum Wine Tasting

 qvinum.com

Seniors Out and Proud

 fb.me/soaputah

* info@soaputah.org 801-856-4255

Temple Squares Square Dance Club

 templesquares.org

801-449-1293

Utah Bears

 utahbears.com

 fb.me/utahbears

* info@utahbears.com

6pm Weds Beans & Brews

906 S 500 E

Utah Male Naturists

 umen.org

 fb.me/utahmalenaturists

* info@umen.org

Utah Pride Center

 utahpridecenter.org

* info@utahpridecenter.org

1380 S Main St

801-539-8800

Venture OUT Utah

 bit.ly/GetOutsideUtah

Cheer Salt Lake

 cheersaltlake.com

QUAC — Queer Utah

Aquatic Club

 quacquac.org

* questions@ quacquac.org

Salt Lake Goodtime

Bowling League

 bit.ly/slgoodtime

Stonewall Sports SLC

 fb.me/SLCStonewall

 stonewallsaltlakecity. leagueapps.com 385-243-1828

Utah Gay Football League

 fb.me/UtahGayFootballLeague

Venture Out Utah

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

SUPPORT

Alcoholics Anonymous

801-484-7871

 utahaa.org

LGBT meetings: Sun. 3p Acceptance Group, All Saints Episcopal Church, 1710 Foothill Dr

Tues. 7p Live & Let Live, Mt Tabor Lutheran, 175 S 700 E

Wed. 7p Sober Today, 1159 30th St , Ogden Wed. 7p Bountiful Men’s Group, Am. Baptist Btfl Church, 1915 Orchard Dr, Btfl Fri. 7p Stonewall Group, Mt Tabor Lutheran, 175 S 700 E

Crystal Meth Anon

 crystalmeth.org

USARA, 180 E 2100 S Clean, Sober & Proud Sun. 1:30pm Leather Fetish & Kink Fri. 8:30pm

Genderbands

 genderbands.org fb.me/genderbands

LifeRing Secular Recovery

801-608-8146

 liferingutah.org

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

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

LGBTQ+ Affirmative 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

JOIN OUR GROUP OF ACTIVE OUT SENIORS

Our Vision is to reduce social isolation and loneliness, improve the health and well-being of older adults and to empower them to lead meaningful and connected lives in which they are engaged and participating in the community. Our Mission is to reimagine aging by empowering older adults to live life to the fullest potential guided by these five pillars:

• Cherish the Journey

• Encourage the Body

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

• Inspire the Mind

• Nurture the Spirit

• Empower the Future Find us at SeniorsOutAndProudUtah.org and Facebook.com/SOAPUtah

HAPPINESS

BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE

Jinkx Monsoon returns to Broadway

Jinkx Monsoon already made her Broadway debut in “Chicago” in 2023, and now they want her back there for a reimagined “Pirates of Penzance.” The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” legend will hit the boards in “Pirates! The Penzance Musical,” alongside “Frazier” star David Hyde Pierce and Ramin Karimloo (“Funny Girl”). Rupert Holmes has taken the classic Gilbert & Sullivan comic opera and is turning it on its head to become a New Orleans-set, jazz-based musical comedy. Monsoon will play Ruth, Karimloo the Pirate King, and Pierce will handle Major General Stanley. And yes, readers of a certain age will remember Mr. Holmes from his ’70s pop career and “The Piña Colada Song.” Now you know what’s he’s been up to lately. Check out his latest project in April of 2025.

Andrew Scott feels the ‘Pressure’ Andrew Scott refuses to take a vacation. He’s jumped on board another new project, “Pressure,” for director-screenwriter Anthony Maras (“Hotel Mumbai”) and Olivier Award winning co-screenwriter David Haig. The true story, based on Haig’s acclaimed play, is set during WWII, will star Scott as Britain’s chief meteorologist James Stagg, whose timing assessments and decision-making was critical to Allied forces on the eve of the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Brendan Fraser plays Dwight Eisenhower and the film co-stars Kerry Condon (“The Banshees of Inisherin”), Chris Messina (“The Mindy Project”) and Damian Lewis (“Billions”). This has award season written all over it, of course, and it’s currently filming in the U.K. Make plans now to take your history-loving Dad on a movie date.

Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna’s trans drama

Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna, the men from “Y Tu Mama Tambien,” and a million other things, have taken their collective production power and used it for good over and over. This time they’re the producers of a new Argentine film,

deep inside hollywood

“Thesis on a Domestication,” from director Javier Van de Couter (“Mia,” “Implosion”). It’s already won the Gold Q-Hugo award at the Chicago International Film Festival and is based on a novel by Argentine trans author and screenwriter Camila Sosa Villada. She stars in the film, as well, alongside Mexican actor Alfonso Herrera (“Ozark”). “Thesis” is the story of a successful Argentine trans actress who becomes involved with a lawyer, eventually marrying him. And though that may sound traditional, nothing that happens fits the usual pattern of domestic life as she demands right to defy every kind of conservative structure. The trailer has dropped online so be on the lookout for this one at an arthouse theater near you.

Indya Moore visits ‘Mother, Father, Sister, Brother’

“Pose” princess Indya Moore is hard at work on a new comedy-drama from acclaimed indie filmmaker Jim Jarmusch. It’s called “Father, Mother, Sister, Brother” and will take form of a triptych. It will feature three different stories (the press release calls them “quiet” and “observational”) related to adult children, estranged parents and strained family scenarios all around, with each story taking place at the same time but in different countries — the U.S., France, and Ireland. Alongside Moore, the film co-stars Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Tom Waits, Charlotte Rampling, Vicky

Krieps (“Phantom Thread”) and “Grownish” star Luka Sabbat. In production now, we’re looking forward to a little official “quiet” after the screaming election of 2024. If we want more noise we’ll just rewatch “August Osage County.”

Kaitlyn Dever shooting “See You When I See You”

Queer actor Kaitlyn Dever came out in high school as her career was in its early days. At 27 she has a long list of solid credits including the teen comedy “Booksmart” and the horror film “No One Will Save You.” And she’s currently working on the latest project from filmmaker Jay Duplass (“Jeff, Who Lives At Home” and “Cyrus”), a dark family comedy-drama called “See You When I See You.”

Comedian Adam Cayton-Holland has adapted his own award-winning memoir, “Tragedy Plus Time,” for the project, a story of the impact his younger sister’s suicide had on his family. “See You” will explore that grief and healing process and co-stars David Duchovny, Hope Davis (“Succession”), Cooper Raiff (“Cha Cha Real Smooth”), Lucy Boynton (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) and Ariela Barer (“How To Blow Up a Pipeline”). Look for this one to show up sometime later in 2025.

George Takei gets graphic, again. “Star Trek” legend George Takei does not currently have a new film or television series or play or voice role for a video game or an animated project in the works, and it’s because the 87-year-old actor, who is constantly involved in one or more of the above gigs, has written a graphic memoir. And it’s not even his first. It’s called “It Rhymes With Takei” and it’s all about his career in entertainment, from his early closeted days to his late-career coming out and popularity renaissance. It’s the follow up to his childhood memoir, “They Called Us Enemy,” and will hit bookshelves and online retailers in June of 2025. You have time to catch up on that earlier one before Pride month catches you checking out this one. As for the author, he’ll move on to the next job, of course. No one ever said getting old meant you had to slow down. Q

Thethe perils of petunia pap smear

The tale of magical me

BY PETUNIA PAP SMEAR

road to Hogwarts is fraught with danger and excitement.

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I am enamored with all things from the magical world of Harry Potter. Therefore, I must come out of the closet as a true blue died-in-the-wool Harry Potter nerd! I’ve read all the books and watched all the movies many, many times. Whenever there is a Harry Potter quiz on Facebook, I usually ace it with a near-perfect score. But, I’m still mightily miffed that I did not receive an acceptance letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Thus, to my everlasting shame and disappointment, I was forced to attend muggle schools in Idaho.

The closest I was ever able to get to magic in my small Idaho town was to turn potatoes into tater tots. It’s a simple spell any first-year student could perform. First, you set the potato directly in front of you. Stare the spud directly in its eyes. It helps if the potato eyes are not sprouting yet. Clearly and loudly speak the incantation ‘tatorium tottious’ while making a dipping motion with your wand over a gigantic cauldron full of fry sauce potion. It wouldn’t be until I was a fourth-year student that I was able to perform the spell to make mashed potatoes, ‘Squashious, tuberendium.’ And despite all my best efforts, I was never, ever able to successfully master the spell for potato chips, ‘fryendium crispious.’ I have great apprehension that I might just be a non-magical squib.

It is a great disappointment to me that I have not been able to travel to New York to see the live theater production of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Thus, you can imagine my excitement when I learned that a local amateur theater was going to perform the play. I jumped right on the internet and purchased tickets for Mr. Pap Smear and myself. I was overjoyed as we entered the theater. The lobby was artfully decorated and skillfully constructed to re-

semble Hogwarts. I thought, if they had put this many resources into the lobby, the production should be outstanding. When the auditorium doors opened, we excitedly entered and found our seats. While waiting for the play to begin, I turned and began my usual practice of scanning the incoming audience members for any good-looking men over whom I could lust. Meanwhile, a family with at least 27 kids came down the aisle and sat behind us. I took notice that the parents had seats three rows behind the kids. How can a parent possibly bonk a misbehaving kid on the head from three rows away? This did not bode well for an enjoyable evening.

Just then, I noticed an incredibly tall yet very handsome stud slowly advancing down the aisle, searching for his seat. I silently hoped that he would be sitting beside me so that I might be able to share an armrest with him and, therefore, engage in that universal theater game, the rubbing of arms and, if all went well, perhaps knees. How could I possibly have left my wand at home on this most magical of nights, and where is an actual love potion when you most need one? Therefore, I locked my eyes on his gorgeous face for maximum effect, and I quietly muttered a love spell incantation while making a discrete swish and flick motion with my left breasticle to seal the deal. Whilst maintaining my stare to prevent breaking the spell, to my horror, he bypassed the seat beside me and sat directly in front of me. The back of his head blocked about 80 percent of the stage from my view.

The curtain rose, and I settled in for some serious craning of my neck to watch the action. My expectation that this would be an outstanding theater production turned out to be the wrongiest of all wrongs that I have ever wrought. It became apparent that most of their efforts had been expended in the lobby. Within the first three minutes I could tell things were headed downhill

when Harry and Ron’s microphones kept cutting out, so we could only hear about every other word they were saying. In addition, the actors’ actual acting abilities were greatly lacking. The lighting was poor, and the staging was confusing. I’ve seen better productions by middle schoolers in a potato field. After about fifteen minutes of this, I began to be grateful for the head in front of me obscuring my sight lines. At least he had a pleasing-to-look-at hairstyle. Then, the kids behind us began opening the snacks, wrapped in crinkly, noisy cellophane wrappers they had purchased in the lobby. No amount of me chanting the silencio charm was going to resolve this offensive audio onslaught. It’s a good thing I didn’t have a wand with me, because the urge to perform the killing avada kadavra curse or at the very least, poke somebody in the eye was intense. By intermission, we had had enough. Disappointed and frustrated, we decided to dissapperate home to chateau Pap Smear. Evidently, I need to shove a broom between my legs and fly to New York. I’m still waiting for my letter from Hogwarts!

This story leaves us with several important questions:

1. Since I’m a drag queen, would I be considered a witch or a wizard?

2. If I eat enough spuds, will I be able to acquire the magical power to transform them into something other than just poop?

3. Should I fashion earrings that can double as earplugs to cancel out noisy children I encounter?

4. What is the charm incantation that enables one to see through a head?

5. If my wand/breasticle had a lasso function, could I capture unsuspecting studs for my pleasure?

6. Should this be a catch-and-release situation, or can I keep them?

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