This Day in Gay Utah History October 19

October 19th

1915 George Taintor and Mike Murphy of Salt Lake City were convicted of sodomy with Louis Smith. Murphy and Tainter were sent to prison in Sugar House

1937 In 1937, an extremely homophobic B-movie loosely "inspired" by the novel was made called "The Children of Loneliness." The film began and ended with lectures against homosexuality by so-called "medical experts". The plot was that of a vindictive butch Lesbian named Bobby who becomes obsessed with her roommate in unrequited love. After being rejected, she attempts to throw acid on the roommate she's attracted to, but instead Bobby blinds herself, runs into the street where she is struck and killed by a car. In a subplot, a young woman falls in love with a Gay male artist, who ultimately commits suicide.

No copy of the film is known to survive. "The Children of Loneliness" played here in Salt Lake City, but under the name "The Un-Natural Sin." It ran at the Roxy Theatre, 132 South State Street, in October 1937. The tag lines for the movie are exercises in salacious homophobia: "A True Story of Strange Lovers," "The 'Queerest' picture ever made," "Phallic Worship - Daughters of Lesbia," "Sapphoism Revealed Vividly - Unblushingly," "A Daring Exposé of a Sociological Problem That Has Baffled Scientists Since Life Began," and "NATURE'S TRAGIC MISTAKES".  The review of the movie stated that "As an added feature Mrs. Kay Burke M.A. M.S., noted woman authority on abnormal psychology will speak at every performance of the Un-Natural Sin." The Salt Lake Telegram

1955-Daughters of Bilitis, the first long-term American organization for lesbians, was founded in San Francisco by Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon.

1963 Third District Judge Joseph C. Jeppson ordered that only men may wear trousers in family disputes arising before the court. Slacks and toreador pants were considered improper attire for women in divorce actions. Slacks and toreador pants as well as hair curlers will be considered improper attire in Judge Jeppson’s court, a woman party to a divorce action was told Friday. The woman who was the exa mple selected by the Judge to invoke the new regulation consulted briefly with her attorney, left the court room for about 10 minutes and reappeared wearing a skirt. Her request for a divorce was granted. (10/19/63 page 21 col.4 SLTribune) 

Richard Nixon

1971- President Richard M. Nixon's helicopter touched down on Fort Detrick's parade field at mid-afternoon. He was accompanied by a large number of aides and Secret Service agents as he entered the backdoor of the Post Headquarters, Building 812. The crowd milled around outside the front entrance to Building 812 waiting for the President to emerge. When he did, he immediately went to the crowd and told them the good news. Nixon announced he was creating the Frederick Cancer Research Facility of the National Cancer Institute. It was to be the leading facility in the fight against what he called, "...America's No. 1 enemy-Cancer!" Nixon proclaimed that the new center's utilization of former Army biological warfare buildings was a clear message that America could and indeed was beating its swords into plowshares. The facility is known today as the National Cancer Institute-Frederick. Research at NCI-Frederick includes: •Basic research into the fundamental biologic nature of cancer; cancer genetics; how tumors form, progress, and metastasize;and development of new strategies for combating Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS); 

• On Veterans Day, November 11, 1969, President Richard M. Nixon asked the Senate to ratify the 1925 Geneva Protocol prohibiting the use of chemical and biological weapons. Nixon assured Fort Detrick its research would continue. On November 25, 1969, Nixon made a statement outlawing offensive biological research in the United States. Since that time any research done at Fort Detrick has been purely defensive in nature focusing on diagnostics, preventives and treatments for Biological Weapons infections. This research is undertaken by the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) which transitioned from the previous U.S. Army Medical Unit (USAMU) and was renamed in 1969.  The National Cancer Research and Development Center (now the National Cancer Institute-Frederick) was established in 1971 on a 69-acre (28 ha) parcel in Area A ceded by the installation. 

1979- Gay club Studio 8 at Tiffany’s has grand opening located at 8 West 200 South in SLC, UT. Location torn down for the the banking complex now own by Wells Fargo at 299 South Main.

Richard Cottino

1994 Richard Cottino, left, Sue Yanik and David Lewis were among those honored at the 1994 awards banquet of the People With AIDS Coalition of Utah. RSVP DINNER OF CHAMPIONS REVELERS UNITE TO FIGHT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, ARTHRITIS AND AIDS R.S.V.P. FIGHTING AIDS, MS, ARTHRITIS Byline: By Judy Magid Salt Lake Tribune AIDS COALITION The question of the evening was ``Will Orrin show up?'' The Orrin in question was Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah).   Hatch did not show up, but the show went on. The event was the People With AIDS Coalition of Utah's 1994 Awards Banquet. It was the PWACU's first such dinner, and Hatch was the recipient of the organization's first Political Social Award for sponsorship of the 1990 Kennedy-Hatch Bill, which established the Ryan White Fund. The fund provides support to hospitals, health-care providers and community organizations to assist those with AIDS. Accepting the award for Hatch was the Rev. Caryl Marsh, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Salt Lake City. Among those seen chatting were Dell Larsen, Midvale, and Chad Smith, acting chairman of the board of the PWACU; Bill and Kim Emerson (he is coordinator of the PWACU), Larry Riemer, Mark Chambers, Joe Pitti and Scott Morgan, who was accompanied by his parents, Barbara and Doug Morgan.  During the dinner, Don Austin, PWACU board member and chairman of the banquet and 1994 Living With AIDS Conference, presented the awards. The Kristen Ries Professional Award went to Sue Yanik, supervisor of the   HIV Case Management Program for Salt Lake city and county.    Also receiving awards were Richard Cottino, the Red Ribbon Award; David Lewis, the PWACU volunteer award; and Terry Frank, longtime owner of the Apothecary Shoppe, the Business Award. Keynote speaker was writer Carol Lynn Pearson, author of Goodbye, I Love You, which chronicles her relationship with her

Carol Lynn Pearson

former husband, Gerald Pearson, whom she cared for before his death from AIDS. Representing the Utah AIDS Foundation were board chairwoman Jane Edwards, Les Stewart, Rick Pace, Myron Avila, Sally Keen, George Miller, Leota Pearson, Peter Small, John Johnson and Kim Segal. Among those enjoying the festivities were MaryBeth Raynes, Moyne Oviatt, Mike Phillips, Linda Hunt, Maggie Snyder, Deb Caswell, John Clapp, Dick and Marie Scouler, Jerry and Bente Trapp, Andrew Bills, Cindy Kidd, Robert Rosvall, Pam Bruce, Lynda Steele and Chris Robertson. Also in the crowd: Shirley Jones, Randy and Dee Peterson, Lou Arnold, Dick Booth, Adrienne Swain and Chris Smith, Norm and JoAnn Jacobsen-Wells and Kim Hassibe, who donated the wine for the event.  Funds raised from the party will go to programs offered by the People With AIDS Coalition of Utah to assist those with AIDS. Salt Lake Tribune writer Helen Forsberg contributed to this report.

Jane Marquardt

19 October 1997 . Draper attorney Dale Kimball was recently named to

Dale Kimball

fill a federal judge opening. Kimball was nominated by Clinton, praised by Hatch and sailed through the confirmation process. Known as a conservative, Kimball earned the respect of the liberal faction of the party during a recent controversy inside the Utah State Bar. At this year's annual convention, the Bar honored Ogden attorney Jane Marquardt as an outstanding lawyer. A Utah Bar publication then received a scathing letter to the editor chastising the selection because Marquardt is known to be a lesbian.  A letter in support of Marquardt was circulated for signatures, which put several Mormon attorneys in a quandary. They respected Marquardt but did not want to get into a public fray on gay rights issues.   Kimball, an LDS stake president, signed the letter without blinking an eye  Page: AA3 The Rolly Report,

1998 US House of Representatives Democratic Leader Richard A. Gephardt met with Gay Utah Democratic leaders

2003 It's that time again!  Its the beginning of the 21st season of the Salt Lake Men's Choir!  We're starting off with a concert next Sunday, October 19th at the Jeanne' Wagner Theatre--138 W Broadway (300 So) at 7:30 pm. The concert is entitled: TORCH: Music Halls, Bar Rooms and Cabarets We have everything from drinking songs, love ballads, torch songs, silly English Music Hall numbers and even cabaret numbers your mother probably wouldn't approve of.   This is not to be missed.  Jonathan Stowers, President

2005  Salt Lake City hosted NATIONAL GAY MEN'S HEALTH SUMMIT All Gay, Bi, and Transgendered Men Don't Miss this Event you will regret later on. At this event you will gain knowledge, strength, encouragement, and comrade among all men at this National Gay Health Summit from men all over the US and elsewhere. National Gay Men's Health Summit 2005 October 19-23, 2005 Salt Lake City, Utah Welcoming all people who support the health and well being of men who are gay, bisexual, queer, or have sex with men. This gathering's events will encompass the needs of all queer men, including those who are FTM or transgender-identified schedule October 19-23, 2005. Salt Lake City Downtown Hilton. Rooms start at $82 per night.  When should I arrive and when should I leave? The Summit programming begins on Wednesday, October 19 at 8:30 a.m. with the pre-Summit institutes. The opening reception begins that day at 5:00 p.m. and the opening keynote session is that evening at 7:00. Please try to arrive so that you can participate in this opening session as this part of the program frames the entire weekend. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the day begins with continental breakfast served from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. and then moves into workshops, panels, and keynotes until 6:00 p.m. Evenings include caucus times and some social events. The Summit closes on Sunday at 1pm, after a morning of workshops and a powerful wrap-up closing keynote session. If you are flying out from Salt Lake City, please book your flight after 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, so you can enjoy the closing session. Workshop schedule: Wednesday, October 19 Pre-Summit Institutes 8:30am - 5pm Opening Plenary and Reception 5pm - 9pm Thursday, October 20 through Saturday October 22 Workshop breakout sessions 9am - 6pm Sunday, October 23 Final workshop sessions and closing Plenary 9am - 1pm Scholarships and Other Support for Attending the Summit The National Organizing Collective is working hard to raise funds to assist low-income folks in attending the Summit. We have written many grant proposals and are reaching out to dozens of individual donors. Scholarships will be awarded based on availability of funds and demonstrated need. Scholarship applications will be available soon. (Please check this page again in March/April for changes.) overview Hundreds of local, national, and international leaders working to support the health and wellness of our communities will join forces at the National Gay Men's Health Summit 2005 in Salt Lake City, Utah October 19-23, 2005 Over 320 people attended this event with great enthusiasm in Raleigh, North Carolina in May 2003. Building upon this event, the National Gay Men's Health Summit 2005 will provide another opportunity for gay, bisexual and queer men to work together at understanding broader gay men's health issues. Many are eager to tackle the ways in which current, sometimes hostile federal, state, and local politics are creating barriers to the health and wellness of our communities and want to engage in collective activism and strong advocacy on behalf of gay, bisexual, and queer health. An opportunity for leaders in local gay communities as well as the “everyday gay, bisexual and queer man” to experience community on a national scale. Those that have attended the previous three gay men's health summits in 1999 and 2000 and 2003 found them to be rejuvenating retreats that expanded their commitment to our communities' health and left them restored and reinvigorated and educated. Others are eager for a chance to learn more about community building, sexual empowerment, and the health needs of gay, bisexual, and queer men in a comfortable and supportive setting. Others want to be present because this Summit is a landmark convergence of activists, health providers, policy-makers, and community leaders working on a range of issues impacting the health and wellness of our communities. Still others consider GMHS 2005 to be the continuation of a new movement among gay, bisexual, queer, and transgender men committed to building caring, democratic, and activist communities.   SLC Hosts Gay men's health conference  Gay Mens Health Movement

Riki Wilchins

2005 Ending Gender Stereotypes: a New Path to Full Equality-Lecture Marriott Library Gould Auditorium 12 pm-1 pm Riki Wilchins, selected by TIME Magazine in 2001 as one of six community activists among their “100 Civic Innovators for the 21st Century” is the Executive Director of the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition. GenderPAC is the national organization working to end discrimination and violence caused by gender stereotypes.  She is author of READ MY LIPS: Sexual Subversion & the End of Gender (Firebrand, 1997) and Queer Theory/Gender Theory: An Instant Primer (Alyson, 2005), and is author/co-editor of GENDERQUEER: Voices from Beyond the Sexual Binary (Alyson, 2002).  Riki is also a regularly featured columnist on gender issues for The Advocate.

Eden Utah

2007 First Annual 'Queer Camp' a Success! On October 19-20 the Utah Pride Center (UPC) and The Utah Aids Foundation (UAF) jointly hosted the first annual “Queer Camp!” Queer Camp provided youth ages 14-20 the opportunity for an educational and social weekend experience focused on healthy lifestyles. Staff from UPC and UAF drove youth to a cabin in Eden, Utah and presented workshops with topics ranging from HIV and STI prevention to healthy Relationships, drugs, and sexism. Click on 'read more' to learn about campers' and staff experiences. Brandon Marcus, a Youth Program Intern at the Utah Pride Center, said that she felt that the camp provided a forum to “to discuss important issues for youth in a mature manner” that was more in-depth and empowering than a one hour group discussion could provide.  UPC’s Youth Program Coordinator Daniel Hill expressed that the weekend was just as educational for presenters as well, by remarking that “Queer Camp was an amazing experience for not only the youth but the staff as well, and I thank the campers for that.”  The rich diversity present in LGBT youth reminds The Center of the all various possibilities for sexual expression and identity, and helps us cater programming to fit young people’s needs.  Campers under 18 years of age returned parental consent forms to the Center, and UAF’s HIV Prevention Specialist Jeremiah Hansen made campers aware that HIV testing and counseling is always available free of charge at the UAF and the UPC. Nick Teigue Camp, a queer camper, summed his experience up in a simple exclamation, “Queer Camp was awesome!” Queer Camp

2010 Salt Lake Tribune Activists interrupt Herbert-Corroon debate Rosemary Winters In their debut action, members of Justice Vanguard interrupted the final gubernatorial debate on Tuesday by shouting the names of seven LGBT suicide victims. The deaths, reported on in the national news, have been tied to anti-gay harassment. The eight activists were ejected from the televised debate at the University of Utah’s Libby Gardner Concert Hall. Eric Ethington, one of three co-chairs of the new direct-action group, said, in a news release, the protest was aimed at Gov. Gary Herbert’s refusal to support statewide anti-discrimination protections for gay and transgender Utahns. Ethington also writes about the event on his blog. Herbert's challenger, Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, has adopted such housing and employment safeguards in Salt Lake County and supports extending the measures statewide.

• Justice Vanguard Interrupts Gov Debate Over LGBT Suicides Posted by Eric Ethington Salt Lake City, UT – The newest direct action group, The Justice Vanguard, interrupted a live-tv debate last night between gubernatorial candidates Governor Gary Herbert and Mayor Peter Corroon. The group shouted messages about LGBT youth suicides before being hauled off by security. Watch the video! The Justice Vanguard, captained by myself, Maren Lacy and Daniel Argueta unleashed hell on Governor Herbert last night. The debate was setup townhall-style for questions from the audience, but all questioners were pre-screened, as were their questions. Midway through, a member of The Justice Vanguard stood and let his voice be heard yelling, “Governor Herbert, you have frequently pledged against a state-wide non discrimination policy, telling LGBT youth that they are 2nd class. Here are some that have heard your message, now what are you going to do about it?” Then one-by-one, 7 other members of the group stood up from different places in the auditorium with signs displaying the victims and shouted the names of 7 youth who’ve taken their own lives. Security reacted quickly and grabbed each member and hauled them out the doors amid cheers from the audience. Expect more from this group! And not just on LGBT issues, but for all minorities who are being oppressed!

Michael Sanders 

2018  blackBOOTS, a Salt Lake organization headed by Michael Sanders, is all about kink and leather. And altruism. The band of leather-bound men has an initiative called blackBOARD — an educational program. Their commitment to opening space for Salt Lake kinksters to lead authentic lives has blossomed into a diligent effort to educate others on how they can do the same. In the words of their founder, in an interview with QSaltLake Magazine, “we saw too many people who weren’t being safe or using best consent practices here in Utah … those young people had very few tools that they need to keep themselves safe or to understand consent. So I started blackBOARD.” Lead by Sanders, blackBOARD began running classes to serve the gay community, and when they decided to tackle the issue of Pre-exposure prophylaxis, Sanders decided he needed some help. “I knew it was too big a topic to do in a private class not available to the masses,” said Sanders. “I felt that this information was needed to be disseminated throughout the greater LGBTQ communities in Utah.” PrEP is a regimen of medicine many people use to combat exposure to HIV. A tremendous savior to the gay community, PrEP boasts a 99+ percent effectiveness rate. A medical breakthrough like this has had an incalculable impact on the LGBTQ community and is mostly considered to be a life-saving and sexuality-affirming phenomenon. Sanders’ first challenge came when he proposed a partnership with the Utah Department of Health, whose longstanding message to Utahns around sex education had been abstinence-only. Local health organizations and other local institutions dragged their feet on supporting PrEP education. But Sanders refused to follow suit. Over 3,800 Salt Lake citizens, along with Sanders himself, signed a petition to get momentum behind an HIV-prevention program with which they broke the silence. “After the signatures,” said Sanders, “the [Salt Lake County] Health Department became more interested in listening to what I had to say.” The PrEP Resource team was finally sponsored by the SLCHD and their partnership with blackBOOTS birthed classes and outreach that Sanders says “was the beginning of anyone in Salt Lake even hearing what PrEP was about.” Even though Sanders was asked to join the Utah Department of Health HIV Planning Committee after the buzz around his program, the pace around further messaging was painfully slow. Sanders was interested more in stomping ahead. Representatives of titanous organizations including the Utah AIDS Foundation, University of Utah’s 1A clinic, Intermountain Healthcare, and governmental health departments comprised the committee. And Sanders saw himself as an outsider. “I am a community activist, an independent, a wild card. That allows me the freedom to occasionally say ‘okay this is moving a little too slow and I’d like to bust out on my own and do something,’” he said. “There is far too much bureaucracy, and too many opinions, and too much red tape to get started.” After failed attempts at disseminating crucial information through the committee, Sanders paid out-of-pocket to print an informational pamphlet. “I decided to put them in the bars around town,” said Sanders, and after some community members stepped up to help, he circulated thousands of copies. The pamphlet, with information about how to find PrEP, its benefits, and how to receive financial relief, is now in LGBTQ resource centers at every college from Logan to St. George and in shelters for homeless youth, with more locations pending. “Hopefully, within a month or two, they’re in all the places from one end of the state to another that gay people are likely to be. That’s the goal,” he said. Now, both youngsters in the community and old-timers alike, because of Sanders, all know more about PrEP and have easier access to it. It would not be an overstatement to say that gay Utahn lives have been saved in the process. “I’ll be 56 in November,” Sanders said. “I lived through watching my friends dying around me — the most amazing vital young people … back then the thing that we talked about was ‘wouldn’t it be amazing if there was a pill you could take so you don’t get this disease.’ Now there is a pill that you can take! So we need to take advantage of that fact.” Unable to watch as the pace and politics impeded this significant step in gay men’s health, Sanders wants to promote PrEP to work toward eradicating HIV infections and encouraging testing. “Growing up through the AIDS epidemic and HIV crisis,” he says, “testing was always considered going into the darkness. Now if you’re getting tested, you’re walking into the light.”