This Day In Gay Utah History March 7th

7 March 

1891 The People of the Territory of Utah vs. James Hamilton Defendant On this 7^th day of March 1891 before me, H.S. Laney, a Justice of the Peace within and for Salt Lake City and County, Territory of Utah, personally appeared at said City John W. Jenkins whom on being duly sworn by me, complains on oath and says that the said James Hamilton on or about the 25^th day of February A.D. 1891 at Salt Lake City County of Salt Lake, Territory of Utah unlawfully and feloniously did commit the Infamous ““Crime Against Nature”” to wit: that the said James Hamilton on or about the said 25^th day of February A.D. 1891 unlawfully and feloniously in and upon one William D. Burton did make an assault and then and there unlawfully, feloniously, wickedly, diabolically and against the order of nature had a venereal affair with and carnally knew the said William D. Burton and then and there unlawfully, feloniously, wickedly, diabolically and against the order of nature with the said William D. Burton, did commit and [perpetrate the detestable and abominable ““Crime Against Nature””; contrary to the provisions of the statute in such case made and provided.  In 1892 William D. Burton was charged as a petty criminal with petit larceny case 869.

1891Ogden Standard Examiner Salt Lake Letter page 1 Mattie miller a young Negress was arrested last night on a complaint brought against her by Stanber Luce. Stanber (white) was promenading down Commercial Street and was stopped by the dusky female above named. He was induced to accompany her to her room where be he claims he was robbed of all he had on his person $44 in gold and silver.  Mattie is now in the city jail. James Hamilton was arrested at noon to today day on the charge of sodomy. And till still the cry goes up clean the street crossings. Henry M Stanley the great African Explorer lectures in the theatre Monday evening next

1951 Utah enacted a psychopathic offender law in 1951. Specific criminals, including

anyone convicted of sodomy, lewdness, or an attempt to commit either, were required to be referred for mental examination prior to sentencing, Commitment for life in the state mental hospital in Provo was compulsory for anyone so examined who was determined to be suffering from mental illness. This law was amended in 1953 to add "assault with intent to commit sodomy" to the list of referable crimes.

1958-In England, a letter was published in The Times in which thirty-three distinguished persons announced their support of the Wolfenden report. The report recommended the decriminalization of private homosexual acts between consenting adults.

1967-The first nationally broadcast documentary on homosexuality in the US was aired on CBS Reports, a show which examined controversial social issues. Public service announcements aired instead of commercials because the network was unable to get sponsors. Mike Wallace hosted the show. The purpose was to raise awareness of the challenges homosexuals face.

1971-Metropolitan Community Church Los Angeles held its first service at its own building, the first property in America owned by an organization serving the Gay community.

1976 Sunday Paul Larson taught a course on Group Dynamics at the University of Utah entitled “Homosexuality in History and Literature” at the Campus Christian Center. The two part lecture was probably first real Gay lecture ever presented in Salt Lake City.  Lectures held Sunday evenings March 7 and 14 at 8 p.m.

1987 Saturday--Beau Chaine held a fund raiser held at the Gingerbread House on 5^th South and 5^th East for the Community Center and Clinic 

1987- Saturday- The Royal Court sponsored Coming Out Ball held at Backstreet (155)

1988-Cross-dressing actor Divine died at age 42 of a heart attack in Los Angeles. (Real name-Harris Glenn Milstead)

1988 Monday- I went down to the Central City Community Center and gave them a $100 deposit to hold the multipurpose room for our jointly sponsored dance on the 26^th. [Ben Williams Journal 1988]

  

1990 Wednesday, Murder trial: Witness says blood spatters indicate the defendant was close at hand during killing of SUSC student.  WOOD WAS 3 FEET FROM VICTIM, EXPERT SAYS  By Lane Williams, Staff Writer  Lance Conway Wood was standing within three feet of a Southern Utah State College student when the student was murdered. That's according to blood-spatter analysis and testimony in 4th District Court on Tuesday, the seventh day of testimony in Wood's capital homicide trial.  Wood, 21, is accused in the brutal bludgeoning death of Gordon Ray Church on Nov. 22, 1988. Testimony Tuesday before Judge Boyd L. Park contradicts much of what Wood told investigators on Nov. 23, the day he led them to Church's body, and thereafter. In repeated questioning after the murder, Wood told investigators that he stayed in the car while Michael Anthony Archuleta killed Church in remote Dog Valley in southern Millard County. Wood said he only exited the car when Archuleta asked him to help bury the body. But according to Robert M. Bell, a blood-spatter expert and homicide investigator for the Sacramento County, Calif., Sheriff's Department, the blood on Wood's jacket and pants indicates that he was within three feet of

Gordon Church 

the victim when Church received multiple blows.  "The wearer of this jacket had to be in close proximity to this assault," Bell said. Bell explained that powerful, violent blows produce smaller drops of flying blood. Those drops _ 1 millimeter in diameter or less _ fly a maximum of three feet. Wood's clothes had drops that small on them. Furthermore, a splash of blood drops, like shotgun pellets, spreads out over distance. Some groups of blood spots on Wood's clothes are close together, and, therefore, flew only a short distance, Bell told prosecutor Carvel Harward and the 12-member jury. Bell said, however, that the blood spatter does not conclusively indicate participation in the crime. Defense attorney Marcus Taylor, on cross-examination, referred to a line of blood drops on Wood's jacket. Drops fly off weapons covered in blood and form a dotted line when they strike something. Bell said those drops came from a different person who was swinging a weapon. But investigators believe more than one weapon was used to kill Church. They found what they believe to be the victim's blood on several independent parts of a tire jack. Archuleta, 27, was found guilty in December for his part in the slaying and was sentenced to die. He had attempted to downplay his role in the murder and put the blame on Wood. The prosecution expects to finish its case Wednesday, and Taylor said his defense may take as little as half a day, but probably more. Wood is expected to take the stand in his own defense. If things go quickly, a verdict may be reached before the weekend. dn

1990 USU TO HONOR 7 UTAHNS ON ITS FOUNDERS DAY Utah State University will honor seven Utahns during its Founders Day observance March 8, Thursday, the 102nd birthday of the university. Distinguished Service Awards will go to five people "whose attainments have brought distinction to themselves, credit to theuniversity and a real benefit to their fellow citizens," said Jay Haws, director of the USU Alumni Association.A faculty/alumni committee selects those to be honored and the Institutional Council approves selections. Distinguished Service Awards will go to Calvin Black, Blanding, southeastern Utah business and political leader; Vera Christensen, Logan, a USU graduate, a teacher, historian and preservationist; Christine Durham, Salt Lake City, associate justice of the Utah Supreme Court; S. George Ellsworth, Logan, retired head of the USU history department

Dr. Kristen Ries

and founding editor of The Western Historical Quarterly; and Dr. Kristen Ries, Salt Lake City, a physician known for her work with AIDS patients. Oral Ballam, dean of the College of Education at USU, will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award, which is the highest award presented solely by the Alumni Association, Haws said. Ballam served as a teacher and administrator in public schools. As dean at USU his achievements have included educational innovations and planning the new Emma Eccles Jones Education Building just dedicated on campus. Clark P. Giles, Salt Lake City, will be named an Honorary Alumnus. This award goes occasionally to a person who is not a USU alumnus but has been of special service to the school. Giles has been a speaker at legal education seminars presented by USU Extension and other groups. He is attorney for several charitable organizations and foundations, and has been instrumental in transmission of several major charitable gifts to USU programs. The seven will be honored at a reception March 8 at 5 p.m. in the Sunburst Lounge, Taggart Student Center. The public isinvited. They will also be guests at a Founders Day Dinner at 6:30 p.m. that day in the Student Center Ballroom.

1996-A US District Court judge ruled that Navy Lt. Richard Watson's freedom of speech was not violated when the navy discharged him for violating Don't Ask Don't Tell.

1997-Gordon B. Hinckley formally discloses in a newspaper article published in the LA Times that the church had made a commitment at the top levels to play an active role in the same sex marriage issue: “ We’re engaged right now in the same sex marriage problem in legislation in Hawaii.” Hinckley said. We just made a decision today concerning the filing of a brief in that case.  That’s spreading around the country now pretty largely and we’ve become rather actively involved  in that kind of thing.” He said. (LA Times page B-1)

7 March 1998 A group of Nebo School District residents have modified their lawsuit against Wendy Weaver, a Spanish Fork High School teacher and former volleyball coach under fire for her lesbian lifestyle. In December, Citizens for Moral and Legal Values filed suit alleging that Weaver directed and encouraged a ``network'' of physically affectionate female volleyball players. Refiled las

Wendy Weaver

t month, the 4th District Court complaint no longer names Utah Atty. Gen. Jan Graham or Utah County Attorney Kay Bryson as defendants. Initially, the group had asked the court to decide if Graham and Bryson had failed to fulfill their responsibilities to prosecute crimes allegedly committed by Weaver. Now, the amended suit shifts the focus from Weaver's actions, which allegedly violated teacher certification standards, to the Utah State Board of Education. The complaint contends the board has a responsibility to uphold the standards. ``The basic thrust hasn't changed,'' said Matt Hilton, plaintiff's attorney. ``It was a way to eliminate some of the defendants.'' The new complaint also raises the question of whether school administrators and assistant volleyball coaches violated the law by not reporting Weaver's alleged conduct. The suit asks for a jury to decide whether Weaver violated the law by administering psychology tests and interpreting students' dreams

1999   Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) 3-5pm upper level at the Center

1999 Wasatch Affirmation 5pm MCC 823 S 600 E Workshop on love and personal spirituality by Margo Hope

1999  The Trapp and the Royal Court present a "Male Stripteaze" 7pm $5 Hosted by  Bridgette and Yvette

2000-Voters in California approved Proposition 22 which banned recognition of same-sex marriages.

Michael Mitchell 

2003 Chad, I am not sure who sent this request to you.  I have been working on all the logistical aspects for this town hall meeting and not really much more than that.  For the content of the meeting I will refer you to Michael Mitchell.  I also have another request for you and the Utah Stonewall Historical Society.  I am coordinating making kiosks at Utah Pride 2003 this year and they will be featuring the history of the LGBT Community of Utah.  It is a crucial aspect to include the historical society from the very beginning of this process.  I am just the coordinator of this project.  I see this project as the communities.  I am just here to pull all the pieces together.  There are going to be three kiosks around Pride on Sunday June 8th.  I would like to incorporate as much

Charles Milne

information as possible.  I have asked the U of U archives to start sorting through all of the files that were given to them over the past several years.  There have been given quit a bit of historical documents over the years.  Please let me know if this is something that you and the Utah Historical Society would like to participate in.  I am also hoping to be able to produce a documentary on the same subject that will be screened in the auditorium of the library. Thanks for all you do for the community.Charles Milne

2005 Again, lawmakers deny rights and protections to gays Salt Lake Tribune Maybe one day the Utah Legislature will be able to set aside its fear and loathing of gays and lesbians and pass meaningful hate-crimes legislation. Maybe one day the Legislature will recognize the gross unfairness of its denial of basic legal rights - hospital visitation, end-of- life decisions and property inheritance - to unmarried couples. Maybe one day. But not this year. Not even when a majority of Utahns favored passage of a hate-crimes law that would enhance penalties in criminal cases where violence and bigotry are directed at anyone because of their "race, color, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age or gender." And not even when some legislative backers of Amendment 3, and Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., said last year that a questionable provision of the amendment - denying unmarried couples any rights "substantially equivalent" to those enjoyed by married couples - could be fixed with follow-on legislation. It is true that an overwhelming majority of Utahns approved the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Yet only about half of the state's residents would refuse marriage-like rights to cohabiting adults, gay or otherwise. The Tribune does not support gay marriage but favors granting other legal rights to domestic partners. The hate-crimes legislation, sponsored by Rep. David Litvack, twice failed in committee. It was the 10th year in a row that legislators have refused to pass an effectual hate-crimes law. Eighteen of 28 state senators voted down Sen. Greg Bell's bill that would have granted unmarried adults the right to enter into contracts that give them some mutual health-care and property rights. Bell strove to convince his fellow Senate Republicans that

Scott McCoy 

his was not a gay-rights bill that would, as some of them claimed, erode the marriage amendment. To his credit, Sen. Scott McCoy, the gay vice chairman of Equality Utah, was unwilling to lend credence or dignity to those stated reservations: "It's time to call a spade a spade. This is not about their worries about Amendment 3. This is about the fact that they don't want to do anything that would be beneficial to gay people." We take no pleasure in recognizing the sad truth of that last sentence, or in applying it equally to the demise of Litvack's hate- crimes legislation. For the Legislature's inaction shames not only the legislators who would deny basic rights and protections to their fellow citizens, but all of us who stand by, year after year, and allow them to do it.

Jere Keys 

2005 News and Announcements Hello everyone. First off, thanks to everyone who participated in this weekend's "Utah's Goodest" Awards Ceremony. We raised over $300 for The Center and had a lot of great feedback from the guests and award winners.  Next, Salt Lake Metro is putting together a softball team to compete against other GLBT softball teams this spring. We still need pitchers, catchers and everything in between. We have a sign-up sheet at the office, or you can contact our team captain, Kris Kramer to join the team. It'll all be very "Broken Hearts Club" from what I've been told, with twice the sexual innuendo. Of course, if you don't want to play, you're still welcome to join me and the other cheerleaders at the games. Most of you know by now that I am a new member of the board of directors for the GLBT Community Center. I truly think that The Center and this community is entering a new era, and we have a dedicated and exciting new board, staff and vision for the organization. We're holding a free breakfast on March 16 called "Calling All Angels" to tell people about the new vision for The Center and I still need to fill a few seats at my table. If you're curious about The Center or want to know how to get involved, please email me or call me. The breakfast will take place downtown at 7:15 am and will be over in time for people to make it to work at 9am. As always, please contact me with story ideas, questions or concerns. And a sincere "thank you" for helping make this paper great. Yours, Jere Keys Editor, Salt Lake Metro Office

  

2006 Royal Court Meeting @ Heads Up 7:30 pm. After court Meeting Dinner and a Movie. 

Tim Keller 

2006 Tim Keller to Ben Williams Hi Ben, If you recall, last year I contacted you on behalf of the Utah State University Pride! Alliance requesting your participation in our retreat. Unfortunately scheduling conflicts and financial issues prevented that retreat from occurring.  This year we have secured funding and the facility and wish to try it again.  We were hoping you would present our "Gay Identity" track and perhaps assist on a couple of others.  The retreat will be held at the Bear lake Retreat Center and our dates are 3/31 through 4/2. We are finalizing our schedule this week so things are still  a bit flexible as to when you can come and what not. Please let us know if you are interested.

2020 Mart Crowley, the Tony-winning playwright of The Boys in the Band, has passed away. He reportedly had a heart attack, and died while recovering from heart surgery. He was 84 years old. A playwright and screenwriter, Crowley is best known for creating the first mainstream portrayal of gay men in Boys in the Band, which is being released later this year as a Netflix film. Crowley was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He studied acting and show business at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Then in 1957, Crowley headed to Hollywood, with the goal of being a screenwriter. One of his first jobs was as an assistant to Natalie Wood while she was filming West Side Story. The two became close friends and she encouraged him to write The Boys in the Band, which he did over the course of five weeks while housesitting for actress Diana Lynn in Beverly Hills.  The Boys in the Band is about nine gay men who gather at a birthday party. Its exploration of the complicated life of gay men—filled with romantic yearning, witty banter, and, for some, self-hatred—was considered revolutionary for its time. At that point, being gay was still seen as a crime. Though the play was championed by Edward Albee and Richard Barr, it was difficult to find actors who would star in it. “The first time, we would take anyone who would do it; we were beating the bushes [for actors],” Crowley told Broadway.com in 2019. "It was very different back then. You could get arrested for doing the things they do in this play. It was quite awful and ridiculous and demeaning. Naturally, everybody's agent told them not to do this play. We offered the roles and many turned it down. Agents said it was a career killer.” The Boys in the Band premiered off-Broadway on April 14, 1968 at Theater Four. It was originally scheduled to run for five performances but it was soon a success and its run was extended; it eventually played 1,001 performances and coincided with the Stonewall Riots in 1969. In 1970, it was turned into a movie directed by Oscar winner William Friedkin, featuring the off-Broadway cast. The film was revolutionary because it was the first to depict gay men not as villains and deviants, but as complex protagonists. The Boys in the Band was also the subject of the 2011 documentary, Making the Boys.