1903 Steve Hubble was tried in District Court
yesterday on the charge of a “Crime Against Nature” committed in this city on
February 11 last. This was District Attorney Halvorsen’s first case. The jury
brought in a verdict of guilty of assault and sentence to be passed next Friday
Deseret News
 |
| Jean Sinclair |
1963 Tuesday-Woman Balks at Point in Sinclair
Testimony- by Don Beck [Deseret News A-9] Despite a warning from the judge that
she would beheld in contempt of court if she refused to answer LaRae Peterson,
a state witness, refused to testify regarding relationships between her and
Jean Sinclair. Miss Sinclair is on trail in Third District Court in connection
with the Jan 5 ambush shotgun slaying of
Donald Leroy Foster, 31, 650 North 2nd West. Mrs. Peterson, a divorcee, who was
engaged to the victim, resumed the stand Monday as the murder trail moved into
the 6th day after a weekend recess. Hearing Arguments- Whe the court recessed
Friday it was listening to arguments by Mrs. Peterson’s attorney and defense
attorney Sumner J. Hatch regarding Mrs. Peterson’s refusal to answer direct
questions put to her by District Attorney, Jay E. Banks. When the witness took the stand Monday, Mr.
Banks resumed his “bombshell” line of questioning. “have you had any homosexual
acts with Jean or she with you?”, Mr. Banks asked. Mrs. Peterson looked towards
her attorney Jim Mitsunaga and then refused to answer on the grounds that it
would incriminate or discredit her. Instructs Witness- Judge Marcellus K Snow
informed the witness that she must answer. Attorneys for both the witness and the
defense asked that objections to the order be read into the trial court
records. Judge Snow then turned to Mrs Peterson and warned her that if she
refused to answer she could be held in contempt of court. After hesitating a
few moments, Mrs. Peterson said, “I refuse to answer.” At this point Mr. Banks continued examining
the witness. Before the state stopped questioning Mrs. Peterson at 11:30 a.m.,
she recounted to the jury the events that occurred the night her fiancée was
shot with a shotgun and killed. Went to Movie- She said she, her 9 year old
daughter, and the victim had eaten dinner together down town and then went to a
show. After the show Mrs. Peterson said she dropped her daughter off at a
friend’s before going to Foster’s
apartment at 650 North 3rd West, scene of the shooting. Recounting the moments
just before the shooting, Mrs. Peterson told the all male jury that Foster
pulled his car into the stall adjacent to a chain link fence. Earlier he had taken his over coat off and
placed it in the back seat, Mrs, Peterson said.
Heard Loud Noise- “I saw him step out of the car, turn down the seat,
and reach back for his coat. As he turned his head, I heard a loud noise. At
first I thought it was a firecracker,” the witness said. “The noise was accompanied
by a flash of light, but I still sat and waited for Don to come around and open
the door for me.” “Then I heard his body
slide down the chain link fence. I got out of the car and ran around the front
of the auto and saw Don lying on the ground. Blood was pouring out of his
jugular vein and I started screaming for help.” “Did you see who fired the
gun?” Mr. Banks asked. “No the first person I saw was someone I didn’t know who
ran to help me.” Earlier the state introduced into evidence a letter that Mrs.
Peterson said she had received from Jean.
1964- Referring to arresting police as
“gigolos” city Judge Horace C. Beck, Tuesday dismissed a prostitution charge
against a Salt Lake woman on the grounds of police entrapment. Judge Beck
granted a motion by defense counsel Summer J. Hatch noting “The crime wouldn’t
have happened but for the inducement of the Salt Lake Police Department. The
woman was arrested November 15, 1963. Citing the city ordinance (32-1-47) under
which the woman was charged, Judge Beck said that under the law the
participating officers should be arrested and charged under Sec 2 of the same
ordinance. Section 2 states “It shall be unlawful for any person to secure or
offer another for the purpose….”
Officers testified they phoned the woman five times, rented a motel room
twice, and embellished the room with whiskey bottles. Judge Beck said
“Immobilizing five healthy policemen up to 3 days for 1 girl was entrapment of
the worse sort.” (04/22/64 page B10 col. 1 SLTribune)
 |
| Anne Perry and Pauline Parker |
1968- Juliet Hulme also known as Anne Perry,
author of murder mysteries, was baptized in California despite her confession
to LDS authorities that she had been convicted and imprisoned at the age of 15
years for helping to murder her Lesbian girlfriend’s mother who had been trying
to separate the girls. Court documents, her girlfriend’s diary, and the 1994
film Heavenly Creatures described the homoerotic friendship that led to the
bludgeoning murder of the mother for trying to separate the girls. Active in
LDS women’s organizations, Juliet Hulme became internationally famous as Anne
Perry, author of murder mysteries. In 1995 she told a reporter for the Village
Voice that she could “love” a woman, but never be “in love” with one. In
June 1954, at the age of 15, Hulme and her best friend Pauline Parker murdered
Parker's mother, Honorah Rieper while living in New Zealand. Hulme's parents were in the process of
separating and she was supposed to go to South Africa to stay with a relative. On 22 June 1954, the girls and Honora Rieper went for a walk in
Victoria Park in their hometown of Christchurch. On an isolated path Hulme
dropped an ornamental stone so that Rieper would lean over to retrieve it.
Parker had planned to hit her mother with half a brick wrapped in a stocking.
The girls presumed that one blow would kill her but it took more than 20. Parker
and Hulme stood trial in Christchurch in 1954 and were found guilty on 29
August that year. As they were too young to be considered for the death penalty
under New Zealand law at the time, they were convicted and sentenced to be
"detained at Her Majesty's pleasure". In practice they were detained
at the discretion of the Minister of Justice. They were released separately
five years later. Parker and Hulme are not believed to have had any contact
since the trial.
 |
| Aquatic Park |
1969-In Berkeley, California a police officer fatally
shot a 33 year old Gay man, Frank V Bartley, to death in Aquatic Park. Bartley, was shot in the back of the head by Plainclothes Officer
Kline of the Berkeley Police Department, who had been posing as a homosexual to
entrap men in a Berkeley park. Kline sated Bartley had resisted arrest and "reached for his groin." The death was ruled accidental. Gay
organizations in the California attempted to call attention to the unusually
high number of Gay men accidentally shot or beaten to death by police.
 |
| David S Monson |
1977-Friday- Metropolitan Community Church of
Salt Lake held its dance originally scheduled to be held at the State Capitol Rotunda at the Unitarian
Church at 569 South 1300 East SLC Utah after Lt Governor David S Monson reneged on
permission to hold the dance at the capitol.
1981 Terry Allen Vogelsany, 37, has been
arranged in 5th circuit court on 4 counts of sex offenses stemming from
separate attacks on 4 young boys he allegedly lured into his apartment last
January. A parolee from federal penitentiary completing a sentence for sexual
offenses. (SLTribune B-4)
1984-The Royal Court of the Golden Spike
Empires 5th Annual Golden Spikes Award held at BackStreet. John Meng was given
Humanitarian Award for his efforts in starting and maintaining the Gay Help
Line. Joe Redburn received the 1st Community Service Award.
1988 JUVENILES ROB MAN, LEAVE HIM IN TRUNK A Holladay man who picked up two teenage boys
near Liberty Park was robbed at knifepoint and then stuffed into the trunk of
his car, which the youths drove around and abandoned. The man, 27, parked his
car in the Liberty Park area about midnight Monday and was walking around when
he met two juveniles, who asked him to drive them above the Capitol "to
see the lights of the city," according to a Salt Lake police report. When
they arrived in the area of 1500 N. Terrace Hills Drive, one of the teens pulled
a knife and placed it against the victim's throat, demanding his wallet, which
was in the car and contained about $180. The bandits took the wallet, placed
the victim in the trunk and then drove off in the car, abandoning it near 1000
S. Third East with the engine running. Using a crowbar, the victim freed
himself and called police, the report said.
1988 There's new hope for homeless Utahns with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The state's first residence for people with AIDS has opened. Shalom Apartments, operated under the auspices of St. Joseph Villa, accepted its first tenant this week. There are openings for eight or nine more persons."These are people in remission, who have no place to go," said Sister M. Ambrose Naughton, executive director of the nursing home run by the Houston-based Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Sister Naughton, who requested that the address of the apartments not be disclosed, said the residents must have been diagnosed with AIDS, or AIDS-related complex. But they must be people able to hold down jobs and take care of their own needs. Each will be charged rent, based on a sliding scale, or 25 percent of their available income. Because Shalom is not a hospice, nursing care will not be provided on a regular basis. If the residents require medical or nursing care, the congregation will assist them in getting it at a local hospital. The official opening and dedication of the apartments April 18 by Bishop William K. Weigand of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City followed more than a year of planning by the congregation, which has been
involved in health care since 1866. "We look on working in health care as being an extension of the healing ministry of Christ," said Sister Ambrose. "Wherever we are, if a health need surfaces, we endeavor to respond. "At this time our congregation has made a corporate commitment to reach out to persons with AIDS." Sister Ambrose said this doesn't mean the congregation is condoning the lifestyles of all AIDS patients, including homosexuals and drug abusers. "We are merely reaching out in compassion, in a non-judgmental way, to people who have an illness." Needless to say, the congregation's dedication to this humanitarian effort didn't have unanimous support. The housing plan spurred heated controversy by area neighbors, cautious of the people with the mysterious and fatal disease. Some worried the apartments will cause their property values to plummet. "There has been some fear, but it has been alleviated with education," Sister Ambrose said. Last year St. Joseph Villa administrators held a neighborhood hearing to educate residents about the disease. "Now 90 percent of the people (in the neighborhood) are very supportive of our effort." Although the Shalom Apartments are directed by St. Joseph Villa, Sister Ambrose said an advisory board oversees the housing project. Members of the board
 |
| John Gatzemeier |
include representatives of St. Joseph Villa, St. Ann's Parish, Catholic Community Services, the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, Holy Cross Hospital, Community Nursing Association, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake and AIDS Project Utah, a community-based organization that provides support services to all people affected by the disease. Kayne Pyatt, executive director of AIDS Project Utah, hailed the project. "I think it will be wonderful to have another resource to refer our clients to, especially those without family support." People with AIDS seeing information about the Shalom Apartments can call John Gatzemeier, apartment manager.
1990- RCGSE The Golden Spike Humanitarian
Award was given to Stacy Radley by the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire
of Utah
1994 Page: D1 THEATER DIRECTOR, DESIGNER
ARIEL BALLIF DIES AT 67 NOTED
SET DESIGNER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER ARIEL BALLIF
DIES Byline: By Lance S. Gudmundsen THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE Ariel Ballif, an influential force on the
Utah theater scene for more than three decades, died Thursday at his Salt Lake
City home. The 67-year-old artist had been in failing health for several
months. Ballif was to have accepted the 1994 Madeleine Award for Distinguished
Service at a banquet Sunday for his contributions as a designer, director,
teacher and producer. Ruth Draper, who heads the sponsoring Madeleine Arts and
Humanities Council, said the event will be held as scheduled at the New Yorker
Club, 60 W. Market St. (340 South), Salt Lake City. ``The family feels that
Ariel would want `the show to go on.' '' Draper added that the banquet is ``a
fitting tribute.'' ``We were talking
about the award just yesterday,'' said his longtime friend Tom Carlin. ``Ariel
was so thrilled and pleased -- and looking forward to Sunday.'' In one of his last interviews, the University
of Utah educator, set designer and founder of Theatre 138, said he returned to
Utah in 1962 ``because of the mountains and the people, and I have stayed for
the same reasons.'' Sets designed by Ballif were marked by their simplicity and
his desire to complement – not overshadow -- the performers. Colleagues cited
his astounding versatility in crafting all staging elements of a production --
from sets to costumes; from lighting to special effects. Robert S. Olpin, dean
of the U. College of Fine Arts, said Thursday that ``as a visual artist, Ariel
Ballif had no peer.'' Untold numbers of fine-arts students ``were influenced by
the sheer excellence of his magnificent productions and sets.'' Anne Stewart
Mark, a regular in Pioneer Theatre Company productions, said Ballif ``went out
on a limb to cast me as an ingenue [in a Theatre 138 production], which had a
profound influence on my career.'' The professional actress also recalled
Ballif's ``terrific sense of humor, plus an amazing amount of energy . . . his
silver hair flying as he oversaw all aspects of each production.'' Charles
Morey, artistic director of Pioneer Theatre Company, said Ballif enjoyed ``a
true national reputation, and chose to return from the East because he believed
in the future of theater in Salt Lake City.''
Ballif's ``style and aesthetics very much influenced'' the U.'s entire
theater program, Morey added. A native
Idahoan who spent his youth in Utah, Ballif began his professional career on
the East Coast. But he was lured back West after Willam Christensen, founder of
Ballet West, told him of an opening on the U. faculty. He was accompanied to Utah by his business
partners, Stewart Falconer and Carlin.
In 1966, the trio founded Theatre 138, Utah's first alternative theater
which staged hundreds of productions before it closed in the mid-1980s. Ballif had intended to retire from the U.
theater department in June. A 1948 graduate of Brigham Young University, he
earned a master's degree in 1952 from Yale University in New Haven, Conn. After
a brief stint on the faculty of Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass., he moved
to Virginia to become a designer at the Virginia Museum Theatre in Richmond.
After meeting Falconer and Carlin, the trio opened a small dinner theater – The
Renaissance -- at Bon Air, Va., in 1958. Between 1962-67, Ballif was an
assistant professor in the U. theater department. Shortly after co-founding
Theatre 138, he returned to New Haven and joined the Yale Drama School faculty.
He left the Ivy League school in 1972 to resume collaborations at the small
Salt Lake City theater. After the
closing of Theatre 138, which in its halcyon days staged up to 18 shows a year,
Ballif rejoined the U. theater department faculty in 1987. His design career
encompassed such diverse productions as ``Chicago'' and ``The Desert Song'' at
Theatre 138; ``The Nutcracker'' at Ballet West; and most recently ``O
Pioneers'' for Pioneer Theatre Company. As a director, he considered Theatre
138's staging of ``Equus'' one of his finest achievements. Ballif also directed
and designed for the Utah Opera Company, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Weber
State University and the Babcock Theatre at the U. His one Broadway experience was in the
mid-1950s with an English production called, ``A Pin to See the Peep Show.''
Recalling the New York show, Ballif quipped: ``We had a glorious run -- of
three previews.'' Ballif was born May
29, 1926, in Rexburg, Idaho, a son of Ariel S. and Artamesia Romney Ballif. Ballif
is survived by his father, Provo; two sisters and a brother: Maralyn Lavenstein
of Chicago; Bonnie Stanvill of Provo; Jae Ballif, also of Provo, and 19 nieces
and nephews. He was preceded in death by
his mother and a sister, Moana Bennett.
Falconer, his companion of four decades, died in 1993. Graveside services at East Lawn Memorial
Hills in Provo are pending.
1996 Anti-Gay legislation is harming U.S.
youths already struggling with sexual issues, former U.S. Surgeon General
Joycelyn Elders said at a speech in Arizona ``We can't let lawmakers sit on
God's judgment seat and make those decisions for us. I haven't met a politician
good enough to make that kind of decision for me,'' Elders said Friday in
keynoting a conference at Arizona State University on ``affirming sexual
diversity.'' Elders said that 4 in 10 adolescents who try to commit suicide are
Gay, lesbian or bisexual. Elders was forced to resign in December 1994 after
she spoke openly about masturbation
 |
| Kathy Worthington |
1996 The Granite School District refused to
distribute videos and pamphlets designed to educate faculty and students on the
plight of Gay and lesbian teens. Kathy
J. Worthington, 45, mother of two adult daughters who attended Salt Lake City
schools, is distributing the pamphlet and video. The video includes a May 1992
segment from ABC's 20-20, a short documentary called "Straight from the
Heart," and excerpts from Network Q, a monthly news broadcast for the Gay
community.
2003 (Brandie Balken) FIRST ANNUAL DYKE MARCH
Dyke marches have been held in large metropolitan areas since at least the
early 1990s, usually the Saturday evening before PRIDE day. Some of those marches are huge, with
thousands of women marching together. A
march on April 24th,
 |
| Brandi Balkin |
1993, in Washington D.C. drew at least 10,000 women,
though some accounts said there were as many as 20,000. Annual dyke marches in San Francisco and New
York draw thousands of women. Now it's
time for the very first Salt Lake march.
Won't you join us? Here is the official email invitation: Attn. all lesbians and lesbian friendly folk:
Utah is launching its FIRST ANNUAL DYKE MARCH WHO: Anyone who wants to come, we
encourage groups to attend, and bring
banners or signage, children are welcome!WHEN: June 7th, gather at 6:30
p.m., March begins at 7 p.m.WHERE: Memory Grove. Park at the State Capitol and
walk down to the GroveHOW: March will begin at Memory Grove, down City Creek to
State Street, South on State (beside our beloved temple) to South Temple, East
to 200 East, South to 300 South, and on to Washington Square, where the dance will
be in full swing. WHY: It's about time, don't you think?
2003 Utah's Response to the AIDS Epidemic
1981-1986 It is a fact that in 1980, AIDS was virtually unknown on the planet
and by 1990, it had killed over 200,000 Gay men. Today Health officials give
Gay teenagers only a 50/50 chance of not becoming HIV positive by age 60. The
total number of AIDS deaths in San Francisco is now greater than the total
number of San Francisco men who died in all the wars of the 20th Century. In
Utah alone there has been nearly 1000 deaths attributed to AIDS since records
were kept in 1983. My research paper deals with a grassroot attempt to stem and
treat the AIDS epidemic in Utah virtually without any official local or
statewide assistance. It documents the creation of AIDS organizations by the
effected populations due to lack of help by public health officials. It deals
with how a health issue became waysided by political intolerance to sexual
minorities. Sources for research are local newspaper accounts, oral histories,
local Gay periodicals, and first hand knowledge. Ben Edgar Williams 1975-B.A.
Social Science BYU Major; History, Minor: Political Science 1991-1997Archivist
of the former Utah Stonewall Center's Utah Stonewall Archives now located at
the Marriott Library U of U 1987-1990 Triangle Magazine's History Columnist
1987-1992 Co-host of Concerning Gays and Lesbians KRCL FM 911987-Co founder of
the Gay and Lesbian Historical Society with Rocky O'Donovan 1992-Founder of the
Utah Stonewall Historical Society for Gay and Lesbian Studies. 2002-2003
Co-director and Historian for the Utah Stonewall Historical Society. Gay
Political and Social Activist and Historian. Personal acquaintance with Ben
Barr, Dr. Patty Reagan, David Sharpton, Duane Dawson, Dr. Kristin Ries and
other key players in the AIDS epidemic of the 1980's.
2006 Saturday Now, U. knows this guy - and
vice versa By Christy Karras The Salt Lake Tribune Salt Lake Tribune When Larry
H. Miller took the podium to speak at the University of Utah on Friday, he
looked out on a sea of cowboy hats. "I've been debating how to open this
conversation," Miller said. "I feel like saying, 'Howdy.' '' About
three-quarters of the 150 or so people gathered in the U.'s Union ballroom wore
the hats in silent protest of Miller's decision to ban the movie
"Brokeback Mountain" from his theaters because of its homosexual
themes. But supporters of the gay community listened politely to Miller's
speech about his business success and contributions to education, applauding
warmly and laughing at Miller's jokes. "We're wearing the hats to show how
individuals were hurt when he didn't show 'Brokeback Mountain,' " said
Charles Milne, coordinator for the university's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
Campus Resource Center. But "we're going to be here listening to his
speech in celebration of his right to speak." Milne said Miller's refusal
to show the movie "sends the message that gay people are not valued
members of society. And when you're already feeling like you're not a part of
the community . . . It really does affect people's self-esteem." Milne was
one of about 30 people who met a day earlier with Miller to discuss concerns
that prompted some students to protest Miller as organizers' choice for the
speech, part of Discover U Days, a weekend event to get the community
acquainted with
 |
| Larry Miller, Charles Milne & Bonnie Owens |
the university. Miller, owner of several car dealerships and
the Utah Jazz, spoke about his rise to wealth and his decision to use some of
his money to fund scholarships. Before moving into his planned speech, Miller
took a few minutes to describe Thursday's meeting. "Something remarkable
happened in this building the other day," he said, tears welling in his
eyes. "For two hours, we had a remarkably open dialogue, and I learned a
lot." Miller said people on all sides of the issue went into the meeting
"with one thing in common: fear and trepidation," but the group
quickly established a feeling of respect, if not agreement. He heard stories of
ostracism by family members and the community because of sexual orientation.
"One of the great lessons learned by me, and maybe others in that room, is
that we have a lot more in common than we previously thought, and there's a lot
better chance of working out differences - and you'll have to read between the
lines here - and not repeating the mistakes of the past." After the
speech, James Cook, who wore a Western-style shirt and hat, said he took the
comment as a sign that Miller had learned from the negative reaction to his
"Brokeback" ban. "I think he's really going to think hard the
next time he's thinking of not showing a film," Cook said. "To a
small degree, Larry H. Miller had an eye-opening experience . . . he'll realize
that his decisions do affect other people." In response to a question from
the audience after his speech, Miller said he disagreed with Brigham Young
University's recent refusal to meet with students who rallied for awareness of
suicide in the gay population. "There's not anything to fear from
listening," he said. For gay people, though, "the fear is real, and
the fear is justified. And that's not right." He said he might encourage
BYU to have the same kind of meeting he did with the U. student group. "I
have access to those people, so we'll see what happens." Then he paused.
"After that comment, I might not have access to them anymore." Some
people at the speech didn't wear hats and supported Miller's original decision.
Sage Boyer, who, like Miller, is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, said she admired him for sticking up for his belief that
homosexuality is wrong. "If he is going to be a missionary, how can he
promote those ideas in his privately-owned theaters?" she said. "He
doesn't want them to feel that they're being targeted, but for him not to bend
or compromise with the standards he has set, I think it's really neat."
Curtis Howard, who wore a cowboy hat and plaid shirt, said Miller probably
doesn't know many gay people and didn't realize the impact of his decision. "It's
so easy to hate people because of a stereotype, but at the end of the day, you
realize everyone is human," he said.
2006 Deseret Morning News, Saturday, April
22, 2006 Miller kicks off 'Discover U Days' Events today include health fair,
golf clinic, 'Red & White' football By Deborah Bulkeley Deseret Morning
News Instilling an understanding of the foundations of the Constitution and its
role in today's society is essential if America is to survive, Utah Jazz owner
Larry Miller said Friday at the University of Utah. Protesters wear cowboy hats
Larry Miller encouraged attendees to read up on the nation's history and
Constitution. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Morning News #151; a dig at Larry
Miller's pulling of "Brokeback Mountain." Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret
Morning News "We cannot just assume the principles this country was
founded on are genetic," Miller said. "They have to be taught. That's
what the stakes are." Miller spoke at the kickoff event for the
university's first "Discover U Days" event, which opened the campus
to the community Friday. It continues today with events including soccer and
golf clinics, a community health fair and the annual "Red &
White" spring football game. Many of those in the audience wore cowboy
hats, a silent protest of Miller's decision
earlier this year to pull the movie
"Brokeback Mountain," which focuses on a love affair between gay
cowboys. Students standing in the back bore banners reading "Welcome Larry
Miller, Higher Education = Dialogue"; and "Love the censor, Hate the
censorship." Concerned faculty and students had met with Miller Thursday.
At the start of his presentation, Miller said, "I thank those who came to
that room. . . . It turned out not only to be a dialogue but an exceptional
experience." Miller then turned to the story of his achievements and the importance
of giving back to the community. He questioned whether the success of someone
like himself, with only a high school education, would have been possible in
any other nation. "America is not without its flaws," he said.
"In spite of its flaws, it beats the heck out of whatever is second
best." He encouraged those in attendance to read up on the nation's
history, particularly the Constitutional Convention. "As a society we
don't do enough to teach our young people," he said. "We need to do that."
Miller said two of his goals have been to help educate people and create
high-quality jobs. He said 288 students were studying on scholarships
established by him and his wife, Gail. Miller said he hates the bumper sticker
proclaiming, "He who dies with the most toys wins." "I hate that
because there is more to life than toys, in any form," Miller said.
"In certain respects I have been given much. I realize that. It has
created a hunger or thirst to give back." During a question-and-answer
session, Miller was asked if he'd consider establishing scholarships for gays
and lesbians and if he'd consider a scholarship for those with cognitive
disabilities. On the gay and lesbian scholarship, Miller said, "We already
do that," noting at least 12 of the current 288 scholarship recipients are
gay or lesbian. "I do not ask if they are gay or lesbian. It is of no
consequence to me." He said he hadn't considered a scholarship for those
with cognitive disabilities before, but "I think it's a great idea. We
certainly don't want to overlook those people." JoNell Evans, wearing a
red hat, told Miller, "I applaud you for your courage of listening."
Then he was asked how he'd advise Brigham Young University administrators who
recently squelched the efforts of gay rights activists who wanted to hold a
forum on campus. Miller said he wouldn't pass judgment on the BYU
administration, but, if asked, he'd tell them, "I did it (talked about the
issues), and it was painless."
2006 Rep. Frank optimistic on future of gay
rights By Matt Canham The Salt Lake Tribune Salt Lake Tribune The incremental
march of the gay rights movement is gaining allies and picking up speed. So
much so, that U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., an openly gay member of
Congress, said young activists will live to see the legalization of same-sex
marriage and the triumph over homophobia. Frank spread a message of political
optimism weighed down by political realities at the Utah Stonewall Democrats
fundraiser late Friday, held on the eve of today's Salt Lake County Democratic
Convention. "There is no bigger difference between the two political parties
today than on LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered] issues," he
said, noting that not all Democrats are 100 percent behind gay rights. As an
example, he mentioned Utah's 2nd Congressional Rep. Jim Matheson, a Democrat
who opposes homosexual marriage. "He doesn't represent the district that I
represent," Frank told the crowd, which was peppered with local
politicians. "I vote differently than Jim, but he is a decent man."
Matheson was not present at the speech. Frank urged the Stonewall Democrats to
pressure Matheson to change his views all the way until Election Day, then put
the issue aside and vote for "the better candidate." Utah's
 |
| Add caption |
 |
| Michael Picardi |
Stonewall
Democrats have tried in the past. Upset at Matheson's gay marriage position,
the Stonewall Democrats turned their back as Matheson spoke at the 2004 state
Democratic Convention. Stonewall Democrat Chairman Mike Picardi said he doesn't
expect a protest this year, in part because he doesn't want to hinder
Matheson's re-election chances. "You can kill yourself being a one-issue
party," Picardi said. While still upset at Matheson's stance against gay
marriage, Picardi said his group has easy access to the congressman and a good
rapport. Frank laced his off-the-cuff speech with wit, which he not only aimed at
far-right Republicans, but also his liberal Massachusetts constituents and even
himself. Frank publicly acknowledged his sexuality in 1987 at the age of 47. At
the time he was a three-term congressman, fairly secure in his seat. But
staffers convinced him to conduct a poll to see how his voters responded to his
public outing. The poll asked if voters were disappointed that he was gay.
"The majority were not disappointed," Frank said. "The majority
of men were disappointed that I was gay and the women couldn't care less. By
the way, that is not good for your ego." Other questions asked if voters
thought being openly gay would hurt him politically and if they would stop
voting for him because of his sexuality. Frank said 42 percent thought his open
homosexuality would hinder him and 21 percent said they would stop voting for
him. "What they were saying was 'I can handle it, but the other guy
can't,' " Frank said. Coming out of the closet was difficult but wasn't as
painful as he expected. He believes by coming out, gay people not only help
themselves, they also spur political change. When people realize they already
know and respect a gay person, they are less likely to oppose gay-rights
legislation. When gay people make their sexuality public, Frank said: "We
tell the average American that they are not homophobic, they just thought they
were supposed to be." And talking about your sexuality is not as uncommon
as some people believe it is. Frank said heterosexual people constantly out
themselves by saying something about their spouse or pointing out someone they
feel is attractive. "Heterosexuals also discuss their sexual nature, but
when they do it, it's called talking," he said. To further gay rights,
Frank said homosexual people must not only come out of the closet, they must
become politically active too, encouraging their loved ones to follow suit.
"We don't win this alone," he said. "We win this with the people
who love us, who support us." Gay marriage has been legal in Massachusetts
for the past two years and while receiving incredible attention when ceremonies
first started taking place, Frank said same-sex marriage has become a non issue
in his home state. "I can't wait for the day when a person asks me if a
gay person should be a Republican or a Democrat and I can say it depends on
your economic view," he said. mcanham@...
2006 4th Annual “Awakening Utah” Walk for
Suicide Prevention & Awareness Sugarhouse
 |
| Jennifer Nuttall |
Park April 22th, 2006 Come walk with the GLBT Community Group!
Complete form and turn into Jennifer no later than April 11th with your check
for $15.00 made out to: Mental Health Association in Utah You will receive your
Pride T-shirt at that time.Meet the group at 11:00 am at the Opening Ceremonies
you will get: 1- Walk T Shirt, 1 Pride T-Shirt, Brunch and all Beverages Please
wear your Pride T-shirts the day of the Walk for GLBT group visibility! To
register: Pick up a registration form at
the GLBT Community Center - 361 N. 300 W. Salt Lake City. Complete form and turn into Jennifer no later
than April 11 th with your check for $10.00 made out to: Mental Health
Association in Utah You will receive your Pride T-shirt at that time. Meet the
group at 11:00 am at the Opening Ceremonies. Schedule of events: Registration -
10:00am to 11:00am Opening Ceremony - 11:00am to 11:30am 5K Walk - 11:30am to
1:00pm Brunch - 1:00pm to 1:30pm Closing Ceremony - 1:30pm to 2:00pm For more information, contact Jennifer
Nuttall
2008 Gay weddings flourish in a religious
stronghold Can Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah and known for its devout
Mormon beliefs, be a new home for gay marriage? Times Online, UK/April 22, 2008
By Wendy SloaneThe day had finally dawned. After 12 years of being girlfriend
and girlfriend, Holly Miller and P.R. Banks were getting married. Dressed in a
cream trouser suit with a sparkly pink top, Holly, 44, looked radiant as she
adjusted a silver tiara on her highlighted hair. P.R., who won't reveal her
age, looked equally serene, wearing a traditional wedding gown with a matching
tiara perched atop her elegant blonde bun. "I take you, P.R., to be my
beloved," Holly told P.R., looking into her eyes. In the front row,
Holly's mum sat enthralled by the ceremony, held in the upstairs function room
of a popular upscale restaurant; her father looked vaguely bored. On the right
of the makeshift altar, two of the six ushers standing solemnly in shirtsleeves
and ties were women. This was no ordinary gay wedding, if any gay wedding could
be construed as ordinary. It took place recently in my hometown of Salt Lake
City, Utah, which doesn't have a reputation for being exceptionally progressive
or tolerant. The city is known as the seat of Mormonism in the U.S. The
religion, established in upstate New York in the 1820s, takes its teachings
from the Book of Mormon, an additional scripture of the Bible which tells of a
visit by Jesus to North America. In wider terms, Mormonism is associated with
strict religious beliefs and polygamy, although the church has disavowed the
practice. When I was growing up, my school was about 95 percent Mormon. I was
one of three Jewish students in my year and my family was looked down on for
drinking coffee and tea, which contain "stimulants" the church is
against. I've lost track of the times I was asked when I was planning to
convert. This was my first trip back in years from my adopted home of
Hampstead, north London. At the moment, Massachusetts is the only American
state where civil marriage is legal for gays and lesbians. But surprisingly,
Holly and P.R.'s wedding was more than just a public demonstration of their
commitment. In September 2005, Salt Lake's then mayor, Rocky
 |
| Rocky Anderson |
Anderson issued an
Executive Order granting same-sex partners in the City proper the same health
and other employment benefits available to heterosexual couples. Executive
orders have the force of law based on existing statutory powers, and require no
outside backing for them to be enforced.
"Fundamental principles of fairness and justice obligated me to
grant equal benefits to same-sex domestic partners of employees," Anderson
told me. "While my Executive Order granting equal benefits was unpopular
in some quarters, even spurring lawsuits, it was the right thing to do." One couple which has benefited from his laws
is MaryEtta Chase, a former Mormon housewife with three grown daughters, and
partner Shelle Marchant, whose own mum grew up in a fundamentalist polygamist
household. Shelle drives heavy machinery for the City of Salt Lake, and their
civil ceremony two years ago means MaryEtta enjoys the same medical benefits
Shelle's colleagues' wives get. "It's all about love,"says MaryEtta,
stroking Shelle's hand at the reception as the presiding Reverend Bruce Barton
of the Metropolitan Community Church, wearing an Indian headdress, danced to
the Village People's YMCA with a handful of other guests. A former Mormon missionary, Reverend Barton
has been
 |
| Bruce Barton |
with his male partner for 30 years and has an eleven-year-old son. He
didn't actually come out - to himself or others - until he was almost 30.
"I thought I couldn't be gay as the only gays I knew of were flaming
queens, and I wasn't," he says. Holly, who works in health care
information technology, was one of my most sensible friends while we were
growing up. She grew up Baptist and had several long-term girlfriends over the
years, but P.R. was obviously The One. "The first time we met, Holly sang
and played her guitar for me, and I fell in love," says P.R. "I've
been in love her ever since, and I always wanted to get married. For me, this
wedding is a dream come true." P.R. also comes from a devout Mormon
family. A former care assistant studying to become a hairdresser, she is the
youngest of ten children. Although both her parents have died, she doubts they
would have attended her wedding to Holly. In fact, only one of her many
siblings showed up, an elder brother. A sister had previously agreed to be a
bridesmaid but backed out six weeks before the Big Day. So what's next for Holly and P.R.? In the
immediate future, they are going on a week-long Caribbean cruise with Olivia, a
travel company that caters to lesbians. "We are so excited! Neither of us
have ever been on a cruise before, or to the Caribbean!" Holly told me on
her hen night, held in a women's sports bar called Mo Diggity's. "And
everyone will be gay!" Now there's a change.
2018 Trans Homo...Gasp! Sexy stories.... sweet, dirty, raw, and insightful, San Francisco Author and Trans-activist Pete Bailey shares real life stories of Gay FTM and Cis Men from his new book "Trans Homo...Gasp! Gay FTM and Cis Men on Sex and Love" Copies of the book will be available for sale. Have the author sign your copy for a donation that benefits TRANS LIFELINE! this event sponsored by blackBOOTS
2018 Fundraiser held for homeless youth at the Sun Trapp
2018 Fundraiser held for homeless youth at the Sun Trapp
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