This Day In Gay Utah History September 26

September 26th

1877 - Salt Lake City was once the Reno of the west for divorce.  A Grand Jury describes Salt Lake County probate court as a "divorce mill" which granted 300 divorces in the previous twelve-month period, primarily on "grounds of incompatibility of temperament, different aims and objectives in life." Eighty percent of divorced couples come to Utah for divorces from such places as San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Terre Haute, and St. Louis. Report finds that 13 percent of divorces are granted same day of complaint, total of 25 percent within week of application, and total of 85 percent are granted within a month of application. Report continues, "And your committee have good reason to believe that other county probate courts of the territory are likewise engaged in this class of divorce business, to an equal if not greater extent." Two months later U.S. senator Dawes introduces bill to remove divorce from jurisdiction of Mormon probate courts and limit divorce cases to federally-appointed non-Mormon judges

1890 The trial of an "elderly" man named Frank Wilson charged with a crime against nature. Deseret News. (He was about 55 years old)

1896 Frank Merrell, Patsy Calvey, and James Owens, the three tramps bound over to the District Court charged with a “Crime Against Nature” came before Judge hatch today and were given until Wednesday at 2 pm to plead. A L Booth was appointed counsel for the defendants. Provo Daily Enquirer

1942 Robert E. Little of 68 East 1st South Street SLC was sentenced by Judge Albert H. Elett in the 3rd District Court to serve 3-20 years in Utah state prison for Sodomy.

West Side Story

1957 - West Side Story opens on Broadway, with quite the gay pedigree: Leonard Bernstein (Music); Stephen Sondheim (Lyrics); Arthur Laurents (Book); and Jerome Robbins (Choreography).

Tim Curry

1975 - The Rocky Horror Picture Show opens in theaters. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 musical comedy horror film and an adaptation of The Rocky Horror Show, a musical stage play, book, music, and lyrics by Richard O'Brien. The production is a humorous tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the late 1940s through early 1970s. It introduces Tim Curry and features Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick along with cast members from the original Kings Road production presented at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in 1973. Still in limited release nearly four decades after its premiere, it has the longest-running theatrical release in film history.

Lily Tomlin

1985 - Lily Tomlin's one-woman show Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe opens on Broadway.  It was written by her longtime partner Jane Wagner.

1986- After Jerry Falwell threatened to move his religious organization elsewhere, the city of Lynchburg Virginia decided to waive the $1.4 million he owed in back taxes.

Bruce Bastian

1987- A private candlelight service was held at the in-between with Rev. Bruce Barton conducting the service. A public candlelight service was later held on the steps of the State capitol. “It was simple but eloquent and beautiful. Only trouble was some people drove by screaming “Faggots get off the capitol steps!”

John Reeves

1988- A Gay speakers panel was held for Utah Valley Men’s Group.  Derek Streeter led the meeting which met at a civic building since they we couldn't meet at Utah Valley Community College since John Reeves, their sponsor left. Ben Williams spoke about Gay Liberation, Activism, and Self Empowerment.

1993 Teachers Worry a Few Words May Ban Books... A Few Words Could Ban 'Best Textbooks,' Some Teachers Say By Samuel A. Autman Brighton High School teacher Marcia Miller wants her sophomores and juniors to use what she considers one of the best psychology books in the nation. But she is afraid two pictures in the book of gay and lesbian couples embracing will prevent it from passing the state Textbook Commission's guidelines. "We may soon be in a position where we cannot use any textbooks in our schools because they are presenting current information on sexual orientation," Ms. Miller says. "Our position as educators is to increase awareness, not to limit knowledge." The book, Introduction to Psychology by Rod Plotnik, a professor at San Diego State University, is sprinkled with colorful graphics and pictures of African, Asian and European Americans. He intended the book to reflect America's diversity, including homosexuals. Teachers say the state Board of Education's position on homosexuality and textbooks is preventing them from getting quality, up-to-date books. Earlier this year, the textbook commission tried to clarify the policy to allow textbooks and teachers to discuss homosexuality in classrooms. Instead, the state board took a firm stand against its commission. As a result, no books discussing gay lifestyle as an acceptable or healthy way or life will be used in Utah's classrooms. Book publishers say the policy means Utah students will miss all of the best new psychology, health and sociology textbooks. The newer books have more than a technical definition of homosexuality. Keith Checketts, a member of the Utah Board of Education who supported the firmer stand, questions the motives of publishers, who bombard him with offers of books. He issued a challenge to any teachers afraid certain books will not be approved. If good books are being tossed aside because of the policy, the board would have to look at the issue. "I am concerned that we give our kids good, quality experience and good, quality textbooks as long as the guidelines are respected,' says Mr. Checketts. "If we run into questions about that policy, we are going to go back and look it at." A Utah State University psychology professor, Mr. Checketts questions the research integrity of Introduction to Psychology, the book Ms. Miller at Brighton High wants to use. The book says 10% of the populace is homosexual, but recent studies challenge that percentage as exaggerated, he said. Publishers say Utah's situation is unique. "This is the first time this issue has come up," says Mary Ann Shaw, sales representative for Wadsworth Publishers, which prints Introduction to Psychology. "These books are adopted all over the country." Adds Larry Greulich, recent retiree of Houghton Mifflin Publishing Co.: "In Utah, they don't spend a lot of money on books anyway. Textbooks have to address certain controversial issues." Friday marks the deadline for the next batch of books to be approved for spring semester. So far this year, at least one book, which was proposed for use on a trial basis, has been rejected by the Utah Office of Education because of homosexuality. That request was made by Pine View High School teacher Richard Bean. He wanted Psychology: An Introduction by Charles Morris for use on a trial basis. But this line on page 567 prevented approval: "Homosexuality itself was no longer considered a disorder unless it causes the person significant distress." The book's publisher calls the policy backward. "You really are out of the 20th century thinking in this country. Whether [homosexuality] is right or wrong, it is factual information," says Gary Crump, Salt Lake City sales representative for Prentice Hall. "The state wants to view it as abnormal." Carol Gnade,

Carol Gnade

executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah, says her office has already by contacted by parents and teachers who want to challenge the policy and the decision by the state board. "It seems that educators are being relegated to taking an X-Acto knife to the pages of textbooks to cut out opinions that do not comply with the policy of the board of education," Ms. Gnade says. "It is essentially viewpoint discrimination. Given the demands placed upon our young people living in a complicated world what we should be giving them is more information, not less." Debbie Simpson, curriculum monitor for Utah Eagle Forum, a conservative pro-family book which fought to keep homosexuality from being endorsed in Utah textbooks, says finding newer, more relevant textbooks is "not an issue." "We here in Utah do not want homosexuality as a lifestyle taught to our students when they are young and impressionable, period," Mrs. Simpson says. David Nelson, founder of the Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats has followed the textbook issue since it unfolded. "The books they are talking about have four pages out of 200 pages that deal with homosexuality," Mr. Nelson says. "If we look at any of those books they are proposing, none of those would be advocating or promoting homosexuality. They are giving explanations."

1994-  Tyler Matthew Hammer (Spriggs) died. Obituary "Today I finally got tired and decided to join my friends Hailey, Chance, Eugene and my Aunt Mary."  When his best buddy died of AIDS, 8-year-old Tyler Spriggs decided he would, too. Enough nausea. Enough exhaustion. Enough of what had killed all his friends. Tyler had always been a fighter, determined not to let the vicious disease take over his life. His parents, Mick and Carolyn Spriggs of Sandy, could see he was just as determined, but his aim had changed. ``He thought he was the only one left,'' Carolyn Spriggs said. And he was -- the only one left of a handful of children with AIDS whose families had gathered together twice a year to share their experiences.  For a week, Mick and Carolyn fought with their son over his change of heart. They consulted doctors and psychologists. Tyler was asked some pointed questions: Did he know what would happen if he stopped taking his pills? He said he would get sick and go to the hospital. ``I said it would be worse than that, and he said, `I know. I'm going to die,' '' Carolyn Spriggs said. Tyler was the son of Carolyn's half-sister. He came to live with Carolyn, Mick and their three children when he was 14 months old. He called Carolyn and Mick his parents and called his birth mother by her first name. No formal adoption was made by the Spriggses. Still alive, the birth mother was an intravenous-drug user who had passed the disease to her son.  Tyler was diagnosed with AIDS at age 2, about a year after he moved in with the Spriggses ``People just don't understand how much you can love a child you didn't give birth to,'' Carolyn said. Tyler's choice shocked the couple. It seemed so out of character. Tyler was fun-loving, a giggler. And he and Carolyn had traveled the state educating people about AIDS. When the pair went to schools, he always said the same thing: ``My name is Tyler and I have AIDS. I have bad bugs in my blood. I can't hurt you, but if I start to bleed, you better get your gloves on.'' Tyler was never afraid to give orders when it came to his disease. He refused pain medication and tubes for feeding or breathing --even though many of his friends relied on them. Carolyn only heard him once say that he did not want to have AIDS -- and that was during a time he was feeling well. Everybody loved Tyler -- but Tyler preferred kids, dogs and older people. He would wander his Sandy neighborhood knocking on doors. When people answered, he would ask if they had children. If they were elderly, he would stay to visit. If they had kids, he would stay and play. If there was a dog in the house, he would bring it outside. Even in the last weeks of his life, Tyler took charge. He stopped setting goals and he did not talk about the future. That was unusual for a child who marked time by passing holidays. He never once mentioned Halloween or Christmas this year. ``He knew then,'' Carolyn said. When she thought the end was close, she sat him down to talk.  He cut her off. ``I know, Mom,'' he said, ``and I don't want to talk about it.'' Soon after, he started losing blood volume; the transfusions stopped working. The family celebrated his birthday a week early with the ice-cream cake he had requested. The night he died, they tucked him into bed to watch a video and his brother made him a peanut-butter sandwich. Within minutes, he had a seizure, mumbled to Carolyn he was dying and slipped away.  It was one week before his 9th birthday. The cause of death was liver failure. He weighed 35 pounds.  The Sept. 27 obituary read: Tyler Matthew Hammer (Spriggs). ``Today I finally got tired and decided to join my friends Hailey, Chance, Eugene and my Aunt Mary.''  More than 500 attended the funeral. ``I miss him a lot. As time goes by it's worse. I always think it will get better, but it doesn't,'' Carolyn said the other day. ``I know children die every day, but we've seen so many and he was our own.''  On Dec. 1, Tyler and his friends will be among nearly 1,000 Utahns remembered during the 7th Annual World AIDS Day. A candlelight vigil is scheduled at the State Capitol -- the same vigil Tyler attended with his parents during the first AIDS Day celebration. When Tyler died, the Spriggs family considered giving up their activism on behalf of AIDS patients.  ``We used to say that after Tyler died, that would be it. But now we can't stop,'' Carolyn says. ``Tyler gave a lot of his life to do that, and I don't think he'd appreciate it if I stopped.'' The thing is, she says, ``Now I'll have to take a little slide show instead of Tyler.'' DN  Story on Tyler Spriggs

Cleve Jones

1997- Cleve Jones founder of the AIDS memorial Quilt  spoke to an audience about 300 students at East High School in Salt Lake about grieving for those who have died of the disease and honoring their memories by preaching the AIDS-prevention message (SL Tribune 28 Sept 1997 B8)

2003 Page: B1 Leavitt 'virtually' a doctor By Paul Rolly and JoAnn

Michael Mitchell

Jacobsen-Wells Changing names: Unity Utah, the gay and lesbian political action group, will from now on be called Equality Utah.  The new name, in part to avoid confusion with the Unity Church and Unity Alliance, a group dedicated to bridging gaps between religious and ethnic groups, will be announced tonight at the group's $100-per-plate fund-raising banquet. Several politicians will be attending, including a half-dozen legislators and Salt Lake City mayoral candidates Rocky Anderson and Molonai Hola. Organizer Michael Mitchell says the group will be smarter next year when scheduling its banquet so it will not again be held on Rosh Hashana, the sacred Jewish holiday that will keep state Democratic Party Chairman Donald Dunn from attending the banquet.

2003   SL Tribune Page: B5 Man's body found inside SLC home By Michael N. Westley The Salt Lake Tribune Police are searching for clues in the death of a 69-year-old Salt Lake City man whose body was found in his home Thursday morning.   Leo P. Anderson was found by a friend around 3 a.m. in his basement apartment near 1200 East and 1900 South, police said. The cause of his death was not released pending a medical examiner's report, but authorities said that it was not by natural causes.  "We are ruling it a homicide and right now it appears that robbery is the motive," said Detective Kevin Joiner of Salt Lake City police. Police have no suspects and no other details of the crime scene were released. Anderson's truck, a green two-wheel-drive 2000 Mazda B3000 extra cab, is missing and has not been seen by neighbors since Tuesday.  Anderson bought  the truck about three weeks ago. The temporary license tag reads E08641, and police said that the truck may have damage on the driver's side, including the door and mirror. Anderson was an ardent supporter of Alcoholics Anonymous and had been planning to travel to a district conference in Moab on Thursday, according to neighbor David Crotty. "I hadn't seen the truck all day, so I just figured he had left a day early," Crotty said. On Jan. 21, 2001, Anderson pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement to a class A misdemeanor count of attempting to deal material harmful to a minor and a second class A misdemeanor count of sexual battery, according to 3rd District Court records.  Third District Judge Leslie Lewis gave him a suspended sentence of a year in jail and sentenced him to serve two years of probation.  The offenses did not require Anderson to register as a sex offender, according to court records. In October 2002, a warrant was issued for a probation violation, and Anderson was arrested, court records said.    Lewis sentenced him to 135 days in jail with no good time credit and no credit for time served.  Salt Lake Tribune reporter Ashley Broughton contributed to this report.

• Friday, September 26, 2003 Homicide suspected in Salt Lake man's death Body is found in home; robbery may be motive By Laura Hancock Deseret Morning News Salt Lake police are investigating the death of a 70-year-old man as a homicide. He was discovered in his basement apartment near 1200 East and 1900 South about 3 a.m. Thursday by a friend who went to visit him. Police have not said how Leo P. Anderson died. "We're prepared to call it a homicide," detective Kevin Joiner said. But Joiner said it was difficult to determine whether there were signs of struggle because the apartment was so messy. "The motive appears to be robbery at this point," Joiner said. Police are looking for Anderson's dark green 2000 Mazda B3000 extra cab pickup. In the rear window is a Utah temporary license sticker of E08641. There may be damage to the driver's-side door mirror, left front driver's door and the left side of the driver's cab. There is a Ken Garff placard in the license plate holder. It is unknown whether any other possessions were taken, Joiner said. Anderson was retired from a railroad company and was a veteran of the Korean War, said neighbor Robert Figueroa, who lived next door to the man for five years. His wife died about seven years ago.Anderson also was a recovering alcoholic and spent his days counseling others at AA. "He was due for his 10-year sobriety (anniversary) pretty soon," said Cassie Jackson, who lived upstairs from the man since June. Anderson told Jackson he had lived at the house for 30 years. Both Jackson and Figueroa called the man a pack rat and said the messy condition that police found his apartment in was not unusual. The man spent pretty much all his days at a local AA center. He sponsored dozens of other alcoholics. It would not be unusual for someone to come to his house at 3 a.m. for help, Jackson said. In fact, Jackson did not think it was unusual she hadn't seen Anderson's truck since Tuesday afternoon because she thought he was attending an AA conference in Moab. "He helped a lot of people," Jackson said. The man was nice enough, Figueroa recalled. "He was a loner, except with his buddies at AA," Figueroa said. Although the  motive appeared to be robbery, Joiner said, investigators aren't ruling out anything, especially when the man's past is taken into consideration. Anderson was a registered sex offender with previous convictions for sexual exploitation of a minor, dealing in harmful materials to a minor and sexual battery. Anderson also had about a half-dozen convictions for DUI dating back to 1986.His body was taken to the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office.
• Homicide investigators believe the binding and beating of a man in his Sugar House

  

  Ira Eugene Hensley

  apartment last week was not a random crime. Salt Lake police are asking the public to help clarify the relationship between Ira Eugene Hensley and Leo P. Anderson, found murdered in his apartment Thursday. Hensley, 40, remains in a Las Vegas jail for investigation of possession of a stolen vehicle, Salt Lake police detective Dwayne Baird said. A Mazda pickup that belonged to Anderson had been missing when police found his body. That pickup was involved in an accident in Las Vegas earlier this week, Baird said. Hensley allegedly "tried to leave the scene of the traffic accident," Baird said. He was caught by Las Vegas police and booked into jail. "We're trying to figure out what the connection is between these two guys. Why would they know each other?" Baird said. Police originally said the motive in the murder was robbery. Besides the truck, investigators do not think any other possessions were taken, Baird said, and now they believe the two men knew each other. Anderson, 69, was a registered sex offender with previous convictions for sexual exploitation of a minor, dealing in harmful materials to a minor and sexual battery. A friend discovered Anderson's body about 3 a.m. Thursday. Anderson had been bound and beaten, although an official cause of death will be determined by the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office, Baird said
  Anderson met his killer through a dating site.

Toni Johnson

2004 You're Invited to the PWACU Barbeque Come Join Us for Our Annual SUPER DUPER - END OF SUMMER BBQ BASH!!! When: Sunday, September 26 at 4:00 pm Where: Fairmont Park, (900 East 2400 South) Please RSVP to the PWACU by Sept. 20^th 801-484-2205 Food - Beverages and Tons of Fun! This event is for our clients, supporters and volunteers. We hope you can join us! Toni Johnson, Director People With AIDS Coalition of Utah

2009 Bath From: "Ben Edgar Williams" To: "Tim Keller" 1850- A bathhouse was first completed on Nov. 27, 1850 by

Warm Springs Trolley

Mormon pioneers at the Beck Warm Springs also known as Wasatch Warm Springs three miles north of the city, and was used for many years.. In 1850, a bathhouse 15 X 30 feet was dedicated and a grove of Locust trees planted. Jesse C. Little built a hotel there in the 1850's. In the summer of 1866 Dr. King Robinson became entangled in a property dispute with Brigham Young and the Salt Lake City police in the Summer of 1866. Dr. Robinson came across some sulfurous warm springs about a mile north of the city on  property he felt perfectly suited for building Utah’s first hospital. He laid claim to property at this location believing the thermos springs would add therapeutic value to his proposed site. Dr. Robinson discovered that this land at the warm springs was unoccupied and after taking possessing of the land he had workmen erect a building on the property so as to prove a homestead title to the property. Almost immediately things began to go wrong for the Physician. The Salt Lake City council claimed that the land which Dr. Robinson desired for his hospital belonged to the city under the federal Homestead and Preemptive Act of 1862. Although the proposed site was outside of the city’s occupied area they claimed it was still within city limits. The city referred to fact that the federal act exempted lands within municipalities from homestead claims.  Dr. Robinson found a loophole in the measures that kept him from acquiring his hospital property when he discovered that Salt Lake City ’s incorporation papers had never been approved by Congress. The federal organic act governing territories stated that all laws passed by the territorial legislators and governor had to be submitted to Congress, ”and if disapproved shall be null and of no effect.”   Daniel H. Wells, General of the Nauvoo Legion and second counselor to Brigham Young, had  become mayor of Great Salt Lake City in early 1866. Daniel H. Wells Mayor of Salt Lake City , Wells ordered the city police to destroy the doctor’s improvements at the Warm Springs. After learning that the city police tore down his shed, Dr. Robinson challenged the validity of the city charter in the Third District court. On October 22, 1866 Dr. Robinson was “mysteriously” murdered on Main Street and Third South in SLC. James Townsend later leased the Warm Springs until his death in 1886. In 1932 it was named Wasatch Springs Plunge. This Old House Wasatch Plunge 840 N. 300 W. by Nelson Knight The Summer 2008 issue of Utah Historical Quarterly (the flagship publication of the Utah State Historical Society) contains an article by Darrell E. Jones and W. Randall Dixon titled, “’It Was Very Warm and Smelt Very Bad’: Warm Springs and the First Bath House in Salt Lake City.” Jones and Dixon trace the history of the Warm Springs bathhouses in Salt Lake , now memorialized in Warm Springs Park , on Beck Street .

• In 1850, the City constructed an adobe building over the springs at about the present intersection of 300 West and Reed Avenue . A later bathhouse stood at the south end of Warm Springs Park . This circa 1865 structure stood on the banks of a small lake fed by the springs, and was leased to private operators. Problems with the leaseholders and a seedy reputation led the city to take full control of the springs in 1916.
• 1972- Club Baths opened a Gay men's bathhouse known as Jeff's Gym at 700 West 1700 South in Salt Lake with Ray Andrews first club manager.
• 1978- A Gay bathhouse chain known as Club Baths opens at 727 West 17th South with a free workout. Locally known as “Jeff's Gym”.
• 1984- Beau Chaine and Auntie De [Dean Walton] were Co-director of the Gay Community Service Center and Clinic.  John Cooper of Salt Lake Affirmation regular member of the Steering Committee. Four nurses who work professionally with hospitals in the area and are members of the community have volunteered to be liaisons to the health department. Health Clinic volunteers draw blood at the bath houses and began AIDS education in the community. First AIDS Support group established by Jeff Stykes. A liaison with the vice squad and Gay and Lesbian community formed. Meetings held at The Salt Lake Public Library Lecture Hall. The Center applied for two grants one to forma a Cabaret that “puts on show in show business and to develop live performing arts in the Gay Community and for the establishment of a community center. When the Community Service Center failed to pay its 1986 corporate taxes, the corporation was dissolved.
• 1986-Salt Lake City's two bath houses, Club 14 and Jeff's Gym (Club Baths) received notice from the Salt Lake City attorney, Roger Cutler, requesting that they cease doing business or face legal prosecution. "SLC believes each business constitutes a brothel as a place of lewdness assignation or prostitution." Bruce Baird, assistant city attorney handled the case
• 1987--3rd District Judge Raymond Uno heard arguments whether should Gay bath houses be allowed to remain in business. Bruce Baird attorney for SLC stated “the mere existence of these nuisances constitutes a nuisance to the public at large.” Because the private rooms violate sodomy statutes and laws against lewdness, Baird made the city’s case with the assumption that homosexual activity was always illegal. Club attorney Jerome Mooney asked police whether arrests for public sex weren’t also made in other areas of the city. The response was that one arrest per week at Liberty Park was not uncommon and the lists of illegal sexual activity occurring there and in Sugarhouse Park would probably each be longer than the list of sex acts observed by vice officers in Jeff’s Gym. The witness also reported having made similar arrests at ZCMI, Crossroads Malls and Sears. Dr. Harry Gibbons, director of Salt Lake City-County Health Department testified that bathhouses allowed for a significantly greater number of sexual contacts than other meeting places that encouraged the spread of diseases. Dr. Patty Reagan of Salt Lake AIDS Foundation testified that education is the solution to AIDS and suggested that the baths served as an environment for conveying that information. Baird told The Triangle Magazine that the recent concern about heterosexual transmission of AIDS may have been the spark that moved the city to close the bath houses 11 years after Jeff Gym opened and five years into the AIDS epidemic.  Mooney stated, “Why the city wants to put Gay men back into the parks and bars  ‘where they belong’ I don’t know. (Triangle Magazine)
• 1987 Hits SL Bathhouse closure- To the editor: One of the more poorly thought out

  

  Patty Reagan

  reactions towards the AIDS crisis shown by the city health department is the attempt to close the two bathhouses in Salt Lake City. Why any sociologist or sexologist will affirm the reality of some consensual sexual encounters in gay bathhouses , closing such establishments will never decrease high risk sexual behavior.  In fact bathhouses may be a realistic means of proving public health education during this health crisis, as bathhouses are now trying to do. If the city is going to reduce the spread of AIDS by closing the bathhouses, the same poorly researched method should require the closure of men’s public restrooms, particularly in some local parks, the University of Utah and BYU, most of the interstate rest stops, and ZCMI. In fact, the chance of two gay men engaging in safer sex practices is greater in bathhouses where there is education then the reality of a heterosexual man exchanging body fluids with another man in a public restroom and then taking that risky encounter home to his female partner. There is only one effective means of reducing AIDS risk today- public health education. Closing bathhouses to stop male sexual behavior is a costly, ineffectual, and superficial response to this serious problem. Patty Reagan PhD [ Deseret News A-9]
• 31 March 1987 - Jeff’s Gym closed after deciding not to contest further efforts on the part of the city to close the bathhouse down. “The decision of Salt Lake City officials to close that institution is a clear sign that AIDS has inalterably affected Gay life—not only medically but politically and socially as well.”  By agreeing not to contest the city’s license revocation, Jeff Gym deprived the court of the opportunity to set a precedent labeling Gay meeting places as “public  nuisances”
• 1988 - Unconditional Support was good tonight I think. We had a frank discussion about the bath houses and their being a sub culture of the Gay Sub Culture. Only about 3 people there said that they had never been to a bath house.  At first there were a lot of negative things said about the bath houses even by people who frequented them but by the end of the meeting we were able to be more objective and pointed out some positive aspects of them
• 1988 Friday-John Reeves and I put up Beyond Stonewall Posters at all the bars and the bath house. 
• 1990 I hear the police are trying to close down Club 14, the last bathhouse in Salt Lake City. They probably will succeed. [Journal 1990 of Ben Williams]
• Fourteenth Street Gym   (Fourteen Street Gym*)  1414 W 200 S Salt Lake City, UT  84104-1836 Phone: (801) 363-2023  Owner Leo Bush

2013 Restore Our Humanity Everyone! As many of you know, I am the director of Restore

Our Humanity. We are the organization that has filed a lawsuit in federal court to overturn Utah's Amendment 3. This will end marriage discrimination in Utah. The suit is coming along we hope to be in court this time next year. As our legal team is working on the case, the costs are piling up. We have received a challenge grant from a donor who will match all funds that we receive between now and Saturday night. If everyone who sees this goes to our website and donates 5$ or $10 dollars, that would cover about .0025 % of our legal costs, but it will help. Please help us bring marriage equality to Utah. Thanks. Mark Lawrence

Donna & Michael Weinholtz

2014 The 2014 Allies Dinner is now SOLD OUT! SAVE THE DATE: September 26, 2014 You are invited to Utah's premier LGBT event - Equality Utah's 13th Annual Allies Dinner. Join Tri-Chairs Donna & Michael Weinholtz, Dayne Law—and 2,300 friends and allies!—for this historic and entertaining evening.  Mark your calendar for Friday, September 26th to celebrate Equality Utah’s monumental

Dane Law

accomplishments and to uplift our true community values of love, opportunity, family & freedom for all Utahns. KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Laverne Cox Laverne Cox is a critically acclaimed actress who currently appears in the Netflix original series Orange is the New Black, playing the groundbreaking role of “Sophia Burset,” an incarcerated African American transgender woman. Laverne is the first trans woman of color to have a leading role on a mainstream scripted television show. Time Magazine named Sophia Burset the 4th most influential fictional character of 2013. Laverne is also a recipient of the Dorian rising star award for her work in “Orange is the New Black. A renowned speaker, Laverne has taken her empowering message of moving beyond gender expectations to live more authentically all over the country. Her insights have been featured on CNN, MSNBC, ABC, NPR, HLN, VH1, FOX NEWS LATINO, among other national TV and radio networks. In 2013 Laverne won Best Supporting Actress at the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival for her work in the praised film Musical

Laverne Cox

Chairs, directed by Susan Seidelman (Desperately Seeking Susan). Laverne’s other acting credits include Law and Order, Law and Order: SVU, HBO’s Bored to Death, and the independent films Carla and The Exhibitionists. She also has roles in the forthcoming films 36 Saints and Grand Street.  Laverne is the first trans woman of color to produce and star in her own television show, VH1’s TRANSForm Me, which was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award. Laverne is also the first trans woman of color to appear on an American reality television program, VH1’s I Wanna Work for Diddy, for which she accepted the GLAAD Award for Outstanding Reality Program. Laverne was named one of Out magazine’s “Out 100,” one of the country’s top 50 trans icons by The Huffington Post, and one of Metro Source magazine’s “55 People We Love.” Laverne’s critical writings have appeared in The Advocate and The Huffington Post. A graduate of Marymount Manhattan College, Laverne holds a degree in Fine Arts.

2014 Controversial activist named head of Equality Utah Troy Williams has had a difficult 

Troy Williams

elationship with legislators, but promises to look for common ground. BY MARISSA LANG AND ROBERT GEHRKE THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE Last legislative session, Troy Williams was escorted out of the Utah State Capitol in handcuffs. Salt Lake’s “gay mayor” was protesting the Legislature’s refusal to hear a bill that would outlaw discrimination against people based on sexual orientation. For Williams, who for years has been known for his vocal — and sometimes radical — activism, it was just another day. But going forward, Williams said, he’ll be trying to trade in the handcuffs for handshakes and build bridges with legislators who are less than fond of his brash style. On Friday, Williams was named the new executive director of Equality Utah, replacing Brandie Balken as head of the gay-rights group. “I have learned that none of us alone and angry is as powerful as the whole of us united by love and hope,” Williams said at his address at the Equality Utah Allies Dinner on Friday. “This movement belongs to all of us. Together we have the opportunity to shape the future of this state. Our challenge now is to model for the rest of Utah how we can all co-exist; Republican, Democrat, Mormon, atheist, transgender and gay. We all belong to the same human family. Our commonalities far outnumber our differences.” But Williams’ appointment raised eyebrows and questions among lawmakers who associate Williams with a particular, and often divisive, brand of activism. Sen. Steve Urquhart, R-St. George, decried Williams’ stance that although Urquhart was the first Republican in the Legislature to sponsor an anti-discrimination law, his conservatism kept him at odds with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. “When someone declares war on anyone and everyone holding a political ideology, it can be expected that the people with that political ideology understand that that person considers them enemies, and that is just a significant issue to deal with when a significant majority of the state and the Legislature holds that ideology,” Urquhart told The Salt Lake Tribune. “I’m going to have to assess what [Williams’ appointment] does to chances of passing nondiscrimination legislation this session,” he said. “And, more broadly, I need to assess how it would affect my ability to advance all of my legislation and all of my causes, to be closely affiliated with someone who has been so antagonistic to conservatives and Republicans.” This response isn’t news to Williams. In fact, Williams acknowledged that his reputation will likely influence his reception at the Capitol, but said he hopes legislators will give him a chance to demonstrate his diplomacy. “I hope Utah legislators who know me will see someone who has a deep passion for gay and transgender rights,” Williams said. “Our end goal is nothing less than full legal equality in all areas governed by civil law, and we will continue forward to that end until it happens.” Williams was raised Mormon. He was a missionary. As a young man, he interned at the Utah Eagle Forum and trained under the guidance of his mentor, Gayle Ruzicka. Ruzicka, widely considered among the most powerful voices for conservative values in the state, said in a 2010 interview that she has harbored a fondness for her former intern. When the two run into one another in the halls of the Capitol, Williams said, they hug. “Gayle had no idea she was training the future director of Equality Utah,” Williams said. “Obviously we’re in very different places, ideologically, but I genuinely respect her passion to her cause, and I’ve tried to carry that into my own life.” Williams didn’t come out as gay until his late 20s. Since then, Williams has been among the highest profile LGBT activists in the state. He was featured prominently in the movie, Prop 8, a documentary about the involvement of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a ballot measure seeking to ban same-sex marriage in California. He’s been a producer at KRCL community radio for the past 10 years, hosting a program coined “RadioActive.” In 2009, Williams ended up on the Stephen Colbert show during a send up of the LDS Church’s kissing ban. Last year, he was one of 13 activists who blockaded a legislative committee meeting and tried to confront Senate President Wayne Niederhauser, R-Sandy, over Senate Republicans’ refusal to allow a statewide anti-discrimination ordinance to have a legislative hearing. This varied — and uniquely Utah — experience is what prompted Equality Utah board members to consider Williams so well-suited for the position of executive director, said Chairman Cliff Rosky. “Becoming executive director of Equality Utah gives Troy an opportunity in some cases to introduce himself, and in others, to reintroduce himself,” Rosky said. “This is someone who got arrested at the Legislature last year and wants to now reach out to people of all walks of life — people who are actively LDS, who are Republican, who don’t see eye to eye with him, to bring the whole community together. That sends a powerful message about how things are changing in Utah.” The image of Williams as an in-your-face activist may be a hard one to shake for some legislators. But Niederhauser said he has hope for Williams and his tenure as the director of Equality Utah. “I guess I could be wrong but I have always respected Troy,” he said. “As far as I’m concerned I can work with just about anybody as long as we maintain a civil and respectful dialogue.” Rosky added that those who may worry about the organization’s new director — or direction — aren’t giving either enough credit. “Equality Utah is an entire organization whose strategy is formed in collaboration with its board and staff — it’s more than just a face,” he said. “But I also think that if there are people out there who are concerned about Troy and his approach, they will be very pleasantly surprised by Troy’s commitment to building bridges and reaching across the aisle to bring people together.” As Williams takes the helm of Equality Utah and heads toward another legislative session, where, he said, he will work to bring LGBT issues to the forefront, he will also be fighting another battle — in the courtroom. Williams and the 12 others who make up the so-called “Capitol 13” announced last month that they intend to fight charges of disturbing a legislative meeting, a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail.

• Troy Williams: Why does Equality Utah fear their executive director’s past? SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 BY JESSE HARRIS Last week, Equality Utah announced that local gay rights activist Troy Williams had been hired as their new executive director. What’s concerning is how Troy seems to be scrubbing his online history to try and bury his controversial past. His personal twitter account has been deleted (Google cache and FavStar highlights) and his personal website on WordPress has been set to invite-only (with a robots.txt to block indexing starting on September 21). His Facebook profile is also locked down to make posts invisible to the public or mutual friends (though, to be fair, I don’t know that it was set otherwise prior to that). What’s for certain is that these actions reveal both Troy Williams and his new employer as raging hypocrites. Those that interacted with Troy at any point online know exactly what I’m talking about. If you ever disagreed with him on any point at all, he would make sure that each of his replies was crafted to be visible to all of his followers. The entire purpose is a well-worn tactic of getting your online mob to show up in force and shout someone down with whom you disagree. He’d take it even further by twisting words specifically to incite that kind of response. It extended far beyond that, his tactics being a not-so-subtle “give me what a want or else” in matters of legislation. For someone that spent much time giving lip service to anti-bullying, he spent an awful lot of time engaging in it himself. I suppose it’s not too unexpected given Gayle Ruzicka’s tutelage. Troy also spent a fair amount of time calling people out for cowardice, especially when they tried to hide information online. And yet, when he’s thrust even further into the spotlight, he apparently can’t be bothered to follow his own counsel. Unlike Troy, I don’t delete blog posts and my social media profiles are public and unedited (except for the occasional spelling fix), even though I know there’s probably some stupid things I’ve said there. (I’ve probably even contradicted myself and committed the grave sin of “flip-flopping”.) It’s better to leave it up, own that you said it, and explain yourself if and when you get called on it. Ironically, scrubbing your history of outrageous statements to score a job is exactly the kind of thing that Troy has lambasted political rivals for in the past. Now we’d all just have a harder time proving all of the “do as I say, not as I do” It’s obvious that kind of behavior is quite unbecoming of the public face of any organization, but Equality Utah apparently really, really wanted to capitalize on Troy’s notoriety. Unfortunately, they seem to want to do so without owning how he obtained that notoriety in the first place. It won’t be possible to bury his arrest at the capitol complex (for creating a fire hazard, not making any kind of brave or principled stand), but many more incidents will end up almost entirely forgotten. His constant antagonism against the LDS Church on theological and organizational matters would hobble Equality Utah’s supposed mission to “build bridges” with the state’s largest faith. The endless stream of bullying of anyone who disagreed with him is now an undocumented “he said, she said” series of accusations he can conveniently forget ever happened. Even his complete lack of self awareness when sharing an article asking if Internet rage culture has gone too far is only a memory to those of us who looked it it and thought “really? From THIS guy?” Unfortunately for Troy and his new employer, most of us are going to remember what he thinks he can make the Internet forget. Most of the legislature already knows him as an incendiary bomb-thrower, the kind that will even throw a supposed ally under the bus when he doesn’t get everything he wants. Participants on Twitter are keenly aware of Troy’s bullying history, myself having been on the receiving end more than once. As much as he’ll try and hide his past to the benefit of his employer, it’s not going to work. We know what you are, Troy, and no amount of deletion can change it.

2014 Troy Williams’ speech at Equality Utah’s Allies Dinner Life is full of surprises. This isn’t quite the life path I envisioned for myself when I was a 19 year-old Mormon missionary knocking doors in England. Or when I came home from my mission and I was so scared of being gay that I became an intern for the one organization where I thought I would be safe – The Utah Eagle Forum! Gayle had no idea she was training the future director of Equality Utah! Obviously, I’ve come a long way since then. Finding our path is never easy. There are always twists and turns. I used to be so scared. In fact, it wasn’t until I met Utah’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community that I found the courage to come out. I saw in you models of strength that I aspired to become. You helped me find my way. Ten years ago when Amendment 3 passed I wanted to get involved. So, I started throwing rallies, protests and marches. I didn’t know exactly what I was doing at the time. I just knew I had a loud mouth! And that big mouth eventually got me hired at 90.9 FM KRCL, who, this December, will celebrate 35 years of independent, community radio. For three decades, KRCL has been an unwavering ally for our community. This station nurtured my voice, allowed me to make mistakes and always encouraged me forward. Thank you KRCL. Now, as I take on this role at Equality Utah, I look at the path ahead of me and realize that it’s not necessarily that the path is new, but that I have a new perspective on the path. I have learned that none of us alone and angry is as powerful as the whole of us united by love and hope. This movement belongs to all of us. Together we have the opportunity to shape the future of this state. Our challenge now, is to model for the rest of Utah how we can all co-exist; Republican, Democrat, Mormon, Atheist, Transgender and Gay, we all belong to the same human family. Our commonalities far outnumber our differences. Our goal is nothing less than full legal equality for all Utahns – because each of us deserves to live, work and love freely. So, thank you for raising your voice to make that happen. Thank you for helping us ensure that every Utahn has a shot at the American Dream! Together, we will make that a reality! Thank you! As we move forward, it is imperative, that we move together. We’ve got big plans. Equality Utah is determined that we all cross the finish line together. And that includes lifting up and celebrating the lives of our transgender brothers and sisters. They are some of the most courageous and strong individuals in our community. Our commitment to them is unyielding.

2014 Each year at their annual Allies Dinner, Equality Utah selects people or organizations as their “Allies of the Year.” At this year’s dinner, held Sept. 26 at the Salt Palace Grand Ballroom, three awards will be given: Salt lake District Attorney Sim Gill, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker and Affirmation LGBT Mormons Families and Friends.

The organization said the following on each in a statement:

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill — Restoring the Public Trust

our years ago, Sim Gill made a promise to the residents of Salt Lake County. Very simply, he said if given the opportunity, he would restore integrity and public trust to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s office. And he’s making good on his word. Sim is passionate about Salt Lake County and the people who live there. That’s why he believes the mission of Salt Lake County’s District Attorney’s Office is to not just create safe communities, but do it the right way. th integrity. Professional competence. Fairness. Vision. And a passionate commitment to provide a high standard of public service. “Without integrity, there is no justice. I am restoring the public trust in the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s office, because I strongly believe nobody is above the law. And as a true fiscal conservative, I am running this office more efficiently and effectively, while re-focusing our energy on keeping our neighborhoods safe.” –Sim Gill

Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph BeckeRalph Becker was sworn in as Mayor of Salt

Lake City in January, 2008. Prior to being elected Mayor, he was a member of the Utah House of Representatives, from 1996 to 2007, serving seven years in leadership including five years as the House Democratic Leader. As Mayor, Ralph has been an advocate for expanding mobility options within Salt Lake City, including expanding trails and bikeways and developing light rail and street car opportunities. He has also significantly expanded protections for the City’s LGBT individuals through the Mutual Commitment Registry and Non-Discrimination ordinances. Additionally, Mayor Becker worked to bring Salt Lake City’s alcohol policy in line with other major tourist destinations and cities. As Mayor, Ralph Becker has actively expanded public input opportunities, access to City information, and the decision making process. During the recession, Mayor Becker overcame the largest budget gaps in the City’s history without raising taxes, reductions in core City services, or significant layoffs. Away from work, Mayor Becker is an avid outdoorsman and outdoor enthusiast. He is a backcountry skier, backpacker and river runner and personifies the adventurous spirit that brings so many people to Salt Lake City. He has two sons and 17 year-old granddaughter.

Affirmation — LGBT Mormons, Families, and Friends

Affirmation supports LGBTQ Mormons and their families, friends and Church leaders in seeking to live healthy and productive lives consistent with their faith or heritage. They provide a loving, inclusive community for all LGBTQ people, regardless of how they identify in their sexual orientation, gender identity, or faith. They encourage spirituality and empower LGBTQ Mormons to make valuable contributions within and outside of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They organize local gatherings and international conferences, provide informational resources, and work for dialogue within the Church.  Affirmation recognizes that, while full inclusion of LGBTQ people in the social contract that undergirds every democratic society is essential, we are more than just social or political beings. We are also spiritual beings who yearn for answers to fundamental questions about who we are, where we come from, and what is the purpose of our existence. Affirmation is the largest and oldest organization of, by and for LGBTQ Mormons, their families and friends, has active chapters throughout North and South America, and members on six continents. It was founded in faith that, despite widespread views to the contrary, there is a place for LGBTQ Mormons in their Church and in the Kingdom of God, and that faith can be a guide and a light to us in achieving our birthright as children of God.  In recent years, Affirmation’s recommitment to its founding purposes has reenergized the LGBTQ Mormon community in Utah and beyond, and is attracting larger numbers of straight Mormon allies to this cause than ever before in its history.  In the process, more and more LGBTQ individuals are finding an inclusive community where they feel worth, wholeness and love, and where they are supported in their individual quests for meaning and integrity. Affirmation is playing a vital role in providing individuals the spiritual strength they need to give meaning to all their other endeavors as full and equal members of our society.

2015  Moab Pride Festival celebrates love, diversity and community by Molly Marcello With

Amy Stocks

its annual “visibility” march, live music and plenty of dancing, the Moab Pride Festival will celebrate community, diversity and equality for all this weekend during events on Sept. 25 and 26. Moab Pride founder Amy Stocks says this year’s theme — “lovelution” — highlights the spirit of equality felt by many following the U.S Supreme Court decision in June that legalized same-sex marriage across the country.  “It seems like this year, with the equality going out across the nation ... it’s an evolution of equality in society,” Stocks said. “We’re celebrating everyone who loves. It’s a ‘lovelution.’ We’re celebrating the evolution of love.” Helene

Helene Rohr

Rohr, co-organizer of Moab Pride’s fundraiser, Gay Adventure Week, says this weekend’s festival is all about inclusivity. “To have a local pride festival is absolutely amazing,” Rohr said. “What’s important for us when we started the event is to have a festival that celebrates it’s own community — no matter age, gender, background. That’s what Moab Pride has really turned into.” Volunteer coordinator Paige Stewart says festival-goers can expect a genuinely fun atmosphere at the Moab Pride events, which include an all-day entertainment experience in Swanny City Park on Saturday, Sept. 26. “Some people have this idea that it’s going to be crazy naked men, but it’s just a fun-filled day in the park with friends and family listening to good music,” Stewart said. “This community is just rad and inclusive.” Stocks came up with the idea for a Moab Pride Festival after watching a satiric video from The Onion about a small town throwing a pride festival for its only gay man. She posted a link to the video on her Facebook page with a note asking when her hometown of Moab was going to throw a party for her. The response, she has said, ultimately led to the founding of the festival. Stocks says she is proud that Moab Pride has become so well known for its unique bent on a pride festival.  “I like to say [Moab Pride] is the most inclusive and community-oriented pride [festival] because we have so much support in the Moab community and Moab is so ready to celebrate the diversity in this small town,” Stocks said.  Pride weekend includes a variety of events, starting off with the third annual Moab Drag Hike. Participants are encouraged to wear their “weirdest space-age clown drag” and meet at the La Quinta, 815 S. Main St., on Friday, Sept. 25 at 4:30 p.m. Later that evening the group will host the Orange Party at Club Rio, 2 South 100 West, bringing back two popular DJs — Diva Danielle and DJ Dan — and featuring drag performances by Indi Skies and her crew of Salt Lake City-based drag queens.  “The beauty and the performance art in drag is a neat opportunity for folks to see,” Stocks said. “They work really hard, from their performances, to their dance, to their attire. It’s the whole package.” On Saturday, Sept. 26, Moab Pride will hold a visibility march through downtown. Participants will gather at the southeast corner of Swanny City Park, 100 West 400 North. In addition to a performance by local Taiko drummers, Moab Mayor Dave Sakrison will give a proclamation speech and address.  The Moab Pride website encourages marchers to “bring your bike, skates or other human-powered transportation” while wearing costumes and waving noisemakers. After the march, the daylong festival will continue at Swanny City Park. The afternoon features live music, food and a variety of vendor booths.  “We have a powerful line-up [of musicians] this year,” Stocks said. “[And] we have a few people returning from last year. Talia Keys played last year and we’re bringing back The Lovebirds from two years ago. We’re following [The Lovebirds] up with Painbirds, a group formed out of the band Train from the ‘90s.” Stocks says she’s especially excited about having the Painbirds perform at the festival because as one of the only non-LGBTQ identified musical group that will be performing, their presence at the event shows the real diversity in the Moab Pride Festival experience.  “I think [Painbirds are] a nice fit for the community of Moab for celebrating diversity,” Stocks said. “Most of the other musicians identify as LGBTQ, so it’s nice to have a band that fits into the rock and roll world in Moab.”  An after party will be held Saturday night at Club Rio, featuring Indi Skies and DJs Mike Balance and Sista’ Matic. The same night, Talia Keys and Friends will perform at Woody’s Tavern at 221 S. Main St. Stocks says that everyone in the community is welcome to attend the Moab Pride Festival.  “Moab Pride is a neat way to see the community of Moab as well as the surrounding beauty,” Stocks said. “It’s open and welcome to all visitors no matter how they identify and very family oriented.” Read more: Moab Times-Independent - Moab Pride Festival celebrates love diversity and community

2015 Moab  Pride Festival

What a wonderful adventure! The excitement keeps on coming at every turn. SLPS [Salt Lake Pagan Society]had a terrific weekend attending the 4th Annual Moab Pride Festival Saturday and Sunday September 26-27, 2015. The group drove down Friday evening, staying at the Days Inn motel. After a mix up with only one king sized bed for three people, the readers finally got some rest for the big day in the morning. No time for the the Pre-Pride Party at the Rio bar that the pride crowds were attending. Saturday morning September 26, breakfast was at the local Moab Diner, but due to the tourists, had to be taken to go. The festival started at 10:30 at Swanny City Park. The vendor booths were placed in a semi-circle around the stage in the park. Various vendors included Equality Utah, Human Rights Campaign, The National Forest Service, The Grand County Library, and the Trevor Project. A visibility march took place at 11:30 am, marching a few blocks east, south, then west before circling back around to the park. Groups such as Utah Naturalists, Mormons Building Bridges, the Moab Valley Multicultural Center and the local fire department participated with their fire engine bringing up the rear. The day was very hot, upwards of 95 degrees F. Various bands performed through the day, with drag shows scattered throughout the programming. SLPS’ booths was busy, bringing in many customers who had never had a reading. The Native American Club from Grand County School District sold Navajo tacos. The Moab Valley Multicultural Center sold tostadas, and the mobile vendor Quesadilla Mobilla sold various quesadillas. Dinner was at the local restaurant La Hacienda. Enchiladas were in order, with shrimp and chicken. The guacamole had to be spiced up somewhat with pepper sauce, but the food was pretty good overall.  The staff continued to check on us throughout the dinning experience and even gave us tips about the parks in the area. The Pride after party was held at the Rio, same place as the Pre-Pride party next door to the park. Door fee was $15, which went to help fund the local youth center. Filled with Pride attendees, people drank, partied, and danced the warm night away. Since SLPS was so successful, we decided to stay another night. Because of the trouble the night before, Days Inn gave us a discounted room, with two beds this time! Sunday morning, September 27 brought a chance to do some shopping and eat breakfast at Love Muffin Cafe, reinvesting the money from the community back into the local economy. The Love Muffin Cafe turned out to be the spot where all the hung over Post-Pride Parties came to get their fill of breakfast burritos, coffee, and muffins. SLPS headed over to the mighty Colorado river to performing a morning ritual. After meditating and collecting some special water, a trip to Arches National Park was in order. The $10 fee was a good price to spend a day hiking and viewing sacred nature! With many pictures, selfies, and group shots, SLPS did the whole circuit. Balanced rock, Double Arch, Skyline Arch, and Window Arch before heading off to hike to the famous Delicate Arch which is on the Utah license plates. The hike was arduous, in the heat of the day, with a difficult trail up a 45 degree slickrock face and uneven terrain, little shade was in sight, but the members of SLPS completed the trail in 2 1/2 hours with the help of a Venezuelan family after running out of water. We spent some time at the arch and headed back down the mainly descending trail. A drive back to Moab for water, food, and gas came as a relief. Sucking down a gallon of water and eating pulled pork from Wendy’s, SLPS got back on the road for the return trip to Salt Lake City. The sun set over the western desert, illuminating the red rock, and we watched the supermoon eclipse on highway 6 outside of Price, UT. We pulled over to perform some quick eclipse full moon magic and take in the stunning view of the Milky Way Galaxy that can be seen in the wild desert away from the city lights.

Paul North

2018  Paul Lyman North, age 69, Empress II of the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire passed away on Sept 26 passed away at his home in Taylorsville, UT, September 26, 2018. Paul was born in 1949 in Salt Lake City, UT . Paul graduated from Granger High School, Class of 1967, and also attended Weber State University. There will be a celebration of Paul’s life held Wednesday, October 3, 2018 from 5:00-8:00 p.m., at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. No program is scheduled. Occupation:   Manager of apartment complex