Wednesday, November 13, 2013

This Day In Gay Utah History November 13th

November 13
Mildred Berryman
1933 Top-level members of the Third Reich advised the Head of Police to deliver homosexuals and transvestites to concentration camp Fuhlsbuttel, which had just established homosexuals as a new category.

1938-Mildred J. Berryman completes her two-decade study of lesbians and gay men in Salt Lake City, but decides not to publish it.


Ernest  L Wilkinson
1965- BYU President Ernest L. Wilkinson addressed the student body stating, “BYU does not intend to admit to our campus any homosexuals. If any of you have this tendency and have not completely abandoned it, may I suggest that you leave the university immediately after this assembly; and if you will be honest enough to let us know the reason, we will voluntarily refund your tuition.  We do not want others on this campus to be contaminated with your presence. “Ernest  Wilkinson, BYU President Deseret News, "Church News" supplement, November 13, 1965, p. 11

Babs De Lay
1975 A Consciousness Raising Group for men was held by Babs De Lay at the Gay Community Service Center. The group discussed problems of the Gay people living in Salt Lake City.

Auntie De
1976- Auntie De’s [Dean Walton 1946-2009] first annual benefit fundraiser “Salute to Cowboys” held. Funds went to benefit the fledgling Imperial Court of Utah.

1979-San Francisco swore in its first openly gay and lesbian police officers.

1988, The Orange County Register devoted an entire section of the newspaper to AIDS in Africa. Several African officials were interviewed; all were adamant that AIDS did not originate in Africa. The theory "is false and has never been scientifically proved, so why should Africa be the scapegoat?" declared Dr. Didace Nzaramba, director of the AIDS prevention program in Rwanda. The Register commented: From early on, scientists have speculated that the disease might have begun in Africa. Researchers in Africa tested old blood samples and said they found HIV-infected serum that went back years. In 1985, Harvard researchers, Phyllis Kanki and Myron Essex, announced the discovery of a new virus isolated in green monkeys that seemed similar to HIV. Eventually, researchers concluded that early blood tests used in Africa were not reliable, and Kanki and Essex said their blood tests probably had been contaminated and that their results were invalid. But the perception of an African link was established.

1990-Tuesday Jerry Campbell was murdered at his home on 8th South and 8th East [SL Tribune11/15/90 2B} Salt Lake City homicide detectives say they're mystified by a murder Tuesday night and have no suspects in the case. The victim, 46-year-old Jerry Leon Campbell, was found lying on the kitchen floor of his 819 E. 800 South home about 9:30 p.m. by his roommate who was returning home from work, said police homicide Sgt. Ron Millard. The victim apparently was shot once in the head and had been dead about four hours. "There was no signs of a struggle and a motive for the killing is unknown," the sergeant, adding robbery has also been ruled out. The killing "really is kind of a mystery right now," said police spokesman Lt. Jim Bell. "We don't have a lot to go on right now."
  • 13 November 1990- 46 year old long time community member Jerry Campbell was murdered at his home. Campbell, a Gay taxi driver, was found lying on the kitchen floor of his 819 E. 800 South home about 9:30 p.m. by his roommate who was returning home from work. The victim apparently was shot once in the head and had been dead about four hours. "There was no signs of a struggle and a motive for the killing is unknown." Former LGSU President Jim Hunsaker was the police dispatcher who took the call on Jerry Campbell’s murder and said that it was probably a drug burn more than a Gay related hate crime.

Karen Shepherd
1992 GAY COUNCIL DIDN'T FUND SHEPHERD Deseret News Published: Friday, Nov. 13, 1992 I would like to correct a factual error in Vivian Anderson's letter of Oct. 30, in which she states that Karen Shepherd received funding from the Gay and Lesbian Community Council of Utah. In fact, Ms. Shepherd received a grant from the Human Rights Campaign Fund, a national organization, for her efforts in obtaining equal rights for all citizens. Although the check was presented to her during a council meeting, the Gay and Lesbian Community Council is a nonprofit organization that does not fund or endorse candidates. Melissa Sillitoe, Chairman Gay and Lesbian Community Council of Utah

1998 NOW held their 10th annual awards banquet The Utah chapter
Wendy Weaver
of the National Organization for Women will hold its annual Women of Courageous Action Awards Banquet at the Wyndham Hotel, 215 W. South Temple. 
This year's award recipients are Deeda Seed, Wendy Weaver and Ashley White. Tapestry of Polygamy, a support group for women who want to leave polygamy, will get a courageous action organizational award. Deseret News Article

1998 The badly decomposed body of a 51-year-old man was found in an industrial area of South Salt Lake Wednesday, but police are unsure how the man died. The body of Jimmy Reaves was found by a passer-by at 2600 S. 800 West in some trees near a rail yard. The man, who police believe may have been dead for more than a month, was wearing only a pair of jeans. ``We found it real strange that he was lying there with just pants on and his zipper undone,'' said South Salt Lake police Capt. Beau Babka. ``That is kind of a suspicious thing.'' Officers also found money in his pockets, so they do not think he was robbed. The body is being examined by the state Medical Examiner's Office to determine cause of death

1998 Wasatch Mountain Bears hosted 3 day Bear Invasion ’98 in Salt Lake City

2002 The Community Leadership Forum, a service of the Pillar, continues to grow!  Remember every organization has an equal voice in the development and betterment of our community.  Every organization is welcome to come and participate in the dialog, suggest action and solutions, and address the issues that are holding their  group or that people feel is holding the community back from success. In 1986 Greg Garcia, a founder of the Wasatch Motorcycle Club challenged the community to work together at a community fundraiser Unity V held annually by Chuck Whyte. Garcia stated in a rousing speech, " I, as Master of the Wasatch Leathermen, invite the heads of all Gay and Lesbian organizations, and groups to join me in a meeting to begin the vital exchange of aid and information.   Brothers and Sisters we face the most dire crisis in our long history. Through unity we can find hope. Through unity we will fight oppression from within and without." His words are as true today as they were then.  We must build bridges and develop better relationships between our organization if we are to ultimately be successful in all we as a community set out to accomplish.  Please take the time to join us. The second Wednesday of each month has officially been selected through the vote and input of the many leaders in the community to be our once a month meeting. Metropolitan Community Church 823 S 600 East SALT LAKE CITY 7:30 pm Hosts Affirmation and MCC
 
 2004 CENTER PEACE at The Center The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center of Utah invites you to an evening of entertainment and fundraising at the Center. Join us for Gay Bingo with the hilarious Cyber Sluts and learn more about the Center's work supporting people in the coming out process. There will be live music and prizes so come out and have fun for a good cause this Saturday, November 13 at 7:30. The Center is located at 361 North, 300 West.

Aimee Selfridge
2004 10th Annual AIDS Awareness Walk Make a Difference It's easy to become an official walker: Complete the entry form or call Aimee Selfridge, to get one. Ask your friends, family members and co-workers to walk with you or to sponsor you as you walk to raise funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS. All money raised in the walk will go towards HIV/AIDS education and helping those impacted by HIV/AIDS in Southern Utah. Donations are tax-deductible. You don't have to walk, you can sponsor someone to walk for you. Please if you know anyone who would like to sponsor walkers or business who would like to have a groups walk, let us know. Current sponsors are 94.3 The Planet, The Independent, PAWS, Xetava Gardens, The Pillar, The Southern Utah Gay & Lesbian Community Center, and United Hair. If you or your business would like to be included on this list, call Aimee Selfridge If you would like to help there are things that we need...someone to sponsor the copies and Flyers, we need a small stage, we need a port o' potty, water, 3 doz red balloons & 2 doz white, as well as many other things, if you are interested in helping or want more info...again, call Aimee.



2005 Gay & Lesbian Parents of Utah’s Thanksgiving Dinner – MultiPurpose Room (3-5pm) The Gay and Lesbian Parents of Utah’s annual Thanksgiving Day dinner.  GLBTCCU

2013 Executive Director of the Utah Pride Center Resigns  - The Board of Directors of the Utah Pride Center has accepted the resignation of Valerie Larabee as Executive Director effective November 13, 2013. Larabee has led the Utah Pride Center for nine years. Under her leadership, the organization has grown its programming and advocacy to serve a broad range of groups within the LGBTQ community. Utah Pride has become a strong partner to groups advocating for LGBTQ rights and freedoms both locally and nationally. Her leadership transformed the Utah Pride Festival into an annual event that brings together more than 30,000 individuals to celebrate the LGBTQ community and its contributions to Utah. The Pride Festival event became a profitable fundraiser under her guidance, raising money that sustains the many programs and affiliates of the Pride Center. She also transitioned the Pride Center from the edge of Salt Lake City into the heart of downtown with a new 16,000 square foot building that provides greater access and infrastructure for programs, services, and community meetings. Her efforts helped move the conversation around LGBTQ issues from the periphery to the center of state and local dialogue. Valerie Larabee in a written statement said, "I'm so very grateful for the opportunity to serve as a part of this vital organization for the last nine years. I'm humbled by the passion, dedication and support of so many. Our accomplishments over the years have been anchored by an incredible array of donors, volunteers and staff. Change is a vital part of life for both organizations and individuals. I will hold Utah Pride in my heart forever." The Utah Pride Center Board in a collective statement said, "We celebrate the accomplishments of the Utah Pride Center under Valerie's leadership. Along with the hard working staff and thousands of volunteers over these past nine years, she has been a powerful advocate for the LGBTQ community. Her passion is evident. She has put Salt Lake City on the map as a national leader in the LGBTQ movement." A transition plan is being created by the Pride Center Board. They are working to name an interim Executive Director. They will continue to work closely with the Pride Center Management Team on day to day operations, financial management and program administration. Utah Pride is a catalyst for building and celebrating the strength, equality, dignity and self-determination of the LGBTQ community throughout Utah. Utah Pride is committed to excellence in execution and the continuing improvement of all programs, services, education and advocacy while valuing and supporting individuals, families, and allies and building partnerships across communities. Contact: Kent Frogley


2015 Fox 13 News SALT LAKE CITY -- The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement Friday to clarify recent changes in the Church Handbook regarding children in families with same-sex parents. "The provisions of Handbook 1, Section 16.13 , that restrict priesthood ordinances for minors, apply only to those children whose primary residence is with couple living in a same-gender marriage or similar relationship. As always, local leaders may request further guidance in particular instances when they have questions. When a child living with such a same-gender couple has already been baptized and is actively participating in the Church, provisions of 16.13 do not require that his or her membership activities or priesthood privileges be curtailed or that further ordinances be withheld. Decisions about any future ordinances for such children should be made by local leaders with their prime consideration being the preparation and best interests of the child. All children are to be treated with utmost respect and love. They are welcome to attend Church meetings and participate in Church activities. All children may receive priesthood blessings of healing and spiritual guidance." The handbook changes, revealed last week, say natural or adopted children of a parent living in a same-gender relationship, whether the couple is married or cohabitating, may not receive a name and a blessing. The child may be baptized and confirmed, ordained or recommended for missionary service if: "A mission president or a stake president may request approval from the Office of the First Presidency to baptize and confirm, ordain, or recommend missionary service for a child of a parent who has lived or is living in a same-gender relationship when he is satisfied by personal interviews that both of the following requirements are met: 1.The child accepts and is committed to live the teachings and doctrine of the Church, and specifically disavows the practice of same-gender cohabitation and marriage. 2. The child is of legal age and does not live with a parent who has lived or currently lives in a same-gender cohabitation relationship or marriage."
While the church has come out twice now in defense of their policy, some members are choosing to leave and are turning to Attorney Mark Naugle. “Once this policy came out, people have said to me this is the last straw, I can`t have my name associated with an organization that does this to children,” said Naugle.  Naugle, an ex-Mormon, says he’s helping hundreds of people from all over the world fill out resignation papers, free of charge. People don’t need an attorney to leave the church, but Naugle says without one, people can wait months for an answer and they don’t want to feel any added pressure from leaders.
“Because they know that when they try to resign they`re going to have to meet with their bishop, they`re going to have their relief society coming over, the visiting teachers, possibly be pulled into church court,” said Naugle. Naugle plans on helping people at a so called, “Mass Resignation Event” at City Creek Park Saturday at 1 p.m. Some question whether these resignations are actually from current members of the LDS Church in response to the controversial policy. Naugle admits the majority of people from Utah he’s talked to, are inactive. “Most of the time these people just disagree with the church policies and church doctrine and they just want to move on with their lives,” said Naugle. It’s important to note that a poll found on the event’s Facebook page shows that about 4% of people who are resigning are active members of the church. Some people argue that calling the event a “mass resignation” may not be completely accurate. LGBT advocacy group Equality Utah issued the following statement in response to the clarification Friday: Equality Utah Executive Director Troy Williams said, “The past week has been difficult for both the Mormon and LGBT communities. There has been particular pain amongst families with both LDS and LGBT members. The new clarification from the Church helps children who are being raised by both gay and heterosexual parents. However, we are disappointed that children born of same-sex parents must still ‘disavow’ their parent’s marriage. This is a hurtful requirement for any child. We are grateful for the outpouring of love from many members in the LDS Church who have reached out with compassion toward our community. We have felt your love. We are also grateful to the many open and affirming faith congregations throughout Utah who welcome LGBT families without exception.”

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