1 February
1816-Three sailors from the HMS Africaine were executed for sodomy,
and two other crew members were flogged for deviant sexual behavior. John
Parsons received 200 lashes, Jack Hubbard was sentenced to 300 but punishment
was stopped at 170 because the ship's doctor said to continue would endanger
his life.
1876 George Naylor, a seventeen year old English emigrant was sent on a Mission to Arizona by the Mormon
Church to separate him from sexual relations with Frank Wells a 28 year old non
Mormon.
1970 Calvin C.
Whitehead appointed Police of Chief of Salt Lake City replaced Dewey Fillis
1973- The LDS First Presidency decreed in The Priesthood Bulletin
that "homosexuality in men and women runs counter to divine objectives
and, therefore, is to be avoided and forsaken.. Failure to work closely with
one's Bishop or stake president in cases involving homosexual behavior will
require prompt Church court action."
1973 The LDS Church published Homosexuality : Welfare Services
packets written by BYU Psychiatrist Allen
E.Bergin and Victor L. Brown Jr. of LDS Social Services to be used in
counseling Lesbians and Gay Men. The packet indicated that “an essential part
of repentance” was to disclose to Church authorities the names of other
homosexuals, in order “to help save others.”
The packet also stated that the Lesbian “needs to learn feminine behavior”
while Gay men “needs to learn… what a manly Priesthood leader and father does.” It also explained that “excommunication cleanses
the Church…There is no place in God’s Church for those who persist in vile
behavior.”
1973 Utah State
Legislators amended state laws to prohibit certain sex acts between unmarried
persons citing fornication, sodomy, and adultery as sex offenses punishable by
law. Prior to 1973 it was illegal for husband and wife to engage in sodomy.
Sodomy and fornication became Class B misdemeanors with a $299 minimum fine and
6 months maximum jail sentence. Adultery however becomes a Class A misdemeanor
with a $1000 maximum fine and 1 year maximum jail sentence. The legal
terminology of “between persons” made the laws applicable to homosexuals. (19 Jan 1976 Utah Daily Chronicle pg. 3)
1977- Bob Waldrop moved to Utah from San Jose
California. A native of Oklahoma , he grew up a
Southern Baptist but at the age of 18 years had joined the LDS Church
and served an LDS mission to Australia .
Reverend Alice Jones resigned from Metropolitan Community Church of SLC and
moved to Des Moines Iowa
1977-Mac Hunt opened The COMEBACK Club located at
551 South 300 West "Where the friendly Men are"-[2009 north side of
novelty store Mischievous] "A private bar open to the entire Gay
Community. Membership is not required. Lighted, flashing dance floor, Disc
Jockey every Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Food served. Every Sunday a Brunch.
Every Wednesday is Spaghetti Night for all you can eat for $2.50."
1977 Listeners Community Radio of Utah Inc.
received a grant from the Utah Endowment for Humanities to produce 39 programs called
"The Right To Know" according to Stephen Holbrook, project director.
The grants totaled $16,499 with matching funds for Westminster College Westminster College
1978 Affirmation first known as Gay Mormons
United now had chapters in Salt Lake, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Calgary, and Dallas.
The International Coordinating Office was in Dallas , Texas
1978-The first
Tom of Finland exhibit opened in San Francisco.
1979 A few months after Dr. Wolf Szmuness ended his Hepatitis B
Vaccine experiment among Gay men of New York ,
purple skin lesions began to appear on the bodies of young white Gay men in Greenwich Village . During the next thirty months, Manhattan physicians
encountered dozens of cases of a new disease characterized by immunodeficiency,
Kaposi's sarcoma, and a rapidly fatal lung disease, known as Pneumocystis
carinii pneumonia.
1980 Pastor Robert "Bob" Waldrop is
editor of The Open Door publication.
1980- The Uptown Place a women’s bar at 15
South 400 West SLC closed its doors.
Located just south of the Sun Club.
1980 Metropolitan Community Church of Salt Lake
met at 2555 Highland Drive Salt Lake with Bob Waldrop Pastor. It stated that in
the last three years MCC completed, 1300 counseling, answered 600 requests for
information concerning the Utah Gay Community, handled 35 suicide attempts,
assisted 45 Gay people with food, housing, clothing and/or financial
assistance, served as referral center for requests of various types, visited
and counseled 12 prisoners in Utah's jails and prisons, provided speakers for
"rent A Dyke and Rent a Fay at University classes.
1980- Mike Perry of the Gay talk show GAYJAVU on
KRCL was joined by "Stephanie" , the KRCL engineer who was a gay
woman from Missouri. Stephen Holbrook, a Gay man was Station manager. Gayjavu was
on at 8:30 -9:30p.m. on Sunday nights.
1981- Ray King was elected director of Salt Lake Affirmation.
Members of Salt Lake Affirmation were Ron, Dan Oxley, Dan Wilcox, Kim, Janet,
David V., Barbara, Bill Blevin, Kent, Jim Dabakis, Kerry Benson, Ray King, and
Phil Foster.
- History of the Delta Center by Jami
Balls Around the turn of the 20th Century, Utah experienced a tremendous
influx of immigrants to work in the booming mining and railroading
industries. Thousands of the immigrants were Mediterranean and experienced
intense discrimination. Greeks specifically were paid less, segregated in
railroad gangs, assigned the more dangerous work, and prohibited from
living in certain areas. Therefore, they usually concentrated in small
ethnic neighborhoods near the railroad tracks where they fostered
benevolent and fraternal societies, bakeries, restaurants, hotels,
newspapers, coffee houses, boarding houses, and grocery stores that sold
imported cheese, olive oil, salted fish, and sweets. At its height,
Greektown consisted of over sixty businesses along 200 South between 400
and 600 West Streets. In 1905, the Church of the Holy Trinity was dedicated,
becoming a center for the Eastern Orthodox community. The families lived
in the neighborhood as if in a Greek village. Women baked bread in outdoor
earthen ovens, planted large vegetable gardens, and helped one another
with births and illnesses, while raising families of usually seven to
eight children. In 1908, city officials purchased the block between 500
and 600 West and 100 and 200 South Streets to build a prostitution
stockade. As pressure mounted to move Salt Lake City's red light district
away from the downtown businesses, this area of Greektown seemed suitable,
according to Councilman Mulvey, because they were looking for an area
where it would have as little negative effect as possible. He said,
"Most of the better class of residents were leaving the area anyway,
because of the influx of Italians and Greeks who live in that
neighborhood," therefore concluding that the "foreign
element" had already destroyed the area. The stockade operated near
Greektown for three years, facilitating the city's "necessary"
evil. Following its closure and over the next several years, the area
became a contaminated "brown field" full of abandoned buildings.
Decades later, the area served a new purpose. The Salt Palace arena was
built in the late 1960s to become a center for entertainment and
conventions. The arena eventually became the home of a professional
basketball team, the Utah Jazz. In 1985 and 1984, the Jazz organization
drafted Karl Malone and John Stockton, respectively. Tickets quickly
became a hot commodity and sellouts were taken for granted since it was
the smallest arena in the NBA at a capacity of 12,666. The Jazz's owner,
Larry H. Miller, initiated conceptual design meetings and negotiations to
construct a larger arena. Sumitomo Trust and the Redevelopment Agency of
Salt Lake City agreed to help fund a new multi-purpose arena that would
also house the Utah Jazz. Construction of the Delta Center began on June
11, 1990 with only about sixteen months available for its completion
before the Utah Jazz 1991/92 season opener. Hundreds of individual
subcontractors and suppliers along with literally thousands of workers
cooperated in the "fast-track design/build" construction
necessary to complete the structure on time. By this method, design is
completed as construction goes on. So, as the twenty-four hour excavation
of 170,000 cubic yards of soil began, engineers worked vigorously to
complete the design for the footings and foundation. This method continued
until its completion in October of 1991, building a 20,500-seat arena with
a 3,000,000-pound roof structure and exterior skin of 2,692 individual
panes of insulating glass. Today, the Delta Center houses not only Jazz
games but major touring concerts, rodeos, ice shows, family shows,
circuses, motor sports, and other events. The Delta Center has also been
selected to house the short track speed skating and figure skating events
of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Constructed in an area of Salt Lake City with
such a rich history, the Olympic events will significantly add to its
already colorful past. Sources: John S. McCormick, "Red Lights in
Zion: Salt Lake City's Stockade, 1908-1911", Utah Historical
Quarterly L; Helen Zeese Papanikolas, "Greeks in Utah" Utah
History Encyclopedia; Dave Blackwell, "Utah Jazz" Utah History
Encyclopedia; Linda Sillitoe, History of Salt Lake County; The Delta
Center website www.deltacenter.com
1984-A Southern Medical Journal editorial plagiarized the book of
Romans by suggesting AIDS was the due penalty for men who abandon the natural
use of women and burn with desire toward one another.
1985- State Epidemiologist, Craig R. Nichols
reported "since the state began keeping records, five of 11 resident
victims have died from the disease. All were between the ages of 24 and 42,
nine were males and the majority homosexuals or bisexuals."
 |
| David Nelson and Michael Aaron |
1985-The first issue of The Best Source was
published by the Utah Community Services Center and Clinic. It's editor was Michelle
Cheney (Beauchaine) with featured writers and contributors: Scott Dunn, William
Stevenson, Beau Chaine, Lois Lane ,
Willig Gjerte, Gil Davis, M.J. Osgood, Ed Williamson, Greg Garcia, Chris
Costello, Mitchell Fielding, Steve Landis. Mitchell Roy Beauchaine single handily
edited and produced The Best Source for over a year after its predecessor The
Salt City Source failed.
1985-Delta Airlines announced a new policy banning people with AIDS
from flying on their airplanes. Employees were authorized to use force if
necessary to remove anyone suspected of having the disease.
1986- The Vice Squad arrested 12 people in a drug raid at the Sun Tavern. Seven
of those arrested were Sun employees. Attorney Howard Johnson represented the
Sun against the city. The vice squad prompted the city to hold a hearing with
the department of business to take away the Sun's business license. Joe Redburn
as owner of the Club stated that closing the Club would hurt paying off
creditors since the private club had been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Sun began
requesting "from our patrons a cover charge of one dollar for members and
$4 for non members for a legal defense fund."
1987- " We won!" stated Nikki Boyer
manager of the Sun Tavern after mayor Palmer DePaulis refused to revoke the
business license of owner Joe Redburn after police raids last year found some employees
selling drugs. Boyer becomes part owner
of the Sun after Joe Redburn left Salt Lake City
for hometown Laramie ,
Wyoming to open a bar in that college town
until legal issues in Utah
blew over.
.1987- John Cooper, President of the Salt Lake
Chapter of Affirmation resigned to move to California.. The two groups, Salt Lake
1988- Preliminary by-laws for the Salt Lake AIDS
Foundation discussed at the Wasatch Leather Men's clubhouse at 361 East 1300 South.
1988 Utah AIDS Commemorative Quilt Project
incorporated as a non-profit organization and elected Bruce Harmon as Chair,
Rocky O `Donavon as Clerk, and Dennis McCafferty as treasurer.
1988 On a cold February night in 1988, Tracy
Kendrick, then 19, and Shayne Rhodes, then 18, two Logan high school football
players, went to Lady Bird Park to play a game they called ``queer bashing.'' The
park now is the site of a U.S. Forest Service office but in 1988 the park had a
public rest stop that was also known as a gay meeting spot. The teenagers met
Harold Dean Hawker, a 36-year-old Utah
State University
student, there and enticed him to follow them to a North Logan
gravel pit. Here the two teenagers attacked Hawker, beating him with base ball
bats. He suffered severe skull fractures, a crushed eye socket and punctured
lungs from Rhodes and Kendrick's game. Hawker
was found after a passer-by who called police after seeing him struggle to get
out of the back of his truck. Hawker was semiconscious, hypothermic and unable
to speak. The glass windows of his truck had been broken out, and the sides and
roof had been bashed in. Hawker had been beaten nearly to death because he was
a Gay man. Logan police Lt. Craig Andrews said. ``They damn
near killed him.'' The teenagers were arrested after the daughter of one of the
police officers said she heard the boys bragging about what they did. Deputy Bill
Larson questioned the two teen-agers who later confessed to giving Hawker the
beating that left him permanently disabled and with irreversible brain damage.
The two pleaded guilty in 1st District Court to aggravated assault. Kendrick
and Rhodes drew sentences of up to five years in prison but served only three
before getting out on probation. Hawker's mother thinks justice never really
has been served. Neither do many others. “I knew Harold Hawker personally. As a result of this beating, he was in a coma
for several weeks/months. The only
reason that he did not die was that the temperature was near zero degrees that
night, and the cold stopped his blood from flowing. Harold was married and was
active in his LDS ward. He told me once that he was the Elder's Quorum
President. I heard through the grape
vine, that after this, the church ex-communicated him, and his wife divorced
him. I lost touch after that. This was
just one example of the regular bashing that was common in Logan . Many gay men in Cache Valley
1988 Monday- Bruce Barton,
Bruce Harmon, Barbara Stockton and I rushed over to Satu Servigna’s place in
the Avenues for a monthly Triangle Staff meeting. My feature columns will have
to be in to Brook Hallock by the 10th and my news articles have to
be in by the 15th and given to Ralph Goff. I also took a box of Triangles to distribute
at KRCL and at Unconditional Support. [1988 Journal of Ben Williams]
1989 Wedneday The first meeting of the Gay and Lesbian
Historical Society was held at the Crossroads Urban Center at 7 :00 p.m. In attendance
were Robert Smith, Rocky O'Donavan, Neil Hoyt, Robert Erichssen, Grant Cheever,
Brook Hallock, a woman friend of Rocky who chose to remain anonymous because of
fear of retribution from the Church Archives, Liza Smart, and Ben Williams Rocky
O'Donavan was elected Director and Robert Erichssen was elected as Secretary. Everyone else in attendance agreed to be part of the first board of directors.
Erick Meyers may be another officer when we vote again next month. Rocky gave
an overview of the research he has been doing on early Gays and Lesbians in
Utah History. We set our next meeting for March 8th. Brook Hallock landed a bomb shell on me at the meeting. She is convinced that Derek Streeter is a
church spy- what she calls a “duck”. She confronted him at Unconditional
Supports last night at coffee. He just smiled and not denying it just asked Why
do you think that? My first reaction
was that its not possible but after Brook made her case I was swayed. I too now
think he’s may be a church plant. I am so honest and upfront with people that
its not in my nature not to accept people at face value even though I always
thought him rather odd. [1988 Journal of Ben Williams]
1990 In what comes close to being an official
Signature Books account of a rather instructive incident that took place early
in 1990, Gary Bergera reports that "since 1989" Elbert Peck "had
been running an occasional column [in Sunstone], entitled 'A Changed Man,' by
former Sunstone staffer Orson Scott Card." Peck is said to have felt that
Card, a nationally award-winning science fiction writer, brought a
thought-provoking conservative voice to the magazine. Card's fourth column,
which appeared in the February 1990 issue, was called "The Hypocrites of
Homosexuality." In it, Card declared that "the Church has no room for
those who, instead of repenting of homosexuality, wish it to become an
acceptable behavior in the society of the Saints. They are wolves in sheep's
clothing, preaching meekness while attempting to devour the flock." He
continued, "If we accept the argument of the hypocrites of homosexuality
that their sin is not a sin, we have destroyed ourselves." Bergera indicates that "Signature Books,
which distributes the magazine to bookstores and other retailers, informed
Sunstone that if it continued to publish, in Signature's view, such
irresponsible opinions, it might need to find another distributor." This
might be seen as an instance of a threat to use economic power to leverage
others into following what appears to be the Signature party line on
homosexuality. While Signature seems obsessed by what they see as the evils of
the plural marriage once practiced by the Saints, they condemn as "irresponsible
opinions" objections to homosexual behavior. [The Signature Books Saga; Louis
Midgley FARMS Review: Volume - 16, Issue - 1, Pages: 361-406 Provo, Utah:
Maxwell Institute, 2004, Gary J.
Bergera, "'Only Our Hearts Know'—Part I: Sunstone during the Daniel Rector,
Elbert Peck, and Linda Jean Stephenson Years, 1986—92," Sunstone, March
2003, 46.]
1990 Thursday ATTORNEY WANTS STATEMENTS SUPPRESSED The
attorney for Lance Conway Wood has asked that statements Wood made to police
regarding the slaying of Gordon Ray Church be suppressed. Wood, 20, and Michael
Anthony Archuleta, 26, were charged with first-degree murder in the Nov. 22,
1988, bludgeoning death of Church, 28, a Southern Utah State College student.
Archuleta was convicted and sentenced to execution. Public defender Marcus
Taylor began arguing motions before 4th District Judge Boyd L. Park Wednesday
for Wood's trial, set for Feb. 20. He asked that Wood's statements to law
enforcement officials be suppressed. He contended Wood was not properly advised
of his rights and that he was improperly questioned. (Deseret
News)
1993 The last issue of The Bridge was released.
Alice Hart and Becky Moorman ceased the publication due to break up of their
relationship and financial mismanagement of the Rhino Nest Coffee shop and
Bookstore in SLC UT
1993- The last issue of the OutFront Review is
released and then publisher Randy Richardsons, mysterious leaves Salt Lake
City. Police believe Richardson fled Utah in February just
before being found out in a suspicious AIDS fund-raiser scheme designed to
bring him more than $1 million.
1994-The Mormon First Presidency wrote to all
priesthood leaders: "The principles of the gospel and the sacred
responsibilities given us require that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints oppose any efforts to give legal authorization to marriages between
persons of the same gender. "Therefore, we ask you to do all you can by
donating your means and time to assure a successful vote. Marriage between a
man and a woman is ordained of God, and is essential to His eternal plan. It is
imperative for us to give our best effort to preserve what our Father in Heaven
has put in place. A broad-based coalition is being formed to work for passage
of the traditional marriage initiative. As details about the coalition become
available, we will provide you with information on how you might become
involved. We thank you for your attention to this vital matter and pray the
Lord's richest blessings to be with you.
1996- Metropolitan Community Church of Ogden was started at 210 West 22nd South in Ogden UT
1996 Utah Senators Hold Secret Anti-Gay Meet State
Schools Come Under Fire at Illegal Gathering Utah Senators Hold Secret Anti-Gay
In a secret, illegal meeting Tuesday on Capitol Hill, conservative members of
the Utah Senate confronted the state's top public- and higher-education
officials with accusations that Utah schools are undermining family values and
promoting homosexual acts. Sens. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper; Charles Stewart,
R-Provo; and Senate Majority Whip Leonard Blackham, R-Moroni, were among those
leveling such claims in a face-to-face meeting with Cecelia Foxley, state
commissioner of higher education, and Scott Bean, state superintendent of
public instruction, according to several sources who attended the closed-door
Senate caucus on Capitol Hill. At one point in the 90-minute session,
Stephenson produced a box of children's picture books, including one titled,
Heather Has Two Mommies, about a lesbian couple and their daughter. He
complained the books are in circulation in Utah
elementary grades -- an assertion a leading Utah school-text expert later said was
unlikely. Several sources at the meeting said Stephenson also claimed teachers
were instructing students to have anal intercourse. Also discussed was a
controversial gay and lesbian students' club organized at East
High School in Salt Lake City, with Stewart threatening to
close down all the school's clubs rather than let the gay and lesbian group's
activities continue. He then showed colleagues an anti-homosexual video,
produced by supporters of a failed Oregon
initiative to restrict special rights for gay residents there. The meeting
violates the Utah Open Meetings Act. No minutes were recorded, nor was a vote
taken in public on whether the meeting should be closed, though both are
required by state law. Few are talking about the event. Blackham said he could
not discuss the meeting, as did others in attendance, including Foxley, Gov.
Mike Leavitt's attorney Robin Riggs and representatives of Utah Atty. Gen Jan
Graham. Bean could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Senate President Lane
Beattie, R-West Bountiful, confirmed the subject of the closed-door discussion,
saying only that he had organized the gathering in response to ``concerns that
have been raised. ``It was to educate members of the caucus and possibly
prevent some legal situations from occurring that we don't want to occur,'' he
said. Beattie would not elaborate, but apologized, as the meeting's presiding
officer, for breaking open-meetings laws by not keeping minutes of the meeting
and not voting to close it. He and Senate Majority Leader Craig Peterson,
R-Orem, steadfastly defended their reasons for excluding the public, claiming
the meeting dealt with ``potentially pending litigation'' and therefore was
allowed to be closed under state law. Moments before the meeting began,
Peterson said in an announcement on the Senate floor that the topic would be
state handling of the state's Uniform School Fund, a fund devoted to public
education. That changed once doors swung shut. ``There were no votes, straws
polls or caucus positions taken, nor representations of any such positions,''
Peterson said Wednesday. He described it as ``a very sensitive
discussion.'' After it was over, the 20
or so meeting participants, including members of both political parties, were
sworn to secrecy. Information on the discussion has trickled out privately from
Democrats and moderate Republicans upset about what transpired. ``It was the
worst experience I've ever had in my time with the Legislature,'' said a
Capitol Hill veteran and meeting participant, who requested anonymity, fearing
retaliation from Senate leaders. ``We were fooled into it,'' said another.
Peterson said he was disappointed with members who have spoken out about the
meeting: ``If they had felt uncomfortable, they could have expressed that at
the time.'' Stephenson and Stewart refused comment, though Stewart said, ``It
is common knowledge that there is an element in our society who would form a
homosexual sensitivities or lifestyles club at East High School, under the
guise of helping homosexual students. My concern is that it is not helping
them, as much as it is promoting a homosexual lifestyle.'' Shawna Steward,
instructional-materials specialist for the state Office of Education, which
handles textbooks, says the book Heather Has Two Mommies never has been
submitted for use in Utah
schools. And before the book can be made available in school libraries, she
said, it would have to be cleared by each of the state's 40 school districts.
Under state open-meetings laws, official bipartisan caucuses of Senate members
cannot be closed except under narrow conditions, including when the topic of
discussion is pending litigation. In that case, there must be ``strong
indications'' that a court action is imminent, according to a top media-law
attorney. ``These laws are not on the
books so they can talk about these issues behind closed doors, but to give them
an opportunity to discuss strategy with their attorneys,'' said Jeff Hunt, a
Salt-Lake based lawyer for the Utah chapter of the Society of Professional
Journalists. ``Too often,'' Hunt said, ``it's used to close discussion of
political hot potatoes that officials don't want to talk about in public.''
Stewart acknowledged he knew of no such pending litigation. Others, again,
declined comment. Even if such litigation is imminent, by law the meeting
closure required a vote conducted in public and support from two-thirds of
those in attendance. Detailed minutes or a tape recording then should have been
taken of the proceedings. None of these actions occurred, Peterson said. ``We
just made a mistake,'' he said. ``There was no grand collusion. You have to
remember, we're lay legislators.''
Stephenson and Stewart were key players in a meeting in October between
several Utah County
legislators and University
of Utah President Arthur K. Smith.
The subject of that closed-door session: Alleged anti-Mormonism on campus. Some legislators claimed that several U.
activities and instruction conflict with the beliefs of Utah's predominant religion, particularly,
they said, in the Graduate School of Social Work and the department of
philosophy. And two weeks ago, Stewart told fellow senators he was concerned
some of the state's higher-education institutions were teaching
``counterculture values.'' He singled out the U.'s sociology department as
espousing ``the destruction of the nuclear family.'' U. officials have denied such claims. :
(02/01/96 Page: A1 SLTribune)
1997 : 02/01/97 Page: D2 .PRISON RAPIST SENTENCED Ricardo Rodriguez
-- a 27-year-old Utah State Prison inmate -- was sentenced Friday to concurrent
prison time for sodomizing a fellow prisoner. In January 1996, Rodriguez
entered the cell of a 22-year-old inmate serving time for financial fraud and
forced anal intercourse, according to charging documents. Rodriguez was
initially charged with first-degree felony forcible sodomy but pleaded guilty
to the lesser crime of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse, and 3rd
District Judge J. Dennis Frederick went along with sentencing recommendations
for concurrent terms. Prosecutors said the sentence was appropriate because it
forced Rodriguez to admit his crime and because the Utah Board of Pardons can make appropriate
adjustments to his prison time. Because Rodriguez was already serving two
consecutive terms for theft and forcible sexual abuse, he can be held behind
bars until the year 2019, if the parole board chooses.
1999 XChange Article by Ben
Williams Feb 1999 Last Summer in a newspaper article, a former assistant
director of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah stated the reason the
board changed the name of the center was that people were ignorant of their
history. He stated that since Gay history is not taught in school, people
seeking services from the center would be confused by the name Utah Stonewall
Center. Upon reading the article I was
skeptical that this was the real reason the center changed its name. Again last
month I heard another board member, in an interview on Concerning Gays and
Lesbians, reiterate that the name was changed because people are unfamiliar
with Stonewall being synonymous with Gay and Lesbian. I have to come to the conclusion now that indeed this is true,
that homosexuals in Utah do not know their history, nor their connection with
it. This is tragic for the first thing
an oppressor does to strip a people of an identity is to destroy their history
or distort it. Conversely the first
thing an emerging people do is reclaim their history and honor their myths.
There are some who have an agenda for keeping homosexuals from having a sense
of identity. Assimilationists will
always deny that homosexuals have a distinct and valid history apart from
heterosexuals. They have to do so, for
their whole purpose is to blend in and not be noticed. However for Gay and Lesbians constructionist
who believe as I do that we are a real and distinct minority, not only sexually
but behaviorally, reclaiming and honoring our past is essential for restoring
self esteem which leads to personal empowerment. Gay children are bombarded with heterosexuality
leaving them with a sense of isolation and alienation. Therefore in adolescence
the feelings of being abnormal, queer, and being a failure is
overwhelming. Only when of legal age are
homosexuals allowed to come to terms with their sexuality and try to repair the
damage done by mostly well meaning heterosexuals but also by some truly
demented bigots. A knowledge of one’s own history and one place in it can be a
powerful anchor for Gays set adrift in the turbulent sea of heterosexism. It
can be a magnetic compass to point to the distant shores from which we came to
the Utopian lands where one’s sexuality would mean as little as the color of
one’s skin. However on any journey one must know where they came from to
accurately gage how far one has traveled. Our collective Fairy Boat has traveled
many a mile during the last 30 years. The end of the sixties witnessed the
young people of this country, Gay and Straight actively engaged in trying to
change society. They struggled to end the oppression of Blacks, Women, and all
minorities. There was a collective consciousness that told us that we must all
surely hang together or the "establishment" would hang us
separately. That is a lesson that non
empowered people in Utah know to this day. Thirty Years ago Judy Garland
died. On June 27th, 20,000 people waited
up to four hours in the blistering New York City heat to view her yellow rose
draped casket. American flags flew at
half mast on the posh Gay resort of Fire Island while old and young alike wept
for Little Dorothy Gale of Kansas. Do you know why? There was a emotional
connection between Judy and her legion of Gay male fans. They connected with her struggle to remain a
star even through immense pain, and self destructive behavior. That night in Greenwich Village, law officers
raided a popular drag queen bar owned by the Mafia. The bar had been operating
without a liquor license and using bottles with out federal tax stamps on
them. However the bar was primarily
raided for not paying off the police. Little did the participants in that midnight
drama, realize that their actions would cause a paradigm shift in the
collective consciousness of Gay and Lesbian people around the world. Some
quipped that it was “the hairpin drop heard around the world.” For the first time ever, in modern times, Gays
and Lesbians fought back against their oppressors. As the poet Allan
Ginsberg observed "The wounded Fag
look was gone forever". Three days of rioting in the Village along 7th
Avenue and Christopher Street became the catalyst for a new social movement. Gay Liberation was born. No longer would the Establishment go
unchallenged in their prosecution and persecution of Gay and Lesbian People.
Within a few short years antiquated laws based on bigotry and false scientific
conclusions gave way as activists mobilized against oppression. The American
Psychiatric Association, in part due to militant disruption of their annual
conventions, removed homosexuality off their list of mental disorders. States
began to abolish unconstitutional Sodomy Laws. Gay and Lesbian people took
control of their own destiny buying into the idea of Gay and Lesbian Unity and
Solidarity. The new leaders of Gay
Liberation understood that only united could a people so long despised and
oppressed ever hope for or even demand the same basic human rights as granted
to every other heterosexual American citizen. The Spirit of Stonewall
immediately spread to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle, Atlanta and
even to Salt Lake City. In 1969 Pam Mayne, Ralph Place and a small group of young
activists formed a tiny band of Salt Lake Gay Liberationists and took a giant
step out of the Zion Closet. They kept
the door open to let the light in, so that the rest of us could follow. There
is a connection between the Gay youth of 1969 and 1999. A legacy has been bequeathed and should not
be forgotten. Rather then eliminating
such names as Utah Stonewall Center (which by the way is totally inclusive of
Gay Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, Transvestites, post ops and pre ops
minorities), we should be celebrating the name and teaching it to each new
generation rather then saying its a pity that no one knows what it means. Let me reiterate what it means- Stonewall
equals Empowerment.
Always remember, we choose our
destiny. We make our future. At one time Gay only meant happy to most people
but by the constant use of the word heterosexuals begrudgingly accepted it. The
road to the future is deeply embedded in the past. One only has to know where
to look to find tomorrow.
1999 William (Bill) Chidley Humphrey, a Utah native died in Hollywood,
California from AIDS
1999- East High’s Rainbow Club's application for
club status was filed with the district. Camille Lee, the would-be adviser,
said contributions by Gay, Lesbian and bisexual people throughout history would
be studied. Since the school district
requires clubs to be related to the curriculum, Lee cited three courses the
club would relate to: sociology, government and politics and student resiliency
training.
2000-The Pentagon
announced it had instituted training programs to prevent harassment and make
sure gay and lesbian service members would be treated fairly under "don't
ask, don't tell."
2000 Letter to a Cousin Distraught Young Man Shares His Thoughts by
Stuart Matis Feb, 2000 Clay, It was great to hear from you. I had been
wondering whether you were planning soon to put in your papers. The whole
concept of Clay going on mission disturbs me - I suddenly feel real old.
Actually I'm excited for you. It's a tremendously scary time in your life right
now because you are facing into a void of so many unknowns. The second you step
foot in the MTC, however, it will all seem so natural. So, you want to have my
opinions regarding the Knight Initiative? At the outset, I'll tell you that the
events surrounding this initiative have been painfully difficult for me to
endure. Last July, I read online that the Church had instructed the Bishops to
read a letter imploring the members to give of their time and money to support
this initiative. I almost went into a panic attack. I cried for hours in my
room, and I could do very little to console the grief of hearing this news.
Furthermore, I read that the Church had supported similar measures in Hawaii and in Alaska.
In Alaska,
the supporters of the measure had raised $600,000. Of this, $500,000 came from
the Church. Ads were aired on television describing the downfall of the Roman
Empire and placing blame on Rome's
tolerance of homosexuality. Its message was that a similar fate would occur to
those who supported equality for gay Americans. Not only was this historical
analysis completely fallacious, but this was a prejudicial ad designed to
invoke a visceral reaction of fear and hate among the Alaskan citizens.
Apparently, the Church has raised $1 million in support of this initiative.
This is so disheartening because I feel that my own peers are attacking me.
Caesar's Brutus comes to mind. In July, I realized that I was going to have to
endure viewing millions of dollars of television ads designed with one intention
in mind: raise fear against gay and lesbian Californians. What's worse is that
this fear campaign has been orchestrated by my own friends. My mom is
completely distraught over the issue. She told me that she is scared to read
the papers or watch TV. When her bishop read another pro-Knight letter last
Sunday, she wanted to cry. My gay friend, Clay (I met him on my mission), has
implored me to never mention anything regarding Knight in his presence. It
causes him too much pain. He almost asked that his name be taken off the Church
records (indeed many have done just that). I was at a party several months ago
with about fifteen gay men, and I mentioned to one that I was Mormon.
Immediately, the room became deafeningly quiet. One guy looked at me and said,
"Do you realize how hateful and destructive your Church is?" The
expression "By your fruits ye shall know them" is common in the
Church. Among gay men and women, the Church's fruit is perceived as being hate.
This is so unfortunate because many gay men and women become atheist as they
are only presented with a God of hate. Naturally, I have become very well
versed in the Knight Initiative and the Church's involvement. This is my world
after all. I have met with my bishop to discuss the matter. He too disagrees
with the Church's involvement in anti-gay politics. It's very disheartening for
him as well, but his concurrence still does nothing to ease my pain. Be
forewarned; I'm going to deluge you with all my thoughts and feelings on the
issue. Within the Church, there is such a knee-jerk reaction on this issue that
many never engage in a healthy dialectic debate. They also never realize the
consequences of their actions. With not even a cursory analysis of the logic
behind the Church's argument, most believe that their response is proper, and
thus they don't give it much thought. My hope is that I could enlighten you on
how we gay members feel about it. Before I begin, I want you to know that my
arguments are not an attack on the Church. Rather they are a logical analysis
of the arguments the Church and others give to support the Knight Initiative.
My feelings will come across as extremely strong, because I believe the
Church's arguments are extremely weak. Furthermore, as I will explain, the
Church's actions are actually harmful to families and gay members and directly
contrary to the central message of Christ's gospel. Therefore, I feel compelled
to strongly speak my mind on this issue. In the end, if you believe that I have
vindictively attacked the Church, then I have failed in the intent of this
letter, and I apologize beforehand. The
Author -I'll begin with the author of this initiative, William "Pete"
Knight. To say that he is homophobic doesn't even begin to underscore his
hatred of homosexuals. His own brother is gay as well as his son. His son was
his pride when he returned home with honors from the Gulf War. That soon fell
apart when his son came out, and his son quickly fell out of favor with his
dad. So much for family values. In a Los
Angeles Times op-ed piece, the younger Knight said his
father's measure is "a blind, uncaring, uninformed, knee-jerk reaction to
a subject about which he knows nothing." Knight consistently produces
legislation to strip away any gay rights including basic necessities such as
employment non-discrimination. He is also notoriously racist. He's written
racist poetry that he has passed out to his conservative peers in Sacramento. His world is
white, male, straight, Christian and conservative. All others be damned! Frustrated
with his inability to pass any of his legislation within the deliberative body
of the state legislature, he has decided to focus on the more prejudicially
swayed California
electorate. You see, Clay, bumper sticker politics works best with the voters
rather than in a state legislature. Certainly, the lack of integrity of the
messenger does not automatically mean the message is flawed. However, I just
wanted you to understand the force behind this legislation and with whom the
Church is now sleeping. It's greatly disturbing to me. "Traditional"
Marriage- Next, it's important to discuss what this issue is supposed to be
about: marriage. Anti-gay advocates love to use the word "tradition"
because it is emotionally prejudicial as it plays into people's inherent fear
of change. However, this is not a legal argument nor is it a valid argument for
denying rights to a group of individuals. Neither is it a tenable argument, for
it relies on the faulty premise that history has provided us with a consistency
in the foundation of marriage. Marriage as is commonly known today is actually
a relatively novel concept in the history of mankind. Depending upon the
culture, religion, politics, and period of history, one may find a myriad of
formations. Even among Christian people, marriage has undergone a metamorphosis
contingent upon the needs of the people. When anti-gay advocates use the term
"traditional", I always wonder what tradition and what time. Do we
support early 19th century traditional marriages when married women had no
legal standing, could not own property, sign contracts, or legally control any
earned wages? When the minimum age of consent for sexual intercourse in most
states was 10 years old and in Delaware
seven? When some states allowed boys as young as 14 and girls as young as 12 to
marry with parental consent? Or do we support mid-1900 traditional marriages
when in 12 states a woman could still not make legal contracts? When it was
illegal to sell contraceptives? When in 13 states interracial marriage was forbidden
and punishable by prison? Or do we support 1977 marriages when no states
outlawed rape in marriage? Or in 1990, when only 10 states outlawed rape in
marriages? I also find it somewhat hypocritical for the Church to appeal to
people's emotions and use the "tradition" argument when it was on the
receiving end of such abuse during its polygamy era. The Church more than
anyone in this country should know how persecution feels. There are actually
two kinds of marriages that people in America maintain: a legal marriage
and a ceremonial marriage. Legal marriage is a relationship between three
parties - the two individuals plus the state. Ceremonial marriage, often called
a "wedding," is quite distinct from legal marriage and is a
relationship, not with the state, but between the couple, their religion and
usually their familial and social circle. While many opposite-sex couples
engage in both legal and ceremonial marriage, these two forms of marriage are
entirely distinct - legally and functionally - under the United States'
Constitutional separation of church and state. The word "marriage" is
so emotionally charged that people fail to recognize the difference between
legal and ceremonial marriage. To them it's one and the same. The Knight
Initiative, however, actually only precludes same-sex legal marriages not
ceremonial marriages. Currently, many same-sex couples receive ceremonial
marriages (weddings) each year by gay-friendly churches. If Knight passes, gay
couples will continue to manifest their love in front of their friends and
family by getting married in these churches. However, their marriage will not
be legally recognized by the state of California
(incidentally, they are already not recognized in California or in any state - the Knight
Initiative merely codifies into law the status quo). They will be denied legal
protection and benefits that are accrued to all opposite-sex marriages. In sum,
they will be treated as unequal members of our society. On the other hand, if
same-sex marriages were legally recognized, the state could never force any
church or institution to offer same-sex ceremonial marriages. The separation of
church and state completely allows this. Mormons, Catholics and Southern
Baptists could continue to deny ceremonial marriages to same-sex couples. The
state-enforced prohibition on same-sex marriages is nothing but the result of
mob rule. There is no valid moral argument to deny equal rights to people
simply because you dislike or fear them. As Oscar Wilde wrote, "Morality
is simply the attitude we adopt towards people whom we personally
dislike." The same can be said of the Knight Initiative. Many claim that
the state should forbid same-sex marriages on moral principles (read:
Biblically interpreted laws). These arguments are worn and tired. Biblical laws
were used to validate slave ownership in America. They were used to deny
women's rights. They were used to forbid interracial marriages. The arguments
are always the same; it's the persecuted group that changes. Hate, fear and
prejudice have always been traditional human values but why should be uphold
them? It's time we change this tradition! Marriage, Family, Homosexuality and
Reality- The Church has a right to be concerned about families. The divorce
rate is rising. Spousal and child abuse continues unabated. Adultery remains a
persistent part of the marriage landscape. These are all afflictions that have
weakened families. The problem is that the Church has picked the wrong culprit.
I understand that it is far easier to point the finger outward than inward, but
it requires a great leap of faith to conclude that somehow homosexuals and
their desire to marry is somehow responsible for these calamities or will make
these calamities worse. If there is anything consistent in any anti-gay debate,
it is the superfluous use of platitudes and bumper sticker slogans. The debate
in support of the Knight Initiative is no different. The slogan that is
repeatedly used is that the Knight Initiative is needed to protect families
(the Church uses "defend the institution of the family"). I'm curious
how exactly families will be defended. I will probably never know because the
Church and other supporters never substantiate their argument. They leave the
slogan to speak for itself. The problem is that it says nothing. Instead it
relies on people's fears to fill in the blanks. In order for their arguments to
work, anti-gay advocates must convince people that homosexuals are in some way
anti-family. As this is so completely fallacious, the arguments that rely on
this premise crumble. This is precisely why you will never read a full-blown
argument in defense of the anti-family argument. In the end, a casual observer
will quickly ascertain that anti-gay arguments are nothing but a patchwork of
indefensible slogans and prejudicial sound bites. It makes for extremely
effective politics, but lousy logic. Let's analyze the anti-family argument.
How exactly are homosexuals anti-family? Homosexuality is not a choice; instead
it is an indelible part of a person's identity. The choice debate may still
rage in the far right fringe of our society, but among those medical
professionals who work daily with homosexuals, the overwhelming consensus is
that homosexuality is a permanent identity. The American Psychological Association,
American Psychiatric Association, American
Academy of Pediatrics,
and American Association of Social Workers have all declared that homosexuality
is not a choice. Even the Church (very reluctantly) is beginning to admit this.
Since the Church now recognizes the indelible aspects of one's sexuality, it
actually dissuades homosexuals from getting married; they realize that marriage
is not a cure for one's sexuality. A same-sex marriage can only be
"anti-family" if a person chooses a same-sex marriage over an
opposite-sex marriage. As this simply is NOT the case, the entire issue of a
homosexual being anti-family is moot. A homosexual can only choose one of two
avenues: being celibate or being sexually active. Neither of these choices will
allow a homosexual to participate in the traditional family of a husband, wife
and kids. Thus regardless of whether a homosexual gets married or not, the net
effect on the family or on marriage is zero. The Church desires that
homosexuals remain celibate, but how will this choice affect families any
differently than if a homosexual nurtures a relationship? Once again, it's a
moot issue. The problem is that this issue has been framed as a false dilemma
and too many members and supporters of Knight have been snookered into believing
it. The false dilemma is that either one is either pro-homosexuality or
pro-family. This, of course, is false. I am gay. I hate to sound redundant, but
whether I remain celibate or find a partner, the net effect on families is
zero. The Church can certainly make whatever subjective moral argument for or
against homosexuality. However, if it desires to make an objective argument, it
must be logical, and in the case of the homosexuality/anti-family connection,
the argument is illogical and fallacious. Ironically, the Church's positions on
homosexuality have actually been anti-family. Several decades ago it was church
policy to advocate marriage as a cure for one's homosexuality. This inevitably
resulted in many broken marriages and families. The Church also postulated that
men became gay because of a doting mother and an absent father. This inevitably
cast blame on the grieving parents. The Church's positions and outspoken
frankness on this issue has nurtured a climate that is hostile for young gay Mormons.
Kids have been thrown out of homes under the guise of Christian love. Brothers
and sisters have broken off contact from their gay brother and sisters. I
recently read the letter of a brother in Salt Lake City
who had to send his son far away from home to a private high school because he
was constantly tormented in his Salt
Lake high schools and by
his neighbors. Unfortunately, the promotion of the Knight Initiative will only
worsen an already polluted environment. Homophobia is a disease that destroys
families. Unfortunately, the Church's rhetoric and actions will only continue
to nurture this disease. Straight members have absolutely no idea what it is
like to grow up gay in this Church. It is a life of constant torment,
self-hatred and internalized homophobia. Imagine the young gay boy frightened
to death to divulge his secret pain to his dad because he witnesses his dad
tromping around the neighbor placing up Knight signs. Imagine the young gay
girl who listens to her mother profess her love for her as she writes a check
to oppose "those filthy homosexuals". Imagine any young gay kid who
is desperate to scrape together a sliver of self-esteem as he or she daily
hears the pejorative "faggot" and the word "gay" used as a
negative adjective (as in "that was such a gay movie"). The Church
has no idea that as I type this letter, there are surely boys and girls on
their calloused knees imploring God to free them from this pain. They hate
themselves. They retire to bed with their finger pointed to their head in the
form of a gun. Every waking moment of every day they must be on constant alert
to not divulge any clues that will identify themselves to their peers.
"Was my glance at that boy too long? Does he think I'm gay? Will he now
publicize my secret and beat me up?" They are afraid of their parents.
They are afraid of their bishop. They are afraid of their friends. They have
nowhere to go but to lay on their floors curled in a ball and weep themselves
to sleep. The Church's involvement in the Knight Initiative will only add to
the great pain suffered by these young gay Mormons. This is a fear-based,
divisive, galvanizing movement. Members who don't even vote in presidential
elections now put signs on their laws and march around the neighborhood like
precinct workers. On the night of March 7th, many California couples will retire to their beds
thrilled that they helped pass the Knight Initiative. What they don't realize
is that in the next room, their son or daughter is lying in bed crying and
could very well one day be a victim of society's homophobia. The Knight
Initiative will certainly save no family. It is codified hatred. It is
anti-family, anti-love and it is wrong. Another argument that is quite
prevalent is that marriages are weakening and must be defended. I always get a
kick out of hearing this argument particularly from politicians. Marriage
certainly does need defending and we as a society are doing our best to defend
it. Indeed, Newt Gingrich will soon be defending his third marriage. Bob Dole
is defending his second. Notoriously anti-gay Rep. Bob Barr is defending his
third marriage. And Bill Clinton is still defending his first marriage. Seriously, once again I'm confused at how
exactly the Knight Initiative will defend marriages. What does it mean to
defend marriages? I know of no gay activist who is calling for the dissolution
of straight marriages, so who exactly is trying to destroy it? Do young couples
make a decision to get married based on the actions of their gay neighbors?
Will some couple decide that they'll get a divorce because same-sex marriages
are legally recognized? I never knew that we gay people had so much power over
the decision making process in straight relationships. As is always the case
with the issue of homosexuality, truthful information is rare and misplaced
fear is high. The issues that face marriages and families are real: divorce,
spousal abuse, child abuse, adultery, wages that are below the living
requirements, lack of health care for children. I could give a laundry list of
proposals and solutions to help families, but most of these are opposed by the
very same organizations and politicians that claim to be pro-family. Same-sex
marriage and homosexuals just make easier targets…a red herring. Same-sex
marriages already are not legal in the state of California. The Knight Initiative just
codifies the status quo into law. It is a worthless endeavor. I would rather
see the church ask its members to raise a million dollars for battered women's
shelters or for free marital counseling. Instead of asking its members to
engage in neighborhood campaigning, the Church could ask all of its members to
spend several Saturdays working with Habitat for Humanity building homes for
low-income families. If the intent is to help families, why doesn't the Church
engage in a campaign to actually do something worthwhile for families? The
Knight Initiative campaign is just a frivolous use of time and money. The
proponents are wasting their resources on an empty suit. The opponents have to
spend money to defend love and stability. The Knight Initiate is maddening in
its petty benightedness. It's maddening also because even if the
hyperventilated fears of anti-gay advocates come to fruition, the social impact
will be negligible. For the sake of argument, I'll assume that homosexuals
constitute 5% of the population. If the rate of marriage among gay men and
women is commensurate to the rate among heterosexuals, about 1-2 of every 100
marriages will be same-sex marriages. The end of marriage? Hardly. I once read
that on the politics of homosexuality, the ratio of advance hysteria to actual
social change is as out of whack as most NASDAQ Internet company valuations.
Openly gay employees were supposed to disrupt the workplace. Gay school
teachers were supposed to terrorize our kids. Tolerance of homosexuality was
supposed to usher in an explosion of homosexuals (actual result: the
percentages of self-professed homosexuals have remained consistent during the
past several decades ). Like our experience with books and movies, the advance
hysteria (book) is always far more interesting and eventful than the actual
results (movie). The frenzy in favor of the Knight Initiative is no different. The
Slippery Slope Argument- Many claim that if same-sex marriages were legalized,
what would stop the state from legalizing pedophilic marriages, bestiality
marriages, or, heaven forbid, polygamous marriages. I sound redundant, but this
argument also is flawed and downright frivolous. Marriage is a conscious
decision by two adults to affirm their love for one another. Whether a couple
constitutes an opposite-sex couple or a same-sex couple, the arrangement is
between two consenting adults. Both pedophilia and bestiality are relationships
where only one member is conscious and mature enough to consent. They are on an
entirely different plane than homosexuality. Society and the government allow
any two consenting adults to get married: black and white, Christian and
atheist, tall and short, deaf and blind, rich and poor, Republican and
Democrat. To deny a marriage to someone based on gender is purely
discriminatory. We as a Constitution-supporting and freedom-loving people
should be the first to support the equal rights of all American citizens. The
Great Fallacy- The argument against same-sex marriage is a classic zero sum
game argument: a gain for one side corresponds with a loss for another. I have
seen the ads produced by the proponents of the Knight Initiative. It portrays a
large family reunion as the announcer describes the beauty of families. The
voice over ends with the statement, "Marriage and family. That's what
proposition 22 is all about." On the surface it appears completely
innocuous, but what is the implication behind the message? It is that if we allow
homosexuals to get married, then straight marriages and their families will
suffer. It's a zero-sum game argument, and it is deceitful and fallacious. In
order to be effective, the message MUST play on people's fears. My parents
oppose the Knight Initiative because they know that whether I get married to a
man or not, my family and my parent's marriage will remain sound and healthy.
They have no fear, and so they oppose it. Those who support it do it solely out
of fear. Why else should one support it? The arguments made by the proponents
prove it's all about fear. "We need to protect the family". From
WHOM? "We need to protect marriage." From WHOM? The whom is, of
course, me, your gay neighbor, family member, friend and coworker. The message
is that if I, Stuart, get married to a man, your family will suffer. You know
that is wrong, and so is the Knight Initiative. Second-Class Reality for Gay
Couples- I don't think that people in this country realize just how many laws
are written dealing with marriages and how many benefits are accrued to married
couples. These are just a few of the more than 1,000 federal and state benefits
that married people automatically enjoy: Assumption of Spouse's Pension, Automatic
Inheritance, Automatic Housing, lease Transfer, Bereavement Leave, Burial
Determination, Crime Victim's Recovery Benefits, Divorce Protections, Domestic
Violence Protection, Exemption from Property Tax on Partner's Death, Immunity
from Testifying Against Spousr, Insurance Breaks, Joint Bankruptcy, Medical
Decisions on Behalf of Partner, Certain Property Rights, Reduced Rate
Memberships, Sick Leave to Care for Partner , Visitation of Partner's Children,
Visitation of Partner in Hospital, Wrongful Death (Loss of Consort) Benefits, Assumption
of Spouse's Pension, Social Security Survivor Benefits. Perhaps Mormons believe
that it is better to deny us filthy and disgusting gay people any benefits.
Perhaps they believe that it is divine that a gay man is refused entrance into
his partner's hospital room while he dies because he has no legal connection to
him. Perhaps they believe that it is divine that a lesbian is unable to afford
insurance and cannot receive discounted insurance through her partner's
company's program. Well, I believe in a loving God. I believe in a God who
sacrificed His own son for us. Therefore, I simply refuse to acknowledge that
God in any way desires that his gay children are marginalized, treated as
second-class citizens and denied equal benefits simply because of a
society-believed character flaw. I also can't imagine a Mormon who professes to
love both God and his neighbor will allow himself or herself to believe that
homosexuals should be treated as second-class citizens. The Aftermath- An issue
I have with Christian culture is its use of military metaphors: "war in
heaven", "onward Christian soldiers", "Armageddon". In
order for these metaphors to be validated, churches must create enemies:
communists in the fifties, hippies in the sixties, feminists in the seventies
and now homosexuals. A desire to understand and to engage in an open dialogue
is jettisoned in favor of sound bite rhetoric. When the Columbine massacre
occurred, people were quick to point fingers. The targets were the usual
suspects: Hollywood ,
video games, liberal politicians, rock singer Marilyn Manson. No one stopped,
however, to ask the critical questions: Why were these killers hated in school?
Why were they taunted? Why did they endure daily name calling? Why were they
ostracized? If these killers had been fully embraced with love and support by
their fellow student, I postulate that all the video games, rock music and
movies couldn't have turned them into killers. These boys had to be nourished
with hate. They had to be treated as an enemy. Clay, there is far too much hate
and division in our society. Our society is becoming Balkanized as we segregate
people into groups. The parallels between our society now and that of the
Nephites/Lamanites at the end of the Book of Mormon are frightening. I
understand that the world is seemingly chaotic. It is innate in each of us to
apply order to this chaos (our inner Aristotle). We thirst after a clean
delineation between good and bad, black and white. We also have an insatiable
desire to divide up people into two camps: "us" friends versus "them"
enemies. Perhaps when we are confused at the chaos, it is easier for us to
scapegoat others to give reasons for our fears. I too suffer from these human
weaknesses, and I am trying to rid myself of them. The reason is that,
ultimately, I see no good in pitting one group against another. It seems so
contrary to the principles laid out by Jesus in the Parable of the Good
Samaritan. After the millions of dollars have been spent on television ads
promoting the Knight Initiative, homophobia will be inflamed and our gay youth
will intensify their self-destruction by internalizing society's homophobia.
The disquieting results already: 22% of gay and lesbian youth skip school each
month because they fear for their safety, Gay students are seven times more likely
than others to have been threatened or injured with a weapon, 18% of Bay Area
college men said they had physically assaulted or threatened someone they
thought was gay or lesbian and 32% admitted to verbal harassment. Gay and
lesbian teenagers are three times more likely to attempt suicide than their
heterosexual peers. 53% of gay youth served by the Los Angeles Youth Services
Department had attempted suicide at least once, 47% more than once. About 25%
of all homeless youth in the United
States are gay or lesbian 90% of gay and
lesbian students suffer from verbal and physical harassment in school (half
indicate that they suffer from verbal harassment on a daily basis) More than
25% of gay and lesbian students drop out of school because of discomfort in the
environment. Do the members not even
care about these statistics? Their lives are validated by their peers, society,
church, and government. I, on the other hand, have to claw my way into social
acceptance. I am the one who will have to live in the wake of the Knight
Initiative. Most members never know what it feels to be marginalized. They are
Christian and mostly white and middle class. They never know what it's like to
live in fear. Imagine for a moment that the Knight Initiative was a proposition
to ban Mormon marriages. The proponents believed that Mormon marriages would
destroy families and destroy marriages. Imagine seeing your neighbors place
anti-Mormon marriage placards on their lawn or seeing your neighbors march
around the neighbor in support of this initiative. Imagine having to watch over
$5 million in TV ads designed to raise fears about you. Then imagine the
proponents of this initiative having the audacity to claim that they are not
bigoted and that this initiative is not about prejudice. Rather they simply
want to affirm what everyone knows: Mormon marriages are immoral and not
healthy for society. The shoe doesn't feel so good, does it? My world is so
vastly different than that of my straight friends. For every person I meet, I
am forced to quickly ascertain whether or not he or she is a friend or foe. I
have to keep quiet at work about something that is so integral to my identity
for fear of the repercussions. Most of my gay friends (and I) were suicidal at
one time in their lives. I have friends who have swallowed pills, cut their
wrists, burned their arms, placed bags over their heads. I have friends who
have taken anti-depressant pills as if they were candy. Years of internalized
homophobia have deeply scared my friends and me. It is only after we began to
accept our identity that we have been able to heal our minds. Straight people
have no idea what it is like to turn on the television and watch some angry
demagogue spew hateful rhetoric and cast the blame for society's problems at our
feet. They have no idea what it is like to have the Bible shoved in our faces
and hear the love that stirs in our souls described as "repugnant",
"disgusting", "immoral", "unnatural". They have
no idea what it is like to live in a society that treats you like a
second-class citizen and fights to keep you from having the same rights that
all other citizens enjoy. They have no idea what it is like to hear people
truly believe that we desire to terrorize children and that our mere existence
is evident of the eventual decline of our civilization. Do I blame the Church
for society's homophobia? I know that I am quick to cast blame at the feet of
Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell and Gary Bauer. However is the Church any
different? Did you know that Russell Hendersen, one of the two boys convicted
of killing Matthew Shepard, was raised by his Mormon grandparents? The Church
does not operate in a vacuum, and its message does plant seeds in people's
hearts. I realize that the Church is quick to point out that we should love gay
people. However, this is usually a short caveat after a lengthy condemnation of
our behavior. Our "behavior" is such an integral part of our identity
that it's difficult for people to separate the two. To most members, the two
are not mutually exclusive; they are joined at the hip. After spending several
weekends knocking on doors supporting the Knight Initiative, could anyone feel
closer and more love towards gay people? Despite what the Church says, the
energy level devoted in the attack is significantly greater than the few
sentences thrown in a talk to appease the Church's critics. Can any of the
Brethren really say without equivocation that the hatred of the California members
towards homosexuals has not increased in the past several months? What is the
Church doing to diminish the animosity and fear directed at gay people? A
position based on fear could never grow into an understanding based on love.
Fear is never a solid foundation for love. I wish that one day the members
could realize that this sort of fear has no business in a Church of Love .
Not Divine Revelation- When all is said and done (and believe me, I have talked
to many members on this subject), the membership of this Church will invariably
support the initiative. I have discussed this issue with my friends of over two
decades, and while they agree with me in substance, they inevitably tell me
that they will support the initiative anyway. Their sole reason is that the
Brethren have requested it. Because President Hinckley referred to it in a
Priesthood session of General Conference and because the letters read over the
pulpit were on official stationary, many members feel that the Church's support
of this initiative is divinely inspired, that God Himself had decreed to
President Hinckley that he and the Church should pursue this course of action.
This is entirely not true; God has not spoken to President Hinckley regarding
this initiative. This is purely a temporal and administrative decision. If this
were indeed divinely inspired, then why does the Church repeatedly tell
reporters that the church members are not compelled to support the initiative?
A member can actually publicly donate money to and conduct fieldwork for the
"No on Knight" campaign and still take the sacrament and go to the
temple. How could this be if the Church's support for the measure was
"divinely inspired"? I know many active and devoted members of the
Church who do not support the Knight Initiative and plan to vote no. Are they
sinners? No, because the proposition has nothing to do with divine gospel. It
is solely a triumph of the rule of law over the rule of love. Indeed, if the
Church's support were divinely inspired, then one would conclude that God's law
is illogical, He speaks in fallacious sound bites, and He has no concern for
the fears racing in the hearts and minds of His gay children. Spiritual Analogy-
In Luke 10:25, a lawyer asks Jesus, "What shall I do to inherit eternal
life?" Jesus replies, "What is written in the law? How readest
thou?" The lawyer responds, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will
all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and will all
thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus tells him that he had
answered correctly, but the lawyer wants to know more. He asks, "Who is my
neighbour?" The answer is, of course, the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
It is a simple response to a simple question, yet the response underscores what
Christ believes it means to be a Christian: no law is as important as the law
of love. It transcends all other laws. That the traveler was left "half
dead" is no small significance. According to Biblical Law, the holy men
among the Jews were forbidden to touch the dead. As the man was "half
dead", the priest or the Levite would have had to touch the man to
ascertain whether or not he was truly dead. Instead of unintentionally breaking
the laws, the priest and the Levite decided to ignore him entirely. By this
parable, Jesus underscored the Samaritan's love as superior to that of the
rulebook mentality. The Samaritans were extremely despised by the Jewish people
and particularly around the time of Christ. Near Christ's birth, some
Samaritans had defiled the court of the Jerusalem
temple by strewing dead men's bones around the place. Therefore, the reaction
by the Jews upon hearing that Jesus had suggested to a Judean lawyer that a
Samaritan might attain external life, while a priest or a Levite would not,
would be analogous to the reaction by a Mormon upon hearing the suggestion that
a homosexual is a better Christian than a Mormon Apostle. The Parable of the
Good Samaritan has been discussed so many times that it has become trite. Lost
in our familiarization with the story is the knowledge that, at the time, it
was truly a revolutionary message. Jesus was definitely iconoclastic for his
times, and his message required a dramatic leap of understanding. If a
Christian were to utter a familiar message today using a modern-day Samaritan
(say, a homosexual), it might be perceived as a quaint lesson on a Christian
theme, but the modern-day Christian listener surely would still believe that
the Samaritan would be condemned to hell. Our modern day minds are not
different from those of the ancient Jews. Like the Jews, we would fail to
realize that the thrust of the story is that in Jesus' eyes, the Samaritan was
a Christian. He wasn't baptized a Christian. He didn't go to church. He didn't
profess any Christian affiliation, however, he is still is a Christian. The
reason is that he loves his neighbor. In the Samaritan's eyes, his neighbors
are not his friends, or church members, or those like him, or those who share
his beliefs. A neighbor is simply any human being regardless of his or her
backgrounds or characteristics. And what is more remarkable in this story is
that the Samaritan's neighbor happened to be his detractor, his chief enemy. Did
the priest or Levite not love the fallen Jew? Perhaps they did, but they were
compelled from touching him due to their law. Are the Church's actions any
different? Would they actually "touch" me, a gay man - would they try
to know me and understand me? Would they attempt to stop their harmful
rhetoric? Would they stop supporting divisive initiatives? Would they support
my equality regardless of whether I was their "enemy" or not? Unfortunately,
Jesus' message is still needed in our day. The parable is a mighty challenge to
us not just to say that we love all but to actually act with love towards all.
We must do, not talk. This message is particularly relevant for us when dealing
with those who belong to oppressed, despised or disenfranchised groups (the
metaphoric Samaritan). In sum, love in action is the only kind of love there
is, and it is at the core of what it means to be a follower of Christ. In what
way is the effort by the Church to campaign for the Knight Initiative in
concert with the message found in the Parable of the Good Samaritan? Are their
actions based on love or on fear? Are they intended to unify us as a people or
divide us? Will the campaign result in the vilification of a perceived enemy? I
think that you know the answers. This is precisely why I am so deeply troubled
by the Church's involvement in this wretched initiative. Conclusion The
successful passage of the Knight Initiative will do absolutely nothing (repeat:
absolutely NOTHING) to protect marriages. Wives will still be battered.
Children will still be abused. Spouses will still commit adultery. Marriages
will still break up. Meanwhile the Church will have raised and spent a million
dollars and the members will have volunteered thousands of hours to
support…nothing. Unfortunately, as the members retire to their beds on the
night of March 7th and fall asleep in relief that their marriages are once
again safe, what could ensue the next day? A gay man will not be able to see
his partner of thirty years die in a hospital bed because he had no legally
recognized relation. A gay woman will have depleted all of her savings fighting
breast cancer because she couldn't afford insurance and her partner's company refused
to grant domestic partner benefits. A gay man will be denied permission to take
sick leave from work to care for his dying partner (a benefit readily available
to his straight peers). A gay kid will be beaten to a pulp in high school
because he dared to tell the truth. Thousands of frightened young gay Mormons
will dig deeper into the dreadful closet in panic that their parents or friends
may discover the truth about them. Homophobia in California will have been nurtured and
inflamed and ready to engulf its next victim. The Church's actions are
completely contrary to the message found in the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
The rule of law has transcended the rule of love. Fear has transcended
compassion and understanding. It's a travesty, Clay. It's a travesty. And it's
one that has caused (and will continue to cause) me immeasurable pain. In the
end, remember, Clay, that we gay people are your family. We are your brothers
and sisters. We are your sons and daughters. In your case, I am your cousin.
You know from your 18-year life that I adore my family. I respect my family, I
look up to them, and I love them. I would lose my life in order to protect
them. The entire premise of the Church's argument, however, is that if I were
to fulfill the measure of my creation, fall in love with a man, and desire to
commit my love to him through marriage, then suddenly I become anti-family. My
union somehow will weaken families. Which family, Clay? My family? Your family?
Whose family am I supposed to destroy? When placed in this context, it seems so
absurdly silly. However, this is exactly the intent behind the Knight
Initiative. This is precisely why you will not see a church member who has a
gay son or daughter placing signs on his or her lawn. These members will not be
walking around their neighborhoods. These members will ache every time a gay
debate ensues in the chapel halls. These members know the intent of their
children's hearts. They know the goodness of their spirit. They see the
goodness in their children's gay friends. They see and experience homophobia on
a personal basis, and they collectively mourn the Church's involvement in the
Knight Initiative. I wish that I could shout this message from the rooftops,
but alas, I sit alone in my room typing wondering what will happen next. Well,
Clay, my fingers are blistered. By asking me your question, your poured water
on my electrical wounds. Thus I apologize if my words were a bit strong. I hope
that these words, however, give you a substantial alternative point of view and
help you in your report. On a more upbeat note, good luck preparing for your
mission. I'll see you in the spring. Take care. Warmly, Stuart
2001 Gay fest goes high-profile
USU employees ordered to get diversity training after putting up barrier Thursday, February 1, 2001 Arrin Brunson In
its second year at Utah State University, the Pride Fest 2001 Gay and Lesbian
Film Festival is in full swing in spite of some opposition to the clubs
activities. A weeklong showing of afternoon documentaries and evening movies,
as well as a historical display about homosexuality, started Monday in the
Taggart Student Center. After successfully hosting a low-key film festival in
2000, club advisers and student officers decided to play the event up more this
year, by advertising with fliers on campus and in The Herald Journal. Public
response has been largely supportive, or at least tolerant, in most cases,
members of the USU Pride Alliance say. But intolerance and prejudice still
exist and were manifest at the onset of the film festival, they say. When some
USU employees learned the historical display would be placed opposite the
Cashiers Office in front of the student center auditorium, they requested a
barrier to block their view, and it was temporarily granted. The history booth,
which will remain for public viewing until Saturday evening at the conclusion
of the film festival, displays newspaper clippings about the history of gay and
lesbian struggles in Cache Valley, including the states first Gay Pride March in
Logan. The display also includes a list of famous gay people throughout
history, an explanation of the origin of symbols and terms related to
homosexuality and some student art work. Courtney Moser, adviser of the Pride
Alliance, said the film festival and historical display are designed to inform
and educate the public, not to offend. Even if theyre not gay, this is
interesting stuff, and entertaining, Moser said, and it is well worth their
time. When Pride Alliance members saw the barriers in front of the Cashiers
Office and sent e-mails to USU officials, the dividers were promptly removed.
Benanti said members of the club will meet with affirmative action agents on
campus and that the USU employees who requested and provided the wall will
complete some kind of sensitivity training. Pat Terrell, vice president for
Student Services, said a policy has been put in place to prevent a situation
like this from happening in the future. USU supports all of its student
organizations, and the Pride Alliance is a recognized student organization,
Terrell said. It was a mistake. It shouldnt have happened, she said. The
cashiers office has fully supported us taking them down. Weve apologized to the
students. The cashiers referred all questions about the incident to Clint
Moffitt, university controller. We acknowledge that we made a mistake and weve
apologized for that mistake, Moffitt said. Moffitt confirmed that everyone
within the jurisdiction of the Controllers Office, including the cashiers, will
complete additional diversity training. Sarah Benanti, a USU graduate student
studying forestry, said the request for the room dividers is an example of
intolerance that is still too common. Benanti said she leads a happy and full
life fighting intolerance. Theres a lot more battles to be fought here, which
is kind of exciting because you can see the progress, she said. We dont want
special rights, just equal rights. USU has a nondiscrimination policy, Benanti
said, but she knows of instances in Utah where homosexual people have been
evicted from their apartments or fired from their jobs for being gay. They cant
get married, so they have no inheritance, adoption or medical rights. The Gay
and Lesbian Film Festival, which has drawn audiences of gay and straight people
this week, is sponsored by The Metropolitan Community Church Bridgerland, the
Utah AIDS Foundation, the USU Women and Gender Research Institute/Tricouncil
for Gender Studies, the USU department of sociology, social work, and
anthropology, Cache Valley Unitarian Universalists, USU department of
communication and journalism, the Cache Valley Unitarian Universalists of USU
and USU Student Services. Daily showings continue through Saturday beginning at
2:30 p.m.. Tickets are ,3 per screening or ,5 for a double feature. For more
information about the showings, visit the Pride Alliance Web site at
http://www.usu.edu/pride/.
2005 Subject:
Collective Oral History of the Radio City and Sun chad_c_keller
I have just met with Margaret Brady director of Your Story and the Utah Museum
of Art and History. I am seeking any of those who remember the early days of
the Radio City and the Sun Tavern (both old and new) who would be willing to
sit down together as a groups and share their memories about both of these
institutions that shaped the early years of the Utah Gay Community. Interested
parties should respond directly to me at chad_c_keller@yahoo.com
Thanks! CCK
2005 Subject:
RCGSE Community Forum-My 2 cents A open
forum was held at the GLBTCCU by the Royal Court to address wrong doings by a
past and present Monarch. It was very sad and gut wrenching to see an
organization in such arrays. The Board was queried why different monarchs
received what was perceived to be different punishments. The court system
seemed to me broken and almost beyond repair by the hurt and anger and
frustration leveled there. The Chair of the Board did a remarkable job trying
to keep passions to a simmer but several times he could not keep the room from
boiling over. General members were accusing Board Members of breaches of
confidentiality ; Board members were arguing among themselves. Tears flowed,
old wounds opened. It was clear that court was hurting. "Back
stabbing" was the word "de Jour." Several things were self
evident from the meeting. The bylaws were unclear about the procedure for
dealing with fiduciary malfeasance by court officers; leaving it to the
discretion of the board to meet out an appropriate punishment. There was not a
proper way of accounting for receipts. Closed Board Meetings led to strife and
rumor mongering among general members. Out of this meeting several policy
changes were announced. By laws will be amended to spell out what disciplinary
action will be taken for fiduciary irregularities so that all people are
treated equitable. All show receipts will be placed in locked money deposit
bags and deposited within 24 hours by either the Emperor of court secretary.
All board meetings (unless dealing with an individual) will be open meetings.
Both court monarchs have made restitution to the court and both had resigned
over their misdeeds, however the castigation meted out by the board appeared to
be excessive and more punitive then the malfeasance warranted. It was voted
(with only 3 votes in opposition) that both monarch's punishments and
resignations be rescinded until a general court meeting could be held. Cooler
heads need to prevail. Off With Their Heads said the Red Queen- Both monarchs
have been exemplary community minded individuals raising thousands of dollars
for the community, and many felt that justice should be tempered with mercy.
Public humiliation for their misdeeds have been excruciating but then the court
like Caesar's wife "must be beyond reproach." But do these
individuals really need to wear a scarlet letter for
life? Do not former good deeds account for anything? Shakespeare wrote: "The evil
that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones."
Let's be different and let the good people do live after them and let the evil be
buried with their bones. C'mon we're Gay we are the good guys! We say all the
time we are family. We need to act more like it.-Ben Williams
2005 Subject:
Utah Valley State College's Gay Club Rush Hey All,Club rush is 2/2 and 2/3 from
8am to 2pm, and we need helpers to staff the booth in the hall of flags. If you
are available during these times call me at 358-1353 so we can schedule you and
let you know the details. Club rush can be really fun and it's a a fun place to
interact with other UVSC students. Activity is schedules for this Thursday 2/3
in LA 118 at 430PM. Bring a quote from a famous author, not so famous author, a
poem you or someone else wrote, story, ect.. something you can share with the
group. Thanks for all your help, Club President Kevin
2005 Let this be the year Utah gets good hate-crimes law By
Marjorie Cortez
Deseret Morning News Published: Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005 Louvon and
Judy were living ordinary lives until they were swept up in extraordinary
circumstances. In 1998, Louvon's brother, James Byrd Jr., was dragged to death
in Jasper, Texas. Later that year, Judy's son, Matthew Shepard, was savagely
beaten, lashed to a fence post outside Laramie, Wyo., and left for dead on a
freezing night in October. I've had occasion to meet both women. Judy Shepard
visited the Deseret Morning News editorial board last year. Louvon Byrd Harris
spent time with us just last week. Both women have become unwitting crusaders
against hate crimes. They have come to Utah because our state has such a lousy
hate-crimes law that prosecutors don't use it. Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake,
is, for the fifth consecutive year, asking his legislative colleagues to
consider a bill that would enhance the penalties to crimes based on hate. This
year, Sen. Greg Bell, R-Fruit Heights, and Sen. Karen Hale, D-Salt Lake, are
running an identical bill in the Senate, SB181. On Friday, Harris met with
lawmakers, religious leaders, journalists and community groups to encourage
legislators to pass legislation that would increase by one step the penalty for
any crime motivated by "bias or prejudice," based on attributes that
include but are not limited to race, color, disability, religion, sexual
orientation, national origin, ancestry, age or gender. "I am here because
my family was a victim of a hate crime," Harris explained. "We are
saying if you commit this kind of crime, you have to pay for the
consequences." Harris lobbies for hate-crimes legislation as a tribute to
her brother, who was beaten, then chained by the ankles and dragged behind a
pickup truck to his death on June 7, 1998, in one of the nation's ghastliest
racial crimes in decades. Two of his killers, avowed racists, were convicted in
1999 and sentenced to die. A third defendant received a life sentence. It's
impossible to imagine what Harris and her family have experienced since that
life-altering day in 1998. She says she doesn't believe that her family has had
an opportunity to properly mourn her brother's death because of the roller
coaster ride they've been on since. After Byrd's killing, an "ordinary
family" was thrust into the national spotlight. There were press
conferences, legal proceedings, the desecration of James Byrd's grave (twice)
and lobbying trips to persuade the Texas Legislature to pass a hate-crimes
statute. And there was the inescapable hate and anger — the hate that motivated
Byrd's killing and the deep-seated anger that roused some people to want to
retaliate against Byrd's killers. "We became counselors, our whole
family," Harris said. Like Judy Shepard, Harris has become an advocate for
hate-crimes legislation. Both women lobby legislatures, go on speaking
engagements and have had a guiding hand in developing foundations that address
issues of hate and prejudice. The James Byrd Jr. Foundation for Racial Healing
has launched a Racism Oral History Project, which resulted in an archive of
interviews of people whose lives have been affected by racism. Both women have
consumed themselves in powerful, life-affirming labors. How legislators could
meet either woman and not be moved to pass a sentencing enhancement is truly
beyond me. How can one look Harris or Shepard in the eye and have the temerity
to suggest that it's somehow OK that Utah does not have an enforceable
hate-crimes statute? Despite the 64 percent of Utahns who say the Legislature
should pass a defensible hate-crimes law and broad-based community support,
some lawmakers continue to dig in their heels over concerns about extending
special privileges to "certain groups." That's not the point of HB50.
Rather, it's establishing an appropriate penalty for crimes that cut a wide
swath in a particular community. A perpetrator may send that message by
attacking or killing an individual, but the broader intent is to terrorize an
entire class of people. There should be an enhanced punishment for such crimes.
I'm told by advocates that this is the year that the hate-crimes sentencing
enhancement will pass. I pray they're right. As much as I've been moved and
humbled by Harris' and Shepard's visits, it's beyond embarrassing that Utah has
yet to take this step to stamp out hate. Utah lawmakers, let this be the year.
2006 Wednesday • Dear Friends,
Please pass this on to everyone on your mailing list!! Campaign 2 End AIDS
Utah, (C2EA Utah) cordially invites you to join us at the Utah State Capitol
for a meet and greet with our local news media and, if you wish, to testify
before the Health Services Budget Hearing on the critical need to fund HIV
medication. Lunch will be provided. As you know 2006 is a critical year in Utah regarding funding
for HIV medication. We are asking our Utah Legislators to fund $250,000 to pay
for HIV medication. If we lose this fight many, HIV+ Utahns could go without
the medication they need to stay healthy, working and paying taxes. We urgently
need your help this year in getting this message to our local legislators. On
Wednesday, February 1st from 10:00 am to Noon, C2EA Utah is hosting a meet and
greet with members of the press. We are inviting Utahns living with HIV/AIDS to
sit down one-on one with local news reporters and tell them what it is like
living with HIV/AIDS in Utah
and to encourage them to report on our urgent need for funding. Everyone is
invited, friends and family, people living with HIV/AIDS and service providers.
We need to hear all of your voices. C2EA Utah will be providing lunch. Please
RSVP so we can make sure there are enough meals for everyone. On Wednesday,
February 1st from 3:00 pm–5:00 pm, C2EA Utah invites you to testify before the
Health Services Budget Hearing. This is a great opportunity to make our Utah
Legislators understand the urgent need to fund HIV medication. It is crucial
that we have enough people to testify on behalf of Utahns living with HIV/AIDS.
To RSVP please contact Stuart at stuartamerrill@hotmail.com or (801) 347-3703
or People with AIDS Coalition at (801) 484-2205. In Solidarity, Stuart A.
Merrill President C2EA Utah
2006 Date: Wed. Feb 1st, 2006 Location: Brewvies Time: 6 pm At 6 PM
there will be a showing of Short films regarding non-traditional gay men. They
will go for about 45 minutes. Then they will show Casey's Dad (a music video
produced here in SLC by the Utah Bear Alliance) and then The Utah Bear Alliance
will introduce our group then we will introduce the movie "Bear
Story" and explain briefly the Bear subculture and how we have a thriving
Bear culture here in SLC. You can read the bio of the film "Bear
Story" at www.saltfest.org
2006 Buttars bill
takes aim at gay clubs By Jennifer Toomer-Cook Deseret Morning News A bill that
its sponsor says would stamp out "a Nazi club, abortion club or sodomy
club" in Utah public schools was unveiled Tuesday. But some question
whether SB97's language justifies banning gay-straight alliances in public
schools, which sponsoring Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, has said would be
the bill's aim. SB97 directs schools to deny clubs or their use of school
buildings if their charter or activities would encourage criminal conduct,
promote bigotry, or involve human sexuality. Involving human sexuality is
defined as "promoting or encouraging self-labeling by students in terms of
sexual orientation; disclosing attitudes or personal conduct of students or members
of their families regarding sexual orientation, attitudes or beliefs;
advocating, approving or engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage; or
presenting or discussing information relating to the use of contraceptive
devices or substances, regardless of whether the use is for purposes of
contraception or personal health." Clubs also can be denied if the school
deems it necessary to protect the "physical, emotional, psychological or
moral well-being of students and faculty," maintain order, protect parent
and student rights, maintain "boundaries of socially appropriate
behavior" or ensure compliance with all applicable laws and policies. A
school's governing board would determine whether a club meets any of those
definitions. The bill is "designed to catch all non-desirable clubs, be it
a Nazi club, abortion club or sodomy club," Buttars said. "Schools
need to have the ability to control and regulate." The bill also sets up
procedures for authorizing curriculum-related and extra-curricular clubs, requires
a faculty member be assigned to oversee them, allows a school to terminate a
club for violating the bill's language and an appeals process, and requires
parental permission for membership in any club. Some parts of the bill read
like Granite School District's clubs policy, said Martin Bates, attorney and
assistant to the superintendent there. But he's not sure if gay-straight
alliances could be excluded under its sexuality definition. "If to join
the club you have to say I'm gay or I'm straight, sure, that's a label. But
(the word gay-straight alliance) isn't putting a label on a kid; this is the
name of a club. It's going to take a court to decide it," said Bates, who
says he saw a draft of the bill in recent weeks. Fourteen gay-straight alliances
exist in Utah public schools, according to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,
Transgender Community Center of Utah. The alliances grabbed headlines recently
when one was formed at Provo High School, a first in conservative Utah County.
While some school administrators characterized the clubs as community service
groups, Buttars believes gay-straight alliances are "staging areas and
conditioning clubs promoting sexuality." Utah Eagle Forum President Gayle
Ruzicka has said Buttars' bill makes it clear that laws regulating what can and
can't be said about sexuality in Utah public schools leave no room for a school
club that on its face indicates sexuality. Buttars believes his bill would
survive a court challenge. But Carol Lear, attorney and director of school law
and legislation for the State Office of Education, isn't so sure. She also
questions why the bill, when much of it is already contained in state law, is
necessary. "But I think (Buttars) might have poisoned the well, because
he's been so outspoken about the purpose and the original intent of the
legislation, Lear said. "I think that, again, courts get to look at
legislative history when they review the constitutionality of
legislation." In related news, Rep. Aaron Tilton, R-Springville, has filed
HB393, "Public Education Club Amendments." The bill's language is
still being drafted, Tilton said. But it would say "having clubs of a
sexual nature validated or supported inside the school system is a violation of
the law and . . . morally irresponsible, Tilton said. It also would be
"designed to curtail the sponsorship or sanctioning of sexual oriented
clubs, whether homosexual or heterosexual." "The educational factor
of whether someone has a sexual orientation is best left . . . outside the
school environment," he said. Tilton said he filed the bill request before
knowing of Buttars' intentions, and is working with Buttars on the matter.
2006 Memorial Service for Eric Tierney Article Last Updated: 1/31/2006
11:37 PM Memorial for actor, writer Tierney will be held Friday The Salt Lake
Tribune Salt Lake Tribune A memorial service for Eric Tierney, a local actor
and arts writer who died Jan. 23 at age 26, will be Friday at 4 p.m. The
service will be in the Jeanne Wagner Theatre of the Rose Wagner Performing Arts
Center. Tierney was playing a starring role in Wasatch Theatre Company's
"Love! Valour! Compassion!" when he died during the play's run. A
graduate of West Jordan High School and the University of Utah 's
Acting Training Program, Tierney wrote an events column, "The Gay
Agenda," as well as theater reviews and arts stories for Salt Lake Metro,
the biweekly gay and lesbian newspaper. In lieu of flowers, the Tierney family
has requested contributions to the film that Tierney was working on at the time
of his death, a documentary about marriage sparked by the passing of Utah 's constitutional
amendment banning gay marriages. Donations should be sent to: The Center for
Documentary Film/Power Line Films, care of Frank Feldman, 1116 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT
84102 .
2009 Douglas Edward Nassar 1961 ~ 2009 Obituary Douglas
Edward Nassar born July 24, 1961 in Michigan. Beloved partner, brother, son,
friend, former Chef of Fuggles /Squatters, co-owner and Chef of Cafe Med passed
away unexpectedly on Jan. 29th. He was a significant part of the gay community.
Doug will be greatly missed by his partner, family, friends and his pets. He
loves being with friends and family, great parties, playing and creating music,
nature, hiking, canoeing, and cooking.
2010 QSalt Lake The Queer Utah Aquatic Club has seen close to 3,000 swimmers in its fifteen year history, who have participated in everything from beginning level classes to the group’s annual Ski-n-Swim, to the group’s water polo team, which took first place at the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics Championship in 2008. Chances are, Doug Fadel has worked with all of them. In 1995 Utah’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender-affirming sports group was just nine people strong, including wYllis Dorman-Li as team manager, Dave Ferguson as team captain and Fadel as head coach. While the earliest meetings were mostly swimming workouts, Fadel and the other co-founders dreamed of creating “an adult competitive swimming team” that could compete at the IGLA Championship each year — a competition that Fadel had attended both solo and as a member of Washington, D.C.’s team before QUAC’s founding. While Fadel didn’t get into such competitive swimming until adulthood, the sport, he says, has been a part of his life ever since his kindergarten days in Bountiful, when his older siblings got him interested in aquatics. It was sort of a family thing,” he explained. “Swimming is a great sport. You have a lot of opportunity to think when you’re swimming, to process your thoughts, sort of like, I guess, long distance running would be. It’s a great way to wind down from work and the chaos of your schedule … a great way to exercise and a great way to push yourself.” Such was Fadel’s love for the sport that he became a swimming coach at just 18 years old. By the time he signed on with QUAC, he had years of experience to impart to the team, which grew to a roster of 50 within a year. Each season since, QUAC has typically boasts 50–120 active members of sexual orientations, gender identities, skill levels and ages, from 18-year-old college students to senior citizens (QUAC, however, is open only to adults). In his 12 years in QUAC’s leadership, Fadel said he happily taught them all — seasoned swimmers and beginners alike. Indeed, Fadel said that teaching the sport has been one of his long-time passions, as has teaching in general; in years past, he also taught English when he wasn’t poolside. “I understand the mechanics of swimming well, and I think it’s rewarding to teach people things they haven’t tried before, and to have excitement they have when they accomplish a new goal, and do something they couldn’t do before,” he said. Before stepping down from QUAC’s leadership council in 2006 due to work commitments at the law firm that now bears his name, Fadel also competed in a few IGLA Championships as part of the team. From 2004–2006 he was part of the group’s competitive water polo team, which took second place overall at Chicago’s Gay Games in 2006 and first in the IGLA Championship held in Paris the following year. Today, he only competes in open water swims, calling his interest in swimming these days “more of a participation than a competition thing.” “It’s hard to travel and train for swimming meets when there are so many other things that are important that you need to do, like traveling for work and family,” he said. “Your schedule gets a bit busy to train and, and then to go for a long competition out of town is a little difficult.” While his family, law practice, and the estate planning courses he teaches at the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney Law School keep Fadel plenty occupied these days, he is still happy to swim with QUAC and serve as a volunteer coach. “It’s a good opportunity to stay in the sport and stay active with QUAC without having to do all the administrative things,” he said. “It’s a way I can help out without having to be responsible for the whole team.” “It’s a nice group of people and they remain very inclusive and have consistent practices that I think are always enjoyable for people,” he continued. “Something I’m amazed at is the sheer number of people that have gone thru the QUAC program because swimming is one of those sports where people go way and come back; they might be gone for a month or two or a couple years and they’ll return again.”
2010 A growing majority Utahns favor protections for gays Tribune Editorial Salt Lake Tribune 02/01/2010 Imagine being fired from your job or kicked out of your apartment for no other reason than your sexual orientation or gender identity. Or pretend for a second that your domestic partner is hospitalized, but you're not allowed to visit. Or that the person on whom you are financially dependent is killed in an accident, yet you have no right to sue for wrongful death or to inherit property. If these scenarios sound unfair to you, and if you would like to see all Utahns accorded these most basic human rights, you're part of a growing majority. Opinions regarding legal protections and equal rights for Utah's gay and transgender community are changing, and for the better. Unfortunately, Utah laws that could make those intrinsic rights a reality are not. A public opinion poll commissioned by The Tribune indicates that two-thirds of Utahns now favor extending basic legal protections and rights -- short of marriage, civil unions or the ability of unmarried cohabiting couples to adopt children -- to the GLBT community. In January 2009, 56 percent of Utah voters polled supported protection from discrimination in employment and other fundamental rights for gays. When asked the same question last month, 67 percent favored these most basic protections. The change was also pronounced among Mormons polled, with support increasing from 49 percent in 2009 to 59 percent in 2010, and those opposed falling from 48 percent in 2009 to 28 percent in 2010. Observers say several factors have helped sway opinions, including bipartisan leadership shown by Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County officials in approving their landmark anti-discrimination ordinances last year. The decision by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to endorse the Salt Lake City ordinance was another watershed moment credited with converting church members to the cause. But, unfortunately, gay activists and advocates won't be pressing their advantage and attempting to build on the momentum in the 2010 legislative session. Instead, a compromise has been struck, and a timeout called. Lawmakers who were planning to file bills advancing gay rights have agreed to withdraw their measures, while legislative leaders have agreed not to entertain legislation to gut the Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County ordinances. Instead, lawmakers are expected to appoint a legislative committee to study anti-discrimination laws enacted elsewhere with an eye to passing meaningful legislation in 2011. It's a pragmatic approach that could pay dividends. It's also highly offensive. No one should have to wait for equality
2011 On Feb. 1, Utah Sen. Benjamin M. McAdams proposes and sponsors a bill to amend the state Code by prohibiting discrimination in business employment and housing based on sexual orientation or gender identity. State legislators don't vote on the bill, and it isn't adopted.
2010 QSalt Lake The Queer Utah Aquatic Club has seen close to 3,000 swimmers in its fifteen year history, who have participated in everything from beginning level classes to the group’s annual Ski-n-Swim, to the group’s water polo team, which took first place at the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics Championship in 2008. Chances are, Doug Fadel has worked with all of them. In 1995 Utah’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender-affirming sports group was just nine people strong, including wYllis Dorman-Li as team manager, Dave Ferguson as team captain and Fadel as head coach. While the earliest meetings were mostly swimming workouts, Fadel and the other co-founders dreamed of creating “an adult competitive swimming team” that could compete at the IGLA Championship each year — a competition that Fadel had attended both solo and as a member of Washington, D.C.’s team before QUAC’s founding. While Fadel didn’t get into such competitive swimming until adulthood, the sport, he says, has been a part of his life ever since his kindergarten days in Bountiful, when his older siblings got him interested in aquatics. It was sort of a family thing,” he explained. “Swimming is a great sport. You have a lot of opportunity to think when you’re swimming, to process your thoughts, sort of like, I guess, long distance running would be. It’s a great way to wind down from work and the chaos of your schedule … a great way to exercise and a great way to push yourself.” Such was Fadel’s love for the sport that he became a swimming coach at just 18 years old. By the time he signed on with QUAC, he had years of experience to impart to the team, which grew to a roster of 50 within a year. Each season since, QUAC has typically boasts 50–120 active members of sexual orientations, gender identities, skill levels and ages, from 18-year-old college students to senior citizens (QUAC, however, is open only to adults). In his 12 years in QUAC’s leadership, Fadel said he happily taught them all — seasoned swimmers and beginners alike. Indeed, Fadel said that teaching the sport has been one of his long-time passions, as has teaching in general; in years past, he also taught English when he wasn’t poolside. “I understand the mechanics of swimming well, and I think it’s rewarding to teach people things they haven’t tried before, and to have excitement they have when they accomplish a new goal, and do something they couldn’t do before,” he said. Before stepping down from QUAC’s leadership council in 2006 due to work commitments at the law firm that now bears his name, Fadel also competed in a few IGLA Championships as part of the team. From 2004–2006 he was part of the group’s competitive water polo team, which took second place overall at Chicago’s Gay Games in 2006 and first in the IGLA Championship held in Paris the following year. Today, he only competes in open water swims, calling his interest in swimming these days “more of a participation than a competition thing.” “It’s hard to travel and train for swimming meets when there are so many other things that are important that you need to do, like traveling for work and family,” he said. “Your schedule gets a bit busy to train and, and then to go for a long competition out of town is a little difficult.” While his family, law practice, and the estate planning courses he teaches at the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney Law School keep Fadel plenty occupied these days, he is still happy to swim with QUAC and serve as a volunteer coach. “It’s a good opportunity to stay in the sport and stay active with QUAC without having to do all the administrative things,” he said. “It’s a way I can help out without having to be responsible for the whole team.” “It’s a nice group of people and they remain very inclusive and have consistent practices that I think are always enjoyable for people,” he continued. “Something I’m amazed at is the sheer number of people that have gone thru the QUAC program because swimming is one of those sports where people go way and come back; they might be gone for a month or two or a couple years and they’ll return again.”
2010 A growing majority Utahns favor protections for gays Tribune Editorial Salt Lake Tribune 02/01/2010 Imagine being fired from your job or kicked out of your apartment for no other reason than your sexual orientation or gender identity. Or pretend for a second that your domestic partner is hospitalized, but you're not allowed to visit. Or that the person on whom you are financially dependent is killed in an accident, yet you have no right to sue for wrongful death or to inherit property. If these scenarios sound unfair to you, and if you would like to see all Utahns accorded these most basic human rights, you're part of a growing majority. Opinions regarding legal protections and equal rights for Utah's gay and transgender community are changing, and for the better. Unfortunately, Utah laws that could make those intrinsic rights a reality are not. A public opinion poll commissioned by The Tribune indicates that two-thirds of Utahns now favor extending basic legal protections and rights -- short of marriage, civil unions or the ability of unmarried cohabiting couples to adopt children -- to the GLBT community. In January 2009, 56 percent of Utah voters polled supported protection from discrimination in employment and other fundamental rights for gays. When asked the same question last month, 67 percent favored these most basic protections. The change was also pronounced among Mormons polled, with support increasing from 49 percent in 2009 to 59 percent in 2010, and those opposed falling from 48 percent in 2009 to 28 percent in 2010. Observers say several factors have helped sway opinions, including bipartisan leadership shown by Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County officials in approving their landmark anti-discrimination ordinances last year. The decision by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to endorse the Salt Lake City ordinance was another watershed moment credited with converting church members to the cause. But, unfortunately, gay activists and advocates won't be pressing their advantage and attempting to build on the momentum in the 2010 legislative session. Instead, a compromise has been struck, and a timeout called. Lawmakers who were planning to file bills advancing gay rights have agreed to withdraw their measures, while legislative leaders have agreed not to entertain legislation to gut the Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County ordinances. Instead, lawmakers are expected to appoint a legislative committee to study anti-discrimination laws enacted elsewhere with an eye to passing meaningful legislation in 2011. It's a pragmatic approach that could pay dividends. It's also highly offensive. No one should have to wait for equality
2011 On Feb. 1, Utah Sen. Benjamin M. McAdams proposes and sponsors a bill to amend the state Code by prohibiting discrimination in business employment and housing based on sexual orientation or gender identity. State legislators don't vote on the bill, and it isn't adopted.
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