This Day In Gay Utah History June 30th

30 June 30

1890 George Wehner was a Gay man born in Detroit Michigan. Much of his early childhood, however, was spent in Newburgh, New York, in an atmosphere he later recalled as being dominated by his mother’s “lively Bohemian parties,” in which young George encountered many prominent artists and writers, including naturalist John Burroughs, writer Harrier Beecher Stowe, and actress Sarah Bernhardt, as well as numerous notable opera singers. Wehner’s own musical abilities emerged early on, and, by the age of five, he had begun composing and had devised his own notational system. It was during the First World War, that he began to accept payment for conducting séances. By the early 1920s, Wehner had starting writing popular songs and he left Detroit with a friend for New York City. He soon encountered songwriter Louis Breau, with whom he managed to collaborate on a hit, I Want My Mammy (1921), which was introduced by Eddie Cantor in the revue, The Midnight Rounders. Wehner quickly infiltrated show business circles in New York, struggling as a songwriter and sometime performer, but finding greater success in building up a portfolio of clients for his services as a professional medium. After the death of his father in October 1921 and a stint in vaudeville that occupied most of 1922, Wehner spent much of the rest of the decade focused on promoting his reputation as a medium; those efforts culminating in the publication of his autobiography in 1929. Perhaps Wehner’s most advantageous connection became the Richard Hudnut family. Wehner had been introduced to the designer, Natacha Rambova, in 1925 by her mother (Hudnut’s third wife) and he had begun leading regular weekly séances for them and their friends. He was invited to travel with Rambova and her entourage to Europe in 1926. This trip provided Wehner with numerous opportunities to further his psychic career, but he reached the apex of his fame when he foretold the death of Rambova’s estranged husband, Rudolph Valentino, after the film star was hospitalized. He went on to console the grieving Rambova in a series of séances following Valentino’s death, in which he enabled Rambova to communicate with the spirit of the late actor. These incidents were widely publicized by Rambova in serial installments in the New York Graphic, which also were published in book form. It was Rambova who introduced Wehner to noted occult writer, Talbot Mundy, and his wife, Dawn Allen, in 1927. Mundy took an extreme interest in Wehner’s work, encouraging the publication of, and providing the introduction to, Wehner’s volume of memoirs in 1929. Wehner’s increasingly erratic behavior, however, soon would alienate Mundy, who later repudiated his belief in Wehner’s authenticity as a medium. By the early 1930s, Wehner appears to have abandoned “spiritual mediumship” as a profession and turned to writing fiction, as well as painting, as a career alternative. Wehner passed away at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn on January 12, 1970.

1900 HELD  IN  $1000 BAIL Vicious  Tramps Bound Over to the District Court-Yesterday afternoon the hearing of Fred Wilson, Mike McConnach, and George Powers charged with sodomy committed with Robert Danley, Frank WIson, and Carence Turner came up before Justice Breden who bound them over to answer to the district court under $1000 bail each. The boys told a most revolting tale of their  treatment but their story was straight forward and uncontradicted. The boys will be held by the police to testify on on the final hearing.

1965 Although the number of sex crimes investigated by the Salt Lake Police Department decreased during June over the previous month, that type of crime increased during the first six months of 1965 over last year.  In June 1965 there were 31 reported sex crimes in SLC while in June 1964 there were 38 reported sex crimes. This year’s total shows 209 sex crimes investigated in the first six months as compared to 202 a year ago.  The top crime in the sex category is indecent exposure. During June there were 19 such cases with a total of 129 for the first six months. Sexual Molests are next in line according to the report . In the first 6 months there were 55 molests. Other offenses listed as sex crimes and investigated during the month of June included homosexuality, carnal knowledge, lewdness, and incest.( 16 July 1965 SLTribune A-33)

1966 National Organization for Women was founded on June 30, 1966 in Washington, D.C.,

by 28 women and men attending the Third National Conference of the Commission on the Status of Women, the successor to the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women. It had been three years since the Commission reported findings of women being discriminated against. However, the 1966 Conference delegates were prohibited by the administration's rules for the conference from even passing resolutions recommending that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforce its legal mandate to end sex discrimination. The founders included Betty Friedan, the author of The Feminine Mystique (1963), Rev. Pauli Murray, the first African-American woman Episcopal priest, and Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for president of the United States of America. Acting from the tenet that women and men are alike in important respects and, therefore, entitled to equal rights and opportunities, the movement spawned by Friedan's book is embodied in NOW, the National Organization for Women, which works to secure political, professional, and educational equality for women. Founded in 1966 with Betty Friedan acting as an organizer, NOW is a public voice for equal rights for women. It has been extremely effective in enacting rhetorical strategies that have brought about concrete changes in laws and policies that enlarge women's opportunities and protect their rights.

1969 Some of the police patrolling Christopher Street and Sheridan Square deliberately tried to provoke trouble “start something faggot, just start something”, one cop kept telling people. “I’d like to break your ass wide open.” After saying that to several dozen people, one man turned and said “What a Freudian comment, Officer!”. The cop started swinging… Two cops in a cruise car yelled obscenities at people obviously trying to start a fight.  Another stood on the corner of Christopher and Waverly, swinging his night stick and making smart cracks to passerbys.  Wildly “fem” queen sneaked up behind him lit a firecracker and dropped it between his feet.  It exploded and he jumped into the air in a leap landing on a part of his anatomy that one queen called “a money maker”.  The queen tossed another firecracker under him. And when it went off a melee followed, during which the cop’s badge was lifted. The next day the badge turned up hanging in a tree in Washington Square Park stuck into a string of pickled pigs feet.

1974- 43,000 attended the 5th Annual Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade, more than double the number from the previous year.

N Eldon Tanner

1975 LDS Leader Attacks ‘Immorality’ Mormon leader N Eldon Tanner says the cunning power of Satan and the evils of the world that are so prevalent and common place are endangering the moral climate of the community and have even reached into government.  The religious leader denounced recent acts of the California legislature as an example of “state government legalizing many things which the Lord has forbidden “ In a dramatic tie breaking vote California senate has passed legislation to legalize all private sex acts between consenting adults. The bill is dubbed a “bill of Rights’ for Homosexuals.”  “Consider the insidious and deviant sex practices which have become so common place with even the performance of marriage ceremonies between lesbians and homosexuals,” said the 77 year old leader. Ogden Standard Examiner

1979  The Salt Lake Coalition of Human Rights was faltering but managed to join with the Gay Student Union of the University of Utah and Salt Lake Affirmation to sponsor another Gay Pride Week in June. No specific location was held but rather a variety of events was held over several days. The community was still in a somer mood after the death of a prominent Gay Activist and several other Gay men last year. Salt Lake Affirmation was able to get discount tickets from the Lagoon Amusement Park and held the “1st Lagoon Outing.” The GSU and the Coalition also held a scaled back symposium at the Metropolitan Church facilitated Rev Bob Waldrop. A  Civil Rights protest and all night candle light vigil for victims of Gay bashing, was held on the steps of the City and County building, which drew national attention to Gay and Lesbian struggles in Utah. Denver’s Mile High Freedom Marching Band was brought to Utah by Joe Redburn and appeared on The Sun Tavern’s patio in the evening.

1979-A group of 40 people in Cincinnati Ohio who had reserved a city park pool for a gay pride party were outnumbered and attacked by local residents who threw rocks and bottles at them. Police arrived, watched for a while, then drove away. One man had to be rescued by a television news crew. Police refused to return, even after several calls reporting a riot.

1981  Holding lighted candles and listening to speeches about 50 people, mostly women, gathered at the Unitarian Church 569 South 13th East SLC to mark the last year states have to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Rally held by National Organization for Women. Karen Reimherr spokesperson for the Salt Lake Chapter of NOW. Ms. Reimherr said the ERA has been erroneously linked abortion and homosexuality. Congress passed the ERA in 1972. To date 35 states have ratified the ERA and needs three more to pass or the amendment will die. (07/01/1981 SLTribune)

1982 -The Equal Rights Amendment defeated three states shy of passing primarily through the political lobbying of a coalition between the Mormon Church and Bible Fundamentalist

1983 Three cases of AIDS have been reported in Utah in the last year according to Byron Haslam of the Bureau of Communicable Disease Utah Department of Health. But only 1 of the 3 is a Utah resident. There has been a total of 1,800 AIDS cases reported world wide since the disorder was identified . The Center for Disease Control compiled statistics showing as of June 30, 1983, there was a 38 per cent death rate among those who contract the AIDS. “If you’re talking about homosexuals or intravenous drug users, the risks are relatively high. But for the general public, there is little if any risk. The Health Department has been accused of looking down at these kinds of groups (homosexual and drug users) but there’s nothing we can do but identify the likely groups and alert physicians,” he said. ”Its sad”.(07/21/83 SLTribune B1-1)

1984-The Unitarian Universalist Church voted to approve ceremonies uniting same sex couples.

Nikki Boyer

1985- Nikki Boyer stepped forward in 1985 to spear head Pride Day ’85. The event was held June 30, 1985 and was moved to Sunnyside Park on the east bench of Salt Lake City. AIDS Activist, Sheldon Spears, delivered a speech at the celebration admonishing the community to be aware of AIDS and warned against dangerous practices. His was the first public address about AIDS at a Gay Pride Celebration in Utah. Mickey (Becky Moss) host of KRCL Concerning Gays recorded Gay Pride Celebration; A Day in the Park live and alter broadcasted on the National Gay Network News. 

1986-The US Supreme Court announced its decision in the case of

Michael Hardwick

Bowers v. Hardwick, a case challenging the constitutionality of the Georgia sodomy law. The court voted 5-4 to uphold the Georgia Sodomy law.

1986- The Golden Spike Gay Rodeo Association went to the Rocky Mountain Gay Rodeo Association’s Regional Rodeo in Denver. For the first time Utah was recognized in a regional rodeo.. 

 1987- At Salt Lake Affirmation topic was led by John Reeves on When was our earliest Recollection of our Feeling Gay? 

Becky Moss

1995 The monthly general meeting of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) will be held Thursday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m., preceded by a support group meeting at 7 p.m., at South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society, 6876 S. Highland Drive. The guest speaker will be Becky Moss, producer of the program ``Concerning Gays and Lesbians'' on radio station KRCL.

2003 Chad Keller To Ben Williams [Subject Rally Recording] I have people interested in a copy of the recording of the Rally. I personally see great value in it, and see that it could be a nice revenue generator to cover some of the last of the debt. A suggested donation of at least $10.00 seems in keeping with the Utah Historical Society, and photos. It should come with some sort of disclaimer in keeping with national copyright.  Credit where credit is due....Ben Williams Recording...ect ect...... Thoughts. CK

• Ben Williams- No let’s just make it available to anyone who wants it. We only are the caretakers of our history not the owners.
• Ben Williams to Joe Redburn- I left a CD of the State Capitol Sodomy rally I recorded for the historical society for you at the front bar of the Trapp with your Sunday afternoon bartender. Best Regards Ben Williams PS Chad said Ted was not doing well. I hope he gets to feeling better soon.

Aaron Cloward

2005 FOR THE STRENGTH OF GAY YOUTH Saturday June 30 @ 4:45-6:15pm

Sunstone Symposium Sheraton City Center Conference Center 150 W 500 S, Salt Lake City, Utah Smokehouse Room Sunstone Symposium Fee $6 for this single session For entire conference registration,  and many more gay/mormon themed workshops at this symposium, please visit www.sunstoneonline.com

SYNOPSIS/SUMMARY Aaron Cloward's 7500-word guide, "For The Strength Of Gay Youth", includes frank discussions on some of the most serious issues facing young gay Mormons, from how to deal with family and depression to what to do about the Internet, dance clubs and dating. The guide also includes a lengthy section on sexuality.  Panelists will critique Cloward's guide and try to answer the question: How useful is this document in helping young gay Mormons who feel attracted to their own sex?  Please read the guide, posted at and bring your questions and comments to this session. Moderator/Panelist: HUGO OLIAZ, M.A. linguistics; webmaster; news editor Suntone Panelists: DANIEL HOLSINGER, founder of FHE Family and the Seagull Foundation JED BRUBAKER, Youth Services coordinator for Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons LEE BECKSTEAD, psychotherapist in private practice, Salt Lake City, Utah LAVINA FIELDING ANDERSON, president, Editing Inc.; editor, Journal of Mormon History; judge, Affirmation writing awards AARON CLOWARD, author, "For The Strength Of Gay Youth"

2006 Dear Community Members: I was excited to come across this article on Victory Fund's website and I wanted to share it with you. It's the lead article on their website today. Utah's Roadmap to Equality is Working! Utah isn't just a red state; these days it's also a red HOT state in terms of the success of openly LGBT candidates. Yesterday two more LGBT candidates came out of their primaries well-positioned to win as they advance to the Nov. 7 general election. Christine Johnson won an extremely competitive primary for State House by 14 percent in the Salt Lake City area. This is the second most Democratic district in the state, so Christine is strongly favored to win in November. She will join State Rep. Jackie Biskupski- who in 1998 became the first openly LGBT candidate ever elected in the state - and State Sen. Scott McCoy- who was appointed in 2005 and is favored to win election to the seat this November. As a result, Utah will become the eleventh state legislature in the nation with more than two openly LGBT members. In another stunning victory last night in Utah, Xander Gordon was the highest vote-getter in the primary for the

Xander Gordon

Murray School Board. He now proceeds to the November election where he will face incumbent Lloyd Naylor. There could not be a stronger contrast between the two candidates. Xander works for the Department of Child and Family Services where he focuses on preventing child abuse. Incumbent Naylor has is running as a "traditional family values" candidate, and we all know what that means. This race will have a tremendous impact on the lives of children, particularly LGBT youth, who live in Murray. Neither of these victories are pure coincidence. They are the result of a deliberate and organized effort by Equality Utah to elect more LGBT candidates in their state. Leaders of Equality Utah asked the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute to hold one of its candidate trainings in Salt Lake City in early 2005 and recruited many potential candidates to attend. (Many of these participants and future candidates also worked on the "Don't Amend" campaign in an attempt to defeat the anti-gay marriage amendment on the ballot in 2004.) Meanwhile, Equality Utah PAC was building it war chest and organizing the annual Allies Dinner that successfully included non-LGBT progressive allies and has become one of the most successful statewide events in the country. We continue to see the results of this outstanding work.  If traditionally conservative Utah can be among the top eleven states with the highest number of LGBT elected officials in the state legislature, then surely we can elect at least one LGBT representative in the 23 states whose legislatures have none. Leaders in Utah have certainly provided a road map; with your help, we're ready to follow it.  Working for a fair & just Utah, Mike Thompson Executive Director Join Equality Utah today at www.equalityutah.org and together we will achieve equality and justice for LGBT Utahns and their families.

2007 GAY FREEDOM DAY When: Saturday, June 30th, 2007 11am-4pm Where: Harmony Park (one block west of Paper Moon) Why: To Celebrate the 38th Anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion What: A carefree day in the park, with BBQ, information booths, music, volleyball, friends. How: Free event sponsored by QSaltLake's Pride 360, and Utah Stonewall Historical Society Be Here Be Queer!!! For more details pick up June 15th Issue of QSalt Lake

2007, Rob wrote: hey ben  this is rob  Chad's friend I have been hearing some strange stuff about Chad's death I need too know if it is true what was said for my self. Chad will all ways be my friend and will all ways be on my mind when I last talked too him it was Sunday and I asked him too be my best man at my wedding to David . Was very happy about making a trip too Vegas and the wedding, so what I really want too know how is it that Chad died ? I have received an e-mail saying that he O.D. on pills is this true ?? thanks for the info on services for chad I don't think I can make the one on the 2 of July but will make it up for the one on the 8th  thanks rob 
From: "Ben Williams" To: Rob Chad's obituary is in today's Salt Lake Tribune. You can go on line to obits and write comments or read them in his guest book.  The obit doesn't saying anything but where the funeral would be and the funeral home if you care to send flowers. Kevin Hillman called me Tuesday night about 9 p.m.  He said that Mark Thrash was worried about Chad because he hadn't answered his phone all day. Mark was at work and attended a Royal Court Meeting right afterwards. Mark asked Kevin to go to the apartment and check in on Chad.  Kevin found him in his bedroom already dead. Evidently he had died sometime Monday night. The coroner told Kevin that because of the amount of pills Chad had taken he didn't think it was accidental. But Kevin said Chad also had been out drinking heavy Sunday night.  I never inquired anymore then that. In all my public postings I just stated that Chad had passed away. I am only telling his friends more. Kevin also told me that the family elected to have a close casket viewing due to the condition of his body. A month ago Chad started drinking again and I chided him about it and he said he was going to stop because the effect made him take to bed for days afterwards. At Coronation he was already blitzed when I arrived around 8.  He bummed some money off of me for a beer. I gave it to him reluctantly but thought well the damage was already done. A while after that, he bought a car and seemed rather positive about things. He was about ready to get back into full swing again with school, he changed hours at work and didn't have to walk now. He kept calling me about his pansies and when he should pull them and he was planting flowers up to the time of his death. We were suppose to have gone to the Farmer's Market last Saturday but he canceled at the last minute saying a friend was coming over to help put a bureau together for him and when he called to go for a late lunch I declined because I was tired from putting up a fence.  That was the last time I spoke with Chad. Earlier in the week he had come over and chatted with Mike and I and he revealed in his conversation that when he had severe depression he had tried cutting himself.  That came completely out of the blue and at the time I even thought it was out of place but I knew Chad and drama were synonyms.  He did tell us that he was getting really tired of the shots and the pain, and fighting with his insurance.  He said that they were fighting over his liver med's which were a $1000 a month. I don't know what happened Sunday, I am not sure why he went back to drinking, May be he was tired and giving up. I'd like to think that Chad was in so much pain Monday from drinking that he did not realize what he was doing.  May be he did.  I will never judge him.  I just miss him terribly... foibles and all.  Today is Gay Freedom Day in the Park, an event that was the brain child of Chad's. I am going only because he would have wanted me to. I am going to his funeral in Idaho and may be at the Trapp we can have a Chad Keller Cocktail. Sincerely Ben Williams

David Standley

2010 David Daniel Standley (November 19, 1988 - June 30, 2010) OGDEN - Our loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, David Daniel Standley, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 30, 2010.  David was born November 19, 1988 in Ogden, Utah, a son of Brady D. Standley and DeAnn Gallegos-Standley.  He grew up in Ogden and graduated from Bonneville High School in 2007, where he was a devoted friend and choir member. David was a loving and outgoing person who made friends wherever he was. He had a great love and passion for music. David composed several musical pieces without any formal training. He was a gifted singer and pianist with a soft, warming voice. He was also a talented writer and composed several touching poems. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 514 – 24th Street, with Father Ken Vialpando officiating.Prayer Service held at 7 p.m. Interment, Ogden City Cemetery.  

• A Young Gay man who committed suicide
• 2010.07.16 00:40, Bariah said: While I didnt know him very well he was a great, sweet guy with a lot of heart. I hope he has found peace where he couldnt here. I feel horrible and my condolences go out to his friends and family.
• At 2010.07.16 01:47, ursginslc said: I wish I would have had an opportunity to know David closer. It’s a sad, and tragic event whenever we lose members of our community, and even more influencial when they choose to take their own life. I think there are few among us all that haven’t felt such things, and even fewer that don’t have a close friend who has felt that kind of internal conflict. There is a reason that suicide rates in the LGBT community are up to 4x higher than their straight peers, and it’s an issue that can pursue many well into adulthood. It is all too common for us to feel alone or unable to continue to cope with our problems because of the polarizing and often demonizing attitude that we all see on a day by day basis. Lets make sure that we can take this sadness to heart and use it as a motivation to ensure that we are all looking out for each other as well. I’m sure David is not alone, so if we suspect others are in need of a helping hand, lets extend it. We may all be bitches, but I’m sure we can put aside our attitudes if we see someone in need. I hope with all my heart those close to him can suffer through this together. You have my condolences.
• At 2010.07.16 19:33, Tyler Ballou said: I didn’t know David very well. However, this makes me so sad. To take your own life, I would think you would have to be in a lot of emotional pain.
• At 2010.07.17 00:43, bonquisha said: Suicide is selfish my friend Jason killed himself in february… its so unfortunate that people like this can’t get the help they need. RIP
• At 2010.07.17 00:45, saltygossip said: It seems selfish. However, that may not be true. Suicide happens when the pressures on someone outweigh their ability to cope.
• At 2010.07.17 01:07, Kevin said: I suppose in a sense it is selfish, but only because we feel hurt by the loss we experience. I think perhaps in a situation like this, we need to set our personal pain over the matter aside as perhaps it is us who becomes selfish, and think about what a bloody war must be going on inside to finally push you to such an extreme measure. It brings tears to my eyes to think how bad he was hurting in secret to take such a measure. It make me wonder who else we all know is fighting a bloody battle like this on the inside. Maybe it’s a reminder that we need to perhaps reach out a little further to those around us and try to put down our personal dislike and share some love. Maybe that will help prevent someone else we know taking such extreme measures. And to those of you out there who feel like you need to take these measure: please get help. We don’t want to loose anyone else like this.
• At 2010.07.17 11:25, FargoUT said: Suicide is selfish, but when you are in a state of mind that Jason was in, it’s really difficult to be anywhere else. I’ve been close to that edge myself a few times in the past, and was lucky enough to make it back to safety. Jason’s loss still hurts, but I feel a bit better knowing his pain is no longer. Kevin has already said most of what I think, but I wanted to add my two cents. Most people who end their life see no other recourse at that time. Sadly, it’s a temporary condition but it’s nearly impossible to see an end to the pain when you are in that dark place. I didn’t know this David Standley at all, but I knew Jason pretty well, and I knew where his mind was a lot of the time. I feel horrible to this day that I didn’t do more to help him. I hope I don’t make such a mistake again, because Jason was a great, caring soul trapped inside a damaged mind. RIP David, and Jason, and everyone who has taken their own life. May the peace you couldn’t find here find you wherever you may be.
• At 2010.07.17 18:23, Rob Brewer said: http://www.thetrevorproject.org LGBTQ Youth Suicide Crisis HotLine 1-866-4-U-Trevor (1-866-488-7386) The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.  The Trevor Project operates the only accredited, nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth. If you or a friend are feeling lost or alone, call The Trevor Helpline. There is hope, there is help.
• At 2010.07.17 23:55, badgirlmeat said: RIP David, although I didn’t know you, you will be missed.  Also, RIP Tim Tilley. He took his life this past Saturday. I’ve known him most of my life and my heart broke when I heard the news.  Something needs to change. Too many young people are taking their lives. It shouldn’t be this way. All because of something they have absolutely no control of. Breaks my heart. Sexual orientation should not be a reason to hate someone. I can’t understand why people don’t see it this way.
• At 2010.07.20 23:15, Corbin Standley said: Hi. I’m Corbin, David’s brother. I just googled David’s name out of curiosity and came upon this post. Just out of curiosity, who are you and how did you know David?
• At 2010.07.20 23:31, saltygossip said: We are a news blog. I personally didn’t know him, but I had friends who did. I am sorry about your loss, if there is anything I can do let me know. I cried a lot when I hear about this. As far as the other comments, who knows. I am just a news and gossip blogger. If you want me to take the story down or if you have any questions email me at saltygossip@gmail.com

• Corbin Standley wrote : I would like to let these people know that David suffered from a mental illness through his entire life. My brother suffered from very deep and dark periods of depression that I cannot even fathom. He was a caring person who loved his family and friends above all. Anyone who knew David and want more information, feel free to e-mail me
• At 2010.07.20 23:57, saltygossip said:  Hey thanks. That was nice. I can post it if you would like. If not I understand.
• At 2010.07.21 00:06, Corbin Standley said: The obit? Please do. I don’t want any mis-information anywhere about David.
• At 2010.07.21 00:09, saltygossip said: I’ll have it up shortly. Sorry about the comments, most people are just talking out of their ass and don’t know what is up. They don’t mean anything bad, but yeah i’ll put that up so there is no misinfo. Thanks for that. Sorry about any trouble.
• At 2010.07.21 00:11, Corbin Standley said: No trouble, really. I understand completely. And you’re welcome.
• DeAnn Gallegos-Standley said: Hello, I am David Standley’s mother. I just want everyone to know that David did not take his life due to any conflict with his sexuality. David was loved and accepted by everyone who knew him regardless of his sexuality. David had a very severe mental illness his entire life where he experienced depression that he was unable to overcome. His biological father also committed suicide which increased his chances to 90% that he would also do the same. David had the same mental illness as his biological father and his biological father’s father. We tried everything we could to help David including hospitals, medication, and therapy, but in the end it wasn’t enough to help him. I admire your site and the hand you are extending to those in pain and hope that someone’s life can be saved through reading David’s story. I have always supported David and all of his gay and lebian friends that I know. I know about the struggles you all face and I hope someday, everyone will be loving and accepting of everyone regardless of their sexuality. I would also be willing to talk to anyone who may be having problems or feel like they do not have anyone to turn to. You are loved, you just need to reach out.

2014 Utah AG’s Office misses deadline in same-sex marriage case THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE The Utah Attorney General’s Office failed to file preliminary documents in connection with its appeal of a federal court judge’s order that the state must honor and recognize all same-sex marriages performed in Utah after another federal judge’s ruling toppled Utah’s voter-approved ban on such marriages. A “deficiency notice” filed Monday by the clerk of the 10th Circuit Court in Denver says that state attorneys failed to file a docketing statement, transcript order and notice of appearance in the same-sex recognition case. “Please correct the stated deficiencies within 10 days of the date of this notice,” states a letter signed by Clerk of Court Elisabeth A. Shumaker. The paperwork is due on July 10, according to the court docket. Missy Larsen, said Monday there were merely some attachments missing from the attorney general’s filing. “It won’t affect the case,” she said,

Dale Kimball

adding that the paperwork would be filed in the next few days. In May, Judge Dale A. Kimball ordered Utah to honor and recognize all same-sex marriages performed in the state after fellow federal Judge Robert Shelby in December toppled Utah’s voter-approved ban on such marriages. But less than a month after Kimball’s ruling, the state filed a notice in federal court that it would appeal Kimball’s order. And on June 6, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily halted any movement toward marriage recognition. At that time, the federal appeals court issued an stopgap that would prevent any same-sex couples from applying for marriage benefits in Utah until the court has had a chance to examine the merits of the state’s request for a permanent stay. Kimball argued in his decision that denying married gay and lesbian Utahns of legal spousal benefits was a violation of their Fourteenth Amendment rights. More than 1,000 same-sex couples were married in Utah during the 17 days that Shelby’s ruling was in effect before the U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay. In connection with Shelby’s ruling, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals last Wednesday in a 2-1 decision upheld Shelby’s finding that outlawing same-sex marriage is a violation of the U.S. Constitution. But the court immediately stayed the implementation of its decision, pending an anticipated appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Utah attorney general’s office has said it will initiate that appeal.

2014 First of a 5 part presentation as part of a Sizzling Summer Series hosted by the Utah Stonewall Historical Society was held at the City Library. Ben Williams gave a talk on the Building of a GLBT Community in the 1970's

Sue Robbins

2016 (KUTV) Sue Robbins, an electrical engineer and retired member of the U.S. Army, felt emotional when she heard the U.S. Military will allow transgender people to serve openly.

"It's past time," she said, thrilled the new rules will benefit young enlistees - even though the change comes too late for her. "A lot of us were not able to experience being real while we were in the military," she said. When Robbins joined the Army in 1979, she lived as a young man and was too afraid to reveal her true self. It was a scary time for transgender people who felt harassment, discrimination and violence. Being transgender in the "macho" military environment was not only allowed but unthinkable. "It's very common to hear people say they went into the military to 'man up' so they could fight their feelings," she said. While her feelings for being a woman increased, she buried them until she retired from the Army, 20 years later. She began her transition into becoming the woman she knew she was inside. Today, she lives with her wife whom she married while she was in the military and supported and loved her through her transition. They have three children. She says the transition process has been years-long and she's pretty much fully there. Robbins feels comfortable and happy in her life, so she volunteers as a board member for the Pride center in Salt Lake which advocates for and supports people in the LGBTQ community. Robbins said by allowing transgender people to serve openly, the military lifts the burden of many service members who are living with immense stress of hiding their true selves. This creates incredible stress, depression and leads many to suicide. Robbins said the suicide rate among the transgender community is at about 40 percent. She said lifting those burdens from service members will allow them to serve better and will strengthen the military. "Especially in combat - do you want someone who is distracted by those things? Or entirely focused?"  Defense Secretary Ash Carter said by October 1, military members who are transgender troops can begin receiving medical care to help them transition into their preferred gender and they can formally start changing their gender identity in the pentagon's personnel system. The new rules address the use of bathrooms and housing facilities but give some discretion to commanders. New enlistees will have to be stable in their gender identities for 18 months before joining. A study commissioned by Carter, said the number of transgender service members overall is small enough that the cost of providing services to them will not be high. The study said there are an estimated 1,320 - 6,630 transgender troops who are in the "Active Component" and about 830-4160 in the "Select Reserve." Among those individuals, only a small fraction is expected to use transition-related medical services. "It's going to create a period of social change in the military," said Robbins who said implementing the changes won't be as fast as flicking a light switch. She said the military will have to set clear rules and then train all members to make sure everyone understands what it means to be transgender and how the rules will protect people.

This Day In Gay Utah History June 29th

29 June 29-

1900 Ogden Standard Examiner Man Gets His Chin Cut page 7 Three boys Clarence Turner, Frank  Allson and Roby Danley complained to the police this morning that they had been the victims of a most revolting outrage at the hands of five tramps this morning. The five men are charged with sodomy sodomy and three of them Frank McCormick, Fred Wilson, and  Geo. Powers are now under arrest.  It is alleged that the boys were forcibly taken to the railroad yard near the S P Bridge where the acts were committed.

1969-The New York Mattachine Society held a meeting to discuss the direction gay liberation would take in the aftermath of the Stonewall riots.

1973-The first bisexual religious organization, The Committee of Friends of Bisexuality, was founded by Stephen Donaldson in Ithaca New York.

1975 - Sunstone Picnic held with outing at B.A.B. $3.00 donation includes food and beer.  The Sunstones were a Utah softball team composed of Gay women who play in in two leagues. Donations will raise funds for jackets and out of state tournaments.

1977-Coors Beer Company took out a full page ad in the Advocate announcing that the Coors family did not contribute in any way to the defeat of Miami's gay rights ordinance. Coors was already reeling from a union boycott.

1977 - GAY MARRIAGES BANNED IN UTAH The Utah Legislature passed a measure clarifying ambiguous language in the marriage statutes including a last minute amendment prohibiting homosexual marriages. The Measure HB3 was listed in Governor Scott M. Matheson agenda for action because the legislature in amending the marriage statute during general session last winter, left unclear language concerning minimum age requirements to marry.  An amendment by Representative Roger Livingston Republican-Sandy prohibiting marriage “between persons of the same sex “, went virtually undiscussed. Although some legislators responded later that they were aware of the controversial nature of such a proposal, they said any discussion was “better left unsaid.” However senators did face the amendment barring marriage between persons of the same

Frances Farley

sex when Senator Frances Farley Democrat Salt Lake City moved to eliminate that language from the marriage bill. The motion failed and the bill passed on a 20 - 2 vote with one other senator, Arthur Kimball Democrat-Salt Lake City joining Farley in the opposition. Sen. Farley said the intent of the marriage law was not to deal with the homosexual issue. Senator Carl E. Peterson Democrat-Magna spoke against Farley’s motion asserting the ban on homosexual marriage is what “we in the state believe in.” (06/30/77 SLTribune page A10)

1978 - Sgt. Dave Harkness of the Salt Lake City vice squad stated “Salt Lake City is a dynamite training ground for busting homosexuals.” Officer Nelson said “the worse problems come from closet queens, those who wish to keep their sexual preference quiet. Something needs to be done. The public has no idea of how much secret and illegal homosexual activity is going on in Utah.” (SLTribune)

1980 The Salt Lake Tavern Guild sponsored a float in San Francisco’s "Liberty and Justice for All" Gay Pride Day Parade (The Salt City Source A Voice For Our Community Vol. 1 No. 1 March 15 1984)

1985 Salt Lake Men’s Choir Second Annual Summer Concert was held at the Plaza Stage at the Utah Arts Festival. T. Brent Carter took over as director of the Salt Lake Men’s Choir in 1985. (SLTribune 11/29/1991)

Bruce Barton

1986-Sunday- Gay Pride Day at the Lake Park Pavilion. Over 300 Gay men and Lesbians attended. Resurrection MCC held services at Lagoon with Rev. Bruce Barton including a moment of silence to remember AIDS victims. Activities held on National Gay Pride Day and was sponsored by Triangle Magazine.

29 June 1986  LOGAN SCHOOL BOARD SETS AIDS POLICY (SLTribune B12-1)

Thursday, June 29, 1989 INMATE WITH AIDS GETS PAROLE DATE 4 MONTHS AFTER HER COMMITMENT By Peg McEntee, Associated Press Dianna Hernandez, a Utah State Prison inmate with AIDS, has been granted a Sept. 12 parole date less than four months after her commitment for theft and attempted drug distribution. Hernandez, 32, appeared Wednesday before the two of the three members of Board of Pardons, who said she would be released to a halfway house on condition she undergo medical treatment and continue in drug counseling. Victoria Palacios was absent. Hernandez was committed March 14 after pleading guilty to third-degree theft, a charge that came on the heels of other offenses related to the drug abuse she acknowledged to the board. The crime also violated her probation on an earlier charge of attempted distribution of cocaine. The zero-to-five-year terms were concurrent. Hernandez told board members Paul Boyden and Henry Haun she had become involved with heroin in her teens, kicked that habit in 1979 and turned to cocaine. However, she said that after she learned a year ago that she was infected with the HIV virus that causes AIDS, she sought treatment for her cocaine addiction and had not used the drug since November. Hernandez, whose parents and brother were present, told the board she has her family's support And that of her outside physician, drug counselor and the Utah AIDS Foundation. She also submitted letters written on her behalf by the Alcoholics Anonymous chapter she attends behind bars, the LDS Institute and a guard, therapist and caseworker. Board member Paul Boyden told Hernandez that based on her criminal history, sentencing guidelines called for a minimum stay of 21 months, and that her confinement would be "extraordinarily short." However, he said that while her AIDS was a "significant factor," the board also recognized that none of her offenses had involved violence.

1989-The Washington Times reported that VIP officials in the Reagan and Bush administrations were implicated in a federal investigation into a gay prostitution ring. After being identified as one of those under investigation, Elizabeth Dole's adviser Paul R. Balach was forced to resign. Republican National Committee chairman Lee Atwater stated that it was wrong for people to be forced out of their jobs because of something that is strictly a personal matter. Male escorts

1989-Claiming that Congress needs to be aware of the truth about the sexual activities which the average homosexual man engages in before granting assistance to them, Rep William Dannemeyer (R-CA) claimed that common acts include rimming, golden showers, fisting and the rectal insertion of light bulbs. He also claimed that the majority of doctors and therapists treat homosexuals every day to reverse "this devastating pathology."

1998-Researchers at the 12th World Conference on AIDS reported that a drug-resistant strain of HIV had been identified.

2000  Scouts Can Reject Gay Leaders ... 06/29/2000 The Salt Lake Tribune 06/29/2000 Page: A1 Scouts Can Reject Gay Leaders LDS Church hails high court ruling; homosexuals pledge to continue fight for public acceptance; Boy Scouts Can Ban Gay Leaders Even as the Boy Scouts and LDS Church celebrated a U.S. Supreme Court victory in a decade-long fight against admitting homosexual Scoutmasters, Gays bitterly vowed to wage their struggle anew in the court of public opinion.    "This is a pyrrhic victory for the Boy Scouts of America leadership; they have won for themselves the dubious right to be bigoted and exclusionary," said Evan Wolfson, senior staff attorney for the New York-based Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund Inc. "They have shown  . . .  the country that they stand for discrimination."    In a 5-4 decision Wednesday, justices found that forcing the 90-year-old, 3.9 million-strong group to admit Gay leaders would violate the organization's rights of free expression and free association under the Constitution's First Amendment. While Gay-rights advocates insisted the ruling set a dangerous precedent, they agreed with other legal observers -- including two Utah attorneys -- that the decision's effect would likely be limited to sexual-orientation issues. Salt Lake civil-liberties attorney Brian Barnard, who won a 1993 U.S. Supreme Court case upholding the state's revocation of the St. George Elks Club's liquor license because it refused to admit women, said it would be "a major stretch" to apply Wednesday's Scouting decision to gender cases at large.    "The distinction is that our society has already said there is no legitimate difference between men and women," he said. "Our society has not yet said the same thing in regard to sexual orientation."    Barnard noted that the case against the Boy Scouts was filed by a former Gay Scoutmaster under a New Jersey law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation -- a law that has no parallel in Utah statutes. John Baldwin, executive director of the Utah State Bar, also failed to "see this at all as an inroad for other organizations to discriminate."    "Maybe it's closer than comparing apples to oranges, but it's still at least oranges and tangerines," he said.   Wolfson likewise dismissed the potential for the ruling to "open the floodgates of discrimination" but insisted that exclusion on the basis of sexual orientation would be reason enough for an increasingly accepting American public to make Scouting regret its policy.  "Those who actively support the Boy Scouts must now work to end discrimination and send a message of fairness," he said.  Failing that, he and others called for creation of an alternative organization for youth.  Wolfson rebuked The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which had threatened to pull its 410,000 Scouts from the program if it were forced to accept Gay troop leaders.  Second only in size to the 420,000 Scouts sponsored by the United Methodist Church, the Mormon stand weighed heavily in the group's decision to stand firm on its ban of Gay leaders, Wolfson said. "The LDS Church played a huge role in pushing [the Boy Scouts] leadership into adopting discriminatory rhetoric and policy that's going to be a tremendous detriment to this organization," he charged during a teleconference. "It will cause public schools and others [non private sponsors] to reconsider their involvement with [Scouting]."   In a brief statement, the LDS Church applauded the justices for "affirming the constitutional right of the Boy Scouts of America as a private association to determine its own standards for membership and selection of leaders."    Church officials declined further comment, but the decision -- and the LDS Church's stand -- won the gratitude of scouting leaders in Utah. "We are indebted to those who have filed friendly briefs in Scouting's behalf," said Kay Godfrey, spokesman for the BSA's Great Salt Lake Council.  The LDS Church was joined by The National Catholic Committee on Scouting, the United Methodist Men, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the National Council of Young Israel in filing supporting briefs.  Godfrey estimates that there are more than 150,000 Scouts in Utah, more than 90 percent of them from units sponsored by Mormon church wards.   To RDell Johnson, the decision is a disaster for Scouting and a death knell to his dreams of volunteering as a troop leader. Johnson, now a 27-year-old staffer at Salt Lake City's Gay and Lesbian Community Center; says he was 13 when he won Eagle Scout honors.    He is also Gay, though he didn't "come out" until he was 15.    "I was quite clearly aware of my orientation when I was 13," Johnson said. "So was one other boy in my troop, who was a year older than me; we were lovers." The high court's ruling locks the door on Johnson's plans to someday lead a Scouting troop, a position he says he would have otherwise accepted "in a heartbeat" to share his love of the outdoors and Scouting's life lessons. Gary Watts, a Provo physician and board member of the national Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays group, complained that the ruling will "perpetuate the myth that all Gay men are pedophiles and cannot be trusted with our youths.  "It paints an entire class of people with a broad brush," said Watts, whose Gay son was an Eagle Scout. "This decision will be very painful to them and their loved ones." The ruling reversed a New Jersey Supreme Court finding that the Scouts wrongly ousted James Dale in 1990 after learning he was Gay. On Wednesday, however, Dale balanced his defeat with optimism that his struggle would pave the way for future Gay Scoutmasters.   "There's a lot of room for hope in terms of where America is going," said Dale, who now lives in New York City and is advertising director for a magazine for people who are HIV-positive. "America is going in the right direction [in terms of the acceptance of Gays]."   Members of Utah's all-Republican congressional delegation contacted Wednesday praised the justices' ruling. Sen. Orrin Hatch, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, found the ruling “legally and constitutionally sound."   Sen. Bob Bennett added, "It's hard to find a provision in the Constitution that says any citizen has the 'right' to be an official in the Boy Scouts or for that matter any other private organization.   "Without discussing the question of whether homosexuality is good or bad, a sin or not  . . .  this comes down to whether a private organization had the right to choose its own leaders."   Rep. Chris Cannon said "it was good to see the court reaffirm things most constitutional scholars considered clear."   Vicki Varela, press secretary for Gov. Mike Leavitt, said her boss found it "very appropriate" the justices decided the Scouts were "a private organization  . . .  able to set the policies and standards for its members."   In addition to Rehnquist, the majority was joined by Justices Sandra Day O'Connor, Antonin Scalia, Anthony Kennedy and Clarence Thomas. Dissenting were Justices John Paul Stevens, David Souter, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen  Breyer.    In the dissent, Stevens contended that the New Jersey anti-discrimination law Dale sued under does not "impose any serious burdens" on the Boy Scouts' goals, "nor does it force [the Boy Scouts] to communicate any message that it does not wish to endorse. New Jersey's law, therefore, abridges no constitutional right of the Boy Scouts."  

Bythe Nobelman

2003    Section: Opinion    Page: AA4 Salt Lake Tribune Photo Caption: Blythe D. Nobleman Collaboration is necessary to improve minority inclusion in society By Blythe D.Nobleman  On Wednesday, I took part in a panel discussion at the University of Utah titled "Defining Minority: A Process of Inclusion?" The panel was formed to provide a structured, civil forum for discussion about the burning questions of how we recognize and designate minority status in government and society. I was heartened to see that the room was filled to capacity. The panel was to include Theresa Martinez, associate professor of sociology and gender studies; Ana Archuleta, probation officer and community activist; Brenda Lyshaug, professor of political science; William Smith, professor of race relations; Tony Yapias, state director of Hispanic Affairs, and me.  Smith called to say that he was running late, but did not arrive. Archuleta had a last-minute family emergency and was unable to participate. The discussion included personal anecdotes and a discussion about social and political theory. Representing the Salt Lake City Mayor's Office as the Minority Affairs and Communications Coordinator, I described some of the programs, projects, grants and hiring initiatives the mayor has implemented in order to provide greater recognition of, and opportunities for, people from all "minority" communities. The panel discussion itself was lively, informative, insightful and thought-provoking. After an hour, the moderators, Charles Milne of the University's Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Resource Center, and Tim Chambless of the Hinckley Institute of Politics, handed the microphone over to the audience for what was supposed to be a question/answer session. When the microphone was passed among audience members, the discussion, which had been inspiring and dynamic up until then, became a free-for-all for a few people who continue to criticize my appointment as the Minority Affairs and Communications Coordinator on the basis that I am not a member of an ethnic minority community. I understand that a few people do not want others to infringe upon their "minority" turf. However, we all need to find common ground and work together, rather than allow a few abusive, disruptive people to divide us. As a lesbian, I belong to a "minority" community. I have been subjected to exclusion, discrimination and persecution. I do not have equal rights to marry the person I love or to adopt children. I also have felt the disdain and condescension aimed in my direction solely on account of my sexual orientation. Contrary to Carol Goode's uninformed, cruel comment, I did not "choose" my sexual orientation. Believe me, few people would choose to attract the belittlement, cruelty and hatred so often directed at gays and lesbians.    This essential dialogue last Wednesday was sidetracked by intolerant, hateful comments made by a few screaming audience members. I was disheartened by their lack of civility and respect. I was saddened by their abuse of a situation in which an intelligent, challenging, open discussion had previously taken place, and of their undermining an opportunity for further exploration and dialogue relating to such crucial issues. The argument that a white lesbian does not deserve to work in a minority affairs position reduces the issues of bias and discrimination to being solely about skin color and race. No one person can represent all minority communities, ethnic or otherwise. We have a great deal of work to do  --  work that we must accomplish in collaboration with each other as we exercise the utmost empathy, tolerance, respect and, above all, kindness. -----    Blythe D. Nobleman is minority affairs and communications coordinator in the Salt Lake City mayor's office.

Paula Wolfe

2003    Section: Opinion    Page: AA3 Salt Lake Tribune Photo Caption: Paul Wolfe Implications of the Supreme Court's ruling on sodomy Decision secures rights for the oppressed By Paula Wolfe Sodomy has been used to deny equal rights and equal protection to a group of people. Regularly, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of Utah are denied housing, are fired from their jobs, denied access to their partners in health-care situations. In Utah, members of this community are more than three times more likely to be a victim of a hate crime.

• --  A year ago, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah was asked to sign on to the amicus brief of Lawrence versus. Texas. On June 26, the Supreme Court of the United States handed down a decision in that case that, in essence, invalidated 13 state sodomy laws, including Utah's. For a third of a century, sodomy laws permitted the government to dictate what was appropriate in our bedrooms. They controlled and defined the most intimate component of an adult relationship. Some sodomy laws, such as the one in Texas, named only homosexuals as potential offenders. Other state laws, including Utah's, made illegal any non-procreative acts, regardless of sex or gender. In only four of the 13 states were the laws ever enforced. Invariably, they chose to prosecute only homosexuals. As Justice Sandra Day O'Connor pointed out, we were denied equal protection under the law. Since Utah has not evoked its sodomy law, why is our gay community so excited about this decision? Sodomy has been used to deny equal rights and equal protection to a group of people. Regularly, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of Utah are denied housing, are fired from their jobs, denied access to their partners in health-care situations. In Utah, members of this community are more than three times more likely to be a victim of a hate crime. They are more likely to commit suicide. Lesbians are more likely to lose custody of their natural-born children, and men and women without any criminal conviction are denied the right to adopt a child. Every year when the hate crimes bill comes before Utah's Legislature, it stumbles over the term "sexual orientation." The thinking seems to be that if homosexuals are illegal, they don't deserve to be protected. Not too many years ago we believed that African-Americans were inferior and therefore did not deserve the same rights as the rest of us. We created an entire culture built upon a notion of "separate but equal." In an effort to join the rest of our society as full citizens, the gay community has struggled since the '60s for equal rights. The Supreme Court has taken a step toward the recognition of that protection and those rights. The dissenting opinions written by Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas argue that laws do control or define morality and that if a law was enacted yesterday, we should practice it today. From this perspective, I assume we should bring back the laws that permitted the burning of witches, laws against miscegenation and, while we are at it, let's eliminate that vote for women. On a more serious note, it is my hope that this decision will extend its influence beyond gay men and lesbians to include the rest of what some of us call the "queer" community. It is my hope that the rights to privacy and personal liberty will be extended to include those immigrants and naturalized citizens who were most recently held without any proof of wrongdoing, without the right of appeal, without an opportunity to let their families know where they were.  I hope this decision will shore up our commitment as a nation to the vision of our forefathers, to offer equal protection for every person in America. ----- Paula Wolfe, Ph.D., is executive director of the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Utah.
• 
  

Paul Mero

2003 Paul T. Mero Justices delivered a loss for the family by Paul Mero     The culture war is actually defined by its primary institutional combatants -- the family vs. the individual. Utahns traditionally side with the family. The Supreme Court has now bedded down with the individual in legitimizing homosexuality.   -- On its face, the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down a Texas law proscribing homosexual sodomy is simply reflective of our changing culture. In an obviously downward-spiraling atomistic culture, we might ask what took them so long.  As law, the court's decision is mired in contradiction and judicial whim. On the one hand, the court finds violations of due process in the case. On the other hand, it omits to establish a "fundamental right" to homosexual sodomy required to find a violation of due process. On the one hand, the court rejects the idea that proscribing sexual morality presents a legitimate state interest, presumably including our laws against prostitution, adult incest, bestiality, obscenity, or homosexual marriages. And then on the other hand, limply reassures us that its decision only pertains to a legitimate state interest in private, consensual sex between adults and will not extend further.  Most perplexing is the court's perverse argument that the Texas law somehow undermines the home. "The state is not omnipresent in the home." But how is a proscription against homosexual sodomy a threat to the home? The answer lies deeper in the court's majority opinion.  The state of Texas argued that its homosexual sodomy statute regarded conduct only and spoke nothing to the humanity of the people involved in that conduct. The Supreme Court disagreed and stated that such a law is "demeaning" to people engaged in such conduct because such "conduct can be but one element in a personal bond that is more enduring."   As creepy as that line feels, it reveals the court's bias in this case. This ruling is not simply about the legal nuances of homosexual sex; this decision is about legitimizing homosexuality in general.  Justice Antonin Scalia, in his dissenting opinion, wrote that, "Today's opinion is the product of a court . . . that has largely signed on to the so-called homosexual agenda." And that, "It is clear from this that the court has taken sides in the culture war."  Indeed it has, perhaps more so than even Justice Scalia realizes. The culture war is not simply a war between the sexually proud and the sexually prude. The culture war is actually defined by its primary institutional combatants -- the family versus. the individual. Only one can claim the title of fundamental unit of society. Utahns traditionally side with the family. The Supreme Court has now bedded down with the individual in legitimizing homosexuality.  Homosexuality very well could become the flagship of individualism over time. It is no coincidence that the right-leaning Cato Institute and the left-leaning American Civil Liberties Union, each dedicated to atomistic individualism, both submitted friend-of-the-court briefs supporting a change of law in Texas. Defenders of the family institution should be alarmed. The poor legal reasoning and deceptive scholarship so evident in this decision will certainly lead to numerous legal challenges on several other fronts of the culture war. Scalia calls this decision a "massive disruption of the current social order."     Ironically, this hostile future for the family was predicted in the Bowers decision, the case presumably overturned by this new decision. In Bowers, the court wrote, "The law is constantly based on notions of morality, and if all laws representing essentially moral choices are to be invalidated under the Due Process Clause, the courts will be very busy indeed." And now, so they will.   -----   Paul T. Mero is president of The Sutherland Institute, a Utah-based public policy research institute, and a member of The Tribune's Editorial Board Advisory Committee.

2003 FAMILY FELLOWSHIP FORUM  Sunday June 29, 2003 2:30 p.m. Salt Lake Library Auditorium 210 E 400 South Salt Lake City Family Fellowship Building Bridges - Healing Relationships - Loving and Serving All Dear Friend of Family Fellowship,     The quarterly Family Fellowship Forum will be held on Sunday, June 29th at 2:30 p.m., in the new Salt Lake City Library Auditorium, 210 East 400 South.  Please note the time change from our customary start at 5 p.m.   A short film, "Blessing," will be presented to be followed by a panel discussion and a question and answer period.  Our panelists will be Wayne and Sandra Schow and David and Carlie Hardy!!  Synopsis of the film:  Bill Dunn, an orthodox Mormon father, recently suffered a heart attack, and has just been released from the hospital.  His wife and four adult children, a mixture of active and non-active Mormons, gather on a Sunday evening to welcome him home.  The bishop of Bill's ward is also present.  The middle son, David, arrives late.  David, a returned missionary, is gay.  Bill's wife insists that a Priesthood blessing be given, to aid Bill in his recovery.  David's active LDS brothers make it clear that David is "unworthy" to participate in the blessing.  This film explores the excruciatingly complex tension between "worthiness" and "unconditional love," taking a hard look at the idea of "exclusion" and its repercussions.  In dealing with an issue as volatile and emotionally charged as Mormonism and homosexuality, this film seeks to raise questions rather than supply answers.     Stephen Williams recently received an MFA in Film Studies from the University of Utah, with an emphasis in Film Production.  He also holds an MBA from Northwestern University and a BA in English Literature from BYU.  His short film, "The Cufflink" has won several awards, including the Gold Hugo at the 2002 Chicago International Film Festival.  The film has been featured at numerous other film festivals around the country.  Outside of film, he has worked professionally as an actor, opera singer, and art dealer.  Currently, he teaches film courses at Salt Lake Community College.   The program will conclude at 4:00 p.m. and will be followed by a light buffet.  The Family Fellowship strives to encourage all family members to love, strengthen, and support one another.  We are concerned and care about gay individuals and their family members.  We do not feel compelled to agree on how gay individuals should express their sexuality or on what the official response of the LDS Church to its gay members should be.  We ask that there be no "bashing" of any person, group, or church.  Please join with us in a spirit of love and understanding. Sincerely, Family Fellowship

James Hicks

2003 James Hicks  to David Thometz David, Very cool!  I believe it opens a lot of doors.  However, I also believe the right-wing groups are working fast to close those doors.  We can not sit idle as they plan and scheme.  We must take action as quickly as possible and sue the Eagle Forum and other right wing groups to crush them.  If we don't act quickly I am convinced they will get a hold of our legislators and despite the latest ruling they will find something else that will take away our equality.  I know people don't believe me.  But I strongly feel it deep inside, I know the Eagle Forum is working as I write this e-mail to do damage to us as a GLBT community.  I realize people have a difficult time believing those of us with "gut feelings."  I also understand it's difficult to understand what I'm writing, but we need to crush the Eagle Forum "NOW" and not wait.... With much love and friendship, James

2006 The true moral issue Salt Lake Tribune Opponents of same-sex marriage say homosexual relationships are unnatural, harmful and against God's will - in short, immoral. But unnatural? Exclusively homosexual individuals have been documented in more than 60 wild mammal and bird species. Harmful? Some homosexuals abuse drugs, molest children and transmit diseases, as do some heterosexuals. But the many who do not deserve no censure. Gays and lesbians (like straights) can and do have risk-free, emotionally fulfilling sexual relationships. Although they cannot procreate, neither can many heterosexuals, yet holding to love and commitment despite infertility is honorable. Against God's will? Sincere believers disagree about this, as they once did about slavery, but religious doctrine should not be imposed on the whole population when other reasons are lacking, asthey are here. Homosexuality is rarely significantly mutable. It is unrealistic to expect gays and lesbians to be celibate, change orientation or marry traditionally. Two compatible people sharing a life together is the best blueprint for how to satisfy intimacy needs in the long run. Surveys have shown that for homosexuals and heterosexuals alike, the "happiness-maximizing" number of partners is one. No guarantees, but marriage promotes what is best in life regardless of how sex is done in private. Banning same-sex marriage irresponsibly denies this opportunity to millions. That is the true moral issue. Robert Dow Salt Lake City

2007 Ben Williams to Kevin Hillman Kevin, how are you holding up? I've been weepy all week but that's okay. Do you have anymore info on Chad's service? I am going to try and go up Monday for at least the viewing to say my goodbyes.  Do you think it will be at the Thatcher Wardhouse? Thatcher looks to small for a funeral home.  Do you think it would be okay if I went? Love you Ben 

• Kevin Hillman wrote: I am doing well and things are going really well with his family The viewing is at 10:30 am to 11:30 am and the service is at noon This all at the Thatcher Ward House Just so you know it will be a closed casket because of the condition the body was in when I found him and it is best that way And of course you can come.  As soon as the brothers get me the directions I will let you know. The brothers are being very inclusive and it has been nice Later Kevin Chad's  Funeral Services Are going to be held on Monday July 2^nd In Thatcher Idaho about 2 1/2 to 3 hours north from Salt Lake Viewing is from 10:30 am to 11:30 am With the service at Noon Directions and other information as it comes available Kevin  
• From: "Ben Williams" To: "Kevin Hillman" I guess its not like Snow White where you get to lie in a glass casket looking stunning although I am sure Chad would have wanted it that way. If there isn't going to be a viewing I might just go to the SLC Memorial.  I am not really thinking straight I suppose. You are a good man. Ben

2014 No decision on Mormon gay-rights advocate case BY BRADY MCCOMBS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS A Mormon man who’s well-known for advocating for gay rights and questioning some church policies says a Utah church leader is taking time to decide whether he’ll be excommunicated. John Dehlin says the regional church leader told him Sunday in Logan, Utah, that he needs to think and pray about Dehlin’s case. The meeting came six days after Kate Kelly, the founder of a prominent Mormon women’s group, was excommunicated in a case that sent ripples throughout the country. Dehlin says another meeting or deadline has not been set and that he agreed not to talk with the media any more about his case. Dehlin was told in June to resign from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or face a disciplinary committee. He’s operated a website for church members questioning their faith.

2018  For the 6•29•18 premiere event of SKYFALL, it's a RED PARTY theme. Show us your best red night-on-the-town outfit — or come as you are. Limited free Guest List entering before 10:30 p.m. $10 before 10:30 p.m. $15 between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. $20 after 11:30 p.m. Free Guest List, Discounted and Group tickets available in advance, just follow ticketing link. ►Follow this Event to stay up to date with everything the night has to offer. Our opening night party will feature DJ Dawna Montell (of WeHo’s Abbey/Chapel), circuit dancers Aaron Kodak and Brandon Sokolowski and internationally acclaimed aerialist Brandon Scott. Visuals, a balloon drop, confetti cannons and your hosts, Stockton McBride & Johnny Hebda, will create a party you won’t soon forget.  ►VIP tables also available. Contact Stockton & Johnny to arrange a table. ⭐️

SKYFALL is a party just for us. Where we can escape what they expect us to be, get a lil' wild, and be totally free. Stockton & Johnny introduce to SLC: circuit — a new concept to Utah's nightlife, a monthly night of dance, men and unique themed adventures at the city's premier nightclub, Sky SLC 149 W Pierpont Ave, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101