12 June
1965 Saturday-Two men were arrested in an automobile at 2:15 a.m.
at 3rd West and 27th South by South Salt Lake Lt. Allen R. Sexton for being
“disorderly persons.” Raymond Jay Templin age 27 years of 88 West Shelley Ave.
in Salt Lake and Merlyn Clegg Starley age 34 of 3625 North Canyon Road in Provo
appeared before South Salt Lake City Judge George H. Searle. Lt. Sexton
arrested the two men and said that while transporting them to the Salt Lake
County jail one of the
two attacked him using a gas bomb devise. (06/13/65 Page C10 col.1) First known resistance by two Gay men in Utah
1967-The US
Supreme Court issued its ruling in Loving v. Virginia. The case was brought by an
interracial couple who challenged the constitutionality of laws banning interracial marriage. The court
ruled in favor of the couple, and ruled marriage to be a civil right.
1970-Neva Joy
Heckman and Judith Ann Belew attempted to become legally married. The ceremony
was held at Metropolitan Community Church
in Los Angeles
and performed by Rev Troy Perry, the founder of the denomination. Under California law, a couple
who has lived together at least two years can be legally joined without a
license by having a church ceremony and being issued a church certificate.
1974 Eddie Lee
Mathews 19, was sentenced to six months in the Davis County jail for forcible
sexual abuse involving another corpsman on February 22, Mathews, a Clearfield
job corpsman had been charged with sodomy but the charge was reduced through plea
bargaining 1974 An 18 year old Clearfield job corpsman has been booked into the
Davis County jail on a charge of sodomy officials reported today. Arrested at
the center was Eddy L Mathews. An official of the job corps said the allege
incident was reported by another corpsman Ogden Standard Examiner
 |
| Jim Sandmire |
1977 Sunday - Rev. Jim Sandmire held services at Metropolitan
Community Church of Salt Lake and the Gay Pride Kegger was held at 1 p.m. in Mill Creek
Canyon.
1983-“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker made its appearance on the New
York Times bestseller list.
1988 Sunday- I laid out at Memory Grove watching the boys play
volleyball until John Reeves came by to pick me. He’s out of school now and doesn’t know what
he will be doing this fall since Utah
Valley Community
College didn’t renew his contract. In the evening
I walked up to the Unitarian
Church to attend
Affirmation. There we discussed Father’s Day and a video of The Donahue Show
that had a Gay couple on it. I sat with Dave Omer and we kidded around. Willie Marshall and John Butler showed up
together. Willie came to plug the upcoming Libertarian Convention. I guess I’ll stick with the Democrats but it
was good to see them again. They are
living together on State Street
above an auto garage. Don Penrose gave me a ride home.
1992 [POLITICS] The Utah Democratic Convention, delegates debated
and voted on a plank of the Utah Democratic Party platform on gay and lesbian
issues, including hate crimes, gay teen suicide and discrimination. By only a 5
percent margin, the delegates voted to remove the specific language the
platform committee originally included. However, more general language was then
adopted to replace it. As passed, the Utah Democratic Party platform contains
planks forbidding discrimination in the conduct of party affairs, supporting
equal rights and advocating legislation that supports equal rights. All of
these planks include specific mention of "sexual orientation."
1993 The Salt Lake Tribune Demo
Unity: Jones to Lead Utah Party He'll Lobby at Today's Convention to Make
Post Paid and Full Time By Paul Rolly Utah's Democratic party is poorly funded,
split into several warring factions and still struggling for an identity. Yet
when party delegates meet today at the state's convention, there will be one degree
of unity: a consensus candidate for a new chairman, state Rep. Dave Jones.
Delegates will meet at Cottonwood High School to choose their officers for the
1994 election cycle -- a critical year in light of the party's mixed
performance last time out. In November, the only Democrat elected statewide was
Jan Graham as attorney general. The party also held its second and third
congressional district seats. After he assumes his new post as party chairman,
Mr. Jones plans to lobby the party's hierarchy and traditional Democratic
contributors to convince them to make the chairmanship a full-time, paid
position. The move away from the traditional voluntary post is revolutionary,
but Mr. Jones has momentum from the party's most powerful factions. "When
[outgoing Party Chairman] Peter Billings, [Utahns for Choice founder] Annette
Cumming, [Salt Lake County Commissioner] Randy Horiuchi, [former candidate for
governor] Pat Shea and [Utah's AFL-CIO president] Ed Mayne can all agree on
something, that is a milestone," said one Democratic observer.Mr. Jones is
a Salt Lake City lawmaker and unsuccessful candidate for mayor in 1991. He was the campaign manager for Wayne
Owens' failed U.S. Senate bid last year. "It's the time for a full-time
paid chairman," said Mr. Horiuchi, a former Democratic state chairman.
"To be effective, it should be a full-time job. Only a few people can
devote full-time attention to the volunteer job. I was fortunate because I had
my own business and had understanding clients. But it's hard." Eleven
states have a paid Democratic chairman, although most of them are large states
with deep-pocket Democratic contributors. "If you can approach
contributors the right way so it doesn't eat into the party's normal resources,
it is a preferable way to go," said Mr. Billings. "The party needs
full-time attention. It became very difficult for me sometimes because as a
lawyer I am paid for my time. I also have a family. So something was always
sacrificed." The only competition for the chairman's post came from David
Thomas who pulled out of the race this week."He may have seen the writing
on the wall," said Mr. Billings. "Everyone seems to be backing Dave
Jones."The battles between Democratic factions crystallized in last year's
primary elections when Utahns for Choice-backed candidates Stewart Hanson and
Ms. Graham defeated the labor-backed Mr. Shea and Scott Daniels in the governor
and attorney general races. Democratic delegates today also will select a vice
chairman between Salt Lake County party activist Jill Remington and Utah County
Chair LaVon Laursen. And the race for party secretary will test the strength of
the
 |
| David Nelson |
Utah Gay and Lesbian coalition in inner-party workings. Dave Nelson, one of
the candidates, is founder of the Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats. He is backed
by Utahns for Choice. Mr. Nelson is opposed by former northern Utah state
legislator Byron Andersen, who managed the unsuccessful campaign last year of
Ron Holt for the 1st Congressional District. Long-time labor candidate Warren
Nuesmeyer is unopposed for party treasurer.
1994 GAYS, LESBIANS TO GATHER FOR PRIDE DAY 1994 Byline: By Michael Phillips Salt Lake Tribune Page: B2 Thousands of Utahns plan to gather Sunday in Salt Lake City to celebrate ``Pride Day 1994,'' a national event for gay and lesbian communities. ``More and more people are realizing that we're just like everyone else,'' says Jeanna Anderson, a volunteer at the Utah Stonewall Center. ``We come in all sizes, shapes and colors -- just like heterosexuals -- and the point of Gay Pride is to show our unity.'' The events take place at the Northwest Multi-Purpose Center, 1300 W. 300 North. Breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. by the Utah Gay Rodeo Association. At 11:30 a.m., the Gay & Lesbian Youth Group of Utah formally opens the festival, featuring food vendors, information booths and exhibits. Organizers also will be registering voters. Afternoon entertainment includes singers Jess
 |
| Jess Hawk Oakenstar |
Hawk Oakenstar, Wendy Bradshaw, The Saliva Sisters and the Lesbian and Gay Chorus of Salt Lake. Gay Pride Day grew out of marches commemorating the ``Stonewall riot'' 25 years ago. On June 27, 1969, police officers raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay nightclub in New York City's Greenwich Village. But when officers arrested patrons just for being there, the patrons taunted them and attacked. They set fire to the bar and started a riot that lasted several nights. The protest spawned the gay-rights movement, which inspired homosexuals nationwide to challenge traditional assumptions about gay lifestyles. Last year, Pride Day in Utah drew more than 2,000 people. This year, organizers are hoping for between 3,000 and 5,000.
1994 GAYS, LESBIANS OBSERVE 14TH UTAH `PRIDE DAY' By Joe Costanzo, Staff Writer Deseret News Published: Monday, June 13, 1994 Utah's gay and lesbian community celebrated "Pride Day" with song, dance, art, exhibits, networking and support Sunday at Salt Lake City's Northwest Community Center. "Pride Day" is observed annually throughout the nation in commemoration of New York's "Stone-wall riots" of 1969, which organizers say provided a catalyst for the modern gay and lesbian civil-rights movement. Sunday's celebration was the 14th "Pride Day" in Utah, attracting more than 3,000 gays and lesbians along with family members, friends and supporters. "This event gives us a sense of place and an opportunity to celebrate and recreate," said John Bennett, president of the Lesbian and
.jpg) |
| John Bennett |
Gay Chorus of Salt Lake City. Though he believes the social and political climate has improved for gays and lesbians in Utah, Bennett notes that openness, including the name of his own organization, still raises some eyebrows. "People are just astounded that we call ourselves the `Lesbian and Gay Chorus.' The reaction we get is either overwhelming support or as-ton-ishment," he said. Antonia M. De La Guerra, "Pride Day" chairperson, said the annual celebration drew less than 300 participants just a few years ago. "Today there are thousands of people here. That's the way it is all over the country." Don R. Austin said the large turnout gives the gay and lesbian community more clout. Political and legislative leaders have sometimes overlooked gays and lesbians because they believe their numbers are insignificant, Austin said. "This shows them we can't be overlooked." However, Austin said the most important aspect of the celebration is that it brings the community together and provides an environment of mutual support and self-esteem. According to Austin, Utah's gays and lesbians have as many "fractions and factions" as their counterparts in other cities but have avoided conflict. "The thing that's different is we work together on most issues and activities." "We share the underlying desire for freedom of being," added J. Nelson Ramsey. "That's the common thread." Gail Scott, who was celebrating her first "Pride Day," said the event provides individuals with "support, harmony and peace." She also said it provides a forum for gay and lesbian business networking, music and arts. The festival included about 50 booths featuring informational materials, exhibits and artistic wares, with proceeds going toward next year's celebration.
- Salt Lake Tribune Page: D3 JUST ANOTHER SUMMER FESTIVAL? NOT FOR UTAH'S GAYS, LESBIANS Wearing fuchsia sequins, feathers and glittering cat-eye glasses that would make Elton John blush, a hulking Dame Edna look-alike charmed the crowd at Sunday's Utah Pride Day 1994. For the most part, though, shorts and T-shirts were de rigueur at the state's largest gay and lesbian event. ``This is just like any neighborhood festival,'' said Hank Hannah, one of the event's organizers. It looked like most other summer festivals. Some 4,000 men, women and children sat on blankets at the Northwest Community Center, slurping up blue Snowcones, soaking up sun and the funky sounds of The Saliva Sisters. But Pride Day isn't like any other gathering. ``People who come do this -- who don't come out in the community any other day -- do it because it is an affirmation of who we are,'' said Antonia De La Guerra, chairwoman of the event. ``They can dress how they want, act how they want.'' ``You might see that in San Francisco or New York,'' said De La Guerra, pointing out a couple holding hands. ``Not in Utah. Not in Utah.'' Hannah said Pride Day brings together a fuller spectrum of people than other gay and lesbian events. Many homosexual Mormons, for example, don't frequent bars or parties. ``But they come to this,'' he said. Few senior citizens attended, though. This Pride Day is unlike any other before. This month, the gay and lesbian community is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the ``Stonewall riot.'' On June 27, 1969, police officers raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay nightclub in New York City. Patrons, some arrested just for being there, set fire to the bar and started a riot that lasted several days. That protest triggered the gay-rights movement.
.jpg) |
| Kim Russo |
1994 Antonia DelaGuerra of the Lesbian Task Force, Kathy Mathews of
the Utah AIDS Foundation and Julie Hale were elected co-chairs of Gay Pride Day
by the Gay and Lesbian Community Council of Utah in 1994. Pride Day ’94 was held June 12 at the North
West Multipurpose Center for the second time. The Kristen Ries Community Service Award was
given to Lesbian activist Kim Russo for her AIDS outreach programs. Marci
Malloy performed The Star Spangled Banner, The Lesbian and Gay Chorus of Utah
performed at Pride Day for the first time and Ben Williams gave as a keynote
address: “ The Heroes of the Utah Gay and Lesbian Community”. This was the last
Pride Day where the committee combined Pride Day to be as part rally, part
celebration.
- Sunday
Gay Pride Day I was up at 8 a.m. finishing working on my speech for Pride
Day. I finally left the house at 11 a.m. to ride my bike over to the
Northwest Multipurpose Center where they were having Gay Pride Day. It already looked rather festive by the
time I got there. It was really hot out in the sun too. They were late getting started. What
else is new right? And after the Youth Group did the flag presentation and
Marci Malloy lipped sync'ed the Star Spangled Banner, it was my turn to
speak. Earlier this kid in charge
of the performers asked me who I was and how I wanted to be
introduced. I said just Ben
Williams will do. He didn't have a
clue who I was. Sign of the times.
Finally I said just introduce me as the director of the Stonewall Historical
Society for Gay and Lesbian Studies but I don't know why I bothered
because Joe Redburn, who was Emceeing,
flubbed it all up. He introduced me by saying that I'd be
singing! I went on the stage and
said "You really don't want to hear me sing!" Then proceeded to do my speech on
Stonewall and the heroes of the Utah Gay Community. Afterwards people said my speech went
well. I considered myself the
keynote speaker since I found out I was the only speaker on the program!
Saw a lot of people who I hadn't seen in a long, long time. Gay Pride
really is like a family reunion.
Becky Moss is running for Board of Directors for KRCL and Ray
Nelson wants to start a new support group now that Unconditional Support
has died. Just writting that seems
kind of ironic. I walked around
seeing all these people. After
listening to the Lesbian and Gay Chorus of Utah I rode my bike on
home. It was a hot day. So ended Gay Pride Day.
- Ben
Williams GAY PRIDE DAY SPEECH 1994-25 Years ago Judy Garland died on 22
June 1969. On June 27th, 20,000
people waited up to 4 hours in the blistering NEW YORK CITY heat to view
her body. Flags flew at half mast
on the posh Gay resort of Fire Island.
Old and young alike wept for Little Dorothy Gale of Kansas. It was an end of an era. That night in
Greenwich Village federal agents did a not so unusual raid on a popular
Gay 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. Along with the raid a new era was to
begin. A paradigm shift in the
collective consciousness of Gay and Lesbian people would take place because of the actions
taken at this small sleazy, illegally operated bar called the Stonewall
Inn. For the first time ever in modern times, Gays and Lesbians fought
back against their oppressors. AS the poet Ginsberg said "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. Antiquated laws based on bigotry and false scientific
conclusions gave way as the American Psychiatry Association due to
militant disruption of their conventions removed homosexuality off their
list of mental disorders and States began to abolish unconstitutional
Sodomy Laws. Gay and Lesbian people became willing to take control of
their own destiny by collectively buying into the idea of Gay and Lesbian
Unity and Solidarity. New leaders
understood that only united, could a people so long despised and
oppressed, ever hope for the same basic human rights as granted to every heterosexual American citizen to love
freely. But why did this all happen in 1969 and not some other year? Could
it be that 69 has a very dear and special meaning to the
hearts of homosexual? I don't think that is it. The end of the sixties witnessed the
young people of this country actively engaged in trying to change society;
to end 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. The Stonewall Movement
immediately spread to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle, Atlanta
and other large urban population centers.
And within a few short years after 1969 it even came to Utah. In
1971 a congregation of the
Metropolitan Community Church was established in Utah. And shortly after
that a Gay Student Union was formed at the University of Utah. In 1973 Joe Redburn opened a Gay Bar
called The Sun . It became not only a social gathering place but a
political gathering place for the disciples of the Gay Liberation. By 1975
the Royal Court of the Golden
Spike Empire was a going concern, and a Gay Community Center opened
however in 1976 it closed! The first Gay and Lesbian Newsletters were
printed in the back room of the
Sun. The GAY HELP line was established in 1975 from funds from Community
Center and the Royal Court.. In 1977 Leonard Matlovich and David Kopay
came to Utah for Utah's GAY PRIDE DAY and was to speak at the HOTEL UTAH
until the Hotel Board cancelled its contract.! In 1979 KRCL a local public
radio station came on the air dealing with Gay and Lesbians issues from
its conception. And with the beginning of the 1980's the tide of Gay and
Lesbian Pride was unstoppable even with the onslaught of a deadly
plague. What other people could
perform so notably under these dreadful and painful conditions and yet
continue to grow and build for the future?
Not all the Gay heroes are in New York City or San Francisco. Utah, the center and soul of Gay
Oppression, has a litany of outstanding true heroes. People who were willing
to put their jobs, reputations, even lives on the line to make Utah a
better place for Gay and Lesbian people in which to live. I wish I had an hour to truly list my
heroes. The True and Faithful HARD
ROCK STONES in OUR STONE WALL. I'll omit so many I know. Please Forgive me
but I can not stand up here and not recognize some of the people who built
a Stonewall around you and me so that we can enjoy this Fabulous Day! STEVE
HOLBROOK-co-founder of KRCL public Radio VAL MANSFIELD-Mountain &
Desert States Coordinator & Community helper, Abby MAESTAS- a founding
member of the a woman's cooperative bookstore in 1982, BECKY MOSS-host
& producer of Concerning Gays and Lesbians on KRCL since 1983, STAN
ERICKSON the first voice on KRCL's Gay Radio, DEAN-(AUNTI De)
WALTON-Community Center visionary and humanitarian BOB MCINTYRE- Spiritual
leader for the Gay and Lesbian restoration churches MELISSA
SIILITOE-tireless director of the Stonewall Center, GARTH CHAMBERLAIN-a
founder of the Youth Group, RUSS LANE-founder of the Wasatch Affirmation,
DAVID NELSON- Founder of Gay and
Lesbian Utah Democrats and Political Activist, MICHAEL AARON- Founder of
the Anti Violence Project in 1985, KATHY WORTHINGTON- Founder of Women
Community Newsletter and tireless supporter of the Stonewall Center, BOBBY
SMITH- Founder of the Utah Stonewall Library, Rev. BRUCE BARTON- Spiritual
leader for the Gay Christian Community since 1978., BEAU CHAINE- Founder
of the Community Service Center, Cabaret Corporation, and voice of the Gay
Help Line since 1984, CHUCK WHYTE- creator of the Unity Show, NIKKI BOYER-
Constant champion of Gay People and co-incorporator of Gay Pride in
1985, JOE REDBURN- started The Sun
Tavern, The Trapp and The Bricks, BEN BARR-Driving force behind The Utah
AIDS Project and Foundation, PATTI REAGAN- Founder of the Salt Lake AIDS
Foundation, LUCI MALIN-leader of the Lesbian contingency of NOW, BABS DELAY- Voice for women's
issues on KRCL for 15 years, ROCKY O'DONAVAN- Founder of GAY Historical
Society & creator of the 1st Gay Pride March in Utah, MARSHALL
BRUNNER-tireless supporter of Gay causes and co-incorporator of Pride Day
in 1985, SATU - Publisher of the Triangle Magazine, DAVID SHARPTON- AIDS
awareness advocate and founder of Utah's PWAC, GREG GARCIA-founding member
of Wasatch Motorcycle Club & GLCCU and Hell Raiser, STEVE BAXTER owner
of the ever changing & improving Deer Hunter, BOB WALDROP- Gay
Libertarian and leader of one of the first Gay Protest in Utah, editor of
the Open Door from the 1976., MARCI MALLOY- Humanitarian whose shows have
brought in thousands of dollars to the community, GORDON JODIE
KOTTERWINKLE, KRAZY PETE,
MOTHER BOB, 's unselfish commitment to the Gay Community. CARRIE GAYLOR-
Tireless promoter of the Anti-violence Projects and Rape Crisis Centers
Dr. KRISTEN RIES- a truly Humanitarian doctor the first to treat AIDS
patients in Utah LaDONNA MOORE- Current direct of the Utah AIDS
Foundation, CURTIS JENSEN
co-instigator of QUEER NATION,
Everyone and anyone who helped keep The Royal COURT of the Golden
Spike Empire, The Lesbian and Gay
Student Union of the U. The Metropolitan Community Churches of Utah, The
Gay and Lesbian Community Council of Utah, Unconditional Support for Gays
and Lesbians, The 1st Thursdays Women's Group, Women AWARE , OWLS, WASATCH
AFFIRMATION, and The Utah Stonewall Center up and running! I THANK YOU ALL
FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY SOUL. AND YOU OUT THERE! 25 YEARS FROM NOW! WILL YOU
BE THE STONEWALLS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION!
BE A HERO! BE GAY AND PROUD!
1994 Salt Lake Tribune Page:
F9 COMING UP: MUSIC Lesbian, Gay Chorus. Broadway show tunes are the bill of
fare Monday when the 18-voice Lesbian & Gay Chorus of Salt Lake City
presents its second-ever concert Monday on the University of Utah campus. The 8
p.m. event will be in the Social and Behavioral Sciences Auditorium. Tickets
are $5. The varied program ranges from a medley from ``Annie Get Your Gun'' to ``What
I Did for Love'' from ``A Chorus Line.'' Among soloists is the chorus music and
artistic director, Meloni Gundersen. Accompaniment includes four-handed piano
music plus a three-instrument combo. The
chorus of lesbians and gays from the Wasatch Front was organized last fall. Monday's
concert coincides with Utah Pride Week -- part of a nationwide observance marking the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall
riots in New York City. The three-day riots generally are acknowledged as the
impetus for the modern gay-rights movement.
1995-The
Employment Non-Discrimination Act was re-introduced in Congress. HRC requested
that transsexuals not be included in the legislation.
1996 Salt Lake Tribune Page: B1
Members of the International Alliance of Courts were pleasantly
surprised when they received a letter from Gov. Mike Leavitt who, on behalf of
the citizens of Utah, welcomed them to the Beehive State for the theme-ball ``Coronation XXI: A Royal Wedding and
Imperial Honeymoon.'' Leavitt applauded the
group for the ``considerable service you give to your communities'' and
assured members: ``You will find Utah is alive with
culture, history and hospitality.'' The Salt Lake City chapter wrote back, thanking
Leavitt for recognizing the worth and contributions of the gay and lesbian
organization.
1997-San Francisco Human Rights Commissioners voted
five-to-one to retain laws regulating sex clubs, including the banning of
private rooms for sex and sex without condoms.
1997-A New York appeals court revoked all legal rights as a
parent from a lesbian who had been granted limited visitation with a child born
to her ex-lover.
2000 LOUD AND PROUD: A FESTIVAL OF
DIVERSITY 20,000 celebrate 'A New Era' at fifth annual Utah Gay Pride Day
parade and festival BY STACY JURADO SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
Nearly 20,000 people came out to celebrate diversity Sunday in Salt Lake City and ended
up just plain celebrating at the fifth annual Utah Gay Pride Day. The festivities opened with a parade that
began at the state Capitol and proceeded south on State Street to the City-County Building.
Crowds gathered along the parade route to clap and cheer. Some groups, like one from Weber State
University, carried
simple, handmade signs with messages such as, "No more violence, no more
hate." The Utah Gay Rodeo Association --
which last weekend put on its first rodeo event in Utah -- ambled down the street on horseback,
while the Utah Gay Latino Alliance held big, cardboard jigsaw puzzle pieces and
danced into formation until the puzzle pieces fit together. Variety is what
parade watcher Michael Mack comes for each year. "This parade is always entertaining
and it's a great chance to observe diversity in what can be a pretty un-diverse
city," said Mack, who brought his 12-year-old daughter, Alexandra. A news release from the Utah Gay Pride
Association said that the 2000 celebration, "A New Era of Pride," was
the fifth annual parade event, although different demonstrations of Gay unity
and pride have a longer history.
State
 |
| Jackie Biskupski |
Rep. Jackie Biskupski served as grand marshal for the parade and
was on hand for the pride festival that followed. The festival included live
music, exhibit booths and vendors. The festival provided attendees with more
than just fun, according to Biskupski. "Coming here for many people is an
opportunity to open up and celebrate who they are," the openly Gay
legislator said. "They leave with the feeling that it's OK to be exactly
what they are." Pride Day
co-chairman Adam Frost saw the festival as a chance to increase acceptance by
the community as well.
"Gathering like this allows us to have a presence in the community
and as a whole, I think it's well accepted," Frost said. Although the organizers had received
 |
| Adam Frost |
early
word that protesters would be present, there was no visible negative reaction.
Mothers pushed small children in strollers and couples sat under trees at the
City-County facility listening to the bands perform. Groups of people visited
and crowds streamed in and out of the food vendor area. Kim Russo, who co-chairs the event, said
the turnout was the largest ever. Plans for increasing ground space to accommodate
the
 |
| Kim Russo |
crowds will be under way for next year's celebration. "As early as
this coming week, people will be meeting to plan Pride Day 2001," Russo
said. "Twenty committee members meet all year long to organize the
events." General Distributing
and Bastain Foundation were the major sponsors of Pride Day, and Biskupski said
that as the attendance continues to grow, so do the sponsors. "The growing number of sponsors shows
that most people are just tired of prejudice," she said. "People are
starting to realize that all people, regardless, are pursuing the same thing
and that's happiness."
2000 FOCUSES ON DIVERSITY THE DESERET NEWS
Author: By Brady Snyder Deseret News staff writer On the surface, it's
hard to notice the thread -- a link connecting a pair of conservatively dressed
mothers to a shirtless man with matching nipple rings and leather shorts -- but
for Utah's Gay community, it's symbolic of the diversity that binds them. In
addition to embracing diversity, participants in Sunday's Utah Pride Day 2000,
which ended in a booth-laden festival at the Salt Lake City-County Building,
spoke of ending the
 |
| Jackie Biskupski |
sometimes volatile division between Gay populations and the
state's predominantly LDS culture. "If (Gays and lesbians) want their
lives to be free of prejudice and hatred, they need to not participate in it
themselves," said Pride Day Grand Marshal Jackie Biskupski, Utah's only openly Gay
state representative. "Many (Gays and lesbians) resent the LDS Church,
because they feel they are treated as outcasts; but if (Gays and lesbians)
don't get rid of their prejudices toward the Mormon Church, then they can't
expect others not to act prejudicially toward them." Sinc
 |
| Kim Russo |
e 1978 when Salt Lake's
Pride Day was held at Sugar House's Fairmont
Park, the festival has
gained momentum, and Sunday's crowd of 20,000 -- many who participated in a 10
a.m. parade down State Street
from the State Capitol before the festival -- was the largest to date, said Kim
Russo, Pride Day co-chairwoman. "We're growing," Russo said.
"I've noticed a lot more families are here this year, and we welcome
that." Affirmation, a support group established for homosexual LDS Church
members, occupied one of the many information and business booths at the
festival. Affirmation works with Gays and lesbians raised in LDS families who
are trying to reconcile their lifestyle with their faith. "I guess it
depends on how you define being Mormon. Most of us are inactive, but we still
value Mormonism as a cultural and spiritual system," Affirmation member
John Duffy said Sunday. "Many people who join feel very guilty at first.
They feel God doesn't love them, but we say God loves no matter how we've
chosen to live our lives."
2000 OGDEN
STANDARD EXAMINER The writer of the June 1 letter, "Homosexuality is as
controllable as anger," spoke authoritatively on the subject of
homosexuality. I, too, am concerned that "if lies are repeated enough,
some will begin to accept them as truth." Although we don't know, there
are many studies that suggest there is a physiological basis (Byne &
Parsons, 1993; Ellis & Arnes, 1987; Money, 1987; Swaab, 1995). The American
Psychological Association states that it is not a matter of individual choice.
The writer offered some statistics that suggested a drastically shorter lifespan
among homosexuals. I'd like to place some statistics beside the
"statistics" he presented. The percentage of suicide attempts among
194 Gay, lesbian and bisexual youth in a 1993 study was 42 percent. In Hunter's
1990 research, 40 percent of the youth reported violent attacks. Forty-six
percent of these attacks were related to their sexual orientation, and 44
percent of those who experienced violence expressed suicidal orientation. The
writer cited the Centers for Disease Control as finding that "the median
number of sexual partners during a lifetime is 1,100!" Is it possible that
the homosexual population of the study was drawn from homosexuals with a
disease? I have no problem with "seeking help from family, friends,
clergy, medical authorities and God," as long as all of these people are
accepting of the homosexual in need of support. Michelle Butler Salt Lake City
2000 OGDEN STANDARD EXAMINER The
June 1 letter, "Homosexuality as controllable as anger," with its
undocumented rhetoric astounded me. The letter writer said, "If lies are
repeated often enough, some will begin to accept them as truth." I submit
his statements are among those lies, and I challenge him to submit
documentation for his facts. I have read reports supporting genetic
homosexuality, as well as alcoholism. I can't understand why
"Christians" cannot follow the example of Christ. Christ ministered
to the people who society reviled in His day, and often reproved those who set
themselves above others in self-righteousness. Can the writer tell me exactly
when it was that he chose to live a heterosexual lifestyle? If a person
 |
| Dominique Storni |
can
change, could he alter his orientation to homosexuality? Many who have changed
their orientation force themselves to fit society's expectations, but they do
not change. In the wake of these transformations, many innocent people are
hurt. The short life expectancy in the Gay community is affected by suicide. In
the transgendered community, 50 percent attempt or succeed committing suicide
by age 30. To many, the human need for love and approval offer only two cures
for homosexuality -- acceptance or death. I do not live a homosexual lifestyle.
I simply live. I work, pay my bills,volunteer, try not to judge others and
teach my children to be honest, caring individuals who contribute positively to
society and respect all humanity, life and nature. Dominique Storni Salt Lake City
2000 OGDEN STANDARD EXAMINER As a human
being, the misinformation propagated by those who feel the need to impose their
narrow definition of "healthy lifestyle" on others concerns me. This
might prevent those who are something other than straight from realizing they
are valuable human beings with something to contribute just as they are. It
wasn't long ago that left handers were restrained and forced to do everything
with their right hands. "Normal" people thought it unnatural to use
the left hand, so it was necessary to fix those who exhibited this trait. Well,
guess what? For left handers it's unnatural to use the right hand. They can use
it if they try, but why should they have to? Is a right hander really all that
put out because someone else is using their left hand? Some people are
ambidextrous, and for them it is natural. Why should they be forced to stick to
the right hand? The June 1 letter, "Homosexuality is as controllable as
anger," confuses the issue of orientation, making it sound like it's
defined by actions. This is similar to claiming that a 4-foot person is 6 feet
tall because they walk on stilts, trying to fit in. But at least the 6-foot
people are happy when the 4-foot person goes through this uncomfortable ritual
to overcome their "defect." The letter also quotes statistics that
have reached urban-legend status. They come from biased sources which have been
discredited. I invite readers to go to www.cdc.gov and try to find this data
themselves. Also take a look at www.apa.org/pi/parent.html," a paper with
actual, verifiable references. Note the discussion of the difficulty of
obtaining precise samples for this population. Also see
www.apa.org/pubinfo/answers.html and www.siecus.org/religion/reli0001.html.
Perhaps the letter writer who managed to provide such precise numbers could
provide checkable references for his claims. Dave E. Martin Ogden
2000 OGDEN STANDARD EXAMINER To the writer
of the June 1 letter, "Homosexuality is as controllable as anger":
Where in the world did you get such a kaleidoscope of facts and figures? It is
quite obvious to me that you never received an academic scholarship. What
business is it of yours what Gays and lesbians do with their lives? So what if
they all go to hell? I'm quite certain they will not be the only ones there! It
never ceases to amaze me how much hate and prejudice fills our world. We have
people dying on the streets of Salt
Lake City because they have no food to eat, and people
like you complain about someone's sexual orientation! When was the last time
you helped the homeless or walked around a track to help eradicate cancer? I
have proudly served in the Armed Forces for eight years, defending this
country's freedom and honor. It pains me to discover the criticism and
judgments of an uneducated, hateful individual such as yourself. I realize you
may have been the last kid in your fourth-grade class to be selected for the
kickball team, but could you please stop taking out your anger and bitterness
on others who have moved past the traumatic experiences of their childhood. It
is time you joined the rest of the adults and obtained a life. Angela McDermott Logan
2000 OGDEN STANDARD EXAMINER The June 1
letter, "Homosexuality is as controllable as anger," goes past all
standards of journalistic, even editorial, integrity. This letter, from a
person self-identified as a physician, is akin to phony "statistics"
supporting, for example, a prejudice against Mexicans. The writer's letter is
simply bulging with blatant lies! For just one example, the average lifespans
of Gay men which he quoted (42/39, AIDS/no AIDS) are taken directly from a
discredited study by a discredited "scientist" at the Family Research
Institute, who has been booted out of professional associations across the
country precisely because of ethical violations in such "studies."
The rest of the statistics could just as easily have been (and have been)
published as anti-Gay propaganda directly from the FRI and are just as
damaging, especially the author's statement that "association with ...
child abuse ... is much higher in those practicing homosexual behavior."
This false information has been discredited since the mid-80s.In 1984 all
members of the American Psychological Association received official written
notice that the "scientist" was "dropped from membership for a
violation of the Preamble to the Ethical Principles of Psychologists" on
Dec. 2, 1983, by the APA Board of Directors. In 1985, the American Sociological
Association adopted a resolution saying he "has consistently
misinterpreted and misrepresented sociological research on sexuality,
homosexuality and lesbianism." Allan Ross San Diego, Ca.
2000 OGDEN
STANDARD EXAMINER Regarding the June 1 letter, "Homosexuality is as
controllable as anger": The writer wasn't even subtle. His personal bias
about the issue of homosexuality was very evident. How can an individual who
uses such phrases as "unhealthy lifestyle," "deviant
behavior" and "struggling with same-sex attraction" possibly
present statistics about homosexuality in an unbiased way? How can someone who
has been through graduate school throw out such vague, poorly documented
statistics in such an undergraduate manner? Give us some specific data to
support such ridiculous conclusions. What qualifies the writer as an expert on
homosexuality? Has he read at least 20-30 good books on the subject of homosexuality?
Has he attended at least 50-100 hours of lectures on the subject of sexual
orientation given by some of the foremost researchers in the world? Has he
taken part in 100-200 hours of seminars and conferences? Has he personally
spent 200-300 hours in the company of Gay and lesbian persons to gain insight
into whether they have chosen their "deviant lifestyles" and are just
"pretending" to be homosexual?
"As controllable as anger"? Spare us such nonsense. Until the
letter writer can do a better objective and professional job in presenting his
views on a subject it is obvious he knows little about, I suggest he keeps his
vicious, hurtful "stuff" in his desk drawer with all the other
tabloid junk. Mac Madsen Ogden
2002 From Chad K to Pride
Committee Subject: Water Okay....The clubs are calling me back....many are
interested in buying water but on a weekly or bi weekly order. I have not problem coordinating the
deliveries, so long as we are all in agreement. Couple of things: I have based
my price for water on .50 per bottle with 24 bottles per case for a total of
12.50 per case. We have had a club
offer storage for us to store all we need to for a case or two for free. This room has limited access, and would be
available authorized Pride Board members or committee members from 9:00 am to
bar close time. The other clubs are
interested but want to do weekly or biweekly orders, as items like water they
don’t have a lot of room. I see that we right now are on a PR high. We can use this as a way to build pride into
a year round functioning organization, rather that us retreat until next May
when we resurface. Also I know that we
might want to save it till next year....Personally I would not buy a bottle of
water that I thought sat around for a year. But maybe some would. In addition
to water, XXXXXX has asked that I see that Pride join in the Summer BBQ rotation.
He would like us to take the BBQ on June 23 and then we would be the
third on the rotation. He only will
take organizations that will have follow through. Per our conversation a year ago and back he
would never have made the offer as Pride just did not have the follow through,
or people that could be trusted by the organizations he offered it to see that
everyone was charged fairly, and that the money was accounted for properly. It is another good opportunity for us to keep
Pride out there functioning year round.
Plus it gives us extra cash, and a cushion for bigger things we may want
to do this fall I need to know about the
storage and the BBQ thing as soon as possible.
Personally If I am going to coordinate the deliveries I like the idea as it is centrally located to the
clubs. All water MUST be invoiced by Stacy
[Robinson], Craig or Darrin..... Let me know!
2003 Pride Day Sees 35,000; 120 from U By Sheena McFarland A record
number of U students marched in Sunday's Pride Day Parade, highlighting the
growing support of the gay community on campus, participants say. About 120
students-more than any year before-rode on the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender
Resource Center float or marched
 |
| Charles Milne |
behind a Lesbian & Gay Student Union
banner through downtown, according to Charles Milne, director of the LGBT
Resource Center. "Today is such a wonderful expression of community, and
the U is very pleased to have students, faculty and staff joining together in
support," said Kay Harward, associate vice president for enrollment, who
marched with LGSU in the
parade. Lauren Littlefield, co-president of LGSU, was
"amazed" at the turnout. "There were 35,000 people at Pride Day,
and probably 95 percent of them stopped by our booth to donate, say hi or just
say that they support us," Littlefield said. Littlefield wanted to let
people know about the student group, which has been on campus since 1975.
"LGSU is a very upstanding part of Utah's gay community. We're going on 30
years, and we wanted to make sure everyone knew we were still here,"
Littlefield said, commenting on the reason LGSU participated in the parade.
Along with LGSU's booth, the LGBT Resource Center set up a booth where
passersby could
 |
| Lauren Littlefield |
purchase stress balls and Mardi Gras beads to help raise funds
for the center. Clint Hayward, a staff member in the Student Services Building,
was one of the volunteers manning the booth. "We're here to get
information out and let people know we're an on-campus resource, and we can
arrange talks in classes and provide more background about the LGBT
community," he said. Many of the people who visited the booth were
students from other schools, such as Westminster College, and prospective U
students wanting more information about support for LGBT students at the U,
Hayward said. That is what organizers had hoped for. "Potential students
often see the U as an intimidating place, and if we can get the word out that
there is a place like this center that accepts them as individuals, they are
more confident coming," Milne said in an earlier interview. Participants
in Sunday's parade said they wished more of the acceptance they felt at Pride
Day could be transferred to the U. "A lot of people I talk to describe
Pride Day as 'gay Christmas' because they don't have to worry about anyone or
anything, and that would be nice for the LGBT community to have that same
feeling on campus," Milne said. Harward said the campus is more accepting
of the LGBT community than the past, but there is still room to grow. "I'm
pleased that the U is moving toward acceptance of differences," he said.
"But I hope there is a better embracing of minorities and that we all
realize we are all after the same goal: the love, tolerance and acceptance of
all peoples."
2004 SECOND ANNUAL UTAH DYKE
MARCH Who: All lesbian identifying or supporting women who are brave, proud and
willing to be visible and make a statement.
Women of all ages are welcome. We invite our male friends to support us
by lining the streets and cheering us on. Where: Gather on South lawn, State Capitol. March
IN THE STREET down State Street and then to 400 South, 200 East. We will not have to stop for traffic lights
this year, nor do we have to walk on the sidewalk. Come out and march proudly with us! Dyke marches have been held in cities like
San Francisco and New York for many years and they attract tens of thousands of
women. These marches are VERY empowering
 |
| Jackie Biskupski |
events. Let's try to make our march as
big as possible! This is a good year to be courageous, to come out and join us
for this women's march for equality.
Remember the courage of people in San Francisco, Portland, Oregon and in
Massachusetts. Come to the march in your
wedding dress, if you like! When:
June 12, 2004 4:30 -
gather & group with banners 4:45 - Speaker: Jackie Biskupski 5:00 p.m. MARCH! How: We hope you will want to join us to be
visible: make signs, make noise! Bring a banner, a drum, or whatever moves
you. What will your sign / banner
say? "BYU Dykes" "Dyke Grandmas" "Dyke for a Day?" Maybe 'Equal Marriage Rights for ALL!" or "Liberty and Justice for
ALL". Get creative! 'bob' is
organizing a women's marching band! If
you can get your hands on an instrument and play it, email mmaureen@glccu.com
2005 Pride march in Salt Lake Deseret News People participating in the annual Gay Pride Parade and Festival walk
along 200 East to Library Square in Salt Lake City on Sunday. The theme of this
year's event, sponsored by the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community
Center of Utah, was "Equal Rights, No More, No Less."
UTAH PRIDE EVENTS SCHEDULE Utah
Pride Film Festival ~ June 8-11 - Grand Marshal Reception ~ June 10 @ 6-8PM ~
Downtown SL Library Honoring Senator Scott McCoy and our 2005 community award
winners. Tickets are $25. Dyke March ~ June 11 ~ Rally @ 6PM Meet at City Creek
Park. The march starts @ 6:45 and culminates at the Pride Dance. Utah Pride
2005 Dance ~ June 11@ 6-10PM ~ 200 E 400 S ~ Come dance the night away with
Sexy DJ Claudette! Pride Interfaith Service ~ June 11 @ 6PM ~ First Baptist
Church 1300 E 777 S The service will last approximately one hour. After the
service, we will have refreshments and hold a social. After the service, please
join us at the Pride Dance downtown at: 200 E 400 South, SLC! Pride
Run/Walk/Roll ~ June 12 (pets welcome) gather @ 8:00AM on the east side of the
state capital. Run starts at 8:30. Registration starts at 7:30. Race day
registration fee is $25 and includes a great t-shirt. Pride Day Parade ~ June
12 @10AM ~ Kicks off at 300S and State St and ends near festival grounds. Pride
Day Festival ~ June 12 from 11AM - 6PM ~ Downtown SL Library Square (enter from
the east this year). Tickets are $5. Visit a ticket outlet today to get your
tickets in advance!
LAST CHANCE FOR UTAH PRIDE LAWN SIGNS!! Display your PRIDE
and be OUT & Proud with Utah Pride lawn signs - available NOW at the
Center!!
ALSO DURING PRIDE WEEK....... "Project Fabulocity" ~ A Play
featuring GLBTQ Youth ~ an original theatrical work shaped by the real-life
experiences of Salt Lake City's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth
-- plus a few of their straight friends. The play, presented by Tooth &
Nail Theatre and acted by the students themselves, will be staged four times
this weekend at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center , 138 W. 300 South, Salt
Lake City. When: Friday, 8 p.m. ; Saturday, 3 and 8 p.m. ; and June 12, 6 p.m.
Tickets: $10, available through ArtTix,
 |
| Jane & Tami Marquardt |
2005 Equal Rights No More No Less was the theme. Gay
State Senator Scott McCoy was Grand Marshal for the Gay Pride Parade. Jane and
Tami Marquart were chosen recipients of the Dr. Kristen Ries Award. Pride
Run/Walk/Roll ~ June 12 (pets welcome) gather @ 8:00AM on the east side of the
state capital. Run starts at 8:30. Registration starts at 7:30. Race day
registration fee is $25 and includes a great t-shirt. Pride Day Parade ~ June
12 @10AM ~ Kicks off at 300S and State St and ends near festival grounds. Pride Day Festival ~ June 12 from 11AM - 6PM ~ Downtown SL Library Square
(enter from the east this year). Tickets are $5. Visit a ticket outlet today to
get your tickets in advance!
 |
| Scott McCoy |
2005 Gays in Utah hope festival
symbolizes a sunny future By Sean P. Means The Salt Lake Tribune The rain
let up Sunday morning just as hundreds of gay Utahns, and the straight people
who love them, began marching through downtown Salt Lake City in the 2005 Utah
Pride Parade. State Sen. Scott McCoy, one of Utah's two openly gay legislators,
couldn't help but find a metaphor in the weather. "You always have to go
through a little bit of clouds and a little bit of rain before the sunshine
comes out - and that is exactly what is going to happen with our community here
in Utah," McCoy, the parade's grand marshal, said from a balcony of the
City-County Building. McCoy referred to last November's passage of Amendment 3,
which denies anything resembling marital rights to same-sex couples. That
ballot initiative passed with 66.7 percent of the vote, but McCoy told people
attending Utah Pride festivities that Utah's gay community "got many
victories out of that campaign." "Even though we ultimately lost that
battle, we had a statewide dialogue on the issues that affect our lives and our
families," McCoy said. Political groups sympathetic to gay rights
mobilized, and the Utah Legislature ended up with two openly gay members:
McCoy, picked to replace Paula Julander in February, and four-term Rep. Jackie Biskupski. "I don't think
they were expecting that outcome from the amendment fight, but it serves 'em right," McCoy
said. Sunday's parade allowed hundreds of gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgendered people to walk en masse down Salt Lake City streets, and for
their families and friends to show their support. Also walking were dozens of
dogs, six horses (ridden by members of the Utah Gay Rodeo Association) and four
llamas (courtesy of the Lambda Hiking Club). Trucks pulled flatbeds that were
turned into disco dance floors. The Salt Lake Men's Choir, in matching tie-dyed
T-shirts, performed songs from "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat." Drag queens gave their best Miss America waves from the backs
of convertibles - one sporting a banner announcing "Utah's Oldest Deaf
Drag Queen." Some 30 Speedo-clad men from the Queer Utah Aquatic Center
tossed water-polo balls in formation. "We're here, we're proud and we
don't care what people think of us - we're just here to have fun," said
Michael Miller, a junior at Weber State University and member of that school's
Gay Straight Alliance. Organizers hoped this year's attendance would match last
year's estimate of 30,000 - even with organizers charging a first-time $5
admission fee for the events on Library Square and Washington Square. Politics
and protest were on display. Equality Utah ran a political forum in an open-air
amphitheater, where people could hear speakers. Meanwhile, a half-dozen
fundamentalist Christian protesters outside the fenced event area, carrying the
same signs they use to harangue Mormons near the Main Street Plaza, were
engaged by about 50 attendees inside. Neither the political forum nor the
protest debate drew nearly as many people as the two music stages or the lines
for beer. Corporate entries were prominent.
Employees of Wells Fargo, American Express and Washington Mutual walked in the
parade. Joining them among the booths after the parade were such companies as
Qwest, Cingular, XMission and Sam's Club. "A lot of businesses and
corporations find it important to show they will not be
 |
| Michael Aaron |
discriminating against
you," said Michael Aaron, publisher of Salt Lake Metro, a biweekly
newspaper for gays and lesbians. "They know that a diverse clientele and a
diverse employee base is very important to a healthy corporate
environment." Organizations for gay members of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints marched, as did
contingents from several Utah churches. Duane Jennings, chair of the Pride
Interfaith Committee, said those groups aim "to let gays, lesbians,
bisexuals and transgendered know that spirituality is open to everyone . . .,
that you don't have to put your religion or your spirituality in the closet." For many Utah gays
who feel isolated in their communities, Aaron said, Utah Pride is about
"camaraderie - we need to be here to back each other up. Secondly, [we
are] coming out in numbers, and making sure the fact gets out to the general
public that there are a lot more people here than they think."
2010 Salt Lake's only GLBT square dance club invites you to come
"give it a whirl" at our latest "Taste" of Square Dancing
event on June 12, 7-9pm. Being led by our local favorite caller Ross Lopton,
this energetic, non-traditional and fun evening will give beginners a chance to
"get a taste" of what Modern Western Square Dancing is all about with
help from experienced "angels" from Temple Squares. If you've square
danced with us before, you'll have a chance to "brush-up" your
footwork. This FREE of charge, public-participatio n event will take place this
Saturday, June 12,, 7-9pm, at the Columbus Center in South Salt Lake I know,
you're thinking "SQUARE dancing"? But as we say at Temple Squares:
"This ain't your Grandma's square dancing!" Modern Western Square
Dancing gives anyone the chance to dance either "boy" or
"girl", in casual clothing, with a community of supportive gay,
lesbian and straight friends. You're just as likely to be square dancing
to the beat of Pop, Salsa, Ethnic, Sinatra or Madonna, as Country Western or
Bluegrass music. Singles or couples are welcome, but bringing a whole group of
friends makes it even more fun! Make it a special night out- challenge
your friends! But remember, for everyone's safety and comfort, these
events are alcohol-free. We look forward to seeing you! Temple
Squares, the only LGBTQ* square dance club in Utah, was first organized in
1993. The only problem at that time...no caller could be found. Then
in 2008, after our first club caller moved to town, we were off and running! We
were admitted to the International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs (or
IAGSDC) during the 26th annual convention in Washington DC (April 9, 2009). Check
out the IAGSDC history project for a history of
Gay square dancing and the IAGSDC. Temple
Squares was the host club for the 31st annual IAGSDC Convention, Squeeze the
Hive, over the July 4th, 2014 weekend. Thinking of going to an IAGSDC Convention?
2014 Did Mormon Tabernacle Choir send message of support to Pride
Festival? TV or not TV by Scott PierceThe choice of music in Sunday's edition of "Music and
the Spoken Word" seemed somewhat startling to some people. As the Gay Pride Parade was gearing up a few blocks away,
the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." That
song, from "The Wizard of Oz," has become a gay anthem over the
years. And at least a few locals were wondering if there was some
kind of subtext to the song choice. If the MoTabs were sending a message of
support. That is, of course, incredibly unlikely. OK, it's
impossible. So it had to be a fluke, right? Or was it, perhaps,
providence? Well, one local observed, "Since there's no way that
anyone did this deliberately, but it's also extremely implausible that it's
pure coincidence, I guess we have to conclude that the person behind this
little bit of subversive outreach was God."
2016 Omar Mateen a 29-year-old security guard killed 49 people and wounded 58 others in a terrorist attack/ hate crime inside Pulse a Gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. He was shot and killed by Orlando Police Department officers after a three-hour standoff. Pulse was hosting a "Latin Night" and thus most of the victims were Latinos. It was both the deadliest mass shooting by a single shooter and the deadliest incident of violence against Gay and Trans people in United States history. It was also the deadliest terrorist attack in the United States since the September 11 attacks.
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