This Day In Gay Utah History June 13th

13 June

1878 - LDS political newspaper Salt Lake Herald's editorial on "Unhappy Marriages" begins: "We cannot say how many divorces the (Mormon) Utah probate courts have granted during the last few years, but the number is enormous, amounting to perhaps thousands."

Karyl Norman

1897 Karyl Norman was born George Francis Peduzzi on June 13, 1897 to a middle class family in Baltimore, MD. Karyl Norman, by all accounts, was one of the most fascinating and glamorous of vaudeville’s gender-bending vamps. Norman was the original voguin’ vixen and one of the premier princesses of the so-called “Pansy Craze.” Karyl Norman paved the way for countless female impersonators who came after him. Whatever Karyl Norman may have been in his private life, he was a master showman on the stage and a whiz at publicity. In 1921 he announced that he was engaged to the dazzling acrobatic star of vaudeville, Ruth Budd. This seemed to press agents a match made in hype heaven. For Ruth Budd was as masculine as Karyl was feminine. They were the Eagle and the Dove cooed gossip columnists, but it wasn’t quite clear which was the Eagle and which the Dove. What those in-the-know knew, of course, was that Karyl was not the marrying kind. Unlike Eltinge who fiercely protested that he was not Gay, Karyl was less inclined to mince words. Earlier in 1921, Karyl had been made an honorary member of the Ohio State University’s dramatic club. The boys who dolled up as girls in the annual “Scarlet Mask” put on an all-male show called “Oh, My Omar,” sporting Karyl’s seductive wardrobe. He had donated his costumes, worth over $3000, the papers said, because of his devotion to the cast. In 1924, he was slated to appear in the fabled Greenwich Village Follies, which catered to the Bohemian set. Cole Porter wrote the music and lyrics that year. But according to various reports I’ve read, Karyl seems to have been dropped in favor of Fifi D’Orsay when the show went on tour. In 1930 Karyl, after returning from another triumphant tour of Australia and New Zealand, achieved fame of a different sort when he appeared as the headline attraction at a new nightspot called The Pansy Club at 204 W. 48th Street, on the corner of Broadway in New York. Part of the so-called Pansy Craze of the late 20s and 30s, this club catered to a different clientele than those of his old vaudeville days. The queerness of drag was coming out of the closet. No one who dropped by the Pansy Club could claim ignorance as to the sexual persuasion of the “queens” who vogued along its runways. Like the drag balls up in Harlem, the Pansy Club was a hideaway for a burgeoning underground gay subculture, but also a haven for aging flappers and party-goers who liked “slumming.” That these establishments were run by gangsters proved their undoing however.

Paul Lynde

1926-Paul Lynde, comedian and actor was born. He was arrested for being disorderly in Salt Lake City in front of a Gay bar.

1991-In a letter to Colorado for Family Values founder Tony Marco, Brian McCormick of Pat Robertson's National Legal Foundation suggested the use of the phrase "No Special Privileges" to campaign for voter support for Amendment 2, but warned that it should not be used in the amendment since opponents could argue that Gay rights laws are not special privileges but seek to make the rights of homosexuals equal to everyone else.

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1991 Thursday “In the evening went to Uncondtional Support meeting at the Utah Stonewall Center and did a lesson on the Stonewall Riots. Queer Nation met in the large room. After the meeting we went down to the In-Between for a drink and to sit out on the patio. [Journal of Ben Williams]

Michael Hardwick

1991  Michael Hardwick died. Born in Miami, Florida, to a middle-class family, Hardwick studied horticulture at the University of Florida and worked in several professions before settling in Atlanta, Georgia, as a bartender at a gay bar. In August 1982, a police officer entering Hardwick's apartment to serve him with a warrant for failure to appear in court (later determined to be invalid) found Hardwick engaged in private consensual oral sex with another man, and arrested both under Georgia's sodomy law, that was a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Laws forbidding sodomy have ancient roots. While the individual's sex is rarely stated therein, they have almost always been used to prosecute homosexual conduct. All fifty US states forbade sodomy until 1961, when legal reformers in Illinois first removed the penalty. Movements to repeal the laws continued in the post-Stonewall gay and lesbian rights movement. By the time of Hardwick's arrest, sodomy laws were almost universally unenforced. Some legal scholars believed the laws were therefore unimportant, while many advocates of gay and lesbian equality saw them as a symbolic gesture of hatred and recognized them as obstacles to other goals such as military service, immigration rights or same-sex marriage. After prompting by the American Civil Liberties Union, Hardwick agreed to challenge the constitutionality of the Georgia law. The United States Supreme Court heard the case in March 1986. Hardwick's attorneys argued that his privacy rights had been violated. In its June 1986 opinion, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Georgia sodomy statute by a narrow 5-4 vote. Although keeping a low public profile as his case worked its way through the system, his experience as the victim of a hate crime and his frustration at the Court's decision led him to speak out at political gatherings and on national television programs.  Michael Hardwick died in Gainsville, Florida due to complications from AIDS.

David Nelson

1992- [POLITICS] Fearing Voter backlash, delegates to the State Democratic Convention last Friday trimmed a controversial statement of support for the rights of Gays and Lesbians from their party platform. Delegates from Utah County led the motion to delete the statement (SLTribune B1 6/13/92)

• June 13, 1992The Salt Lake Tribune Letter: Platform Fracas As the proponent of the Salt Lake County Democratic platform amendment about gay and lesbian issues (The Salt Lake Tribune, May 31), I should explain that it was an overwhelming majority of the convention delegates, not just gays and lesbians, who voted down the proposed platform. As I told the convention, gay and lesbian Democrats and I had tried for five weeks to encourage party leaders to include the amendment in their proposal. They refused repeatedly. When it became clear to the delegates that party leaders were continuing to delay on our amendment, as well as the pro-choice amendment, the convention erupted in justifiable anger. Gay and lesbian Utah Democrats and I never wanted to show such disunity or vulnerability of the party. Unfortunately, we believe that the party's integrity is more important. DAVID NELSON Salt Lake City

Ben Barr

1992  The Utah AIDS Foundation, started five years ago with little more than the tenacity of its first executive director, Ben Barr. Barr made $25,000, but on occasions he took nothing when the foundation had cash-flow problems.  In 1992 foundation had an annual budget is $340,000.  The foundation had to move up its annual ``Walk For Life'' three months earlier this year to June 13 to raise emergency funds to serve an onslaught of new clients. Of the more than 300 clients the foundation has served since the beginning of 1989, 80 came in the past three months. The 4<sup>th</sup> annual ``Walk For Life,'' an annual fund-raiser to benefit AIDS services, programs and providers sponsored by the Utah AIDS Foundation. The 10-K walkathon attracted more than 2,000 Utahns. Opening ceremonies held at the Utah Capitol, which included performances by music groups, an aerobic warm-up by the Anatomy Academy, and welcoming remarks by government officials. The walk began and ended at the Capitol, after trekking through City Creek Canyon and the Avenues, winding down to South Temple and finally making the homestretch jaunt up MainStreet. ( 5/17/92  Page: B10 SLTribune)

1993 The Salt Lake Tribune Jones Unanimous Choice to Lead Democrats The Utah Democratic Party took a step toward revolutionary change by unanimously selecting a party chairman who wants to make the traditional volunteer post a full-time paid position. State Rep. Dave Jones, Salt Lake, the consensus choice after his only opponent Dave Thomas withdrew, has said Democrats need a full-time leader to define the party's image rather than let Republicans do it for them. He will take his argument to party contributors to see if Utah will join 11 other states in having a paid party leader. The statewide Democratic delegates, in a sparse turnout that saw only one quarter of the delegates participate at the organizing convention at Cottonwood High School Saturday, picked longtime Democratic activist Jill Remington, an employee of Salt Lake County, as vice-chairwoman. She defeated Utah County Chairwoman LaVon Laursen 472 to 451. Former state Rep. Byron Anderson defeated Utah Gay and Lesbian founder David Nelson 382 to 229 for party secretary. Warren Nuesmeyer, retired worker for the AFL-CIO, was unopposed for party treasurer.

Kevin Hillman

Ben Barr

1993-Sunday The 1993 Pride Day event was Director Kevin Hillman’s third and last. With the Gay and Lesbian Community Council of Utah waning,  issues of gender parity were no longer a prime concern and Kyle Kennedy of the Utah Gay and Lesbian Youth Group was elected co-chair. Pride Day was held June 13, again at the at Salt Lake County Fairgrounds in Murray.  However this year there was no Gay and Lesbian film festival. Marlin Criddle as acting Chair of the Utah Stonewall Center was too involved in the affairs of the center to pull together the quality of events he had had previously.  The Utah Gay and Lesbian Art

Val Mansfield

Show was the only event  still being held that year in conjunction with Pride Day. The 1993  Kristen Ries Award for Community Service was given to Ben Barr, Val Mansfield, and

Kathy Worthington

Kathy Worthington. The Utah AIDS Foundation founder Ben Barr was honored for his work with Gay men in the AIDS Community.  Val Mansfield was honored for all his creation of Pride Day posters during the the 1980's and his work as director of the Media Subcommittee of the Gay and Lesbian Community Council of Utah.  Kathy Worthington was recognized for her Womyn's Community News a publication for the Lesbian community as well as her volunteerism at the Utah Stonewall Center. 

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1994  I went down to the Stonewall Center.  Alex Gallegos was volunteering tonight.  Luci

Luci Malin

Malin was moderating a fund raising group.  I left the center about 7 and rode over to see Jimmy Hamamoto but he wasn't home.  Bobbie Smith came out of his apartment and we sat down like old times and visited. Still won't talk about the Pillar. Its simply taboo for me.  Still too much pain and resentment.  He's still planning on leaving June 20th.  [Journal of Ben Williams]

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1998-Vice President Al Gore met with Gay and lesbian political leaders at the White House. Gore vowed that he and the president would oppose any federal legislation that would interfere with the ability of Gays and lesbians to adopt.

1998- Saturday- 2^nd Annual Pride Out Door dance was held at the Gallivan Center in downtown SLC.

Patty Reagan

1999 Sunday Gay Pride Parade 1999 marched from the state Capitol to the City-County Building.  Dr. Kristen Ries, Wendy Weaver, and SLC mayoral candidate Rocky Anderson were followed by a 300-foot Rainbow flag carried by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. The parade's Grand

Marshalls was actor Dan Butler, "Bulldog" from the television series "Frasier". Provo residents Gary and Millie Watts who head Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays also rode in the parade.  Pride Day was held at the City-County Building at Washington Square to celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion in New York City. Pride Day co-chairs were Kim Russo and Jeff Freedman.  Estimated 20,000 attended throughout the day.  The Kristin Ries Community Service Award went to Dr. Patty Reagan, a professor at the University of Utah for her pioneering efforts of AIDS awareness in Utah and as founder of the Utah AIDS Foundation then known as Salt Lake Aids Foundation.

• The Pride Day ’99 Celebration was the last pride day event co-chaired by Jeff Freedman. His co-chair this year was Kim Russo. The event was held June 13, once more at Washington Square. Estimated crowds were at a record high of 20,000 people. The fourth Pride Parade also had a record 76 registered contingents participating. The parade's Grand Marshal was actor Dan Butler, "Bulldog" from the

  

  Kim Russo

  television series "Frasier." Butler shared marshal honors with Provo residents Gary and Millie Watts,  of Utah’s Chapter of

  

  Jeff Freedman

  Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Dr. Kristen Ries rode in an open car in the parade as did teacher Wendy Weaver and Salt Lake City mayoral candidate Ross "Rocky" Anderson, followed by the 300-foot Rainbow flag carried by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Dr. Patty Reagan was awarded the 1999 honor for her creating the Salt Lake AIDS Foundation and pioneering AIDS education in Utah.
• "I thought I knew everybody who was gay, but I have a lot of
  people to meet…” (The Pride Parade was)  "a lot more fun than Sunday School would have been." ," -Millie Watts
• "People do not choose to be homosexual, they discover that they are…We want exactly the same things for all our children, gay or straight, including the right to be with someone they love." -Gary Watts
• DAN BUTLER The Utah Pride Committee is proud to announce Mr. Dan Butler as our Grand Marshal for Pride Day 1999.  If anyone has seen the hit comedy series FRASIER, and I’m sure you have, then you know the character Bob “Bulldog” Brisco.  Dan portrays Bulldog Brisco

  

  
  

  as the oversexed, obnoxious radio sportscaster who relentlessly torments FRASIER with his frat-boy antics. Dan currently resides in Los Angeles but grew-up in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Surprisingly, he was not raised in the business.  “Looking back at my life, (my career) just unfolded in front of me.”  Unfolded it did.  Dan has directed, written and acted in film, television and theater.  He is a multi-dimensional actor, with his hand in every aspect of the business.  Last season he made his television directional debut with the FRASIER episode entitled “FRASIER Gotta Have It” by Rob Greenberg.  Prior to FRASIER, Butler was the associate artistic director of the Road Theater Company where he received the Los Angeles Times Critic’s choice award for his work as director of their production “The Walkers.”  As a writer, Butler’s credits include the book and lyrics for the musical, The Case of the Dead Flamingo Dancer, and most notably, his critically-acclaimed one-man show, The Only Thing Worse You Could Have Told Me... which had a successful seven month run in Los Angeles.  The production then moved Off-Broadway, where it garnered both a Drama Desk and Outer Circle Award nominations. The credits do not stop here.  Butler made his Broadway debut in the American prior of Harold Pinter’s “The Hothouse” and also starred as Sgt. Toomey in “Biloxi Blues.”  His film credits include, “The Silence of the Lambs,” “The Fan,” “I Love Trouble,” “The Long Walk Home,” and “Long Time Companion,” as well as the short film, “Clowns.”  Dan has also played major supporting roles on television on such shows as “Carolina in the City,” “The X-Files,” “Roseanne,” “Picket Fences,” and most recently, HBO’s “From the Earth to the Moon” and “Touched by An Angel.” Even with an obviously busy schedule, Dan takes the time to do what he can for the gay and lesbian movement.  “It is not the only important movement, but it is dear to my heart,” Dan remarks as he continues to speak of how his involvement started.  His first event was in 1994 where he worked with Candice Gingrich as co-chair for the Human Rights Campaign, National Coming Out Day.  Since then he has been active in New York and wherever the gay and lesbian movement periodically takes him.  He was spurred on again by the recent events such as: the brutal killing of Matthew Shepard, the Adoption Board voting against homosexuals to legally adopt, and the East High Alliance struggle.  Dan believes that using his status as a visible gay celebrity is more beneficial in places like Salt Lake City over larger cities.  “In Los Angeles and San Francisco, you’re preaching to people already out,” further stressing that he is not coming to Utah to stir up controversy, but simply to say, “hey, we believe in you.” Butler understands that the work he does is important, but he does not see himself as a hero.  He affirms that the hero’s are the people who struggle daily with prejudice and adversary.  “There are many more courageous people (than me) with every day life issues.”  Butler paid special attention to Wendy Weaver and Kelly Peterson for their courage to step forward and personally make a difference in the gay and lesbian movement. When asked about his partner, the mood shifted from a professional tone to one of deep affection.  Almost sheepishly, Dan replied that he and his partner, Richard Waterhouse, have been together for five years, while proudly stating that they recently married in March.  Congratulations Dan and Richard! On behalf of the Utah Pride Committee, thank you Dan and Richard for taking the time to support Utah’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community this year for our Gay Pride Day 1999.

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  Millie and Gary Watts

  GARY and MILLIE WATTS Whether you are fortunate to personally know Dr. Gary and Millie Watts, or know of them, everyone agrees that these two remarkable people touch the lives of many, simply through their love and sincerity. Married for 36 years, Gary and Millie met in junior high school where they became inseparable.  Through their devoted life to each other and to the community, they never waver from their belief that all people are created equal.  They stand for the principles of fairness, tolerance and understanding of gays and lesbians.  They risk exclusion from their family, friends and religion.  They help countless people survive societies and religious institutions’ attempts to dismantle families based on homosexuality.  They share all the hopes, ideals and dreams of a community as equal in our diversity as we are in our identity.  They are rare examples of real heroes and we are proud, and honored, to have Dr. Gary and Millie Watts as our local Grand Marshall's for Utah Pride Day 1999.   They are shinning examples of our Prideful Past & Powerful Future.  Both opening interview statements immediately acknowledged their understanding of the inequality that gays and lesbians face daily.  Gary stated that “people who grow up in society today can not help but be aware of how gay people are taunted and treated as somewhat different.”  Millie expounded on this fact by stating that it is much easier to love than to judge, "judging people is a lot of work," she laughed as she recalled being one of the in-group and not understanding what it meant to be an outsider.  Gary added that he believed they were living a charmed life where everything was exactly how he was taught it should be. “You grow up, you marry your girlfriend, have a family and live happily ever after.”  The full impact and realization about the different treatment of society toward homosexuals became more apparent to Gary and Millie in 1990 when one of their sons came out to them.  Their son's disclosure led to their firsthand experience of discrimination and an increased awareness of the hatred toward homosexuals.  As a parent of a gay child, Millie realized "how awful it is to be disenfranchised... to not have the same privileges and acceptance that other people have."  For Gary, his sons coming out was "a raising of the antenna, a paying of closer attention to gay and lesbian issues.”  They both stipulated that people have a tendency to see things peripherally and not see the struggles of an  individual unless it is directly affecting them.  Gary adds, “Once things start to affect you directly, your vistas are opened and you start to see.  Not only do you see the struggle for gay and lesbian people, but the struggle of other people who are disenfranchised, and suddenly, it is not so hard to understand why some people are not happy with the status-quo and want to see change." With this new discernment of injustice, the Watts’ attended their first Family Fellowship Conference in 1993 followed by a three day retreat in Southern Idaho.  Here they participated with a core group of parents to strategically plan the development of Family Fellowship from yesterdays infancy, to where it is now.  Today, Gary and Millie are co-chairs of Family Fellowship since being asked in 1995.  Tomorrow, they will continue their journey of championing gay and lesbian rights by attending the March on Washington in 2000.  Over the past ten years, the Watts’ have dedicated their lives in educating to alleviate the myths and fears about homosexuality, which often leads to the dissolving families.  Their continuos sacrifice is recognized both locally and nationally with awards that include a Diversity is Great (DIG) award in 1997 and The Star Award, presented in Washington, DC in 1996 by the national organization of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).  They feel their involvement is invaluable in giving them the opportunity in working together as a couple and to grow, not only in individual knowledge but also in the shared experiences. The responsibility of being parents to six, two of whom are homosexuals, and the knowledge they gain from their involvement with the gay and lesbian movement has led them to thoroughly examine their religious beliefs.  Disappointment clouded both Gary’s and Millie’s eyes as they talked about the conflict over the teachings of their religion and the love for their gay children.  "The church tells me that my son and daughter are sinners, in fact they go so far as to call them an abomination, and they are not, stated Millie, imploringly adding, “they are good people.”  Gary adds, "when one sees the incongruity between the lives of your own gay children and what the church has told you about them, certainly your going to question.”  Both grew up strong followers of the Latter Day Saint religion (Mormon).  Gary served a mission in New Zealand for two years and both he and Millie were always very active members.  When their gay son was excommunicated from the LDS church, a meeting with church officials was arranged.  “I expected the bishop to say this is terrible.  Your son is such a fine young man, we’ll get this fixed.  Instead he said he crossed the line,” declared Millie.  “You begin to look to your church leaders to stand up to the plate and say we have got to do something about this.  This is a wrong that we are perpetuating here.  Unfortunately most Mormon people feel that homosexuality is chosen and is changeable because of what the church teaches.  We don't buy that at all,”  Gary remarks adding a quote from Andrew Sullivan, “homosexuality is experienced honestly and involuntarily by almost every gay person.”  Gary and Millie realize that within many religions, there are deficiencies and holes that divide and separate people.  They also realize that over the years, there is a softening by various religions on the subject of homosexuality.  The Watts’ are no longer alone in their spiritual conflict.  Through their one on one outreach to neighbors, friends and religious acquaintances, they are educating others and dispelling the fears concerning gay and lesbian issues. So what keeps Gary and Millie motivated in answering the weekly phone calls, responding to the daily email messages, and spending so much of their lives fighting for the rights of gay and lesbian people?  Simple.  Their motivation comes from the constant opportunities for the one on one interaction with parents of gays and lesbians; the file folders full of thank you letters from people they have helped; seeing the change in families and individuals who were once torn apart with coming out issues to become proud family and community members.  Simple, says Millie, “it's the thing that drives us, motivates us and keeps us going.”  One of her personal joys is to watch and share in the romances between gay people.  “We have attended several commitment ceremonies that have been wonderful.  We walk in and say to each other, ‘well, do we sit on his side of the church or his side?’  And our favorite gift to give is towels that say hers and hers or his and his.”  One of their greatest sense of accomplishment is to take the closeted parents of homosexual children and march in the Utah Gay Pride Parade.  As Gary better states it, “Mormon parents marching in the Gay Pride Parade - on a Sunday!"   So what can we do to help in the struggle for equality?  The Watts’ both expressed the need to come out, speak-up and be visibly in support as the family member of gays and lesbians.  Both Gary and Millie repeated how positive this is.  “For people to know gays and lesbians, that is huge.  Being out is the most critical thing, speaking up and being there when the occasion calls for you to be there,” implores Millie.  Even more emphatically, Millie stresses “for parents to speak up on behalf of their gay children is equally important, especially if someone is saying something disparaging about homosexuality.” In wrapping up the interview, Gary and Millie were asked what it means to them to be the local Grand Marshals for Utah Pride 1999.  We were not prepared for their heartfelt response.  Gary’s reply, " it is a huge honor and I would say to anybody, that anytime I have the chance to stand up for gay and lesbian people, We Will Be There, with no hesitation."  Through her tears, Millie replied, "see, I'm honored too.”  On behalf of the Utah Pride Committee, thank you Gary and Millie, for your continuos efforts to enrich the lives of us all, and hope you do so for many years to come.  With people like Gary and Millie marching by our sides, the road to equality and acceptance is not so distant or lonely.
• Prideful Past Powerful Future Coors in the Community: Past, Present and Future With the millen

  

  
  

  nium just around the corner it's hard not to reflect on where we've been and where we are going. As we head into our third year of sponsoring the Pride Festival in Salt Lake City, it's difficult not to look back and see how far we've come. PRIDEFUL PAST 1978-Coors officially adds sexual orientation in its employment non-discrimination policy. 1986-Coors on AIDS HIV positive employees at Coors are not only allowed but encouraged to continue working in their positions as long as they are capable and desire to do so. Even if they are no longer able to continue in their duties, HIV positive employees retain all their employment benefits and medical benefits available to all individuals living with a disability. 1993-Coors gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered employees form an employee resource group named LAGER or Lesbian and Gay Employee Resource Group, which is encouraged by management and financially supported. 1995-Coors becomes the first national brewing company to offer same-sex domestic partner benefits. Passed by a unanimous vote. To our knowledge Coors remains the only national brewer to offer same-sex domestic partner benefits. V Management, a gay social investment company, ranked Coors in the top 20, out of 650 publicly traded companies, for policies on non-discrimination in the workplace and their customer policies. Coors was the only American brewer to pass all five tests of the survey as a gay-friendly company. Family Research Council named Coors Brewing Company one of the "top 12 corporate sponsors of homosexuality," along with AT&T, American Airlines, Ben & Jerry's, Disney, IBM and Starbucks to name a few. 1996-Coors ranked second overall in Business Ethics magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens" survey and fourth in the nation for its enlightened policies toward lesbians and gays.  Coors has been very active in the community on a local and national level. Have you been along to enjoy the ride? Utah 1977-99 Coors began to advertise in SLC’s Gay newspapers with ad in The Open Door. 1997-99 Official Sponsor of Utah Pride Day 1997-98 Partial Sponsor of the Stonewall Center 1998-99 Official Sponsor of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah Official Sponsor of the Queer Utah Aquatic Club Swim Meet Got Pride? Boston Pride-Cincinnati  Pride-Claremont Pride-Denver Pride Fest-Jacksonville Pride-Outfest LA-Portland Pride- Sacramento Rainbow Festival-San Jose Pride- Seattle Pride Week Nationally- IDS Housing of Washington AIDS Library of Philadelphia American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR Aspen Gay and Lesbian Ski Week. Boston International Gay Bowling Tournament Colorado AIDS Project Fantasy Fest Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Gay Softball World Series Golden Gate Business Association Hotlanta River Expo International Gay Bowling Organization Labor Day LA Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center Monterey Women's Weekend National AIDS Fund National Association of People with AIDS National Gay and Lesbian Consumer Expo National HIV Testing Day National Minority AIDS Project (NMAC) Nevada AIDS Foundation Project Angel Food Razzle Dazzle San Diego Gay and Lesbian Community Center 
• 1999 Gay Pride Day Livens Up a Quiet Sunday BY JUDY MAGID  THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE  Sunday-quiet streets came alive with the sound of music and laughter as hundreds of members and friends of Utah's gay and lesbian community joined a Gay Pride Parade, marching from the state Capitol to the City-County Building.  By 8:30

  

  Mary Lassalle

  a.m., Mary Lassalle, Mel Puglies, Gino Chewning and a colorfully spotted Dalmatian named Toby raised flags to rally marchers and motorcyclists along with spangled and feathered floats, a car dressed as a big red shoe, an occasional horse or two and lots of dogs.  Crowds grew from a neighborly curb-sitting scattering at the top of State Street to hundreds, maybe a thousand or more, who clapped, whistled and shouted encouraging "yee-ows" as 76 registered contingents rolled and strolled by.  While Carol Gnade, Utah ACLU executive director

  

  Carol Gnade

  , estimated "a million" participants milling around Washington Square, co-chairpeople Kim Russo and Jeff Freedman expected closer to 20,000. "There is wonderful support this year from the straight community," Freedman said, adding this is the 17th observation of Gay Pride Day in Utah. Physician Kristen Ries rode in an open car, as did teacher Wendy Weaver and Salt Lake City mayoral candidate Ross "Rocky" Anderson, following a 300-foot Rainbow flag carried by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. The Metropolitan Community Church in Cache Valley van was not far from the Sun Club entrant. Also represented were the Delta Lambda Sappho group from Weber StateUniversity. The Coors Beer float folks opted not to flow too close to the under-drinking-age Gay and Lesbian Youth Association of Utah.  Almost everyone wore a red ribbon in memory of AIDS victims. While there were bewigged inline skaters and amazing costumes -- a gorgeous sequined butterfly caught everyone's eye, as did Luis Barrios in his Carmen Miranda hat and Javier de Cordoba in elegant white feathers -- there were more khaki shorts and baseball caps.  "We represent the normal-average," Kris Robison said with a laugh, attending the event with Ty McTurk and Laura Hanson.  The parade's Grand Marshal was actor Dan Butler, "Bulldog" from the  television series "Frasier," who came to Salt Lake because "we asked,” Freedman said. "We contacted the Human Rights Campaign, and two days  later Dan called and apologized for not getting back to us sooner." Butler, who told applauding audience members they should give themselves a hand, shared marshal honors with Provo residents Gary and Millie Watts, who head Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.  "I thought I knew everybody who was gay, but I have a lot of people to meet," Millie Watts said. She added that the event was "a lot more fun than  Sunday School would have been."  Of the six Watts children, one is gay and one is lesbian.   Gary Watts said that homosexuality is not a choice, but rather a discovery. "People do not choose to be homosexual, they discover that they are," he said, adding that they support monogamous gay relations. "We want exactly the same things for all our children, gay or straight, including the right to be with someone they love."  If there were those who disagreed, they were not visible to most in the crowd. Still, there were many who did not want their names printed.  "My family would be upset," one person said. Another added, "I am not  comfortable walking down the street holding hands with my partner." Behind the pride, respect, acceptance and humor, there is caution and fear. For Christie Rainey, the answer is to "tear down the wall of malicious       ignorance that makes people afraid.  "No fear. No scare. No quit. If big kids are scared, what are the little ones thinking?"  
• Deseret News Archives,Monday, June 14, 1999 Utahns observe Gay Pride Day with S.L. workshops, parade Marchers carry a 300-foot rainbow banner from the Utah Capitol to the Salt Lake City-County Building during a paradeobserving Gay Pride Day on Sunday. The annual demonstration was the culmination of a three-day event, the IntermountainConference on Homosexuality. On Saturday, workshops at the Little America Hotel covered health issues, rights andresponsibilities of same-sex relationships. Gay Pride celebrations are not held on the same day across the country. Sunday'sbig parade on New   York City's Fifth Avenue was to mark Puerto Rican Day, while the Gay Pride Parade in that city isscheduled for Sunday, June 27.

Chad Keller

2002 Chad Keller to Sherry Booth and Pride Day Committee; Need an answer so that Joe [Redburn] can order the sign for the next couple of months.  He is anxious to get things in place.  He had inquired about our participation a while ago, but realized that we most likely were busy. I know how some members of the Executive Commttee personally feel about the clubs, and the whole bar scene.  But that is a personal thing.  The BBQ is a good thing for Pride over the long run.  We all agree the we need to be doing more and reaching out to more people, of all classes.  It will be fun, and gives us a chance to work side by side with the RCGSE and UGRA, which will provide an opportunity for myth and stereotypes to be broken.  If anything it will be fun money for something off the wall that may come up. Let me know Chad. 

• Sherry Booth to Chad Keller: Chad, This is for the whole board to decide. I'll try to

  

  Sherry Booth

  gather input. I want to address the continual comment about how some board members “feel about the bar scene". First, I am beginning to think neither you nor Billy. have ever listened to what I have been saying. You are right, I do not EVER condone the alcoholism and drug addiction or the risky sex habits that is rampant in the bar scene. Nor do I think those who hang out in the bars night after night have a very clear picture of those of us who do not.  In fact, I have found that the circle involved in this lifestyle seem to believe they speak for the general glbt community. They do not.  In fact, quite the contrary, they speak for a very small minority.  However, I do go to bars periodically for recreation with friends. I do enjoy a drink now and then, though my days of getting drunk or loaded are long behind me. My comments have always, always been that the bars are not representative of our community as a whole. There is no reason they should be catered to simply because the people in them believe it should be so.  The bar scene is simply that....one lifestyle among many.  BUT, my opinion of the "bar scene" is really irrelevant to this issue.  If the Pride board wishes to host barbecues this summer, we need to discuss it. Send out a group e-mail, give the details that you propose and we'll gather opinions. Sherry. 
• Chad Keller to Sherry Booth: Lets you and I get past this bar thing....I have heard you, and have tried to come up with ideas that satisfy and reach out to everyone.  How I hear it is that it is a social class issue.  I know that you don’t mean it that way but that is how it comes across But June 6 speaks volumes too me..... Be clear that I was not pointing any fingers, although I have a concern of those feelings from people who feel this way, not specifically you, translate to the masses. I guess what I am saying is that in this town I am really tired of the divisions, and the canyons that are created.  This Class issue is one of them that makes me the maddest.  I got your point long ago on the bar/nonbar thing.  But have you heard what I have said? I reflect on several conversation with many people that continually feel left out, and even worse judged and deemed unworthy by many of our community groups.  Oh sure we welcome them and take their money in all of these groups, but leave them sitting in the background or do not involve them. I was one of those outcasts for years until someone grabbed me by the seat of my pants kick my ass and told me to get to work, and change it for the better, not just for me, but for everyone. No one group is any better than any other and Yes there are those that participate in any of them to excess.  But I can look right at the A list Crowd and see the very same thing you see in the Bar Crowd.  Except is it worse as those people have more money, and hide it better.  It was quite present on Wednesday June 5, and I will leave it at that, but will say well well well. If we are to bring "Unity to the Community" someone needs to step up to the plate and start reaching out.  To say we are Unified as a Community is a joke.  If we were the drama ratio would be significantly lower.  And I know you hate it when I say this, but Pride might as well step up and get to work.  It will only be a one way street for a while. So what about the past, and how other groups have treated Pride.  Pride by its own leadership did it to itself.  It is a conversation that has been overused.  The drama bomb got dropped and like vultures this town went at those that dropped it, I’m sorry f

  

  Darin Hobbs

  or that, but as I have told Darrin [Hobbs], I as a committee member and most importantly as a board member will no longer be held hostage by the Kim Russo Drama and the vast number of hurt feelings and damaged egos.  Let the chips fall where they may, lets pick up what we can, repair and often start rebuilding bridges alone, and  get leading by example and make a difference in the lives of the Utah Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community, all of them A to Z, Non Bar to Bar.  I warned many people about her when I first left in 2000.  But not one person on the board or committee listened. I stand in amazement that that many groups or organizations look at other groups or organizations and say "they are beneath us."  While you personally have never said that, often the message that we have been sending a group is that we feel we are better.  Mostly this is the past speaking for us, but our present has said a lot too. I agree, The reception proved that there is a need and a want for more and better non club, more high end events.  But let’s not forget that not every gay guy or lesbian would attend, fit in, or be able to afford any of many of those type events.  Pride is not, and I know we agree on this, the  who’s who of Salt Lake City, and I know that we agree that It needs to be elevated but not placed on a pedestal. You dream of pride doing and being more for this community, many of us involved do.  Let’s just not let opportunities pass us by, or be quick to brush it aside.  You, I know from watching had a blast on the promenade, and BBQ is a flash in the pan as far as commitment for everyone. This was something that was given to the EC in March/April to bring to the board, as I put Joe [Redburn] in touch with Billy [Lewis] personally or Billy with Joe, Lord knows which at this point.  But nothing has been brought forward.  Now the opportunity is at the door and knocking.  It says loads for us as an organization, and tons for the community, especially the person doing the knocking. So, if there are issues like risky behavior, alcoholism, drug abuse, know that the are present in every group.  Then lets team up with The Village, and Other non confrontational groups and reach out.  I know that David Ferguson would love it, and

  

  David Ferguson

  well as I’m sure other groups.  There are problems everywhere in every social class and group. It is how we deal with it, reach out and embrace them Take any of this as you will,  I am quite used to getting slaughtered for saying what I think and feel.  Be quite clear that I am well aware of the classes and the social structure of this community, and I am well aware that the bar is one run on the ladder, we disagree on the size, but we agreed to disagree on that long ago.  The money and support I will still say is greater on an ongoing and long terms with the commoners, and the bar crowd than with those who only attend an event here or there, and never go outside their small social circle.  With Respect, Chad
• Sherry Booth to Chad Keller: Chad, I do not view this as a class issue by any stretch of the imagination. I am not sure where you feel that comes in.  Nor do I feel the need to argue or discuss what we (Pride) need to do to remedy anything...or what the "bars" have or have not done to support Pride. The only issue on the table at the moment is whether or not the organization of Pride wishes to host a series of barbeques at the bars. I will repeat what I said in my first e-mail  - "..... my opinion of the "bar scene" is really irrelevant to this issue.  If the Pride board wishes to host barbeques this summer, we need to discuss it. Send out a group e-mail, give the details that you propose and we'll gather opinions." Sherry. 
• Chad Keller to Sherry Booth: It is an issue, and I don’t understand why every time the bars step forward that you feel we are catering to them. I am yet to see any other group step up to help in our journey and success.   The issue was from the beginning that I needed an answer, and I was concerned that I was not getting an answer from the EC and it involved a bar.  It is nice to see that the board will be making this decision.  
• Sherry Booth to Chad Keller: Chad, I do not see the issue here! I have not said whether I am for or against this idea. Why do you feel the need to defend it?  Personally, I have no opinion on it. The only time I heard about this barbeque idea  Was when we were in the middle of another event. At that time I told you it sounded like a good idea, but we'd have to talk about it later. I have not heard from Billy on this.  And yesterday was the first I heard from you since our original conversation. Please stop assuming there are issues and problems. I have said the board needs to consider this because they need to decide if they are willing to staff this and Attend it. They need to be informed.  I can not make a unilateral decision.  Nor can Billy. That is all this is about. 
• Chad Keller to Billy Lewis: Wow the board gets to make a decision....hold me back I don’t think I Can handle it....CK

2002 For years the parade committee has attempted to get photos of the Pride Parade to save as part of the Pride History. We are looking to see all the great pictures that the community got of the parade and the crowd that was out watching.  If you have photos of the 8th annual Pride Parade please stop by the Stonewall Coffee Company at the Center June 20th....we would be interested in seeing all of the great photos, and arranging for copies. Also if you have pictures of previous parades we would be interested in seeing those too! In Pride,  Chad Keller  2002 Parade Chair. 

• Jim Rengstoff to Chad Keller: I've got approx 100 pics of the parade (tee hee)

2002 Kathryn Warner to Pride Day Committee: I have gotten a few nice compliments on this

Kathryn Warner 

year's pride.  I think we all did a fabulous job and it went off really well despite the weather.  It just goes to show you what we are made of.  One person said, " I didn't think in a million years you would be able to pull it off and you  did it with dignity and made it great"...It is true.  It was an honor to work with all of you.  I'm looking forward to seeing you all very soon.  Love and Pockets Full of Pride, Kathryn .

• Chad Keller to Kathryn Warner: Just saying hi and seeing if you’re rested?!? I’m so glad it is over. I can’t say that it was the most positive experience of my life (for obvious reasons)  Did you have a great time on the adventure?  I did up to a point.  The fun was taken out of it for me for various reasons I am slightly in grumpy mode ‘cause I don’t have any appointments or places to be after work.  It feels nice...but never fear I have started full force on Gay Service Day.  You know me I’m never without a project or something to keep busy.  Maybe if I slowed down I could have a boyfriend...most cant keep up...or want too much attention.... So what’s next for you?  Are you doing the Arts Festival?  I was going to but then I didn’t get asked by Darrin, and I haven’t heard on my Volunteer Application so I probably will just go and see the sights and sounds.  I have never really enjoyed it.  It doesn’t seem very Utah.  Which is a good thing cause if it was it would be a lot of Toll Painting and Hodgepodge.  Of course this year I have issues relating to it. I have been summoned to the UGRA meeting on Sunday.  The overtures have started for my return.  I’m torn on it.  I really don’t want to be around or deal with the Clark Monk crap. He is a trip. I at one point really valued his friendship but somewhere we both took different paths.  Oh well, they will cross again. But it is nice for people to see me for what I can do, and what I bring to the table.  The message was....Mr. Keller....we need the Bitch to return....we have work to do...I just had to laugh...cause I know 10 minutes into my first meeting back, I’m going to have to take the bull by the horns and then they may start wondering what they have done....hhahahahaha!  It was fun working with you on Pride.  You’re too funny; we think too much a like.  I don’t know if I will stick around.  I hate the direction it is being hijacked too.  The Monday meeting is still a big irritation, and like Caesar going to the Roman Senate I’m expecting Brutus and the Cronies any moment.  Oh well, It will be a good couch conversation today in my therapy session. Is your life back in order after all of this?  Mine is coming back together.  Things were not as bad as they seemed with the break in.  And now I know who did it.  Sad, situation there.  Old boyfriend, turned mega meth and crackhead.  Most sentimental items are tuning up in the clutter.  Stupid person.  Well I had better get to work....just wanted to say Hi, that I love and admire you, and hope that all is well. Love, Chad

Adam Frost 

2002 Adam Frost to Chad Keller: Subject Sherry Booth: I especially enjoy the "staff and attend" part. The only thing she attended was the actual Pride Day event. Oh sorry, she was there for setup on Saturday but then she just sat …   putting lanyards together while catching rays. 
Chad Keller to Adam Frost What did you mean by fortitude....and isn’t that why we have an executive committee....love how she and Darrin [Hobbs} use it to their advantage....when it effects their agenda they keep the decision to the EC, when it doesn’t matter to the agenda then the whole board may be granted a say....I think you know where I’m going to take this one.... CK

2003 A 58-year-old Ogden man entered a guilty plea to felony child sex abuse charges in return for prosecutors' dismissal of other counts. Robert Alvin Beeler entered the plea to two first-degree felony counts of forcible sodomy in an incident involving a 16-year-old boy. He also pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree felony aggravated assault. As part of the plea agreement, two first-degree felony counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child were dropped. Ogden police have said the 16-year-old accused Beeler of sexual abuse in February of 2002, and DNA evidence was obtained to corroborate his story.

2004 Bruce Bastian was asked to be Grand Marshall of the Pride Day Parade. The festival

Luci Malin

was held at Washington Square. Luci Malin recieved the Dr. Kristen Ries Community Service Award. The theme was "Come Out Come Out Where Ever you are" Anti-Gay protesters stood just outside the north gate of the festival. Police were either filming the confrontations between the anti- and pro-gay supporters or ignoring them. 

Bruce Bastian

2004  Thousands turn out for gay pride day Tyler Jensen, of Salt Lake City, and friends from Westminster College join members of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays as they carry a giant rainbow through the streets Sunday as part of the Utah Pride 2004 festivities. (Leah Hogsten/The Salt Lake Tribune) By Derek P. Jensen The Salt Lake Tribune What do Pioneer Day and the annual Pride festival have in common? They both draw hordes of stroller-pushing, dog-walking Utahns to downtown Salt Lake City. And they rank one, two, respectively, as the state's largest parades. On a sun- and rainbow-splashed Sunday, a crowd that organizers estimated at 50,000 celebrated the final day of Utah Pride 2004 with food, drink, song and politics at Washington Square. An amalgam of diverse stylings, the crowd's only common denominator was a blue sticker -- worn by virtually all in attendance -- proclaiming "Don't Amend." The reference: the state government's consideration of a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. "Now is the time," parade Grand Marshall Bruce Bastian urged the boisterous group. "We need our families, our friends, our parents to help fight this discriminatory amendment. Help register everyone you know to vote." Sunday was equally engaging for throngs of kids, many of whom romped on inflatable slides and trampolines after watching the floats. "He loves the parade," Sandy's Jai Hogue said about her young son -- attending for the third consecutive year. "It's about teaching him there's things outside the norm in Utah." Mary Hutchings arrived early to set up shade hutches along the parade route for her children and grandchild, Julian. "I loved it, I loved it," the 4-year-old yelled moments after watching the final entry. "It's bright and colorful and I thought it was extremely tasteful," Hutchings said, adding her Seattle relatives complain that city's pride parade is "quite raunchy." Men in drag and same-sex couples clad in leather were far outnumbered by those preferring shorts and T-shirts. Parade regular Kris Bengtsson complained about the tame display while walking with her daughter. "We needed more dykes on bikes at the front," she joked. Festivalgoers were offended, however, by a small group of protesters who spent hours ranting through a chain-link fence. "Most of you will die and go to hell," yelled the ringleader, wearing a placard with the pink initials G-A-Y spelling out God Abhors You! With police keeping a close eye, most chose to ignore the insults. Provo resident Mark Hedengren said he recognized several protesters from the dust-ups during LDS Conference weekend. "They just want to hate," he said. "They don't care who

The Saliva Sisters

they yell at." Inside the festival grounds, popular satirists the Saliva Sisters performed following an a capella version of "The Star-Spangled Banner." College students wearing purple "Westminster Pride" T-shirts marched down the street connecting the City-County Building with Library Square, carrying a 100-foot rainbow flag. And many people stopped to gander at the just-launched gay tabloid, Salt Lake Metro. Booths represented groups ranging from the Utah Gay Rodeo Association and a group signing up "Gay Brothers" for molecular genetic study of sexual orientation, to one promoting the Utah Gay Men's Health Summit. Nearby, a long line extended between the rows of vendors, made up of those seeking a free HIV test. "Get tested, it's cool," said Salt Lake City resident, James Nelson, while chatting with friends in line. Despite a bevy of tents and eager representatives, interest was weaker when it came to joining the sponsor organization, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center of Utah. By midday only 10 people had paid a $35 one-time fee or $5 monthly donation to join the GLBT group, according to board secretary, John Johnson. "It's kind of an uphill battle," he said. Many participants, including Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, expressed their determination to defeat Utah's amendment to ban gay marriage. "I think it's a horrendous thing," Anderson said after rallying the crowd in an appearance onstage. "Not only for the people of this community, but for our economics. We've lost conventions and businesses as a result of the perception of this place caused by discriminating  legislation." Karla McGuigan said she hopes festivals such as Utah Pride will continue to erode stereotypes that dog the gay community. "We're doctors and lawyers and rich people and poor people and mechanics and bank presidents," she said. "I love the diversity." Others, like Provo's Jeremy Owens, were less circumspect. "It's great to actually see Utah has queers," said Owens, sprinkled in glitter and wearing a tiara. "After the festival, it's off to Vortex to see RuPaul -- home girl is in town.

2004 The SLC Film Center was asked to curate a series of films during Pride Week that reflected the best in Gay cinema. The festival  was called "The Damn These Heels film celebration was held annually afterward. 

2004 Sunday Subject: Gay Pride Day Why Celebrate?  From Ben Williams I've been reading articles lately on whether celebrating Pride Day is relevent anymore. As some have asked "why should we be celebrating our sexuality?" These types of questions infer that the nature of Pride Day festivals has always been to celebrate homosexuality. That is where the lack of understanding of Gay Pride Day in its historic context is quite evident. To question the need to celebrate Pride Day is akin to questioning the celebration of the 4th of July! The historical meaning behind annual Pride Day celebrations have been lost in the stampede for mainstream acceptance and Lambda youth today are sorely lacking an understanding and appreciation of the true meaning behind Gay Pride Day. First and foremost Gay Pride Day was established to recognize the historical sugnificance of the Stonewall Riot in New York City that precipitated the National Gay Liberation movement of the 1970's and 80's. Prior to 1969 there were less then 50 FIFTY homosexual organizations in all of the United States. The Stonewall Rebellion was the catalyst for establishing Gay Student Unions, Health Clinics, grassroot political activism across the nation. The paradigm shift from homosexuality being seen as a perversion to just another expression of human sexuality came from this liberation movement. Stonewall changed what "coming out" meant. Prior to 1969, “coming out” simply meant an acceptance of one's homosexuality. However after 1969 "coming out" was charged with political significance because coming out meant telling at least one other person that you are Gay! The psychological ramifications behind this was that now your fate was tied to the fate of all others who had "come out". Community was being built and the idea that homosexuality was a sexual minority was being created. We were no longer alone...we were no longer invisible..we overcame our fears and came out of the shadows..the threshold that generation crossed was monumental and all who follow should remember that. Today as you are walking through a sea of rainbow paraphenelia remember the struggle, remember the Anita Bryant Crusade against the Gay Movement, Remember the AIDS Wars, Remember the East High Gay Club struggles and more- for truly that is what Pride Day signifies-the commemoration of the historic homosexual civil rights movement! Then go have a beer and part hardy. We have earned it! 


2

Michael Aaron

015 Long time activist Michael Aaron, who founded the Anti-Violence Project AVP some 30 years ago and now owner and publisher of the Q Salt Lake, broke the news of this hate crime in the rural Utah town of Delta. Until he told the story no one knew of the crimes against this boy and his family but now it has made national news, much of which without crediting the source of the story. On Saturday June 13th Aaron and Terry Gillman organized a caravan of people from Salt Lake City and else where to

Terry Gilman

travel to Delta to show support for the family's pizza business, disgust that hate crimes of this magnitude still occurs in Utah, and love for Rick Jones that he is not alone and that he is one of us. Delta Utah was the home of Gordon Church, the young Ceder City College Student, who was raped with a tire iron and brutally murdered in 1988. “Young Delta, Utah man robbed, had ‘Die Fag’ carved into his arm, forced to drink bleach” A young man in Delta, Utah alleges he was robbed, had “Die Fag” carved into his arm with a

Rick Jones

knife, and was forced to drink bleach on a Saturday night in late April, but it doesn’t stop there. Five days later, the words “Die Fag” were spray-painted on his and his family’s house. And this week, a Molotov cocktail was thrown through his window and his house was spray-painted again, this time with “You’ll Die. Burn Fag.”  Millard County police are having a hard time finding suspects, because the young man, his family and his pizzeria have no enemies. Everyone loves them.  “Working through this has been a roller coaster,” Rick Jones of Grand Central Pizzeria and Grill in Delta, Utah said in an interview.  After business close on Saturday, April 25, Jones was staying late to finish up the paperwork for the Grand Central Station Pizzeria in Delta, Utah. Jones and his sisters and other family own and manage the restaurant.  “I went out to take out the trash, and when I came back in, I thought it was strange that I didn’t hear the door close,” he said. “I turned around to shut the door, and someone grabbed me by the head and slammed me to the wall.”  What happens next, Jones is unsure because he had passed out.  “I remember waking up and I was lying on the floor,” he said. “Someone was on my chest and legs and they were trying to force me to drink bleach.” He woke up again as medical teams were considering life-flighting him to Salt Lake City, but he regained consciousness. He had lacerations — the words “Die Fag” cut into his arm — and a concussion. They attended to his wounds, held him overnight and released him. The following Thursday morning, April 30, Jones and his family woke up to the same “Die Fag” words spray-painted on their garage door.  But the story continues past the Utah Pride Festival Weekend, as once again, Jones was victimized by a Molotav cocktail thrown through his bedroom window and, “You’ll Die. Burn Fag” spray-painted on the house. Jones was home at the time and was able to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher before too much damage was done. The family restaurant was also hit by burglary, theft and vandalism that morning. Millard County Sheriff’s Office sent a press release on June 11 appealing to the community to help find the perpetrators. “These crimes are the latest in a string of crimes perpetrated against the owners of this local business. The Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating several different leads in these cases. There is a reward available to anyone providing information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators of these crimes. Also we would like to encourage all citizens to report any suspicious persons or circumstance to the Sheriff’s Office dispatch immediately.” Almost no media attention has been given to the incidents. The police are stretched, as they cover 7,000 square miles of land in Millard County.  In the meantime, a 22-year-old man and his family are being victimized.  UPDATE: The Utah Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce announced they are offering a $5,000 reward for new information leading to the successful apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators of the attack. The Chamber’s Anti-Violence Fund was created to provide victims of homophobic or trans phobic crimes resources for the prosecution of perpetrators. Members of the Chamber, supporters, and community members support the fund through contributions. Those with information about the crimes committed against Rick Jones should contact Lt. Morris Burton of the Millard County Sheriff’s Office. 

2018  Hatch commemorates Pride Month, discusses LGBT suicide rate on Senate floor Stacy Johnson Daily Herald Utah Senator Orrin Hatch commemorated LGBT Pride Month Wednesday with a speech on the Senate floor. Hatch, whose National Suicide Hotline Legislation passed a House subcommittee Wednesday morning, spoke about suicide risk for LGBT youth on the Senate floor as he urged the House of Representatives to pass his proposal. “Today in honor of Pride Month, I wish to devote a significant portion of my remarks to them, my young friends in the LGBT community,” Hatch said. “No one should ever feel less because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.” Hatch discussed the bullying and discrimination LGBT youth face, saying that many even face estrangement from their own families. "The LGBT community deserves our unwavering love and support, and the assurance that not only is there a place for them in this society, but that it is far better off because of them,” he said. Hatch emphasized that LGBT youth need help, and “we desperately need them” “We need their light to illuminate the richness and diversity of God’s creations; we need the grace, beauty and brilliance they bring to the world,” he said. Hatch’s proposed legislation aims to provide more immediate access to counseling and mental health services, with a national suicide hotline that has a three-digit number, similar to the 911 emergency system. According to Hatch, the three-digit system would help those in crisis situations with a number that is easy to remember, even in a mental health emergency. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2016, Utah ranked fifth in the country for suicide rate — 21.8 of every 100,000 people died from suicide. That makes 620 people statewide who died from suicide that year. Suicide was the eighth leading cause of death statewide in 2016.