Wednesday, June 18, 2014

This Day In Gay Utah History June 18th

18 June
John C. Bennett
1842 Joseph Smith spoke out publicly against John Cook
Joseph Smith
Bennett. According to Wilford Woodruff, Smith "spoke his mind in great plainness concerning the iniquity and wickedness of Gen. John Cook Bennett, and exposed him before the the public." Smith's public attack produced a heated exchange with Bennett. As described in a private letter published in Burlington's Hawk-Eye and Iowa Patriot, "Some hard swearing passed between these saints during the quarrel." According to the unidentified author, Bennett threatened "to write a book for the purpose of exposing the rascality of this pretender to the spirit of prophecy. Bennett was excommunicated from the Mormon church on this day. or "adultery, fornication, and ... Buggery" (Buggery is a term that was used in the early 19th century to refer to homosexual intercourse). Smith had caught Bennett in a sex act with Frank Higbee. On June 21, 1842, Bennett abruptly left Nauvoo.

George A. Smith
1870 – LDS First counselor George A. Smith tells Salt Lake School of the Prophets about "the evil of Masturbation" among Utah Mormons. Apostle Lorenzo Snow says that "Plural Marriage would tend to diminish this evil self-pollution," and he believes that "indulgence on the part of men was less in Plural marriage than in Monogamy." Elder George Reynolds (Secretary to Brigham Young) also tells the School that "where Monogamy was the Law, it compelled a more frequent (sexual) cohabitation than is right and proper." Mormon medical books of the time advise sexual intercourse only once a month.

1969- -A BYU student named Frank who was suspended from BYU on suspicion of homosexuality was taken to court by BYU for trespassing when he was spotted on campus after his suspension.

Robert McQueen
1975- The Advocate published articles about the BYU purge beginning with Robert I. McQueen, "Mormons Show Fear," The Advocate 166 (18 June 1975).  While denying that an atmosphere of “intrigue, spying, censorship and harassment” pervades the Brigham Young University (BYU) campus, Dallin H. Oakes, president of the 25,000 student, Mormon owned
Dallin Oaks
school, admitted drug users and active homosexuals are “two influences we wish to exclude from the BYU community.” Oakes’ statement was in response to claims by a former undercover agent or BYU’s security force that agents have used electronic devices to spy on students, made searches of dorms and other student housing units without bona fide search warrants and conducted “witch hunts” for gay people and drug users.  Joseph “Skip” Morrow, a recent graduate of BYU. Told an Associated Press reporter he quit the security force in disgust” when asked to take spying assignments he considered “beyond the responsibilities of a law enforcement agency.”  “The BYU security force pays no attention to the human rights of anyone on this campus,” Morrow said. “It’s ‘Big Brother’ all the way. Everybody can be under investigation. It’s the atmosphere. They keep files on everybody.” BYU security Chief Robert Kelshaw denied that Morrow was ever employed by his department. He admitted agents have checked “homosexual haunts’ looking for BYU students as far away as Salt Lake City, 40 miles north of Provo.  He also said a self contained body microphone has been used on officers and informants during investigations. “It’s the only electronic surveillance device owned or used by BYU, “ he explained. “It is perfectly legal and used by most law enforcement agencies.” According to Kelshaw,
Robert Kelshaw
conversations monitored with the microphone are not recorded. “Tape recorders, bugging, or wiretapping have never been used by the department. They are strictly forbidden by university policy, “he said. Kelshaw also admitted searches of student housing units have taken place “without bona fide search warrants,” but added that no search had been conducted with out verbal or a signed statement of acquiescence from those involved. President Oaks said news reports have left the impression that there is wide spread undercover activity on the BYU campus. “I resent and reject such claims,” he said. “The BYU Security Force are trained officers. We make every effort to assure that their methods are according to good police practice and absolutely legal.” According to Oakes, a purpose of the Security force is to help protect the University from influences that “we try to exclude from our university community.”  “Two influences we wish to exclude from the BYU community are active homosexuals and drug users, and these subjects are therefore among those with which our security force is concerned,” he said.  “Fortunately, such occurrences are relatively rare…”  Oaks said the university keeps many types of files which contain personal information. Sensitive information is kept confidential and according to university policy, information is regularly destroyed for the protection of those involved he added.  In dealing with individuals found to be gay or drug users, the university follows disciplinary policies but treats each case individually, Oaks said.  He did not say what those policies entailed. According to gay students subjected to the schools discipline, students are required to visit the counselor for homosexual problems of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) in Salt Lake City. They are asked to give a complete history of their sexual experience and to give the names of other gay people. They are told that homosexuality is a serious sin and that they must repent. Psychiatric counseling is advised and students report that many of the doctors recommended practice shock therapy to treat homosexuality as an “illness”. Those students who refuse to follow BYU’s policy or the church’s “call for repentance “ are generally expelled from BYU and either disfellowshipped or excommunicated from the Mormon Church. 

Gloria Gaynor
1975 Disco Diva-Gloria Gaynor appeared at The Sun Tavern in Salt Lake City as part of Pride celebrations .

1977 y Police Officer Brett Elcock painted his squad car pink and was suspended from the force until an investigation was completed on why he did it. (SLTribune B2)

1977 The Church News Salt Lake: Sister Smith Praises Anti-Gay Effort. Article published invitation for Mormon Women to attend the Utah International Women’s Year Conference meeting in the
Barbara Smith
same issue as its article about the Relief Society’s President praise for Anita Bryant’s campaign against Lesbian and homosexuals.

1977 Saturday- Dr. Harry L. Gibbons challenged homosexuals promoting Gay Rights to become more responsible in providing Venereal Disease information to health officers. In a prepared statement the Salt Lake City-County health director said homosexuals have serious health problems with venereal disease, but they’re often unwilling to provide information about the disease dissemination to health officers or to seek treatment.  This attitude
Harry Gibbons
“should come to the attention of those persons required to make decisions regarding the rights of homosexuals in order that responsibilities can also be included,” Dr. Gibbons said. The Physician said many homosexual contacts are with unknown partners so no follow up data is available. “Be it homosexual or heterosexual that is irresponsible sex and constitutes a health problem and therefore an additional tax burden,” Dr. Gibbons said. “I would not mention homosexuals per se except it is my opinion that the percentage of Venereal disease problems resulting from homosexual contacts constitutes a much greater percentage of overall venereal disease problems then the population percentage would justify,” he said.  He also said that,”very few homosexuals as is with prostitutes, on a regular basis seek venereal disease evaluation and treatment. The physician said that those who demand rights should first “fulfill their responsibility to society,” by promoting increased health practices and by giving information to stop the spread of disease in their culture.” (06/19/77 SLTribune page B2)

1978 The Gay Service Coalition Board of Salt Lake City met to discuss plans for Gay Pride Week.

1981-US House of Representatives passed the McDonald Amendment, prohibiting the federally funded Legal Services Corp. from taking gay discrimination cases.

1981 - On this date the AIDS epidemic was formally recognized by medical professionals in San Francisco. 

Bruce Barton
1987- Gay Pride Meeting held at RMCC  “Bruce  Barton came up to me and said that he was so excited that we are starting an alternate Affirmation because he knew of several people he would like to send to Affirmation but he wouldn’t send them to the “ward” up on the hill.  He’s mad at Russ Lane anyway because when Wasatch Affirmation changed their meeting times, Russ called Bruce up while Russ was still eating breakfast and between crunches says “Well we changed our meeting schedule to accommodate you. Now you can send all those people you say you have to us.” Bruce was furious and hasn’t spoken to Russ since.

1987- Loving Yourself Support Group held at Holy Cross Hospital and facilitated by
John Gatzmeyer
John Gatzmeyer. Based on the teachings of Louise Hays

1988 Saturday- In the evening I went to the community dance at the Unitarian Church hosted by Affirmation this time.  Hardly anyone showed.  Only about 40 people attended but we did break even.  It was so hot inside the church that more people were outside on the lawn than inside dancing. I gave Richard Morris our Community Dances DJ and his helper free tickets to the Romanovski and Phillips concert for all the volunteerism they do.

1988 STATE SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES AIDS CURRICULA  After months of doing and redoing, cussing and discussing, adding and
subtracting, polishing and pruning, Utah has AIDS curricula for its schoolchildren - almost. The State Board of Education accepted the long-awaited curricula Friday with the caveat that the Utah attorney general first be asked to resolve the last and most persistently sticky issue - whether teachers may answer, without parental consent, spontaneous student questions related to contraception. The attorney general's office also will be asked to assist the state Office of Education in devising a sample parental-consent form that will be consistent with Utah's law prohibiting discussion of contraception without parental consent. The board, in fact, approved two sets of curricula, one for standard use in Utah classrooms and a second, more explicit one for use with students who have been identified as being at risk for acquired immune deficiency syndrome or whose parents prefer they receive more detailed information. The state board asked for both because it administers education programs for students in prison, in custody or in special programs in which high-risk behavior is already apparent. Only specially trained teachers, working with representatives of health departments, will be allowed to teach the high-risk materials. The curricula are incorporated into the state's Healthy Lifestyles program, with information for children at all levels. Specific information regarding AIDS, its spread and high-risk behaviors is confined to the upper grades. Responsible behavior toward oneself and society is the basis for all of the instruction. The curricula stress parental involvement throughout the process, including making materials available for parents to teach AIDS facts to their children at home if desired. The issue of teacher responses to questions posed by students was the most hotly debated issue as the curricula prepared by the education office's staff underwent final revision. Teachers may not elicit comments or questions covered under the parental consent provisions, but how to deal with unsolicited questions could not be resolved, putting the matter in the hands of the attorney general's office. As presented by staff members to the board's Curriculum and Supportive Education Committee, the proposal suggests that teachers faced with spontaneous comments or questions from students could respond briefly, factually, objectively and "in harmony . . . with the policy regarding the importance of marriage and the family, abstinence from sexual activity before marriage and fidelity after marriage." A teacher's failure to respond to a student's questions may make it appear the instructor tacitly agrees with certain positions, staff members noted. However, board member M. Richard Maxfield said he was concerned that the provision allowing teachers to respond "gives them permission to sidestep the law. We could mislead teachers into a legal trap. . . . I don't want a loophole wide enough to drive a truck through." Darlene C. Hutchison, chairwoman of the subcommittee dealing with the AIDS issue, said she is concerned that school districts would not like to use the high-risk curriculum because of social implications. Teachers or school counselors who are aware of students already engaged in high-risk behavior would contact the student's parents, and the parents would decide if they wanted the more explicit instruction for their child. "We don't want to label youngsters as being high-risk," said Scott Hess, educational specialist who deals with the Healthy Lifestyle program. "We need to stress that it is the material we are referring to as high-risk, not the kids." The curricula addressed the major concerns of conservative parent-rights groups that have closely followed the development of the materials. However, they, too, wanted to be certain the question of how teachers deal with spontaneous contraceptive questions is addressed and were supportive of an attorney general's review. Joy Beech of Family Alert said the board should be careful in its use of the phrase "responsible behavior," which was considered for slogans that will be used in the AIDS instruction, since it has been adopted by many advocates of the "safe sex" position relative to AIDS.  The curricula adopted by the board Friday, in fact, emphasize that "safe sex" - use of condoms, primarily - is a misnomer and that the only guarantee of safety where AIDS is concerned lies in refraining from the sexual activities implicated in its transmission and avoiding intravenous drug use.

1991 I had to be down at the Stonewall Center for a Center of Operations Meeting and general meeting. I was at the meeting for about three hours.  I became a key holder tonight when I got keys to both the outside and inside doors. I committed to being responsible for opening and closing on Tuesdays and I said I would help out on Sunday by closing on those days. Craig [Miller Executor Director of the USC]  wants me to come up with some activity every 3rd Friday in the month. I haven’t a clue what to do. Perhaps Card games? Any way KSL was in tonight filming a piece on the Stonewall Center. It sent one woman almost fleeing the center. I later talked to Maury Modine and got everything set up for him for Gay Pride Day for his legalize marijuana booth. Jimmy [Hamamoto] should be in Boston tonight. He went to an Alternative Radio Confernce as a representative for KRCL. Told him to call John Reeves for a place to stay. [Journal of Ben Williams]

Ryan Phi llippe
1992 - Soap Opera "One Life To Live" aired the first openly gay teen soap character when Billy Douglas, a high school student, tells his best friend, Joey Buchanan, that he is gay. Actor Ryan Phillippe played the role from April 1992 until May 1993. Phillippe's breakthrough role was considered groundbreaking in daytime television

1994-The exhibition "Becoming Visible: The Legacy of Stonewall" opened at the New York Public Library.

Trent Lott 
1998-On "The Armstrong Williams Show," Republican Sen. Trent Lott compared homosexuality to alcoholism and kleptomania. Sen. Alfonse D'Amoto (R-NY) issued a letter to Sen. Trent Lott criticizing him for blocking the nomination of James Hormel as ambassador to Luxembourg because of Hormel's homosexuality.


2002 Sherry Booth Pride Inventory: Geoff [Partain], I know that Darin [Hobbs] and Stacy [Robinson] have been working on the financial reconciliation since the festival ended. There are a few outstanding bills that are in process of payment now. Please don't jump to the conclusion that a loan needs to be made. That is very premature at this point.  Darin and Stacy [Robinson] will provide an accounting of things at the next meeting. We are working on scheduling a meeting as soon as we have a day & time that works for as many people as possible. We are trying to consider that there are several board members who are involved with the Arts Festival. We will keep you posted. Until then, don't panic. Everything will be fine. Everyone - As far as the water and Pride tee shirts are concerned - Please do not arrange or agree to do anything with these things without first getting approval from the board. As far as the medals and the 5k run shirts that Geoff has, those are separate. Geoff can handle those items in whatever way he feels works best. But the water and festival t-shirts inventory needs to be looked at from an overall fiscal and public relations perspective, not one of immediate dissolution. Hope you are all resting and recuperating. We'll be scheduling a meeting very soon. Sherry. 
  • Chad Keller Regarding Pride Inventory: What is the difference between the Run shirts and the other shirts? It is all an asset of the board. As they are an asset of the board and will be put on hold also.  So the board can direct you and Billy [Lewis] what we desire to have done.  The heavy involvement of members of our board will need to be addressed at the next meeting as we really should have had a preliminary review of the expenses before now. Also why also is confidential information such as this going to the Centers General Mail Box?  Paula [Wolfe] and the Center staff should not be privy to these decisions, or the outcome, If the water is in there way, then it should be properly addressed in a separate email or in person meeting. Or volunteers move it to a better place. CK ....and the answer to what you are thinking is......no.  from a retail stand point, the longer we sit the less it will be worth.... How are you.... 
  • Sherry Booth Pride Inventory:  Chad [Keller], The 5k Run shirts fall solely out of the "budget" that Geoff [Partian} was given to do the 5k run. It is up to him to recoup some of the charges he incurred while doing it. While I agree the shirts ultimately fall to the entire organization, as in every single area monitored by a Chair, there is a budget and accountability attached to it. Since Geoff purchased the shirts (as opposed to Pride as an organization), he is free to try and sell them before coming in with his final loss/gain report. As far as the comment you made in regard to  "...the heavy involvement of members of our board..." needing to be addressed at the next meeting  What is there to be addressed?? There has not ever been free reign where finances are concerned. We certainly aren't going to start now. Pride property is inventory. Therefore it is part of the whole financial picture that is currently being assessed. When that is complete, a report will be generated.  And, if I remember correctly everyone at the last meeting was given an oral report by Darin [Hobbs] and Stacy [Robinson] as to the overall picture of where the financials stood going in to the festival weekend. Expecting a report on the weekend event just days after, is not reasonable. Finally, I am not sure why you believe Paula [Wolfe] or "The Center" have anything to say or do with Pride business, but again I will tell you that I have not heard one complaint or concern about our water being stored there temporarily. The simple fact is that I sent the group e-mail to The Center because Darin is the person who checks that mail folder. I had that account listed for him long before I had the more direct dhobbs@glccu.com.  Much like those who send e-mails to my hotmail and aol accounts and also my work account in hopes of reaching me at least by one of them. As I stated before, we will set a day and time to meet as soon as we can. In the meantime, please trust that we are simply trying to have a clear financial picture before making decisions that affect the numbers Darin and Stacy [Robinson] are working so hard to compile. Sherry. 
  • Chad Keller to Pride Day Committee: Budget or not Just selling things by your own direction is not acceptable. Profit and Loss statements should be near completion at this point, clearance or markdown would not come into play until after the initial preliminary review of the finances. Please be consistent for the organizations sake.
  •  Sherry Booth to Chad Keller: Chad, Darin and Stacy [Robinson] have been working on the financials every day since the Pride festival. The Arts festival has not gotten in the way. And we are not in a position to force people to choose one festival or the other...and why would we want to be?  Also, giving them only 4 days  (Mon - Thur) to tally everything and prepare a report by Friday (the 5th day) when not everything has even been turned in yet, just doesn't make any sense.  Besides, setting a meeting date is a much more difficult task...Consider:  Billy [Lewis] left town ( I didn't even know he did), Darin, Hazel and Donna are involved in the Arts Festival set-up, etc., Craig [Miller] is involved in the City twilight music series.... That leaves you, Ryan, Geoff and I as the only board members free and clear...not hardly enough... So, come on...relax. You are sounding very grumpy these days. What's up? Can you trust that: We are trying to get the numbers together? We will provide a full report as soon as we are able. We are trying to wrap things up and devise a game plan for the year. We are gathering information and suggestions. We really are trying....???  Sherry. 
  • Chad K to Sherry B: I am referring to the involvement of members of our EC not being Available until after the festival for the reconciliation of our books.  As the event are so close together choice will need to be made in involvement. 
  • Sherry Booth to Chad Keller: Chad, Why does threatening, bullying and being nasty always become your first response? I am not your enemy. I have not attacked you in anyway. Yet you are consistently aggressive in the way you treat me and others. And why are you purposefully throwing blatant threats and innuendos in my direction? I am sorry if you are not happy with the decisions I have made, but you know what, I am just volunteering my time...just like you. I am doing the best I can with the position I have been placed in.  Yes, I have 12 years experience at production work as well as 4 years in retail (hated it!).  So, I do have experience.  Quite a bit actually.  A major difference here is that I know enough not to claim that I have all the answers.  And right now I also know that we are (only) part of an organization that has a responsibility to be as fiscally sound as we can be.  That is, at this time, my only intent. And just FYI, retail stores do not simply slash prices to recoup possible losses. They also market their inventory in different ways and then to different clientele. My understanding has been that Pride was not going to "disappear" until next spring, but rather schedule other events throughout the year. Why wouldn't we want to use some of Pride's water for those events? The Center's Centerpeace is coming up in August...why wouldn't we sell our water and shirts from our booth then? The hottest months of the year are coming our way. Why wouldn't we use the opportunity to continue marketing ourselves with the bottled water with our logo on it? So, you can make this personal...or you can accept once and for all that we are both players on the same team... even when we disagree. I am not afraid of you, Chad.  Quite the contrary.  And while there are undoubtedly changes coming for this organization very soon,  you might not want to be so quick to believe it will all be in the direction you have planned.  Respectfully... 
  • Chad to Sherry B: Sherry, Why is it that when anyone questions you or Darrin or calls either of you or your favorites  to task it is Bullying and threatening.  Obviously your skin is not thick enough to handle the position you are in?  Life cannot be drama free, and it is not always sunshine, lollipops and roses, but for some reason you two think by stifling debate and conversation it will be. Or better yet if the EC makes a mandate all will be happy and avoided. I have given all  valid questions, and valid points.  But as always if it is not what Sherry wants to hear, or if it is not convenient to Sherry,  or if it didn’t fall into Sherry's plan then the keep the comments to yourself, is that it? The track record that I and others of us see is it depends on how it plays to yours and Darrin’s agendas if any of us have input or can question.   You both have gone to great lengths to turn this into a dictatorship with a yesum board.    I have made no threats,  I make promises.  The experiment of the EC this year and the EC's unwillingness to utilize the board to plan for the best and the worst scenarios have left this organization in a dilemma as bad a Kim [Russo], (Billy you are excluded from this statement as I have  watched in amazement how they have treated you.)  The EC is an experiment that has failed. If you had 12 years of experience then there should have been a lot More planning and less flying by the seat of our pants.  12 years of Community experience would have taught you to be more careful with how you deal with the Community, its businesses, and its organizations.  12 years of experience would have taught you that there is never a convenient time, and that you are expected to do a lot, and sacrifice a lot.  12 years of experience would have taught you to stand in the present creating the future. This is not what I have seen, and it concerns me and others, I am unfortunately the only one willing to say something. I will not address the retail thing as you are totally wrong and I can bring you any number of reports I work per day for JCP and can bring you many articles from several national retailing magazines to prove you wrong. Retail units just don’t change their marketing and demographics cause  the buying office screwed up.  If that is the concept you have or retail, your experience was then limited to the selling floor.  By bringing you the  facts and proving you wrong would only piss you off and make you feel more threatened, so continue to dream.  FYI, I never have said anything about me being for or against selling water and shirts at Centerpeice.  My experience in this community is that we should look for something more original And tailored to such a high profile event.  They will have paid a lot to get in and participate in it, as 20.00 shirt will be the last from my mind.  Also if this was the plan, where was the Utah Pride Water Station for the Walk for Life of the Donation of water?   Did I miss it?  I would add that many venues and facilities owned by the city, county and state keep the rights to their concessions, so again, how is this going to benefit us....I’m questioning again...better stop before I get accused of being a meanie.  We have so much water that it will be a task to get rid of it all and turn a minimum profit.  You wasted my very valuable time, and have been inconsistent in your leadership, which really makes me mad.  But gee, what would I know, I’m just a dumb drunk faggot in yours and Darrin’s book, so why listen, you both know everything there is to know about this community and how it thinks, feels, and will support.  At least I have not stuck my nose in To your personal lives. I want it clear that I have only recommended the structure the our organization should take, it has only been a suggestion, but I’m sure that when it doesn’t fit with you and Darrin’s plans to affiliate or merge with the Center the time and energy in researching solutions will be tossed out. Not to mention the many conversation with many experts, and past professors who have advised me in the proposal will I’m sure be written off as worthless.  So I’m sure on it all, and don’t second guess the Saviors of Pride...we are to again  be controlled by the gay social elite, and not by the community. We are not the Utah Arts Festival, we are a very diverse community organization that must have accountability to the community more than the UAF has to the community.  I am also not scared of you and will take you head on.    Please be ready.  Again you underestimate me and what skills, education, and experience I have.  Did you that my higher education is in Business Development?  have you ever asked where I did some of my internships?  What do you really know about me that Clark Monk hasn’t told you?   I’m not in to the “what I’ve done game”, cause I am quite secure in where I’ve been and where I am going.  I am a "put you money where your mouth" is kinda guy, and "call it like I see it," sorry if it upsets you.  BTW,  the Monk M.O. will not work, so I would be very careful, cause I have learned not to forgive nor forget, and his and people like him have records that speak for itself.  Perhaps in your next conversation with him about me you can ask why UGRA is paying out several thousand to replace a sound system he lost? At one point in the planning of Pride you resigned, Why? and What changed your mind?  Didn’t this happen last year also?  These would be interesting conversation that would maybe help us better understand each other. Respectfully...... CK. 
  • Sherry Booth to Billy Lewis and Chad Keller: Have it your way, Chad. It's personal now. I will not justify or explain another thing to you. I have responded to every question and every accusation you have shouted. I have tried to do it with respect. Yes, you have hurt my feelings. Yes, you have made me mad. That is only because I cared about you.  Clearly, that was wasted energy. I do think you are talented.  I have actually experienced a very gentle, good person at times.  But for the last few months, I have experienced a toxic personality.  Clearly, you need help, not answers from me.

 2002: From: Chad C Keller To: Bob Childers; So did I answer your questions?!?!  Or are you just swamped?!? Email or call . 
  • From: "Bob Childers" To: "'Chad C Keller'": Both. Yes you did great, thank you so much. How is everything going? By the way, I heard a nasty rumor. Are you still with Pride?  XXVII, 
  • Chad K to Bob Childers: Yes I’m with Pride, what is the rumor.... 
  • Bob Childers to Chad Keller;  Agnes [Cheesecake] told me your fired from Pride
  • From: Chad C Keller To: Bob Childers: Off the record.... Sherry [Booth] and Darrin [Hobbs] are trying to fire me, as I question her and Darrin  all the time and what they are doing with money....and as she has her head up her ass on 200 cases of water and other things...you know me go right to the heart of the matter, be blunt and to the point....she doesn’t like  it....and she was pissed that I spent two weeks partying with the court and the rodeo and refused to meet with her when she dictated...I’m a board member you ask me to meet with me not tell me I will meet with you . All that and she hates the bars and organizations affiliated with them, thinks that to be a great organization you cannot affiliate with the bar or bar crowd....I was fired on Wednesday before pride, they  sherry and Darrin wanted me to leave as I and sherry had issues over the club thing....she equaled me to a combination of Kim {Russo} and Chaise....I told her say the word and I would  gladly turn over the parade bible and leave...then she realized that she would be screwed on the reception...so she shut up...and really got in hot water when Billy [Lewis} walked in and was again circumvented for her own agenda....So She put my Committee chairmanship in under a “in review status” and  Promised that my Board position would be taken away also....all to Billy and a few others telling her she was out of line.... and she and others promised to bring it up at the next board meeting as they felt I had been going above and beyond for Pride since I signed on... I said fine and would play their little game, and promised to question her and Darrin on many issues that have been mishandled again.....Lord when will people get it.... So Yeah I’m probably done....but I and others aren’t going without a fight.....CK. 
  • Bob Childers to Chad Keller: I've heard things about her. Maybe SHE needs to go. From what I have  heard, there are a few people who would like to see her. I have heard that she doesn't like the Court or people who go to bars or drink or aren't Mormon........Okay maybe not that last bit, but that's what she sounds like. I have a problem with anyone who cries for diversity and yet, still segregates our community. The comments that were made about not being able to trust the Court to give our donation to them is a bunch of BS.  First, it's a donation. Second, it's in our by-laws. We have to give half of the Rainbow fund to them. However, we don't have to raise money for that fund. Grant you, we only gave $1,500.00 but it was still money. I just don't understand it. Some people get power and turn into Gods and Goddess’.....all I can say is Whatever..... good luck, keep fighting and if there is anything I can do......let me  know. XXVII

2002 From Adam Frost Subject: receipt for AMEX parade entry: Hello all:  Mike Wallentine from American Express asked me about a receipt for the parade entry. I faxed over his receipt for the exhibitor booth last night. If you have a copy of the parade receipt, would you please fax it to me and I will pass it on to him? Or let me know if I need to stop by and pick it up.  Thanks, Adam. 
  • Chad C Keller to Stacy R [Robinson]: Receipts are the responsibility of the Utah Pride, Inc. Department of Treasury, I was under the assumption like all non profits letters of donation and proper tax receipts were going out on every donation possible. Is this not occurring? I am confident that as Stacy [Robinson] has been made aware of it she will jerk a chain or two and see that it that it will be done today, if it has not already been done.  As I never say checks or money I do not feel comfortable sending a blind receipt.  A check of any form serves as a receipt?  CK 
  • Stacy Robinson Subject: Re: receipt for AMEX parade entry: Thank you Chad for the vote of confidence. We (Darin and I) are working on getting all of the paperwork and payables taken care of in a timely manner. As far as your time line set for me, of today, I will do my best to see that it is met. However there are some other issues that need to take priority. Thanks again for the help and encouragement.


2003 USHS JUNE MONTHLY MEETING June 18, 2003 Present: Chad Keller, Mark Swonson,  Ben Williams, Cathy Cartwright, Chuck Whyte, Jan Sylvester 
  •  MOTIONS ADOPTED-A motion was proposed and passed to have Board Member Jan Sylvester  talk to the UGRA Board about a fundraising project and later meet with Executive Committee regarding details.   Ben Williams proposed that the Monthly Meetings revert back to original intent to share historical research and information with its members rather than be business meetings. The motion was adopted and starting in July (Wednesday 16) all general monthly meetings will have guest speakers or be group discussion session. Business Meetings will be called by Chad Keller at his discretion and are open to all members.  Ben Williams will schedule a mandatory Board of Directors' Quarterly
  • Meeting for July. The meeting will be closed to Board Members. Because Ben Williams also loaned USHS at total of $231.77 for extra  expenses that come up on this project, a motion by Chuck Whyte was  brought up on the floor and proposed:   1. All USHS projects will have sufficient funds on hand before a project is to begin.  2. Adequate Volunteers must be secured before taking on any projects through the efforts of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and chairs of sub committees and from general membership of USHS before a project is to begin.                          3. Time lines and proposed budgets and expenses will be in writing and reviewed by the Executive Committee and Board of Director members for completion of all projects. If deadlines are not met in a timely manner, USHS projects then may be disbanded or abandoned by the majority of the Executive Committee and Board of Director members.                                                                                                       4. Also, we will do one project at a time until that one is completed regarding all future projects by USHS. The proposed motion by Chuck Whyte (Treasurer) passed by all members on the Executive Committee, and Board of Directors present.
  • OLD BUSINESS UTAH STONEWALL HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S KIOSKS Pride Day was very successful. People liked the Kiosks, and we  received recognition in Salt Lake Tribune article. However there was  some damage done to some of them. They now need repainting and other  minor work done. Some one on the Board will talk to Charles Milne about the damage done to the Kiosks. A lot of interests have been expressed to USHS about the Kiosks.  We need to set up new guidelines regarding how, when, and where these Kiosk will be used. We have a total of 6 Kiosks. It was noted that Kiosks where changed in configuration to meet necessary expenses, due to the fact that we did not receive any donated material from Home Depot, like we were supposed to, when project was first introduced to the Board. Due to the fact Home Depot did not fulfill their commitment to  Chad, we did not receive all the material necessary to construct the kiosks. Out of pocket expenses where incurred by Ben Williams and Chuck Whyte for the Kiosks project as well as time.  
  • FUND RAISERS Members of Executive Committee, Board of Directors members and USHS general members can and should propose any Fundraiser ideas in order to raise funds for USHS's ongoing projects. Jan Sylvester proposed a fundraiser in conjunction with UGRA's Gay Rodeo University on June 28, 2003. The Executive Board gave approval with Jan talking to UGRA and getting back with Exec. Board regarding what would be necessary to help out. Jan, stated that she would cover the initial food expenses for the fundraiser to be paid back after the event. However Jan would like at least 2-3 people to help out. The Rodeo University will be held in Heber City at a UGRA Member's ranch. Jan will get more details regarding this later on. Chad Keller suggested we do a fundraiser with RCGSE on their Wild Card Sundays for their Patio BBQ. The business owner at either the Trapp or Paper Moon will donate the meat. Chad Keller as part of his duties as RCGSE's Crown Prince suggested that we could combine organizations and make a fun Sunday for both Organizations. Details will be worked out later. Chad Keller is also involved with the Drag Idol Shows and proposed that we could get a certain share of the money raised at those shows. There will be a total of 9 shows and we could get percentage of the door proceeds. Chad will give us further detail and report of this project at the next Board meeting. Cathy Cartwright, a member from Ogden, stated that she was willing to help with fundraising by providing material from her stain glass business. She proposed either donating glass or perhaps recreating our Rainbow Beehive Logo in stain glass for sale. She also generously agreed to create artwork for the Milestone Honors recipients. 
  • NEW BUSINESS Ben Williams, our historian, stated that he has ample historical projects to keep him busy this summer and wants to focus solely on these projects and let the rest of the Executive Committee, Board Members and general members fulfill the other on going projects that USHS will be doing. Ben will be interviewing several members of the community for an oral history project, writing a paper to be delivered  September 12 at the Utah State Historical Society's annual meeting, writing articles for the Pillar, and working with RCGSE to compile a more thorough chronology of their organization as requested by Emperor XXVIII, Mark Thrash.  We all agreed that night that Ben will need the time to proceed with his USHS projects and that he will keep us informed on how they are proceeding. 

2005 The Salt Lake Tribune Advocacy groups: Lesbian's death was a hate crime Memorial, prevention: A candlelight vigil honors her; others say carrying guns is the answer By Stephen Hunt Gay and lesbian organizations are calling the recent stabbing death of a lesbian woman a hate crime. The groups held a candlelight vigil Friday evening at Jordan Park for the slain woman, Norma Hernandez Espinoza, who was killed June 10 outside a West Valley City apartment. About 70 people attended. "We must combat the
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voices of those who hate," said Gena Edvalson, the gender justice coordinator at Utah Progressive Network, in a news release, "and we must stand together as friends and neighbors to show that we, as a community of love and understanding, are a greater force than hate and violence." The alleged killer, Trey Holloway Brown, has been charged with first-degree felony murder. Espinoza - who was having a romantic relationship with Brown's wife - had joined in a heated argument Brown and his wife were having about their three children when Brown grabbed a kitchen knife and chased the victim into the parking lot. Outside, Brown stabbed Espinoza three times, then jumped up and down on her chest and kicked her in the head, according to witnesses. Court documents describing the charges make no mention of the victim's sexual orientation. "We charged [Brown] with murder, which was the highest crime that he allegedly committed, and we found no evidence a hate crime under Utah law was involved," said Deputy Salt Lake County District Attorney Robert Stott. Said Edvalson: "We must say no to violence against women and violence against lesbians." David Nelson, founder and owner of Stonewall Shooting Sports of Utah, issued a news release calling for women to arm themselves. SSSU is a group of sexual-minority firearms advocates and owners who recommend gay and lesbians carry guns for protection. The so- called "Pink Pistols" idea was coined by writer Jonathan Rauch in 2000. "Women with firearms are up to 2.5 times less likely to be injured," Nelson said. "Every year, people in the United States use a firearm to defend themselves against criminals more than 2.5 million times - several times more often than criminals use firearms to commit crime. "Clearly, the legal, responsible and safe use of firearms saves lives and probably would have saved the life of Norma Hernandez Espinoza."

2009 Utah Pride offers free HIV tests in Salt Lake County  By Andrew Maddocks  The Salt Lake Tribune Salt Lake Tribune Free HIV testing will be available at the Utah Pride Counseling Offices on Monday, which is National HIV Testing Day. The Salt Lake Valley Health Department recommends testing for anyone who is sexually active but unaware of a current or previous partner's HIV status.  The office, at 231 E. 400 S., Suite 208, will be open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Rates of infection in Utah have climbed steadily over the past three years, and health officials expect the trend to continue. More than 3,000 people in Salt Lake County are living with HIV, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that several hundred more are infected but unaware.  Health officials predict more than 100 new diagnoses among Salt Lake City residents. Although there is no known cure for HIV, officials say people aware of their infection are less likely to spread it to others. Early diagnosis also increases the chances of successful health care.


2009 Utah's gay community: Federal benefits are a start Federal workers » The president's decision to extend some benefits to same-sex partners gets mixed reviews. by Rosemary Winters The Salt Lake Tribune Updated:06/18/2009 Gay-rights supporters in Utah cheered news Wednesday that President Barack Obama is extending some benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. But they hope he goes further. "It's kind of disappointing that we can't roll out equality in one fell swoop and be like our heterosexual counterparts," said Utah Pride Center executive director Valerie Larabee. But she called Wednesday's move "a step in the right direction." Larabee stands to benefit from the change. Her partner of six years, L'aura Bradford, works for the Defense Department at Hill Air Force Base. "Not being able to share those benefits with my partner," said Bradford, an information-technology worker, "it makes that job less valuable." Wednesday's move means Bradford can add her partner to long-term care insurance and use sick leave to care for Larabee. But it does not give Bradford and other federal workers the ability to include a same-sex partner in health insurance and retirement benefits. Some Utah governments are ahead of Obama on that front. Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County and Park City all offer health-insurance benefits to domestic partners of their employees. Equality Utah, a gay-rights advocacy group, is pushing to get the state and other cities and counties to offer similar perks. "It ends up benefiting the employer," said Will Carlson, Equality Utah's public policy manager. "If you've
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got a sick family member who can't afford health care, that's going to decrease your job performance." He called Obama's push to grant employees' domestic-partner benefits -- the president also backs legislation to expand health coverage -- a "smart move." For Lisa Bernson, a lesbian who has worked in Salt Lake City's U.S. Bankruptcy Court for 23 years, "It's a matter of fairness." "I'm not asking for special rights," she said. "I'm just asking for what everybody else receives" in job benefits to their families.  Obama's announcement Wednesday is "wonderful," she added. "It's been a long time coming."  



2016 Charles Richard Fluke: Chuck suddenly, and unexpectedly, passed away in the arms of dear friends on June 18, 2016 after a pleasant evening of dinner, conversation and cards. He was born to Dr. Charles Wesley Fluke and Alice Anderson Fluke in Miami Beach, Florida on November 21, 1945. Known as "Bud" to family and childhood friends - and to young Chuck's astonishment, random cashiers and service station attendants - he attended schools in his adopted hometown of Eugene, Oregon, then at Miss Hutchinson's School of Floral Design, the University of Oregon and Southern Oregon University. Surprised to survive Marine service in Vietnam with R&R elsewhere in Southeast Asia, our happy hippie hitch-hiked across the US, through Europe (including Franco's Spain) and on to fabled Marrakesh in North Africa. At times, a lumberjack, glazier, sheepherder, adventurer and sampler of world cultures, Chuck escaped - often repeatedly and for as long as he could - to anyplace with palm trees and refreshing beverages. He basked on the sandy beaches of Hawaii's islands, Mexico's Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya, and tropical Brazil - where over the years, several month-long sojourns climaxed as he stood transfixed in awe amidst the thundering mists of Foz do Iguassu.  He hiked Maui's Haleakala Crater and lava tubes, climbed Mayan pyramids in the Yucatan, and grew familiar with the old world charm of French Canada - making life-long friends along the way. He exulted in Southern Utah's red-rock splendor - hiking with friends, fording Zion's Narrows, and visiting his "second mother", Barbara, in Moab. As a youth, his father taught him to boat and fish Oregon's rivers and coastal waters. Decades later, they revisited those adventures cruising to Alaska and the Caribbean. He was a compassionate long-time caretaker, first taking care of his beloved brother and best friend John who was an early casualty of the AIDS plague. Later, Chuck was guardian and caregiver to his father and then his mother (who is known to his Salt Lake friends through her elegant silver dining service that he used for guests as well as for the delicate iris variety in his garden that she entrusted to him years ago, and which he christened "Alice"). A lifelong social activist, proud liberal, LGBT pioneer and philanthropist who was among the first to marry his long-time love in Utah following the landmark 2013 Court Ruling, he championed any cause that bettered his fellow man. Once a hardworking Olympic Peninsula commune member and later employed at the SLC School for the Blind, Chuck found his calling in the collaborative open-classrooms at Rolling Meadows Elementary School. There, he spent his entire career as a devoted mentor and educator, ultimately teaching children of his prior students. He was a voracious reader of mostly mysteries, but he also loved his Tribune and morning ritual of comics (except 'Mary Worth'), Sudoku and crossword puzzle. A virtuoso card shuffler, he - not surprisingly - triumphed at Hearts. Most evenings ended with a variety of mind-stimulating Solitaire games, sometimes stubbornly extending into the wee hours. A connoisseur of art and beauty, he collected and commissioned paintings and sculpture. In spite of failing hearing, he delighted in performances of film, theater, symphony, opera, ballet and modern dance, especially Ririe-Woodbury. His interests included museums, history and architecture (the latter, perhaps, to humor his husband's profession). His home was forested with indoor plants, including his grandmother's monumental cascading Christmas cactus, now over 100 years old. But surrounding his "deteriorating lawn ornament" of a house, was his true passion - his Avenues garden. Only there, was he always truly happy: admiring the morning's new blooms with his cup of Java Jo's in hand, climbing-trimming-felling trees, tenderly ministering to his flowers, practicing plant bondage, or dreaming up his next project. He sculpted earth and infamously moved boulders - which after years of wandering about his yard, ended up adorning his ambitious water feature. Bird lover and chaser of predatory cats, he patiently trained three generations of scrub jays to pluck pine nuts from human hands. As he arranged long ago, Chuck has been cremated. And after residing for a short while on the same mantel that housed his family's urns for years, he will join them under the symbolic and uniquely beautiful headstone-bench he designed to honor them in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Chuck is survived by his extensive and treasured "chosen family" of friends and helpful neighbors; sister Carolyn, her husband and three sons; and by his devoted husband, Stanford Rovig. The Universe - jealous of our love and perfect happiness together - has stolen Chuck away. His incomparable captivating smile and sparkling blue eyes are now fond, lingering memories. Aided by caring professionals at the SLC VA and Huntsman Cancer hospitals, his heroic year-long struggle and indescribable suffering are over and he is at peace. Yet our hearts are broken - and mine is emptied out. An informal early-evening memorial in his garden is being planned for late July or early August. 

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