This Day In Gay Utah History July 16th

16 July 16-

1746-Mary Hamilton disguised herself as a man in order to marry a woman. Within a few According to Hamilton's own

deposition, she was born in Somerset, England, the daughter of Mary and William Hamilton. Her family later moved to Scotland. When she was fourteen, she used her brother's clothes to pose as a boy, travelled to Northumberland and entered the service of a Dr. Edward Green (described in the deposition as a "mountebank") and later of a Dr. Finey Green. She studied to become a "quack doctor" as an apprentice of the two unlicensed practitioners. In 1746, she moved to Wells, and set up a medical practice of her own under the name Charles Hamilton. She met Mary Price, a relative of her landlady, whom she married in July 1746. The marriage lasted for two months before her true sex was discovered, and she was arrested. A deposition from Mary Price says that after the marriage she and Hamilton travelled selling medicines. During the marriage Hamilton "entered her body several times, which made this examinant believe, at first, that the said Hamilton was a real man, but soon had reason to judge that the said Hamilton was not a man, but a woman." When they were in Glastonbury, Price confronted her. Hamilton admitted the truth to Price, at which point she reported the matter and Hamilton was arrested. The justices delivered their verdict that "The he or she prisoner at the bar is an uncommon, notorious cheat, and we, the Court, do sentence her, or him, whichever he or she may be, to be imprisoned six months, and during that time to be whipped in the towns of Taunton, Glastonbury, Wells, and Shepton Mallet ..." The report in the Newgate Calendar concludes "And Mary, the monopoliser of her own sex, was imprisoned and whipped accordingly, in the severity of the winter of the year 1746." She was charged with fraud, publicly whipped, and imprisoned for six months.  In addition to Hamilton's and Price's own depositions, there are several reports of the case in the local newspaper, the Bath Journal. The first of these says that after news of the arrest got out many people visited the prison to get a look at Hamilton, who was very "bold and impudent". It added that "it is publickly talk'd that she has deceived several of the Fair Sex by marrying them."  Henry Fielding, In 1746,anonymously published a sensational pamphlet, The Female Husband, that gives a different account of Hamilton's life. The author claims that he had his information "from the mouth" of Hamilton herself. However, it is likely that he never met the woman he satirized in his work. The pamphlet was inexpensive and more than likely purchased by both men and women of different social statuses. Fielding exaggerated and fictionalized parts of the story in order to keep the audience interested and to entice people to read who might not be interested in erotic fiction. In Fielding's version the reader can be confused by the use of gender: "She had not been long in this city, before she became acquainted with one Mary Price, a girl of about eighteen years of age, and of extraordinary beauty. With this girl, hath this wicked woman since her confinement declared, she was really as much in love, as it was possible for a man ever to be with one of her own sex." Though Fielding's is the only full account of Hamilton's life before her arrest, it is not known how fictionalised it is. Historian Louis Crompton describes it as probably "one part fact to ten parts fiction

 

1854 LDS First counselor Heber C. Kimball recommends decapitation for adulterers and preaches from the pulpit concerning "unclean" women: "we wipe them out of existence."

1900 Ogden Standard Examiner Random References page 5 Sheriff  Lyne today arrested Thos Scott on the charge of intimidating witnesses in the sodomy case. Scott has spent 90 days in the county jail and was released Saturday. He agreed with [Mike] McCormick, and the two other men in for sodomy, to help them out and this is the result. If he had not been thrown in, there would probably have been an attempt at jail break for the prisoners had strings run through the screen to which files could have been attached and brought to them.

1950 Will D Renda 24, Broom Hotel had been sentenced Saturday by juvenile Judge W Lee Skanchy to a fine of $200 and serve 90 days in jail following his conviction of a charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor by committing sodomy. Sixty days suspended upon future good behavior. Ogden Standard Examiner

1958 Wayne Richins requested a preliminary hearing during arraignment yesterday in city court on a sodomy charge, a felony. Offense was committed July . Bail was set at $1,500. Ogden Standard Examiner

Randy Wicker

1962-Randy Wicker of the Mattachine society in New York and six other gay men appeared on a 90-minute talk show on WBAI about what it is like to be homosexual. While it resulted in positive comments in several newspapers and magazines, a group of listeners contacted the FCC to challenge the station's license. The complaint was rejected. 

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

1967 Justices F. Henri Henriod, E. R. Callister and R.L. Tuckett of Utah Supreme Court declared invalid part of Salt Lake City’s ordinance dealing with prostitution the court said. “We are of the opinion that the sate by enacting comprehensive and complete laws pertaining to sexual offenses has pre-empted that field.  It does not appear that the state intended that the municipalities deal with these offenses except in those areas pertaining to prostitution where the Legislature had made specific grants of authority to municipalities (07/18/67 SLTribune page 15)

1968 The US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Monday the conviction of a former Chicago policeman and a New Jersey man for bilking $10,000 from a Utahn in an alleged sex extortion ring.  John J. Pyle, 53, on medical leave from Chicago Police Department since 1952 and Robert  F. Schwartz, 27, of Belmawr New Jersey were sentence 20 June 1967 to 5 years in prison. A 3rd defendant Edmund C. Pacewicz pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 4 years in prison.  Judge Hubert L. Will of US District Court presided at the trial.  The government contended that Pyle was the mastermind of a nationwide ring, whose members lured men into compromising situations and later blackmailed their victims by threatening to expose homosexual activities. (07/16/68 SLTribune page 25)

Dick Leitsch

1969-A second gay power meeting was held in Greenwich Village at an Episcopal Church. Those attending planned a protest in front of St Patrick's Cathedral. GAY LIBERATION  Mattachine and its Action Committee parted company definitively as an outcome of the 2nd community meeting held at St. Johns Episcopal Church on Waverly Place. Marty Robinson as its leader initiated protest “hangouts” in which groups of homosexuals would congregate at some spot in the Village, declaring who they were and their “right to be there” and refusing to move.  Dr. Leo Louis Martello told fellow Gays that they must challenge every feeling of worthlessness they may have ever had about themselves. He was to develop his ideas further in the first issue of The Gay Liberation Front’s Come Out! Dick Leitsch in a brown suit with professional aplomb states Police brutality and heterosexual indifference must be protested, he asserts; at the same time, the Gay world must retain the favor of the Establishment, especially those who make and change the laws.  Homosexual acceptance will come slowly, by educating the straight community with grace and good humor and..” A long haired boy Jim Fourett jumped up on his feet and yelled “We don’t want acceptance, God Damn It! We want respect! Demand it! We’re through hiding in dark bars behind Mafia doormen. We’re  going to go where straights go and do anything with each other they do and if they don’t like it, well fuck them!.. Straights don’t have to be ashamed of anything sexy they happen to feel like doing in public and neither do we!  We’re through cringing and begging like a lot of nervous old Nellies at Cherry Grove!”  “Well, now I think,” says Mrs. Cervantes (Mattachine assistant) “that what we ought to have is a Gay vigil in a park. Carry candles

Jim Fourett

, perhaps I think we should be firm, but just as amicable and sweet as..”  “Sweet!” called out Jim Fourett, “Sweet Bullshit! There’s the stereotype homo again man!…Bullshit! That’s the role society has been forcing these queens to play, and they just sit and accept it. We got to radicalize man!  Why?  Because as long as we accept getting fired from jobs because we are Gay, or not being hired at all, or being treated like second class citizens, we’re going to remain neurotic and screwed up! No matter what you do in bed, if you’re not a man out of it, you’re going to be screwed up. Be proud of what you are man! And if it takes riots or even guns to show them what we are well that’s the only language that the pigs understand! “Wild Applause. Dick Lietsch tried to reply but Fourett shouts him down. “All of the oppressed have to unite!  The system keeps us all weak by keeping us separate.. We’ve got to work together with all the New Left.  Dick Leitcsh is screaming for order but he is firmly ignored. After this meeting young Gay’s interest in Mattachine sposored actions was waning. 

Leonard Matlovich 

1976-The discharge of Sgt. Leonard Matlovich was upheld in a civilian court by Federal District Judge Gerhard Gesell. Matlovich was a Mormon Convert who received a Purple Heart during the Viet Nam War.

1979  -" Contacted by Karl Idsvoog and Chad Dobson of Channel 2 News for a documentary about Homosexuality and the Mormon Church. It made me recall the documentary I had done earlier filmed by Andrew Welch for K.Q.E.D. in California. I will view the Welch documentary Monday with Karl to give me an idea of what to say in this documentary if I decide to participate in this informative work. " [Diary of Donald Attridge]

1982-The United States  INS policy of barring homosexuals from entering the country was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge. 

1984-US News and World Report announced that gays and lesbians make up the seventh-largest voting block in the US. 

1985 20 Clinics Established For AIDS Test  Twenty clinics have been set up throughout Utah offering blood tests for AIDS.  It was also announced Monday by Craig Nichols state epidemiologist that one new AIDS case (Sheldon Spears) reported in both June and July raised the states total to 15 with 9 deaths. Utah’s death rate is 65 percent compared with national average of 50 percent. Nichols noted high risk groups were homosexuals, people with many sex partners, intravenous drug abusers, people with blood transfusions, and Haitians. “All of Utah’s cases have involved people in the high risk groups,” he said. (SLTribune  16 July 1985 B3-4)

1986 Wednesday 19 bicyclists rode into Salt Lake City as part of “Cycle For Life” an AIDS fund raising group. They were met by only a handful of reporters and the two state officials they’d asked to met with, Governor Norm Bangerter and Mayor Palmer de Paulis said they were busy elsewhere. The group of bicyclists are traveling the country in search of funds to help people with AIDS 

Donny Eastepp

1987- I went to the Gay and Lesbian Community Council at 7 p.m “Ken Francis called me before I left and said that he couldn't make it because he was sick from getting so drunk yesterday at Radio City's Beer Bust. Poor thing. Anyway at the GLCCU about 20 people showed up and we discussed Gay Pride Day. We ended with about $800 for next year and elected Floyd Gamble to be Pride Day Chair for 1988. We gave Donny Estep a well deserved thanks for a job well done.  We also voted on organizing a task force to investigate whether the council should be come political that is become a political action committee. Many voiced opposition against becoming political in the fear that they might lose their tax

Mel Baker

exempt statuses.  We decided to sponsor a Gay Day at Lagoon with Floyd Gamble organizing it, the renting of the Heber Creeper for an AIDS fund raising benefit, and raising funds to sponsor Mel Baker of KRCL's Concerning Gays and Lesbians as a representative of the Salt Lake Gay community for the March on Washington in October. I met this fellow named Joe Roach tonight who is going to be a writer for the Triangle Magazine. He's really a dynamically charismatic man.[Journal of Ben Williams]

1988 John Reeves and I picked up the giant chocolate chip cookies for tomorrow from the U of U. We bought 100 cookies at 35 cents to sell tomorrow at our booth.  In the evening I went to the Central City Community Center for the dance tonight at 9 p.m. Another small turn out but we made $45 enough to hold another dance in August.  After the dance went out with Dave Malmstrom, Alan Peterson, and Richard Morris to Village Inn where we visited until 3 a.m. People are getting so excited about Beyond Stonewall but I’m just feeling anxious [Journal of Ben Williams]

1989 -Rocky O'Donavan asked me over to meet a friend of his named Terry Trout who is a radical fairy from California passing through Utah.  We discussed paganism and Quakerism and how Paganism and Christianity does not have to be antithesis to each other. The faerie group I want to start is going to be pagan in the sense of coming to understand our place as Gay men in the natural and supernatural world but also for me personal I want to stay in tune with the spirit of Christus which I have come to understand as the Gay Spirit. The ethical teachings of Christ are as valid for me as ever i.e. forgiveness, mercy, turning the cheek, introspection, non materialism. However traditional heterosexual Christian dogma is anathema to me now.  I want to come to an understanding of the Great Mother and seek her love is helping me balance my male and female energies.  Christ as the male focus of true masculine energy is still the lover of my soul.  But I am done with heterosexual men's Patriarchal god of war, death, power, and destruction.  That is the convoluted side of the Great Matriarch. [Journal of Ben Williams]

Kathryn Warner

1990 - Kathryn Warner came over this late afternoon and gave me a Faerie Gift for reading her medicine cards. She made a little Faerie holding a crystal ball, which Kathryn said was good for healing. Now I have my own little household Faerie. In the evening I went up to LGSU on campus and saw Bobbie Smith. LGSU wasn't meeting this week so Bobbie and I went for a hike up behind the U of U. It was the first time I had ever been there.  Bobbie and I talked about what happened Saturday at Beyond Stonewall.  After the hike, which was great but tiring, we went to Village Inn and I saw David Sharpton and

David Sharpton

his new boyfriend Mike Angotti. He's some kid from Price and seems really nice. But David was so mean and ugly to him. Here we were just meeting this guy for the first time and David was insulting him and talking down to him. I fear David is not dealing with a full deck anymore. I think he must be getting dementia. I hate seeing him this way. I hate people only knowing only this side of David. [Journal of Ben Williams]

Bill Clinton

1992-Bill Clinton became the first candidate for president to mention gays and lesbians rights in a speech accepting the Democratic nomination for president. 

1995 The Salt Lake Tribune Lesbians, Gays Gain Clout In Workplace Homosexuals Form Groups In Workplace By Lili Wright While lesbians and gays have historically been a silent, invisible sector of corporate America, a growing number are forming employee organizations to represent their views. Even conservative Utah is following the trend, and in one case, serving as a trailblazer.Last November, the New York headquarters of American Express Travel Related Services issued guidelines for establishing minority workplace groups known as employee networks. By year's end, a group of Utah employees founded GLOBE, Gay and Lesbian Organization to Build Equality. Since then, company offices in New York, Florida and Arizona have followed suit. Salt Lake City a First: "Salt Lake was the first one to jump on it," says Steven Boyington, an employee development consultant. "Now it's springing up all over the country."Elsewhere in Utah:--A group of Salt Lake County workers have formed GLEA, The Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Employees Association, and are now working to be officially recognized by the county. --Last year at AT&T, Utah workers formed a chapter of LEAGUE, Lesbian, Bisexual and Gay United Employees at AT&T. --This past May, US WEST's Salt Lake chapter of EAGLE, Employee Association for Gays and Lesbians, hosted a regional conference. While workers have been organizing since the advent of unions, most homosexuals have tried to hide their sexual orientation for fear of workplace backlash or even dismissal. Attitudes Changing: But attitudes are changing. Apple Computer, Levi Strauss and Walt Disney are among the more than 100 companies with established gay associations, according to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force based in Washington, D.C. By definition, interoffice groups lack the political clout to enact widespread change. Yet, lobbying on the local level is surprisingly effective, says Utah activist David Nelson. Employers are more receptive because they work with the people affected. And employees have more

David Nelson

incentive to alter their office environment than fight a Congressional battle 2,000 miles away. "It's not a theoretical argument," says Nelson, who helped found GLEA. "It's right there at their desk." Some companies, like US WEST, go even further, with groups for female, black, Asian, Latino, veteran, disabled and American Indian workers. "Besides being the right thing to do," says US WEST Utah spokesman Duane Cooke, "diversity for US WEST is a key business strategy." There is plenty of money to be made. The U.S. gay market is estimated at $514 billion, according to the Chicago market research firm Overlooked Opinions. Some companies turn to inside experts when tapping into specialized markets. American Express, for instance, consulted its gay network about a recent ad campaign which ran in the national gay magazines, 10% and Out. The ads shows two-person travelers checks signed by same-sex partners. The company also participated in the Gay and Lesbian Business and Consumer Expo in New York. A specific group's agendas depend on individual companies. For many, the first step is to have sexual orientation added to a company's non-discrimination policies -- a protection accepted by a host of companies including IBM, Citicorp, Eastman Kodak, Digital Equipment, Pacific Gas and Electric and General Motors. Another common cause is to make gay partners eligible for the same workplace benefits as married spouses -- from insurance to bereavement leave to club membership. "They are not saying no," says Troy Pelaar, who is lobbying for the change at AT&T. "They are saying when not if." Others sponsor philanthropic and education programs designed to breed acceptance of homosexuality. American Express employees have worked with the YWCA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and AIDS Walk for Life. They brought in a financial advisor to speak about money management for singles and screened a documentary film about homosexuality. The efforts seem to be working. Last year's Diversity Day brought in two dozen pieces of hate mail directed at gay employees. This year, there was a single letter. In the end, gay leaders insist it is the company that wins if employees feel accepted. They are less likely to jump ship to a more progressive competitor.  And they don't waste time and energy trying to be someone they are not. "It's much easier now for employees to be out in the work force and  not worry about repercussions from the boss," says Richard Cottino at US  WEST. "They know the company is behind them."

1996 A window at the state capitol was blown out by strong winds. Republican State legislators were in the room at the time discussing the ramifications of the secret meeting they held in January to bash Gays and Gay clubs in Utah Schools.

Mark Thrash

2003 Subject: USHS PROJECT: History of the RCGSE Mark Thrash to Chad Keller Chad, In many past emails sent from Ben Williams I have read several Excerpts regarding the instrumental role the RCGSE had in the implementation of Utah Pride Day, UGRA, GLCC, some timeline information regarding the crowning of past monarchs and also the origin of the RCGSE.  I would like to know the possibility of having all the information regarding the RCGSE's community involvement listed in one location to assist in my effort and goal to preserve our organization's history. I know after Pride Day, Ben has been burned on the kiosks, and although that may no longer be an option for us I would still greatly appreciate having his assistance in compiling all of the information he has regarding the history of the RCGSE and our role in Utah's gay community. I have emailed Ben directly once before regarding this project, and he mentioned that he planned to sit down with Marita Gayle [Marty Pollack] to compile this history, but I have not heard from him again regarding the progress of his plan. I would just like to at least start the ball rolling by compiling the information he currently has on file and then moving forward with  Marita at a later date.  Any ideas? Please let me know the possibility of having the USHS assist in this project, and what assistance I can be of in moving forward with this preservation. > Thanks... Mark Thrash Emperor 28

• Re: USHS PROJECT: History of the RCGSE Chad Keller to Mark Thrash As you are aware, I am overwhelming, and with the drama of Pride, Then To have the Kiosks severely damaged on their return, I’m sure left him wondering what I had gotten him into, and a much needed and well deserved break for him was in order. I know that he has mentioned the project, and I think is  ready to be of assistance as it has been a discussion as we have addressed the issues of meeting structure of the USHS. I think and am suggesting that you, I and Ben Go for Coffee.  There is no meeting tonight as we just had a board meeting on Monday.  When would coffee work for you next week.  I will also contact Ben and see how I might be of assistance to him to help us both meet the Goal of the Reign. CK 

• Re: USHS PROJECT: History of the RCGSE Mark Thrash to Chad Keller I'm available next Wednesday or Thurday (July 23 or 24).  Thanks! 

• Subject: Court History Chad Keller to Ben Williams “Ben, Mark is trying to get the history of the court together for future use, and I believe for the upcoming book to be published by the International Court System.  How can we best be of assistance too him to meet his goal. thanks! CK 

• Subject: RCGSE History Ben Williams to Mark Thrash Dear Mark, Chad forwarded your email to me regarding compiling a history of the RCGSE. As per our emails back in May I am still willing to help with this project. I have tried to contact Marita Gayle several times. I was to meet with her on Coronation Sunday but she changed her mind saying she was not in the mood. Later after Pride I emailed her again asking when we could get together and she has never responded back except for earlier this week when she asked for me to remove her from the Yahoo Group Site. Until this year I was never a member of the court but merely a spectator so I cannot vouch for my own recollections. I do have quite a few items from media sources however. I am willing to put together a time line of events for the court but can't vouch for complete accuracy. As a history also it would not be the same as a PR piece. History has warts and all. I am going to Colorado this weekend for my niece's graduation. By next week I will send you an outline of what I have. Best Regards and wishes Ben Williams 

• Subject: RCGSE History Mark Thrash to Ben Williams Ben, Please know that I never doubted your intentions to get a hold of Marita Gayle; my concern was that her lack of enthusiasm might deter desired plans to compile the Court's history. I also agree that additional research with someone who has been more involved in the Court's history will be necessary to ensure the accuracy of your records and for the compilation of more detailed history. My desire at this time is to merely take a giant first step towards a significant project that I feel has been overlooked by the RCGSE by beginning with the records you have.  Then I would like to move forward with the project and getting it the desired promotional piece I want completed during the 28th Reign. Have a great time in Colorado.  I look forward to reading what you have on file.  Thanks again for your dedication and willingness to assist. Mark Thrash Emperor 28

2005 KRYSTYNA SHAYLEE, EMPRESS 30--HEIDI HO WEST WATERS, EMPRESS 28-KIM RUSSO, PRINCE ROYALE 23-KYRA PRESPENTTE, PRINCESS ROYALE 26-ALONG WITH THE R.C.G.S.E.-PRESENT-"XMAS IN JULY"-SATURDAY, JULY 16TH A BENEFIT FOR THE PEOPLE WITH AIDS XMAS FUND PLACE:  MODIGITTY'S* TIME:  9: 00 PM $5.00 SUGGESTED DONATION

2005  - Swerve Family Picnic - Multi-Purpose Room & back lawn - (4-7pm) Bring yourself, your kids, Frisbees, basketballs & games. Also bring whatever you would like to grill and we'll have the grill hot and ready to go! We will also have plenty of sodas and snacks on hand! Come join us for this family friendly celebration of summer. 

2005 E-mail blitz blisters S.L. Co. GOP councilmen Talk of the Morning: Domestic-Partner Controversy By Derek P. Jensen The Salt Lake Tribune Sore hands, swollen knuckles, slumped shoulders. No, Salt Lake County Council aides haven't been in a brawl. It just feels like it. Since Tuesday, they have been swarmed by hundreds of e-mails lambasting the five Republican councilmen for rejecting domestic- partner benefits for county employees in a 5-4 party-line vote. The staffers are typing furiously at their computers trying to respond to the deluge, one by one. "We've had about all we can handle this week," says Michael Chabries, aide to Republicans Cort Ashton and Mark Crockett. "Bigots, homophobes and hatemongers. And those are the nice things they say." A taste of the invective: l "You five persons showed that you stand for injustice, intolerance, bigotry and inequality. These are not the values of an American citizen and I am ashamed to have you in a position of influence in my community." l "Thanks for the two-faced lies, people. I'm wondering WWJD [what would Jesus do] if asked to stand up and honor his word." l "It is you who are less because, instead of standing up and fighting for the rights of others, you cower behind the public beliefs of the masses." l "This vote adds to the disgusting record of this governmental body. You should be ashamed of yourselves. I am very disappointed in each and every one of you, and I expect an apology." As quickly as the zingers arrive, they are forwarded to the councilmen. Still, aides say, it has been exhausting to answer the scores of insults prompted partly by a letter-writing campaign organized through a prominent gay-rights group. "It seems like they're all replying from a mass e-mail from Equality Utah," says Ryan Perry, aide to Council Chairman Michael Jensen, who estimates his boss has 200 messages alone. "The name- calling and the bigot comments are kind of hard to read. But, other than that, people have been pretty civil." Tuesday's vote and subsequent e-mail barrage follow an emotional debate that left Crockett and the county's Gay and Lesbian Employee Association chairwoman in tears. The issue was framed by Democrats as a matter of fairness, while their GOP counterparts argued such a move would signal an endorsement of gay marriage, which they note Utah voters soundly rejected in November by passing Amendment 3. The shotgun e-mail, which triggered much of the response, included the phone numbers and e-mail addresses of each council member. It was a "joint statement" from the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Utah, Human Rights Campaign, Stonewall Democrats, Log Cabin Republicans and Equality Utah, according to the last organization's acting executive director, Jane Marquardt. "It was never our intent to

Jane Marquardt

encourage hateful speech," Marquardt says. "But we have to have constructive debate to let the council know there are real unmarried partners who deserve the benefits since they do the same amount of work." She insists using the Amendment 3 argument in denying benefits for gay people is "just wrong." That failed to convince Jensen, who stands by his decision. "Most people would draw a connection between the domestic-partner benefits and the vote we held in November," he says. Jensen also downplays the feedback, saying the council also gets "swamped" over zoning issues. "It's just democracy in action." Chabries, who spent Friday wading through the missives, isn't so sure. "Anytime you deal with sexual politics it incites a different kind of passion," he says. Of the e-mails, consider this one from a University of Utah professor who helped the U. become Utah's only public employer to offer such benefits. "One day so will the rest of this sadly homophobic, intellectually challenged majority."

2009 A few simple perspectives Share Yesterday at 8:26pm This evening I attended the first Town-Hall meeting for Equality Utah's Common Ground Initiative. In the last several years, since the 'No on 3' campaign, I've had a bit of a chip on my shoulder with the Gay Community. Not necessarily the people as much as the Human Rights Campaign (Utah Chapter) and the Pride Center. I've felt that the HRC is an organization to raise funds for swanky cocktail parties with no real political action. Well, except for those free stickers they keep giving out. As for the Utah Pride Center; I've felt unwelcome, and disenfranchised every-time I've entered the facility. With the exception of the one time I mentioned my feelings to their public relations director. I sat down and had a very pleasant conversation with her. However the staff at the Center hasn't been the most welcoming since. As a Gay man that lives in Salt Lake County, I have many other friends that are gay and don't feel like it's worth anything to get involved with Utah Politics. Either because we're not a group of pretty boys who meet at the bar every night, or because we're not part of the 'now' generation. We are however Gay men with a fair amount of disposable income that enjoy a good dinner party once in a while. I'm not a politician, I'm a work-a-day guy, who comes home to his beautifully decorated house, and enjoys a quiet life. I wouldn't mind getting more active in Utah Politics, as long as I'm made to feel like a part of the process. There are MANY of us out there, we don't necessarily want to get our picture in the paper, but calling our representatives is no big deal. I can do that in ten minutes; and I have. Now on the subject of Marriage in Utah between LGBT individuals, this is not on the near horizon. Sorry to bum y'all out, but let's face reality. We need to start with smaller issues. Right now Marriage is too much of a hot bedded issue, and we are, after all in Utah. One thing I was always taught growing up was to set attainable goals. Build on unattainable goals, keep them with you at all times, but start with a good foundation. States like California, Vermont, and Massachusetts are years ahead of us politically speaking. I personally think we need to build a firm foundation, then go for what we really want. The Common Ground Initiative focuses on issues such as Expanding Health Care, Fair Housing and Employment. In Utah an LGBT individual can still be fired from their job. Reality check, it's 2009, the 21st century, and WE ARE STILL FACING THIS. We've been in this for 40 years, and as a 34 year old gay man I am impressed with how far we've come in just the last 15 years. Let's not take steps backwards by alienating ourselves from our community, let's take steps to be pillars of our community. I think the most appealing thing about this town hall meeting was how accessible it was. It was an open invitation to members of the LGBT community who happen to live in Taylorsville and it's surrounding areas. It felt nice that a group, formed within our community, was asking for people to pound the pavement, not just give them more money to throw at the problem. In 1992 I was a 17 year old kid coming out of the closet, there were organizations in the community like Queer Nation, Wasatch Affirmation, The Stonewall Center, and Ben will write a long comment on here if I don't mention The Sacred Fairies (I love you, Ben.). We've lost some of these groups, militant as some of them were, they got the message out. They were continuing Harvey Milk's notion to let people know that we were here, and we're not going away.  I know the current course in Utah is to attract more bee's with honey, and keep it professional. To some extent that has bothered an old activist; such as myself. With Equality Utah, I feel that redirecting our message is due. They are asking that we start educating the community around us. Maybe it's time once again to listen to Mr. Milk's

Terry Gillman

suggestion that we come out. I live in West Valley, I know there are LGBT people out here. I know there are LGBT people in every corner of this county. We need to talk to our neighbors, we need to let them, and our communities know, that we're here. For those of us living in the burbs it's a little more difficult, we're not in liberal Salt Lake City. But we can start a dialog with our friends and neighbors to find that Common Ground. Call your state and city representatives, and let them know you are in favor of what ever initiative catches your eye. At least you'd be doing your part to BE ACTIVE in your own little corner of the state. Thank you.- Terry Gillman

Ruby Ridge aka
Donald Steward

2010 Subject: Bingo Ladies and Friends, PLEASE get the word out about Third Friday Bingo! Our charity is the South Valley Domestic Violence Sanctuary which is really struggling right now with no cash (they had two of their stoves go down this week and no way to fix them....NOT GOOD!!!!). We love this charity as it is the only facility in Utah that accepts domestic violence victims from same sex couples (both men and women). Our patriotic theme is "Above the Fruited Plain" so red white and blue and/or fruity will work fine for outfits. Thanks. Ruby [Ridge aka Donald Steward].

2014 Just shy of her fifth anniversary as executive director of Equality Utah, Brandie Balken announced she will be leaving in August to assume a new position with the Gill Foundation, one of the nation’s largest funders of LGBT equality work. “My service as the executive director of Equality Utah has been the most rewarding and challenging of my life. As a lifelong Utahn it has been extraordinary to witness the astounding change in public opinion, and in public policy,” Balken said. “I am so honored to have had the opportunity to do this work at this amazing time, having benefited from the hard work and sacrifice of my predecessors — and countless others in this incredible community. “Together we have accomplished some wonderful things. Although I am sad that I will not be here to witness it, I know that Utah will continue to build on its gains in providing fairness, freedom and opportunity for all. I know, with the dedication, commitment and resilience of this community, and the drive and savvy of my colleagues at Equality Utah, the best is yet to come. Get ready Utah, the future is knocking,” Balken continued. “Brandie’s service and dedication to Utah’s LGBT community has been as inspired as it has been effective.  Under her leadership, Equality Utah has more than doubled in capacity and successfully lobbied for the passage of more than 35 LGBT-inclusive policies on local and state levels,” said

Clifford Rosky

Equality Utah Board Chair Clifford Rosky. “Brandie’s expertise, grace and compassion have truly transformed the landscape for LGBT equality in Utah, and we very much look forward to seeing her work continue on the national stage.” “In light of everything that Brandie has achieved in the last five years, it’s hardly surprising to see her moving on to the national stage.  She has already been serving as the co-chair of the board of directors of Equality Federation for years, and her work in Utah has garnered attention from national organizations and activists across the United States,” Rosky continued. Shortly after she was named interim director of Equality Utah in July of 2009, succeeding Mike Thompson, the group announced the transition of its Common Ground Initiative from an effort to pass legislation at the state legislature to working with municipalities in the state to pass local ordinances. The effort was wildly successful, as 19 communities passed ordinances in all areas of the state, from Salt Lake City to St. George, to Moab to Price. In 2010, the organization was honored with Change.org’s Top 10 “Gay Rights Heroes of 2010” after securing its goal of 10 city ordinances in the first year. Also in 2010, Balken was named QSaltLake‘s Person of the Year and was featured on the cover of the January issue. In 2012, Philanthropedia, a division of GuideStar which reports on U.S. nonprofits, ranked the group seventh among gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and ally organizations that had a high impact on their local community. Balken was also named by the organization as a top leader. Over the years, the organization helped many endorsed candidates from both sides of the aisle in their goal of a “fair and just Utah.” The group raised funds through personal donations and the annual Allies Dinner, which has grown dramatically since 2009, filling the largest ballroom in the state. The group expanded the dinner to include one each year in St. George. EU has also worked to forge relationships with politicians and other leaders at all levels of the state. Their reach of influence extends from senators to representatives to school leaders to the Utah Driver License Division. “Utah is a better place because of Brandie’s dedication, hard work and her talents,” Salt Lake City Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians said in a statement. “She will be missed, but will now be able to continue to affect change on a national level, which benefits so many more people. We extend our sincere gratitude and congratulations to Brandie.” “I cannot imagine going

Mark Lawrence

through the events of the past year, without knowing that Brandie and Cliff and Equality Utah had my back,” said Restore Our Humanity director Mark Lawrence. “We have become not only a village but a new light in the universe and without Brandie and her work, that light would be much dimmer.” “Brandie Balken has been one of the greatest leaders of LGBTQ equality in Utah that has ever been my privilege to know. We all owe her a huge debt of gratitude,” said activist Eric Ethington. “When Ben Williams finally finishes his Utah LGBT history, Brandie will go down as one of the great ones. With legislators, her velvet touch masked in a backbone of steel. And organizationally, she is Fortune 400 material,” said Sen. James Dabakis. “I saw her steel

Jim Dabakis

side one day in a meeting where it was suggested that if she dropped the ‘T’ from ‘LGBT,’ she might get a statewide nondiscrimination bill passed. She icely said, ‘That, my friend, is going nowhere.'” “Brandie is a class act. She knows how to engage issues with compassion and intelligence,” said activist Troy Williams. “As marriage equality becomes the norm, our movement is now shifting toward LGBT nondiscrimination work. There is no one better qualified than Brandie to move this work across the country. Utah’s loss is the nation’s gain. We love and miss her already.” Marina Gomberg has been named interim director as the board finds a permanent replacement for the position. Gomberg is a communications manager at the University of Utah and was a director of development and marketing at the Utah Pride Center for five years. She and her wife, Elenor Heyborne, are

Marina Gomberg

plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the State of Utah seeking to recognize the over 1,300 couples married during the 17 days that marriage was legal in the state. “Marina has deep roots in the LGBT community of Utah and strong communication and leadership skills.  We look forward to utilizing her talents in this capacity while we conduct a thorough, comprehensive search for our next executive director,” Rosky said. “As always, Equality Utah remains fully committed to the growth of our robust programming.  Working together, the board and the staff will continue to raise awareness about the experiences of transgender Utahns, achieve nondiscrimination protections in employment and housing, and win the freedom to marry for all Utahns.” Rosky is excited about where Equality Utah is, and where it plans to be in the near future. “This is an exciting time for Equality Utah and the LGBT movement. We are stronger than ever. We are about to win marriage equality in all 50 states, and our public education and fundraising campaign to support the Kitchen lawsuit that has played a significant role in that effort and served as a model for coalitions formed in other states. We have won the passage of more than 35 LGBT-inclusive policies at the state and local level, which protect millions of Utahns from discrimination in employment, housing and schools,” Rosky said. “We are excited to launch our new trans* awareness project, and to bring Laverne Cox as our special guest at then EU Allies Dinner this year. We have a lot of great new things planned for the upcoming year, and we are thrilled to find a new leader to keep moving us forward.” Q Salt Lake 

2015 Utah Pride Center names Marian Edmonds-Allen as executive director The Utah Pride Center announced today the appointment of Marian Edmonds-Allen as their new executive director. “Marian is the right person at the right time. She is already a very well respected leader in our community,” said Utah Pride Center board president Kent Frogley. “There is much work to be done still and Marian stepping into the 

Marian Edmonds-Allen

leadership role at the Utah Pride Center will serve our community well in advancing the mission of the Utah Pride Center in providing important programs and services that meet the needs of the LGBTQ community. “We conducted a national search. We were very thoughtful and careful as we considered our pool of candidates,” continued Frogley. “The UPC staff were included in the interview process and are behind Marian as well.” Edmonds-Allen was named QSaltLake’s 2014 Person of the Year and a 2015 Petra Foundation Fellow as an, “unsung leader who is making distinctive contributions to the rights, autonomy and dignity of millions who are marginalized in America” for her collaborative work with families, community organizations, government agencies and religious institutions to prevent LGBT youth homelessness and suicide in Utah. She is currently the national program director for the Family Acceptance

Kent Frogley

Project, a research, intervention, education and policy initiative that works to decrease risk and to promote well-being for LGBT children and adolescents in the context of families, culture and faith communities. She is formerly the executive director of OUTreach Resource Centers and holds a Masters of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary. She lives in Pleasant View Utah with her wife and four children. “Marian brings critical leadership skills, deep commitment, vision and compassion to bring the community together to enable LGBT youth and adults to lead fully authentic lives. I look forward to working with her in this exciting new role as she continues to make a vital difference,” said Dr. Caitlin Ryan, Director of the Family Acceptance Project. “Equality Utah is thrilled to welcome Marian Edmonds to her new role. We are excited to see her vision and leadership in action. We look forward to working together to create a better state for all LGBTQ Utahns,” said Troy Williams, executive director Equality Utah. “Marian Edmonds cares deeply about our community. She has the ability to combine compassion with leadership skills that get resources and programs to the people who need them. She is a bridge builder who can bring diverse groups together in order to build a better Utah for LGBTQ people and their allies.” said Erika Munson, co-founder of Mormons Building Bridges.

Jon Schild

2015 Jon J. Schild  long time Gay community member died July 16, 2015 from cancer. He was born on November 16, 1944 and  graduated from Pocatello High School in 1962 and served an LDS mission to the New England states. Jon earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Idaho State University in 1969 and his Master’s Degree was from UC Santa Barbara in 1975. Jon lived a life of service. He was a ward and church organist for over 50 years of his life. Jon was an Air Force Veteran. He also served with the Big Brother’s organization for several years earning an award from Governor Bangerter in 1986 for outstanding community service. He volunteered with a half-way house program to help people rebuild their lives after incarceration. Jon loved the arts and acted in countless plays over the years. He sang in the Salt Lake Men’s Choir and then in the Utah Opera Chorus for over 20 years where he performed in many operas. He was a member of Wasatch Affirmation and Unconditional Support. Jon was preceded in death by his loyal cat Queen Vashti. He is survived by several dear friends. He continues to serve the community by having donated his body for medical research. Jon’s memorial service will be held at Sacred Light of Christ Church 823 S. 600 E. in Salt Lake City on July 26th at 7:00 PM.