This Day In Gay Utah History July 8th

8 July 8

1900 DISTRICT COURT Offenders All Enter Pleas of Not GuiIty In the district court yesterday. Ed James charged with robbery. John Coin housebreaking,  John Saunders housebreaking and Mike McCormick Fred Wilson and George Powers sodomy were arraigned before Judge Rolapp and all pleaded not guilty. Their hearings will come up during the week. Salt Lake Herald

1964 City Judge Horace C. Beck ordered city commissioner Herbert F. Smart to appear before him Monday on contempt charges.  Judge Beck also acquitted the woman charged with lewdness.  Earlier on Tuesday, two deputy Sheriffs entered the city county building office of Mr. Smart and took him into custody on a “warrant of attachment” alleging contempt as a result of his letter to County Attorney Grover A. Giles . ( 07/08/64 page B1 col. 7 SLTribune)

1985  Be Informed On AIDS Patient Says Sheldon Spears cracks jokes when he talks about his impending death from AIDS.  But his temper flares when the subject is the lack of community support and services for the fatal disease. “How many have to die? Just because we haven’t had that many cases doesn’t mean we can’t have information dissemination!”, he says. The 33 year old, Spears, a native of New York City, who moved to Salt Lake City via Houston several years ago, says he was diagnosed in June as suffering from AIDS.  The diagnosis was based primarily on a skin cancer that is usually associated with AIDS when it occurs in younger men.  Since that time Spears has contracted 2 other infections used as indicators of the deadly syndrome.  Aside from the slight fatigue, he feels well and continues to work.  He is also campaigning for an AIDS “outreach” project in Utah that would provide information on the disease and counseling for its victims.  According to Spears such a service is needed not only for those who have the disease, but for members of groups at high risk of contracting it.  Despite the fact 14 cases of AIDS have been diagnosed in Utah, the state’s Gay population refuses to acknowledge its vulnerability says Spears, who is Gay and a former drug abuser.  “Unless they have a friend touched by it, or personal experience, they’re not going to give a good goddam,” he says. They feel they’re immune to it because they’re behind the Zion Curtain.” Spears, of 270 D Street, says an AIDS Outreach program would also be a valuable resource for local physicians. Because the small number of cases in Utah, few doctors have had experience in diagnosing and treating AIDS.  Spears envisions the out reach service being staffed initially by a physician and a core group of volunteers. But he hopes that some government funding might be available to give the project stability.  His pleas for increase support services have been aired by 2 local radio stations (KRCL KUER) and in the Best Source, a local Gay newspaper. In a letter published by the paper, Spears exhorted the Gay community to help.  “We just have to help ourselves.  We just can’t wait for the help to come to us.  We have to be willing to seek it out where ever it is …just how many have to die before we take action?” (SLTribune B1-1)

David Nelson

1986-David Nelson introduced the first Human Rights Bill to the Salt Lake City Council that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.. City Attorney Roger Cutler expressed opposition to the bill labeling it a “Gay rights” initiative. On July 8, Salt Lake City citizen David Nelson writes and proposes to the city Council a bill which would amend the city Code by prohibiting discrimination in city-government services and employment, business employment, housing, public accommodations, and city-government contracts based on age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation, and by authorizing the creation of a city Human Rights Commission. On Nov. 6, Council members and staff agree to study the bill and a similar commission in Pocatello, Idaho, for three months. Council members don't vote on the bill, and it isn't adopted. But, it becomes the first bill in the state that would have prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. On Sept. 29, 1987, Council members propose the authorization of a Human Relations Advisory Committee by city Mayor Palmer DePaulis. He declines to authorize the committee, and it isn't appointed

1987-Temporary guardianship of 16 year old Brian Batey was granted to his father's lover, Craig Corbett, in California, after Frank Batey's death from AIDS. When Brian's mother Betty Batey filed for permanent custody Brian stated that she would have a battle on her hands. Mrs Batey was a fundamentalist who had been represented in court by Concerned Women for America, and had kidnapped her son from his father several years earlier

1988 Friday-John Reeves and I put up Beyond Stonewall Posters at all the bars and the bath house.  John Reeves thinks I am being too hard on my friends. Perhaps I am. My old childhood friend, Jerry Smith, once told me the same thing many years ago. [Journal of Ben Williams]

1989 Saturday Mike Pipkim and I dropped by the Radio City Lounge this afternoon to see [Dixie] John Merrill because I wanted to share with him my vision of starting a Radical Faeries group in SLC. I knew that from his talks at Unconditional Support that John was into metaphysics like Mike and I wanted him to be a part of this new group.  John said that the idea excites him and we needed to talk more.  From the RC, Mike and I walked over to Memory Grove to play volleyball there.  We were having a lot of fun and I taught several of the guys there the Stonewall Song: We are the Stonewall Girls-We Wear are hair in curls-We don't wear underwear-We show our pubic hair.-We wear our dungarees-Below our Nelly knees [Journal of Ben Williams]

1992-At the Eighth International Conference on AIDS, studies were presented that showed HIV-positive females have a poorer survival rate than HIV-positive men. Recommendations included better awareness among physicians of the early indicators of declining immunity in women, and for women to have regular gynecological exams.

1993 Thursday-Michael Walter Fluehe, age 31,  died due to complications of AIDS Michael attended Salt Lake Schools and was  preceded in death by his life mate, Mark A. Biedenbach. He was an active member of Stitch and Bitch of Kindly Gifts

1993  Thursday John W. Baldock age 41 died in Salt Lake City, of complications from AIDS. A native of Virginia. Received MA from University of Wyoming in 1976. Employed by First Security Corp. for the past 13 years. John is survived by longtime companion, Stuart Stone.Obituary

1993 Thursday  Vietnam Veteran Jerry Bernard Caton, 45, died in Salt Lake City after a valiant fight with AIDS. A native of California Obituary

1998-The Denver Post reported that a gubernatorial commission issued a recommendation that same sex couples be granted the same rights, responsibilities, and benefits as married couples. Critics argued that the commission was stacked to support the views of Colorado governor Roy Romer. Romer created the commission after vetoing a bill banning the recognition of same sex marriages.

Jared Wood

1999  A town meeting was held at the GLCCU to combat the Mormon Church’s efforts to restrict marriage to heterosexuals in California.  Organized by the Gay and Lesbian Political Action Committee, at least 12 Gay and Gay-friendly organizations were represented at the "town meeting," including the ACLU, PFLAG, Affirmation, Upnet, The Center, Gamofites, KRCL Radio, and The Pillar Out of the meeting a new organization was formed: Utahns for Fairness. The name was borrowed from Californians for Fairness, a coalition fighting against the ballot initiative to ban same-sex marriage. Jared Wood accepted the nomination as chairperson.
1999 MORMON ANTI GAY MARRIAGE DOMA, California and the Mormon Church (Updated 8 July 1999) On March 2000 the state of California will be holding its primary election as part of the national process to select the next president of the United States. Among the items on the ballot will be an initiative to amend California law to define marriage as being between one man and one woman. The initiative, number 819, is titled "Definition of Marriage" on the webpage of the California Secretary of State. The listed proponent is State Senator William J. "Pete" Knight. The legal summary on the third page of the web document reads as follows:  Adds a provision to the Family Code providing that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.   Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: This measure would    likely have no direct fiscal impact on state and local governments. The Family Code definition of marriage currently reads:   300. Marriage is a personal relation arising out of a civil contract between a man and a woman, to which the consent of the parties capable of making that contract is necessary. Consent alone does not constitute marriage. Consent must be followed by the issuance of a  license and solemnization as authorized by this division, except as provided by Section 425 and Part 4 (commencing with Section 500).The Family Code also presently provides:   308. A marriage contracted outside this state that would be valid by  the laws of the jurisdiction in which the marriage was contracted is valid in this state. The California Secretary of State provided me with the text of the initiative, which would add a new section to the Family Code, by FAX: INITIATIVE MEASURE TO BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO THE VOTERS   SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "California Defense of Marriage   Act."   SECTION 2. Section 308.5 is added to the Family Code, to read:   308.5 Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Just prior to the 1996 presidential election, President Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which allows states to decide whether to recognize a marriage that was not between one man and one woman. The constitutionality of DOMA is in question as a court might find that this is a violation of Article IV, Section One of the US Constitution, which states that "...full faith and credit shall be given in each State to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state...."For a court to consider the constitutionality of DOMA, a state would have to recognize some other form of marriage (two men, two women, or polygamy, as three examples), and then some test case would be arranged. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons, have been at the forefront among organized groups opposing  same-sex marriage…..The church's "Church Handbook of Instructions", which details church procedure to priesthood leaders, and was revised and issued in January1999 has several paragraphs that seem significant. The Church normally is exempt from paying sales, property, income and other taxes because it is a religious organization. Church buildings   and other property are to be used for the purposes of worship, religious instruction, and other Church-related activities. Facilities are not to be used for political, business or investment purposes...If one stake or ward misuses the Church's tax-exempt status, other church units could be affected.  [Page 139]   The Church is politically neutral. It does not endorse political parties, platforms, or candidates....Church leaders and members should avoid any statements or conduct that might be interpreted as Church endorsement of political parties or candidates...Church facilities may not be used for political purposes except for voter registration or polling where there is no reasonable alternative...Members should do their civic duty by supporting measures that strengthen society   morally, economically and culturally. Members are urged to be actively  engaged in worthy causes to improve their communities and make them wholesome places in which to live and rear families. However, members should not give the impression that the represent the Church as they work for solutions to city or community problems. [Page 151] ….On 9 June 1999 an internet posting from a priesthood leader detailing a meeting began circulating on Mormon e-mail lists.  He described a priesthood leadership meeting in which a member of a stake presidency told the assembled group that the stake would be receiving an assessment to raise money to support the initiative, and that members would be asked to support this by contributing directly (the money would not go through church accounts) to an unidentified organization, which is not a PAC, and that the contributions are not tax deductible.-- On 11 June 1999, a person living in the San Francisco Bay area reported on a public Mormon e-mail list that a friend told her by e-mail that "stakes and wards have been assessed rather large amounts to raise for the anti-gay initiative in California. Members are being called in by their bishops and asked to donate substantial sums above tithing and send it directly to the PAC that is sponsoring the legislation ...."-- On Sunday, 13 June, a friend of mine called his Stake President and point blank asked him if the reports on the internet were true. The Stake President flatly denied it.-- On 14 June 1999, a second confirmation from the San Francisco Bay area was sent to a public internet list. A bishop reported: "The stake presidents have been asked to raise specific dollar amounts. It is not supposed to done 'officially'. It is to be done by contacting individuals directly. The stake president is doing it himself."  The stake presidents pecifically told the bishops that a person not contributing was still eligible for a temple recommend.-- Later on the same day, 14 June, a person reported on an e-mail list that while the letter read in meetings came from the Area Presidency, the directive about money came to her stake president through the Area Authority Seventy, and not directly from the Area Presidency. Area Authority Seventies, according to the "Church Handbook of Instructions"[ January 1999] "serve under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve, the Presidents of the Seventy, and the Area Presidency where they are assigned. Like oher Seventies, they may be assigned to preside at stake conferences, create and reorganize stakes, set apart stake presidencies, an ordain and set apart bishops. They may also serve on area councils, and as counselors in Area Presidencies. In addition, they may be assigned to tour missions, and assist with training in stakes, missions and districts.They may be given other responsibilities as needed."-- On Wednesday, 16 June, my friend who inquired of his stake president, as noted in the listing for 13 June above, was called on the phone by the Stake President. He told my friend that he had had a meeting that evening, and that he had been given an assessment, and was calling to correct the information he had given my friend on Sunday.- On Friday, 18 June 1999, a friend called Cecil Samuelson, a counselor in the Area Presidency of the North America West Area, and one of the men over whose names the letter of May 11 was sent.  Elder Samuelson said that my friend could feel comfortable understanding the letter as official church policy. The letter's purpose was to urge church members to support a coalition that drew together many different religious and non-religious groups. The coalition could be reached in Sacramento by calling Rob Stutzman at (916) 444-8080. Elder Samuelson stated that no specific contribution amounts were being sought at any level of the church orgaization, but the people were being encouraged and things were being done locally so he could not speak for specific local actions. He said that the church looked at this as a moral issue, and that "the doctrine of the church was very clear."  A call to the phone number listed above shows that it belongs to  The Protection of Marriage Committee   1121 L Street, Suite 810   Sacramento, CA 95814 [An article in the San Francisco Examiner dated 5 May 1999, reported that a Mike Marshall is the campaign manager for Californians for Fairness, which opposes the initiative.   Californians for Fairness   505 Howard Street   San Francisco, CA  94105The phone number is (415) 227-1020.  The web page is www.NoOnKnight.organd e-mail can be sent to campaign@NoOnKnight.org ]

8 July 1999 MORMON ANTI GAY MARRIAGE Utah's Stonewall? On July 8, concerned community members filled a conference room at the Utah ACLU building to discuss the church's actions in California and consider local strategy in response to this latest maneuver. Organized by the Gay and Lesbian Political Action Committee, at least 12 gay and gay-friendly organizations were represented at the "town meeting," including the ACLU, PFLAG, Affirmation, Upnet, The Center, Gamofites, KRCL Radio, and The Pillar. Individuals in the crowd asked themselves and each other how many times this will happen -- how many states have to fall to the pressure of the church before someone, somewhere, puts a check on the church's influence? They affirmed that this is the place where moves to fund anti-gay legislation nation-wide are originating, and this is where it has to stop.  A definitive line was drawn at the meeting -- the group determined that the  Utah gay community has been silent for too long. We have known oppression --but we've learned, we've matured, we've come of age. Now it's our turn to stand up and take action. Within less than two hours of discussion, a new organization was formed:Utahns for Fairness. The name was borrowed from Californians for Fairness, a coalition fighting against the ballot initiative to ban same-sex marriage. Jared Wood accepted the crowd's nomination as chairperson. Five committees were proposed: a demonstration committee, a letter-writing committee, a message committee, a general organizing committee, and a media committee. One of the key goals of UFF is to draw media attention to Utah and the Mormon Church so that people across the country can see how the church is exerting political influence outside Utah and alert them before it starts in yet another state. To that end, demonstrations will be organized to coincide with events such as the Days of '47 Parade and General Conference. Fliers will be printed and distributed state-wide. A media campaign will be launched.There's a lot of work to do between now and March.

2000 The Salt Lake Tribune Page: B1 Meeting Spotlights Gay Utah  Young people gather for regional conference; Gay Teens From Region Gather in S.L. BY HEATHER MAY   THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE Utah is probably the last place you would expect to find a conference for Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth. Students have sued the Salt Lake City School District for the right to form a Gay issues club, and the state recently barred Gays and lesbians from adopting children or being foster parents. Then again, such issues may be why the National Youth Advocacy Coalition of Washington, D.C., held a western regional conference for the first time in Utah. About 50 youths from Utah, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Arizona and California gathered at the Salt Lake Hilton on Friday to talk about the issues they face, to network and to learn how to organize others to get involved in a broad agenda of civil rights issues. The conference continues today. "It's a really awkward place for the conference . . . with the extremely conservative atmosphere we have here in Salt Lake," said Arik Herman, who helped organize the gathering as the president of Y!, a Utah Gay and lesbian youth group in Salt Lake City. But, he added, "We felt it was appropriate and time that Gay youth and youth issues were brought to the attention of Salt Lake." The conference is the second western regional conference for the national group; the first was held last year in Denver. Some of the issues the conference addresses are relationships, health, violence and racism. Leaders of the National Youth Advocacy Coalition initially questioned the location of the conference, but now the fit seems right. "The young people here are defining the agenda," said Craig Bowman, the coalition's executive director.    For example, students at East High School have sued the Salt Lake City School District several times since 1996 after it banned all clubs to prevent associations organized around Gay and lesbian issues. The students got their first break in April when a federal judge ordered the district to temporarily allow them to meet. School board members may now rewrite their club policy in hope of settling the lawsuit. The conference is also a good way to challenge the stereotypes the rest of the country has about Gay Utahns -- mainly that they don't exist.  "Utah has a very large, though very underground queer community," said Mary Callis, with the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah. "I've encountered people [who say], 'Oh, you're from Utah? I didn't know there were Gay people there.' "They don't realize how extensive our issues are." The issues include recent laws that prevent Gays, lesbians and single people from adopting from state and private agencies, or from becoming foster parents. The Utah youth at the conference also include the push to make English Utah's official language and Utah's curfew and smoking laws as attacks on their rights. Suicide among Gay youth in Utah is also a problem, according to Herman:  "We lose kids every day and a lot of it is because of the conservative environment. Kids here [who are] facing issues . . . feel ashamed." The problems faced by youth in other Western states are just as difficult: the shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado, the fatal beating of Matthew Shepard in Wyoming, and the dragging death of James Byrd, a black man from Texas. While the deaths don't all relate to homosexuality, they are counted by conference members as issues youth must get involved in. But Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth in the West are particularly difficult to organize. The obstacles include geography, lack of resources and natural dips in membership. It also might be harder to come out in small states like Utah or Idaho, Herman said. Membership in Y!, for example, has dropped from 150 to 30 this year. "One of our favorite sayings is 'Utah is only big as a dime.' You can meet everyone really fast," he said, meaning word moves quickly across the state when someone comes out of the closet. "It's easier to stand back and not be involved."

2003 Tuesday  Fw: [UTStonewallHS] Thank You Jim 
Ben Williams to Chad Keller “Picked up a check from the PO Box last night after taking Chuck [Whye] home. Jim Dabakis sent a check for $100. Said he "admires the work" and believes the USHS will be "a valuable asset" in the community. He had Alan Thompson send it because Jim is out of the country. Ben

• Ben Williams to Chad Keller - No we are still in the hole. At the BM next Monday if the 501 3c application is approved it will cost $150 to file. Chuck has generously fronted the money so we will owe him $50.

2003 Tuesday Fwd: October--bagely & brown Chad Keller to Ben Williams -There is an opportunity that has just been made available to have Pat Bagely (sl trib) and Jonathan Brown (d news) as a special presenters. This could be used for your segment, or It could be used as part of Brunch.  They have many great political cartoon that focus on our community.  It might be fun and interesting as a look at what was going on in the news room. at the time of specific events. if your interested let me know.

• Re: Bagley Ben Williams to Chad Keller- Mark Swonson as Secretary is the one to send agenda items. I contacted Adela Genovas at the library to get a room for next Monday. She had me fill out an application and I sent it back to her this morning..haven't heard anything back from her yet. Ben
• 2003 Tuesday Subject: SLCPL Meeting Application Hello-Here is the meeting room application and the library's policy. You can call 524-8230 if you have any questions. Thank You, Adela Genoves  SLC Public Library 210 East 400 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 fax: 322-8194
• Subject: Bagley Cathy Cartwright to Ben Williams Ben, this sounds great. . .again, time, money, and other resources will be an issue. Perhaps we could put it on the agenda for the next board mtg.  By the way, who compiles items for the agenda?  Is one published and distributed?  Let  me know who oversees this and I will forward the idea for the agenda.  Thanks!
• Subject: Bagley Cathy Cartwright to Mark Swonson Mark, could you put the Bagley suggestion on the agenda for the board meeting?  I like the idea and want to discuss it and perhaps get the board's support to pursue it.  Thanks!

Randal Meyers

2003 Tuesday Subject: seized up Randal Meyers to Ben Williams- Hi Ben, It's just me, you know, the stupid dope who keeps having seizures and can't keep track of much of anything.  I get a lot of email from you and I'm having a hard time figuring out what email is important and sent directly to me and what isn't.  I end up deleting a lot because i desperately need to clean out my email.  I still want to work on the website, but I need my little world to calm down.  So, sorry if I have messed up anything or deleted something that was important.  My disability causes me a lot of problems, which seem to cause others problems as well. Randal

• TRe: seized up Ben Williams to Randal Meyers Everything sent to is you duplicated on my computer so don't be concerned. The only messages that you might want to be aware of, are Board of Directors, since as a member of the board we need your vote on some issues. Our next quarterly board meeting is this Monday at 7:00. It should not take long. If you want to be on the board by our bylaws you have to attend quarterly board meetings however illness can exempt you. Hope you get to feeling well soon. Ben

2003 GAY PROVO GROUP We are having a PARTY!!! @ my place at 9:00 pm July 9th Wednsday....YAY...please confirm by calling  and also we are going to talk about hiking trip to Moab sometime in July... I will provide light snacks and drink so eat a meal before you come... Please call and let me know...hope to you see all... Eric

Kathy Worthington and
Sarah Hamblin

2003 Kathy Worthington  Subject Marriage :Sarah and I didn't get married last week after all.   Sara was told at the last minute that she wouldn't be able to have the time off, so we had to postpone our plans to go to Canada.   We have a week of vacation in August, (the 17th - 24th) so we're going to go get married then.  Thanks to all of you who have sent your congratulations and to all of you who've inquired about our wedding. Kathy

2003 The Utah Stonewall Historical Society would like to

Jim Dabakis

acknowledge and thank Jim Dabakis for a generous donation to the society. Jim is well known for his love and dedication to the Gay communities of Utah ever since his early activist days in Affirmation. He has always been a valuable asset to Utah whether it was promoting Civil Rights as a Radio Talk Show host, serving as chair of the Board of Directors for GLCCU, or in his quiet usually unheralded generosity to new and struggling organizations. So not only do we thank Jim for his donation but we thank him for his service to our "queer" community in Utah.

• Jim Dabakis to Ben Williams- hi ben thanks for your kind comments. You have been a quiet hero of mine for many years. Thank god that you have been writing all this down--in 50 years they are never gonna believe it. You have efficiently and with determination and fortitude been chronicling our lives. As I have been reading all your material on the internet (lately, from Russia) I have been overcome by reminiscences and the power of how far we have come. i will look forward to going to a few meetings (if I ever can find my way home). warm regards JIM

2005 Friday, July 8th - Queer Beach Bingo! Multi-Purpose Room (7pm) $5.00 Calling all Beef Cakes, Sun Goddesses & Beach Divas! Where else can you show off those six packs, "thigh master" thighs, Dolly Parton-like implants and dead stopping curves but Gay Bingo? Unnatural orange glow, leathery skin and freckles from hell will be considered faux paux. Proof of Brazilian waxing required prior to admission. Admission $5, includes your first game board.

2005 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered Community Center -Open Mic night is back - bigger and better! We have a new PA system and increased attendance. Come strut your stuff - be it music, poetry or the spoken word! All of ya'all without any entertainment type talent come on out too - everyone needs an appreciative audience!

2006  To whom it may concern: A few days ago I posted an email about my complaints about an activity that the Utah Bears Hosted, i would like to apologize for complaining on this venue...For those of you not involved I am sorry. My thoughts and opinions have been and will be shared via different means and sorry for being bitchy! Sorry Bears and friends.. Sergio Antillon

• Doyle Clayburn-Sergio, Thanks for your statement, it takes guts to do that. I am going to use this venue to give my opinion now too. ENOUGH!! Those of you that have so much negative energy, remember, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Search you inner feelings and see where you are.  As a member of the Rukus committee I hope you will use the form provided for feedback, listed on the Bear Alliance web page. www.utahbearalliance , It was set up to provide all those who attended the event a way to  express their likes and dislikes. As anyone who has ever served on a committee knows, these comments  help  correct errors and make next year’s event run even more smoothly and continue from infancy, into a great event which everyone will look forward to each year. Remember, this was only our 2nd year and I don’t know any two year old that is perfect. Unfortunately, the opinions here will be looked at, and as those who have ever been involved with GREAT GAY DRAMA know, those opinions will be discussed. But the only comments that will be of use to making the event better are those put in the correct format provided by our Webmaster and leaders.  Yes, Roberts Rules do work and are part of what makes us civilized. Yes, I am saying to all of you that want to bitch and moan and carry on about everything you did not like at Ruckus, or any other event. Besides using this format, so you can get lots of attention and feed your egos, go to the appropriate sites and give those who can make changes your opinions and ideas for a better event next time. I know that is not fun, after all the feed back provided is anonymous, and no one will know how important you think you are, but it provides an equitable means for change as well as maintaining the cohesiveness of the organization.  These "spiteful" comments serve only negative purposes in helping the organization to grow and become better, because all the energy of the leaders is spent putting out the fires "you" all start. I will say that as the Volunteer coordinator, some of those speaking the loudest against the event NEVER lifted a finger to help with it, so I wonder what gives you the power to carry such hate and anger, you should all be ashamed of yourselves. You have no idea how hard the committee and volunteers worked, the hours before, during and after. Because not one of you was found helping with any event, just complaining. Sorry but your opinions are really of little value if you do not participate.  Also, if you have a position on the board of the organization, whether elected or appointed from a contest, It seems to me you would want good things for the group. Since your backbiting comments and non participation in a positive way keeps the group from moving forward, I  suggest you rethink your purpose and decided if you really want to be on the board or not.  As I stated before, if you are not part of the solution you are the problem. Now you can all start yelling and screaming but you know I am right. So let’s use the past as a learning experience and move forward together and keep this wonderful group going down that road that Noal and others started it as, lets use Noal’s expertise and wisdom to help us keep moving forward and stop the petty self serving nonsense.  My questions is this, do you want a good, fun and positive experience with the Bears?  Then let’s work together for that, if you don't want that, then please move aside so we can get past you...and move on... Doyle Clayburn

2006 Seattle Men's Chorus will leave for Bozeman and Seattle Women's Chorus will leave for Helena where both choruses will perform independently of each other on July 6th in those cities. Then we will all head back down to Salt Lake City on the 7th, and end our tour with a performance on Saturday, July 8th at the University of Utah's Libby Gardner Hall at 7:30pm. Proceeds from this concert will benefit the Utah AIDS Foundation and they have been working with us to get the word out. Other local organizations like Utah Bear Alliance, LDS Family Fellowship and the GLBT Community Center of Utah are also putting out the word that we are coming to town. If we sell out the 7:30pm show soon, we will add a 2nd show at 2 or 3pm on the same day. We are hoping to sell the show out as it means more money goes to Utah AIDS Foundation and we will be able to share our music with more of you in Salt Lake City.\ Seattle Men's Chorus & Seattle Women's Chorus Plan Salt Lake City Concert!  SALT LAKE CITY CONCERT: July 8, 2006 at 7:30 pm Libby Gardner Concert Hall, University of Utah

2006 Back by Popluar demand! BEYOND THE U-HAUL: SURVIVING & THRIVING IN LESBIAN RELATIONSHIPS A Workshop Presented by Donna Hawxhurst & Sue Morrow Saturday, July 8, 9:00am - 4:30pm (A benefit for the GLBT Community Center) Location: GLBT Community Center, 355 North 300 West, SLC, UT 84103 Burning Issues Will Include: * Orange halves & other relationship myths * Friends or lovers? Must we choose? * Intimacy vs. autonomy: How can I be with you & still be me? * Heart’s desires: Creating the relationship of your/our dreams * Co-creating: Realizing our dreams individually & together * Allowing: Supporting growth & self-esteem in one another * Cycles of relating: Conflict & sex * Intentional commitment: Questioning conventional relationship models Pre-registration is Required - $30 per Person - For lesbians in and out of relationships. Space is limited - register early

2009 Chaffetz opposes giving benefits to gay federal workers' partners Politics » Supporters say it's a matter of fairness. By Matt Canham  The Salt Lake Tribune Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah. (The Associated Press)Washington » President Barack Obama and the House's only openly lesbian member are pushing a bill that would give equal benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees. But Utah Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz stood in opposition to that effort during the legislation's first hearing Wednesday. "I, like most people in this country, [am] in favor of preserving traditional marriage," said Chaffetz, the ranking Republican member on the House subcommittee that oversees the federal work force. "I don't' think we should try to create something that is under a different name." The bill's sponsor, Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., said she is not trying to create some sort of alternative to marriage. She sees the bill as "an issue of equal compensation for equal work." She lamented her inability to provide health coverage for her partner of the past 13 years, calling it a "significant inequality." The bill would give gay and lesbian partners of federal employees the same benefits as spouses, including health insurance and retirement. It also would put them under the same rules, requiring them to follow anti-nepotism and financial disclosure regulations. To obtain benefits, a same-sex partner would have to sign an eligibility affidavit. "In many ways, it's baffling that this blatant inequity persists on the federal level," said subcommittee chairman Stephen Lynch. He pointed out that more than half of the Fortune 500 companies offer equal benefits to same-sex couples, as do 19 states and more than 250 local governments. That list includes Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County governments, which have extended full benefits to so-called "adult designees." In mid-June, Obama signed a memorandum giving gay and lesbian couples limited benefits, such as visitation and dependent care rights, but stopped short of providing health or retirement benefits. Gay activists have largely been frustrated by what they see as Obama's hesitancy to support equal rights. But on Wednesday, a high-ranking administration official backed the full extension of federal benefits. "Enacting this bill would address the problem and provide for true equality in benefits for all federal employees and its passage is supported by the president," said John Berry, director of the Office of Personnel Management. Berry said he sees the bill as a tool to attract and keep top employees in hard to fill jobs such as nurses, veterinarians and engineers. Offering such benefits would cost about $56 million in 2010, Berry said, an increase of less than two-tenths of 1 percent. But Chaffetz called the legislation "directly discriminatory" against heterosexual couples that choose not to marry. Others on the panel bristled at Chaffetz's remarks. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., called it "a screaming contradiction" as gay couples in most states do not have the legal right to marry. Because of the Defense of Marriage Act, even in the few places such as Massachusetts that recognize same-sex marriages, those spouses cannot access federal benefits. This is not the first time Chaffetz has stepped out on gay issues. He made headlines by vowing to block the District of Columbia from recognizing gay marriages performed in other states. That decision, made by the D.C. Council, went into effect this week, though Chaffetz has signed on to a federal bill that would rescind that recognition. mcanham@sltrib.com

2010 “Filth” and Hate in Gay Community City Weekly editor Jerre Wroble posted to the Salt Blog a voice mail she received from any angry reader (see “I Am Not That Filth,” June 23, CityWeekly.net/ NewsBlog). The self-proclaimed “respectable gay male” complained that a recent cover story featuring queer Latinos (see “Kings of Queens,” June 17, City Weekly) was “filth” and the people featured should “go back to their country.” Our commenters were not pleased. “This mentality of ‘let me in, but no one else’ is exactly what has limited the previous human rights movements,” wrote Will. “... [I]t is not our assimilation that gives us our worth, but our uniqueness!” Paul said the message was “insensitive, racist, and deeply homophobic.” Ben Williams recalled that gender-benders were crucial to New York City’s Stonewall Riots of 1969, which started the gay-rights movement worldwide. “If not for the cross dressers and drag queens at Stonewall 41 years ago this month,” wrote Ben Williams, “he would not have the luxury of publicly criticizing members of his community that are finding another way to express themselves.” Hayduke wrote he would defend the transsexual women featured in the story, but “I’m quite sure these ladies know how to take care of themselves by now. It takes thick skin to walk that line in life, bless their garters and heels.”

2014 Gay-rights groups reject anti-bias bill due to religious exemption Hobby Lobby fallout • Supreme Court ruling upholding religious rights of corporations prompted defection of bill supporters. BY MATT CANHAM THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, appears to be leaving the door open for running for an eighth term, when he will be 84 years old. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, supported a bill to protect gay people from workplace discrimination, in large part because it contained a strong exemption for religious organizations. Now a collection of gay-rights groups are abandoning the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) over that very exemption, afraid that if the bill passes, it would allow employers to undercut the proposal’s very goal by claiming a moral objection to homosexuality. The coordinated announcement from groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights is a reaction to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in the Hobby Lobby case, in which the arts-and-crafts chain cited a moral objection to offering employees certain forms of contraceptives, required under the Affordable Care Act. The court ruled 5-4 in the company’s favor, saying the owners of privately held companies have religious freedom rights. In a joint statement, the gay-rights groups said: “Because opponents of LGBT equality are already misreading that decision as having broadly endorsed rights to discriminate against others, we cannot accept a bill that sanctions discrimination and declares that discrimination against LGBT people is more acceptable than other kinds of discrimination.” Hatch declined to comment Tuesday on the gay-rights groups reversal on ENDA. He was one of 10 Republicans to vote for the bill in November (Sen. Mike Lee was not among them). It passed on a 64-to-32 vote. The House has yet to take up the bill and isn’t expected to anytime soon. Hatch cited the religious exemption in explaining his vote, though he said it wasn’t the only reason he voted for the proposal, saying he found it objectionable that gay and lesbian people could lose a job based on their sexual preference. “The reason I supported this bill is simple. I believe that this discrimination is wrong,” Hatch said at the time.