This Day In Gay Utah History April 11th
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| Commerce [Regent] Street |
1933 The Daily Herald, Provo, Utah
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| Larry |
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| Clayton Vetter |
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| Doug Worham |
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| Camille Lee |
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| Troy Williams |
Cherilyn Eagar focused on that celebration, decrying it as “pro-gay” and urging judges, schools and elected officials to stop the anti-bullying event. “Our voices are being silenced,” Eagar said, arguing that such anti-bullying initiatives stifle gay-marriage opponents’ speech. “Stand up today and speak out courageously.” Eagar warned that same-sex-marriage advocates “wish to redefine the institution for their own selfish purposes.” She also warned that her Sandy-based group, American Leadership Fund, would seek the removal of any federal judge who finds Utah’s ban on gay marriage unconstitutional — as U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Shelby did on Dec. 20, prompting a rush of same-sex weddings at county clerks’ offices across the state and leading to Thursday’s appeal arguments in Denver. “Should this panel of three judges declare [the ban illegal], they will be defying their own court’s standard of ‘rational basis,’ and we will petition to have them, and all other judges in the federal courts who are defying or redefining their own rules, removed from the court,” Eager said to cheers from a crowd of about 100 people in the Utah Capitol Rotunda. Several speakers addressed what the state is claiming as its “rational basis” for the ban — that gay marriage harms children by facilitating families comprised without a parents of both sexes. Mary Summerhays, representing the Utah Celebration of Marriage, held up a photograph of two gay men holding their newly adopted children and smiling alongside their birth mother. “These children will have two very doting fathers,” Summerhays said. “But no matter how loving, two fathers can never replace a mother.” The children, she said, would eventually be left to wonder why their mother is not in their lives, how much she was paid to create them, whether that compensation was appropriate, and other difficult questions. “These questions will trouble mother and children throughout their entire lives.” Summerhays argued that proponents of gay marriage have “endorsed the lifestyle that puts adults’ needs before children’s needs.” Eleven-year-old Heather Ells said she represents Utah’s children when she wonders, “Why should recognizing relationships of choice be more important than recognizing children’s biological relationships with their parents?” Ells, who lives in Springville, elicited loud applause when she argued: “It isn’t right to purposely create a fatherless or motherless child. “Judge Shelby has created a second class of citizens: Children.” Thursday’s hourlong hearing in Denver precedes a similar case before the 10th Circuit on Thursday, when Oklahomans will present cases for and against their state’s same-sex marriage ban. In reviewing Utah’s case, analysts observed, the three appellate judges appeared to be split on the matter.
Micheal Repp
I am nominating Micheal Repp for this award for the following reason. He has devoted his entire life to making sure others have recognition that they deserve and has especially in Utah stood against the government, medical prodigal, fighting that all no matter of gender receives the medical care that they deserve, has fought for the betterment of the Utah LGBTQ community in everyday life and fought all the obstacles that the community faces daily. He has become the "Voice" for a lot of those who cannot speak out to help the community. Many of you who are voting will recognize this name, Micheal Repp, as a standout in the pandemic, giving all business who are run by LGBTQ owners and associates who would not step out of their ream for unknown reason, recognition to be a stable in the community. Micheal has strong ties to every branch of the LGBTQ Community since moving to Utah in 2016, He will continue to represent the Community daily and not be afraid of retribution. He is a strong advocate not only for the LGBTQ, but for a leader in many many 1sts that have happened in the state of Utah. He can deal with the street people one on one; he can deal with top officials with the same prestige that they contour, but in all that, he steps forward for the LGBTQ community in knowing that he can and has made a difference for those in the community. He is proud of his accomplishments and his ability to be able to make a difference, where it counts most. In the individual who may or may not be strong enough to last, as someone who can and will make a "Mark" in the LGBTQ Community, he has proven his ability to continue his fight for rights and medical and a place in say after day work world. Additional Comments I have watched Mike grow in the LGBTQ Community, face the struggles that many young ones do daily and still move forward to fight the fight for all those involved, See I am Micheal's mother, an extremely proud mother who has watched him grow from a child to the adult that he i. Never being the underdog and not accepting the word NO or Can't for something that he believes in. An adult that knows how to proceed to make the LGBTQ Community a respectful and safe place to be and live. Michael continually does whatever he is able to help anyone in the community. He is always doing his best to build bridges. He includes everyone in all he does. He continually finds ways to serve the community. He puts the community first. He truly cares about the community. He does his best to have everyone feel welcomed. How long serving Utah’s LGBTQ+ community: Since 2012, but actively in the public since 2016.
Jayci Hacker
When I moved to Cedar City, UT for college, I was still in the closet and coming to terms with who I am. It was immediately clear during my first class with Jayci Hacker that she was there for her students due to text in the syllabus and the Safe Zone sticker on her office door. But I quickly learned that her support went far beyond that. She was part of Allies on Campus which later became the SUU Pride Alliance. She and I had conversations about things I couldn't express to anyone else, and after I came out myself, I saw even more fully the effort she put in for our community. She published a letter to students in the Coming Out Day edition of a campus magazine, and she was part of Pride of Southern Utah — Cedar City. Although there was no official leader of the team, it was clear that she was the one that myself and the other committee members turned to and was often the one leading out initiatives in the community and schools in Cedar City. She gave so much of her time, and perhaps where that was seen the most was in the Cedar City LGBTQ support group. At the time, Saint George, with more than three times the population of Cedar City, only held these monthly, but she pushed for our community of 30,000 to have these group meetings twice a month. She often led these emotionally charged groups which included everyone from our Queer elders to teenagers. She also has made a difference on campus where she works, which is especially important on a campus that is geographically isolated from the rest of the state and where many students are living away from home for the first time. She volunteered with the Care and Support Team, a group of faculty and staff who helped raise awareness of mental health resources in the community and at the university. As the Honors Director, she was a mentor to many students across all disciplines, and in her new role as the Director of Student Care and Advocacy, she continues to advocate for all students, especially those of us in the LGBTQ community. Finally, she was an out and proud bisexual who risked her own safety and comfort to help a small Utah town see representation of Queer people outside of homosexual men. Jayci, through her advocacy, commitment, and selflessness, has boldly advanced the Utah Pride Center's mission of creating a thriving LGBTQ+ Community in Utah, and she has done it in area of the state that lacks the resources and community that Salt Lake City benefits from. Additional comments In addition to her own advocacy, Jayci has inspired and provided opportunities for others to get involved. I joined the Pride of Southern Utah — Cedar City committee after talking with her about wanting to give back, and she helped several SUU employees find organizations to give back, whether they were for the Queer community or suicide prevention. I have no doubt that there will be plenty of deserving nominees for this year’s award, but I can say with absolute confidence that Jayci's work can go toe-to-toe with the best of them! How long has this nominee been serving Utah's LGBTQ+ community? 6+ (I know it's more than that, but I met her 6 years ago and she was already in the trenches then)
Jacob Buck
(Nominated by two different people, both nominations included) Since Jacob moved to Utah, he has created one of the biggest LGBTQ sports leagues StoneWall Sports. He has created a community where we can come together to love one another. Jacob has been a big advocate supporting people of color here in Utah as we face discrimination everyday and Jacob always been an ally. I would like to high recommended Jacob for this award. Jacob is a huge advocate for the LGBTQ community and shows his support though his works of volunteerism, and personal fundraising efforts and financial contributions. Additionally, Jacob has taken leadership roles within numerous LGBTQ organizations in the area, along with founding the wildly successful SLC Stonewall Sports League.
Carol Laws
Carol is my mom. My mom is the youngest of 15 kids, and she survived by being a wallflower. If I had to describe my mom 10 years ago, the word I would've used would be "mousy," which I have told her to her face, and she agrees. In September of 2015, my dad was called to my home ward's Bishopric. In October of 2015, my older brother Tyler came out as gay to our family. In November of 2015, the Policy of Exclusion hit the news. My mom felt lost, so she joined Mama Dragons, Affirmation, and I'll Walk with You. At first, my mom just wanted to know how to support her son. But she was surrounded by very homophobic relatives, and lives in a town of 850 people in Box Elder County. When my older brother decided he wasn't going to pretend anymore, was going to marry a man someday, and finally public came out, my mom decided to step up to the plate. When my brother posted his wedding pictures, my mom got three messages within fifteen minutes saying, "I need your help." She shoved her own childhood trauma (which is no small feat) and was a wallflower no more. She is completely surrounded by people who were afraid of LGBTQ people, and she has worked to educate and advocate for the LGBTQ community while she herself was basically completely alone. She has travelled throughout Northern Utah to support parents as their children come out. She has always volunteered at events like Pride and LoveLoud. She is now the co-head moderator of the Mama Dragons group of Northern Utah. She now goes to church to make sure they think twice about what they say about the LGBTQ community. She is a completely different person than she was seven years ago, and she has become an advocate to many people in a place where advocates are hard to find. How long has this nominee been serving Utah's LGBTQ+ community? 7 years
Debra Hall
Deb Hall has been volunteering and developing local programs/services to support Utah's LGBTQ+ community for over a decade. She has worked diligently as a volunteer and later staff member of the Utah Pride Center in partnering with the national SAGE organization, growing the local Utah Chapter, with satellites in various locations in Ogden, Logan and Tooele. Deb followed in Charles Lynn Frost’s shoes and re-developed the SAGE/Senior Programming. After the programs were shuttered in 2013 these were restarted by Deb in 2019 as the Director of Adult Programming of the Utah Pride Center and has grown them immensely to serve a much larger audience. Prior to covid this included 20 monthly programs. Due to covid, many of those programs were moved to virtual. During the last two years, Deb has been a lifeline to hundreds of seniors and specifically to many who have struggled with depression and isolationism. Deb has been willing to answer her phone and support many of our seniors who have needed a listening ear to survive the pandemic. We will never know the number of lives that have been save as our senior community was sequestered for their safety as home, but then struggled to learn new technology and experience unimaginable isolationism and depression. Deb is passionate about senior issues including healthcare, housing, equal rights, and suicide prevention. She sits on organizational boards or committees and community advisory boards often in the position of LGBTQ cultural competency, diversity and inclusion including the Alzheimer’s Association, Aging and Adult Services and UTA among others. Her education includes Business Management, Legal Studies, Gerontology and most recently certifying as a Sexual Abuse Counselor. Deb has served a community that does not get the attention it deserves. She has done it and has had a massive impact of so many lives. AND she is beloved by those that she serves. Speak to those that she has served and you will know how much she is loved and appreciated for a lifetime of giving to others. How long has this nominee been serving Utah's LGBTQ+ community? 10-15 Years. I believe I met her first around 2010, but it could have been earlier. Tanya Hawkins As we look for diverse individuals to recognize with this award, in that spirit I put forward
Tanya Hawkins.
Tanya Hawkins is currently the Co-CEO Over Community Outreach And Programs at the Utah Pride Center. She is always reaching out to others as they come into the Center as well as any events she is at. She is always willing to help if she can. Her joy of serving, the LGBTQ+ is very infectious. She has served in multiple capacities at the Utah Pride Center over the past several years. She was a Board member and a Vice Chair on the Board, ensuring its commitment to maintain a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities the Center serves. She wants everyone to be seen and works to that end.. In addition, Tanya is: Currently an active council member of the Racial Equity in Policing Commission Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) Utah Multicultural Civic Council Before taking her current position, she worked at ARUP Laboratories in Marketing and PR for 17 years. Tanya is committed to reaching out to not just Salt Lake but all parts of the State; she attends events in many parts of Utah supporting other cities' Pride Celebration and activities. Tanya is well rounded, as she enjoys trying new restaurants, spending time with her niece and nephew, and generally anything adventurous or outside the box. Tanya enjoys being active in the community and is a patron of the arts, sciences, and outdoors. Her love of the LGBTQ+ community is obvious in how she treats others, and for this reason, and her dedication with a different view of the LGBTQ+ community is why I feel that she fulfills the criteria for which this award was established as described below: "This award recognizes outstanding service to the greater LBGTQ+ community of Utah, and is given to individuals who are dedicated to continuing the legacy of service." Tanya believes that the full value of life is gained by being and embracing yourself. She believes that there is always something positive to be learned from someone regardless of their color, culture, gender, sexuality, beliefs, age, disability, and/or economic background. How long has this nominee been serving Utah's LGBTQ+ community? More than 15 years
Suzanne Stott
We are extremely excited to nominate long-time LGBTQ+ Ally Suzanne Stott for the Kristin Ries Community Service Award. For decades, Suzanne owned and operated Families for Children, a Salt Lake City-based adoption agency. She was a pioneer providing gay and lesbian couples or individuals with home study evaluations, a state requirement to adopt a child. She also provided the necessary documentation for approval of second parent adoptions so Utah judges could grant a legal adoption for equal status to both parents under the law. All adoptive applicants must receive an approved home study evaluation to adopt a child. Gay and lesbian couples in the 1990's and into the 2000's, prior to marriage equality in 2014, had to utilize second-parent adoptions to achieve equal legal status as parents. This was necessary for inheritance, insurance, and to secure rights as an unmarried, non-biological parent. Suzanne was the first, and for a long time, the only, agency willing to do these evaluations for gay and lesbian couples. As an attorney, Laura Milliken Gray worked with Suzanne on numerous same-sex adoption cases and credits Suzanne for protecting dozens of her clients’ children. The stories of discrimination were heartbreaking for Suzanne and if the individuals or couples could meet the State requirements, she was going to help them. Jackie Biskupski had received a home study from Suzanne while in the process of adopting her son, Archie, in 2009. She was caring, courteous and very helpful to Jackie. When critics were talking to Suzanne about helping gay people, she would say to them, "Why would I turn someone down because of a label regarding their sexual orientation?” Suzanne said that couples were so dedicated, she ended up helping some couples adopt more than once. "My first successful couple I helped were two men, they had a very positive parenting experience, and their children are now adults and have their own successful lives.” Suzanne also helped gay and lesbian individuals and couples with international adoptions. Suzanne was even a Stake Relief Society President for six years while assisting these couples. She used this position to try to open hearts and minds, it came to her naturally to be an ambassador and ally for the gay community. During the adoption process Suzanne had a duty to always ask each person to confirm for her they were not cohabiting because of the laws. Cohabiting is still a tool used to deny adoption to people in the State of Utah. Suzanne has always believed in equality and had empathy for gays and lesbians because she witnessed at an early age verbal and physical abuse of a young gay man in her circle. Suzanne was thrilled to help all responsible people become parents. She thought of it as common sense and Christianity. People would ask her how she could place children with people who cannot be sealed in the temple. She would just respond by saying; “God will take all of this into consideration when the day comes, I am not breaking my religion, Christ would say of course, these are my children, and they should be parents if able.” She retired in 2013 and helped facilitate close to one hundred adoptions on behalf of the LGBTQ community in Utah. Suzanne is a courageous ally of Utah’s LGBTQ+ community who deserves recognition for her quiet work on behalf of that community over several decades. How long has this nominee been serving Utah's LGBTQ+ community? Since the early 90's for a total of 25 years.
Arlyn Bradshaw
We nominate Arlyn Bradshaw for the Kristen Ries Community Service Award. Arlyn serves the LGBTQ+ community and the broader community through his work for several decades. Arlyn began his involvement with the University of Utah serving as the president of the then-Gay and Lesbian Student Union. He went on to serve as the first gay Executive Director for the Utah Democratic Party. Arlyn began serving Salt Lake County when he served as Advisor for Councilmember Joe Hatch. Arlyn was integral in Councilmember Hatch’s efforts to pass Salt Lake County's LGBTQ-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance in 2010 and expand county benefits to cover partners of LGBTQ employees. Arlyn was then elected to serve on the Salt Lake County Council – the first gay council member - in 2010. While serving on the council, Arlyn has championed numerous efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community. In 2013, prior to marriage equality, Arlyn sponsored the ordinance creating the mutual commitment registry for county residents. He was also instrumental in the expansion of county benefits to include transgender-inclusive and gender-affirming insurance coverage for county employees and their families in 2016. Arlyn has also been critical to the County's lobbying efforts at the Utah state legislature on statewide non-discrimination protections, the prohibition of conversion therapy, and the repeal of Utah's "Don't Say Gay" statute. While on the council, Arlyn has also served on the Health Department Board and as chair of Redevelopment Agency. Arlyn championed the start of the PrEP clinic and fought for funding through the council. Arlyn also serves on the Visit Salt Lake board. He was involved in Visit Salt Lake's LGBTQ outreach committee and their multiple efforts to bid for the gay games. Arlyn is a mentor to others and has been critical to the elections of several other LGBTQ elected officials. Arlyn has been endorsed by the Victory Fund for each of his election bids--including his campaign for re-election this year. Arlyn continues to serve his community as a member of the Salt Lake County Council. He also serves as Senior Advisor for Community Relations for Best Friends. How long has this nominee been serving Utah's LGBTQ+ community? 20+ years
Jason and Natalie Conforto
Natalie and Jason's journey serving this community really ramped up nearly three years ago when their son came out as gay. They immediately stepped into the ally space and quickly learned of five individuals on their street alone that identified as LGBTQ+. As they discovered scary statistics like the increased risk in suicide rates that exists for LGBTQ+ youth, they set out to create a safe space. They decided to start a group in their home where LGBTQ+ individuals could come to just feel loved and supported. They have been holding that group in their home monthly for the past 2 years and have 10-25 people who attend regularly. Since then, they have also been working with leadership through our church to create another support group that was intended for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and allies. They were able to get that group started this past October. In just 4 short months they had amassed about 20-40 people who were attending regularly. The speed with which the word about this group spread speaks to the clear need for this type of group. People in the community want a safe space to ask uncomfortable questions and learn how to become better allies. Unfortunately, leadership placed this group on hold in February due to concerns about how quickly the group was growing and a lack of approved curriculum. Although this group could no longer be held at our local church building, the Conforto's quickly adjusted and decided to move this group into their home as well. They now open their home up twice a month to host both these groups. Although their efforts may only reach a small corner of this community in Utah, their impact is great. The influence their group has provided for me in learning to become a better ally is invaluable. What is so inspiring about this couple is their unyielding willingness to step into this space and provide support. Nobody asked them to do this. Instead of waiting or hoping for someone to make a change, they saw a need and decided to step up and provide. They are amazing at lifting and supporting from where they are! They are a beautiful example of how an accumulation of small efforts can have a big impact. Jason was also the Producer of the documentary Dog Valley that was released in 2020. This film "is a feature-length documentary film about the 1988 kidnapping, torture, rape and murder of gay college student, Gordon Church." (IMDB). Jason told me how being involved in this movie hit even closer to home when his son decided to attend Southern Utah University which is the same school Gordon Church was attending at the time of his murder. The intent of this film was to provide awareness about hate crime towards LGBTQ+ individuals. Dog Valley won the Best Documentary at the 2020 Kanab Film Festival. Below I have included comments from just a few of the people the Conforto's have impacted. Through these messages I hope you feel the love and gratitude that members of this community have for this amazing couple. "The Conforto's helped me realize that not all Mormons dislike queer people. It turned out it's a huge misconception I had. They are so full of love and acceptance. They are the best people and the LGBTQ+ community is blessed to have them as allies." -Sam "My name is Blakelee and I have two siblings who I love very much. Both of them belong to the LGBTQ community. I have been on an LGBTQ ally journey since I was 13, when my older brother first came out as gay. It has been a hard and painful road for me and my family, especially in a culture that I feel excluded the LGBTQ community. I’ve been navigating this space feeling very alone for a very long time. I've been searching for a group of people to share this load with for years and didn’t know how to get started on my own. I met Natalie and Jason about two years ago and I will be forever grateful. They gave me a place, as an ally, to feel belonging, express pain and joy, and feel love. Their ally support group is the highlight of my month. They open their home to strangers and make them friends. They are always helping, teaching, supporting this community. They have introduced me to many other allies, as well as LGBTQ people that need support in their life. My relationships with my own family are stronger because the Conforto’s support group makes me a better ally. As an ally I deeply appreciate a place to gather and be included; but their LGBTQ persons support group has literally saved lives. They give youth and even closeted LGBTQ adults a place to belong when they feel there is no other place. There is no one like Natalie and Jason. The West Jordan LGBTQ community is so lucky to have them." -Blakelee "Actually, I am thrilled they are putting their time and effort into helping the LGBTQ community. We have actually been involved for many years. We have 3 grandchildren who are LGBTQ and several other family members involved. Helping others to be loving, kind and accepting of our brothers and sisters who identify as LGBTQ can do wonders. I support all they are doing." -Cheri "Jason and Natalie have normalized discussing LGBTQ+ topics and issue with love and compassion. They have allowed me to discuss some of my most personal feelings surrounding my trans daughter. They lead with love and inclusion in every situation. I am so grateful for the support group that they offer. My daughter has attended for over a year and finds support and love with the Conforto's. This support has lead to more stability in my daughters mental health and her ability to function in society." -Jenny "The Conforto's have touched my life in so many ways. They have helped to pull me out of the darkest parts of my life. They have given me another family, who love and cherish me. Through them I met my best friend and have learned how to be a better person. They are the truest allies I have ever met. They never hesitate to help anyone and they genuinely care about those they interact with. They are the kindest and most thoughtful people I have ever met. I will forever be grateful to them." -Sam "We’ve known the Confortos for about 15 years and they have always been kind and accepting. They have always been a support for us and our family, even more so this year as my husband has opened up more about who he is. They are kind, understanding, patient and accepting as we’ve processed through these changes. The support groups that they have started have been invaluable to us as we navigate things. Our journey has been made lighter because of their love." -Tara How long has this nominee been serving Utah's LGBTQ+ community? 2-3 years
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