This Day In Gay Utah History April 3rd

 

This Day In Gay Utah History April 3rd

3 April

1894 For Grand Larceny James Warren a Beardless boy is languishing in the penitentiary upon a charge of grand larceny and will be given a hearing today before Commissioner Greenman. Warrens alleged offense consists of the taking of a horse belonging to William Simmons who conducts a ranch some ten miles distant from the city. In the marshals office yesterday the youth made a denial of the entire affair and states that the horse in question had been traded for by a younger brother who was arrested on Saturday last in the southern country whither he had gone with the animal. Warren has already served a term of six months in the penitentiary having been convicted of sodomy. Salt Lake Herald

1895-Oscar Wilde's libel suit against Marquess of Queensbury began. The Marquess left a card at Wilde's club, which said "To Oscar Wilde, ponce and sodomite." The case was thrown out by the judge, and shortly after Wilde was arrested and charged with sodomy and imprisoned for two years.

1936 Magna Times 

1970-The Gay Liberation Front of New York City held an all-women's dance at Alternative U. At 3:15 am three men who were impersonating police officers forced their way in and threatened to arrest everyone there. Owners of the mafia-controlled lesbian bars in the area had threatened GLF members prior to the dance.

1971 Spencer W. Kimball, Acting Presiding Apostle, Delivered April 3, 1971, "Voices of the Past, of the Present, of the Future, Ensign, June 1971, p. 16 "There are said to be millions of perverts who have relinquished their natural affection and bypassed courtship and normal marriage relationships. This practice is spreading like a prairie fire and changing our world. They are without ‘natural affection' for God, for spouses, and even for children."

1975-New Mexico repealed its sodomy laws.

1984- Seven women attended Women Aware meeting in SLC. The low attendance sets off a morale problem among leadership causing the organization to later disband.

Chuck Whyte

1988- Chuck Whyte’s Easter Bonnet and Egg Contest show to benefit a food drive for Crossroads Urban Center was held at Backstreet. The Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire sponsored the show.John Reeves and I went to Affirmation to pitch Beyond Stonewall and then we went to Chuck Whyte’s drag show to support him in his projects. We gave Mark LaMarr a ride because he was doing the lights for the show. The show was boring as always but the money it raised went to the food drive for Crossroads Urban Center so it was worthwhile. Donny Eastepp is trying to get a thrift shop going next door to the in-between to help people with AIDS.

1992- Ben Barr, executive director of the Utah Aids Foundation criticized

Ben Barr

 the Salt Lake City-County Health Department saying communication is poor. Since 1983, Utah has recorded 508  AIDS cases, 387 of them in Salt Lake County. Last year the county had 103 of the state's 138 cases. The Salt Lake City-County Health Department expanded its AIDS prevention programs for Gays and substance abusers to include minority communities as well when the board of health learned that while minorities comprise only 7 percent of Salt Lake Valley's 726,000 residents, they account for 12 percent of the 366 AIDS cases reported through 1991. Salt Lake Tribune

1994 ARIEL BALLIF AND HIS ART DESIGNER, DIRECTOR AND TEACHER LEAVES MARK IN UTAH, ELSEWHERE DESIGNER, DIRECTOR AND TEACHER LEAVES HIS MARK Byline: By Nancy Melich THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE 04/03/94 Page: E1 Broadway designer John Lee Beatty recalls vividly the

last time he saw his former teacher, Ariel Ballif: twenty-two years ago in New Haven, Conn.    ``He was standing in front of our class at Yale, speaking in that wonderful voice,'' Beatty says from his Manhattan apartment. ``He was a colorful and dramatic teacher, with a great sense of humor and an inordinate amount of patience. When we designed something terrible, he had a charming way of letting us know it was terrible. He let us down gently with that certain look of his.'' Ballif remembers Beatty as an incredible painter. ``Everything he did came out just wonderfully.''    The Utah teacher bid adieu to the Ivy League halls of Yale in the early '70s, returning home to share his love of theater with Salt Lakers. On April 24, the 1994 Madeleine Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts and Humanities will be given to Ariel Ballif -- On April 24, the 1994 Madeleine Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts and Humanities will be given to Ariel Ballif -- designer, director, teacher, producer – in recognition of his contributions in Utah.  The award is offered in conjunction with the Madeleine Festival, a month of arts activities beginning April 10 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Beatty, a Californian, graduated from Yale in 1973 and stayed in the East. His 20-year career in costume and scenic design netted him a Tony Award for ``Talley's Folly.'' His designs are now on Broadway in ``The Sisters Rosensweig.''    Another Ballif student, Broadway designer Santo Loquasto, also went to New York from Yale. He received a Tony for his costumes in ``The Cherry Orchard.'' The 1994 Madeleine committee's selection has been greeted with effusive expressions of joy.  ``A perfect choice,'' says Pack, who appeared in more than 50 productions directed by Ballif. ``A marvelous choice,'' responds actor Margaret Crowell.   ``Ariel has contributed enormously to theater in this community,'' says Pioneer Theatre Company artistic director Charles Morey. ``It is a very meaningful choice, and, I might add, about time.'' Makes it work. Peter Willardson, PTC lighting designer, describes his mentor as one of the few remaining scenographers in an age of specializations. Ballif, he says, has the ability to take an entire production, costumes, lights, sets and direction, put them all together and make it work. ``As one of PTC's major designers, Ariel has been a leader in our visual work,'' Morey says. ``If we have developed a company style over the years, it is Ariel's stamp that is on it.'' Morey adds that Ballif's contributions to PTC and the U. of U. do not overshadow what he has done for Utah theater. He remembers years ago, at the beginning of his career in New York, hearing about Ariel Ballif and the work he was doing at the Yale School of Drama, headed at the time by Robert Brustein. ``In some measure,'' Morey says, ``Ariel walked away from a national career to establish a theater in Utah. By creating Theatre 138 in Salt Lake, he paved the way for every theater in this city to grow. Without him, there would be no Salt Lake Acting Company, and all of us in theater out here would be 20 years behind where we are today.'' Ariel Ballif sits in a longhorn-steer chair, circa 1880. It is a collector's item that Ballif and his Theatre 138 partners, Tom Carlin and Stewart Falconer, acquired from an estate in the Midwest before moving to Utah in 1962. ``Our Sitting Bull sat in it when we produced `Annie Get Your Gun,' '' Ballif quips, recallling the early days at 138, Salt Lake City's first alternative theater, which opened in 1966 and remained for 20 years.    The theater brought several firsts to Salt Lake audiences. It produced new plays by Utah authors. It offered works by Tennessee Williams and Edward Albee that the universities would not touch, and it ventured into such daring territory as ``Equus,'' a play with nudity; ``Sticks and Bones,'' a play with profanity; ``Chicago,'' a bawdy musical. The intimate theater on 200 East also staged ``Carnival'' with an interracial cast. No one complained. Ballif, Falconer and Carlin met in Richmond, Va., in the early '50s and opened a small theater, The Renaissance. They stayed several years until the owners ``started telling us what to do and that never went over well,'' Ballif says. In 1962, Ballet West founder William Christensen contacted Ballif about returning home and taking a teaching position at the U. Falconer and Carlin accepted jobs at Pioneer Memorial Theatre, and the three partners moved to Salt Lake.  Born in Idaho. Ballif was born May 29, 1926, in Rexburg, Idaho, and named after his father, Ariel S., the former chairman of the sociology department at Brigham Young University. Family lore reveals several versions about the name Ariel, but the one the designer prefers goes like this: An expectant Grandmother Ballif was ordered to bed in anticipation of a hefty baby. While resting, she read Shakespeare's ``The Tempest'' and decided if the child was a son, he would be named in honor of Ariel in the play. ``I have since discovered that I had a great-uncle named Ariel,'' Ballif says, ``but I prefer to think that my father and I were named after the Shakespeare character.'' The senior Ballif, now 93, lives in Provo, the city he once served as councilman and mayor. Ballif's mother, the late Artamisia Romney Ballif, was a BYU graduate, a teacher of elocution, an actress and an accomplished painter whose works are displayed prominently in her son's Salt Lake City home.  His mother's love of the arts had a lasting effect, as did two ``wonderful teachers of art and drama at Provo High.'' His first acting role in high school was as an insane George III, opposite a young girl who was ``the most gorgeous creature I had ever seen.'' His second role he starred as a football hero -- ``not typecasting,'' he says wryly. He blames a ``terrible junior-high coach'' for destroying any interest in sports, but today admits to getting a kick out of watching golf and tennis on television.  After graduation from BYU, he entered graduate school at Yale, receiving a master's degree in 1952. A one-year teaching stint at Brandeis University in Boston was followed by the move to Richmond.    There are no regrets about coming home. After five years at Yale, he was ready to leave.    He does, however, remember his teaching days at Yale with longing. The students were bright and challenging, and he was able to take the time with them to really learn, ``unlike today, when everyone is in such a hurry to get through and there is such a mercenary attitude toward everything. I don't care how many centuries we cover in a quarter. We're shoving too much too fast at the students and not allowing them to understand. Unfortunately, today's students -- and professors -- are less interested in learning and more concerned about making money.''   His decision to retire in June from teaching is anguishing, but necessary. ``I love drawing. I love designing and I adore teaching, but I can no longer draw and I am unable to paint,'' he says, lifting a right hand that refuses to quit shaking. ``Physically my body won't permit it.''    The Madeleine Award is embarrassing to this modest man, who accepts the honor by saying he is ``delighted, grateful and happy that people like what I have done.''   His association with Charles Morey and Pioneer Theatre has been ``one of the great pleasures of my life.'' In characteristic Ballif tone, he dismisses the recent controversy about PTC productions as utter nonsense.  ``There are a lot of bigots who are out to close down anything that does not do what they think it ought to do. Who cares what they think? I tell Chuck to continue doing his bit, do what he believes is right. If you do something honestly, the audiences will be with you.'' William Christensen concurs. The two artists have a long association, dating back to the '50s, when Ballif first designed for the Utah Civic Ballet. ``If you wait for everybody to agree with you, nothing ever happens,'' says Mr. C. ``You must go forward with what you think is right. That is how I was. That is how [Maurice] Abravanel was. And that is how Ariel has always been.'' Ballif says if he has contributed anything to Utah, it is getting people interested in alternative theater. He is aware that Salt Lake's smaller houses would not exist were it not for the intimate theater founded by Ballif, Falconer and    Carlin, but he has no concern for what or how they are doing today. This is a time of reflection for Ballif, an emotional period that has been painfully colored by the death in October of his business partner and companion of 40 years, Stu Falconer.  ``It is most difficult right now,'' Ballif says. ``But I returned to Utah because of the mountains and the people, and I have stayed for the same reasons. I have been through my blue period. Now I am into an orange phase. Andspring has arrived. What could possibly be more beautiful than spring?''

1998 KWUN (alias "Radio One," AM-1230) - The station will be making some lineup changes starting Monday, April 6. The Mills Crenshaw show will be shortened by one hour to 6-9 a.m. "Charlie and the Red Baron" will be on from 9-11 a.m. each weekday with Charlie Simons and Joe Redburn.

2003 Don't forget to sign up for: The Utah Nonprofits Association Presents Strange Bedfellows: Setting a Workable Affiliation Policy With our presenters:  Scott Mietchen, University of Utah and Chriss Sharer, Make a Wish Foundation of Utah, moderated by Steve Klass.  This session will be highly interactive, so come prepared with cases that may have affected your organization! Defining which donors and partners we will accept contributions from is one of the most central yet most avoided aspects of nonprofit management policy.  Few organizations have been able to adopt clear guidelines that address this issue.  In a workshop format, participants will use confrontation with several situations to develop policy that can be used for their own organization. Come and "test drive" some common approaches to contribution acceptance decision-making: - We must avoid any appearance of inappropriateness - We must be true to our core values - We must assess the risks of any questionable source Date April 3, 2003  Time 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Place Gay and Lesbian Community Center  361 North 300 West, Salt Lake City  Cost  $15 for UNA members, $30 for nonmembers  Reservations are Required--RSVP by Tuesday, April 1 to ensure your spot. SPACE IS LIMITED! Use the attached form to make your reservation and luncheon order, and then fax to the UNA Office at 801-585-5489.  Diane Hartz Warsoff Executive Director Utah Nonprofits Association

2003 The Utah Stonewall Historical Society is pleased to announced the addition of three outstanding members of the Lambda Community to our Board of Directors: Alan Anderson Marty Pollock Chuck Whyte.  Chuck has also agreed to serve on the executive committee as Treasurer.

• Chad Keller wrote to Randal Myers: Randal we have some items for the Website: USHS Board of Directors Alan Anderson Marty Pollock Chuck Whyte,  Treasurer

Jennifer Nuttall

2003 Jennifer Nuttall to All First EVER 'Gay' Women’s Wellness Program in Utah Make your voice heard! The Gay and Lesbian Community Center is starting Utah's first ever 'Gay' Women's Wellness Program and we need participants, health care professionals and those with a particular interest/experience in health care and wellness to help us out. ARE YOU: Lesbian?  Bisexual? Transgender? We must hear from YOU! To talk about your health concerns & help design a wellness program that meets your needs. DO YOU: Have experience/expertise in  Health Care & Wellness? We NEED You! To serve on an advisory council and/or conduct a workshop or presentation.  Focus Groups: Our goal is to design a program that meets the needs and interests of our community.  In order to do so, we are organizing three different focus groups:  Younger Women ages 16-29, Women ages 29-45 and Women 45 and over.  We want to talk to you about your health concerns and interests and get ideas for how YOU the participant want this program to be designed.  Focus Groups require a one-time, two-hour commitment. Advisory Council: We are also looking for those with a particular interest or specialty in health and wellness to serve on the Advisory Council to help us direct and refine the program through all its stages.  Participation on the Advisory Council requires a certain level of knowledge or special interest/personal experience with topics relating to health and wellness.  It also requires an on-going commitment, meeting three to four times over the course of program development and implementation (6 month to a year).  Workshops/Presentations: We also need experts who are willing to donate their time run a workshop or do a presentation based on their area of expertise. We are looking for professionals who work in physical/mental health fields or other wellness areas.  We are interested in holistic approaches to health, so many areas of mind/body/spirit can be addressed.  We are interested in traditional as well as alternative forms of wellness. A special call goes out to those traditionally underrepresented in the community:  We want you to be integral in the development and implementation of this program!  This includes (but is not limited to): women of color, bisexual women, women of age, disabled women and transsexuals.  .

2003 Jerry Rapier to Chad Keller Hi Chad - How are you?  Attached is the information you requested re: the 2003 Pride Guide. Doug [Fadel] invited me to the Business Guild kick-off party but I was unable to go due to HEDWIG rehearsal.  I hope it was a success!  Please keep me informed of other meetings, etc.  I would like to be involved as Plan-B. Jerry

• 2003 Chad Keller to Jerry Rapier Also..... I would like to get information from you regarding sponsorship and advertising from Plan B Theatre to pass on to the Guild.  If you have it available. Thanks! CK

• 2003 Jerry Rapier-Chad Keller Hi Chad -Plan-B Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and thus all contributions to the company are fully tax-deductible.  We are always in need of such contributions, both cash and in-kind, and determine what should be considered a sponsorship rather than a donation on a case-by-case basis. The rates for advertising in our playbills are as follows: Half page b&w   $ 400 Full page b&w   $ 750 Full page color $1000 We also are happy to work out trade for goods or services in Exchange for advertising in the playbills. The next available playbill space is in BASH: LATTERDAY PLAYS which runs September 12-28, 2002.  The deadline for space reservation is June 1. Let me know if you need any other information - if anyone would  like to contact me directly, they can email me at this address or call me  . Jerry
• 2003 Chad Keller-Jerry Rapier Is this play bill size? Show is not till September, June 1 seem very early for an advetiser, did you mean that date for sponsors?
• 2003 Jerry Rapier to Chad Keller I said June 1 since the playbill is filling up pretty quickly but I can work with just about anything :)  The absolute drop-dead date for ads and sponsorship (so they can be properly recognized in the playbill) is August 15. And content is up to the purchaser - I don't edit anything - I just care about print quality! Jerry
• 2003 Chad Keller to Jerry Rapier Okay so in either case you will accept a Co-Op.  That is good.  To be quite honest when people saw the prices for Pride I dont know if they were shell shocked or left in wonder over the pricing.  The Pride Guide from many business peoples experience has been a nightmare, and the distribution did not live up to the promise, try as any committee or chair try.  Are the Pride guides to be distributed the weeks leading up to pride or just at the event? 2003 Chad Keller to Ben Williams- Pride Day is on shakey ground..... $900.00 for a full color ad in a publication that will not be distributed until the day of.....I think all the Arts Festival Homo's need to focus on the Arts Festival and not do pride days....
• 2003- Chad Keller to Bob Childers Fw: Plan B stuff for the Guild “I completely understand people's frustration with the Pride Guide.  I have been an advertiser myself two of the past three years and have been not so happy:) about the poor distribution.  Sooo...the Pride Guide WILL be distributed in advance and on the day of if it kills me!  We've also made it much smaller - it's only 16 pages - so those that   purchase ad space are guaranteed a higher profile! Jerry Rapier
• 2003 Bob Childers to Chad Keller RE: Plan B stuff for the Guild “Why is it only 16 pages?”
• 2003 Chad Keller to Bob Childers “Dont get me going....I am very afraid, that in the rush to take over the income, that Utah's Pride Day will not be at a standard that is  acceptable....and it will be nothing more than Utah Arts Festival Jr.
• 2003 Bob Childers to Chad Keller RE: Plan B stuff for the Guild “Ditto”
• 2003 Chad Keller to Ben Williams “Pride day I fear may be doomed.....16 pageas for the Pride Guide?  Others our size around the country are a small Magazine..... SF pride NY and the Really Biggies are Huge Beauty sized Publications... They have no idea what they are doing I fear....

Dee Bradshaw

2004 Rev. Dee Bradshaw of Sacred Light of Christ Metropolitan Community Church of SLC debated with Dr. James White of the Reformed Baptist Church of Phoenix Arizona over issues of Gay Marriage

Steven Fales

2005 After Conference Sunday Fireside & Mission Reunion Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons and Reconciliation announce their  annual  Fireside and Mission Reunion. The event will take place April 3, 2005,  and will be held in Salt Lake City at the Metropolitan Community Church,  823 South 600 East.  It will start at 5:30 with a potluck followed by a Fireside that will feature actor and writer Stephen Fales.  Please bring a favorite casserole, salad or desert for the potluck.  Drinks provided by the chapter. Steven Fales is best known for his one-man play CONFESSIONS OF A MORMON BOY which has garnered critical and popular acclaim across the country. He most  recently played a sold-out run in Chicago where the Chicago Tribune raved "an uncommonly powerful, gripping, and very moving piece of theatre." He  will be playing San Francisco this spring and San Diego this summer before  opening Off  Broadway in the fall. Told with humor, song and the Book of Mormon, the play details his failed attempt to overcome his same-sex attraction which resulted in his  excommunication from the Mormon Church and his divorce from Carol Lynn Pearson's oldest daughter.  Fales has two children who he takes weekly to "Music and the Spoken Word" at Temple Square. "When I got excommunicated I threw god out with  religion. I've now taken god back on my terms and it has made such a difference in my life. I know it sounds crazy, but I still feel god in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  Despite the institutionalized bigotry of the Church, I want my kids to be exposed to the many good things in our Mormon pioneer heritage. The choir is one of those things."  Fales quips, "God has seen me through excommunication, divorce, prostitution and drugs. Now we're working on narcissism." He is currently working on  many projects including a new solo show called MORMON AMERICAN PRINCESS. Wasatch Affirmation is the Utah chapter of Affirmation, a non-profit  fellowship serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Intersexed Latter-day  Saints since 1977. The Wasatch Chapter aims to provide a safe, inclusive space for GLBTI  people from Mormon backgrounds who live along the Wasatch Front.  We affirm that live as a GLBTI person can be positive and is not incompatible with  spirituality.  At the same time, we are a diverse group who embrace a variety of  lifestyles  and hold a variety of attitudes towards spirituality, religion, morality and politics. We are united chiefly by our desire to interact with others who share our dual background -- Mormon and GLBTI -- and who therefore share the unique struggle and blessings which that duality engenders.

2010 Gay-rights laws take hold in Salt Lake City Nondiscrimination » Equality Utah launches push to get 10 more cities or counties to adopt them this year. By Derek P. Jensen The Salt Lake Tribune 04/03/2010   Salt Lake City residents now have legal protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing and employment. Mayor Ralph Becker -- joined at City Hall by gay-rights advocates and two mayors ready to follow suit -- celebrated Friday's implementation of the landmark ordinances. "This is truly a 

John Bennett

good Friday," said John W. Bennett, relative of Utah's Republican Bennett family, which has produced two city mayors and two U.S. senators. Bennett, who is gay and a nephew of Sen. Bob Bennett, recalled being fired from a state government job in 1986 for his sexual orientation. He praised the capital for taking the lead in offering key protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents. "Today, I'm ecstatic." Now, the push to enact similar anti-discrimination measures goes statewide. Equality Utah has launched a "Ten in 2010" campaign to urge 10 more cities or counties to pass anti-discrimination policies before the 2011 legislative session. Armed with that momentum, Executive 

Brandi Balken

Director Brandie Balken hopes to get the protections extended statewide. Salt Lake County already has adopted those safeguards. Discussions also are ongoing with Holladay, Taylorsville, Moab, Ogden, Midvale, Summit County and others, Balken said. Utah's second largest city, West Valley City, is moving toward passage, while Park City, according to Mayor Dana Williams, plans to adopt a similar ordinance in two weeks. "To us, we sort of looked at this as the Tao of duh," Williams said at Friday's event. "If you are going to have nondiscrimination ordinances for protection, it includes everybody." Becker said the historic ordinances -- endorsed in dramatic fashion by the LDS Church -- reflect the hard work of a wide coalition the past two years. Now that they are in effect, residents may file complaints to be assessed by an independent reviewer. The complaint either would be dropped or investigated further before an attempt at voluntary conciliation. If no solution is reached, the case would go to the City Attorney's Office. The new law "is not providing any special treatment to any class," Becker said. "We hope the simplicity and sensibility of these ordinances will serve everyone in this community well."  West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder, a Mormon Republican, said some may be "perplexed" that he would back the move.  "A Lincoln Republican," he explained, "would not seek to make second-class citizens out of anybody."  Before the 2010 legislative session, Equality Utah and other groups agreed with state lawmakers on both sides of the partisan aisle to "stand down" instead of pushing its Common Ground gay-rights initiative. That détente has allowed gay-rights leaders to focus on two objectives: Passing more anti-discrimination measures in housing and employment at the local level and preparing the case for statewide protections to be adopted next year. Balken notes public meetings will be held from Logan to St. George and from Tooele to Price about the need for housing and employment protections. A comprehensive report will be presented to the Legislature next year. "We can build on our early successes in Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County," Balken said, "and believe we can achieve 10 in 2010." The question remains whether legislative leaders will take umbrage at that aggressive campaign. Park City, for instance, is considering broadening its proposed ordinance to eliminate any exemption for landlords. Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, warns that if Park City or any other local governments expand their ordinances beyond Salt Lake City's, the Legislature likely would 

Ben McAdams 

step in to prevent them from adopting any anti-discrimination measures. New Sen. Ben McAdams, D-Salt Lake City and a top Becker aide, calls the capital's law a "balanced compromise that reflects the legal realities." For instance, it exempts religious organizations along with businesses with 15 or fewer employees. And it applies only to landlords with four or more units. Legislative leaders, he notes, want to examine the impact over the course of the year before addressing its expansion in 2011. "The cities can be policy laboratories for the state," McAdams said. "For business, it would be important to have a uniform protection throughout the state. For now, the ball is in the court of Salt Lake City and other municipalities to demonstrate that this can be an effective tool." Salt Lake City's new ordinances Forbid housing and employment discrimination based on a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Exempt religious organizations, businesses with fewer than 15 employees and landlords with fewer than four units. Create a complaint and investigation process.

This Day In Gay Utah History April 2nd

 

This Day In Gay Utah History April 2nd

2 April

1887  Joseph Apodach [Apodacca] indicted for a “Crime Against Nature” plead not guilty. Trial set for April 22nd. Provo Daily Enquirer

1970 Charles Champlin Film Critic for LA Times review of Boys In The Band printed in

SLTribune “Its content is historic, in that the joys and sorrows of adult male homosexuals have never to my knowledge been treated so unreservedly and unevasively in a movie aimed for a commercial rather than a cultist market…Crowley’s tale is of an odd squad of queers gathers for a birthday party which becomes a drunken hell night largely because of the arrival of the host’s pal from the straight world. The question is whether the cold college chum is the prince of a fellow he takes himself to be or a latent princess.  The answer remains ambiguous but meantime we’ve all had a good look at the anguish behind the mincing gaiety.”

1974-Gay photographer Robert Opel streaked across the stage during the Academy Awards during the announcement of the award for best picture.  Approximately one billion viewers worldwide were tuned in. Robert Opel (23 October 1939 – 7 July 1979) was a photographer and art gallery owner most famous as the man who streaked during the 46th Academy Awards in 1974. He sneaked backstage posing as a journalist (he had worked as a photographer for the well-known LGBT publication The Advocate, shortly before) and ran naked past David Niven flashing a peace sign while Niven was introducing Elizabeth Taylor. Unfazed, Niven turned to the audience and quipped, "Well, ladies and gentlemen, that was almost bound to happen... But isn't it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings?" Later, some evidence arose suggesting that Opel's appearance was facilitated by the show's producer Jack Haley, Jr. as a stunt. Robert Metzler, the show's business manager, believed that the incident had been planned in some way. During the dress rehearsal, Niven had asked Metzler's wife to borrow a pen so he could write down the famous ad-lib. Opel apparently had to cut through an expensive seamless background curtain in order to reach the stage. The episode made Opel something of a celebrity. Producer Allan Carr even asked him to streak at a party for Rudolph Nureyev. In March 1978, Opel opened "Fey-Way Studios," a gallery of gay male art, at 1287 Howard Street in San Francisco. The gallery helped bring such erotic gay artists as Tom of Finland and Robert Mapplethorpe to national attention. Opel was murdered on the night of July 7, 1979, during a robbery of the studio, by Robert E. Kelly and Maurice Keenan.

1976-The owner of a New Jersey dinner theater canceled The Boys in the Band when he learned it was about homosexuality.

1977 J. Richard Clarke, 2nd Counselor in Presiding Bishopric April 1977, "Ministering to Needs through LDS Social Services", Ensign, May 1977, p. 85 [Read a letter from a self-hating Gay man who had a poor relationship with his father.]  "It should go without saying that many of these problems would be alleviated if parents would spend more time teaching and rearing their children. Related to the story that I gave at the beginning of my talk is evidence of a clinical researcher who, after studying 850 individual cases, stated: "Homosexuality would not occur where there is a normal, loving father-and-son relationship." Any of our people living in righteousness would normally avoid being involved in these problems."

Spencer Kimball

1978 Spencer W. Kimball, LDS Church President April 1978, "Listen to the Prophets, Ensign, May 1978, p. 76 "Once the carnal in man is no longer checked by the restraints of family life and by real religion, there comes an avalanche of appetites which gathers momentum that is truly frightening. As one jars loose and begins to roll down hill, still another breaks loose, whether it is an increase in homosexuality, corruption, drugs, or abortion. Each began as an appetite that needed to be checked but which went unchecked. Thus misery achieves a ghastly monument."

1985  AIDS Utah’s First AIDS Case of Year Reported A male

intravenous drug user is being treated for AIDS, He was Utah’s first reported AIDS case this year. This brings to 11 the number who suffered from the incurable disease. Ten of the victims are male, and seven of them were homosexual or bisexual. Three of the men were intravenous drug users. The one woman received a blood transfusion out of States. Of the 11 cases six have died. (SL Tribune C1-2)

1990 Lesbian and Gay Student Union  hosted a BYU linguist who had U of U students fill out a survey and form regarding Gay terminology and jargon.

1993- Gay and Lesbian Community Council of Utah met at the Utah Stonewall Center with out Shane Jones, police liaison to the council, His absence being the main topic discussed.

1993- Wasatch Affirmation held its Gathering of the Lavender Saints during Mormon April General Conference weekend. A Mission Reunion for all Sisters and Elders was held at Aardvark’s Cabernet with a dance afterwards. Richard Morris acting as DJ.

1995 Wasatch Affirmation sponsored a Sunday fireside at the Stonewall Center. Guest speakers will be Ron and Adonna Schow, who assisted with editing of the 1991 book Peculiar People.

Todd Koolmo

1998 Todd Koolmo, 30, was charged with first-degree felony murder of his wife, which carries a possible 5 years to life prison term before Judge Robin Reese. Koolmo, was held at the Salt Lake County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bail,  who killed his wife for a perceived Lesbian affair.

Jim Dabakis

1999 The Wasatch Chapter of Affirmation held 7th Gay and Lesbian Missionary Reunion held at the Metropolitan Community Church, 823 South 600 East in Salt Lake City. Guest speaker was Jim Dubakis ."Dabakis came to Utah from Massachusetts to go to college in 1971.  Coming here was a necessity as there are no good institutions of higher learning in Massachusetts, at least that's the reason Jim gives." He is a return missionary and was active in Affirmation in it's beginnings years. Dabakis was involved in radio and television from 1976 to 1989, and he has worked for all three major network television stations in Salt Lake as well as numerous talk radio stations.  Dabakis was awarded a Columbia-Dupont award (the highest award given in broadcast journalism) as well as an Emmy for his efforts.  He has been a guest on several national television shows including NBC's Today Show, CNN's Crossfire and The Phil Donahue Show. In 1989 he quit and moved to Eastern Europe.   In the 1990s Dabakis has become an international art dealer.  In the past two years he has been a driving force in fund raising and getting the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Utah built and running. Entertainment will include a short play written for the reunion and is entitled "Cruising Lingo," performed by The Provo Company.   The play makes references to the BYU film Johnny Lingo, and promises to be a lot of fun - not profound. Conference Sunday Fireside

2003 Kathy Worthington wrote to Ben Williams, “Thanks for the article, I was finally able to read the one you sent me. Unfortunately it doesn't tell what I thought it did; how to resign from the church.  I know that issue was covered by the news media at the time, maybe it was a day or two later, after the QN (Queer Nation) people 'visited' the church office building.  Guess I'll have to ask around. Or maybe the church just told them how to resign, but it never made the news.  I know that I wrote about it in the WCN (Women Community News).

2004 Wade A. DeForest (Empress 25 Felicia of the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire) and former President of the RCGSE Board of Directors, died of lymphoma cancer Felicia Empress 25's passing  utstonewallh... Dear Fellow Courtiers & Community Supporters--As most of you are aware, Empress 25 and former President of the Board of Directors, Felicia, has been battling lymphoma cancer since September `03. It was originally anticipated that remaining chemotherapy treatments would remove the cancer from her body by the end of February `04. After a recent relapse, the lymphoma cancer moved into her bone marrow with results far too severe to continue with additional treatments. At 6:30am, in the company of her loving family and the comforts of her home here in Salt Lake City, Felicia passed away. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers. There will be services held in Salt Lake City. We will keep you posted as more information is available. In addition, a memoriam will be held at the Salt Lake City Coronation on Sunday, May 30. Please send any correspondence to our Court mailing address: RCGSE – Salt Lake c/o Felicia P.O. Box 11793 SLC, UT 84147 In Service... Mark Thrash Emperor 28

•         2004 Wade A. DeForest Wade A.DeForest 1970 ~ 2004 Wade Adam DeForest, 33, of Salt Lake City, passed away April 2, 2004, after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral

Wade DeForest

 services are pending. Funeral Directors, Neil O'Donnell and Sons. Published in the Salt Lake Tribune on 4/4/2004. Services for Empress 25 Felicia (Wade Deforest) have been scheduled: Saturday, April 10, 2:30 pm Neil O'Donnell & Sons 372 East 100 South Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Wade Adam DeForest 1970 ~ 2004 Wade Adam DeForest, 33, passed away on April 2, 2004, at his home in Salt Lake after a six-month courageous battle with cancer. Wade was born on July 2, 1970 in Honolulu, HI to Paulette Fee (step-father Dennis) and Clyde DeForest (step-mother Trina). He graduated from Snake River High School and attended Rick's College in Idaho. He was a talented artist and won awards and scholarships for his work. He was active in the speech and debate clubs in school, and won many awards. He worked at Gem Insurance, O.C. Tanner and Utah Food Services as a Banquet Planner in Salt Lake City. He was an active member of the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire, and was well known in the community for his volunteer work. Wade had an incredible zest for life, and his very being radiated the ALOHA spirit. Making friends came easy for Wade, and he had many. He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his parents, brother Bryce DeForest, sister-in-law Sarah Jo, and nephew Kawika Jo. The family wishes to thank the nurses and doctors on the 5th Floor at the U of U Hospital for all the love and care they gave to Wade. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, April 10th at the Neil O'Donnell & Son's Mortuary in Salt Lake, and his ashes will be placed in the Pacific Ocean at Honaunau-Kona, HI on his birthday. Published in the Salt Lake Tribune on 4/7/2004. TRIBUTES:

•         I have not seen Wade in many years. Despite that, I will never forget what a PLEASURE it was to work with him at Holiday Inn. He made a not so great place to work at GREAT. Probably one of the funniest people I had ever met. I did not know he was sick... Sorry we did not stay in touch. I am very sad to hear of his passing. Lisa (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 4, 2004

•         How much more fun and glamorous Heaven will be now that you are there. Til we meet Again Ben Williams (SLC) April 4, 2004

•         Heaven will be brighter, more glorious and everyone will have a personal shopper! We'll all miss Wade! Mare Mare Shepherd (SLC, UT ) April 5, 2004

•         My heart goes out to Wade's family & friends. He will definitely be missed. He was one of a kind. Chris Nelson (Bountiful, UT ) April 5, 2004

•         When Wade walked into a room the energy of that room changed. He always had a way of making anybody feel good about themselves. He was and always will be held in high regards by everybody who's life he has touched. I will miss him deeply cary hasler (west valley, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         Wade - You were always the one that made me laugh! What a wonderful spirit. I am truly sadden by this news, but grateful for knowing you. Luv-Meghann Meghann Griggs (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         What a classy act... Oz will never be the same without you, but we all know that you are Somewhere Over The Rainbow drinking a cocktail for us! Thanks for doing your best to make Glinda pretty...tough job. I will miss your devilish smile and wonderful wit. Glad you are at peace. You will be greatly missed by all. All my best to your family. Tell my Brother hello... Michael (SLC, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         Wade taught me the true meaning of friendship. He forced me to meet people and always made sure I was included in whatever group he was with. Wade had a way of putting people at ease and he always made them feel included and special. Wade will always be one of my best and dearest friends. Rhett Larsen (West Jordan, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         Wade! You always brightened my day when I saw you, and everytime you walked into a room with your wonderful smile it was very contagious, you made us all smile. I Love you!!!! Michelle Vreeken (SLC, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         What an incredible life experience it is to have you a part of my life forever. Your joyous energy is still an inspiration to me. It's rare when someone not only touches our hearts but our souls as well. Until we meet again my dear friend. Hello. Jeff Freedman XVII (Pittsburgh, PA ) April 7, 2004

•         Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Wade was such a dynamic individual; fun, vivacious and loved life to its fullest. As we are all saddened by his passing I am sure he is enjoying the company of his loved ones and enjoying that reunion. With our deepest sympathies Micheal and Aaron Aaron Lewis (SLC, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         Wade! you always brightened my day when I saw you and always put a smile on my face when you walked into a room. You are going to be missed very much. LOVE YOU!!!! Michelle Vreeken (SLC, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         To Wade's family, Please know that he was universally loved, and truly an inspiration to all. Witty, caring, and sincere. We will always feel his absence. To the rest, Be ready for when we catch up with him; can you imagine the reunion show? Mike and Alfredo (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         Thanks for all you did for the community and everyone. You will be missed by all. HUNTER DOWN (SLC, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         I worked very closely with Wade when he was a Human Resource Assistant at O.C. Tanner Co.. What a character he was! I am very sorry for your loss. Sandy Vaseleou (Sandy, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         Wade was always a bright light on an otherwise dreary day at O. C. Tanner. My heart goes out to his family and MANY close friends. Penny Penny Armitage (West Jordan) April 7, 2004

•         I have such fond memories of working with Wade while I was at the Utah Symphony - he was always a favorite! He was a true professional, and at the same time full of fun and wit. I will never forget his rendition of Betsy Ross at the Symphony Holiday Party in 2001, the wig, the dress and the facial hair were remarkable. I still laugh hysterically at that Yankee Doodle evening! I will miss Wade and his beautiful smile. My best to his family and his Utah Foods family. Laurel Ingham (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         I miss you so much, Wade! You inspired me and you were such a funny and warm person. I thank God you've gone home and are no longer suffering! Till we meet again. I love you! Doug Tollstrup (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         Even though, I had meet Wade once and been around the court, he was a character with a great attitude. I wish the best to his family. Crystlll Blue-Ashton Benoit Stilleto DeVine Vain (Pocatello, ID ) April 7, 2004

•         Wade! God must of needed a new sun ray. You are a ray of sunshine over the Pacific Ocean know shining like you always did. The short time I knew you, you had such an impact. Your BRIGHT smile and enthusiasm was contagious. Tami Gallagher :0) O.C. Tanner Company Tami Gallagher (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 7, 2004 

•         Wade, you're only a breath away, but I know you're now closer to all of us. This world grew a bit darker, but the stars are sparkling more than ever! Thanks for the laughter and love. Till our paths cross again... Chad Keller (Salt Lake City) April 7, 2004

•         Wade brought humor and fun into everything he did at Tanner. The loss to us is immeasurable, as is our gain in having known him for a short while. Holly Fisher (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         I will never forget you my Friend (I don't think you would let me anyway) I am sure there is a stage in heaven and you are showing them all how it's done (snap). What a great life you had a what a great friend you were. Love, Miss Geri Geri Cordova (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         fillie thank you for all of your encouragement, and for teaching me to ignore the drama, you truely touched my heart and taught me a lot i will miss you! to his mother thank you for giving us such an amazing person to have in our lives. i will never forget you!! MacKenzie (ogden, UT ) April 9, 2004

•         My thoughts and prayers go out to friends and loved ones that were so close to him. May his journey continue upwards and that his love & memory remain here on earth. Brenda Harris (Stockton, CA ) April 8, 2004

•         Wade, you were truly a person who loved life and lived it loud, where ever you went there was sure to be laughter, we will miss your smile...Love Brat and Danny Ricky (Brat) Montoya & Danny Entler (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 8, 2004

•         My Friend. You have and will forever be in my heart. I am very thank-ful that you came into my life.Fly free Watch over us and know you will truly be missed. Your lil nut.... Rainier XXVI SHELLEY Shelley Denton (Seattle, WA ) April 8, 2004

•         Our most heartfelt sympathy at this time. May God be with you and comfort you as he is Wade now. You will be in our prayers. Sometimes the end is really a new beginning. In Love, UGRA Board 2004 Utah Gay Rodeo Association (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 8, 2004

•         Wade, You were one of the funniest people that I ever knew. You had such a bright, fun filled spirit. You you be greatly missed. I'm happy that you are now in a place of peace, with no more pain. God Bless Darren Hanks (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 8, 2004

•         People such as yourself will ensure that one day everybody will be recognized for their life's legacy, not oppressed for their differences. Thank You and sweet dreams while you rest. J Wilkes (Salt Lake City, UT) April 8, 2004

•         Wade, darling. The world was brighter with you in it. The memory of you will live on in the many lives you have touched. Thank you for being a bright spot in my experience. David Ferguson (SLC, UT ) April 8, 2004

•         Empress! You were the heart... and the mind that lit the Golden Spike Empire! Your intelligence, Witt, charity, kindness... and  happiness touched us all! Blessed are the Hawaiian Islands for having gifted us with you for a wondrous season! Empress LEILA LEILA VINDEL (WASHINGTON DC, VA ) April 8, 2004

•         Wade, You were a man of great integrity. I will always remember you for the person you were, committed, focused, non-judgmental, and fun. I loved being able to be among those who got to know you, you were truly a gift in life. Bruce Butler Emperor 23 & 26, Eugene Bruce Butler (Everett, WA ) April 8, 2004

•         Wade, you will be truly missed by all those who you touched and inspired through your leadership, kindness, and love you showed to others. Mark Swonson (Salt Lake City) April 8, 2004

•         To the funniest entertainer, and one of the warmest people I know...thank you for always being open and accepting. I will always feel comfort in knowing that you have been a part of my life, and that you will continue to glow in our hearts. Miss MeMe Jenkins (Seattle, WA ) April 8, 2004

•         Hey Baby, Get the stage ready for us. And order me a Drink. You will be missed by many. With much love,Paris Paris (Salt Lake City, VA ) April 8, 2004

•         You will truly be missed... your smile & gentle nature made us feel very much at home. You were an inspiration to many and will always continue to do so as you watch & guide all of us... With love & prayers, MATT & ALEKSA (SEATTLE, WA ) April 8, 2004

•         Dearest Fillie, You are the person I will always remember as having that larger than life smile in every situation. I will miss those larger then life purses, your smile, your laughter and the devotion you had to everyone you met. Thank you so much for your hug last year and reminding me that it's ok to smile. "It's all good gurl" he said once then smiled, turned on his heel and waved across the room. There was a rainbow today, it was definately you....storm clouds all around and you were showing off again. I love you. Makayla Barrandey PRXXII (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 8, 2004

•         We will miss the laughs, the smiles and the jokes. What a wonderful person. We have an angel watching over us Love Jazmine and Robert E&E 29 of Denver Jazmine James Robert Flores (Denver, CO ) April 7, 2004

•         WADE YOU WILL BE IN EVERYBODYS HEARTS YOU GOING TO BE MISSED.TO HIS FAMILY I WILL PRAY FOR ALL OF YOU. NEFI DARELLI(MURRAY,UTAH) April 7, 2004

•         Wade will always be remembered in my heart and prayers, I had the pleasure of being able to spend time in his company and share many laughs. I will always remember him smiling and laughing, and sharing a kind word . Celine Martin (Madera, CA ) April 7, 2004

•         You are missed by all my dear friend. I am blessed to have known you and will never forget you. Mahalo for your smile and your wit and your contagious zest for life. You made me laugh, smile, think, and you made me act to make this community a better one. Thank you for adding so much fun and meaning to my life. I'm gonna miss you. Gary Holstein (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         My heart goes out to Wades Family and Friends. I worked with Wade at O.C. Tanner for a short time. However, during this time I worked with Wade, I have some great memories. He was always so full of life, laughter and smiles. Wade will truly be missed and never forgotten. Laura Gallegos (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         Someone in Texas loves you. We will miss you surely. Good bye my "Pacific Islander Friend" From your "Chicana Baby". John John Green (Dallas, TX ) April 7, 2004

•         Wade, The world has lost a beautiful, vibrant, entertaining, flashy, sexy, courageous, caring, funny, loving, spirit. I selfishly wish you were still here, however I know it was time to spread your wings. Thanks for being my friend! I'm a better person for having known you! Love you , as you liked to call me Sherry,Shauna, or whatever... Sheryl Thornblad (Salt Lake, UT ) April 7, 2004

•         My dearest Wade, It only seemed like yesterday I truly got to know you as a person. You don't know how much you meant to Mackie and I and we will never forget you. Now we truly do have an Angel looking over us. To the DeForest Family, Wade was a very special person in so many people's lives. He touched so many people with his love for life, his smile and his laughter. He had a way to make every person he met feel so special. Whenever you needed his advice, Wade would be there for you. I truly hope the DeForest family knows how much Wade was loved by all and will be truly missed by all. Until we meet again my friend, MAHALO. Tim Hile (Colorado Springs, CO ) April 9, 2004

•         To Wade's family....you raised a wonderful son. For the short time he was on this earth he made such a lasting impression on those who knew him. You should be very proud. Felicia...you always made us smile. Your outrageous sense of humor always made the room happy. You will be one of the brightest stars in the heavens. Love Always,.....Kim & Karen Keesler Kim & Karen Keesler (Roy, UT ) April 9, 2004

•         An angel from earth is now watching us from the heavens. "Mahalo". To Wade's mother, thank you for raising a loving and caring son. Chuck Whyte (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 9, 2004

•         What the world is now lacking- Heaven is welcoming. Wade, you made my stay in SLC the best I could ever wish for. You always had a smiling face, a cheerful attitude....and you were a performer that could never be topped. I will miss you and can't wait to see you again. Save me a seat down front, I may be a little late. Love ya, man! Cody Cosby (Blanding, UT ) April 10, 2004

•         Best wishes and condolences from Taylor Maid - Empress 26 of Boise, Idhao Ron Peterson (Boise, ID ) April 9, 2004

•         It is not often in life that we meet extraordinary people who change our lives and help us strive to become more than we ever hope to be. Wade was one of those remarkable people. As I look back on my life I can honestly say that my life has been richer with wade in it. Wade, thank you for the long talks, letting me cry on your shoulder, letting me yell at you when the world tried to push me down and then picking me up, dusting me off and sending me back in for another round. Thank you most of all for just letting me be me and for sharing your friendship with me. I miss you! Chaise Manhattan (Boise, ID ) April 9, 2004

•         I am deeply saddened to hear of this trememdous loss. I worked with Wade for a short time in Human Resources at O.C. Tanner. Wade made my day more pleasurable with him in it. I will miss your vibrant young colorful spirit. Felicia you go girl! Keep doing what you do best, making people smile! Mary Moroyoqui-Harris (Salt Lake City, UT ) April 13, 2004

•         It is not often that we meet people who are so remarkable that they impact our lives so much that they want us to strive to our best. Wade was one such person. Thank you Wade for always helping me strive to do better, accepting me for I am, and most of all for being such a wonderful friend and confidant. I will miss you dearly. Chaise Chris Smith (Boise, ID )April 12, 2004

•         I am saddened to hear of this tremendous loss. Thoughts of Wade bring a smile to my face. He was such a delight to be around. He could always make me laugh. He also worked very hard to give back to our community. I will miss him so much. I love you honey! Jackie- Jackie Biskupski (Salt Lake City, UT )April 12, 2004

•         I am very sad to hear of Felicia's passing. She is at peace now. Her smile and laugh will be remembered forever. Laura O'Rourke (Lincoln, CA )April 11, 2004 Aloha to all of Wade's Friends: Thank you for sharing your feelings and experiences with my son Wade Adam. I am overwhelmed with your messages. I am so happy each of you had an opportunity to know him. Wade was a special person, full of life and aloha to all he met. I was honored to meet many of you at Wade's funeral services, and I appreciate all the comments made during and after the services. I want to thank you all for the cards and flowers we received. I returned to Idaho Falls Sunday, and put the urn containing Wade's ashes on the dining room table. Then I surrounded the urn with all the beautiful floral arrangements we received. On or about July 2 (Wade's birthday), friends and family members will take the urn in one of two canoes and paddle out to sea where Wade's ashes will be released. After the canoes return to shore, we will have a traditional Hawaiian Luau with Kalua-Pig, Chicken Long Rice, Lomi Salmon, Poke (raw tuna), haupia (coconut pudding), poi, fried or barbequed fish, salad, drinks and dessert. We welcome all of Wade's friends to Hawaii, and will help to make your trip enjoyable. Please let me know if you will be able to attend and if I can help in any way. My email address is noted below. Mahalo (thank you) and God be with you all. All my love, Wade's mother Paula Fee and Family Paula Fee (Idaho Falls, ID) April 15, 2004 feep@ida.net

2005 Affirmation: Gay  and Lesbian Mormons and Reconciliation held their  annual Fireside and  Mission Reunion at the Metropolitan Community Church, 823 South 600 East.  The Fireside featured writer Loren Jenner author of  Spirited Yearling  Wounded is a true story about a Mormon woman in the Mountain West who tries to  take her life when she realizes that she’s attracted to other women.

2005 All, Come help tthe Utah Bears celebrate the 1 year Anniversary of Club 161, Our Home Bar.  Club 161 will be paying special thanks to the UBA and the Wasatch Leatherman's Association for our support of the Bar.  It is going to be a great time for all.

2005 Salt Lake Community College presents The Kinsey Sicks, America’s Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet!  A feast of music and comedy which combines award winning a cappella singing, sharp satire and over-the-top drag.  KINSEY SICKS BENEFIT PERFORMANCE On Saturday, April 2nd at the Grand Theater, Salt Lake Community College presents The Kinsey Sicks, America’s Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet as part of the school-wide Multi-Cultural & Diversity Programming initiative. For over a decade, The Kinsey Sicks have served up a feast of music and comedy to audiences across the United States.  Combining award winning a cappella singing, sharp satire and over-the-top drag, The Kinsey Sicks have headlined at fine arts venues, colleges, national fundraisers and corporate events. The one-night-only Salt Lake Community College show begins at 8:00 p.m. at the Grand Theatre, South City Campus, 1575 South State Street.  Tickets are free for SLCC students with current school ID, $5 for other students with current school ID and $10 for all other tickets until March 30th.  After March 30th all tickets will be $10.  Tickets can be purchased at the Grand Theater (957.3322).  For more information about this event contact Gordon Storrs at 957.4562. Any proceeds of the show will be donated to the Utah AIDS Foundation and The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Utah

2006  Sunday After Conference Sunday Fireside & Mission Reunion Affirmation: Gay  and Lesbian Mormons and Reconciliation announce their  annual Fireside and  Mission Reunion. The event will take place April  2, 2005, and  will be held in  Salt Lake City at the Metropolitan Community Church, 823 South 600 East.  It will start at 5:00 with a potluck followed by a Fireside that will   feature writer Loren Jenner. Please bring a favorite casserole, salad or desert  for  the potluck.  Drinks provided by the chapter Our guest speaker has two books currently in print. Spirited Yearling Wounded is a true story about a Mormon woman in the Mountain West who tries to take her life when she realizes that she’s attracted to other women. Spirited comes face to face with questions like, do I live my life according to church doctrine and repress my sexuality to become a Goddess in the afterlife? Do I honor my essence and express my sexual orientation with integrity only to be among murderers and adulterers when I die? Can I be rehabilitated, or does the quest for rehabilitation encourage the repression of my spirit? Is it more important who I love, what I am or how I love? Spirited Yearling Wounded brings hope to the suffering soul and clarity to those who seek understanding about their loved one's sexual orientation. Meet Angel Warrior, a brave, young spiritual warrior who sails from her homeland in search of wholeness. She shipwrecks on a mysterious land, bonds with the Dancing Mist of her dreams, fords through treacherous streams and journeys to the core of her soul. Warrior in The Mist depicts a young spiritual warrior who goes on a quest  to battle her own internalized homophobia. Angel Warrior struggles with the internalized belief that she is not worthy of life and love because she is a  woman-loving-woman. The hero myth illustrates in a Kahlil Gibran-ish, prose  poetic voice what some people feel at one time or another during their  self-reflective journeys. Loren coordinates the seasons, times of day and  healing process all at once in a mythological prose, capturing the cyclical  nature of life and death. Not only can it help one who struggles with  internalized homophobia, but also anyone who cannot face or accept a part of  themselves. Please join us for and evening of celebration and sharing.  More about  Loren can be found at her website _http://www.lorenjenner.com/_ (http://www.lorenjenner.com/) Wasatch Affirmation is the Utah chapter of Affirmation, a non-profit  fellowship serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Intersexed  Latter-day Saints since 1977. The Wasatch Chapter aims to provide a safe, inclusive space for GLBTI  people from Mormon backgrounds who live along the Wasatch Front.  We affirm  that live as a GLBTI person can be positive and is not incompatible with  spirituality.  At the same time, we are a diverse group who embrace a  variety of lifestyles and hold a variety of attitudes towards spirituality,  religion, morality and politics. We are united chiefly by our desire to interact with others who share our dual background -- Mormon and GLBTI -- and who therefore share the unique  struggle and blessings which that duality engenders. For more information, visit Affirmation on-line at  _www.affirmation.org_ (http://www.affirmation.org)

Fran Pruyn

2007 Fran Pruyn, UTAH PRIDE CENTER SEEKS AWARD NOMINATIONS  – Utah Pride 2007, “United for Equality,” a program of the Utah Pride Center, is calling for nominations for two annual community awards presented at the Utah Pride Festival’s Grand Marshall Reception. At this time, nominations are currently being accepted from the community at large for the following awards:  •  The Dr. Kristen Ries Community Service Award: establish in 1987, awarded to Dr. Kristen Ries for her humanitarian efforts in dealing with the AIDS crisis, and forever named in her honor.  This award recognizes outstanding service to the greater gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community in Utah, and is given to individual(s) who are dedicated to continuing that legacy of service. Those who receive this award are role models for Utah’s LGBT community, and like Dr. Kristen Ries “exemplify everything that the award has stood for: compassion, leadership and courage.” The recipient is chosen from among the nominees by past winners of the award. Recent winners include Rep. Jackie Biskupski, Doug Wortham, Ladonna Moore, and Jane & Tami Marquardt, among others. •         The Pete Suazo Political Action Award: Established in 2002, in honor of Senator Pete Suazo’s legislative work, his tireless attempt to pass Hate Crimes legislation in Utah, and his tireless ability to remind his colleagues in the Utah State Legislature of the great diversity found in the State of Utah. This award is presented to an elected Utah official who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to equal rights for the LGBT community of Utah through legislation, policy or declaration. The recipient is chosen from among nominees by a committee including leaders of Equality Utah, the Stonewall Democratic Club, Log Cabin Republicans, Human Rights Campaign and The Utah Pride Center. Recent winners include Rep. David Litvak, Sen. Karen Hale, Mark Shurtleff and Paula Julander. Honorees for these awards are to be recognized during Utah Pride’s annual Grand Marshal Reception, which kicks of the weekend celebration on Friday, June 1, 2007.  Details for the Grand Marshall event can be found on the Utah Pride Festival website:  www.utahpride.org.  Please submit all nominations for any category by Monday, May 7 at 5:00 p.m. Nominations should be less than one page in length and should include your name, the name of the award you are nominating for and the name of individual you are nominating.  Please also include detailed justification about why they deserve the award. Send nominations to: Utah Pride Center  Attention: Grand Marshal Awards 355 N 300 W Salt Lake City, UT 84103 or email nomination to fran@utahpridecenter.org   ### Utah Pride is a program of the GLBT Community Center of Utah. The GLBT Community Center of Utah is a nonprofit corporation, founded in 1992, whose mission is to be a catalyst for personal growth, acceptance and equality for GLBT people in Utah.