Winter First Quarter Journal 2003 January - March

 

Journal 2003

1 January 2003 Wednesday

I am 52 years old residing at 1633 Fernleaf Street Salt Lake City as the year begins. I am living with Mike Romero who is 46 years old. We have been together since New Years 1993 when he moved to Salt Lake City from Rock Springs, Wyoming to be my lover. We are more like roommates now and although I still love him, I know he doesn’t me romantically anymore. We sleep in separate rooms in different parts of the house. I think we stay together mostly now because of familiarity and because of our dogs.

We have four dogs, three schnauzers and a dachshund mix, all named Oscar, Saffy, Smokey, and Priscilla.

I’ve been estranged from being active in the Gay community for some time now however last year Chad Keller pushed me to reactivate the Utah Stonewall Historical Society so I guess I will see how that goes. I created a Yahoo Group site called the Utah Stonewall Historical Society “UTSonewallHS” to post articles and comments regarding the Gay community. There’s about 30 people in the group now.

I am teaching 6^th grade at Orchard Elementary in North Salt Lake and have been at the school now since 1989 when I transferred from Sunset Elementary in Sunset. This year the school is under reconstruction as a new addition is being built to accommodate the growth from Eaglegate up on the mountain. My principal Pam Park is leaving at the end of this year being transferred and I am going to hate that but she has been the principal here for nearly 10 years which is almost unheard of.

I teach with Karen Fisher, Dan Unger, and Susan McAdams although she is working on getting her counseling degree to leave the classroom.

I am discouraged myself teaching with all the changes going on at school.

I contacted Ben Barr for some information for the historical society and he wrote me back, “howdy Ben Williams!! I remember you. yes I be the same guy from UAF. I am now in school in Berkeley getting my PhD-- School is much better than the real world. How are you? Are you still in Utah? --- Ben-David Barr, MSW.

Then Marlin Criddle who is a lawyer and was once the chair of the board of Directors for the Utah Stonewall Center posted a comment about the loss of so many items from the old Stonewall archives. Fortunately, Jay Bell and I were able to retrieve most of them from Michelle Turpin’s boat storage unit and gave them to the Special Collections at the Marriott Library on campus.

Marlin G. Criddle wrote, “It is extremely distressing to learn that a substantial part of the history of the lgbt community of Utah has been in all likelihood permanently lost due to the destruction of the archives originally held by the Utah Stonewall Center, and subsequently passed on to the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah. Whoever on the board (e.g., Jim Dabakis, Michelle Turpin, Terry Kogan) authorized this to happen or allowed it to happen is guilty of a crime against humanity in my opinion and a violation of the trust that once existed between the center and the lgbt community.

My partner [David Turner] and I donated a large collection of books to the center library in the early 1990s only to see the books gradually disappear through carelessness and lack of attention. We have recently been the recipients of two car trunk loads of books of interest to the community, e.g. literature, politics, history, photography, essays, etc. I have no intention of allowing these books also to be lost. If I could be reassured that the Marriott Library would hold these books as part of a permanent collection of glbt materials, I would happily donate them to that institution.

In the news is the hullabaloo over the closing of Club Blue on 8^th South of State Street which was a Gay men’s leather bar. There was an article written by Glen Warchol in the Salt Lake Tribune.

“Owner Says 'Lifestyle' Cost Club Its  License The owner of a Salt Lake City gay bar says his alcohol license was revoked because police and state officials are offended by its patrons' "lifestyle."

"The basic problem is that we've been targeted by the police department," said Club Blue owner Mike Webb. "They have been bothering us for a long time for a variety of reasons. Most of the people in the gay community think it's an attack on our lifestyle."

 But Earl Dorius, head of licensing and compliance for the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, said the violations at Club Blue, a private social club, were the most flagrant he has encountered in his 22 years of involvement with DABC, both as an administrator and earlier as chief counsel for the agency. "It's the worst I've seen," Dorius said. "A commissioner [Nicholas Hale] who's been here for 11 years said it's the worst he's seen."

 The alcohol license for the club at 60 E. 800 South was pulled for six counts of violating state liquor laws during a closed party in October. The violations included a bartender serving alcohol while naked; club employees permitting people to expose, caress and fondle genitals and buttocks; and patrons and employees performing simulated or actual masturbation, oral sex, and sodomy. Fines for the violations totaled $11,000, plus administrative costs.

In March, Club Blue's license was suspended for 60 days following an "underwear night" party that the DABC said led to lewd behavior.

Webb said because the October violations came during a closed party, it should not have led to revocation of the club's license. "They are attacking me, saying I allowed or encouraged the behavior at the party, instead of citing the people who were breaking the law. They are putting me out of business," he said.

Dorius said that the club is permanently closed and the owners cannot apply for another liquor license for any club for at least three years. Webb said his attorney was in the process of filing for a stay on the revocation. The club will appeal the revocation to the 3rd District Court, he said.

 

3 January 2003 Friday

Club Blue was in the news with Glen Warchol writing another article. It mentioned that Marlin Criddle was the attorney representing Mike Webb which I didn’t know. “Club Wins a Delay in License Case-Gay bar appeals revocation, argues alleged lewd acts were at a private party A Salt Lake City gay bar has won a temporary reprieve in the revocation of its liquor license for permitting lewd behavior, pending an appeal next week before a 3rd District judge.

            The state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control last week revoked Club Blue's license and fined its owner $9,000 for a closed party held on the premises in October. Two DABC officials complained the violations at the club were the most flagrant they had seen. According to the DABC order, the violations included a bartender working naked and patrons performing simulated or actual sexual acts.

            Club Blue's attorney, Marlin Criddle, appealed the revocation, arguing DABC restrictions on a private club should only apply when the club is open for business. The October party, he said, was a private affair, closed to the general public. The club's alcohol supplies were not used for the party and servers were not acting as employees of the club.

             "I don't have any problem with them [DABC] regulating public decency at a private club during normal business hours," Criddle said. "I have a problem with them trying to extend that to when the club is being used privately."

            The club's owner, Mike Webb, complained the gay private club had been targeted by police and state officials who are offended by its patrons' "life-style" and used the closed party as an excuse to put him out of business.

             "I can understand Mike's point, but that's not an easy allegation to prove," Criddle said.

             DABC officials did, however, make it clear they were incensed by the sexual nature of the violations, he said. The officials "were so consumed with the allegations of sexual misconduct that they rushed this case through, issued their decision revoking the club's license and refused to stay their decision in order to allow the club time to file an appeal with the district court."

            An anonymous letter tipped off the Salt Lake City Police Department to the party, Criddle said.

            "Two vice officers were admitted to the private event because they presented a copy of the e-mail invitation," he said.

             "It is regrettable that the police department and the DABC allow themselves to be used as tools of anyone who harbors a grudge against a particular club."

 

4 January 2003 Saturday

Jeremy Van Wagenen, this kid I met last year active in the Youth Group posted on the Yahoo Group site, “Dear UTStonewallHS, I've been a youth advocate for four years and have supported the gay and lesbian community for the same length. Due to getting some things underway in my career,  I have stepped out for a while. I want people and the community to know that I’m back and I want to help fulfill the dreams that many youth activists had in the past; and may we hope for a better year in the community. Please let me know what I can do to help....Sincerely, Jeremy Van Wagenen Thank you

 

7 January 2003-Tuesday

I read this article about a man selling porno out of his car I guess saving people the trip to Evanston or Wendover ha! “Abeyance pleas entered in porn video case- A Salt Lake City man, arrested last year for buying gay porn videos outside of Utah then selling them from the trunk of his car at Jordan Park, has entered pleas in abeyance to three class A misdemeanors. Darrell M. James, 73, was charged in 3rd District Court with one misdemeanor and two third-degree felonies for selling tapes depicting graphic sex scenes to an undercover police officer in November 2002 and January 2003. James told the officer he had sold porn at the park every day for a year. Judge Stephen Henriod fined James $500 in court costs and barred him from possessing pornographic material or entering Jordan Park. The case will be dismissed in two years if James complies.

            David Hurst, the owner of Angles a Gay coffee shop on Second South and a member of the Utah Stonewall Historical Society posted asking for pictures of Gay events- “Picture Perfect Developing a photo collection detailing the history of the Utah GLBT Community. Remember the day the Nazi's showed up to Gay Pride Day in Murray Park, and the circle of gay people that surrounded them in peace? Do you remember the night of the sashing of the first Mr. Utah Leather or the first UGRA Rodeo? How sharp is your memory of the DIG Awards, the last Gay Pride march and rally, The Utah Stonewall Center, the first exhibition of the AIDS memorial quilt, Mountain/Desert States Gay and Lesbian Conference, or last Halloween party at the Deer Hunter or Sun Tavern (old or new)?

Most of us have great memories of these and many similar moments in the history of the GLBT [Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgender] community. The details often differ in the folklore and legend of the GLBT community. But somewhere tucked away in boxes and drawers in the basements and storage units of the GLBT community is photos that forever have captured those many important and diverse moments in time.

Photos are an important part of the history of our community. They are a "picture perfect" compliment to the many written and oral histories of the GLBT community. These small squares of chemically developed paper bring to life some of the detail of events that have become history of our community. They rekindle the memories of the great strength and unity of a growing Utah GLBT community or remind us of the happy moments with friends we have lost.

Importantly they remind us of our journey as a community. The Utah Stonewall Historical Society is looking for the photos that tell the story of the Utah GLBT Community, and for photographers willing to help us capture history on film. Individuals or organizations are being encouraged to share their photo collections.

A print is always the best, but with modern technology, individuals and GLBT organizations are encouraged to loan to us for scanning their many photos of GLBT events or GLBT Allies events where our community was focused on or a participant.

 Photographs may be brought to Angles (511 W 200 S, SLC) anytime or to the monthly meeting of the Utah Stonewall Historical Society held the third Wednesday of each month at Angles.

As a donor you will be noted as the photographer and will be forever entered into the annuals of the GLBT community. We will be very careful and promise their safe return. All photos will be crossed referenced and matched to events in the Utah Stonewall Historical database for future use in sharing the accurate history of our great community in literature, documentaries, and exhibits. Open your photo albums and help us create a great photographic legacy of the GLBT people of Utah. No photo too large or small, to good or bad. Bring your Photos in to Angles January 1 to February 15 for a _Mocha at half price (minimum 24 photos per visit one visit per day) to be given or scanned into the archives of the Utah Stonewall Historical Society. Ask about the USHS and Angle Shutterbug Card for great discounts as a regular customer.

 

8 January 2003 Wednesday

I contacted Bob Waldrop, the radical Gay pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church and my friend from the 1980’s about some details about early Gay history in Salt Lake City. He wrote to me, “My goodness, nothing like a blast from the past. I don't get back to SLC much anymore, the last time I was there was a couple of years ago for the funeral of an old libertarian comrade, Kaylin Robinson who sadly died in a trailer house fire. She was younger than I. sigh.

I was amazed at how much Salt Lake City had changed. Fortunately, Kostas on 11th east was still there, as was the Other Place, although it had moved and its new location wasn't anywhere near as funky as the old Other place. Prices were higher too.

  (OKC [Oklahoma City] is like SLC used to be, very cheap cost of living) and then of course there were the Greek Souvlaki restaurants, hehehe. Oh well, "the one who trusts in the Lord shall be made fat." Good to hear from you.

I work for the Catholic Church these days, as director of music at a large suburban parish (1500 families, I have 40 people in my choir and a pipe organ originally built in 1865). I am also the founder of a small lay community, the Oscar Romero Catholic Worker House; the Catholic Worker story, tells our particular corner of it. We deliver food to people in need who don't have transportation to get to a regular food bank, we do upwards of 100 deliveries every week, sigh, times are getting hard for many people.

We are also involved with food security, sustainable living, energy conservation, and peace.

One thing I really miss about SLC is KRCL radio, we have nothing like it here, I keep talking about it, but thus far there hasn't been enough interest to pull together a group to get something on the air. KRCL should send us some missionaries.

Good to hear from you. Peace and all good to you and all you love. Bob Waldrop

1524 NW 21^st OKC, 73106.”

There was another Warchol story on Club Blue today, “Judge Upholds Lifting of Gay Bar's Liquor License; Club's Lawyer Plans Appeal  A 3rd District judge lifted a stay on the revocation of a Salt Lake City gay bar's liquor license Tuesday, saying the club is unlikely to win its appeal. The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control pulled Club Blue's license for allowing lewd behavior on the premises last October. DABC officials said the private club's violations, which included allowing nude employees to serve alcohol and letting revelers expose and fondle genitals, were the worst they had ever seen.

Judge Joseph Fratto had earlier stayed the license revocation until the club could present its case in court. Club Blue's lawyer, Marlin Criddle, said the club intends to proceed with its appeal of the revocation even though Fratto's ruling will shut down the club. Criddle argued the behavior in question took place at a closed party when the club was not open for regular business, therefore state restrictions on its liquor license should not apply. "[The DABC's interpretation] limits the club owner from using his premises for other legitimate purposes," he said.

            Mike Webb, Club Blue's owner, has complained his club was targeted by the state and city because its members are predominately gay. Assistant Attorney General Thom Roberts, representing the DABC, argued before Fratto that liquor regulations do not just apply at the license holder's "whim" in deciding his premises are open. "There is nothing to limit when these restrictions apply, therefore they apply all the time."

 

9 January 2002 Thursday

Chad Keller, my co-director of the Utah Stonewall Historical Society emailed me, “Doug Fadel and QUAC has 1000 photos for us....SCORE! I will work with him on getting them organized and ready to scan. I think we need to make a big deal about this in an article, hopefully it will get people to give and lend a lot..... I know we are worried on storage, and I have a couple items I put out to the universe coming back positively. And coming back based with conviction because people found out about what happened about the original archives at the Center.

 People are quietly not happy, and it adds to all the crap that they [the Center]  have pulled. A sense of place for the history is important to me. I get nervous about the Group site for some reason. We will talk, and figure something out.”

He later added “Oh this is good....Redburn calls me this morning....Apparently I am among the suspects that caused the problems for Club Blue.....I may appear stupid and bitchy but I think this time the gossip mongering community may have gone too far....Very bad mood now.....and I’m sure it will get worse....No wonder no one want to ever do anything for this Freaking community....damned if you do, damned if you don’t, and that is just the men....the AL's [Alpha Lesbians] are a whole ‘nother’ story.  

Somehow I will accomplish my goals, and then I hope my gay guardian angles leave my fate, destiny and dreams up to me.”

He also sent me this quote from Brent Ledger Columnist for Toronto's Xtra!, from January 9. "When the Advocate starts putting Justin Timberlake on the cover and justifies it with a weak-kneed tag line about the "Ten Coolest Straights," you know the movement has lost its raison d'etre. It may not be the "end of gay," but we're getting pretty damn close."

 

10 January 2003 Friday

Margaret Cho who bills who self as the ultimate “fag hag” is coming to Utah. Michael Westley reported in the Salt Lake Tribune, “It's CHO Time- Comedian brings trash talk and laughs to West Valley;  Cho Stirs Comedy and Politics Stand-up comic Margaret Cho describes herself as a "Korean-American fag-hag, s--t starter, girl comic and trash talker."

Her last appearance in Utah, some 15 years ago, erupted in controversy. "I was protested by some people because my show was so incredibly un-Christian or I don't know what. I said some bad words and talked about gays and what I thought were very neutral topics. They were saying I was satanic or Satan's messenger. They ended up selling out the show," she said in a telephone interview from her home in Los Angeles.

"Sexuality is just a political thing," she said. "In order to speak on gay rights or sexual freedom in any way you are almost supposed to be part of that community. My point is that you can fight for any minority that you wish. What does it matter?" 

 While it sounds like she is avoiding the question of her sexual orientation, Cho's response is forthcoming. "I live with a man who's wonderful. I mostly have relationships with men. It's mostly about the person. I've had relationships with both women and men and found them equally disappointing," said Cho.

 "Sexuality is so fluid, why limit yourself to just one thing? It's a really great thing to be that free. We are born to love."

Paul Wolfe, executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah, is pleased to see figures in the mainstream media taking a stance on such issues. "It provides a visibility that we never had," said Wolfe. "The one thing that Utah tends to overlook are its minority communities." Wolfe feels that Cho speaking to a Utah audience from a place of double oppression is good. "I think it is very needed," said Wolfe.

I'll Cho You Mine. . . Margaret Cho will perform tonight and Saturday at Wiseguys Comedy Club, 2194 W. 3500 South, West Valley City. Shows are at 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at the club or through Smith's Tix outlets.

In the news President Bush orders 62,000 US troops sent to the Persian Gulf

 

11 January 2003 Saturday

My mom who rarely emails because the computer is unfamiliar to her wrote me, “Hi. How does it feel to be back in school? Just think six more months and you will be out. Guess that something to look forward to. You dad and I are feeling better. At least I hope we are over it. It took us over two weeks are longer. I guess everyone are o.k. I haven’t heard otherwise. The weather is pretty. They are skiing in the mountains.

Guess Norman is doing a little better. Bev. is going to sell her house and move down here and take care of him. He don’t remember  Beulah is dead. He wanted to know if he went to the funeral . Well not much going on . Love Mom.”

Norman Danforth is my dad’s first cousin but was almost like a brother when Aunt Beulah took him in when he ran away from home. Beverley is his daughter and is living in Seattle as a widow.

 

12 January 2003 Sunday

Paul Cucunato, the current president of the Utah Gay Rodeo Association announced,  “Just a Reminder that we will be having a General Membership Meeting on Sunday, January 12th at 3:30pm. It will be held at Angles Coffee Shop located at 511 west 200 south. I hope you can stop by! Thanks-“

Maurice Gibb, [1949-2003] one of the brothers of the Bee Gees died. I first listened to the BeeGees in the Sixties as a teenager and always enjoyed their songs.

 

13 January 2003 Monday

Tim Keller from Logan posted on the Yahoo Group site, “Hello, Many of you have made inquiries about the content and dates of this year's PRIDEFEST Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in Logan, Utah. Hope some of you can make it. A good time will surely be had by all. PRIDEFEST, The Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will mark its fourth anniversary January 13 through 18 on the campus of Utah State University in Logan. This festival brings a wide variety of gay and lesbian films, short features, and documentaries, from serious to over-the-top, otherwise not available in Utah.

For education, fun and pure delight of visual affirmation of Gay and Lesbian lives, take the short scenic drive to Logan. WE'RE HERE, WE'RE QUEER AND THE BIG SILVER SCREEN IS OURS! THERE WILL BE AN "AFTER HOURS PARTY" "Mild to wild," whatever floats your boat Saturday, Jan. 18, 11:00 p.m. until whenever BYOB At Courtney’s [Moser] and Kelly's [Byrnes] house Directions available at festival .”

 

15 January  2003 Wednesday

I wrote regarding our monthly USHS meeting; held January 15 at Angles Cafe. “Discussed was the need for space to house donated material and getting volunteers to scan and catalog pictures. Also discussed was the need to have a digital archive rather than a paper one.

Highlights-David Hurst owner of Angles Cafe is actively seeking community photos for the historical society. Chad Keller will be approaching community organizations regarding how the USHS might assist them in establishing a "historian position" in their groups.

Local artist Randal Meyers has agreed to help design a Web page for the USHS. Kelly Peterson, founding member of East High's Gay/Straight Alliance is willing to donate her collection of materials. QUAC has approached co-chair Chad Keller regarding donating pictures from their swim organization.

Jay Bell has agreed to contact Stan Larson, U of U archivist, on the status of the former Utah Stonewall Archives donated to the University last year.

Michael Romero agreed to scan Utah Gay Rodeo Association pictures onto a CD.

Co-chair Ben Williams has made contact with former Community Leaders, Alma Smith, Ben Barr, Bob Waldrop, who have left the state, and with John Cooper who had recently returned to Utah.

Alma Smith and John Cooper were both instrumental in running Affirmation during its transformational period in the early 1980's. Smith was also a co-founder of LGSU at SLCC. Ben Barr pioneered AIDS information and assistance in Utah as director of Utah AIDS Project and Salt Lake AIDS Foundation and oversaw the emergence of Utah AIDS Foundation. Bob Waldrop was pastor of Salt Lake's MCC and Gay Libertarian Candidate for his nearly 20 year stay in Utah.

Our Next Meeting will be held February 19 7-8 p.m. at Angles Cafe.

Equal Families posted on the Group Site, “Help Us Stop Anti-Gay Legislation on Capitol Hill! Town Hall Meeting For the GLBT Community Wed, January 15, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Salt Lake City Council Chambers (rm. 315) City County Building WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Many of you have asked what you can do to help politically in Utah. This is your chance to make a difference! Please join us for this very important town hall meeting sponsored by Equal Families, a coalition of community-based organizations formed in response and in opposition to an anti-gay resolution being proposed for the upcoming Utah legislature.

We'll be talking about our large campaign to let the legislature and Utah know that we are families, we are Utahns and we are tired of hateful legislation!

A resolution has been proposed by State Sen. Tom Hatch (R-Panquitch) in favor of the Federal Marriage Amendment that would limit marriage to a man and a woman in the United States. The amendment would also restrict the legal incidents of marriage - including any benefits that some states and over a hundred municipalities have seen fit to bestow on same-sex couples - to opposite sex couples exclusively.

Additionally, the Federal Marriage Amendment would represent a gross encroachment of the federal government into marriage, an area that has always been a state's right to administer.

Speakers include State Rep. Jackie Biskupski (D-SLC); Utah ACLU Director Dani Eyer; Unity Utah Executive Director Michael Mitchell; Univ. of Utah law professor Terry Kogan; and Salt Lake attorney Scott McCoy.

Equal Families Sponsoring organizations include the Utah Stonewall Democrats, the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Utah, and Unity Utah. Unity Utah is a Utah gay/lesbian political action committee that works to empower our community and allies to actively participate in all levels of the political process.

There was an article in the Salt Lake Tribune by Kirsten Stewart regarding BYU TV yanking a Gay program off the air. “KBYU Pulls Show on Gay Therapy     Amid a flurry of gay activists' complaints, Brigham Young University television stations yanked from their programming schedules Tuesday a therapist's presentation on helping gay men turn straight.

            The segment -- one in a 10-part series on topics such as divorce, sexual assault, and abstinence -- featured a presentation on reparative therapy delivered last fall by Orem psychotherapist Jeff Robinson at BYU's "Families Under Fire" conference. It was supposed to air several times beginning next week on BYU-TV, a cable and satellite feed, and on PBS affiliate KBYU, Channel 11.

             But the stations opted not to broadcast it "out of concern that it might provide an oversimplification of a complex issue," said Jim Bell, KBYU's marketing director.

            Bell said the rest of the series will air and emphasized "this is a KBYU decision" and not a mandate from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which owns BYU and the stations, or from PBS headquarters in Alexandria, Va.

             Bell also insisted that the decision had nothing to do with complaints. Michael Mitchell, executive director of Unity Utah, publicly criticized KBYU for effectively endorsing Robinson's theories on changing sexual orientation and sending the wrong message to gays and lesbians.

            The show even caught the attention of national groups, including the Los Angeles-based Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, which challenged BYU to "present both sides of the story" and feature critics of Robinson's form of conversion therapy. "He says he wants to reach out to young men who are feeling hopeless and who are living lives of guilt, shame and secrecy," said Monica Taher, a media watchdog for the alliance. "He's generalizing that all gay men are suffering and in doing so cornering the gay community."

            BYU spokeswoman Carri Jenkins said it is not unusual for the stations to make last-minute programming decisions. "It's something they try to avoid, but not an absolute rarity."

            The American Psychological Association neither endorses nor advises against reparative or conversion therapy.

            Don Strassburg, a sex therapist, and psychology professor at the University of Utah, said there is some evidence to suggest "that at least for some people these programs may work."

            But he said it is unlikely "that any therapy program will change someone who in all ways is exclusively homosexual in their orientation to someone who in all ways is exclusively heterosexual."

            Even if reparative therapy is proved effective, Strassburg said, "should this automatically be the route for anyone to be encouraged to take? There are probably some healthy and appropriate motivations for changing and not-so-healthy, extrinsically motivated reasons."

 

16 January 2003 Thursday

The Salt Lake Men’s Choir posted on the Yahoo Group site, “SING WITH US! The Salt Lake Men's Choir opens its membership only twice a year - January and August. If you have always wanted to sing with the Choir, now is the time to join. Celebrating our 20th year as Utah's OTHER choir, we have much planned for the remaining half of the season. Join us Thursday night, Jan. 16 6:45 p.m. All Saints Episcopal Church 1700 South Foothill Drive Salt Lake City

            The Salt Lake Tribune printed an article by Brooke Adams about a proposed marriage amendment to the U.S’s constitution. “Gay Community Prepares to Fight Marriage Amendment- 200-plus pack chambers for Equal Families meeting - Utah's gay and lesbian community is organizing to fight a proposed legislative resolution backing the Federal Marriage Amendment, calling the move "anti-family" and "a gross encroachment" on state rights.

More than 200 people Wednesday night packed the council chambers at the Salt Lake City-County Building for the first meeting of Equal Families, the coalition leading the campaign against what spokesman Michael Mitchell characterizes as an "anti-equality" measure.

State Sen. Tom Hatch, R-Panguitch, is sponsoring the resolution urging Congress to add the Federal Marriage Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Federal Marriage Amendment, co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, and 20 other members of Congress, didn't get an airing last year but sponsors have vowed to bring it back in 2003.

The amendment says marital status would apply only to a union between a man and a woman. It would prohibit federal laws, state constitutions or state laws from extending marital status or "legal incidents" to unmarried couples.

Mitchell urged the audience to use "Gayle Ruzicka-style" tactics  --  a reference to the conservative Eagle Forum leader's ability to amass public support through letters, editorials, telephone calls  --  to let legislators know they oppose the resolution.

 "It's a direct attack on thousands of families across Utah and the country who are just trying to raise their families and who deserve the benefits that most people take for granted," said Mitchell, who also is executive director of Unity Utah.

In addition to Unity Utah, coalition members are the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Utah, the Stonewall Democrats and PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).

The coalition will hold a second rally Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda. The constitutional amendment is aimed at a nonexistent target  because same-sex marriages are not allowed anywhere in the United States, said Dani Eyer, Utah ACLU director  --  a point echoed by Terry Kogan, a University of Utah law professor.

Utah, like 34 other states, prohibits marriages between persons of the same sex. (Vermont allows same-sex couples to engage in civil unions.) Utah law also states that a person who solemnizes such marriages is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

In addition, homosexual couples in Utah are barred from adopting children.

More disturbing, Eyer said, the reference to "legal incidents" could be an attempt to invalidate domestic partnership benefits and rights  --  such as hospital visitation, inheritance rights and adoption  --  authorized in eight states and hundreds of counties, cities, and towns across the country.

The impact could be felt most keenly by the 4 million children being raised by same-sex couples, many of whom already are deprived of benefits available to children in traditional families, Kogan said.

"If ratified, the marriage amendment would be unprecedented not only in the mandating of a traditionally held state right, but also in its singular attempt to limit the rights of a particular class of people," Rep. Jackie Biskupski, D-Salt Lake City, said in a statement. Biskupski, serving her third term in office, is the only openly gay member of the Utah Legislature and shared tips about "jumping in" to the political process Wednesday night.

Kogan called the amendment an attempt to "validate bigotry against gays and lesbians." 

Scott McCoy, an attorney who relocated to Salt Lake City from New York a year ago with his partner, called it a matter of educating the legislators that members of the gay and lesbian community are "just like everyone else. We have the same kitchen-table issues." The real threats to strong, stable families, he said, are poverty, unemployment, domestic violence, and other social ills. "Those are the things in society that are really threatening families and marriage, and the Legislature should focus on those issues rather than the red herring of my relationship with Mark," he said.

In the news singer Maurice Gibb of the band the Bee Gees passes away.

17 January 2003 Friday

Rich Butler who went back to Wisconsin to attend to his sick sister, wrote me “My sister Bonnie passed away this morning at 8:05 A.M. Wisc. Time.”

My Mom wrote me from Palmdale,  “Hi We are still sick. I don’t think we will ever get over whatever we have. Fell like crap. Dennis got laid off. Don’t know what they will do. Charline is still working. R.L. is having trouble with has heart. Sure is pretty here. Just wish we felt like being out side. I guess your dad will prune the roses one of these days. Don’t matter if he don’t. hope you all are ok. Love Mom.”

Dennis Wachs is my brother in law and Charline my sister. R.L. is my dad’s oldest brother.

Marlin G Criddle wrote me regarding what he observed in David Litvack’s hate crime bill, “I deplore the fact that Rep. Litvack's proposed hate-crimes legislation does not include "gender identity or _expression" in its list of groups.

After seeing the recent art exhibit at the Gay and Lesbian Center about the number of transgendered people who have been killed or injured because of their gender identity, it is unimaginable to me that transgendered people would not be included in hate-crimes legislation.

Whenever I talk to certain hate-crimes activists, I am told that Utah legislators go ballistic at the thought of including transgendered people in hate-crimes legislation (My God, would I have to share a bathroom with one of them?) even if they were predisposed to vote for hate crimes legislation in the first place.

So it becomes a question of whether we all board the bus together or do we let some people board now and let the others wait for a later bus. Me, I prefer to wait until we can all board together. Marlin G. Criddle

The actor Richard Crenna (1926-2003) died today. He was on Miss Brooks TV Show with eve Arden in the 1950’s and the Real McCoy’s in the 1960s before going into movies. I liked him in Body Heat

 

18 January 2003 Saturday

Utah GLBT Community Leadership Forum posted on the Yahoo Group site—"Moving Forward In Unity Salt Lake City, January 18, 2003-Organizations who have been active and participating in the GLBT Community Leadership Forum met at the Metropolitan Community Church to draft bylaws so that they may incorporate as an organization under the laws of the State of Utah.

From the meeting, lasting several hours, a skeletal structure and governing rules to move the organization forward were created. During the meeting it was unanimously decided to keep the name The GLBT Community Leadership Forum.

The next regular meeting of the Utah GLBT Community Leadership Forum will be February 12 at Metropolitan Community Church. It will also be hosting a Community Leadership Summit on March 15, 2003.

In the creation of the governing bylaws, two classifications of memberships were created Organizational and Individual. Each type of member will have voting privileges in the issues before the Forum. They may also sit on sub-committees created by the collective for positive contributions to community. A structure for the monthly meeting was also established to insure an ongoing community calendar, leadership training, community building and open dialog. Elections of the governing body will occur in the weeks to come.

The current incentive program established by the Pillar will remain in place. Organizations represented included groups such as Metropolitan Community Church, Stonewall Democrats, The Pillar, Utah Gay Rodeo Association, The Utah Stonewall Historical Society, Gay LDS Youth, and many others who offered suggestions in smaller focus groups leading up to the marathon meeting.

The Community Leadership Forum was started as a project by the Pillar to bring the Utah GLBT Community together to network and gain a greater understanding of each organization, and each other. "At its creation it was important to get the community talking again. Too often in our rush to get things done, we leave out the opinions of the minorities of our own community", stated Chad Keller, Forum Facilitator for the Pillar.

The Community Leadership Forum has been meeting as a networking organization since last August. The group gained members and momentum up through the holidays, when those regular attendees felt it important to officially organize so that they could collectively and positively work together to fulfill the mission of the network, to build unite and inform the GLBT community.

 "This was a very productive meeting, it showed though out the process that there is a need and a desire for the community to come together for the betterment and growth of the entire Utah Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Trans Community. People want to speak up, and voice concerns and opinion." stated Todd Daley, Publisher of the Pillar.

Attending the meeting was community historian Ben Williams, who pointed out the importance of an organization like this, referencing the great things accomplished by the Gay and Lesbian Community Council of Utah. The GLCCU was a creation in the 1980's as a community sounding board and network. It lasted till the late 1990's when its projects spun off. The GLCCU created such notable community resources such as Utah Gay and Lesbian Pride Day, and The Utah Stonewall Center.

Through the guidance of the GLCCU the community came together to host the first Lagoon Days, created the largest GLBT Library of the time in the nation, supported and managed the Anti Violence Project created my Michael Aaron.

It also can be attributed to supporting and helping build the GLBT Community Diversity is Great Awards created by Kevin Hillman and Brenda Voisard.

"It was an organization that put everyone on the same level, no matter how big or how small an organization or a person’s social standing," stated Ben Williams community historian."

The Pillar has been extremely honored to bring this much needed resource back to the community," Stated Daley, "We are excited to watch it take flight on its own and anticipate great things happening for the betterment of our entire Utah community." All organizations, individuals, and friends of the GLBT community are welcome and encouraged to participate in an inclusive environment whose focus is to creating positive changes though the involvement of the entire GLBT community.

The Bylaws and Incorporation Meeting for the GLBT Community Leadership Forum will take place January 18, 2002 starting at 9:00am at the Metropolitan Community Church located at 823 S 600 East SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84102-3507. All organizations are encouraged to send up to two representative to participate. The meeting will concluded at around 4:00pm.

 The official incorporation of the Community Leadership Forum will allow for: Organizations to address the issues that face our community in a better and more open manner. Find ways to improve our community and strengthen our internal bonds. Establish or improve relationships with mainstream organizations in a positive and influential manner.        Establish programs and community projects for the benefit of the GLBT community and its allies. Encourage the creation or growth of GLBT non and  not for profit organizations. Allow for more and greater incentives for our community to unify to create change. Support, secure, protect and build Utah's GLBT community interests and assets.

            I posted to the Utah History Group Site, “PFLAG-Utah was founded in 1992 by Hank and Alice Carlson. They still come to monthly meetings and are still supportive and sometimes leaders of the activities.”

 

19 January 2003 Sunday

Today is my dad’s 78^th birthday. I sent a card and $50 home yesterday but no doubt he won’t get it in time as I was so busy last week with school. I also sent an email card today.

I posted a mention of the death of Morris Kight, pioneer Gay Rights activist. “LOS ANGELES, CA - Having declared three decades ago "I'm sure we are going to get our freedom, I see it everywhere," gay rights pioneer Morris Kight died peacefully in his sleep this morning, ending a prolific career that achieved many of the civil rights he sought. Kight was 83.

"Morris Kight can never be replaced, but will and must be remembered," said fellow activist, longtime friend, and contemporary Ivy Bottini. "Our country and our nation has lost a voice of sanity and hospitality, not just for the lesbian and gay community, but for disenfranchised people everywhere."

"Today marks the end of an era," said Michael Weinstein, who heads the U.S. largest AIDS organization and whom Kight befriended in 1973. "Morris not only inspired events and organizations, but he also inspired activists through his loving nature. He genuinely loved people, and that permeated everything he did."

The long-time Los Angeles resident was born November 19, 1919, in Comanche County Texas. Kight graduated from Texas Christian University. He often cited Eleanor Roosevelt as an influence on his values and his activism. He came to prominence with the Dow Action Committee, protesting weapons manufacturing during the Vietnam War. In 1969, he and a handful launched the Gay Liberation Front - one of the first such efforts. In 1971, he co-founded the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Community Services Center, the first and largest such center in the world.

Rarely satisfied with all he had achieved, Kight also created some of the movement's most visible efforts, including:

· Los Angeles' gay pride march - the Christopher Street West Parade - which he co-created in 1970 and which receives international media attention annually; · The Morris Kight Collection, which archives thousands of artifacts chronicling the emergence of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender civil rights; · Stonewall Democratic Club, whose endorsement is highly prized in California politics.

Last year, after serving twenty years on the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission, Morris retired from public service but continued to speak out on behalf of people in need. Most recently he spent his birthday as a witness before the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors testifying for better AIDS services.

Though most strongly identified with the movement for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights, Kight consistently allied his energies with many other progressive causes. He described himself as a laborite, a civil rights advocate, a civil libertarian, and an advocate for all oppressed people.

Kight's tireless activism and political savvy made him a rare bridge between the gay grassroots and elected officials at local, state, and federal levels. Though he never ran for office himself, his political insight was frequently sought by those in power and those who aspire to public service.

Kight foresaw the advances his work would lead to in a 1971 interview with the Advocate magazine: "Frankly, I'm sure we are going to get our freedom. I see it everywhere: In the marketplace, in the stores, in the homes, in dealing with families, in the kind of attention we get from radio, television and the newspapers. Still, I realize we're not home yet. We have a long way to go. There are 1,750 arrests in L.A. each month. I weep for each of them. Everyone who's denied a job, I weep for. Everyone who is driven from their homes by a misunderstanding family, I have to offer my love to."

Kight spent his final days at Carl Bean House in Los Angeles, a guest of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, one of the many agencies he nurtured and supported.

A celebration of his life has been scheduled for Saturday, February 1, at 1 p.m., in the Metropolitan Community Church, 8714 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood 90069.

Donations in Kight's memory are being accepted by the non-profit ONE Institute and Archives, which will house and maintain the Morris Kight Collection, at 909 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90007.

Friends are invited to stop and leave flowers at West Hollywood's Matthew Shepard Memorial Triangle - corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and Crescent Heights. A magnolia tree with a plaque honoring Kight has been planted at the triangle.

 

20 January 2003 Monday

I was off from school today because of the Martin Luther King Holiday. The second term ended last week which was hectic getting grades done.

Mike Picardi, Chair of the Utah Stonewall Democrats wrote “Just a short reminder of the General Membership meeting of the National Stonewall Democrats, Utah Chapter, tonight, Jan. 20th. We are the GLBT caucus of the State Democratic Party. We will be meeting in room 131 at the State Capitol Building at 6:00pm. We will be discussing this year's Leg Session and we have invited the Candidates and elected officials we endorsed in the last election.

The three candidates for SLC Mayor have also been invited to address our gathering. There is construction at the Capitol, so parking is a premium. There is room on the East side, and the # 23 buss runs every 15minutes from downtown. Or you could try carpooling with someone!!!  However you can get there, please do your best to come and take part in your Caucus. Thanks for your time.”

 

21 January 2003 Tuesday

Mark Eddington wrote an article on David Nelson’s new passion gun rights. It was in the Salt Lake Tribune today. “BASHERS BEWARE David Nelson, founder of the Pink Pistols of Utah, practices shooting during a recent meeting of the group in Springville.;  Members of the Utah chapter of the Pink Pistols, a gay and lesbian group dedicated to Second Amendment rights, listen to their instructor during a recent concealed-carry permit class.

 The national organization's motto is, "Armed gays don't get bashed."

 Utah Gays Ready for Trouble- Pink Pistols encourage members to arm themselves for protection;  Gays Are Packing Pistols in Utah- A gay Democrat firing a 9 mm pistol is not something you see every day in Utah County. But that was the scene recently at a Springville shooting range, where David Nelson assumed a traditional firing stance  --  legs shoulder-width apart, a slight forward lean, arms extended  --  with a semiautomatic and peppered targets.

And he was not alone. Seven others  --  though not all Democrats  --  were there with him, taking the four-hour gun-orientation class from certified instructor Michael Stilwell. Their message for those who say guns and gays don't or shouldn't mix: Get used to it.

Nelson is the founder of Pink Pistols of Utah, which aims to educate gays and lesbians about their Second Amendment rights in general and firearms in particular. Doug Krick, a bisexual from Boston, started Pink Pistols in 2000.

            Members say they have joined the group because they want the ability to fight back if they become targets. Gays, lesbians, and bisexuals ranked fourth in the FBI hierarchy of hate-crimes victims, according to 2001 statistics.

            In the absence of effective hate-crime laws, more gays are turning to guns to defend themselves, families, and friends. Utah's Pink Pistols  -- formed in November and now the nation's largest chapter with more than 100 gay, lesbian, and straight members  --  are believers in the loose-knit organization's national motto: "Armed gays don't get bashed."

Nelson says gays and lesbians should familiarize themselves with firearms for self-preservation. "I'm not advocating vigilante bands of gays and lesbians running around with guns and taking the law into their own hands," says Nelson, a Salt Lake City resident who also founded the Utah Democratic Gay and Lesbian Caucus.

"But I've read about instances where guns helped gays and lesbians from becoming victims." Nelson and a partner [Michael Aaron] were mugged at knifepoint in 1985 by "wannabe gang members" in San Francisco. While the couple lost only $20, Nelson remembers feeling psychologically numb from the crime. He believes carrying a gun would at least have helped him feel more in control, even though he says would not have used it in that situation.

Salt Lake City activist Michael Aaron, another Pink Pistol, has been followed by motorists and had his front door kicked in because of his sexual orientation and advocacy for gay and lesbian rights. "The last thing I want to do is get in a situation where I need to use a gun," he says. "But if there ever was a situation calling for a flight-or-fight response, it's good to know the fight option is there."

Self-defense is not the only reason for gun ownership and Pink Pistol membership. Nelson and others are interested in the competitive aspect of firearms, hoping maybe to compete in the Federation of Gay Games.

Politics also helps explain some members' passion for guns. Aaron, for instance, was intrigued by the prospect of uniting gay activists from the political left with gun advocates from the political right. "I wanted to see what would result," he says.

The juxtaposition can be jarring. Pink Pistols and traditional gay groups, the latter typically favoring gun control, do not see eye to eye. When Pink Pistols are not drawing fire in the gay community, they often are being greeted with rolled eyes and raised eyebrows.

 "It's great they are exercising their Second Amendment rights, but I don't see this as a real issue right now," says Michael Mitchell, executive director of Unity Utah, a lesbian and gay political action committee. "Utah is not a place that denies gun ownership to anyone." 

 Others battling for gay rights favor passive or nonviolent tactics, the so-called moral high ground. But Nelson does not aspire to those heights, not if it means absorbing a beating or being killed while waiting for police to arrive.

"Is a Matthew Shepard dead on a fence morally superior to a Matthew Shepard having to explain to law enforcement officers why he shot the two perpetrators in self-defense?" he asks. "If he had been armed like the perpetrators, there could have been a completely different outcome."  Shepard, a gay University of Wyoming student, died in 1998 after being beaten and tied to a fence post.

With their orientation class out of the way, the Pink Pistols will be applying for concealed-firearms permits from Utah's Bureau of Criminal Identification. Members are also setting their sights on changing attitudes on guns within the gay community. Utah's Pink Pistols meet monthly at various ranges. More information can be found on the group's Web site at groups.yahoo.com Pink Pistols Utah.

 

22 January 2003 Wednesday

Kirsten Stewart of The Salt Lake Tribune reported on “Gun Restriction Plan Advances- A bill paving the way for police to slap convicted violent criminals with a second-degree felony if they so much as offer to purchase or sell firearms moved swiftly through committee Tuesday. It already is illegal in Utah for violent criminals, including parolees, to purchase, transfer, own or use a gun. But Rep. Ty McCartney, D-Salt Lake City, wants to expand those restrictions.

“There are many occasions where gang leaders try to buy weapons for gang members. In order to make an arrest and prosecute, we have to place fully operational firearms in their hands" -- not a good idea, said McCartney, a detective in Salt Lake's metro gang unit. Under McCartney's measure, police would need only supply proof that a felon had agreed, consented, or arranged to transfer a gun.

Surprisingly, as House Judiciary Chairman Rep. Ben Ferry noted, the bill encountered no opposition from gun rights activists in the audience.

David Nelson of the newly organized gay gun rights group the Pink Pistols said after the committee hearing he considers the bill harmless.”

James Dabakis snarkily responded to David Nelson taking offense at his anti-gun position on hate crimes, “Hi David My comments on hate crimes are mine and do not reflect the position of the NRA, Utah kennel club, or any number of other  groups to which I belong. As a matter of fact, often, my opinions do not reflect my own opinions. Those that wish to impugn any group with my ideas are off the mark. Love JIM”

David Nelson responded back to Jim Dabakis “don't doubt that your comments are yours. Whose else would  they be? My concern about your comments, though, has more to do with the fact that you have and share them, while simultaneously serving as a Unity Utah Inc. incorporator, and governing-board member.

News reports have been published which show that Unity leaders support actively the state hate-crime bill that is being sponsored by state Rep. David Litvack (HB0085 Hate  Crimes Amendments), yet you seemingly oppose it.

While enjoying both facets of your life is hardly illegal, it's conspicuous in its dichotomy. The question then becomes one of how well you serve Unity and, by extension, its constituents who almost unanimously support, need, and want the bill adopted.

As Michael Aaron, David Thometz and I replied to your comments about opting out of the protections that are rightly ours, your comments, while provocative and legal, at best undercut the very work that your group is doing, and many others, including Aaron, Thometz and myself are doing and have done for 12 years or more.

At worst, your comments, and ideas, and those of others, as Thometz showed, assist our opponents who need reasons which are less compelling than yours to once again leave us waiting, while the youngest of our community is harmed. Your comments are indeed yours, Jim, but having known you for almost 25 years, I believe them to be among your most reckless. David Nelson Salt Lake City

 

23 January 2004 Thursday

 Mom wrote me  saying “Hi  got your card and check yesterday. Your email card they are nice to Get. Mike showed me how to bring them up. miss him a lot. Our colds are better. weather has been nice, over cast today,  love Mom and Dad.” Michael Wachs is my 18 year old nephew who came up with Charline and Dennis for Dad’s birthday. He flew in from Colorado where he’s becoming a plane mechanic since classes were over.

Mike Weber Editor of the Utah Weekly wrote, “Nice to see local gay activists finally see the light when it comes to gun ownership and the right to keep and bear arms. David  Nelson, a former leader of the Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats, has formed the Pink Pistols of Utah to educate local  gays about owning guns and their Second Amendment rights in  general. According to a Tuesday Salt Lake Tribune article,  Nelson started the group so gays could have the ability to fight back if and when they became targets. In fact, also according to the same story, the local chapter of Pink Pistols has the largest  membership in the country with over 100 gay, lesbian and straights.

Now it's time to see if Nelson's friends in Utah Democratic Party leadership circles take note of this and change their very unpopular positions towards gun rights. If they do, they might get just a little closer to being able to actually win some elections.”

Nell Carter, (1948-2003) of the TV show, Gimme a Break! and who won a Tony Award in 1978 for Ain't Misbehavin', died today. I remember her best in the movie Hair.

 

 

24 January 2003 Friday

Mom emailed me today, “HI, We went back to the doc. and got more medicine. We never had anything to hang on for so long. Denice call said she had her surgery and doing o.k. Said she had two test today and got 95 on both. Mike made 98 on his. Guess he is getting apartment with his girlfriend. Don’t know what Charline and Dennis is going to do. Denise and Cody are going to Virginia when they get out of school. She is trying to get Charline to move back there. But don’t think they will get away from Abilgale. Hope you and Mike are doing o.k   Love MOM”

My niece Denise is a lesbian and her girlfriend is Cody. They live in Colorado where Denise is in school to become an airplane mechanic. I co-signed for her loan to pay her tuition a few years back. Her brother Michael Wachs is also in school to become a mechanic on Cessnas. Abagail Clark is my nephew James Clark’s little girl.

            EQUAL families held a demonstration at the state capitol today. I didn’t go. I’m too old and too tired from dealing with my kids at school.

“DEMONSTRATION SAY NO TO THE FEDERAL MARRIAGE AMENDMENT! Friday, January 24 6:00 PM sharp! Capitol Rotunda Remind the Legislature that they have more important things to  do than debate a resolution that represents an intrusion into  state's rights and into OUR families! Speakers and information tables. Bring your partners, friends, parents, and children! (because the program is taking place in the Capitol Rotunda, no  signs or chanting is allowed) Due of construction at the Capitol, parking is limited. You can park along the East side of the Capitol or on side streets.

Afterward, please join us at the Tavernacle, 201 East Broadway (300 South) for some food, drink, and song (for club members 21  and over). Donations accepted at the door for the EQUAL families campaign.

EQUAL families is a coalition of community-based organizations committed to equality for all Utah families. It is comprised of the Gay and Lesbian Center of Utah Inc., the Log Cabin Republicans of Utah, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of Utah (PFLAG) and the Utah Stonewall Democrats.

 

25 January 2003 Saturday

Geoff Partain who sits on the board of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center wrote me a while back, “Ben, One of my pet projects for Pride is to bring LGBT history and "trivia" into our Pride events. This year it's going to happen, and I thought you could help me bring this project to fruition.

On the grounds of Pride this year we will erect 10 three-sided kiosks. On two sides will be 3' X 6' panels containing local and universal LGBT history 'soundbites' and bits of queer trivia such as lists of LGBT people throughout history, timelines of significant events, or the history of the rainbow flag. On the third side will be events and entertainment schedules or sponsor's ads.

Here's where you come in. With your expertise in matters historical I thought you would be the perfect person to help me cull together the information and 'soundbites' for the kiosk panels.

I'm not sure how much information we can fit onto each panel, but I think five to ten items per panel is a good start. I think most bits of information should be brief, but I'd like a few panels to contain more detailed information about especially significant historical items. If you are interested in helping me with this project, please let me know at your earliest convenience.”

            This so typical that no one bothers with me unless they want some information that I am supposed to spew out like a jackpot.

I finally wrote him back today, “Good to hear from you. Sorry it’s taken me so long to get back with you. The school term ended and was busy with grades and lesson plans. Your project is intriguing. The Utah Stonewall Historical Society is interested in helping. When would it be possible to meet with Chad Keller and I to discuss what you have in mind in more details. Because of time commitment, I would be interested in helping only if the entire historical society was involved. Sincerely Ben Williams co-director of the Utah Stonewall Historical Society.”

I am still miffed with Geoff regarding his involvement with the Center hijacking Pride Day last year and I know Chad Keller gave all who was involved with the decision hell since they did it mainly in secret as a coup. Geoff I am sure will not want to have to deal with Chad. Ha!

 

26 January 2003 Sunday

I guess Club Blue just gave up fighting anymore. I only went perhaps twice with Mike Romero, and I think with Chad Keller. It was a kind of fun, sexy place, with the bartenders all wearing leather harnesses and not much else.

“No-Show Ends Club Blue Saga The saga of Club Blue came to an end at Friday's Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Commission meeting. The Salt Lake City gay private club had its liquor license stripped in December after what regulators called the most blatant violations they had seen, including allowing a bartender to serve alcohol while naked and patrons to perform simulated oral sex and sodomy. Fines totaled $13,000.

             The owner, Mike Webb, who failed to appear Friday, maintained the revocation was ordered by officials opposed to his patrons' "lifestyle." But Webb lost a 3rd District Court bid to stay the revocation until he could appeal the ruling.”

            The Catholic Pope bashed Gay people again calling our families “Inauthentic.” The

Associated Press published an article “ POPE WARNS ABOUT 'INAUTHENTIC FAMILIES' -VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope John Paul II warned Sunday against ``inauthentic'' versions of the family, stressing that a union between a man and woman was the only true one in God's eyes.

The pope made the comments after the conclusion of the Roman Catholic Church's world conference on families in the Philippines - a meeting dominated by exhortations from Church officials against divorce, abortion, and same-sex marriages.

The pontiff, speaking from his studio window above St. Peter's Square, said the meeting reaffirmed that the family based on union between man and woman was the authentic signal “of life and hope for humanity.''

In defining what he meant by family, he said: ``It's certainly not that inauthentic one based on individual egoism. Experience has shown that such a 'caricature' has no future and cannot give future to any society.''

The Vatican has long voiced opposition to what it calls the threats against the family, including divorce, contraception, abortion, and gay marriages. Earlier this month, the Vatican issued a set of guidelines for Catholic politicians reminding them to heed Church teaching on such issues when they make public policy.”

There was a great letter to the editor printed in the Salt Lake Tribune today. The Closet  You hid my childhood. You did not allow me to run and play and do the things that were in my heart. I was always picked among the first for teams at sports.

You took that from me. You did not allow me to play with the toys I wanted. You gave me dolls and make-up kits instead of giving me trucks and tools. I did what I could to hold on to the things that made me, but you won in the end. And I did what I was supposed to do.

    You stole my youth. I never had a high school sweetheart. I did not go to the prom with the person I dreamed about going with. There were no love notes tucked in my locker. Or were there?

I kept my crushes. I had my hopes, but I knew that unless I kept them secret from you, I would not be able to keep them. Instead of a world ahead of me filled with endless opportunities, I saw a cold, unforgiving, ignorant world where I would never fit.

You taught me fear. You showed me bias and prejudice. You would not hire me if I was . . . . You wanted me to believe that I could not make a life in this way. You wanted to trick me into seeing only one way as being right. I believed you.

    You robbed my 20s. I was never able to tell anyone about my first real kiss. I would have been scolded and told to never see her again. But you found out, and you told me those things anyway. Somehow, through my 20s I was able to hold tight to some of what was me. But it meant letting go of so much that I thought already defined me. You robbed me of first love of celebration of sharing those things with the people I loved most. You robbed me of commitment, saying it isn't possible, that it is deviant and wrong. You robbed me of honesty, of openness and the joy of being in love. You told me people don't believe in that kind of love. You robbed me of being able to hold the hand of the person I loved. I was robbed of the support and understanding of a loving relationship. Does it matter to you what her name was? It matters to me.

    I am 30 now. I want it all back. I will not stand for anything being taken from me anymore. My rights are the same as yours. I have a right to love whom I do. I have a right to make a life with them. I have a right to be supported the way you are supported. I have a right to celebrate my life markers: my anniversaries, my children's report cards, my new swimming pool. You and I are the same. And I will not hear the lies you have been telling me because you are afraid of yourself, not of me. The only thing that goes in my closet now is what I wear. Never again will who I am, or whom I love, go in a closet.

    Hateful legislation will not go unnoticed in this state. JILL HENDERSON  Logan

I posted it on the Group site and wrote regarding it, “Not only was she robbed of her childhood, but of her history  and cultural identity.

 

28 January 2003 Tuesday

I posted on the Yahoo Group Site some information about the DIG Awards, “Kevin Hillman and Brenda Voisard (of which they still maintain production rights) created the Diversity is Great Awards with proceeds benefiting the Utah Stonewall Center. I believe from speaking to Kevin that it was a GLCCU approved project suggested through community council meeting...The award has been given to the Community Leadership Forum.

            “11 February 1993 The Utah Stonewall Center, a project of the Gay and Lesbian Community Council of Utah Inc., sponsored an awards dinner to honor groups and individuals who had "created positive change for Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual people in Utah." Recipients and contributions of "Diversity is Great" awards went to Lou and Lee Weyer and Kim Pelton, Salt Lake  Police Sgt. Dave Ward, Maureen Davies, Kim Russo, and Val John Mansfield. Also recognized were Robert Smith, Chris Williams, Salt Lake County  Commissioners Randy Horiuchi and Jim Bradley, David Nelson, Ray Henke, "Joanie Lynn," Marshall Brunner, Kathy Worthington, Melissa Sillitoe, and Queer Nation”

Michael Vigh of the Salt Lake Tribune reported- “Federal Judge Tosses Out a Challenge to Utah Sodomy Statutes. Another attack on Utah's anti-sodomy laws has failed. U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball on Monday tossed out a challenge by an unmarried Utah County man, who said in a lawsuit filed in 2002 that he has engaged in consensual sodomy and plans to continue in the future.

             Kimball ruled that plaintiff D.L.S. -- who sued in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City because he fears facing charges for illicit sexual activity -- did not have standing, or the legal right to sue.

            In recent years, several Utah judges have tossed out lawsuits challenging sodomy and fornication laws, saying that because people are seldom, if ever, prosecuted, plaintiffs are not in imminent danger of going to jail for having intimate sexual relations.

            But this case is different, said D.L.S.'s attorney, Brian Barnard, because a teen was charged in American Fork in 2001 for having consensual oral sex with a 16-year-old girl.

             "Each time we've been thrown out, it has been for a lack of standing," Barnard said.

             "They say we don't enforce it or we only enforce it once in a while. How many times does someone need to be prosecuted for us to have standing?"

            Barnard pledged to file an appeal of the dismissal with the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

             In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether to toss the anti-sodomy laws, which are still in the books in 13 states.

            In dismissing the action, Kimball pointed to affidavits by Utah County Attorney Kay Bryson and American Fork City Attorney James Hansen that "plaintiff is not presently under a charge of having violated the statute and . . . plaintiff in not likely to be charged under the sodomy statute in the future."

 

29 January 2003 Wednesday

Chad Keller posted on the group site, “Howdy All!! Come on down for a rip roarin' night of Shit Kickin' at its finest!!!! Join the UGRA at The Paper Moon (a private club for members) Every Thursday Night for Country Night 7:30PM  Free dance lessons  (every Thursday will be a pig sanctioned event!) So put on your Cha Cha boots and bring down your spare change  For a night of Fun! Fun! Fun! Hope to see you there!”

            The pig sanction event was a fund raiser event that if a certain amount of money is raised, Chad Keller agreed to kiss the ass of a pig.

 

30 January 2003 Thursday

Hugo Salinas who is heavily involved with recording Affirmation history wrote me wanting to interview me about my early days with the Wasatch Affirmation and the Restoration Church.

“Dear Ben: This is Hugo Salinas, we met about two years ago as I was getting ready to research the issue of suicide among gay Mormons. As a result of that research, I produced a Memorial for gay Mormon suicides and I also wrote a paper that was awarded at the National Affirmation Conference last year. Thank you again for all your help in researching this very important issue!

Ben, I recently started a project of taping interviews and donating them to the Special Collections at the Marriot Library. Would it be possible to meet with you sometime and tape an interview? I would like your reflections and impressions not only on the gay suicide epidemics, but if possible also on other issues you have witnessed as a gay Mormon man, including your recollections of the first AIDS victims, the history of Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons, and the history of the Restoration Church. Could you please call me at your convenience to further discuss the possibility of an interview? Thank you again for your tremendous help, Hugo.”

I responded “Dear Hugo, Yes I remember you. Hope you are doing well. I would be happy to help with your project. Have you interviewed Russ Lane, founder of Wasatch Affirmation, John Cooper who is back in town, director of the old Salt Lake Affirmation  from 1982-1987, or Bob McIntier the first Branch President of RCJC and later President of the entire church?

Are you aware of our Utah Stonewall Historical Society meetings and our Yahoo Group Site? Membership is free and you can get to the History Site by typing in Utah Stonewall History on a search engine. Ben”

Hugo responded back, “Could you come to my home some time for the interview? We can make a copy of the tape for your files. My partner and I live very close to the Univ. of Utah. I haven't interviewed Russ or Bob yet, but they're both in my list, and Bob already gave me a yes. I did interview Tony Feliz when he was visiting Utah about two years ago and I also interviewed some national Affirmation leaders: Paul Mortensen, Ricky Gilbert, and James Kent. And I recently donated the first batch of tapes to the Marriot Library. I'll sign up for the USHS ;) Hugo”

Bob Childers who is the current Emperor of the Royal Court posted on the USHS Group site, “How many of you have a jar of spare change on your dresser at home? How many of you have an ashtray or cup holder in your car full of spare change? How many of you know of a person that is hoarding jars and jars of change? Or is that person you? As you may be aware, the board of our brother organization, the UGRA has  challenged Czar XXVII Chad Keller.

The challenge is simple. They have to raise $3,000.00 in spare change and he will publicly kiss a pigs ass at the UGRA 2003 Rodeo and Wild West Festival. This fund started on December 08,  2003 with the amount of $180.00 in the savings account for the fund.

At its 2003 inception Chad Keller stated. "I'm not  the least bit worried."  And stated "we'll see, we will really see if they make the money. If they do will fulfill my part...but I'm not too concerned."

Confirmation from the UGRA President Paul Cucunato shows that the momentum  of this fund has slowed. Not counting the current money at Angles or the Trapp (a private club) the fund has barely reached $300.00. How many people want to get even with Chad? Who hates it when he is right? So here is what I ask of all loyal subjects and friends of the Court.

This weekend please grab those jars, ashtrays, cup holders full of change or  go to the bank and get a roll of quarters or whatever you can find and let’s get it to Angles (511 W 200 S) or the Trapp ((102 S 600 W) a private club) and drop it off in the big jars. Let’s make sure that Czar XXVII Chad Keller, kisses the ass of that big dirty pig, and help the UGRA out in the process. No Pig will be harmed in this contest...please we are making sure Chad has his shots. Trapp Bartenders and the Angles staff are standing by! In Loyalty and Service, Bobby Childers Emperor XXVII

PS Remember Syren has to compete if they raise $4000.00  so I'm a little torn on how hard we should push this. Aw hell...let’s make them both sweat a little.

Chad Keller responder to Bob’s post, “To His Most Imperial Majesty Emperor XXVII Bob Childers, While I do not doubt yours or the ability of the RCGSE to make a ton of money to help build the community, I am still not worried in the least. I welcomed the challenge then, and I welcome the challenge still. Without complaint if the money is made, and $3000.00 is a lot, I will gladly kiss the ass of a pig. Bring it on...we will see....Ill sure that the community will come close. Long Live the XXVII Reign, Chad Keller Czar XXVII

            Kathy Worthington a leader in the women’s community reported on Michael Mitchell of Unity Utah announcement that Sen. Tom Hatch has abandoned the marriage resolution he was planning to put before the legislature. The resolution was to have expressed support of a Federal Marriage Amendment. The 'Federal Marriage Amendment' was proposed by Utah's Chris Cannon, and it has no chance of being adopted. Even Dubya opposes it, as does Orrin Hatch.”

 

31 January 2003 Friday

I am glad January is over. It’s always such a long dreary month of inversions and frigid temperatures. The school year is now half over but next week is Parent Teacher’s Conferences which are long and brutal. I usually stay until 8 at night sometimes 9 when I had huge classes. This is not bad with only 28 students.

Geoff Partain finally got around to responding back to me, “Hello Ben, I've been battling a bad cold all week so I'm slow in getting back to you. This is really a simple proposition, I don't know if we need to go to  the trouble of arranging a formal meeting with everyone, unless you'd feel more comfortable in doing so.

What I'm proposing for the Utah Stonewall Historical Society is to provide the content for the boards that will be attached to 10 kiosks that will  be set up throughout the Pride festival grounds. We will have 20 boards sized 3' X 6' to attach to the 10 kiosks.

Content would consist of brief bits if queer historical information, or 'historical soundbites' as we've been referring to them. I believe we can fit 5-10 soundbites of one to three sentences each on each board.

I will leave it up to the historical society to decide what content to provide, however I would encourage the soundbites be 'pride-inspiring', include universal and local LGBT history, and be positive.

 I also want to include bits of queer trivia such as information about the rainbow flag and the flags of various LGBT sub-groups; the significance of LGBT symbols like the triangle, lambda, AIDS ribbon, labrys, and rhinoceros; and lists of notable LGBT people throughout history. If the historical society would rather not deal with the queer trivia soundbites, I'll take care of that content.

I'm making 15th May the deadline for the content. This will give me sufficient time to have the boards printed up and ready for the week of Pride.

If the historical society is not interested in helping out on this project please let me know. I understand if you don't have the time or resources to help out, and I can make other arrangements. If you have any questions please let me know. Best regards, Geoff Partain.”

I forwarded Geoff’s comments to Chad Keller who emailed him back, ““The Utah Stonewall Historical Society would be interested in advising, and helping you were possible. Chad Keller Co Chair Utah Stonewall Historical Society.”   That should put a burr under Geoff’s saddle.

Aaron Cloward a Gay Mormon kid from Utah Valley who started a Gay group down there posted this on the UtStonewallHS group site: Please feel free to distribute this information among your different organizations:

LETTERS HOME:  A Collection of Coming Out Letters From Mormons To Their Families  Compiled by:  Aaron Cloward & Stephen Shroy Edited by:  Robert A Jones Consultant:  D. Michael Quinn (author of Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of  Power, Same Sex Dynamics Among 19th Century Americans, and more)

PURPOSE We were inspired to gather a collection of "coming out" letters from gay Mormons to their parents and family after Stephen ended a particularly tearful phone conversation with his Mom one evening. He had just written a letter home trying to explain what was in his heart, but after the difficult phone conversation he was still nervous about sending it.

It is our hope that this book will serve several purposes. First, to  help gay Mormons of all ages understand that they aren't alone. Second, to help give gay Mormons inspiration when writing their own "coming out" letters. Third, we hope to encourage those who feel  the desire to write a letter home, even if they don't send it. This can give some degree of closure if communication on the subject is not appropriate at the time. Finally, it is also our hope that the book will be of value to parents and family as they read the thoughts and feelings of other gay Mormons.

THE FUND All profits gained from the publication of this book will be given to the Letters Home Fund, which provides a minimal starting stipend to youth and young adults that have been asked to leave their home because of their sexual orientation. Upon publication of the book, the Letters Home Fund will be a registered non-profit 501(c)3 charity.

SUBMISSIONS The entire text of this book will be comprised of letters from gay Mormons to their parents, friends, and family. If you would like to submit your letter for review to be included in the book, please review the guidelines and instructions listed below. 1.  Your name will be changed in the published version if your letter is chosen for publication. Any other names mentioned in the letter besides your own will also be changed to protect your privacy. 2.  Your letter can be one that you have actually given to your friends or family, one that you intend to give to them at some future time, or one that you have no intention of giving to them because circumstances may not allow you to do so in your present situation. 3.  Your letter will be reviewed by our reviewing committee. If the committee decides the letter should be included for publication, we will contact you to discuss publication. 4.  Your letter can be of any length but may be edited for space. Our review committee reserves the right to edit your letter for length and content but will attempt to maintain the original intent and integrity of your letter. Our review committee will review all changes with you but reserves the right to make final editorial decisions. 5. Once submitted, your submission becomes the property of the Letters Home project. 6.  We need your help! Please submit your letter and tell your friends to submit their letters too! To submit your letter, visit the Letters Home website. You can also email a copy of the letter to us in plain text or Word format at lettershome@yahoo.com.

 

February

1 February 2003 Saturday

Horrible and tragic news as that seven NASA astronauts died when the Columbia Space Shuttle burned up reentering the earth’s atmosphere. It was the worse disaster since the Challenger blew up in 1986. It’s all that is in the news. They think the heat tiles failed.

Hugo Salinas asked me “Could you come this Monday at 6 pm for dinner and then we'll do the interview? We live very close to the U. Hugo.”

Chad Keller posted in the “UtStonewallHS” group site “Valentine’s Day and that means only one thing....UGRA Roses. UGRA is pleased to again offer roses during the month of February to help further its philanthropic mission. Many colors to choose from $5.00 per single rose $12.00 for three roses $20.00 for six roses  Special pricing available for larger amounts. Call for details

Each rose comes with a "be my valentine" card promoting No More Homeless Pets in Utah from our friends at the local animal shelters! Order now by calling the UGRA hotline 801-468-6283 Or find a UGRA Cowboy or Cowgirl at one of the local clubs. February 7th through February 14th. Let UGRA help you get the attention of that Guy or Gal that you've been chasing...or remind someone how much you love them. All proceeds benefit the Utah Gay Rodeo Association a nonprofit organization

 

2 February 2003 Sunday

Mom wrote me “Hi haven't heard from you in a while. Sure bad about the space ship but its dangerous work and accidents happen. We finely got over our colds weather has been nice but a little cold and windy to day hope to hear from you  Love Mom and Dad.”

            I should write more but I know they wouldn’t be interested in all that I am involved with in Utah’s Gay community and even stuff about school bores me. I don’t want to mention that Mike Romero and I are constantly arguing.

            Parent Teacher’s Conference starts tomorrow and although it is half days for the kids I will be there until 5 in the afternoon but for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I will be at school until 8 at night.

 

4 February 2003 Tuesday

Today is always my anniversary of coming out of the closet in 1986. It was a very hard thing to do as I was still married to Fran back then.

Chad Keller wrote me about feuding in the Business Guild he  started over to use the acronyms GLBT or LGBT. Right now I have seen it basically interchangeable depending on who is using it

 -          “Hey, There is beginning to be a slight battle over the GLBT,  LGBT, and now TGLB. I have gotten several email from Alpha's [Lesbians] and Betas [Gays] regarding the improper use of the initials in the Business Guild and Forum. SO....I think in March it would be nice set the record straight historically and philosophically.

How about we collaborate on the March Pillar Article. All I ask is that we title it:  “Alphabet Soup; Quest for an Identity for the Gay Community.”

  What got me going was several comments, one stated that in history it was agreed the L comes first, another was that L had been recognized longer.

My favorite from one was the identity issue should be first because of the history of the hiding or changing or hiding of identity in many cultures.

I basically am being set-up; it is more than clear. I cannot afford to respond poorly but want to take the time to respond with facts, and historically in the contexts of the movement.

I think if well written, it might go further outside the boundary of this hate filled nasty Skagg's Alpha Beta community. (yes I’m growing weary of the being consistently being taken to task.) Feel up to a collaboration??

 

5 February 2003 Wednesday

I emailed Chad Keller today “Chad, I must have deleted Geoff's reply after I thought I had sent it to you. Basically he apologized for not getting back sooner…had been sick...up shot was that he didn't feel that it was necessary to meet with both  you and me over what he has in mind. Screw him...I am not even going to be here for the Center's “Lieberstrum Party” in June so if he wants anything from me he can go through you.”

He responded later, about a new Acronym “Oh my gosh more alphabet soup. "the GLBTIQ Community"  I hope “I” doesn’t stand for intelligence.....

I responded back, “So they are fighting over: GTLB-GTBL, GLBT, GLTB, GBLT,GBTL,LBTG,  LBGT LGBT,LGTB, LTBG, LTGB, BGLT, BGTL, BTGL, BTLG, BLGT, BLTG, TGLB,  TGBL, TBLG, TBGL, TLBG, TLGB -Take Your Pick!!! Print them all and say, "so as not to offend anyone---" What a bunch of idiots! HAHAHAHAHAHA

“Mommy I didn't get to be first! Not that I give a rats ass, but the “Gay” Liberation movement  came first- late 60's early 70's ( which included men, women, and trans) then in the late 70's early 80' the Lesbians with the separationist- Radicalesbian movement insisted on Gay and Lesbian and sometimes Lesbian and Gay. Then the politically confused Bisexuals in the early 1990's said “hey its safe now after Gays and Lesbians did all the heavy lifting, and finally jumping on the assimilationist band wagon of the late 1990’s were the Trans community. My imitation of Ms. Storni, "We started it all- you just didn't know it".

“Stop using ALPHABETS all together...Use something like "Sexual minority communities" or simply homo. BEN.”

Chad Keller responded, “I’m laughing very hard. I figured that on Geoff. They will then write it as they see it. and  then we can point it out that it is wrong. With regard to the activity of the PFLAG community:  Just thought you'd like to know. Joyce Cottrell is the current president.

Joyce Cottrell wrote “Dear PFLAG Family and Friends:  Thanks to everyone who showed up at the Capitol last month for the rally. Unity Utah was hoping to get 200 people there; according to the papers, it was about double that amount.

The speakers were eloquent, and our message was shown on at least two local television stations (channels 5 and 30) and in the Deseret News. Way to go!

Our February PFLAG meeting will be held next Tuesday night, February 11, in the ACLU Board Room (361 North 300 West), beginning at 7:30 p.m. SLC Police Lieutenant Kyle Jones will present our program. He will discuss what the Salt Lake Police Department is doing to support our GLBT community, various programs, his role, etc. He will also tell us about his recent conversation with Sue Stengal from the Los Angeles office of the Anti-Defamation League and what he has learned about hate crimes legislation. It will be an interesting discussion.

Our March meeting will be held on Tuesday night, March 11, at the First Methodist Church (200 East and 200 South). The Salt Lake Men's Choir will present the program, which will consist of their wonderful music and their experiences in Sydney, Australia last November where they sang in the Gay Games. If you've ever heard them sing, or if you've attended any of the programs they've presented for us in past years, you know this will be a treat for all of us. That meeting will also begin at 7:30 p.m.

As you may know, our chapter will be hosting the National PFLAG Convention October 22-24, 2004. Gary Watts is chairing the committee, and he has assured us that there will be plenty of opportunities for everyone to help. If you are interested in helping with a particular area, please let Gary or me know.

Finally, if you've paid your dues for the current year, thanks. We appreciate your support. If you haven't done that yet and would like to continue to be included on our mailing list, please complete the form at the bottom of this page and send it with your check to the address listed. We really appreciate all of you. See you next week! Joyce.”

Rosemary Winters of Salt Lake City wrote a letter to the editor of the Tribune; “Honor All Families: I am disgusted with Rep. Tom Hatch, R-Panguitch, and his proposal that the Utah Legislature pass a resolution urging Congress to support the insidious Federal Marriage Amendment  --  an amendment that would perpetuate legal discrimination against lesbians and gays.

As a citizen and a voter, I insist on respect from our representatives for all members of our community. The amendment, which would define marriage as legal only between a man and a woman, would extend the power of the federal government into an area that has always been a state issue, making it impossible for states to create marital laws based on the needs of their individual populations.

By preventing homosexual couples from being legally recognized, we do not prevent relationships that some people may disapprove of, we only make the lives of those family members more difficult. Lesbian and gay partners are unable to secure hospital visitation rights, health-care benefits, inheritance rights and many other benefits and advantages that married couples enjoy.

            The Marriage Amendment would not protect families. It would harm them. Lesbians and gays are not isolated individuals. They are our brothers, sisters, parents, daughters, sons, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and neighbors. We are all members of families. It is time to adopt legislation that accepts and values all families instead of legislation that harms families outside of a narrowly drawn definition of "traditional."

 

10 February 2003 Monday

It took all weekend to recover from Parent Teacher’s Conference and now we are back to the same routine. In art I had the kids make their Valentine’s Day Boxes and showed them how to put crape paper as ruffles around their hearts. Lots of Valentine art this week.

The Weber State Gay Student club called the "Delta Lambda Sappho Union" sent out the following message; in their DLSU Interactive e-News, Volume 2 Issue 5.

 “DLSU GLBT Programs and Services Merging With Weber  State University Diversity Center Ogden, Utah-After some lengthy discussions and a unanimous vote by the DLSU Executive Board last Saturday, DLSU GLBT Programs and Services has decided to merge with the Weber State University Diversity Center.

Keith Wilder from the Diversity Center proposed the move earlier in the year. "We've got the space and the bookshelves all ready, we just need your books down here," he said. He added several people come to the Diversity Center looking for the "gay and lesbian support group," so it would be feasible to have the information there. Another advantage is access and staffing.

The Diversity Center is located in a central location (room 240 of the Shepherd Union Building), and staffed all day, where as DLSU GLBT Programs and Services was hidden on the fourth floor Of the Shepherd Union Building and staffed intermittently When someone could be found that wasn't in class. Delta Lambda Sappho Union Will still maintain its own office space. Only the books, videos and brochures will move down to the Diversity Center.

 

11 February 2002 Tuesday

Chad Keller wrote me about talking to Paul Wolfe, the director of the GLCCU about Geoff Partain’s pet project. I think he was being paranoid that anything the Center does is out of spite. It didn’t make much sense but then I think Chad Keller posts when he’s loaded.

“I would say that she is demanding but knowing Paula she is being curt.

The pictures are for the project Geoff hijacked of mine. I worry about them writing history of any kind, as it be written to serve the purification agenda, and will then take effort to correct. I think I am going to encourage Todd [Dayley] to do what the Trib does and release no picture as they are considered notes.

 Then release a selection of pictures to a historical group (us) for limited use at the discretion of the group under  guidelines of the press agency. I guess I will have to go, and write it all down, so that in July we can correct it.

Geoff is too slanted. It will forget any  of the significant items that don’t fit the culture, like the Rodeo, and it  is the one thing that has shown to the general word that there is a similarity...and really no difference....purity will come to this community....I fear that we may not be able to change the course they have chosen for us.

Perhaps we could look at an article on how bad it is to reinvent history....what would be funnier is let them do it on their own, and  then pass out flyers with the corrections and the facts.

I would suggest putting a note out on the Yahoo and the web site that the historical postings are the property of you and the society and use by organizations outside of the historical society is expressly forbidden without written permission, and etc..  Can you tell that I have a what’s  in it for my groups attitude....and I ain’t handing them nothing....for

free...and it’s all out there sitting for them for the taking....

He [Todd]  called and stated that when he had time he would see what he could provide as far as pictures. And liked the protection of the items. Well I was thinking of the other A word,.....

“All silent with  Darien [Darren Hobbes] and  Craig [Miller]...I’m sure that it did not set well. I can’t believe he had the nuts to call me...I thought that was the first  thing that the Alphas did to make a Beta.”

“So Paula called Todd and wants full access to the Pride Pictures he has...some "historic" project...they are working on. Todd is calling  me today to discuss. I’m going to tell him that they should come to us at  the USHS of which he is a contributor...To insure that History is not being rewritten. I have expressed a slight anger that he would. Wished he would make up his mind. He can be so Pollyanna when it comes to them.”

Doug Fadel, new board member at the Center, wants us to sit down and have a chat about the Center...and how to get it back in good standing with the Community...First Fire Paula. Second Fire Darien, Third, Get Rid of Louise, and well you see where this is going.

So I have the small blurbs from you on the Alphabet Soup. That got me started. Any other articles you can recommend. I’m sure the Alpha  Lesbian Separatists will be thrilled to write a response, via a Beta. GLBTIQALBMDICK  Ck”

I responded, Chad we ought to have an organization called "Bisexuals,  Lesbians, Other Weirdoes,  Men, and Eunuchs" called BLOWME

Chad Keller wrote: “know what does the I stand for....I have a  skeleton of the Alphabet soup article....and it would be fun to include....I think it is for Intersexual??”

 

12 February 2003 Wednesday

My mom emailed me “Hi , It has been raining for two days. Needless to say we haven’t been out of the house. Sure been lots of wrecks in L.A. You will probably be getting it next. Your dad and I finely got over whatever we had. Just hope we don’t get it again. Looks like we are going to war if Bush has his way. Guess everyone is doing ok. J.W said John and Susan are moving to Dallas. He will be a youth minister there. J.W. got where he writes me all the time. He  went to a computer school. Are you ok we haven’t heard from you in a while. Love Mom”

            J.W. Johnson is mom’s brother and John Cooper is his grandson a youth Church of Christ minister. Susan is his wife.

Chad Keller wrote me and Todd Dayley “In the quest to help my friends and the things I care about, here are two people in the Cache Valley that want to participate in the Utah Stonewall Historical Society, and the Pillar.

Todd-- Cy Martin. I gave him a dead line of Feb 24 for the March edition. He is a Journalism major.

Ben--Courtney Moser. I think that of all that Time considered and spoke to, Courtney is the best to spearhead the effort and the Cache Valley Chapter. We would just need to meet with him, spell out the expectations, lay out some guidelines and put him to work. He is really the last of what I call the Cross over Era that is active in the community.

He was always present and watch (often with Longing and delight) the Gay Groups and various activities.

I started at USU in ‘87 and he came on the scene, officially out in 89/90 and has remained strong throughout. Once he is officially on board, and a chapter created we should announce....it will really be fun to watch the Center squirm. Of course anything that irritates them delights me.. Till later.”

Chad a few hours later wrote me, “And I found out last night that 'I' stands for; Intersexed...So when I started last night, I jokingly would not say GLBTIQ...but said I would  like to welcome the Alphabet to the meeting...."  Everyone laughed! Still small turn out.

 I guess I’m going to have to make a visit to the  Death Star and threaten to blow the lid off of their Community Partner crap, if they don’t stop bashing the Forum, and make an endorsement. Oh it gets only better.

            So last night Charles Milne spills that he is one of several organizations asked to be Producing Community Partners for Pride. That is a real SLAP in the face of the community...I guess I need some information reconnaissance again....got any ideas who could call and get me a packet....and confirm...”

 

13 February 2003 Thursday

Someone posted on the UtStonewallHS site “Lorin Farr Park in Ogden. Cruisy parking lot "Be careful, especially after dark when the cops will ticket you for trespassing. The tearoom is no longer open and has been enclosed by the stadium fence."

Also, “University of Utah. Orson Spencer Hall, Cruisy toilet in the middle basement. "I was just at Orson last weekend and I saw some a University police officer ticketing people in the stalls for trespassing. So be careful on weekends and also late at night."

 

14 February 2003 Friday

Crazy day with the kid’s Valentine’s Party. My room mothers orchestrated everything so I didn’t have to a thing but keep the sugar high kids from getting out of control. The PTA bought enough frosted sugar cookies for the entire school and my class had cupcakes and punch as well as all the candy and valentines that they passed out. It was an early out thank goodness and made the kids take all their Valentine’s art home so I could clean the room. Monday is Presidents Day and I am off for a three day weekend.

Chad Keller wrote me kind of apologizing for the tirade he was on yesterday. “I was on one yesterday,  got bothered again by the assimilationists....Then found out that two projects that I had been advising people on (Flag Team, and Marching Band) were to be assimilated, and the two people in charge of each were to get a paid job at the Center.....It is nice to know they  have so much money to pay everyone...

We will all be assimilated soon, sorted, and then some marched off to the Gas Chamber. I’m tired of everything ending up with them...again who made them Lord and Master in SLC...They need to learn their place... CK.”

The Salt Lake’s Men’s Choir pasted a “Wine and Chocolate Valentines Fundraiser Join special invited guests for an evening of wonderful wines and scrumptious chocolates from some of Salt Lake's best restaurants and chocolatiers. Music, art, a silent auction, and raffle round out the evening. 8-10pm at Angles Gallery, 511 W 200 S SLC. Proceeds benefit the Salt Lake Men's Choir, celebrating 20 years  as "Utah's OTHER Choir."

 

15 February 2003  Saturday

Mom wrote me again by email, “Hi . How is things going with you. Can’t believe this month is over half gone. Guess time flies when you are having fun. I talk  to Mattie Lee. She said Gene Walker’s youngest son died. Sometime this month or Jan. Don’t know what he died of. We seem to be doing better. Just hope we can stay that way. Guess everyone else is ok. Charline had her phone turned off. I don’t know about them. How is Mike’s job holding out ? Lots of people getting laid off. Well write when you can.”

            Mattie Lee is my aunt by marriage to my uncle Wallace Williams. They live in Texas still and Gene Walker is dad’s first cousin on the Williams side, son of my great aunt Winnie.

Mike Romero is worried that the auto parts place he works are reduction workers and he’s worried he may lose his job.

I read in the Tribune today that a Utah legislator has dropped plans to pursue a resolution urging Congress to back a Federal Marriage Amendment. “Sen. Thomas Hatch, R-Panguitch, said the proposal did not make much sense since Congress will not be taking up the matter this year. The National Family Alliance, which recruited him to carry the resolution, asked him to back off.”

Chad Keller sent me what he wrote Paula Wolfe about this Pride Partnership gimmick they have come up with for Gay Pride Day this year since they took it over. He Wrote; “ Dear Ms. Wolfe: Everyone is asking about Pride Day… This week it has surfaced that many prominent individuals and organizations have been asked to participate as “Producing Partners” in Pride Day, according to an “acceptability rating.” That any, organizations may have accepted or are even considering accepting this invitation smacks of elitism and they should be ashamed.

Everyone should be asking why some elements in the community have not been asked to participate as a “Producing Partner” and others have not. What are the criteria for being on the list and who is making such a list? Those who are truly interested in the benefit of the entire sexual minority community should be seeking an inclusive process at the Pride Day planning table not an exclusive one, before making a financial commitment.

 This attempt to divide the community into two camps, those who can afford to fund Pride Day and those who cannot, is insidious and has an undercurrent of greed which is destructive to the historic spirit of Gay Pride Day.

There is already a perceived notion that there have been many poor choices made relating to the merger of Pride Day with the Center. Many believe an official announcement relating to the merger of the GLCCU and Pride Day has not occurred due to the backlash that is slowly building in the community. This silence gives the appearance of a "keep ‘em in the dark, they’ll soon lose interest, then we can do it our way “philosophy.

 Backroom secret deals may be a way of life in Utah but they do not have to be. Gay Pride Day is not about just a handful of organizations or people. It is about every GLBTIQ organization, person, and business, no matter whether they are acceptable to the boards of the Center and Pride Day. Participation in Pride Day definitely should not be about who can afford to it. Are organizations only acceptable as a Producing Partner by paying an expected residual?

Invitations to participate should be given to all. To deny anyone that opportunity denies him or her the right to choose to contribute financially and ideologically as they can and are willing. These invitations should come without compromise and without terms of allegiance to anything but Gay Pride Day. If Pride is truly a community event, as its new owner professes it to be, there must be an equal representation all GLBTIQ people. To do otherwise is a sham and the organization needs to change its direction and focus to perhaps a Center Party Day.

If indeed this is a community event by a nonprofit agency then as a community we have a right to know the selection process for this and other matters involving our Gay Pride Day. Most importantly we deserve to know why all GLBTIQ organizations were not given the same equal opportunity to participate. In addition Gay Pride was never meant to be a huge moneymaker for just a handful of organization, in fact historically the community demanded that it just breakeven, with enough seed money to get started the next year. This insured that every person and organization in the community could participate without regard to their social standing or financial prowess.

To take it down a path that is different than this basic concept may prove to further damage our community.

Until there can be full disclosure on the 2002 finances for Pride, and an acceptable plan presented to the community that is inclusive of all people and organizations wishing to participate in our community GLBTIQ Pride Day, then we should, no we must, start encouraging sponsors to withhold funds to both.

We as a community should close our checkbook to an organization that has lost contact with those who built it nor who will open its “public” books for inspection. To continue in the current manner is deceitful and cannot represent the entire community. It is time for a full disclosure of the 2002 books. They should be reviewed by an independent outside source to insure all billing was properly dealt with and handled.

Further it will insure that all sponsorships were collected and processed accordingly. Any discrepancy that leads to a short fall should immediately be addressed and legal action taken if necessary. What is occurring now, and the process by it appears to be a self-serving ploy leaves many with a lack of confidence in Pride Day leadership. Secret meetings, Blind faith and closed books led to the embezzlement of money by a previous Pride Co-Chair. We have the right to be skeptical.”

I notice that Chad used the new politically correct acronym “GLBTIQ,” a Frankenstein mishmash.

 

16 Feb 2003 Sunday

U.G.R.A. held their Sunday BBQ at the Trapp at 4 and Mike Romero and I went and sat with Chad Keller and Kevin Hillman and others.

Club Splash and Club Naked both held events tonight, one for men and one for women. Splash held “Fire & Ice II make some heat this holiday weekend 9 pm - 2 am 404 South West Temple with NYC DJ John Miller (Hustler Ball, Manhunt, Black Sunday).

            Women were invited to Club Naked next door at  326 South West Temple “hosted by Club Elle Productions DJ Mr. C spinning a restless groove of your favorites special live performance at 9 pm by  F.A.B. (Lisa Marie, Mary Tebbs, Megan Peters, Monique Lanier) 10 bucks 2 venues 1 incredible party. entire door benefits Unity Utah.”

 

17 Feb 2003 Monday

No school today because it’s Presidents Day Holiday. I went with Chad Keller at 4 this afternoon to the Trapp where Joe Reburn was celebrating 30 years “in the bar business. He said he should have his head examined. There was a free buffet and it was lots of fun seeing some of the people from the old crowd. Mayor Anderson was invited but he may have come after I left at 6. Joe wrote “Thank all of you for supporting my bars and this great Utah gay community, it is the best. Joe Redburn  aka: Captain Redeye 2  Ahoy Mates!...Guard your ship well...or prepare to be boarded! I'll swash my buckle and steal all the Family Jewels!”

 

19 Feb 2003 Wednesday

I went to the Utah Stonewall Historical Society February meeting at Angles Cafe. Point of Business: The new Salt Lake Library approached Chad Keller, inquiring if the society would like to use one of their new rooms for meeting space. Those in attendant agreed to have Chad contact the library about  moving there for our March meeting.

It was discussed whether to host a Lambda historical exhibit at the library in conjunction with Gay Pride Month in June.

Toni Palmer brought a photo albums containing a collection of Queer Nation actions, Pride Day pictures, 1990's first Pride Day March/Parade, Photo's from 1991 hate crime bill legislation etc., from the period 1990-1994. She has agreed to let these pictures be scanned and added to the archives.

I gave a presentation on Queer music from the Pansy Movement of the 1920's and 1930's. I handed out lyrics of the words as the songs were played. Songs included “BD Women,” “Prove It On Me,” “Oh Joe Please Don't Go,” “Gay Love” and more. Our Next meeting will be held March 19th at 7 p.m. maybe at the new Library

The Salt Lake Tribune reported “Hate-crimes legislation clears House committee  A hate-crimes bill six years in the making cleared its first legislative hurdle Tuesday, passing the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee 8-3. House Bill 85 would modify the criminal code to enhance the penalty for crimes motivated by bias or prejudice. Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake, sponsored the bill, which largely reflects failed legislation pushed by the late state Sen. Pete Suazo.

            The new bill clarifies the definition of "protected groups" to mean "race, color, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, or gender of any individual or group of persons." It also explicitly states that it "does not create any special rights or legal status for a particular group," said Litvack.

             Opponents argued giving certain groups preferential judicial treatment flies in the face of the "all men are created equal" clause in the Declaration of Independence and that existing state law provides for enhanced penalties for crimes of malice.

 

20 February 2003 Thursday

Chad Keller sent me this quote, "It's a bitter reality that the Castro's historic climate of political resistance has given way to a Homosexual Gentry who see homeless queer youth as an irritant on their way home from Pottery Barn."  Kirk Read wrote this in the San Francisco Bay Times. Chad wrote: We will hear statements like this soon in Salt Lake as the Center assimilates and homogenizes the UT Gay People.” 

 

21 February  2003 Friday

The “Voice of Reason” award was presented to Michael Mitchell, executive director of Unity Utah, the state’s gay, and lesbian political action committee. Michael has been instrumental in organizing the gay and lesbian community and encouraging involvement in democratic politics at the Salt Lake County Democratic Party’s Mardi Gras fundraiser held to “celebrate diversity and honor special guests last night at the Oddfellow Hall.”

Shockingly The Deseret News wrote an editorial in favor of the Hate Crime Bill: “Pass the hate-crimes bill- A hate-crimes bill wending its way through the state Legislature would not, as some have supposed, extend the law where it never has gone before — into the thoughts of a criminal. Laws have done that for generations. For example, juries regularly judge whether murderers premeditated the act or did it in a fit of passion.

           Nor would the bill establish protected classes of citizens or imprint some official stamp of approval on homosexuality. One does not have to agree with another person's beliefs or actions in order to agree that the person should not be made a victim of violent crime because of them.

           The bill, sponsored by Rep. David Litvack and co-sponsored by Rep. Jim Ferrin, R-Orem, would simply add extra penalties to crimes that target people because of a broader bias or prejudice. When someone attacks another person because of his or her beliefs, ethnic background, age, gender, or sexual orientation, that attacker really is trying to silence or destroy groups of people or ideas. In a nation that values free _expression, free religion, and the right to peaceably assemble, this becomes an attack on the nation's core ideals, and that sort of a crime deserves an enhanced penalty.

           The difference is as stark as that between a murder committed during a robbery and a lynching next to a burning cross. In each instance, the victim is dead, but the lynching has the added intent of sending a message of intimidation to a larger community.

           A lot of people seem to be understanding that principle this time around. The bill recently received an important endorsement from Republican attorney general Mark Shurtleff. Other conservatives are showing signs of softening.

              If the bill passes, a nod of acknowledgment would be due Pete Suazo, the long-time Democratic lawmaker who died suddenly in an ATV accident in August 2001. For three years in a row he tried to pass similar bills. Each time he was turned down by lawmakers who complained about punishing "thought crimes." Each time, Suazo picked himself up and vowed to try again the next year.

             Last year, Suazo's widow, who had filled her husband's seat after his death, was double-crossed by Republican lawmakers. They urged her to postpone a public campaign for the bill until the Olympics had ended, telling her that in exchange, her bill finally would get a public hearing. But after the world left Utah, the bill once again died in committee.

           Politics can be ugly that way. But we hope Pete Suazo's good idea eventually wins out.”

           

22 February 2003 Saturday

Utah Gay Rodeo Association “goes on its own talent search... The Gong Show Wild West Edition” held at The Trapp Door*- Doors open at 8:00 contest starts at 8:45 $5.00 benefiting UGRA Rodeo 2003 & Wild West Festival. Contestants still needed! Anything from the Elaborate to the Extreme  NO ENTRY FEE TO COMPETE  Make it through our judges to the Audience vote and win $50.00! Brought to you by: The Pillar,  City Weekly, The Trapp Door (a private club), Bud Light,  Mixed Media Display Business, & your friends at UGRA!

            The

Reporter Dan Harrie of the Salt Lake Tribune wrote, “Hate Crimes Bill Has LDS Support-    The sponsor of this year's version of anti-hate crimes legislation on Utah's Capitol Hill believes his bill will get a significant boost from a public statement from the state's predominant religion and simultaneous endorsements by two LDS Church-owned news media outlets.

            "We can get it done," Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake City, said Friday of House Bill 85.

              "We still have a lot of work to do," he said, adding that for some lawmakers, the church's statements "will make a difference."

            The legislation would increase penalties for threats or acts of violence or vandalism against people based on their race, religion, ethnic background, or sexual orientation. It is the last provision which has generated most opposition among Utah lawmakers and others who claim it carves out "special rights" for gays and lesbians.

            The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that homosexuality is a sin and it has actively supported, with money and volunteers, legislation in Utah and other states intended to prevent recognition of gay marriage.

            But on Friday, church leaders issued a statement that the religion "does not oppose HB85, Hate Crimes Amendments, as drafted.

             "The church abhors all hate crimes. The Church's well-known opposition to attempts to legalize same-gender marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group."

            Litvack said church lobbyist Bill Evans had communicated the statement to legislative leaders, and Litvack, who is Jewish, was busy making sure colleagues were aware of it.

            In addition to the church's official non-opposition, church-owned KSL radio and television on Friday editorialized in support of the hate crimes bill, saying, "It is high time to approve it."

            The broadcast editorial followed by one day an editorial in the church-owned Deseret News endorsing the bill.

            Under the headline "Pass the hate-crimes bill," the News rejected arguments that the legislation would establish a thought crime. "Nor would the bill establish protected classes of citizens or imprint some official stamp of approval on homosexuality," said the editorial.

 

 

23 February 2003 Sunday

Toni Johnson, Director People With AIDS Coalition of Utah announced The 2nd Annual Grammy's Party sponsored by the Millcreek Broadcasting and the People With AIDS Coalition of Utah held at the Hard Rock Café, (505 S. 600 E. Trolley Square), starting at 5pm $5.00 donation at the door

“We are once again rolling out the red carpet for a magical evening complete with look-a-like stars, spot-lights, limo's, giveaways as well as auction items, all to raise money for the People With AIDS Coalition of Utah. We hope to see you there!

The quarterly Family Fellowship Forum was held at 5:00 p.m., in the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center's Northwest Plaza Auditorium on the corner of 1230 North (Bulldog Boulevard) and 500 West, Provo.

“Family Fellowship Building Bridges - Healing Relationships - Loving and Serving All Dear Friend of Family Fellowship, Mark Burton, Ph.D., will present results of a qualitative study he completed for his dissertation on long-term gay-male relationships.

 The study highlights 10 core themes common to successful, long-term relationships. These results provide a blueprint of what such relationships require and may be helpful to gay couples and their family members,  as well as counselors and therapists working with gay couples. One of the gay couples in the study has been invited to attend and participate in a question and answer session at the conclusion of the presentation.

Dr. Burton is a licensed psychologist and the former director of the Family Support Center. He specializes in working with adolescents and adults and treats trauma related disorders as well as relationship issues for couples and families. For the past three years, Dr. Burton has led groups for at-risk teens at Granite High School. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Utah in the Educational Psychology Department where he teaches Family Counseling.

 As is our custom, the program will conclude at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a light buffet. The Family Fellowship strives to encourage all family members to love, strengthen, and support one another. We are concerned and care about gay individuals and their family members. We do not feel compelled to agree on how gay individuals should express their sexuality or on what the official response of the LDS Church to its gay members should be. We ask that there be no "bashing" of any person, group, or church. Please join with us in a spirit of love and understanding. Sincerely, Family Fellowship

 

24 February 2003 Monday

I wrote to Chad Keller, “Sorry we didn't make it to the Gong Show...The movie  didn't start until nearly 8 and then there was a question and answer period afterwards so it was after 10 before we got out...the place was packed...it was really emotionally stirring...

Guess who was sitting behind Mike and me? Robert Austin, Stephen Clark of ACLU who sued over main street, and some other wine and cheese guys. I couldn't help but over hear because Robert just wouldn't shut up LOL. Robert wasn't with Bradley...Robert was doing all the talking...saying how this person was a good man…or this was happening in the medical community...or this happened historically...the others were his  audience…LOL

Chad Keller wrote: so what was princess saying??  Those two want to be the Ideal Utah Couple...as Stephen is just a chicken hawk. So he was speaking for the Community Historians benefit??...The song by Garth Brooks "that’s the way I remember it" is not about history, but memories...I’m sure he has many fabulous memories....but where is he  now??? No one know and no one cares. Hahahaha

Dan Fahndrich wrote to Chad  Keller, “I have a multimedia slide presentation on the "Beyond Stonewall" retreat we did in the mountains and a show on "Pride Day". I would like to show it to you and whoever at my home. Ben Williams has a video tape of the Beyond Stonewall but it is better on  the projectors. If you are interested, I would like to put an evening together and invite you and others over. Weeknights the best....M-Thur. Please let me know. Dan Fahndrich

Dan Harrie of the Salt Lake Tribune  reported “50 Rally Against Hate-Crimes Bill About 50 people -- mostly conservative Republicans -- held a Capitol rally Monday night urging Utah's Legislature to kill proposed hate-crimes legislation based on opposition from the state GOP's governing Central Committee.

             "It's not a correct principle," said rally organizer Gayle Ruzicka, head of the Utah Eagle Forum. The predominant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement last week clarifying that it did not oppose House Bill 85. Ruzicka insisted the Mormon leaders issued their statement only to quash rumors the church endorsed the bill.

            The rally was mainly held to publicize the Utah GOP Central Committee's resolution over the weekend denouncing the attempt to stiffen penalties for crimes committed out of bias against a victim's race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, religion or sexual orientation.”

Michael Mitchell of Unity Utah  wrote “WE NEED TO KEEP WORKING! Gayle and her forces are working overtime to try to kill the hate crimes measure currently working its way around the hill. She called it “the most dangerous legislation this session” a week ago and held a press conference last night that was widely covered in the media asking for people to contact their legislators immediately about it.

            HB 85 is now back in rules and could die there if we can’t get it back onto the floor. HB needs to be debated in the open and not killed in committee. It was initially let out of the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee with a vote of 8-3 which shows that there is a need for a floor vote in the House and Senate. There is also a rumor that there will be an amendment offered that strikes “sexual orientation” as one of the groups covered under the bill. This would be a travesty of the bill’s intent considering that hate crimes in Utah based on sexual orientation are the third highest numbers.

            It’s imperative that you contact your representative about HB 85. IF YOU CONTACTED THEM YESTERDAY, PLEASE DO SO AGAIN TODAY. Also, please cc your email to Speaker Stephens, Marda Dillree (Rules Committee Chair) and Morgan Philpot (Vice Chair of Rules.

            If you are a parent, you might want to say “as a parent raising children in Utah…” or something to that effect. If you are LDS, comment on that. It’s important that they hear from people like them on this issue as well as those who are not like them.

            Stress that HB 85 is a law enforcement tool asked for by Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, especially as hate groups have targeted Utah as a place to relocate and recruit.

            HB 85 covers ALL Utahns in its list of affected groups. As noted in a Deseret News editorial last week, it does not create special rights or special protected classes, nor does it legislate thought. It is one more tool that law enforcement has in our fight to stamp out hateful criminal actions committed against someone due to the victim’s real or perceived membership in particular group.

            It’s incredibly important with this bill to be courteous in your interactions with our representatives. It’s important that we seem reasonable and open to talk to about it.

            CALL OR EMAIL NOW! Unity Utah is the state's gay/lesbian political action committee and works to empower our community and allies to actively participate in all levels of the political process. Unity Utah 153 West 200 South Salt Lake City, UT  84101

Laurie Garrett a reporter for Newsday reported “Test Vaccine Flunks as an AIDS Shield. The first potential AIDS vaccine tested in large numbers of people has proved a failure, though its manufacturer, VaxGen, says there is some evidence that the product may be effective among blacks and Asian Americans.

            Overall, AIDSVax -- the first anti-HIV vaccine to complete Phase III clinical trials -- offered no protection to the volunteers who received it. After three years, the results were statistically identical: 5.8 percent of the placebo group became infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, compared with 5.7 percent of those receiving the vaccine.

             Of the 5,009 volunteers who completed the trial, 4,185 were white. Most were gay men deemed at risk due to their lifestyles. Volunteers came from the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Europe.

             "We were disappointed that the vaccine did not produce a reduction in infections in all population groups," VaxGen CEO Lance Gordon said Monday in a briefing. "The study did not show a statistically significant reduction of HIV infection within the study population as a whole, which was the primary end point of the trial."

              Among the 314 black volunteers, VaxGen reported 13 infections: 4 among the 203 volunteers who received the vaccine, and nine in the placebo group of 111. Of the Asian American volunteers, two of the 20 who got the placebo became HIV infected, as did two of the 53 who got the vaccine, said Michael Para of Ohio State School of Medicine, who led the statistical analysis conducted for VaxGen.

             "You're right, the numbers are small," Para said at the VaxGen briefing when asked about the results among black volunteers.

              VaxGen reported that the blood of black and Asian volunteers who received the vaccine also showed higher levels of antibodies against HIV.

            With that evidence, along with the results for black and Asian volunteers, Gordon said VaxGen will seek a license from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for manufacture and sale of the vaccine, and will turn to the World Health Organization, PanAmerican Health Organization and Gates Foundation for funding for distribution.

             "That is, to say the least, premature," Peter Piot, director of the U.N. AIDS Programme, said from Geneva. "We will not support raising funds for distribution of this vaccine."

            WHO and UNAIDS might consider the vaccine's use, Piot said, if another VaxGen trial now under way in Thailand yields better overall results. Gordon indicated those results will be released later this year.

   

25 February 2003 Tuesday

This morning Chad Keller wrote me, “So...I had happened to mention to someone a while back that I was more than a little miffed about the Kiosk crap Geoff was creating. And then the universe comes out to support me....why Karma and Dharma are being nice to me is totally beyond me... anyway...

I have been asked by a group totally not related to pride, to consider the creating the first "Glad to Meet You" main street business walk....this would include sandwich boards down main street with "didyaknows" and "community facts" in May...They thought it would be fun to use the Community Leadership Forum, the Business Guild and the USHS.....and let GLBT businesses and community groups get out and meet the mainstream in historic downtown....Pride after all is not just in June...

 Wanna help?....it is totally going to upstage little Geoffy...and as the boards will most likely come out of my pocket...and sponsors....I will suggest that pride not be granted access...I could be swayed with a lot of butt kissing.... Call me at my office later or before you leave for work CK

I wrote to "Chad Keller"  regarding Geoff Partain’s history project; “I think Geoff has a clue now that we are not interested in helping with Pride... No need to rub it in...take the high road...and just let everyone you know, of what is being proposed. It will get back to him. Remember Geoff in his own way is just a pawn too. He wouldn't work so hard if he didn't care about the community. We just have a difference of opinion on whether Paula Wolfe and Darrin Hobbs should be running the entire community for a pay check.”

Chad Keller wrote back: You’re right Pappa....not need to be a b*tch when I don’t need to be. Maybe we could send an email to Geoff and let him know that we have been presented  much better opportunity for the historical society....and include in it, the Use Disclaimer as an attachment....It will get the curiosity up on the Pride front...and Geoff will definitely come nosing around...”

“I met with the library folks today. They are going to work us into the calendar in to Conference room D. it hold up to 50. It may take her a month or so, as since they made calls and have become swamped with requests, but they suggested and welcomed us to use any of the bays in the arc or the lounges. She also said we could meet at the tables down by the Coffee Shop and gave me a name to contact.

I also put us down for a Saturday for the Auditorium...which after seeing it would be perfect for the Forum when it finally grows...October 25 for a 10 to 2 conference.

 They also gave me the name of the person in charge of exhibits. They are booked 6 months in advance, but both people felt that he would be very interested and make space for a USHS exhibit.

 So, I will send a meeting update out....and invite people to join us at the Library and meet on the 3rd floor lounge....this might be a good time to go over and brush up on using the Library as a research tool? Does that work for you. CK?

I respond in the affirmative and posted this on the group site, “The Utah Stonewall Historical Society is moving to the new Salt Lake Public Library! Join the Utah Stonewall Historical Society at the New Salt Lake City Library! It is a great space that lends itself to the betterment and growth of the historical society. Meetings the third Wednesday of every month. Our meetings included presentations by community historians on the Lambda Community, time to review current works in progress, or share items of a historic nature, and open dialog

There was an AIDS obituary in the paper today. Drew Christian Staffanson finally succumbed to AIDS in Salt Lake City, Utah on Monday, Feb. 25, 2002. Drew was born Oct. 8, 1962, the seventh of nine children of Forrest L. and RoLayne Rich Staffanson. He grew up in Ogden, Utah where he earned his Eagle Scout Award and graduated from Ben Lomond High School. He then served an LDS Mission in Portugal. Drew graduated summa cum laude from the University of Utah, with Bachelor of Arts degrees in communication and Middle East studies in 1989. He also studied a year abroad at the American University in Cairo, Egypt. Drew moved to Saudi Arabia and worked as a journalist during the Gulf War. He spent time covering Kuwait, India, Pakistan, and the Arabian Gulf. He returned to Utah in 1992 after being diagnosed with HIV. Drew was extremely fortunate to have high quality care during his final days. He is so grateful to his family who continuously supported him; to his loving, selfless partner, Michael Shayne Bell, who was always by his side; to Dr. Kristen Ries and the entire staff at the University of Utah Medical Clinic 1-A and to the many professionals and friends who are either infected with or affected by AIDS. Drew is survived by his loving partner, Michael Shayne Bell of Salt Lake City; In lieu of flowers, please make tax deductible donations to the People with AIDS Coalition of Utah.”

I think Michael Shayne Bell is the same person as M. Shayne Bell who write Mormon Science fiction.

 

26 February 2003 Wednesday

Michael Aaron wrote me “I am working on a project and need some information that you may  have. I am looking for the names (and dates if poss) of any gay person who  has been killed in Salt Lake City, esp. those that have not been  solved. Off the top of my head, I can think of Heather Uliberri, Tony Adams,  Jerry Campbell. I know there are others but I haven't sat down to do the research yet. If you can be of any help, it would be greatly appreciated. I prefer  to keep this very quiet, as my tactics of what I will do with this  information won't please some. Thanks in advance. -Michael p.s. Have I told you how much I appreciate and love the work you are doing? Well I do.”

Chad Keller wrote me “I got a call from Ronnie at the City Library who handles lectures and what not. She is interested in see how the library can participate in October. She says it would not be much but would be interested.

            Also she wondered what we might be able to team up with on Pride....they thought June covered it all for us......Explained October is better for history as people are then listening not partying....

Club blue has been sold....would you be willing to talk to Mike Webb about retrieving the Wasatch Leather Men Club’s colors that are hanging at the club before they are lost forever. He and I have a love hate relationship. And he might just not do it to piss me off...you didn’t get this from me, and don’t bring me up.....I’ll explain more later gladly...”

I wrote back to Chad Keller “Chad why don't we announce event as quarterly meeting...Since we began in last October, April would be 6 months. Quarterly events could be April, July (or June  27 Stonewall Day), October, and January. Then we would have time to promote and get ready for it. What do you think? You are right about October and besides, it is officially Gay History Month...October would be good for a major conference. Just a thought,  any interest in restarting Beyond Stonewall next year?

 

27 February 2003 Thursday

Mike Webb former owner of Club Blue wrote, Dear friends, I am no longer using Burgoyne to host the club website so I'll be discontinuing service with them effective 2/28 My new email address is m.webb@attbi.net. Hope to hear from you, Michael Webb.”

I then wrote  to Mike Webb in regards to Club Blue’s Memorabilia. “Dear Mr. Webb, This is Ben Williams from the Historical Society. I am truly disheartened by your circumstances and feel your club is a loss to our community. When the SL City  Weekly once wrote an article by Phil Jacobsen about women being excluded from the club, I wrote them a letter taking them to task, that was published.

Unfortunately, Utah is a dysfunctional sexphobic society and many Gay men are also infected with that mental disorder. I will get off my soap box and get to the point.

When you are clearing out your club will you consider donating items like the WLMC flags or logos, signs, photographs, flyers, calendars,  etc. from the business to the Stonewall Historical Society?

We, as you know, are dedicated to preserving our historical identity in this culture and since sadly Club Blue is now relegated to "history" we would feel it a great loss not to have some items for preservation.

Years from now people will be shocked and amazed that such Gestapo Tactics were still being used in Utah at the beginning of the 21st Century. Thank you for your consideration.

Best Wishes in all your future and happier (Gay-er) endeavors. Ben Williams Utah Stonewall Historical Society”

He responded “Thanks for the kind words. I agree completely. I have saved many  items that I would love to see preserved. Give me a few weeks to get stuff in order; I'm still settling small details with respect to the closing of  the club. I'm not sure who you are, Ben and I'd love to make your  acquaintance. If you see me out somewhere before I get these items compiled, please say hello. Thanks, Mike Webb.”

Just Like Lucy and Charlie Brown, the Republican members of the Utah House of Representatives took away the football at the last minute. They voted today at  3:46 p.m. to adopt a Motion to “reconsider” Litvack’s Hate Crimes Bill. It now returns for another floor vote in the House of Representatives. I think it’s doomed.

Mark Swonson wrote about the snatch, “Hey Everyone- Marty Stephens pulled HB 85 out of the committee for a possible debate tonight between 6-7pm. That’s good news. We still need you to e-mail or call House Rep and Senators stating you support this bill as a LAW ENFORCEMENT ISSUE as Jackie Biskupski stated. Not a GLBT issue but a human right law enforcement issue.

Remember kill them with kindness and respect when you e-mail or call. This way we will get this bill passed this year. It takes us all to do our Part and it’s been 7 long years of in the making and struggle to hopefully have this law come to pass... Thanks, Mark:-)

Then Mark frantically sent out this message “ALERT, ALERT, ALERT, ALER, ALERT, ALERT- We just lost 4 votes! We need people of Diversity from all walks of life to go to the Capitol and to talk to Reps to see that this bill passes.

We need you to stress this isn’t a Gay or Lesbian issue but a Law enforcement issue.

We lost these 4 critical votes because they were persuaded it is only a GLBT issue which it isn’t. It’s a law enforcement issue an everybody is covered under this law. We need mass numbers of people! Please come to the capital! Thanks for your hep to talk to these Reps. Someone will be there to guide how to talk to them. Mark Swonson.

Chad Keller wrote on the Yahoo Group site, “Hate Crimes- In a perfect world, even in a world that could be seen from a perfect world, a law that made it a special kind of crime to attack someone out of racial, religious or sexual hatred would not be necessary.

            In such a world, the normal laws against murder, assault and vandalism would suffice. People who hurt other people would be dealt with under the law, without fear or favor. No person who happened to be a member of a minority or disadvantaged class would have to worry that their suffering would be seen as any less serious than the suffering of anyone else.

            In a perfect world, Utah House Bill 85, sponsored by Rep. David Litvack, is the kind of law that wouldn't be necessary. It could even be hoped that his bill, which ratchets up the penalties for crimes that are motivated by hatred of a particular group of human beings, wouldn't be necessary in our little corner of this world. There is no particular pattern here of people who victimize blacks, Jews, gays, or other groups -- and get away with it.

    But now that Litvack, a Salt Lake City Democrat, has respectfully placed the issue before us, now that the measure has won the approval of the House’s Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee -- and the passive backing of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- it becomes clear that this particular bill should, indeed, become law.

In a perfect world, we would not see the situation we have here, where the strongest argument for Litvack's bill has been made, Bizarro-style, by those who most vehemently oppose it. That opposition, expressed at a Capitol Hill rally on Monday, is the fear that, by stating formal disapproval of violence against homosexuals, the state would somehow be making a special statement in favor of gays and lesbians, up to and including same-sex marriage.

             That is false. And, significantly, the state's dominant religion sees that. LDS Church leaders, who have actively opposed same-sex marriage in this and other states, are correctly taking some pains to point out that the faith's much-criticized general stance on gays and lesbians should not be read as anything that might forgive or condone violence against any person.

            In a perfect world, the LDS Church would not have to spell that out. But this is not a perfect world.

            The law does not confer "special rights" upon gays -- or blacks, or Jews, or the elderly, or the handicapped, or Mormons. All it does is make it crystal clear, in the few cases where it may be necessary, that hate crimes are taken seriously by this state, that they will not be swept under the rug or dismissed as "boys will be boys" hijinks.

                In a perfect world, no one would have to say that. But this is not a perfect world, and to kill Litvack's bill now would, sadly, be taken as a signal that Utah doesn't care about hate crimes.

Utah is not perfect, but it does care. Passing this law would say so. I think we should, I know a lot of people who would help, especially  the cute couple of Cartia & Cucunato.”

            Jackie Biskupski made this appeal: Dear friend, Your emails, letters, and phone calls have been very important in this legislative session. It's imperative that our elected officials hear from us about issues that concern us. As a representative myself, I am acutely aware how important it is to hear from my constituents. I'm also very aware of how an ill-spoken communication from a constituent, even when it's well meaning, can turn me off to a particular issue.

We have an incredible opportunity this year to pass a hate crimes bill, HB 85, which his being sponsored by Rep. David Litvack (D-SLC) and Rep. Jim Ferrin (R-Orem). Your communication with your representatives on this particular bill has been great, but there sometimes arises a situation around an issue when it's important to do what will make a difference on a bill as opposed to say exactly what is on your mind. The hate crimes measure is being framed as a law enforcement issue, not a civil rights one – and especially not a gay rights issue.

People who are opposing HB 85 are couching their arguments mainly from the point of view that if passed, HB 85 would give `special rights' or a special designation to people because of their sexual orientation. You and I both know that this is not true. Many legislators do not feel this is true either.

However, the opposition is saying that by recognizing sexual orientation as a protected group in the bill, it gives legal status to the GLBT community – and they are playing on the fears of Utahns who don't know better.

Indeed, I can tell you from personal conversations with representatives who are on the fence on this issue that if it's seen as forwarding GLBT rights at all, they will need to vote against it.

I encourage you to contact your representatives about HB 85 immediately. When you do, stress that it is about increasing tools for law enforcement and an attack on hate in Utah. I strongly suggest that you not couch it as a gay rights issue at all.

Will it be good for our community if it passes? Certainly – as it will be good for all Utahns, but most of our elected officials are leery of GLBT issues and shy away from the mere mention of them.

If we are going to get HB 85 through, we need to respectfully speak in their language and at their level. It's easy to say something snippy, mean, or defensive because, as a community, we all feel attacked most of the time. That said, snippy, mean, and defensive emails will work against this bill, the work that people have put into it and the future that it has.

Thank you for letting me have this frank conversation with you. I deeply appreciate your support and your partnership, as I know Rep. Litvack and Rep. Ferrin do. HB 85 is a good and necessary bill and has the best chance of passage it has ever had. Continue to be involved in the process. Warmest Regards, Jackie”

Kathleen Gage of “Unity Utah”  wrote, “If everyone on this list were to send an email message or make a phone call to the Utah House of Representatives urging support on HB0085 Hate Crimes Amendments (Litvack, D.), it will make a huge difference.

Also, send a message to your friends, family and business associates encouraging them to do the same. Below is a message which I sent to people I know. Please do the same.

Also, send a letter to The Salt Lake Tribune editor stating your support. I have included my short letter to the editor for everyone's review and consideration to do the same.

We are in a very critical time and everyone must be willing to step up to the plate. We cannot afford to say we are too busy or let someone else do it, or that one message won't make a difference. If you read today's Tribune, there is an article about the bill and apparently Gayle is making waves with the LDS Church that could backlash on her and her group of followers. As has been mentioned by others, do not make this a GLBT issue. It is an all-inclusive bill and, if we support it in this fashion, there is more likelihood that it will pass.

LETTER TO FRIENDS: Right now, HB0085 Hate Crimes Amendments (Litvack, D.) is closer to passing than ever before. This is a critical time for anyone who is in anyway affected by discrimination, or you know someone who is, that could be subjected to a hate crime. I am asking people I know to take about 20 to 30 minutes of your time to contact all those on the attached list with a short email asking them to support the bill. There are only a few days left in this session, so the message would need to go out immediately. I know everyone is busy and yet, if each person I am sending this to takes the time to send a message out asking for support of the bill, as written (which includes all minorities) it could make a huge difference. All you have to do is click on the email address and add your message and then click send.

Also, please forward this to anyone who you know would be willing to take time to send a message out to the attached list (remember to send them the list of representatives).

Again, please, please, please take the time to do this. It is very critical to respecting, and protecting, the diversity of the population of Utah. Thank you. You can actually do a cut and paste of the following.

“Please support HB0085 Hate Crimes Amendments (Litvack, D.). This is a much needed bill that includes the full diversity of the State of Utah. Thank you.”

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Send your own today to letters@sltrib.com if possible.

HB0085 Hate Crimes Amendments (Litvack, D.) is closer to passing than ever before. This is a critical time for anyone who supports the passing of HB0085 to speak up. I fully support the passing of this bill with inclusion of all minorities.

Reporter Dan Harrie of the Salt Lake Tribune informed that “Hate-Crimes Bill on Track for Debate  It appears there will be a floor debate this week on hate crimes legislation.

House Speaker Marty Stephens, R-Farr West, said House Bill 85 will be pulled out of the Rules Committee for a floor debate after sponsors indicated they had the 38 votes to pass the measure.

    "The same deal [coming out of Rules] goes for any bill with a reasonable chance of passing," Stephens said.

    HB85 would create stiffer penalties for people who threaten or commit acts of violence or vandalism against someone because of their bias against the victim's race, color, gender, disability, nationality, ancestry, religion, or sexual orientation.

    Sponsoring Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake City, said the 38 votes are mostly "hard 'Yes' " votes, but not all.

    "It's going to be touch and go," Litvack said. "We don't want to get the message out that this is done. . . . I don't want to light the fire under the opposition."

    In past years, the legislation has had tough going, at least in part because some groups saw it as giving legal protected status to gays and lesbians. This year, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which teaches that homosexual behavior is a sin, issued a statement to lawmakers saying it did not oppose the bill.

    "The church's well-known opposition to attempts to legalize same-gender marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group," Mormon leaders said.

    There still are plenty of opponents to the bill on Capitol Hill, mostly from conservative Republicans who view it as giving special rights to certain classes of people and creating a category of "thought crime."

    The Utah Republican Party's Central Committee last weekend resoundingly passed a resolution urging lawmakers to defeat HB85 because it "would establish a dangerous mechanism in Utah law under which freedom of conscience and religious belief is undermined and may be ultimately threatened."

    Utah Eagle Forum leader Gayle Ruzicka organized a Capitol rally Monday against the bill.

    She downplayed the LDS Church statement of "non-opposition" to HB85 as merely an attempt by Mormon leaders to quash rumors that the predominant religion was endorsing the legislation.

     That comment prompted a denial Wednesday by the church.

    "Ms. Ruzicka's reported assertion regarding the motivation for our statement on proposed hate crimes legislation is wrong," said spokesman Dale Bills.

             "The statement was made in keeping with our long-standing policy of informing the legislative leadership of both parties on those rare occasions when we comment on pending legislation," he said. "Our statement declared that the church does not oppose HB85 as drafted. Period. Any interpretation beyond that is speculative."    Salt Lake Tribune intern Shana Helps contributed to this report.”

            With all the hubbub today it is easy to overlook that Fred Rogers (1928-2003) aka “Mr. Rogers” died today. The world could use more men like him, “Won’t you be my neighbor?” TV personality, musician, and author, Fred Rogers, is best remembered for hosting the preschool TV series, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which ran for over 30 years, from 1968 to 2001. His work was widely lauded and he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002. Besides his TV career, he was also an ordained Presbyterian minister.

 

28 February 2003 Friday

My old friend John Reeves who lives now in Boston wrote me, “Hi Ben: Thanks so much for all the interesting information you've sent recently: the articles, the history, etc. I'm saving it all and using it in my Soc. of Homosexuality class. I can't believe Spring Break is coming up in just a couple of weeks--especially since the week before last we had the heaviest snow storm in Mass's history (27.5 inches). Jimmy's [Hamamoto] coming to Utah for a wedding, and during Spring break I'm going to Montreal for a few days.

            We've finally taken the plunge and bought airline tickets to Paris---we're going the 16th of May for a week. It’s cheaper to fly to Paris than SLC, can you believe that?!

            Everything here is as usual. Mitt Romney is either working miracles or wreaking havoc with state government---it’s too early to tell I suppose a little of both.

We miss you and think about you very often. Don't you think it’s about time for another foray to the East Coast? Love, John>.

Paul Rolly and Joann Jacobsen-Wells, Columnists for the Salt Lake Tribune wrote; “Eagle Forum Wings Clipped Twice in Week-  This has not been Eagle Forum leader Gayle Ruzicka's best week. Not only did her statement about the LDS Church's stand on hate-crimes legislation generate a church response that she was "wrong," but she has been ordered by the publisher of “Heather Has Two Mommies” to "cease and desist" distributing photocopies of the copyrighted pro-gay and lesbian book.

            Ruzicka said Monday the church's statement that it did not oppose the bill was actually made to quash rumors that it endorsed the bill. A church statement Wednesday denied her claim.

    Meanwhile, Greg Constante, publisher of Alyson Publications in Los Angeles, sent an e-mail to the Eagle Forum Web site stating those who distributed photocopies of the book at the rally were violating copyright laws. Constante noted, however, that attempts in the past to showcase the book in a negative light have generated additional sales.”

Reporter Kirtsen Stewart of the Salt Lake Tribune reported, “Hate Crimes Bill Survives Debate, Clears the House After two hours of emotional debate, a hate crimes bill six years in the making was approved Thursday by the Utah House of Representatives.

            The historic and unexpected 38-35 vote ended in tears of joy for sponsoring Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake City, who was greeted with hugs and handshakes from Republican and Democratic colleagues.

             "I knew it would be touch and go, but believed we could get it done," Litvack said.

House Bill 85 will now go to the Senate for consideration.

            The bill would create stiffer penalties for crimes motivated by bias or prejudice against a victim's race, color, gender, disability, age, nationality, ancestry, religion, or sexual orientation. House members amended the bill to include prejudicial crimes against individuals affiliated with a business.

            It amends a 1992 law that Utah courts have ruled is too broad and unenforceable.

    "We have had a statute on our books for 10 years that has never been used," said Litvack.

                As a result, racially motivated and other hate crimes continue at a steady rate, he said. "There is no neighborhood or area we represent that has not been touched by a hate crime, from Logan to St. George. Supremacist groups view Utah as ripe for the picking."

            Thursday was the first time in six years that the legislation reached the House floor due, in part, to groups opposed to what they say is a move to grant special rights for gays and lesbians.

             Those negative views were alluded to in a comment made by one lawmaker opposed to the bill.

             "BOHICA," said Rep. Glenn Donnelson, R-North Ogden, citing an acronym he later said stood for "bend over, here it comes again."

             "There has been a lot of nonsense floating around about this issue," said co-sponsor Rep. Jim Ferrin, a Republican who once opposed hate crimes legislation. He said he changed his mind after becoming convinced such crimes are, by their very nature, more severe. "I reject that this is part of an effort to teach homosexuality in schools as a legitimate lifestyle, an effort to legitimize homosexual marriages."

             The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which treats homosexuality as a sin, publicly stated it does not oppose the bill.

             But that did not stop some Republicans from opposing the measure. "The great debate in our nation has always been about equality," said Rep. Stephen Urquhart, R-St. George. "What you're telling me with this statute is that a crime against a homosexual is not a crime against me."

            Said Rep. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem: "Any crime is a crime against humanity. I'm dismayed and disheartened that this legislation is even before us."

            Much was made of the courage displayed by Republicans who voted for Litvack's bill. But there was little mention of Democrats who temporarily abandoned Litvack -- Reps. Eli Anderson, Jim Gowans and Neal Hendrickson.

            The three Democrats, respectively from Tremonton, Tooele, and West Valley, abstained from voting on a substitute measure, but returned later to help pass the legislation after a Republican called the original bill back.

             Thanking Litvack for "bringing us one of the most meaningful debates we've had this session," Rep. Morgan Philpot, R-Murray -- who then voted against the bill -- said, "Could a tax increase be any more offensive to a conservative Republican than a hate crime?"

Educator Doug Wortham  and Gay activist who a few years back was the Interim director of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center wrote, “As we applaud Utah Rep. David Litvack and the efforts of all those who have been instrumental in the passage of effective hate-crimes legislation in the state House of Representatives this legislative session, it is important that we also take a moment to recognize David Nelson.

David was at the heart of the original efforts to pass hate-crimes legislation over a decade ago. Without his efforts, hates-crimes legislation may well have not entered the collective conscience of our state Legislature and the public until years later. His continued work since then has been vital.

David's determined work on behalf of all of the people of our state is to be saluted.

Thank you to all those who supported David during those early and difficult years when the foundation for the passage of this important legislation was so effectively laid. I, for one, recognize his efforts and thank him publicly.

Now, on to the state Senate, where David's many earlier efforts will be rewarded, where state Sen. Pete Suazo will be honored,  and where a higher level of community and human standards  will be set.

Regardless of a variety of opinions that divide us at times (and certainly too often), let us stand together to recognize David, Sen. Pete Suazo, Rep. David Litvack and the many others who have contributed to this current success. May we share their determination to see this legislation through. Doug Wortham.”

            David Nelson responded saying about the legislature, “And they slammed me to the curb again....

Chad Keller wrote regarding the Utah Gay Rodeo Association’s photos, “As an ongoing gift to the association I have made arrangements with a company to have the images of each of the Rodeos placed on these great fabric banners. The gift really is a test to see how the stuff looks....and since UGRA is becoming Queen of the Gimme Freebies....I couldn’t resist. Besides history believe it or not is important.

            The design of these banners will also include the name of the Grand Marshal, the Rodeo Director, and possibly the president....Grand Marshal for sure....the rest will depend on the mood of the company and of course what my UGRA mood ring is indicating...and lately...the color is fading fast...

            I have the 2001 image and it has been forwarded. The 2003 image has been forwarded as well as it was completed this week. I think everyone will be surprised at the direction, and the concept.

            Needed are the 2002 Image  (sparrow on a fence...lol) and the 2000 image created by Ron Johnson. Does anyone have these, and can I make arrangements to pick it up on a disk or zip format (later preferred) Thanks!”

            Chad writing to me about the Community Leadership Forum, wrote, “On the summit..... We were going to have Kathleen Gage lead a discussion on Enlightened Leadership....when she canceled....we started looking....Toni [Palmer] asked Becky Moss to take the space and together they decided to keep the same theme. You would be a co presenter of this segment.

As I thought more and more.... It came to me that the segment on the CLF [Community Leadership Forum] needed someone other than me to be up there. I feel old, used, and need not be on the Radar if I don’t have too....(why I stir up so much emotion in people is beyond me....) 

Todd [Dayley] and I will figure out the introduction, but would you be willing to say a few words on the Importance of the GLCC [Gay and Lesbian Community Council] and why now more than ever we need CLF March 15?”

I wrote him back that I agreed to speak at the  summit about the Community Council.

 

 

March

1 March 2003 Saturday

My dad started using email and wrote me “Hi haven't heard from you in a while. Your mom and me are doing ok. weather has been nice, a little on the cool side. Mike [Wachs] has an email address Aramyth@msn.com. Charline and Denise are talking about going to Virginia. Gene Walker's youngest son Andy died about a month ago don't know any more news Love Mom and Dad.”

            My niece Denise Wachs wants to relocate to Virginia so my sister and brother in law who are out of work are considering moving but I sincerely doubt as they would.

            All that is on the news is the Naughty Mormon state legislator who was busted and arrested for soliciting a boy down on Exchange Place for a blow job. These poor closet cases.

Kevin Cantera and Kirsten Stewart reporters for the Salt Lake Tribune wrote, “Cited in Prostitution Sting, Cache Lawmaker Resigns  Republican state Rep. Brent Parker of Wellsville abruptly resigned his seat Friday after Salt Lake City police cited him earlier this week for trying to solicit sex from an undercover officer posing as a male prostitute.

            House Speaker Marty Stephens, R-Farr West, read Parker's handwritten resignation Friday evening after lawmakers had adjourned for the day. "I felt that it was the appropriate thing to do . . . for myself and for the Legislature," Parker told The Salt Lake Tribune, adding with a sigh: "I've had better days."   

Parker, elected to a second term by Cache County voters in November, said he planned to "clear everything up."  Stephens also informed Parker's Republican colleagues of the arrest and resignation. Many cried as they exited the closed meeting.

"It threw us off guard," said a tearful Rep. Loraine Pace. "I think of him first and foremost as a husband, father and a friend," said the Logan Republican. "My heart just aches for him and his family."

Rep. Craig Buttars, R-Lewiston, said: "We don't know enough right now to make a judgment. I hope that Parker knows we are with him and his family during this difficult time."

Just before midnight Wednesday, Parker, 57, was in his Nissan Pathfinder parked on Exchange Place, an area "known for male prostitution," between Main Street and State Street in downtown Salt Lake City, according to a police report.

When an undercover officer drove by, Parker allegedly nodded at him and motioned him over. The officer parked and approached Parker, telling him he was "working" and would perform sex acts for $15 to $20, the report says.

 Parker told the officer to follow and drove to a parking lot about a block away, according to the report. There, the officer got into the passenger seat of Parker's vehicle and Parker allegedly offered him $20 for oral sex.

Parker then "grabbed" the crotch of the officer's pants and started to massage it, the report says. Parker later asked the officer for his phone number so he could call "every time he came into town," according to the report.

The legislator was cited for solicitation, the report says. Soliciting a prostitute is a class B misdemeanor, carrying a potential sentence of up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Parker said he had not seen the police report and said only that he "was approached" by the officer. "I never did get out of my car." 

Just shy of three full sessions in the Legislature, Parker had sponsored only a handful of bills during his tenure. He was first elected in 2000, replacing longtime state representative and fellow Republican Evan Olsen, who sponsored the bill creating Utah's "Porn Czar."

Parker, a father of six and grandfather of six who owns a large farming operation and is a partner in a real estate firm, expressed gratitude for his time as a lawmaker, calling his experience in the Legislature "just wonderful."   

Prior to his being elected to the House, the Wellsville Republican served eight years on the Cache County Board of Education, six years as president. A graduate of Utah State University, he also was president of the Utah School Boards Association.”

Republicans sure rally around one of their own who’s caught with his pants down but come crushing down on Gay Rights.

The Tower Theater had a special screening of "Troy through a Window" a  heterosexual Mormon's attempt at understand a family member’s homosexuality.

“A film about family, homosexuality, belief and the boundaries of love.
It began in 1993, when Troy, a model son, Eagle Scout and returned missionary for the LDS Church, announced that he was gay. On that day, it was as if a window had dropped through the Barber household; placing Troy on one side, his siblings, and parents on the other. How do they cope with this new dynamic? How do they reach through the unspoken, unseen barrier between them? How do they accept? How do they maintain the unrestrained warmth that always existed in their home? Must they accept fundamental differences in belief and faith in order to love?

Seven years later, filmmaker Brad Barber went home to Tennessee for Christmas break to try to answer some questions. The result is a challenging, emotional, and redeeming look at the effects of this complex, seldom talked about issue in his family.

FILMMAKER'S BIO Brad Barber is from Knoxville, Tennessee. After completing a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sao Paulo, Brazil, he studied Non-Fiction Media Arts, Communications, and Religion at BYU, receiving his B.A. in 2001. His student documentary films showed at various exhibitions, including the Next Frame International Student Film Festival, and the Utah Short Film and Video Festival, where his film, Inspire or Damage received the award for "Best Documentary."  He also helped organize the local film forum, the Utah Film Collective. He began work on Troy Through a Window in the fall of 2000 as his senior film project.

Upon graduation, he worked as a Director of Photography in five continents for the documentary, Where the World Begins, among other documentary films which he helped shoot and edit. Currently, he continues work as an independent filmmaker and attends the University of Southern California Graduate School of Cinema-Television. He and his wife, artist Susan Krueger Barber, live in South Pasadena, CA.

There was a good article on Toni Palmer’s partner Sean Dennison a trans minster at the South Valley Unitarian Church that so many Lesbians and pagan used to attend. Perhaps they still do. I only went a few times to support Debbie Rosenberg who was a member.

Tim Sullivan of the Salt Lake Tribune reported, “Sean Parker Dennison, South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society's minister, is credited with bringing stability and direction to the Salt Lake County church.; Dennis says being transgendered has not been a distraction for his congregation. "It doesn't define my ministry at all. . . . We'll get members and they won't have a clue. Sitting on a panel on sexual minorities in religion, the Rev. Sean Parker Dennison, center, is joined by the Rev. Lee Shaw, left, of the Episcopal Diocese, and Allan Gunnerson, the associate director of the LDS Institute of Religion, at the University of Utah.”

 “A Call To Transform Minister finds identity through physical, spiritual awakening; Transgendered Reverend Leads Congregation.”

It took some shaking, some shifting and considerable searching, but the Rev. Sean Parker Dennison is where he needs to be  --  and so is his congregation.

   At Dennison's installation last month as minister of the South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society, the leaders of the congregation called on him to lead them and to attend to their needs. Someone had put a 1.7 billion-year-old stone on the altar, and the congregation's children told him they were counting on his ministry to outlast the rock.

   By that point, the South Valley Unitarian Universalists' acceptance of Dennison  --  who was born a female and is the first openly transgendered senior Unitarian Universalist minister in the country  --  was as solid as granite. But that wasn't always a sure bet.

   "The scary thing was what people would think," says Dennison, 37, who lives in Holladay with his partner and two children. "The idea of having ministerial leadership that was out of the norm is frightening. They needed to know, was this a real minister or a transgendered activist under the guise of a minister?" 

   But in his seven months at South Valley, Dennison has outpaced his identity as a transgendered man. While a rainbow flag of acceptance hangs above the church's front door, Dennison has been busy rebuilding a congregation that has felt the disengagement of high minister turnover.

   "It doesn't define my ministry at all," Dennison says of his gender. "I forget. We'll get new members and they won't have a clue. And then telling them, 'by the way, your minister used to be a woman.' It disappears."

   Still, Dennison's ministry will always be entwined with his gender identity. They were parallel journeys that both began slowly during his childhood, accelerated in his young adulthood, and continue today as he becomes comfortable in his robes and his own skin.

   Dennison grew up in Ames, Iowa, in a turbulent household that saw his older brother run away as an early teen and his parents’ divorce when Dennison was 12. Dennison was left to mull a murky gender identity  --  only he didn't understand it in those terms. He didn't know he wanted to be a boy, only that he wanted to do boy things.

   Dennison's religious leanings began just as early. His family dabbled in liberal Protestant faiths and when he was seven, he watched a female minister speak and said, "That's what I want to do." After he graduated from high school, he worked with a Fundamentalist mission organization in Texas.

   Back in conservative Iowa for college, Dennison "took a lot of routes to make femininity work. "I tried to be a lesbian for a while." But, he says, it wasn't about sexuality as much as a need for masculinity.

   It wasn't until he read Leslie Fineberg's Stone Butch Blues that Dennison's gender identity started to make sense. And as that was coming together, he found the Unitarian Universalist faith and his desire for the ministry was reignited. The job's many facets seemed to suit him  --  teaching, preaching, being with people during the most important moments of their lives.

   He attended the Unitarian Universalist Starr seminary in Berkeley, Calif., where he found acceptance for the transition that he was about to undertake, one reason why he became so open about his gender.

   In fact, during his first year at seminary, Dennison's classmates created a naming ritual to symbolize his gender transition. He won't reveal the name he was born with, but in his teen years he adopted "Shani," a Swahili word that means "marvelous," and out of that came Sean.

   Dennison began to take hormone injections about every two weeks, a lifelong commitment.

   "It was a wonderful, terrifying thing," he says. "You have no idea how it's going to come out. But now I feel so much more comfortable."

   His mother, so comfortable with other people's gay or transgendered kids, took Dennison's change hard. But the two were always close, and still are today.

   After seminary, Dennison served as an intern minister in Berkeley for a year before taking an interim slot in Stockton, Calif. Last year, when he was looking for a pulpit and a place to settle, he remembered visiting the people and the mountains of Salt Lake City.

   The South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society, meanwhile, was looking for a minister.

   "I thought we needed a minister who had a good understanding of spirituality," says Carol Gill, South Valley's religious education director. "And I wanted a people person."

   And because the church had seen a lot of turnover in its ministers, it wanted a longer commitment. Dennison offered all of these qualities.

   Plus, says South Valley board member Lynda Layer, "It was an opportunity for our congregation to live our [inclusion] principles. I have a 6-year-old son and I like showing him that we walk the talk."

   For Unitarian Universalists, that talk was slow to develop. In 1974, the church officially began to support civil union ceremonies and two years later began to support gay and lesbian clergy. Every four years or so, as Dennison says, "The welcome has expanded."

   Last summer, 94 percent of the congregation voted to install him as its minister. Dennison had had reservations about whether families with children would approve, but Layer says she wants her son to know Dennison as a person. That way, she says, the child will understand that hate is wrong, not a person's sexual orientation.

   Today, Dennison is an integral part of the South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society  --  its center, really.

   "We had been going in a lot of different directions, we weren't really solidified," Gill says. "It's feeling like a closer community and I think it's because of him."

   "He's brought stability," says Layer. "People are starting to care about the building. We're not always in the instant-fix mode."

   Mostly, they say, he's a good minister.

   In addition to his congregation, Dennison also feels welcome in the greater Salt Lake community. As a small town kid, he is more at home in Utah than the San Francisco Bay area. For the most part, people are kind to him and his partner, and he says that's what is most important.

   "I feel totally at home here. It's an inviting hospitable culture," he says, though in the face of a dominant religion, he believes smaller religions have isolated themselves. He wants to bring these churches together.

   Dennison does speak publicly on behalf of the transgendered community, like at a November memorial service for transgendered victims of hate and a panel last week on sexual minorities and religion.

   "Part of what Sean is doing is giving a face to a group of people who we have marginalized," says Pat Gamble-Hovey, who works with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered communities for the United Church of Christ. "He brings a great gift to us; 'Here I am and ain't I a human?' "

   But his congregation is more likely to admire his efforts in bringing the church together to explore spirituality. His sermon just before the holidays changed Layer's perspective of humanism, one of the roots of the Unitarian tradition.

   "In Unitarian Universalism," Dennison concluded that day, "our welcome is intentionally wide. Not because, as I first mistakenly assumed about humanism, there is no core, no center, no heart. But because our heart is a firm and abiding belief that there is goodness to be found all around us and among us, and that we are enriched and blessed to building a world together, by our own hands."

 

2 March 2003 Sunday

Dad wrote me again to tell me more about Andy Walker’s death. He was my second cousin. “Hi,  I never knew much about Gene's kids. I thank Andy was into drugs as cause of death I don’t know. Mildred read it in the paper, called Mattie Lee she called us. don't know any news. Bush has got the gas prices up for his oil buddies    love Mom  and Dad.”

Mildred Keaton is dad’s first cousin and Mattie Lee Williams his sister in law.

Hilary G Smith of the Salt Lake Tribune reported, “HYRUM -- Cache County Republicans held a special convention on barely 24 hours' notice Saturday to select a replacement for Rep. Brent Parker, R-Wellsville, who resigned Friday after being cited for allegedly soliciting sex from a police officer posing as a male prostitute in Salt Lake City.

             Of the 185 delegates in House District 5, 144 turned out for the convention at Mountain Crest High School and chose Curt Webb of Providence, manager of a title company, to replace Parker.

            "I feel very bad for Mr. Parker and his family," Webb said. "There's a lot to learn."

            Webb got the nod at the county convention and then lost to Parker in a primary race last fall. Cache County Republican Chairman Clair Ellis expects Gov. Mike Leavitt to accept Webb as the party's choice to replace Parker and said Webb will be sworn in Monday and complete Parker's term, which was to end in 2004.

             County Republicans said it was important to move quickly in finding a replacement for Parker as there are only three days left in the 2003 legislative session.

Parker held a position on the House Education Committee, and the fate of several pieces of legislation hangs in the balance. Politicians are relieved to have a replacement for Parker, and Webb's nomination was endorsed by Rep. Loraine Pace, R-Logan, who said he would be a friend to Cache County citizens.

That is not to say people in Wellsville have recovered from the shocking news of Parker's Wednesday night arrest. Parker was well-respected in this tiny community where dogs still chase cars, where there are no stoplights and community activities center on the pioneer-era tabernacle built by Mormons shortly after their arrival in the lush valley in the late 1800s.

Parker, father of six and grandfather of six, owns a successful real-estate business and runs a dairy farm in Mount Sterling, a community made up primarily of sprawling farms at the mouth of Sardine Canyon, just across the highway from Wellsville.

Salt Lake City police say Parker solicited the undercover officer just before midnight Wednesday near Exchange Place between Main and State streets in downtown Salt Lake City. According to police reports, the legislator drove to a secluded location a block away, where he offered the officer money for oral sex.

Parker, who was elected to a second term in office in November, was cited and released. A solicitation charge carries a potential sentence of up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Residents talked about it all day, said Aaron, a clerk at the Wellsville Market who asked that his last name not be used. "I couldn't believe it. I thought my mom had the wrong person when she told me this morning," he said Saturday afternoon. Parker "was my [LDS] stake president, and I worked for him a couple of summers on his farm. He was the greatest."   

Aaron said most customers had expressed sadness about Parker's plight. "They just say that people make their own choices, even if they're bad ones," he said.

Others lamented that the stigma in a small community would probably be worse because the incident allegedly involved another man. "It's all just so sad," said one longtime Wellsville resident.

 "What can you say?" said Utah State University political science professor Randy Simmons at the Saturday evening convention. "It's a tragedy for him personally and his family."   

Said Providence delegate Vic Saunders: "Here's a guy who had a spotless record until yesterday. Now look. It's a shock."

 

3 March 2003 Monday

David Thometz who was once involved with the Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats wrote me, “How've you been? I'm going through my photos & relics for the USHS&A [Utah Stonewall Historical Society and Archives]. As artifacts/relics go, do you think a GLUD sign and a brick from the Sun (taken the day of the tornado) would be appropriate additions? If so, I'd be happy to donate them. I also have a photo spread that I designed for the Daily Utah Chronicle about  the 1993 March on Washington, and several individual photos from there that I'll scan and submit as well. I'm sure I have other things lurking in  my boxes too. :) Talk to you soon! Thanks for all the work you're doing!”

Adam Bass of the Utah Stonewall Democrats wrote; This is going out too late for the weekend efforts, but there's no time like the present to contact your legislator and ask them to support this hate crimes bill . . . or the next one if this one gets defeated.

Subj: please help.... Hello friends, We got really close to passing the Hate Crimes Legislation this week. It actually passed the House of Reps on Thursday, but on Friday a few ultra conservative Republicans pulled some procedural moves to get the bill back to the House where they aim to kill it.

  Considering that we passed this bill by the absolute minimum number of votes necessary to pass any bill (38) in the House, and now one of our 38 "yes" votes has resigned, we are in trouble. However, there are a few things we can do to try and get this bill out of the House and back to the Senate.

Please help me with these: You may have emailed your legislators already, but that isn't enough. They need to get their emails flooded - if not by us, the Eagle Forum will flood their emails. You also NEED to call them at home this weekend. In either email or on the phone, please, please, please be very respectful. These legislators work hard and get lots of mean and nasty things said to them. We need to be the ones that they respect, by us respecting them.

There are a few key legislators who need to be contacted, in addition to your own. They are the three people who voted for Hate Crimes Legislation on Thursday and then voted against it on Friday. We need to write and call them and ask them to keep supporting the Hate Crimes Bill. By way of talking points, please emphasize that this is a necessary tool for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors.

In fact, the Republican Attorney General of the State of Utah is one of the main backers of this bill. Please contact your own legislator and ask them to support the Hate Crimes Bill.

I know I'm asking for a lot of work. However, if you have any time at all, please contact these legislators in particular and let them know that the Hate Crimes Bill IS a main-stream necessary thing, and that there are reasonable concerned people in Utah that want to see the bill passed. They will consider this legislation on Monday, once again, so there is not a minute to loose. Thank you tons.

If you have ANY questions at all about what to say, what this bill's about, etc. please call me - 801-414-4586. In addition, please don't forget your own legislator in the process of contacting these people. If you need help finding out who that is, I can help with that too. When you get a response either by phone or email from any member of the legislator, whether it is good or bad, could you email me and tell me what they said, so we know where these people stand for the vote on Monday? Thank you so much. Also, please feel free to forward this information on to any email lists you have. These legislators need to hear from everyone. Adam 

            Dan Harrie reporter for the Salt Lake Tribune wrote, “Hate Bill Expires Quietly   Hate crimes legislation is dead for the year. Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake City, the sponsor of the bill, allowed it to fade away quietly Monday night rather than risk an emotional free-for-all on the House floor. "There was potential for it to get divisive and ugly," said Litvack.

            House Bill 85 passed the Utah House last Thursday night for the first time in its six years before the Legislature. A landmark vote for supporters of the bill, the 38-35 approval followed a two-hour debate punctuated with the most impassioned speeches of the session.

            But the measure was recalled the following day and appeared doomed had it been put to a re-vote.

            Litvack said his decision to allow the bill a quiet, dignified death was in some ways a tribute to the "memorable" debate of last week. He vowed he would be back with the bill next year.

            Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, a Republican, expressed disappointment at the legislation's demise. "I was prepared to fight [for] it all the way to the end," he said. "I've always said if we're going to pass hate-crimes legislation this is the year. Next year it's going to be tough because it's an election year."

    Opponents allowed the bill to go down silently. It was a change from the rallies and remonstrations of recent weeks that have targeted hate-crimes for defeat.

            The Utah Republican Party's governing Central Committee panned the bill as creating a new category of "thought crime" because it would impose a more severe penalty based on a criminal's motivation.

             Under the bill, crimes committed because of the demonstrable bias of the perpetrator against a victim's religion, race, color, nationality, ancestry, age, gender, disability

 or sexual orientation could be prosecuted as a hate crime.

            Moral crusader Gayle Ruzicka, head of the Utah Eagle Forum, helped lead the opposition, warning that it could be used to quash free speech and religion rights.

    Largely unspoken in public debate was the conviction by some opponents that the bill would grant legal recognition and protected status to gays and lesbians.

    The predominant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has actively opposed legalization of same-sex marriage, issued an unusual statement of no opposition to the hate crimes bill.

    Simultaneously, church-owned KSL TV and Radio and the Deseret News editorialized in its favor.

    All 19 House Democrats voted for the measure last week, joined by 19 of the 56 Republicans.

    While most opponents were conservative Republicans, Rep. Jim Ferrin, R-Orem, co-sponsored the legislation.

    "I've taken a lot of grief from a lot of people on this issue," said Ferrin. But he also found new allies.

    "There I was standing shoulder to shoulder with the Democrats, the liberals and the homosexuals. And do you know what? I like those people," said Ferrin.

 

4 March 2003 Tuesday

Chard Keller wrote to Mike [Picardi], Michael [Mitchell], Paula [Wolfe] saying, “I receive an email, and it did not appear to be any of you pertaining to the upcoming town hall meeting on Sodomy Laws requesting the permission to release some of the research at the Utah Stonewall Historical Society Yahoo Group.

 They seemed to be someone who may be doing some leg work for one of you or your producing partners on the upcoming town hall meeting on March  12. Traditionally we will not release items to unidentified people as a precautionary measure to protect the integrity of the research, the community, and importantly the authors who have given to us their research and articles. We would be interested in partnering with you to present information pertaining to the history of Sodomy Laws in a visual format and provided historical items to your presenters.

 The USHS see it as its duty to insure that the history of the Lambda people of Utah is factually protected and accurately told and are happy to assist when the opportunity presents itself. If some of our information can be of assistance to you, or we may participate in some manner please feel free to contact me via email or at 325-3758. Thanks! Chad Keller Co-Chair Utah Stonewall Historical Society”

            Michael Mitchell of Unity Utah wrote “HB 85 Dead (until next year) After discussing it with community activists, friends, a few fellow lawmakers and family, Rep. David Litvack (D-SLC) and co-sponsor Rep. Jim Ferrin (R-Orem) decided to ask that HB 85 not be brought back up for discussion in this legislative session, preferring to let it go out on a high note rather than drag it through another heated discussion and possible unfriendly amendments that would alter the bill's intent.

Litvack worked tirelessly on HB 85 and Ferrin was steadfast in his support of the measure. Attorney General Mark Shurtleff fought hard and long for it. They are heroes. Huge thanks also go to the Republicans who broke with the party in a bipartisan show of support, especially Rep. Lorraine Pace (Logan) and Rep. Susan Lawrence (SLC East Bench) who gave impassioned floor  speeches in support of the bill. Of course, many thanks to stalwarts Rep. Jackie Biskupski and Rep. Duane Boudreaux. And to give credit where credit is due, thanks goes to the folks at the LDS Church who were incredibly helpful in many, many ways - some of which I'm sure we'll never even be aware.

Jim Gonzales, Mike Picardi and Adam Bass deserve endless kudos, as do Forrest

Crawford, Lorna Vogt, and Linda Hilton. Dozens of wonderful volunteers and community activists showed up on a moment's notice to lobby . 

            Finally a huge thank you to the hundreds who sent well-written emails, faxes, and letters in support of the bill. From the emails that were forwarded to me, I can say that no one can accuse us of lowering the rhetoric to the inflammatory, crass, or accusatory. Thank you for being courteous and respectful when it could have been very easy to be otherwise. The debate around this bill on the floor was elevated to a level rarely seen in

our legislature and I'm sure it had a lot to do with the kinds of communications that they were receiving from our side.

We didn't get hate crimes passed into law in this session, but we made huge strides in the right direction. Don't let this be an excuse to slack off on getting involved! Remember that the Capitol is the "people's house" and the folks up there making laws work for us. We need to keep in touch with them throughout the year. It's their job to listen and respond. Watch for a full report in next month's Pillar on this and other legislation. As always, we're at your service. Yours in equality, Michael Mitchell  

 

5 March 2003 Wednesday

Donald Steward announced, “Dear All, The Gay and Lesbian Public Safety Liaison Committee in conjunction with the Salt Lake City Police Department, will be hosting an informal meeting for the bar owners, bar managers and security staff of Salt Lake City's GLBT-oriented bars. The meeting will be on March 5 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah Inc. (upstairs) at 355 North 300 West.

Members of the SLCPD Vice and Narcotics Squads will be available to answer questions concerning licensing, compliance, drug trends and other issues. Representatives from the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will also be available.

We would like this to be a comfortable meeting with open dialogue. If you have any issues that you would like to have addressed (but do not feel comfortable bringing them up), please e-mail them to Don at dsteward@digitalpla.net or call (801)597-9844, and we will ask your question while maintaining your confidentiality. Thanks ... Fergie”

Chad Keller wrote to historian and author Eric Marcus, “Dear Eric; I represent the Utah Stonewall Historical Society, and we are planning an October GLBT History event in Salt Lake City. Several of our members just heard you on This Way Out. We would love to have you as the keynote speaker for our event and are interested in opening a dialog with you to see if it is feasible for both parties. What are your terms for public speaking engagements?

The dates of the event in October are still open. The event is tentatively scheduled to be held at the new Salt Lake Public Library. Sincerely  Chad Keller Utah Stonewall Historical Society Salt Lake City, UT.”

Chad Keller wrote to me about Michael Mitchell. “He was very positive yesterday, and in fact was most interested in working with us once the legislative session was done...(He could have called for hate crimes help)

I got an email from a mystery person, and Michael thinks it might be someone at Lambda Legal doing some research work, specific to the Utah Event....I sent him the disclaimer, and the let him know that we would be happy to  partner with him if he would like a historic perspective.

Michael Mitchell and I are old friends...and I know he got the message the I was sending a friendly warning shot, to not just take and gain....I don’t think they realize the USHS website is there....remember they rehash the same information over and over until they can steal new stuff. I still feel that it is someone at the Center...

Geoff [Partain] has his scopes on the USHS to make him look good....this killed two birds with one stone and set us up to keep the gate to the info under our control.”

The Tribune editors wrote, “An Honorable Act    One of the greatest successes in this year's session of the Utah Legislature is likely to be recorded as a failure. But Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake City, and Rep. Jim Ferrin, R-Orem, wanted more than a notch in their legislative belts. They wanted a hate crimes bill that would not only pass but mean something. And they were not willing to sell out any portion of society in order to win the day.

            That loyalty to principle in a losing cause brings more honor to the House than any hollow legislative victory would earn.

            The bill would have set tougher penalties for acts of violence or vandalism motivated by prejudice against people due to their race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. A similar bill passed the Senate in 2001, thanks to the tireless efforts of the late Sen. Pete Suazo, but the legislation died in the House in each of the last five years.

            The bill had the support of such serious personages as Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and the Utah Sentencing Commission. And it received a significant boost when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints publicly announced that it was not opposed.

            Still, opposition was strong, especially among those who feared -- even though the plain text of the bill says otherwise -- that it would somehow create some special legal rights for gays and lesbians, perhaps even including the right to marry.

            The measure had a brief taste of success last Thursday, passing the House by a vote of 38-35. But it was pulled back the very next day by representatives who, regrettably, undid their good deed and set further debate for Monday.

            Litvack, though, pulled the bill before that could happen. He saw that more arguing, so close on the heels of two hours of emotional dialogue Thursday, could easily get nasty and hurt the cause. Besides, with the Legislature due to adjourn today, even a Monday approval by the House wouldn't allow enough time for Senate action.

            The bill's sponsors might well have been spared not only failure, but the cruel illusion of success, had they been willing to leave the list of protected characteristics out of the law, or to leave homosexuals off that list.

            But Litvack and Ferrin, to their eternal credit, chose not to do so. For one thing, a law without a list of characteristics that define the victim of a hate crime is so vague as to be unconstitutional. The argument that the list sets special rights for certain groups is absurd, as every single person can be defined by race, religion, or ethnicity, and thus is protected.

            For another, to have a list but not include sexual orientation would send a vile message that, while the state of Utah officially frowns on hate crimes against everybody else, it has no particular problem with crimes against gays and lesbians.

    Ferrin and Litvack could have won protection for some groups if they had been willing to abandon others. They refused to do so. Their bill failed.

             Next year, the House should honor us all by rewarding the principled stand of these two lawmakers and passing their Utah hate crimes bill.

            Opposition was strong, especially among those who feared -- even though the plain text of the bill says otherwise -- that it would somehow create some special legal rights for gays and lesbians, perhaps even including the right to marry.

 

6 March 2003 Thursday-

My Aunt Marie Williams wrote me back from Sedona Arizona after I had informed her about Andy Walker. She and Uncle Milton were closer to Gene and Carol Walker than mom and dad. “Hi Glad to see that I got thru to you. I don't know why I have difficulty. Man I hate to hear about Gene and Carol's son dying. Do you know why? I will send them a card. I will be going to California to see your folks soon. You know it would be nice if you were there. When can you get off????  Maybe spring break???  If it is the right week I can meet you there. I have a couple of weeks that are really busy at the office but after Apr 15th or so it will be easier for me to get off.

I do have some friends to see just over the hill from your folks. They live in Simi Valley. Yes we are close to going to war. Only a matter of time but I have confidence in our president and Colin Powell. I don't think they would put us into  a war that is not warranted. I do think better now than later. I sure hate to see us get like Israel with human bombs etc. I don't know if this will stop such bad deeds but at least it is a try. It seems that most of the senators and congressmen are in support of the president. I do believe that most of the country is behind him too.

I hope your folks don't try to follow Charlene and Dennis to Virginia. Why do they want to go there????  What is in Virginia???  How did Dennis lose his job, is he sick? Hope to hear from you soon...................Love Marie.”

Holly Mullin a columnist for the Salt Lake Tribune wrote, “Worthy Bill Nearly Made It This Time  It was just one bill in an ocean of 627 this legislative session, but it packed the wallop of a tsunami.

            It rattled people, forcing them to examine their deepest beliefs and darkest prejudices. And in a way rarely seen in the 55th Utah Legislature, which was often marked by arrogance and clumsy gamesmanship, this measure had the distinction of uniting pols who seldom find themselves on the same side of the aisle.

            Still, forceful as it was, House Bill 85 died quietly two days before the session ended. Dubbed the "hate crimes bill," it would have pumped up penalties for crimes motivated by bias or prejudice against a victim's race, color, gender, disability, age, nationality, ancestry, religion, or sexual orientation.

              Sponsored by Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake City, HB85 was six years in the making and moved further along this year than ever before. Late last week, aided by historic support from Republicans, the bill passed 38-35 in the House. Overnight scrambling by right-wing lobbyists, however, put it back in contention and up for a recall.

            By Monday, Litvack realized time for serious consideration was short. Plus, the telephone tree was all lit up by morality crusaders who painted the bill as "promoting a homosexual agenda."

            Ugh. Litvack retreated, then surrendered. But only until next year.

            Offering a brief post-mortem of the bill this week, Litvack was surprisingly energized. So was his chief GOP supporter, Rep. Jim Ferrin of Orem. Being on the correct side of an issue will do that to a person.

            "The concept of this bill in the past was that hate crimes are a Democratic issue. I've come to believe otherwise," said Ferrin, standing in a foyer off the House floor on Tuesday. He noted that unlike other issues -- the well-funded, endless row between banks and credit unions comes to mind -- this legislation turned on meaningful debate and a notion of what truly counts as equal protection under the law.

             "Republicans are comfortable with the concept that the punishment should fit the crime," Ferrin continued. "A crime motivated by hate or bias is certainly more severe. We saw that in the attack on the World Trade Center. But for some reason, shrinking it down to an attack by white supremacists on a Jewish home in Utah has been harder for people to understand."

            Both men admitted to being a bit stymied by the last-minute turnaround in the House and conceded HB85 was even less likely to pass the Senate. For the first time in six years, the LDS Church weighed in with a "not opposed" position on the matter. Favorable editorials appeared in the church-owned Deseret News and on KSL-TV.

            Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff was less measured in describing his reaction. The Attorney General's Office helped craft the bill, which amended a 1992 law that Utah courts have ruled is too broad. He felt it was legally sound and reasonable.

            "Unfortunately, there is a fringe element who will never support it," said Shurtleff, a Republican. "This is the right wing of the party that controls the convention process. It's going to be much harder to accomplish in the coming election year."

            Faithful to his party, Shurtleff nevertheless vows he will not support calls to nix language that protects gays and lesbians. "There was a lot of talk for doing that, and that would be wrong. This was a good bill, as written."

            So, look for Litvack and Ferrin to team on the sequel. Ferrin will be the one working to convince his colleagues of an idea that sometimes works:

    "I just decided to keep an open mind."

 

7 March 2003 Friday

Charles Milne Interim Director of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center at the U wrote to Chad Keller, saying, “Chad, I am not sure who sent this request to you. I have been working on all the logistical aspects for this town hall meeting and not really much more than that. For the content of the meeting I will refer you to Michael Mitchell.

            I also have another request for you and the Utah Stonewall Historical Society. I am coordinating making kiosks at Utah Pride 2003 this year and they will be featuring the history of the LGBT Community of Utah.

 It is a crucial aspect to include the historical society from the very beginning of this process. I am just the coordinator of this project. I see this project as the communities. I am just here to pull all the pieces together. There are going to be three kiosks around Pride on Sunday June 8th. I would like to incorporate as  much information as possible.

  I have asked the U of U archives to start sorting through all of the files that were given to them over the past several years. There have been given quite a bit of historical documents over the years.

            Please let me know if this is something that you and the Utah Historical Society would like to participate in. I am also hoping to be able to produce a documentary on the same subject that will be screened in the auditorium of the library. Thanks for all you do for the community. Charles Milne.”

            Interesting to me how everyone is jumping on the history bandwagon once they learn that Chad Keller and I have revived the Utah Stonewall Historical Center. First Geoff Partain and now Charles Milne neither who have an inkling of how much I know about this community. Charles doesn’t even know that the collection at the Marriott Library is the stuff from the old Utah Stonewall Center’s archive that was surreptitiously taken away from me until Jay Bell and I were able to reclaim it and donate it to the Marriott Library’s special collection.

 

8 March 2003 Saturday

David Nelson is raising hell again claiming that the GLCCU hired a child molester for their youth director without checking his back ground. He sure likes to stir the pot when he doesn’t know all the facts.

He wrote, “CHILD-ABUSING YOUTH DIRECTOR QUITS CENTER SALT LAKE CITY -- Amid a celebrated year-end expansion of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah Inc. board of directors that was due, in part, to the coincidental acquisition by GLCCU of Utah Pride Inc., the  felonious forcible sexual child-abuse circumstances about the consequential resignation in November of the board of directors member to direct its youth services [Adam Bass] went almost completely unnoticed until now.

The director [Paul Wolfe] declined to answer questions about the matter but was convicted in July of one count of second-degree abuse; four months before the resignation and seven months before the director's name and service was removed from the GLCCU website.   

More than 6,300 registered sex offenders live in the state. Most are required to register for 10 years. For a second conviction, or if offenders are convicted of certain crimes, such as victimizing children, they must register for life. The offenders are required to register annually and notify law-enforcement agencies within 10 days of a move or vehicle change, or face sanctions.

While the conviction happened in July, no doubt an arrest, temporary incarceration, arraignment, trial, and likely testimony  must have happened in the months leading up to the conviction.

GLCCU board of directors Co-Chairman Kent Frogley said on Feb. 16 that "We were made aware of [the] felony conviction in November of 2002. When we learned of [it], we asked for [the  director's] resignation."

A Salt Lake Tribune report was published in February describing how some offenders have failed to update their registration and avoid recognition by their families, friends, and co-workers. But, in this matter, the director's registration was and remains unpublished.

While everyone agrees that the director is no longer a part of  GLCCU, how its leaders responded to the matter seems questionable.

As unlikely as it is that the GLCCU leaders didn't know of the matter until November, why did they merely ask for the director's resignation? With the magnitude of the matter that they faced, why didn't they terminate the director's service immediately? Why didn't they remove immediately the director's name and service from the center website?

Such actions would have clearly affected the opinion of the  GLCCU leaders in the matter. As it turned out, the possible repercussions that the center would have suffered -- and indeed, still might -- seemed of little importance to the leaders.

Why didn't the GLCCU leaders care to act in ways which would confirm their protection of the center? By inviting the director to leave voluntarily and overlooking the ongoing promotion of the director's name and service, what they confirmed instead seems

to be their willingness to appease the director, or at least enjoy a nonchalant approach to what can be argued is their most embarrassing matter to date.

GLCCU leaders didn't describe any policies or procedures with which they might avoid similar matters in the future. If experience is the best teacher, the leaders might invest in more definite plans to guide their actions.

The director, however, worked subsequently for the Human Rights Campaign Inc. and other local gay and lesbian political groups. David Nelson Salt Lake City.”

            This inflammatory report was aimed at the Community Center but involved Adam Bass who was defamed as a child abuser. Actually Adam was involved with a 17 year old when Adam was in his early 20’s. When the kid’s Mormon parents learned of the affair they went berserk and contacted the police against the boy’s wishes and charged Adam with being a pedophile as that the kid was under age of 18. To me Adam Bass is the real victim.

 

10 March 2003 Monday

Kathy Worthington announced, “Starting in April, there is going to be a new women's publication in Utah called Womyn 4 Women. Sara [Hamlin] and I are going to be writing a monthly  column,  Never a Dull Moment, for the publication. (We wrote Never a Dull Moment for our own publication, the Womyn's Community News, from 1992 to 1995)  Here is a press release about Womyn 4 Women:

New Utah Lesbian Newsletter to Launch in April After a long dry spell, Utah lesbians will once again have their very own newsletter! The free premier edition of Womyn 4 Women will be available this April in  print at various lesbian friendly places and online in a printable format. Monthly issues will be available on a subscription basis.

Womyn 4 Women is published for Utah lesbians and their friends. It will provide a medium to better inform and strengthen our unique community by covering a wide array of interesting topics including Feature Stories, Creative Pursuits, Travel/Adventure, Outdoor/Social Activities (including sports), Entertainment, Gay Politics - local to international, Religion/Rituals, How We Met/How We Parted stories, Advice, Resources - support, reinforcement, and Role Models

            Womyn 4 Women encourages contributions from its readers. You are welcome to

send letters to the editor, article ideas and information about things of interest to Utah lesbians. In addition, we are always open to feedback and suggestions. We will be happy to announce your group outing or activity free of charge. Display advertising and classified ads are reasonably priced.

A one-year subscription to Womyn 4 Women is $25 and will be distributed the first of each month. (Lower priced subscriptions will be available for low income women. Ask about those.) To make sure you get your copy, send  checks or money orders to the publisher, Happy Mediums: Happy Mediums P.O. Box 575708 Salt Lake City, Utah 84157-5708

  

12 March 2003 Wednesday

Chad Keller wrote Paul Cucunato, President of the Utah Gay Rodeo Association who he and Paul have been quarreling regarding debt that Paul accuses Chad of getting the club in from the Rodeo Extravaganza last year that went way over budget. He wrote,  “Paul, In review of the situation,  I do not feel comfortable continuing with the KTPA [Kiss the Pig’s Ass] fundraiser. There are several factors surrounding this for me. It would be one thing to do this if it benefits the Rodeo and gets people in the stands to make money for UGRA. It is quite another to do it for the pure enjoyment of others to watch me humiliate myself in front of the whole community and UGRA not get some benefit for it. Further I have no interest in doing really anything that will generate attendance or interest in Pride after the crap I went through with them last year.

            Therefore, I feel it important to cancel the gathering of the fund, this should be part of your announcement on Saturday. The anger I experienced last night from members of the community who had heard of the Rodeo plans were a determining factor, and I want to get rid of that animosity toward me because of the fund.

 I am happy to discuss the issue, and perhaps we can come to a understanding or draw up a different contract. We can have this discussion on Friday when you and I meet.

            As the fund was gathered in a contest which involved me personally, I am  taking a very active role in where and how the fund is disbursed and have determined the following to be in the best interest of the UGRA, Community, and of course the one that was going to humiliate themself, me.

 I looked at community need and connections with UGRA and I have found some organizations that are good fits with our mission statement.

            I ask the following to be disbursed from the KTPAF in the following manner; $100.00 to 4-H Clubs of Greater Salt Lake (farm animal programs), $100.00 to Wasatch Community Gardens,  $100.00 to Bad Dog Rediscovers America (youth at risk art program) $200.00 to Memory Grove Foundation $300.00 to Utah Stonewall Historical Society (GLBT history preservation)     total $800.00

            The remainder should be paired with the money raised off the auction of Harriet the decorated Pig to provide money to another GLBT or main stream organization of UGRA's choosing, with the exception of  The Center or Pride.

            Legally, I could be held responsible as well as the UGRA by the state if it is not given back as we have no record of who gave what then I see this as the best option.

            This could be a great positive for Saturday and anticipate your announcement.

Thanks! Chad Keller 

            There was a meeting up at the university to discuss the Sodomy case coming before the U.S. Supreme Court. “A town hall meeting to discuss the historic U.S Supreme Court cases challenging sodomy laws was held at the University of Utah’s Fine Arts Building Auditorium. Learn about the case and the impact it will  have in our state, speak about how the laws have affected you, and help plan our next steps. Free and open to the public.

Lambda Legal is hosting a series of town halls and presentations over the  upcoming months. For more information about Lawrence and Garner vs. Texas,  tools to host your own town hall or a schedule of events visit www.lambdalegal.org.

            Featured Speakers: Jon Davidson, Senior Counsel, Lambda Legal, Michael Mitchell, Executive Director, Unity Utah  Refreshments will be served

 “Meeting Takes Aim at Anti-Sodomy Law   Groups advocating an end to anti-sodomy laws are hosting a town hall meeting Wednesday at the University of Utah. The 7:30 p.m. meeting -- hosted by the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund -- will take place at the Fine Arts Building Auditorium. Similar meetings are being held in the 13 states where sodomy is illegal.

    Lambda is fighting Texas' "homosexual conduct" law at the U.S. Supreme Court, which hears arguments March 26.

    "Many of us have been working for years to get rid of this law," said Jon Davidson, Lambda's senior counsel.”

I wish I would have gone but it being a school night with the Third Term ending on Friday I was just too exhausted.

 

15 March 2003 Saturday

Chad Keller and Todd Dayley’s GLBT Community Leadership Summit held its first Leadership Summit at the Sacred Light of Christ Metropolitan Community Church located at 823 S 600 East, Salt Lake City, UT.

“All GLBT Organizations and groups are welcome to have up to 5 people in attendance. These people can include board members, donors, staff, volunteers, etc. Cost of the event is $20.00 per person. Lunch will be provided and each person in attendance will receive a leadership resource book. Residual money from the event will be equally donated between the organizations in attendance. This should be an exciting event to attend and too participate in. The day has been planned with many sessions to help build UNITY, SUPPORT, AND STRENGTHEN each and every organization within our GLBT community. 8:00 – 9:00 Registration & Continental Breakfast;  9:00 – 9:15 Opening Remarks Todd Dailey, Publisher of the Pillar  9:15 – 9:30 Small Discussion Groups 9:30 – 10:30 Enlightened Leadership:     Creating Unity in the Community  Becky Moss & Ben Williams 10:30 – 10:45  Break 10:45 – 12:45 We Are Family? Randy Laub  12:45 – 1:00 Small Discussion Groups  1:00 – 2:00  Lunch & Motivational Speaker2:00 – 3:30            Who Me? Stressed? John Cottrell & Randy Laub    3:30 – 4:00    Small Discussion Groups   4:00 – 4:30    Why a Forum? Reviewing the past and looking to the future           Ben Williams  4:30 – 5:00   Closing Remarks Michael Mitchell, Executive Director of Unity Utah  We hope to see you there! Toni Johnson, Director People With AIDS Coalition of Utah 1390 South 1100 East, Suite 107 Salt Lake City, Utah 84105”

After the summit I went to Joe Redburn’s bar the Trapp with Chad Keller for the UGRA benefit  and the RCGSE’s fund raiser for Cancer Awareness which was promoted by Chuck Whyte.

“Join the UGRA at 7:30 p.m. at the Trapp* as the 2003 UGRA Rodeo & Wild West Festival theme is unveiled and Kick off the effort for one of the Cornerstones of Utah Gay Pride Month  Rodeo 2003 will be the most fun yet! More Twists and Turns than ever! The UGRA Rodeo is one of the most anticipated GLBT Events of the Summer! Please join us as we take a moment to celebrate our 4 years of producing a rodeo, and 13 years of UGRA helping build a great Diverse Utah Community! We will be raising a ruckus for UGRA Rodeo 2003 & Wild West Festival Lite Refreshments! The Trapp is a private club located at 102 South 600 West. Don’t Forget--immediately following will be the Funtastic Finale for the RCGSE Cancer Awareness Week at the Trapp Door.”

 

16 Monday 2003 Sunday

Paul Cucunato wrote regarding the CLF summit “Hello all! I just wanted to say thanks to all of you for the great time that I had on Saturday. It was wonderful getting together and I hope that we can all come forward as a group to make a difference in our community. I also wanted to forward on my phone number so that if any of you need any kind of help from the UGRA, know that we are here! You can  call anytime 518-7276. Can't wait to see you again at the next meeting. Paul Cucunato President UGRA 2003

The “Us of Me Music of Diverse Cultures” was the theme of  Salt Lake Men’s Choir spring concert. Special guests were the Narodna International Dancers, and the SLCC Dance Company

Salt Lake Men’s Choir spring concert celebrates diversity and common bonds Two dance companies, songs in twelve languages and sixty singers all add up to what will be a fabulous evening of music and movement as the Salt Lake Men’s Choir (SLMC) presents its spring concert.

On Sunday,  March 16 in the Choir’s new home stage – the Jeanne Wagner Theatre – the Narodna International Dancers and Salt Lake Community College  Dance Company join SLMC for “The Us of Me – Music from Diverse  Cultures.”

The concert is named for one of the songs to be performed, The Us of Me, written by David L. Brunner for the Orlando Gay Chorus in 1996. The festive work is an anthem to the common experience for all human beings, the potential in each of us and the necessity to affirm, support and nurture each other. The concert will feature more than two dozen songs, many in their native languages, and five dance  performances.

“Coming off of our first international ‘tour,’ this concert has a new  and special meaning to us,” said Jonathan Stowers, SLMC  president. “Joining choirs from around the world, many of which were not from English-speaking countries, brought us closer to understanding and appreciating our differences as well as our similarities.”

“All of us are affected in some way by the many cultures on this earth. Our being and understanding of our place in this world is comprised of everything around us, everything that has come before us, and we continue that thread as we touch everyone we come in contact with.”

Among the Choir's primary goals is to “build bridges of understanding and tolerance among diverse communities through music,” according to its mission statement. The offering of this multi-cultural concert to the people of Utah extends their desire to celebrate the diversity of the world and of this community.

“Many of the songs we sing have dual meanings or different messages for different ears,” explains artistic director Lane Cheney. “When one hears Nigra Sum, which translates simply to ‘I am Black,’ they are listening to a song about how we are all born of love. ‘The winter is past, the rain is over and gone, and flowers appear on the earth’  could very well speak to the hope and promise of the future."

Narodna, an international dance group run by fellow Choir member Adrian Ruiz, will perform Russian and Slovakian folk dances. The Salt Lake Community College Dance Company will present an Irish step dance, modern dance, and a piece with African drums.

The Salt Lake Men's Choir is joining the Global Candlelight Vigil for Peace this Sunday, March 16. Following the concert, the audience will be asked to join the vigil on the sidewalk in front of the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center at about 9:30pm. All are welcome to join. The concert is about diversity and is being sung in several languages. Two dance companies will join the choir to perform international dances. Doors open at 7pm. Vigil begins after the concert, about 9:30pm.

Michael Aaron a long time member of the choir added, “Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Reverend Robert Edgar, and other religious leaders call for candlelight vigils around the world on March 16th to say yes to peace -- and no to war with Iraq.”

 

17 March 2003 Monday

It was St. Patrick’s day and at the end of the day I took my kids out on the field to fly kites as an activity to begin the 4^th term.

Chad Keller sent me a boat load of email correspondence from his feud with Sherry Booth and others from the 2002 Pride Day Committee the other day. I just finished making sense of it. What a lot of work.

I wrote Chad Keller" Subject: Pride Day 2002. It took me three days but here is all your emails condensed to 75 pages, spelled checked, and put in chronological order as well as I could. Go  through it and delete non pertinent items and take out what you don't want because I want to have it as a historical document...PS Did the youth group ever get its money? Was the $106,000 budget ever itemized? Was there a monetary deficiency? Have they made a budget for this year and does it include salaries? Who is on the current 2003 Pride Board and EC? As a 501(3c) are they required to let the public see their expenditures? Ben Thanks!”

            Chad responded, “We forgot to do lunch yesterday....I’ll see you Wednesday...if I or you asked, they [the 2002 Pride Day Committee]would probably not give us any info that would be helpful. They have meetings at 1:00 pm each month...what convenient time to seek the community’s input....the answers to your questions- no they [Youth Group] didn’t get their money, The  budget was never itemized, Darien Hobbs did all he could to make it appear that there was a  deficiency. I’m sure they have a budget but they would never say if the Center’s Board of Directors, and Jerry Rapier, whine and cheesewiz director of the Plan B Theatre, is the Paid Event Coordinator or daily accounts, to the Lord Majesty. They will let you see stuff, but you have to request a meeting 30 days prior and there are stipulations, and they usually have only an overview as typical with the center. It might be good to speak with Billy [Lewis]. He has a lot of stuff.”

            I wrote back saying how I intend to get further information. “Chad please send me Craig Miller's email address as well as  Sherry Booth. I am also going to send it to  other's so they know whether I was refused or not. Ben

            Chad responded, “They won’t be swamped at all....remember they have wonder boy Jerry [Rapier]. I don’t have one for Alpha Les [Sherry Booth]  that works anymore.”

            He also sent me this quote from Alison Bechdel cartoonist of “Dykes To Watch Out For” to the Gay Vermont newspaper “Out In The Mountains,” February issue. “All the things we've been fighting for -- equality, visibility -- once we get them, there will be no more queer culture. In a way, that's fine. In a way, I'm reluctant about ... moving toward acceptance."  --

Late I received another email from Chad, “I just got a call from Eric Marcus. He would love to come to Utah and has been through here on several occasions. He is available the weekend of October 17 & 18 .As we are going through him and not his agent he will come for 1500.00 to 2000.00  (we get to pick where in that range we feel comfortable.) then we also have to cover expenses. (hotel, airfare, food, hospitality, and what not). I know that we can get the Globe to do a small dinner party to raise funds..... I have talked to my contact at the Monaco and they would be happy to sponsor a room for him. We probably should look at the grant with the Humanities Council  and also see about bringing them on as a partner...I am loath even having to think about consider begging the Death Star [Community Center] for help or partnering.

I wrote back, “After thinking and being inspired by the meeting last Saturday, we need to find a diplomatic way to invite people to participate.”

I then wrote Craig Miller about questions I had regarding Pride Day 2002. “Dear Craig Miller,             I read your article in March’s Pillar and want to thank you for it. It was very useful as a record of Pride Day 2002 for my collection of notes on the “evolution” Utah’s Pride Days. I would like to meet with you and Sherry Booth at your convenience for an interview for an article I am writing for the Utah Stonewall Historical Society. I am extremely interested in three areas and hope that you both can help me.

            First-When did fiduciary malfeasance on the part of Kim Russo first appear? Who had access to the financial records? Who actually blew the whistle? When was she removed from her position and how?

            Second – Do you still have a copy of the by-laws, mission statements, and 5013c  forms, and record of membership of the Board of Directors from 2000-2003 (until the new Pride Day arrangement with GLCCU was put in place in February)?

            Third- I would like a copy of past Pride Day budgets from 2000-2003. Are they available and itemized?

     This information would help me fill in the gaps in my data file since I stopped gathering materials in 1999. I was told the world was coming to an end in 2000. I must have been misinformed.

I know Sherry and you will be swamped soon so could we meet sometime in the next two weeks? That should give you time to acquire material solicited and I am more than willing to reimburse any Xeroxing  expenses. Again I want to thank you in advance.

Sincerely Ben Williams

PS Do you mind if I bring a tape recorder? I find it helpful in my old age when I can’t read my notes.”

I doubt whether he will answer but it’s worth a try/ He can be cagey.

President George W. Bush announces in a televised speech that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his sons have 48 hours to leave Iraq, or the United States will initiate preemptive military action against Iraq.

18 March 2003 Tuesday

Chad Keller wrote to Todd Dayley “Subject: History article.”  “Todd, The attached article is for the April edition of the Pillar. I know Ben has sent his article, perhaps this could be in addition too? In finishing this up Ben feels if space is limited and both can be run, that this be what is run.

 We have received many inquiries on the Pride History issue, some of which are receiving a copy if this. This issue is important and we feel that this will clarify the history of our community and an important community event and asset.

            It is really fun to read the actual history of the community and then compare it to the lore that it has become. There are several items that get confused and lumped into the history of Utah Gay Pride, and then a lot of stuff viewed as a separate thing from Pride but were actually what was once Gay Pride Day. And then of course the forgotten stuff which plays an important part to the whole thing. Utah has a long and colorful history that rivals any of the other major cities, we cannot let our history be forgotten.

            We will prepare a 1983 to 1993 issue as there are inquires that we have not been able to address in this article. Thanks for all you do in the Community and thanks for allowing the USHS to be a contributing column in the Pillar.... HAPPY 10th ANNIVERSARY!! Best and Warmest Regards CK USHS”

Doug Fadel who founded QUAC and is a GLCCU board member, wrote to Chad Keller , “For Leadership Forum--I spoke with Paula [Wolfe] about a calendar--the center is on board with helping. She suggested a website that each group could access and add their events to (pass-words so that authorized person from group can access). The website would not allow anyone to delete events without authorization. Once the website is up and running, each organization could link from their own sites to it. At our next board meeting, I will propose that a committee from the Center (we have a couple of computer experts on the board) coordinate with the Leadership forum to get the site up and running.

This is kinda what Michael Mitchell and I discussed following the summit. Need to explore the options to keep it a neutral entity supported by the Forum, Center, Unity, and other partners in the community. I agree on the authorization, and traditionally it was as a service of the forum, so to be listed an organization would need to attend on a regular basis. I have a web designer looking for a simple solution for me. I like the proposal, so perhaps they you and I can meet, and discuss options and what I have found. We need to be cautious moving forward, as there are few groups who keep info updated on their site, and many who have no real site at all. I know we can figure this out as a team.

For Leadership Forum--I hope to continue to attend the forum as a representative from the Center. I also hope to have at least one other board member join me (or sub for me when I cannot attend).-I want to help get more organizations on board. Are there any organizations that could use a little outreach? Do you have a list of every organization that might be out there? To be honest with you, I was not familiar with most of the organizations attending the summit. I have a lot to learn about the other organizations--and I am looking forward to it.

            It was my hope that the larger groups would somehow endorse their experience and call for those GLBT and Friendly organizations they are associated with to come join them at the Forum. Yes there are many that need more work done to get them in attendance. I believe that this needs to be a one on one thing leader to leader, I think the April Forum meeting should be a how to get others in attendance. I look forward to working with you on this, and again see the Forum helping build bridges between organizations and people to Build, Unite, and Inform the community. The Center's input is valid and welcome. Love Doug.”

Brandie Balken announced today her intentions of creatin the first annual "Dyke March." Hello everyone, My name is Brandie Balken, and I'm currently working with Pride 2003 to organize the first ever "Dyke March" in Salt Lake City. I am contacting you to see if any of you are interested in helping me coordinate groups to participate or represent if you will. I would love to see mothers and children, SLC drag kings, softball leagues, professional women, butch / femme, dykes on bikes, women in the military and anyone else who may want to be a part of it.

            Currently, I would like to set up an informal meeting to see if you have any ideas or recommendations about how the March should "look", and who should be there. If you are interested please either call me (910-3679 cell, 487-5986 home) or e-mail me and let me know when you are available, and/or who else I should contact.

FYI- Pride is June 8th, and the march is scheduled for June 7th at Memory Grove and terminating at Washington Square. We are hoping that nationally acclaimed Kate Kendall will be the Grand Marshall / Keynote speaker, but no confirmations have been made to date. Thanks and I hope to be hearing from you soon, Brandie.”

Kathy Worthington wrote Subject: a womyn's march in SLC, “A Dyke march, actually. Modeled after the huge and very popular dyke marches in cities like San Francisco and New York. I hope lots of Utah womyn will join us for this march. Kathy Worthington.”

Here we go again with more separatists in the community as we get more divided. If we held a separate Fag Parade we would be accused of misogyny for sure.

Chad Keller wrote me asking, “When did Concerning Gays and Lesbians come to the airwaves??...I want to correct this one.

“On the radio  This Way Out is the longest-running gay radio show in history, and it lives right on PlanetOut. Check out the premier source of radio news and entertainment features for our community and help support a venerable institution while you're at it!

About This Way Out On the air since 1988, This Way Out is the award-winning internationally distributed gay and lesbian radio program, currently airing on over 125 local stations around the world and on short wave station Radio For Peace International. Produced in Los Angeles, the weekly half-hour "radio magazine” is distributed via satellite to stations around North America, across Europe and in Australia, on tape to other stations overseas, and on the Internet exclusively on PlanetOut Radio.

 This Way Out has been honored with multiple awards from the National Federation Of Community Broadcasters, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), and the Gay and Lesbian Press Association.”

I wrote back to Chad Keller “Subject: Re: Need to make a correction.” Salt Lake City had Gay program since KRCL went on the air in December 1979 as GayjaVu and by 1982 it was “Concerning Gays”. Becky Moss  joined in November 1983 and the show became Concerning Gays & Lesbians. There's an article in the Pillar I think from November or December on it and more in our postings on the group site. Concerning Gays and Lesbians has been on the air years before This Way Out.”

Chad Keller announced on our group site;  "The accurate presentation of the history of the Utah Lambda  community is a most important resource we as a society can provide" stated USHS Curator and Co-Chair Chad Keller. Since the revival of a group specializing in Utah GLBT History, group leaders and historic specialists of the group have received many inquiries to be of assistance and provide help in providing an insight to the diverse past of the GLBT community in a variety of forums.

To be of assistance to the community the USHS has created two publications. 'Glimpse into History' a historic time line publication that can be created on a number of topics related to the GLBT community, and 'From the Record' a publication that digs into  the historic perspectives of the press and other community records. Each can be used in a negotiated partnership to compliment community events, rallies, lectures, parties, and other USHS endorsed gatherings. The publications for now are offered free of charge to reintroduce the importance of history to the GLBT community.

Most recently the USHS provided the first two 'Glimpse' editions to Unity Utah for their Sodomy Law Town hall meeting, and to the Leadership Summit hosted by the Pillar  Community Leadership Forum on the history of the Gay and Lesbian Community Council of Utah. "We were excited to be of assistance and were excited to participate with them. We look forward to doing more  with both of them in the near future." Stated Keller. Other specialty publications are in the works and will be introduced at a later date.

The Utah Stonewall Historical Society is also wrapping up the creation of a number of kiosks that can be used by the organizations and groups of the GLBT community in higher profile events. The three-sided kiosks can be used in a variety of ways in numerous settings. Historical information provided by the USHS on the kiosks can be tailored to fit the event with historic tidbits, who's who, fun facts, and other insights into the community complete with photos, graphics, and reproduced historic documents as available.

Created as a vital element to the development of the USHS, the society will keep them rotating in a variety of ways through the community. "Our history needs to accurately be shared," stated Ben Williams, Head Archivist and Co-Chair "We don't expect them spending too much time in storage."

The visual committee is actively working to add four video kiosks in 2004 and a trade show exhibit to the showcase the visual collection by 2005 that will be available for use by the USHS members and community partners.

"Often as a community, organizations and community leaders have rewritten our history in a public relation move to remove a blight or mistake from their personal history," stated Ben William, "because of this our GLBT national, regional, and state history is full of urban legend and twisted facts."  

 

19 March 2003 Wednesday

            We had our first Utah Stonewall Historical Society meeting at the downtown library in Conference Room D on the first Level. The dates and locations for future USHS meetings at the library for  the next few months are April 16  Conference Room D--Level 1. May 21 Conference Room D--Level 1, June 18  Conference Room--Level 3, July 16  Conference Room--Level 3, and August 20  Conference Room--Level 3

Chad Keller wrote to me his opinion regarding the proposed Dyke March “The Alpha Lesbians are in charge. So the next time the womyn want the mehn's support....or when we do a mehn's only thing....they can’t whine when we exclude them.... If we had a “gay march,” they would force their way in....and like the summit, one of the descriptions got out just saying Gay without being changed and the women went nuts.

 I say let’s break back into groups and wave hi from afar. We view life differently, have different health issues, are different, have a different social structure, and on and on and on.

Then being catty about the Dyke March, he wrote, “Will Sherry [Booth] and Paula [Wolfe] be joined with clit chains? . “LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.

Changing subjects Chad stated, “Inside news.....In May the Pillar will most likely drop the “lbt.” I’m not totally sure what he [Todd Dayley] is up to but will find out tomorrow.”

I wrote Chad Keller back, "Mehn's" my, my, my, Ms. Keller are we getting radical? Find the first issue the Pillar and you will notice  the banner said, "for the Mehn's Community". The Pillar was envisioned as a Gay man's paper because Worthington had her Womyn's paper. As soon as I was axed the Pillar became a "community" paper. BTW-The women got their paper back. No mention of Ts  or Bs. PS-Last Saturday was the first time EVER Todd publicly acknowledged my role in establishing the Pillar. I don't know whether he had a sudden attack of conscience or whether me sitting right behind him made him squirm. I will be generous and believe he is finally getting a "heart".

Still didn't mention that I was the one that put up the $1200 to publish the first edition out of my own pocket which I never was really compensated for, beyond just being paid back $800. I did write an article for the April Pillar on "Why We Use the Lambda". Because not only do I have a "heart" I also have "courage" and a "brain". So there Dorothy.”

Responding to my comments about Todd Dayley finally acknowledging my role in starting the Pillar at last week’s summit, Chad wrote, “ I think it is because he does have a heart, don’t think that those there know the whole story, but we have reminded his conscience. It just took you coming out to play with the community and being right behind him for it to finally  turn on the power to the bulb. He has said many times to me how he admires you, and your influence on the Pillar. It is time for healing for him.”

Jane Erickson of the Memory Grove Foundation wrote to Chad Keller “Subject: RE: a womyn's march in SLC” She said “Chad, it sounds like we may have the Festival Opera on the 7th. Make sure Brandie [Balkin] has a permit!

            Chad wrote her back, “She has a permit for the march but no booking for the park. I’ll let her know that we have a tentative conflict per the Memory Grove Foundation  schedule and would get with our schedule and the parks department.” He later got back with Jane and said, “She Brandie] had not booked the park...and was not going to. She is having Dykes on Bikes and noisy rally stuff. I steered her to the City Creek Park area. Hope there is not a wedding that night.”

Chad told where funds from the cancellation of the UGRA’s kiss a pig fund would be dispersed He said, “In the cancellation of the Rodeo the 800 some odd dollars are to be disbursed in the following manner from the pig fund. $100 4-H, $100 to the Royal Court Cancer Fund, $100 to Bad Dog Rediscovers America, $200 to the Memory Grove Foundation, and $300 to USHS.

He then sent me an email to send to Paul Cucunato asking for the funds. Chad said, “I would like us to have some cash to work with as we go forward. I think it is best if the note came from you as there would be a conflict for me being on both boards. It was announced on Saturday.

The  U.S. begins military strikes in Iraq, which many consider the beginning of the Iraq War.

20 March 2003 Thursday

Well another mother of battles began as George W ordered the invasion of Iraq to depose Saddam Hussein. So here we are at war with Iraq but what did they have to do with 9/11? Supposedly they have weapons of mass destruction, like we don’t. Lots of opinions on whether we should be at war with Rumfield adamant we will be welcomed as liberators. I wonder. Nearly a half a million Americans are being sent to fight over there.

Chad Keller wrote to Paul Cucunate his concerns how the Utah Gay Rodeo is being ran. “Paul, I am not afraid to tell you or the rest of the board that the cart is before the horse, and I think that we as a board need to drop the Pollyanna attitudes and get down to business :  1) making right 2003 to the community and the sponsors. 2) Address the structure and purpose of UGRA. 3) Create and implement a 5 year business plan  4) Address and put in place policy and procedure for a Rodeo Program 5) Create a 5 and 10 year business plan for the Rodeo Program 6) Prepare for a convention 7) Look at how to get competitors to our Rodeo.

 There are issues that must be addressed first before we get into trouble with the state. We need to have a collective vision, and then move forward. We don't even have a date for Rodeo 2004, or even been approved by IGRA to have a rodeo.

From the State’s point of view, no solicitations can be done until a date has been officially set. Let’s clean up the organization first so we have support from a strong membership,  then address the rodeo, then present the vision and long term business plan to the members, and then start calling for volunteers from the community and membership to sit on committees and start creating 2004.

UGRA wasted 6 months or more of my time. I will not let this board do that to the membership or community.

            The ship, my friends, is still sinking. 2004 right now is just a dream, and the nightmare is still in play. Let’s make things right to our members (the crew), and address why UGRA has become stagnant so we can have support and not be in the same mess again this time next year. With Respect and Regards, Chad Keller  Fundraising Coordinator 2003 UGRA  PS Thursdays at the Paper moon is not a time to be having board discussions or making decisions.”

            Chad Keller also wrote to Eric Marcus, “ Eric, We spoke last night. As a committee we would like to offer to you $1500.00 in cash. We will also see to your transportation to and from Salt  Lake  City, to accommodations, (most likely the Monaco in Downtown), food, spirits,  and great Utah GLBT hospitality while here. We have two potential sponsors opportunities that I would like to discuss with you on behalf of the committee I will try to call you next week  (March 24-28) at your number listed below. Warmest Regards, Chad Keller

Eric Marcus wrote back to Chad Keller Subject: Re: Speaking. “Dear Chad, Call me an idiot, or maybe it's just the sun, but I believe that I confused Utah with Idaho during our conversation yesterday. In fact, I did  not write about Utah in Making Gay History. I wrote about the "Boys of  Boise" scandal and a fellow named Morris Foote. I'm sure I didn't instill a lot  of confidence with my geographic and historic mix-up. Please accept  my apologies. Utah is mentioned in a couple of the interviews, most prominently in the interview with Kevin Jennings. I look forward to hearing from you next week. All best, Eric

Eric Marcus 140 West 69th St., #117C New York, NY  10023.”

 

21 March 2003 Friday

The main bombing campaign on Baghdad is in full force to secure the airport and defeat Hussein’s Republican Guard.

            Chad Keller’s diatribe to Paul Cucunato had him part ways from the UGRA’s board.

Chad Keller announced it saying, “Dear Community; Before the rumor mill starts and get out of control, I just wanted you to know I was recently told to step down by Paul Cucunato as a member of the Board of UGRA for voicing my opinion that The UGRA Board needs to address the problems of the Association, make right the problems created by the cancellation of 2003, get business plans in line, lay out time lines and procedures to have a rodeo, develop a program to get contestants from here and afar to come to our Rodeo, before it gets more hopes up and starts planning a 2004 Rodeo. 

Yes we all want it, but UGRA's problems are not in the lack of funding for a rodeo, but in the fact it is a dying organization.

            While I commend them for the courage to cancel, it was perhaps only thought out on personal levels and not though a process which embraced the community support that was waiting for them.

The current board is a very busy group of people, and the time to do this was perhaps a big factor in their own personal decisions, aside from the finances.

An Event of this magnitude start on the shoulders of the few, and as the energy develops so does the help. The problem isn’t in the Rodeo, but the current state of the organization.

            My opinion of course, as always, did not set well.

They were set that they could just start 2004 and all the support in the world would be there, overlooking the problems that were created with the state in the cancellation. If you only have 30 members and half those are from out of state then it still will fall to a small group to carry the burden.

            An organization that I care deeply about UGRA, is wounded. I have watched as its life has slowly been drained from it. Poor decision, back room deals, and it inability to be an active and positive influence in the community for the last few years have all contributed to its present day decay. It has functioned for years below its own standards and has become greatly dysfunctional. I felt I had to say what needed to be done in a last ditch effort to save one of Utah’s Last original organizations.

            Time and time again I have sacrificed health, boyfriends, and financial stability to build up different groups in Salt Lake, especially UGRA. What do I have to show for it? Years of therapy, broken relationships, and a bankruptcy. Emotionally I am drained on UGRA and it is sucking the very creativity of which I thrive out of me for the benefit and praise for a few.

            The RCGSE will always be something I care about because even with all the drama at the time, it still cares about its people and finds in its own way and in due time a great show of appreciation. Groups like the Forum, Guild and USHS are things I helped create, and will continue with them making sure that they are lasting legacies for our community.

            I will continue to create and live in the visions that the universe graciously grants to me to make everyone’s lives better, more fulfilling, and exciting, for those who have learned the value of the human heart and community.

Lesson have been learned, and it’s time to look at the other possibilities that my creativity, energy, and heart can make a greater difference. Hind sight they say is 20/20 vision. After what the UGRA did the last time, I should have never looked back.

            The Pig fund will be given out as indicated on Saturday $100.00 to 4-H, RCGSE Cancer Fund, and Bad Dog Rediscovers America. $200.00 to Memory Grove for Plants and Trees, and $300.00 to the Utah Stonewall Historical Society.

Harriet the decorated Pig will be actioned off and the $97.00 in the fund will be paired together and given to Wasatch Community Gardens. All programs that meet the mission of the UGRA. Each are outstanding and embrace the diversity and acceptance we strive for. Best and Warmest Regards, Chad Keller.”

 

22 March 2003 Saturday

Mayor Anderson came to the GLCCU this morning to meet with folks at the Stonewall Coffee Café. “You're invited to come and talk to Salt Lake City Mayor Ross Anderson, let him know what's on your mind or just drop by to say hello. City leaders can be available to answer questions but let us know so we can be sure they're present. Contact information: Paula Wolfe  or Office of the Mayor Incidentally, Stonewall Coffee Co. offers the best coffee on the northwest side of town -- many kinds of tea, juice, and soda pop.

 

24 March 2003 Monday

The United States forces confronted 36,000 soldiers of the Iraqi Special Republican Guard during the invasion of Baghdad.

Jennifer Nuttall the Project Coordinator for the GLCCU announced plans for the “First EVER 'Gay' Women’s Wellness Program in Utah. 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. A special call goes out to those traditionally underrepresented in our 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.

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 health/wellness. For more information CONTACT: Jennifer Nuttall GLCCU - Project Coordinator

Jeremy Van Wagenen of the Youth Group announced, “Dear recipients of this email group, This weekend is an important event to the youth and adult community. On Friday, a panel discussion will take place up at Westminster College. The open discussion will be focusing on Youth Society and what Youth think on War, Sex, Society, Politics, and most importantly...their future. The discussion will be from four to five thirty p.m. It will be beneficial to hear adults be there and speak out on what they want to see for their and the youth's future.

At a time of war this event is desperately needed. I know many of you want to avoid it because well support with adults and youth don't mix. Break the barrier, contribute your thoughts, and help out the future of tomorrow by donating your thoughts and views at this panel discussion. Thanks, Jeremy Van Wagenen Again the panel will at:  "The Next Movement" from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Gore Auditorium Westminster College 1700 South 1300 East Salt Lake City

 

25 March 2003-Tuesday

My mom wrote me, “Hi, Sorry to hear Mike [Romero] got lay off. Lots of people are getting laid off here. We are doing pretty good. It takes two of us to make up the bed any more. It hurts my back so. And your dad’s feet hurt him really bad. The doctors can’t seem to do anything for him. We wanted to go to Texas but don’t look like will make it. I can’t ride too much anymore without my back killing me. I am on pain pills most of the time. Ever one else is doing ok I guess. Charline’s dog Toby died. Now they got a rabbet that shits  and pees on the bed. Sure glad I don’t go down there. Jr. how do you get the hit song of the year? Well write when you can. Hope you are over your cold. Love Mom.”

            Last time I was down to Palmdale I showed dad how he could go on Napster and download songs from the 1940s that reminds him of his youth.

            David Nelson wrote to the Daily Utah Chronicle a Letter: “Sexual Minorities and Pistols Despite a last-minute plea from students of Brigham Young University and Westminster College for Governor Mike Leavitt to veto state Senate Bill 108, the governor did the right thing on March 19 by signing the bill into law. According to The Chronicle's March 24 article, "Leaders Lobby to Keep Guns Off Campus," the law will allow licensed concealed weapons permit holders to carry their guns on college and university campuses in the state.

I am a member of Pink Pistols of Utah. Members of this organization are gender- and sexual-minority gun owners and advocates in Utah. We are supporters of the Pink Pistols idea that was described nationally in 2000 by writer Jonathan Rauch for the legal, safe, and responsible use of firearms for our self-defense and shooting-sport competition, including those of us who are gay and lesbian and our families and friends. And, yes, our members include current and former university students and staffers. By approving this bill, Leavitt enabled our members who are students and staffers and who have qualified for state-issued concealed weapons carrying permits will have the human right to defend themselves. David Nelson Alumnus, Salt Lake City”

Heather May of The Salt Lake Tribune reported “Anderson Courts Gay Voters as Election Nears Rocky II: Salt Lake City's mayor is reaching out to a marginalized group to shore up a possible voting bloc in his re-election bid Rocky Anderson says he never was homophobic, but he acknowledges he used to harbor biases against gays and lesbians.

            Not anymore. The Salt Lake City mayor  --  who was defeated in a Utah congressional race partly because of his liberal views on gay issues  --  is highlighting those policy positions as he runs for re-election this year.

             Last  weekend, speaking at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah, Anderson praised the city's police department for a new outreach program to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered residents. He said he supported offering city benefits to domestic partners of gay and lesbian employees. He expressed interest in a coalition's move to change a state law that forbids gay and lesbian couples from adopting or housing foster children.

            If such a thing as a gay voting bloc exists, Anderson is going after it. He already has the endorsement of Unity Utah, a political action committee focused on gay issues. Though Saturday's speech was a city function, Anderson's campaign manager was present, too, with "Rocky II" bumper stickers and  fund-raiser fliers at the ready.

            "One of the best families I know, across the street from where I live, is two lesbian women and their two wonderful kids. People need to understand there are all sorts of different families that provide healthy, loving homes to children," the mayor said.

            Utah Families Coalition wants Anderson's support in fighting a 2000 law that prohibits the state from placing children in homes of cohabiting couples. The mayor said he would overturn it in Salt Lake City if he could, but he can't.

            Support for gay issues is a hot-button topic that can swing elections. Anderson says he lost his 1996 congressional bid to Merrill Cook because of his support for legalizing same-sex marriage. During that campaign, he moderated the statement, saying he would set aside his personal beliefs and vote the will of the residents in the 2nd Congressional District. It was such a critical issue, that in the last weekend of that election, Anderson paid for a TV ad where he declared: "I'm not going to advocate same-sex marriage in Congress." The backpedaling angered the Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats (GLUD), but the group stood by him.

            Anderson lost that race, though he had support from Salt Lake City voters and easily carried the capital. When he ran for mayor in 1999, he was attacked for supporting gays. Fliers accused him of owning gay bars and rumors flew that he was gay. But the allegations backfired.

            Unity Utah Director Michael Mitchell believes gay voters and volunteers helped boost Anderson then and could do the same this year.

            "We do have the numbers in Salt Lake to swing an election," Mitchell said. "We tend to vote for people who are good to us more than not  --  not that we're single-issue voters. I would hope somebody wouldn't vote for Rocky simply on gay and lesbian rights."

             Unity Utah's endorsement of Anderson does not mean the PAC disproves of the other candidates. Mitchell said Frank Pignanelli, a mayoral hopeful and former legislator, is a "very good man. He's a man that's very open" about gay issues. But Mitchell said Anderson was more up to speed, while he would have to educate other candidates.

            Consider: Anderson issued an executive order to protect gay city employees from discrimination after taking office. Several employees have used it to complain about inappropriate workplace talk, said Greg Coronado, the city's equal employment opportunity manager.

            The mayor recently created a Police Civilian Review Board and asked Paula Wolfe, executive director of Utah's Gay and Lesbian Community Center, to join.

             "I first saw him at a drag show," Wolfe said. "There are very few politicians who have that comfort level."

            In addition, the police department created a Gay and Lesbian Public Safety Liaison Committee. It works with owners of gay bars and is creating a gay-sensitive DUI campaign this summer. It also developed a program for people caught committing homosexual acts in public places. Offenders are offered 10 hours of therapy and charges are dropped if they do not reoffend. Lt. Kyle Jones said 100 people have completed the program and there is a low recidivism rate. The program also appears to help some people recognize they are gay. He said 60 percent to 70 percent of the men initially identify themselves as heterosexual and "after therapy realize they are bisexual and probably gay."

            Pignanelli has a record of advocating for gays and lesbians, too. As a legislator, he pushed for a hate-crimes bill that included protections for gays and lesbians and other groups. He criticized the city's school board for banning all nonacademic clubs in order to ban gay clubs. And he vows to keep Anderson's nondiscrimination order. But Pignanelli and other Democrats angered GLUD when they sought to distance themselves from gay issues and asked the group to drop the party label.

            "I have witnessed firsthand the contributions gay and lesbians have made to our community," Pignanelli said. "We need to make sure they feel and believe Salt Lake City is a comfortable place for them to live and thrive."

            Molonai Hola, another mayoral hopeful, said he is sensitive to such issues, but they are not his focus. "My priorities are revamping the city and recruiting businesses to come in."

            On Saturday in response to questions from people at the center, Anderson said he supported extending city benefits to partners of gay and lesbian employees. Pignanelli supports the idea too but would want to study the costs first.

             An actual ordinance extending those benefits appears unlikely. The mayor has not discussed it with City Council members, who would have to approve it. Even if they agreed, state lawmakers likely would have final say.

 

26 March 2003 Wednesday

Anne Gearan of the Associated Press reported SUPREME COURT COULD REVERSE BAN ON HOMOSEXUAL SEX WASHINGTON (AP) - A gay-rights case before the Supreme court tests how times have changed for the country and for the court itself, which was widely criticized for a ruling 17 years ago that upheld a ban on homosexual sex. The court could reverse course and declare a similar ban unconstitutional.

A large crowd gathered outside the court Wednesday in hopes of hearing oral arguments in one of the court's biggest cases this year. A knot of protesters stood apart, holding signs that read ``AIDS is God's revenge,'' ``God sent the sniper'' and other messages.

Lawyers for two Texas men arrested in their bedroom are asking the court to overturn their convictions for sodomy under a state ``Homosexual Conduct'' law. The law unfairly treats gay men and lesbians differently from heterosexuals who may engage in the same kinds of sex acts and violates privacy rights, the opponents argued in court filings.

State anti-sodomy laws, once universal, now are rare. Those on the books are infrequently enforced but underpin other kinds of discrimination, lawyers and gay rights supporters said.

``We truly hope the Supreme Court in its wisdom will remove this mechanism that has been used for so long to obstruct basic civility to gay and lesbian people,'' said Elizabeth Birch, executive director of the gay rights organization Human Rights Campaign.

In 1986, a narrow majority of the court upheld Georgia's sodomy law in a ruling that became a touchstone for the growing gay rights movement. Even then the court's decision seemed out of step and was publicly unpopular, said Harvard law professor Laurence Tribe, who argued on the losing side of the case.

``We're now dealing with a very small handful of statutes in a circumstance where the country, whatever its attitudes toward discrimination based on sexual orientation, (has reached) a broad consensus that what happens in the privacy of the bedroom between consenting adults is simply none of the state's business.''

As recently as 1960, every state had a sodomy law. In 37 states, the statutes have been repealed by lawmakers or blocked by state courts.

            Of the 13 states with sodomy laws, four - Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri - prohibit ``deviate sexual intercourse,'' or oral and anal sex, between same-sex couples. The other nine ban consensual sodomy for everyone: Alabama, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, and Virginia.

An unusual array of organizations is backing the two Texas men. In addition to a long list of gay rights, human rights and medical groups, a group of conservative Republicans and the libertarian Cato Institute and Institute for Justice argued in friend of the court filings that government should stay out of the bedroom.

``This case is an opportunity to confirm that the constitutional command of equal protection requires that gays be treated as equal to all other citizens under the law, subject to neither special preferences nor special disabilities,'' the brief for the Republican Unity Coalition said.

On the other side, the Texas government and its allies say the case is about the right of states to enforce the moral standards of their communities.

``The states of the union have historically prohibited a wide variety of extramarital sexual conduct,'' Texas authorities argued in legal papers. Nothing in that legal tradition recognizes ``a constitutionally protected liberty interest in engaging in any form of sexual conduct with whomever one chooses,'' the state argued.

Conservative legal and social organizations, religious groups and the states of Alabama, South Carolina, and Utah back Texas in the case.

The case began in 1998, when a neighbor tricked police with a false report of a black man ``going crazy'' in John Geddes Lawrence's apartment. Police smashed their way in and found Lawrence having anal sex with another man, Tyron Garner.

Although Texas rarely enforced its anti sodomy law, officers decided to book the two men and jail them overnight on charges of ``deviate sexual intercourse with another individual of the same sex.'' They were each fined $200 plus court costs. The case is Lawrence v. Texas, 02-102.”

Chad wrote me about his address to the Gay Business Guild,  “Ben, Please advise me on my opening remarks. It is not hard to introduce Todd [Dayley] or The mayor....but what to say to introduce the Guild....what do you think of the following.

‘A community is found in not just it social and political structure, but in the goods and services it produces and provides to its citizens. If as Senator Hillary Clinton has indicated that it takes a village to raise a child., then it is the businesses that have financed the child’s education.

Six months ago after conducting a meeting of the Community Leadership Forum, Todd Dayley and I saw a need that was being overlooked. We saw a need, and today after gathering the input from some great business leaders, we have arrived to take our first steps, and prepare to contribute to the positive growth of the community,

Our GLBT Business community for years had been the group of individuals that had financed and nurtured the Utah Gay Community. In 1974 it was the Sun and other known gay clubs that had served as hosts of parties and events that raised the money for the early days of Gay liberation often time financing the movement right out of the till. In the 80’s as a community we relied on GLBT business people and business friends sympathetic to the AIDS crisis to ante up to help save lives. In the 90’s business still played a role in financing the community’s various organizations and their goals, but local GLBT and Friendly businesses but were quickly becoming a secondary line of finance due to the many foundations springing forth due to finical prosperity of many innovators of the GLBT Community. In the times of need and in time of celebrations through years of strong and poor economy. it is the GLBT and friendly Businesses and that step forward to see that the projects of our community are funded and supported.

Today March 28, 2003 marks a new era for the Utah Lambda Business community, as we launch the Utah GLBT Business Guild. It is a little bit better business bureau; a lot of chamber of commerce, part welcome wagon, and a pinch of philanthropy. But importantly a New and colorful voice to help lend its expertise in the growth and direction of our community. the possibilities of the Utah GLBT Business guild are endless.”

The Gay Pride Day’s web site stated that this was the 20^th anniversary of the first Pride Day in Salt Lake. Chad Keller wrote to Paula Wolfe saying; “Paula, The new Pride website looks nice. Congratulations. Was wondering where or how the committee determined that it is the 20th annual? Also I had someone bring something to me that you will be needing. When is the best time you’re are free.”

That something was the Pete Suazo Award honoree plaque that Becky Moss had been carrying around in the trunk of her car.

 

27 March 2003 Thursday

I wrote to Chad Keller after he told me that the Pride Committee is saying this is the 20^th anniversary of Pride Day in Utah. “Who is going to break the news to Pride Day that Pride day has been around since 1975?”

 Chad wrote back, “We are. working on an article right now. and it will be in the Pillar for April.

            I then suggested meeting for lunch this Saturday and he responded, “I would love to go on Saturday; however I would like us to do a lunch a Hong Kong Tea House. I just spoke with Eric Marcus, and I think we need to lay out October so I can get some people to sponsor. Plus, Kevin Hillman would like to have lunch with us and discuss getting UGRA history going. I have the Charles [Milne] appointment and Charles mentioned that in October he has GLBTIQ Week at the U of U and would like to see how he can help us and tie in to National History Month....(blah blah blah...keep kissing my butt) SO....how about lunch at 1:00??”

Paula Wolfe wrote back to Chad Keller regarding the 1983 date that it was chosen from Craig Miller. She said the date was “20 years from when they first applied for a city permit. 29 years from the first gathering. Craig Miller was our source. I'm around most of Friday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (up to April 2, I believe). After that I'm out of town for a few days, and the following week is pretty busy as well. I have lunch or breakfast meetings next week but otherwise around. Do tend to leave around 5 p.m. unless I know someone needs to meet with me. Paula.”

            Chad Keller wrote her back, “I had someone bring me the Pete Suazo plaque, they had it in their trunk since last June. [Becky Moss]. I will see Michael M [Mitchell] and will just give them to him to bring to the pride meeting as he is on the selection committee. And it looks like we won’t either of us have a break in our schedules. Thanks, CK.”

            Chad sent me a draft of what he is writing for the Pillar from information I had given him. He wrote “What do you think thus far....big bolds mean I’m seeking info –

The History of Utah Gay Pride- As often seen in every modern community, when it comes to history there are misrepresentations, convenient interpretations, blatant rewriting of history for political or financial gain, and carelessly acknowledgment of the many facts that are the history of one’s own community. In today’s world the history of our community is often by our own citizens from a trivial point. It is manipulated, edited, and washed down to a more acceptable version in keeping with the agenda of political correctness. The history of the Utah Gay and Lesbian community is rich and colorful, rivaling any of the major city’s that were often the early battle fronts of the GLBT movement. Without care history becomes full of urban legend, myths, and becomes full of holes if it exists accurately at all.

Historical markers cannot just simply be uprooted to make projects easier, more profitable, and more widely accepted. History is much like a great tapestry, if a snag occurs, the snag cannot be simply plucked or cut away or the tapestry may unravel. Every detail in our collective history is important.

With that, the Utah Stonewall Historical Society feels it is important to clearly clarify and address the history of Utah Gay Pride Day. To not take in the complete history in the context of the political and social climate of the time is misguided and inappropriate. And blindly acknowledging history discredits the work of hundreds of people that actually hosted and created the first Gay Freedom Day Celebrations the predecessor of Gay Pride Day. Further to not acknowledge the complete history of Utah Gay Pride, it in a sense cleanses Utah’s mainstream collective history of a perceived blight by those that oppose the rights of Gays and Lesbians everywhere.

We submit to the community the facts. We are most positive that in light of the facts, as a community, the importance of our history will widely be embraced, and the history of the Utah Gay Community will not merely be set aside for a less colorful milestone. Further we hope that with the historic facts the community will celebrate with even more enthusiasm June 8, 2003, and will be more active in creating Pride 2004 and caring for it in the future

In the rush to be good stewards the current administrators of Utah Gay Pride have acknowledge that we have had 20 years of Gay Pride in Utah. They have mistakenly set the clock forward nine years, by affirming that Gay Pride as an event began when the first permit was required, missing 9 years of Grassroots effort. The first time a permit became necessary based on local ordinances and attendance is that of the XX May 1983 Salt Lake City Tavern Guild event "A Day in the Park" held at Fremont Park, as a revitalization effort for the prior nine years of Gay Freedom Day. The history of Pride Day begins and in 1974 and carries on successfully for 28 years. Let’s look at the missing nine years, and you as the readers decide.

On June 27, 1974, the 5th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, after a several unsuccessful attempts to join the national celebration, over 200 Gay men and women gathered along the south-eastern shore of the Great Salt Lake, commonly known as "Bare Ass Beach" a kegger party was held to celebrate Gay Freedom Day sponsored in part by Joe Redburn owner of the Sun Tavern. The celebration was semi private because many were afraid that the city would not allow Gay people to congregate together in city parks, due to some situations and arrests by the Salt Lake City Police Department. The spirit of the occasion laid the groundwork for a more organized Gay Freedom Celebrations.

By May of 1975, the Gay Community Service Center (GCSC) opened and was located south of the Sun Tavern on South Temple was publishing the Gayzette, Utah’s first newspaper for Gays and Lesbians. Over the Memorial Day weekend 1975 the GCSC sponsored Gay Freedom Day. The Celebration was held at City Creek Canyon Park, with better than 400 people in attendance. As part of the Gay Freedom celebration to mark the week of the Stonewall Riots, Joe Redburn brought in Disco Diva Gloria Gaynor to the Sun Tavern.

In 1976 the Gay Community Service Center closed. However the tradition continued again on May 30, 1976, with a kegger party sponsored by Joe Redburn and the Sun Tavern in City Creek Canyon Park. "All the Beer you could drink" was sold for $2.00 to cover expenses. Over 500 revelers enjoyed a barbecue, music, and dancing. Personal histories of the time tell of watching an employee of the Sun make the trek several times in their Jeep from Memory Grove with men and women hanging on from the sides, riding on the hoods, and being pulled on skates from behind. This may also have been the event at City Creek Canyon Park that set the precedent for the need for reservations. By many accounts, a food fight broke out leaving the trees and grounds covered in potato salad.

In 1977 the annual Gay Freedom Celebration hit a speed bump. A three day symposium and event to celebrate Gay Freedom Day was scheduled to be held XX June 1977 at the Hotel Utah, now the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, by a group calling itself the Salt Lake Coalition of Human Rights. It was founded by two men, Ken Kline, and Rev. Bob Waldrop of the Metropolitan Community Church to protest anti-Gay rights activists Anita Bryant. At the last minute, the reservations for the convention were canceled when hotel managers learned that the event was Gay. The International Dune Hotel at 206 South West Temple agreed to hold the conference and the symposium went on as scheduled.

As part of the Gay Freedom Day celebration. Air Force Sgt. Leonard Matlovich, a Gay Ex Mormon, winner of the Bronze Star and Purple heart was asked to deliver the keynote address. Matlovich said he came to Salt Lake City "to continue the battle of Dade County, We shall overcome, no longer will we be your slaves of silence. We will be free Americans just like everyone else." The Conference and its surrounding events were attended by about 500 people. Participants wore shirts and buttons that said, "GAY and PROUD." [Incidentally didn’t we sued the Mormon Church owned Hotel Utah and won.]

The Salt Lake Coalition of Human Rights sponsored the Gay Freedom Celebration again in 1978. However for the first time it was called Gay Pride Week. By historical records at one of the event the organizers encouraged all Gay people to wear green on "Gentle Thursday" On 24 June 1978 a Gay Pride Fair and Seminar was held at the Northwest Multipurpose Center in Salt Lake City. Seminars included "conscious raising sessions" such as "The Church and the Gay Person," "Come Out Seminar," "The Lesbian & Feminists," "Political Action and the Gay Community."

The following day a softball game, cookout, rally, and candlelight vigil was held at Memory Grove. The rally and candlelight vigil was held at the Meditation Chapple followed by an ecumenical worship service sponsored by religious organizations of the time; Metropolitan Community Church of Salt Lake, Dignity, Affirmation, and Integrity.

By 1979 the Salt Lake Coalition of Human Rights began to falter, they however managed to team up with the Lesbian Gay Student Union and Salt Lake Affirmation (wasn’t RCGSE in at this point) to sponsor another Gay Pride Week June XX - XX

Salt Lake Affirmation was able to get discount tickets from Lagoon Amusement Park, and as part of the weeklong celebration held the first "Lagoon Day Outing." A scaled back version of the Symposium was held at the Metropolitan Community Church. After the symposium, a Civil Rights Protest, and all night candlelight vigil for victims of gay bashing was held on the steps of the City County building at Washington Square. The vigil was reported in the Los Angeles Advocate and drew national attention for Gay Rights in Utah.”

“personal notes and what not for use. I can’t wait to see what the establishment in 50 years does with history prides historic markers surrounding the missing $11,000, merger/takeovers, and boxes of water. Somebody dig me up and plug me in….it should be really good.

            He wrote on the Yahoo Group site, “The Utah Stonewall Historical Society (USHS) has only been functioning for a few months and people are digging into history as a compliment to a variety of projects and papers in the works for the Gay community. The USHS was established to reclaim the history of the Gay and Lesbian people of Utah. Also as part of our mission we inure the accurate and proper presentation of the history of a very colorful community. We are excited that so many people have taken an interest and see the importance of our history to donate and help recollect and gather the history of our community. If we do not write our history, it will be eventually written by someone else to make him or her look better in history

In celebration and remembrance of the independence of the Community, The USHS will sell baseball type shirts in a variety of colors with the number 29 on the back and UTAH Gay & Proud on over the breast on the front….perhaps then the Death Star will take note of history.

            We will hear statements like this soon in Salt Lake as the Center assimilates and homogenizes the Utah Gay People.”

            Chad later sent me a quotes and an article about how Gay and lesbians think differently.

"It's a bitter reality that the Castro's historic climate of political resistance has given way to a Homosexual Gentry who see homeless queer youth as an irritant on their way home from Pottery Barn." -- Kirk Read writing in the San Francisco Bay Times, February 20.

”Gays think like women and lesbians' brains work like heterosexual men's, according to a new study by English psychiatrists. In tests, scientists from the Institute of Psychiatry in London found that gay men excelled at mental tasks women generally perform better than men but were not so good at tasks traditionally seen as "male."

Similarly, lesbians did as badly as heterosexual men in a test geared to women.

The researchers conducted a series of neurocognitive tests of spatial skill -- the ability to mentally reposition shapes and objects and judge the orientation of lines. They found that gay men performed less well than heterosexual men but matched the ability of women.

But gay men performed better than heterosexuals and as well as women at remembering the locations of objects in an array.

In several language tests, traditionally a female strong point, gay men did as well as heterosexual women. Lesbians, on the other hand, performed the tests as poorly as straight men.

The findings by Doctors Qazi Rahman and Glenn Wilson are published in the journal Neuropsychology.

The researchers theorize that that the results indicate that varying levels of exposure to the male hormone testosterone before birth plays a role in "hard-wiring" the brain.

Rahman said: "The fact that gay men and lesbians show cross-sex shifts in their brain functioning might also be related, partly, to the cross-sex shifts in their presentation of certain mental health problems in gay men, such as higher levels of anxiety disorders, depression and eating disorders usually found in women.

Rahman added that the findings suggest that homosexuality is a normal biological phenomenon, and not the result of biological fault.”

            Chad commented on the article, “Great....one more thing that the world can group me and the rest of us in with Dominique Storni and her freaks....but tell us something we didn’t know...and they got paid I’m sure millions to research it.”

I responded; The Study does not mean we are women trapped in male bodies...it just reaffirms that we are not just like heterosexuals but indeed a separate people; what they use to call "intersex".

             Edward Walsh of The Washington Post reported- “Morals Central to Supreme Court Debate of Sodomy Law-   WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court engaged in a lively discussion of state sodomy laws Wednesday, hearing a challenge to a Texas statute that prohibits "deviate sexual intercourse" between people of the same sex but does not apply to heterosexual activity.

            Paul Smith, the lawyer for two Texas men who were discovered by police having anal intercourse in a Houston apartment, told the court that the law was an unconstitutional invasion of privacy rights and violated the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment because "it is directed not just at conduct but at a particular group of people -- same sex couples."

            But Harris County, Tex., District Attorney Charles Rosenthal retorted that there is a long tradition in the country of regulating sexual activity outside of marriage and that Texas "has a right to set moral standards and can set bright line moral standards for its people."

            Utah law forbids "any sexual act with an [unmarried] person . . . involving the genitals of one person and the mouth or anus of another person, regardless of the sex of either participant."

             Sodomy was outlawed even for married couples in Utah until 1977, when the law was changed to include only the unmarried. People convicted of sodomy face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

             The justices appeared divided during the spirited oral arguments. Chief Justice William Rehnquist and Justice Antonin Scalia expressed sympathy for the state's position, while Justices David Souter, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer peppered Rosenthal with skeptical questions about the Texas law.

            The case has worked its way through the entire U.S. judicial system, beginning in a Harris County Justice of the Peace court, to a county criminal court, a state district appeals court, and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals before it finally reached the nation's highest court. It began on Sept. 17, 1998, when a false report of a disturbance involving a gun led police to enter the home of John Lawrence, where he was discovered having anal sex with Tyron Garner.

            The two men were convicted of violating the Texas Homosexual Conduct law and were fined $200 each. The convictions were reversed at one stage in the appeals process but were eventually reinstated and upheld by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the state's highest criminal court.

             In accepting the case, the Supreme Court confronted one of its own precedents, a 1986 ruling that upheld a Georgia sodomy law. In that case, a narrow majority said that privacy rights did not extend to "morally reprehensible" activities such as sodomy.

            Since the early 1960s, when all states had sodomy laws, the number of such laws has been steadily diminishing. Currently, Texas and three other states -- Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma -- have laws banning sodomy between people of the same sex. Nine other states, including Virginia, have sodomy laws that apply both to same sex couples and heterosexuals.

            Breyer said the "hard question" was whether states can enact laws based on what lawmakers believe is immoral. Rosenthal said such laws would "have to have a rational basis," and Breyer replied, "You haven't given us a rational basis except to say it's immoral."

Adam Benson of the U of U’s  Daily Chronicle reported, “ Lawmakers Debate Utah Hate Crime Bill-Although Utah remains one of four states that has yet to pass a hate crime legislation bill, Rep. Chad Bennion, R-UT, can see that changing.

"I think in several years, we're going to have something that gives more discretion to hold those who commit these crimes accountable," Bennion said. "It's just a matter of time before we have some sort of hate crime legislation."

Bennion and Rep. David Litvack, D-UT, spent an hour debating the future of hate crime bill legislation in Utah at the Hinckley Institute of Politics Tuesday afternoon.

Litvack told the sparse crowd that "hate crime legislation is not something new under the sun in the state of Utah," noting that in 1992, former state representative and current Salt Lake City mayoral candidate Frank Pignanelli pitched a hate crimes bill to state lawmakers.

"Since then, that bill has not been an effective tool for law enforcement and prosecutors," Litvack said.

Though crimes motivated solely by hate are not in their own category in the state of Utah, judges have the power to enhance a sentence based on the motive of a crime, Bennion said.

"There should be justice under the law...not only are criminals being tried for a crime that is committed, but they're being tried for belonging to a certain group [under hate crime bill legislation], and that's an injustice," Bennion said.

But, Litvack says, the degree of severity and the motivation that goes into committing a crime should be an important part of the sentencing phase.

"When somebody is attacked based on ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or any other basis of their character, the impact of that crime affects not only the victim, but the entire community. Motivation is a fundamental element in criminal behavior and in my mind, hate crime bills are no different," Litvack said.

Both representatives agreed that some form of hate crime legislation needs to be passed in Utah, and both said there are reasons why that has yet to happen.

"As a nation, our ideals and principles have always seemed to be ahead of our actions...you've got to have justice under the law, and it can be hard to step back at times and look at a very emotionally charged issue like this one," Bennion said.

According to Litvack, the main sticking point for many of the state's lawmakers in passing any sort of hate crimes legislation is including sexual orientation as a category.

"I think that category is the hardest thing to address, because it's like diving into a swamp in this state," he said.

However, Bennion said that hate crime bills currently on the floor of the Capitol fail for other reasons.

"The difficulty with this issue is that it undermines individual responsibility and criminal intent and begins creating categories and classifications of victims," he said.

Bennion juxtaposed the beating death of Matthew Shepard in Wyoming with that of a 15-year- old girl who was stabbed 17 times by her boyfriend because she refused to have an abortion.

"The problem I have is that one of these crimes gets national attention, and one barely gets covered in the local press," Bennion said.

 

28 March 2003 Friday

Toni Johnson director of The People With AIDS Coalition wrote “A party is the best way to introduce something new. Therefore, the Utah Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Business Guild is having a party! The GLBT Business Guild is open to all GLBT owned and friendly establishments. Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson will be in attendance, as well as all of the founding members of the GLBT Business Guild. There will be drinks, food, and information about how to join. The launch of the business guild will be Friday, March 28, 2003 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Angles Coffee shop located at 511 West 200 South in Salt Lake City.

The Utah GLBT Business Guild exists to foster the growth and development of the GLBT community and GLBT community friendly business and services through advocacy, education, and legislation. It further exists to promote the business and services of the Utah GLBT community and GLBT community friendly establishments locally, regionally, and nationally for the betterment and growth of the entire community.

Chad Keller wrote Utah GLBT Business Guild launches in Salt Lake City after six months of preliminary organizations meetings. Business Guild Founders are Accounting & More, Inc.--Toni Johnson; Angles--David Hurst; Aware Media Management--Stephen Peterson; Club Try-Angles* --Gene Gieber; Marquardt & Fadel--Doug Fadel; Mixed Media--Chad Keller;  Pillar--Todd Dayley:  ProTask Funding--Karl Bennion; Signature Group Real Estate--Dawn Colbert; Signs & Such --Ron Johnson; The Trapp/Trapp Door* --Joe Redburn; Travel Haus-- Randy Laub; Julie Brizzee; Michael Aaron *indicates a Private Club for members.”

Chad wrote me “Call me at work when you get up. I was having a day....thanks for the edit....the co-authorship....and I hope you are not mad at me 325-3758.....give me till 6:45....running down to grab breakfast.” He was referring to sending in the article he wrote about Pride Day which I had edited for him and added some clarification. He listed me as a co-author.

Chad wrote Todd Dayley, Subject: History article, “Todd, The attached article is for the April edition of the Pillar. I know Ben has sent his article, perhaps this could be in addition too? In finishing this up Ben feels if space is limited and both can be run, that this be what is run.

            We have received many inquiries on the Pride History issue, some of which are receiving a copy if this. This issue is important and we feel that this will clarify the history of our community and an important community event and asset.

 It is really fun to read the actual history of the community and then compare it to the lore that it has become. There are several items that get confused and lumped into the history of Utah Gay Pride, and then a lot of stuff viewed as a separate thing from Pride but were actually what was once Gay Pride Day. And then of course the forgotten stuff which plays an important part to the whole thing. Utah has a long and colorful history that rivals any of the other major cities, we cannot let our history be forgotten.

            We will prepare a 1983 to 1993 issue as there are inquires that we have not been able to address in this article. Thanks for all you do in the Community and thanks for allowing the USHS to be a contributing column in the Pillar.... HAPPY 10th ANNIVERSARY!! Best and Warmest Regards

            Chad Keller also sent this to the entire USHS Board, “The History of Utah Gay Pride Events 1974-1983 By Chad Keller and Ben Williams Co-directors of Utah Stonewall Historical Society.

Our history is much like a great tapestry, however if a snag occurs, it cannot be simply plucked or cut away or the tapestry may unravel. Every detail in our collective history is important. The history of the Gay and Lesbian community in Utah is rich and colorful, however we must be careful that our history does not become full of urban legends, myths, and worse yet full of inaccuracies. We have to trust that the present caretakers of our organizations are diligent in preserving our "collective" memories. However, with the frequent turnover of leadership in this community often there is a lapse in the recitation of facts. Currently there seems to be a discrepancy among some leaders as to when Gay Pride was first celebrated in Utah. Was it twenty years ago, twenty-five years ago or even more?

The Utah Stonewall Historical Society feels it is important to clarify and address this issue. We feel compelled to cite primary sources in documenting the complete history of Pride in the context of the political and social climate of the times and not simply rely on hearsay or be obliged to acknowledge an arbitrary decision as to when Gay Pride became a sanctioned community event. To do otherwise is misguided and inappropriate. We strongly feel that to blindly acknowledge an inaccurate historical date discredits the work of hundreds of people that actually hosted and created the first Gay Freedom Day Celebrations; the predecessor of the current Gay Pride Day celebration. Much of what we have and are as the Gay Community of Utah is found in the Grassroots of the past. We submit to the community the facts as gleaned from several primary sources that constitute the proper methodology of historiography. We are certain that in light of these facts the importance of our work as a historical society will be widely embraced in the community and the history of the Utah Gay Pride Day will be properly preserved for future generations. Furthermore we hope that with the presentation of these historic facts, that we have researched and preserved, will help the community celebrate with even more enthusiasm at Pride on June 8, 2003.

In the rush to be good stewards, the current new administrators of Utah Gay Pride have mistakenly acknowledged only 20 years of Gay Pride in Utah. Our understanding is that they assumed that 1983 was the first time a permit was acquired for a celebration in a Salt Lake City park. This is not correct. The history of Pride Day actually begins in 1974 and has been carried on successfully (and unsuccessfully) for over 28 years!

 In the beginning: On June 27, 1974, the 5th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, over 200 Gay men gathered along the south-eastern shore of the Great Salt Lake, commonly known as "Bare Ass Beach", to celebrate "Gay Freedom Day". The semi-private event was sponsored in part by Joe Redburn, owner of the Sun Tavern, and open to the community although there is no record of Lesbians attending. This celebration was held in a secluded location primarily because many were afraid that the city would not allow Gay people to congregate together in its city parks. Many others feared being harassed by the Salt Lake City Police Department. Nevertheless the spirit of the occasion, while not an officially sanctioned event, empowered the minuscule Gay community, and laid the groundwork for a more organized Gay Freedom Celebration the following year.

            In spring 1975 the first Gay Community Service Center (GCSC) opened its doors. Located south of the Sun Tavern, the GCSC published the Gayzette, Utah's first newspaper for Gays and Lesbians, operated a crisis line, and organized Utah's first Gay Pride Day then known as "Gay Freedom Day." Over Memorial Day weekend, 1975 the GCSC held a celebration at City Creek Canyon Park, with more than 400 people in attendance. As part of the Gay Freedom celebration and to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, Joe Redburn brought Disco Diva Gloria Gaynor to the Sun Tavern to perform her magic.

Due to lack of financial support, in 1976 the Gay Community Service Center closed. However, the community still managed to sponsor a second Gay Freedom Day held on May 30, 1976. Again Joe Redburn and the Sun Tavern sponsored a kegger party in City Creek Canyon Park. The Salt Lick, which had replaced the Gayzette, advertised the event: "All the Beer you could drink for $2.00!” Over 500 revelers enjoyed a barbecue, music, and dancing with employees of the Sun making the trek up the canyon several times from Memory Grove with men and women hanging on from the sides of the jeep, riding on the hoods, and being pulled while on skates. By many accounts, a raucous food fight also broke out at the event, which left the trees and grounds covered in potato salad. This "Animal House" type exhibition at City Creek Canyon Park however may have set precedent for the need for future reservations and permits.

Without a Gay Community Center, a Gay and Lesbian group calling itself "The Salt Lake Coalition of Human Rights" organized Gay Freedom Day in 1977. The coalition was made up of community leaders, most notably Ken Kline of LGSU, and Rev. Bob Waldrop, pastor of MCC. The coalition was formed to protest anti-Gay rights activist, Anita Bryant, and her assault on the gains made by Gay and Lesbian people in the first half of the 1970's. The coalition expanded "Gay Freedom Day" to a three day Human Rights Convention and scheduled the Hotel Utah, now the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, for the symposium. At the last minute, the reservations for the convention were canceled when hotel managers discovered that the event was to be a Gay convention. However the International Dune Hotel at 206 South West Temple agreed to hold the conference and the symposium went on as scheduled.

Air Force Sgt. Leonard Matlovich, a Gay ex Mormon, and winner of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart was asked to deliver the keynote address by the coalition and he agreed to come to Salt Lake City "to continue the battle of Dade County". Matlovich who later died of AIDS stated at 1977's Gay Freedom Day, "We shall overcome, no longer will we be your slaves of silence. We will be free Americans just like everyone else." Nearly 500 people, many wearing t-shirts and buttons that said "GAY and PROUD" attended the Freedom Day Human Rights Conference.

The Salt Lake Coalition of Human Rights again sponsored the Gay Freedom Celebration in 1978 and for the first time called the event "Gay Pride Week", which followed the national trend to call the annual celebration Gay Pride rather than Gay Freedom. During "Pride Week" organizers encouraged all Gay people to wear green on "Gentle Thursday" as a sign of solidarity. On Saturday, 24 June 1978 a Gay Pride Fair and Seminar was held at the Northwest Multipurpose Community Center in Salt Lake City. Seminars included typical Seventies "conscious raising sessions" such as "The Church and the Gay Person," "Come Out Seminar," "The Lesbian & Feminists," and "Political Action and the Gay Community." Pride Week culminated the next day, Sunday June 25, with a softball game, cookout, rally, and a candlelight vigil held at Memory Grove. The rally and candlelight vigil, held at the Meditation Chapel monument, followed an ecumenical worship service sponsored by Gay and Lesbian religious organizations of the time; Metropolitan Community Church of Salt Lake, Dignity, Affirmation, and Integrity.   

By 1979, the Salt Lake Coalition of Human Rights was faltering, however they managed to team with the Lesbian and Gay Student Union and Salt Lake Affirmation to sponsor another Gay Pride Week in June. Salt Lake Affirmation was able to get discount tickets from the Lagoon Amusement Park and held the "1st Gay Lagoon Day Outing." LGSU and the Coalition held a scaled back symposium at the Metropolitan Community Church, followed by a Civil Rights protest and an all-night candle light vigil for victims of Gay bashing. The protest and vigil was held on the steps of the City and County building at Washington Square. The Candle light vigil was also reported in the Los Angeles Advocate and drew national attention to the Gay and Lesbian struggle for Human Rights in Utah.

As the new decade of the 1980's began, there was a dramatic lull in political activism in the Gay and Lesbian Community of Utah. Many of the strongest firebrands from the 1970's had burned out or moved on. The unsolved murder of several Gay men in late 1979, most noticeably, Tony Adams, a black Gay activist dimmed any desire to be too public. The strongest social organization in Salt Lake City in 1980 was Affirmation, and it fell to them to do much of the Pride Day activities for the community that year. The Imperial Court of Utah, while having a much larger membership than Affirmation, was going through a painful upheaval and was paralyzed by its own metamorphosis into the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire. The Lesbian community was held together only by "Women Aware". Many Lesbian Separatists and Feminists of the time were unwilling to participate with Gay men, who were seen as unsympathetic to their issues, most noticeably by the lack of support within the Gay men's community for passage of the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment). These forces were incredibly divisive and tended to split the Gay community along gender issues.

However in June 1980, Affirmation was able to sponsor the 2nd Annual Gay Day at Lagoon Outing, and the Lesbian and Gay Student Union managed to host a low-key Gay seminar at the U of U as part of Gay Pride Week. Attendance at each event was abysmal. Separate and apart from the Gay and Lesbian support groups, the Salt Lake Tavern Guild, an organization of Gay bar owners, sponsored a Utah contingency of bar patrons and workers to build a float for the San Francisco's Gay Pride Day but did little else locally. The community was definitely in the doldrums. The Stonewall Revolution was over and the era of Ronald Reagan and the AIDS epidemic had begun.

 In 1981 and 1982, the Utah Gay community was so fractionalized that no one would sponsor a community Pride event with any other group. All sections of the community had marginalized themselves from the rest. LGSU was seen as being in an "Ivy Tower." The Royal Court was viewed as anti-feminist organization because some members of the Lesbian community saw Drag Queens as parodying women. However the Mormon group, Affirmation finally rallied and hosted a community Pride Day event by themselves. They alone sponsored the 3rd and 4th Annual Gay Day at Lagoon Day insuring a semblance of continuity of Pride Days for Utah, for which they should be justifiably proud.

Salt Lake Affirmation thus kept the spirit of Gay Pride alive until 1983, when some members of the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire along with members of the Salt Lake Tavern Guild met to organize a Gay Pride picnic they called "A Day In the Park." A small committee of organizers, which included Tim Leming, Marshall Brunner, and Mel Rohland among others, were instrumental in bringing the community back together to celebrate being Gay.

The " Day in the Park" committee hoped to revitalize the flickering spirit of Gay Freedom Day among the contentious factions of Utah by hosting a community social at Fairmont Park in Salt Lake City, May 1983. The event was billed as a "Basket Social" and was primarily sponsored by the Tavern Guild. Nearly 250 people attended the event to play games and listen to speeches and music. Larry Pacheco emceed keynote speakers from the National Gay Task Force, and from the Utah ACLU. The Tavern Guild also contributed prizes to raise money for the event while the Royal Court donated $300 to the National Gay Task Force to help bring a speaker to the park. The late Doug Ownsby had the distinction of designing the first Official SLC Gay Pride Day T-shirt. The event was considered a success.

In fact so successful that many who came out in the 1980's had no recollection of the previous glorious celebrations that told the world that we are a Proud People! In honoring the pioneer activists that envisioned the world we live in today, let us not forget that "Pride is more than a Party," as we endeavor to create a more noble future for ourselves and for our Gay and Lesbian posterity.

To Be Continued – Pride 1983 to 1993 in the next edition.

Chad Keller wrote me this evening “Ben So, I got off the phone with Doug [Fadel]. He would like us to consider softening the article and was concerned that we would run this before talking it though. To quote, ‘Do people reading the Pillar really care?’ Stay tuned. I offered to look over his version this evening.

The 20th annual was selected as a marketing tool and that they would comment on the other 8 years on the kiosks that we were doing. He did say that he warned them on this and the kiosks; to get in touch with Ben William; .and at that point had not met you yet; to make sure that they did not screw it up.”

Chad Keller wrote to Todd Dayley saying, “You have to use this Quote somewhere in the paper this month: "The official acronym for Pride's target groups is LGBTTIQ: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, intersex, and queer. To really keep up with trends, though, they need another T for two-spirited, another Q for questioning and an asterisk for those not included in the defined categories." -- Paul Gallant, managing editor of the Toronto gay newspaper Xtra!, in the February 20 issue.

            Then you can quote me ‘My Gosh....Lets call Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey it sounds like a side show freak. Whatever happen to just plain Gay?’ 

            Or this one "Wrong the G came alphabetically, historically, and well just plain first,  Two T's...Please they aren’t even sure which they are...I...Intersexual....PC word for the Hermaphrodite...and Queer...how 80's"

            Or this one "I don’t care what it is as long as they sit down, shut up, and get out from in front of the camera; because without the freak show maybe we can get some legislation."

            Or this one "The Ark is full...close the Door."

            Maybe we could do a “Pillar asks;” What would be the one name that we all could come together under and get rid of this stupid acronym.”

            Chad Keller wrote me concerning some of responses to our UTStonewallHS yahoo Group site, “Ben For security reasons I think that we need to lock the Yahoo group; they [Transgender] are angry. Who is Barbara Nash. Is she the Dominque of the U?” I wrote him back; She is a transgendered professor of geology and geophysics at the U.

Chad Keller wrote to board member Randall C Meyers who is designing our website, “The month of October was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversaries of the first two gay and lesbian marches on Washington, October 1979, which drew over 200,000, and October 1987, which drew over 500,000 and had the first public viewing of the NAMES Project AIDS Quilt, as well as the fact that National Coming Out Day is on October 11th.

Since its beginnings, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Human Rights Campaign, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and other national organizations have endorsed it. The governors of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Oregon, as well as the mayors of Boston and Chicago, declared October National Lesbian and Gay History Month in 1995. And in July of the same year, the National Education Association passed an amendment supporting Gay and Lesbian History Month.

Mark Bowman director of the Chicago based LGBT Religious Archives Network sent out a news release, “Please feel free to contact Mark Bowman for questions or additional information on the brief news stories below. Thanks for your assistance in spreading the word. The LGBT Religious Archives Network is a ground-breaking project of Chicago Theological Seminary whose purpose is to preserve the history of LGBT religious movements. To this end the LGBT Religious Archives Network serves as a) a resource center to support and guide LGBT religious groups and leaders in the preservation of their records and papers and; b) an information clearinghouse to assist scholars, researchers, and students in locating archival collections from LGBT religious movements.

“Preserving the History of LGBT Religious Movements When future historians study the impact of LGBT movements on religious life in the late 20th century will they have to rely solely on official denominational and institutional records? Or will they be able to hear the voices of LGBT persons of faith telling their own stories? Our voices will be heard in the future only if we take steps to preserve them now. The LGBT Religious Archives Network has been founded to ensure that our voices and records are preserved so that they can be heard and studied by future generations of historians, researchers, and students. The LGBT Religious Archives Network is a project of Chicago Theological Seminary that is both: a) a resource center to advise and support LGBT religious groups and leaders in the preservation of their records and papers; and b) an information clearinghouse where researchers, students and other interested persons can locate existent archival collections from LGBT religious movements. Visit the LGBT Religious Archives Network web site at www.lgbtran.org and you will see that this is essentially a "virtual" archive. On the web site you will find a) a Pioneers Gallery, postings of biographical information on LGBT religious leaders; b) a Collections Catalog, detailing existent collections of records; c) an Archives Exhibit, a sampling of some early records from our movements; and d) a Recommended Repositories listing. The web site also contains news items as well as background information on LGBT Religious Archives Network operations and personnel. There are several different ways you can support these efforts to ensure that the justice-seeking work of LGBT persons of faith is preserved for posterity:

1)         Identify a group of persons in your organization that will work on preserving your group's important records and papers. Contact the LGBT Religious Archive Network at info@lgbtran.org to get some tips on how you can begin this work.

2)         Subscribe to the LGBTRAN email newsletter list (a private list) in order to get occasional updates on the work to preserve LGBT religious history by emailing to subscribe@lgbtran.org.

3)         Gather records of LGBT religious movements in your possession (newsletters, meeting notes, correspondence, etc.) that need to be preserved. The LGBT Religious Archives Network staff can provide guidance on how best to deal with these.

4)         Make a list of the LGBT religious leaders whose biographies should be posted in the Pioneers Gallery on the LGBT Religious Archives Network web site and email those names with contact info to pioneers@lgbtran.org.

Each of us working together can ensure that future generations will learn the full story of how LGBT religious movements have had profound impact upon religious life in the U.S. and around the world.

Hugo Salinas of Affirmation wrote to Mark Bowman , “Dear Mark, This is Hugo Salinas-Olaiz, an Associate Director with Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons. We are very impressed with the LGBTRAN website and fully support your initiative. Let me mention a couple of times that might be of your interest:

1. We are currently in the process of creating a new website that will include a section entirely dedicated to celebrating our history and remember our dead. I will send you more information when the new site is up & running.

2. As you know, we started a collection in the Marriot Library in the University of Utah. Jay Bell is our archivist, and he helps coordinate the process of making donations to the library. We intend to scan and keep copies of some of the materials before making the donation and post them on our website.

3. We have a few pioneers of our own, and we are planning to send you the information so that you can post their bios in your Pioneer Gallery. Thank you for your efforts to preserve our history, Hugo Salinas-Olaiz

 

30 March 2003 Sunday

The final draft of the Gay Pride history was printed in the Pillar.

The History of Utah Gay Pride Events 1974-1983 By Chad Keller and Ben Williams

Co-directors of Utah Stonewall Historical Society -Our history is much like a great tapestry, however if a snag occurs, it cannot be simply plucked or cut away or the tapestry may unravel. Every detail in our collective history is important. The history of the Gay and Lesbian community in Utah is rich and colorful, however we must be careful that our history does not become full of urban legends, myths, and worse yet full of inaccuracies. We have to trust that the present caretakers of our organizations are diligent in preserving our "collective" memories.

 However, with the frequent turnover of leadership in this community often there is a lapse in the recitation of facts. Currently there seems to be a discrepancy among some leaders as to when Gay Pride was first celebrated in Utah. Was it twenty years ago, twenty-five years ago or even more?

The Utah Stonewall Historical Society feels it is important to clarify and address this issue. We feel compelled to cite primary sources in documenting the complete history of Pride in the context of the political and social climate of the times and not simply rely on hearsay or be obliged to acknowledge an arbitrary decision as to when Gay Pride became a sanctioned community event. To do otherwise is misguided and inappropriate.

 We strongly feel that to blindly acknowledge an inaccurate historical date discredits the work of hundreds of people that actually hosted and created the first Gay Freedom Day Celebrations; the predecessor of the current Gay Pride Day celebration.

            Much of what we have and are as the Gay Community of Utah is found in the Grassroots of the past. We submit to the community the facts as gleaned from several primary sources that constitute the proper methodology of historiography. We are certain that in light of these facts the importance of our work as a historical society will be widely embraced in the community and the history of the Utah Gay Pride Day will be properly preserved for future generations.

Furthermore we hope that with the presentation of these historic facts, that we have researched and preserved, will help the community celebrate with even more enthusiasm at Pride on June 8, 2003.

In the rush to be good stewards, the current new administrators of Utah Gay Pride have mistakenly acknowledged only 20 years of Gay Pride in Utah. Our understanding is that they assumed that 1983 was the first time a permit was acquired for a celebration in a Salt Lake City park. This is not correct. The history of Pride Day actually begins in 1974 and has been carried on successfully (and unsuccessfully) for over 28 years!

In the beginning: On June 27, 1974, the 5th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, over 200 Gay men gathered along the south-eastern shore of the Great Salt Lake, commonly known as "Bare Ass Beach", to celebrate "Gay Freedom Day". The semi-private event was sponsored in part by Joe Redburn, owner of the Sun Tavern, and open to the community although there is no record of Lesbians attending. This celebration was held in a secluded location primarily because many were afraid that the city would not allow Gay people to congregate together in its city parks. Many others feared being harassed by the Salt Lake City Police Department. Nevertheless the spirit of the occasion, while not an officially sanctioned event, empowered the minuscule Gay community, and laid the groundwork for a more organized Gay Freedom Celebration the following year.

In spring 1975 the first Gay Community Service Center (GCSC) opened its doors. Located south of the Sun Tavern, the GCSC published the Gayzette, Utah's first newspaper for Gays and Lesbians, operated a crisis line, and organized Utah's first Gay Pride Day then known as "Gay Freedom Day." Over Memorial Day weekend, 1975 the GCSC held a celebration at City Creek Canyon Park, with more than 400 people in attendance. As part of the Gay Freedom celebration and to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, Joe Redburn brought Disco Diva Gloria Gaynor to the Sun Tavern to perform her magic.

Due to lack of financial support, in 1976 the Gay Community Service Center closed. However, the community still managed to sponsor a second Gay Freedom Day held on May 30, 1976. Again Joe Redburn and the Sun Tavern sponsored a kegger party in City Creek Canyon Park. The Salt Lick, which had replaced the Gayzette, advertised the event: "All the Beer you could drink for $2.00!” Over 500 revelers enjoyed a barbecue, music, and dancing with employees of the Sun making the trek up the canyon several times from Memory Grove with men and women hanging on from the sides of the jeep, riding on the hoods, and being pulled while on skates. By many accounts, a raucous food fight also broke out at the event, which left the trees and grounds covered in potato salad. This "Animal House" type exhibition at City Creek Canyon Park however may have set precedent for the need for future reservations and permits.

Without a Gay Community Center, a Gay and Lesbian group calling itself "The Salt Lake Coalition of Human Rights" organized Gay Freedom Day in 1977. The coalition was made up of community leaders, most notably Ken Kline of the Gay Student Union, and Rev. Bob Waldrop, pastor of Metropolitan Community Church. The coalition was formed to protest anti-Gay rights activist, Anita Bryant, and her assault on the gains made by Gay and Lesbian people in the first half of the 1970's. The coalition expanded "Gay Freedom Day" to a three day Human Rights Convention and scheduled the Hotel Utah, now the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, for the symposium. At the last minute, the reservations for the convention were canceled when hotel managers discovered that the event was to be a Gay convention. However the International Dune Hotel at 206 South West Temple agreed to hold the conference and the symposium went on as scheduled.

Air Force Sgt. Leonard Matlovich, a Gay ex Mormon, and winner of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart was asked to deliver the keynote address by the coalition and he agreed to come to Salt Lake City "to continue the battle of Dade County". Matlovich who later died of AIDS, stated at 1977's Gay Freedom Day, "We shall overcome, no longer will we be your slaves of silence. We will be free Americans just like everyone else." Nearly 500 people, many wearing t-shirts and buttons that said "GAY and PROUD" attended the Freedom Day Human Rights Conference.

The Salt Lake Coalition of Human Rights again sponsored the Gay Freedom Celebration in 1978 and for the first time called the event "Gay Pride Week", which followed the national trend to call the annual celebration “Gay Pride” rather than “Gay Freedom”. During "Pride Week" organizers encouraged all Gay people to wear green on "Gentle Thursday" as a sign of solidarity. On Saturday, 24 June 1978 a Gay Pride Fair and Seminar was held at the Northwest Multipurpose Community Center in Salt Lake City. Seminars included typical Seventies "conscious raising sessions" such as "The Church and the Gay Person," "Come Out Seminar," "The Lesbian & Feminists," and "Political Action and the Gay Community." Pride Week culminated the next day, Sunday June 25, with a softball game, cookout, rally, and a candlelight vigil held at Memory Grove. The rally and candlelight vigil, held at the Meditation Chapel monument, followed an ecumenical worship service sponsored by Gay and Lesbian religious organizations of the time; Metropolitan Community Church of Salt Lake, Dignity, Affirmation, and Integrity.

By 1979, the Salt Lake Coalition of Human Rights was faltering, however they managed to team with the now “Lesbian and Gay Student Union” and Salt Lake Affirmation to sponsor another Gay Pride Week in June. Salt Lake Affirmation was able to get discount tickets from the Lagoon Amusement Park and held the "1st Gay Lagoon Day Outing." LGSU and the Coalition held a scaled back symposium at the Metropolitan Community Church, followed by a Civil Rights protest and an all-night candle light vigil for victims of Gay bashing. The protest and vigil was held on the steps of the City and County building at Washington Square. The Candle light vigil was also reported in the Los Angeles Advocate and drew national attention to the Gay and Lesbian struggle for Human Rights in Utah.

As the new decade of the 1980's began, there was a dramatic lull in political activism in the Gay and Lesbian Community of Utah. Many of the strongest firebrands from the 1970's had burned out or moved on. The unsolved murder of several Gay men in late 1979, most noticeably, Tony Adams, a black Gay activist, dimmed any desire to be too public.

The strongest social organization in Salt Lake City in 1980 was Affirmation, and it fell to them to do much of the Pride Day activities for the community that year. The Imperial Court of Utah, while having a much larger membership than Affirmation, was going through a painful upheaval and was paralyzed by its own metamorphosis into the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire.

The Lesbian community was held together only by "Women Aware". Many Lesbian Separatists and Feminists of the time were unwilling to participate with Gay men, who were seen as unsympathetic to their issues, most noticeably by the lack of support within the Gay men's community for passage of the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment). These forces were incredibly divisive and tended to split the Gay community along gender issues.

However in June 1980, Affirmation was able to sponsor the 2nd Annual Gay Day at Lagoon Outing, and the Lesbian and Gay Student Union managed to host a low-key Gay seminar at the U of U as part of Gay Pride Week. Attendance at each event was abysmal. Separate and apart from the Gay and Lesbian support groups, the Salt Lake Tavern Guild, an organization of Gay bar owners, sponsored a Utah contingency of bar patrons and workers to build a float for the San Francisco's Gay Pride Day but did little else locally. The community was definitely in the doldrums. The Stonewall Revolution was over and the era of Ronald Reagan and the AIDS epidemic had begun.

In 1981 and 1982, the Utah Gay community was so fractionalized that no one would sponsor a community Pride event with any other group. All sections of the community had marginalized themselves from the rest. LGSU was seen as being in an "Ivy Tower." The Royal Court was viewed as anti-feminist organization because some members of the Lesbian community saw Drag Queens as parodying women. However the Mormon group, Affirmation finally rallied and hosted a community Pride Day event by themselves. They alone sponsored the 3rd and 4th Annual Gay Day at Lagoon Day insuring a semblance of continuity of Pride Days for Utah, for which they should be justifiably proud.

Salt Lake Affirmation thus kept the spirit of Gay Pride alive until 1983, when some members of the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire along with members of the Salt Lake Tavern Guild met to organize a Gay Pride picnic they called "A Day In the Park." A small committee of organizers, which included Tim Leming, Marshall Brunner, and Mel Rohland among others, were instrumental in bringing the community back together to celebrate being Gay.

The " Day in the Park" committee hoped to revitalize the flickering spirit of Gay Freedom Day among the contentious factions of Utah by hosting a community social at Fairmont Park in Salt Lake City, May 1983. The event was billed as a "Basket Social" and was primarily sponsored by the Tavern Guild. Nearly 250 people attended the event to play games and listen to speeches and music. Larry Pacheco emceed keynote speakers from the National Gay Task Force, and from the Utah ACLU. The Tavern Guild also contributed prizes to raise money for the event while the Royal Court donated $300 to the National Gay Task Force to help bring a speaker to the park. The late Doug Ownsby had the distinction of designing the first Official SLC Gay Pride Day T-shirt. The event was considered a success.

In fact so successful that many who came out in the 1980's had no recollection of the previous glorious celebrations that told the world that we are a Proud People! In honoring the pioneer activists that envisioned the world we live in today, let us not forget that "Pride is more than a Party," as we endeavor to create a more noble future for ourselves and for our Gay and Lesbian posterity.

To Be Continued – Pride 1983 to 1993 in the next edition.”

Kirsten Stewart of The Salt Lake Tribune reported “Sponsor of Hate Crimes Bill Will Try Again     Not a month has passed since Utah lawmakers, for the sixth consecutive year, did not pass a hate crimes bill, and its backers already are laying the groundwork or a seventh try. "Think how far we came this year," says sponsoring Rep. David Litvack. "Years of sweat and frustration and constantly keeping the issue before the citizens of this state; that's why we got as far as we did."   

The Salt Lake City Democrat is open to scrapping elements of the legislation to win votes, though he prefers to run the bill as is. Much hangs on a pending court ruling on the constitutionality of Georgia's hate crimes law and the success of a national movement to include "sexual orientation" among the federally protected categories, Litvack told University of Utah students at a Hinckley Institute of Politics panel this week.

 Though opposed to Litvack's bill, Hinckley panelist Rep. Chad Bennion, R-Murray, agreed time is on Litvack's side. "It takes on average six or seven years for challenging bills to pass," he said.

Bennion, like many in the majority party, agrees "we shouldn't tolerate hate" but opposed House Bill 85, arguing it creates a new category of "thought crime" because it imposes a more severe penalty based on a perpetrator's motivation.

HB85 would have enhanced penalties for crimes motivated by hatred for an individual based on religion, race, color, nationality, ancestry, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. It passed the Utah House in late April for the first time in its six years before the Legislature.

The landmark 38-35 vote was short-lived, however. The measure was recalled the following day and allowed to die quietly.

Litvack says there are plenty of crimes where the penalties are enhanced based on a criminal's motivation or intent, including murder in the first degree.

He says lawmakers who have supported penalty enhancements in the past, but voted down hate crimes, will be forced to face their hypocrisy if the state high court rules Georgia's hate crimes law "unconstitutionally vague."

 

31 March 2003 Monday

John Reeves from Boston wrote me “Ben-- What a wonderful article you've penned. Thanks so much for sharing it. I hope you're appreciated for the great work you're doing, keeping a lot of Utah gay people on track and aware of their history. I'm not sure if I'll ever come to Utah again, but who knows. I'll just have to try and convince you that you need another trip to New England and New York, so Jimmy and I can host you, entertain you, wine and dine you and we can again trade stories, lies and whatever. Love always, John

Brian and Martin announced “Many of you have been asking about Gay and Lesbian Soccer this year. The official start date will be Sunday, April 27 (the weekend after Easter). We will play at 2:30 p.m. on the central field at Fairmont Park (as in years past). We may be playing unofficially on Sundays prior to then.        

Kathy Worthington wrote me; “would really like a photocopy of the Salt Lake Tribune article about a  queer nation protest at Temple Square in April of 1991. Does someone have a copy of it? Or of other articles about that protest? I need it for a possible lawsuit about the right to resign from the church. I think the Trib article has something in it about how people can 'get their names removed from the records' of the church. Kathy Worthington

I wrote her back, “Hate to keep pestering but have you read this past weeks Salt Lake City Weekly? Good article on the Tanners and how they tried to post the LDS General Handbook of Instructions on how to leave the church.

Kathy look in the photo section of this group site under Toni Palmer's collection. I downloaded an image of the article you want on this site as section #2. You probably might want to contact her for permission to use it. Hope it helps. BTW Hope you and Sara [Hamlin] are doing well

I wrote Chad Keller: Good morning...Chuck [Whyte] is ready to come on board as treasurer...Are you going to LGSU tonight? I am staying home to get April's history chronology done for the group site...Chuck said he would be there on April 7 when we meet with Charles Milne again. The fur is going to fly. I emailed about 20 people my message regarding how we document history and who are not members...including Paula Wolfe, Michael Quinn, and Joe Redburn.