Winter First Quarter Journal 2005 January-March

 

JOURNAL 2005

1 January 2005 Saturday

I am 53 years old and living at 1633 Fernleaf Street in Salt Lake City with Michael Romero and my three dogs, Priscilla, Smokey, and Saffy. I am a school teacher at Orchard Elementary in North Salt Lake City and teach 6^th grade. My co-workers are Susan McAdams and Karen Fisher.

My principal is Pam Parks who had been my principal for at least 10 years which is unusual for Davis School District left last year, and our new Principal Merry Fussleman has been almost an absent administrator as that she really didn’t want to come to Orchard. She has left all the important school decisions up to a faulty committee.

            I am tired of how Orchard has changed with the new addition and all the new students from the Eaglewood development up on the hill by the golf course. All these stay at home mothers with too much time and money dictating how they want the school to run. It’s like the PTA is running the school instead of the faculty.

            Jennifer Lewis was really having a tough time in Third Grade and took to drinking when she was let go. I know it’s just a matter of time that the Mormon clique come after me as being too “liberal.”

            I am really in the doldrums of my life. I am not content with my relationship, my work, or my involvement with the Gay community. My only real involvement is writing a history column called Lambda Lore for the Salt Lake Metro, that Michael Aaron and Jay Petersen own and publish. That keeps me busy enough as I write a column every two weeks.

            My involvement with the Utah Stonewall Historical Society has waned also and about all I do with it anymore is post information on a Yahoo Group site.

In the news the Salt Lake Tribune reported,  “Former counselor sentenced on sex-abuse counts- A former counselor who molested patients of a Woods Cross facility for troubled teens was sentenced Monday to prison for up to five years. Jerome C. Moody, 49, had pleaded guilty in 2nd District Court to third-degree felony counts of attempted sexual abuse of a child and attempted forcible sodomy.

Moody sexually assaulted two boys, ages 14 and 15, who were residential patients of Benchmark Behavioral Health Systems during 2003, according to charging documents. Judge Michael Allphin said Moody - who during a pre-sentence interview denied responsibility for the crimes - was not a candidate for probation and treatment.”

            Also the health department reported 2,916 People have contracted AIDS in Utah since 1983 and nearly a third, 1,062 have died. Not counted were my friends who died out of state like David Sharpton and Ken Francis.

            I really don’t feel like recording my life at all this year but I will post things about the Gay community as it is changing as I am not involved much any more and I don’t know many who are.

 

2 January 2005- 5 January 2005

No Entries

 

6 January 2005 Thursday

 My column, “The Gay Hepatitis-B Vaccine Experiment.” Issue 1 Volume 2 Ben Williams Lambda Lore

      An Hepatitis-B vaccine experiment involving thousands of healthy young Gay men occurred in major metropolitan areas in the United States from 1978 to1980. The Gay Hepatitis-B Vaccine Experiment was the project of Dr. Wolf Szmuness, who became an authority on hepatitis after he defected to America from Poland. Within a few years he appointed Professor of Public Health at Columbia University and in 1978 Dr. Szmuness was awarded millions of dollars to undertake the “most important mission of his life: the Hepatitis-B vaccine experiment. “

      When these hepatitis B experiments began, Gay men were arguably the most hated minority in America, more despised than Blacks and Jews. Numerous straight conservative Americans under the leadership of Anita Bryant were attempting to roll back gains made by the Gay Civil Rights Movement. The religious right infuriated with Gay demands for social reform even claimed that the Bible condemned homosexuals to death.

For most of the 20th century, homosexuality had been diagnosed as a mental illness. Under pressure from Gay activists, the American Psychiatric Association removed this stigma in 1974. However soon afterwards the physical health of homosexual men came to the attention of the medical authorities. According to public health statistics provided by epidemiologists across the nation, the Gay community was infested with venereal diseases. The most shocking rates of infection according to the government were for hepatitis B.

Nazi doctors were the first to prove that hepatitis was infectious. In their medical experiments, physicians forced concentration camp prisoners to eat material scraped out of the stomachs of people who had turned yellow from liver disease. When the prisoners subsequently sickened with yellow jaundice, the Nazi doctors determined that hepatitis was most likely caused by an infectious agent and was probably a virus. Later when hepatitis B was also proven to be a sexually transmitted disease, it was considered a serious health threat.

The groundwork for the Gay hepatitis experiment began in 1973 when the Gay Men's Health Project in Manhattan provided blood samples for hepatitis B testing at the New York City Blood Center. The results were that one out of every two Gay blood samples was positive for hepatitis B. By contrast, only 5% of the blood samples from straights were positive. Half the Gay population was infected with the hepatitis B virus according to New York health clinics. Epidemiologists then determined that homosexual men were a potential public health menace not only to themselves, but to the larger public as well.

In the 1970’s the burgeoning Gay communities wanted to show that they were good citizens, deserving all the right and privileges of American citizenship. Gays volunteered for blood drives, and were willing to help test this new experimental vaccine, which offered the hope of eradicating hepatitis B. Even in Salt Lake City, Gay blood drives were regularly promoted as a civic duty.

After much debate, Dr. Szmuness decided that young promiscuous Gay men would be the best group to test the vaccine. He gained the confidence of Gay professionals by adding homosexual physicians and activists to his staff.

In November 1978, a bloodmobile began canvassing Greenwich Village, in NYC, looking for homosexual volunteers. They flocked to him. Dr. Szmuness’ experiment continued until October 1979. Over ten thousand men signed up and donated blood samples for his upcoming experiment with one thousand men from Manhattan being injected with the vaccine, some with a suspected contaminated batch.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, were all involved in the study, as well as big pharmaceutical companies, such as Merck, Sharp & Dohme Inc., and Abbott Laboratories. Merck Laboratories was given the governmental contract to primarily manufacture the experimental Hepatitis-B vaccine. During the course of experiment, Dr. Szmuness voiced his concern about possible vaccine contamination. He even suspected that one vaccine batch made by the National Institutes of Health was contaminated.

In January 1979, only two months after Dr. Wolf Szmuness began his hepatitis experiment, purple skin lesions began to appear on the bodies of healthy young white Gay men in NYC. Doctors were not sure exactly what was wrong with these men. During the next thirty months, Manhattan physicians encountered dozens of cases of a new disease characterized by immunodeficiency, Kaposi's sarcoma, and a rapidly fatal lung disease, known as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. All the men were young, Gay, and promiscuous. Almost all were white. All died horribly.

Dr. Szmuness, however unconcerned or unaware of the purple lesions on a small percentage of his volunteers, was thrilled with the tremendous success of his hepatitis B experiment. By the beginning of the 1980s, Dr. Szmuness was awarded millions of dollars for his research, and his hugely successful hepatitis B vaccine was hailed as having tremendous implications. The medical community now had a vaccine for hepatitis B.

In March 1980, the Center of Disease Control supervised additional Gay hepatitis B experiments in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, St. Louis, and Chicago. By the fall of 1980, the first West Coast case of purple lesions appeared in San Francisco. Six months later, in June 1981, the Gay (HIV) epidemic became "official." One year after this disease was officially recognized as Gay Related Immunodeficiency Disease (GRID), Dr. Wolf Szmuness suddenly died of lung cancer in June of 1982. At the time of his death, 30% of the men in the Dr. Szmuness experiment were HIV positive. This rate of 30% far exceeded the rate for any African population, where later Dr. Robert Gallo and others claimed the HIV disease has been around "for decades".

 

7 January 2005-10 January 2005

No Entries

 

11 January 2005 Tuesday

On the January 11th edition of "What's On Your Mind / Talk Radio With Dave White", Leonard Olds of Log Cabin Republicans will join Dave for a discussion of the past election, politics within the Gay community, current issues, and opponents such as Traditional Values Coalition. You are invited to provide questions, comments, and input as well.

Broadcast on internet radio station KSAV.ORG, the program runs live from 7:30PM until 9PM Pacific time on Tuesdays and is rebroadcast at the same time on Thursdays. This program is one of an ongoing series featuring topics and persons of interest to the GLBT community as well as others. Dave's program features a humorous and imaginative style which makes the discussion both interesting and fun. Callers may participate by calling our nationwide toll free number (800)407-KSAV(5728). The program will be rebroadcast Thursday, January 13th, at the same time. Help make this program a forum to promote different viewpoints and YOUR OWN IDEAS AND OPINIONS by both listening and participating. What's On Your Mind / Talk Radio With Dave White WWW.KSAV.ORG

            Dan Nailen of the Salt Lake Tribune wrote an article on the Hale Theater’s position of Gay Marriage. “A Hale-storm of controversy at theater over actor's dual roles- Hale Center Theatre's annual production of "A Christmas Carol" ended last month in West Valley City, but a lingering controversy over lead actor Richard Wilkins' opposition to same-sex marriage has some theater people crying Scrooge.

The flap stems from Wilkins' decision to sell a reprinted edition of the Dickens classic to patrons in the theater lobby during performances of the show, which closed Dec. 27. As Wilkins stated in the show's program and in a recorded announcement before the curtain, all proceeds from sales of the book benefited BYU's World Family Policy Center, which he directs. The World Family Policy Center (WFPC) is a socially conservative group that promotes the traditional heterosexual family "as the fundamental unit of society."

Wilkins was personally outspoken in his support last fall of Amendment 3, which will rewrite Utah's constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. Some gay and gay-friendly theater professionals bristled at Hale Center's sale of the book, viewing it as a tacit endorsement of anti-gay views.

 "This is unconscionable!" wrote Kevin Mathie in a Dec. 24 e-mail to a group of friends in Utah's theater community. Mathie was a pianist for the show. He argued that Hale's unspoken support for WFPC was a slap in the face of its many gay actors, designers, and crew members, and encouraged them to consider boycotting the theater.

"I, for one, cannot work for a company who actively works against the best interests of my close friends," wrote Mathie, who, incidentally, is not gay. His e-mail sparked similar reactions from other theater folks, one of whom wrote back, "I'd never set foot on a stage with Richard Wilkins. His bigoted, poisonous views have vexed me for several years."

Hale Center Theatre co-owner Sally Dietlein said she thought proceeds from the book would go to Wilkins' pocket and resents implications that the theater harbors any prejudice.

“This is not a public stand the theater is taking," she told The Tribune. "We've got directors we adore who are gay . . . actors who've been with us for years who we respect and adore. It makes me angry that they might have been hurt by this."

Wilkins is bewildered and upset by the controversy and says he was careful to inform patrons that profits from book sales would benefit the WFPC, not Hale Center Theatre. The WFPC has taken no formal position against gay marriage, he says. "I know that some people think what I do at the WFPC is controversial," he said. "If people don't agree . . . they didn't have to buy the book."

Wilkins also wonders why Mathie waited until late December – a month after "A Christmas Carol" opened - to object. "If someone had raised this [complaint] during the show, I would have stopped selling the book," he said. "These are my friends. I don't want to hurt anyone."

The parties involved have until November to work things out. That's when "A Christmas Carol" returns to Hale Center Theatre, with Wilkins back as Scrooge. He says he plans to sell the book, with proceeds again going to the WFPC, unless the theater tells him otherwise.”

 

12 January 2005 Wednesday

No Entry

 

13 January 2005  Thursday

In the middle of the article by Mark Eddington and Ronnie Lynn in The Salt Lake Tribune, the crutch of the matter is that an Orem Mom is upset that the Red Cross Blood Drives asked high school students if they ever had sex with a man who had sex with a man.

“ Red Cross blood quiz too risqué? Mom complains: High school donors are asked about sexual history Stop the bleeding. That was Diane Ogborn's plea Wednesday to the state Board of Education. She says Red Cross blood drives are too risqué for impressionable Utah high-school students, who must be protected from the saucy screening questions about sex that technicians must ask donors.

The 37-year-old Orem mother of four asked board members to halt Red Cross drives at public high schools. "They just ask very sexually explicit questions without parental consent," she said.

The board declined to put Utah's high schools off-limits but agreed to develop a policy requiring blood-drive organizers to give parents plenty of advance notice on the kinds of questions their children will be asked if they give blood. The pending policy also could require parental permission - a step the Red Cross says blood banks already take.

Ogborn, who has donated blood regularly since she was in high school, argues state law clearly prescribes what kind of sexual content can be exposed to students, and who can expose it. For blood-drive technicians to ask questions such as "Have you ever had sex with a male who has had sex with another male?" goes too far, she said. "As a parent, how I read it, it looks to me like it violates the law," she said.

The questions all donors fill out before giving blood also ask such things as "In the past 12 months, have you had any sexual contact with a prostitute or anyone else who takes money or drugs or other payment for sex?" and "From 1977 to the present, have you received money, drugs or other payment for sex?" Such queries are necessary to screen blood for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. And they're legal, according to school board attorneys, even in public schools.

While state law addresses the kind of sexual content that can be covered during regular instruction, the school board doesn't consider the Red Cross questions instruction. Therefore, they don't violate the law.

State schools Superintendent Patti Harrington said she sympathized with Ogborn. "That kids have access to that language concerns me, too," Harrington said. But Julia Wulf, acting CEO of the Red Cross' Lewis and Clark Blood Region, notes her organization already informs parents about the nature of the questions. A parental permission slip - along with frank sexual definitions - is sent home with each student aged 17, the minimum age allowed in Utah for blood donation. Anyone 18 and over does not need parental permission.

However explicit the questions and definitions, Wulf notes, they are required by the Food and Drug Administration. "Our primary concern is the safety of the blood supply," she said. "Unfortunately, there are people who want to give blood who don't understand what is considered sexual contact."

The Red Cross sponsors blood drives in 75 Utah high schools each year. High school donors account for 5 percent of the 100,000 units the Red Cross collects annually in the state.

MountainStar and the Associated Regional and University Pathologists (ARUP) at the University of Utah also tap high school donors for blood and follow the same FDA-prescribed rules. Judy Francis, blood bank coordinator for MountainStar, was incredulous after hearing about Ogborn's request. "I've never heard anything like this," Francis said. "Every blood center in the United States relies on high school donations." About 10 percent of the 25,000 units MountainStar draws each year come from Utah's high schools.

"Only 5 percent of the eligible population in the U.S. donates," Francis added. "If 10 percent of that total was taken away, where would we get the extra 10 percent from?" Robert Blaylock, medical director of blood services for ARUP, says today's aging population is making blood even more critical. "We're trying to educate people at a young age that blood donation is a good thing," he said. "To lose that opportunity while kids are in high school - to get them started on a blood-donation career - would have tragic consequences."

The Cyber Sluts announced that they will be hosting "Gay Bingo" for the next 9, “yes NINE weeks, at Todd's Bar and Grill, on Wednesday nights from 8 until 10pm. If you have never attended Gay Bingo, you have NOT lived. It's great fun and it is for a great cause.

The proceeds will go to the Camp Pinecliff Weekend, which is an annual camp for people with HIV/AIDS. Each evening of Gay Bingo will include live entertainment and of course, BINGO. Also thrown in will be loads of political subversion, social commentary scandalous gossip and questionable glamour. (so if you don't want to be the center of discussion, you'd better be there) Todd's will be doing a food and beverage special each week. Hope to see you all there!!!!

 

14 January 2005 Friday

No Entry

 

15 January 2005  Saturday

Ruth Warrick was the last surviving cast member from "Citizen Kane" died today. I remember her as Phoebe Tyler Wallingford on ABC’s All My Children, which she played regularly from 1970 until her death. They were all her children and I watched it faithfully for about two years in 1983 and 1984 until the show killed off Jenny my favorite character.  She was 88 years old.

Jennifer Dobner of The Salt Lake Tribune wrote, “Episcopal bishops to meet in Salt Lake on gay issues-Episcopal bishops seeking ways to mend the rift over homosexuality that has strained relations between the American denomination and  its sister churches worldwide plan to gather for a closed-door strategy session next week in Salt Lake City.

U.S. bishops are scheduled to spend Wednesday and Thursday in Salt Lake City, discussing their response to recommendations from an emergency panel of Anglican leaders on how the loose, global association of churches called the Anglican Communion can remain unified.

The Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of Anglicanism. The gathering is the first of several meetings in which Episcopalians will discuss the study, called the Windsor Report, which chastised the U.S. church for consecrating its first openly gay bishop without fully consulting overseas Anglican leaders who opposed his election.

New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson, who lives with his longtime male partner, is expected to attend the meeting. Conservative American bishops who had boycotted previous meetings with him plan to attend this gathering as well.

''This is a pivotal meeting,'' said Cynthia Brust, a spokeswoman for conservative Anglicans, who have formed a network of dissenting dioceses and congregations. ''The [conservative] bishops will push for real decision and action.'' It is unlikely that the bishops will take dramatic steps to address global tensions next week, ahead of a critical gathering of Anglican leaders next month in Northern Ireland.

The task for American bishops is made more difficult by the fact that many Episcopalians - and even members of the emergency panel - disagree over what the Windsor Report has asked of them. Generally, the report sought apologies from Episcopal bishops who consecrated Robinson and suggested a moratorium on electing bishops who are in same-sex relationships. The report also discouraged dioceses from authorizing blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples.

Some Episcopalians argue the report only asked bishops to refrain from developing official prayers for such ceremonies, while others contend the study recommended an outright moratorium on same-sex union ceremonies. The report also criticized conservative bishops who have crossed boundaries, unauthorized, to lead North American parishes that cannot accept the authority of their liberal bishops.

Utah bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish declined to comment before next week's meeting but is on record supporting Robinson and the blessing of same-sex unions. Last year, Irish called for Utah churches to create formal rites for such unions.

The 2.3 million-member Episcopal Church is a small but important part of the 77 million-member communion. The Rev. Dan Webster, spokesman for the Utah diocese, said he is encouraged by the return of the conservative bishops. ''Their voices will be heard at the table and it will be much better,'' Webster said. ''I suspect there will be frank and earnest discussion and I believe there will be direct conversations between bishops.''

 

16 January 2005 Sunday

Aimee Selfridge wrote,  Loss of our brother Randy Watkins  My heart is breaking for David and his loss right now. I would like to offer up my love and support for him and let him know that if he needs anything I and our community will be here for him. Many have asked for info on the services, so I am getting this info out to you all. Please come and support David and celebrate the life of Randy. -Little Aimee

Randall Dean Watkins, 42, passed away January 13, 2005 in St. George, Utah. He was born September 21, 1962 in Ogden, Utah to Shirley Jean Davis and Melvin Wallace Watkins.

Randy grew up in Ogden, Utah and Las Vegas, Nevada. When he was seven years old the family moved to St. George, Utah. Randy graduated from Dixie High School and attended Dixie College. He managed family motels throughout Utah, Nevada, and Wyoming before moving back to St. George in 1996. He and his partner in life, David Ulibarri, owned and operated Guest Room Services and David's Designs Floral and Gifts. They loved to escape to the mountains, ocean or to Snow Canyon. Randy loved his animals which included cats, horses, and chickens. He found a great deal of enjoyment spending time with family and friends. His greatest gift was his great sense of humor.

Randy is survived by his companion, David Ulibarri, St. George, Utah. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at 11 a.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah.

 

17 January 2005 Monday

Virginia Mayo was once a Goldwyn Girl and was always filmed in tecnicolor but established an acting career, notably in "The Best Years of Our Lives." My favorite was her role with Bob Hope in the Princess and the Pirate. She was 84 years old.

 

18 January 2005 Tuesday

No Entry

 

19 January 2005 Wednesday

I called mom on dad’s birthday. She said that she is going to put the house up for sale as that her funds are running low with dad gone. She said she may get $250,000 for the house in Palmdale that they only paid $70,000 for. She’s talking about moving to Vegas to be between California and Utah and that more people would come to visit her in Vegas than other places.

 

20 January 2005 Thursday

My Lambda Lore column The Literary and Musical Society of 1856 Issue 2 Volume 2 Ben Williams Lambda Lore

Thomas Stenhouse, editor of the Deseret News, and a member of the inner circle of church authorities during the 1860's, wrote a history of the Latter Day Saints called “The Rocky Mountain Saints”. In this book, Stenhouse mentions a "Literary and Musical Society" formed by a few young Mormon men in about 1855.

While there is no suggestion by Stenhouse that these men formed among themselves what is known as "romantic friendships" of the 19th Century, or that they had any other interest other than improving their intellectual lives in frontier Utah, traditionally many Gay men have been attracted to the literary arts as a form of _expression of their forbidden passions in the 19th Century. The Transcendentalist Movement in literature from New England was almost entirely made up of homosexuals in the 1840's.

Stenhouse stated that the Literary and Musical Society was created by young "men of superior talent," as would the Homosexual Bohemian Club be, when formed in Salt Lake City in the late 19th century. No doubt, any young man of a "sensitive nature", would have been attracted to such a society.

In 1856, Utah was at its theocratic height, and the first Presidency of the Latter Day Saints Church set in motion a "Reformation" of Mormon society from perceived evils. Brigham Young felt that this "literary society" was one of the threats to his theocratic control over the lives of Latter Days Saints. Stenhouse attributed this attitude as simply Brigham Young's need to subjugate every aspect of early Mormon society to his will. No doubt this is probably the main reason for the church to squelch the literary organization but perhaps "the prophet" saw something else going on there reported by his spies and may have been alarmed by the caliber of the Mormon young men who attended these literary meetings. So much for speculation. Here is what Stenhouse actually wrote in Chapter Thirty-Six of "The Rocky Mountain Saints" and you can draw your own conclusions.:

"Everything that was not ordered and presided over by the priesthood, was denounced as leading to apostasy, and all who did not take an active part in self-accusation of the meanest kind were suspected of deep sin and treated accordingly.

For an example, a number of young elders of literary tastes and acquirements, some who were acknowledged to be men of superior talent organized a `Literary and Musical Society', a few months before the `Reformation' began. They gave public entertainments to their friends, which consisted of original essays and poems, recitations, declarations, orations, and music. They had ample talent among their own committee to occupy the evenings fully and to make them highly interesting; but as they designed to diffuse a love of literature and music throughout Zion, they called in all the talent that surrounded them.

Any new arrival from the States or Europe possessed of talent was at once waited upon and requested to add to the interest of the entertainment. The society became very popular, was conducted in an interesting manner, and was governed as a thoroughly democratic institution, each member of the committee occupying the chair and keeping door in turn. This society would have done credit to any city in the world and would have reflected honor on its originators.

The meetings, which were held weekly, were opened, and closed by singing and prayer. But they became too popular, and flourished without the president's direction, and consequently drew forth the denunciations of Brigham, Heber, and 'Jeddy.' [Heber C Kimball and Jedidiah Grant]

In the public meetings at the Tabernacle the committee and society became the objects of ridicule, contempt, and abuse, charging them with pride, ambition, big-headedness, conceit, and sins.

A meeting was afterwards called by the society, its object being, after the exercises were concluded, to dissolve itself. Brigham, Heber, and 'Jeddy' were present, and, on being invited to speak, belittled, and berated the institution, and on being informed that the society would dissolve that evening, the leaders recommended—which was equal to a command—that the members become associated with the 'Theological Institution,' a pet association that had died about three years before, but had that evening very conveniently revived.

Its first death was caused by the short-sighted course characterizing many of Brigham's policies, by appointing favorites to occupy positions and hold offices who had neither ability, taste, nor education to fill them. This institution swallowed the Literary and Musical Society in one night; but it was too great a gulp, and it died again in two weeks, never to be revived.

 In order to add insult to injury and to crush the committee completely, the next Sunday, in the Tabernacle, eight of the most prominent and efficient members of the Literary and Musical Society were called to be door-keepers at the Tabernacle! On the motion being announced to that effect a titter passed through the vast congregation, most of whom understood the matter to be a punishment.

The gentlemen, 'obedient to the heavenly call,' entered at once upon their newly appointed duties, and honored the office, if the office did not honor them. They did their duty and were afterwards complimented for their efficiency and punctuality by those who sought to crush them."

 "The 'Reformation wrought more evil than good, and it is now regarded by the best men in the Church as the height of folly and fanaticism."

 

21 January 2005-22 January 2005

No entries

 

23 January 2005 Sunday

Johnny Carson, the longtime host of the Tonight Show died at the age of 79. A whole generation lost sleep over him but I rarely watched him that much, if at all it was certain guests. We can no longer say, "Here's Johnny!"

 

 

24 January 2005- 27 January 2005

No Entries

 

28 January 2005 Friday

Jessica Ravitz of The Salt Lake Tribune wrote, “Murray school's 'cutest couple' title awarded to lesbian pair  MURRAY - Face it: politics aren't pretty. They aren't even cute. The "best of the seniors" election at Murray High is no exception. Hanging chads and confusing butterfly ballots were not the issue. But when two separate couples - including a lesbian pair - were told last week that they had clinched "the cutest couple" title, things turned ugly.

"We don't know with certainty who won. “There are conflicting stories," Martha Kupferschmidt, Murray School District's director of personnel and student services, said Monday. "We're kind of between a rock and a hard place." She wasn't kidding.

Both sets of supposed winners raised eyebrows for different reasons. Naming a same-sex pair "cutest couple" was unprecedented. And the other couple included a junior - a potential glitch for a senior yearbook page.

The story goes that yearbook student staffers weren't on the same  page as to who did and didn't qualify. Conflicting leaks of the results led to hours of closed-door meetings, a rash of rumors and even a circulating petition to back the girls.

As of Tuesday, Murray officials were saying Kortni Coats and Taunica Crump, the lesbian couple, had reportedly placed second – a claim some students disputed. Administrators set out to recount the original ballots, only to learn that those ballots had been tossed. So, Thursday morning, Murray's approximate 500 seniors were called on to vote again. The verdict later that day: The title goes to the girls.

Bundled against the rain in their hoodie sweatshirts, Taunica and Kortni, both 18, stood outside the school Thursday afternoon with their arms locked and their grins wide. They were baffled by all the attention, but couldn't contain their giggles, and said they were grateful for the support they'd received - from students, teachers, and administrators.

"Even people against it were nice. Even if they didn't agree with it," said Taunica, who first asked out Kortni on July 4.

Heather Johnston, 18, was equally happy and said, with a nod toward her friends, "They are completely open in school. They hold hands and act like any couple should."

But inside the school, some seniors were less than thrilled with the news. "Knowing two girls want to be in the yearbook because of their lesbian disorder, that's just sick," said Travis Howland. Staci Taylor called the mix-up "kind of stupid," and said the ballot specifically asked for a "cutest boy" and a "cutest girl." And although she was less adamant than Travis, she worried about the statement this result might make down the road. "I don't want my kids to look in my yearbook and see this," she said. "I grew up knowing homosexuality] was wrong."

Principal Scott Bushnell, who labeled the brouhaha "an unfortunate mishap" that will help shape future yearbook procedures, stood by his determination "to honor and respect" the vote of students. And although he anticipates strong reactions from both sides to the latest election results, he said, "We hope everyone respects and supports our responsibility to all students . . . [to treat them] fairly and equitably."

            My Lamba Lore Column,  The History of Gay Hate Crimes Volume 2, Issue 3 “In 1992 the Utah State Legislators passed a hate crime bill devoid of any language regarding sexual orientation. Every attempt since then to correct this injustice has met with failure.

The maiming and killing of gay men and women is a part of the history of queer people since time immemorial. History is replete with government-sanctioned executions for sodomy. As late as the 19th century, the British navy was hanging British seamen for no other crime than consensual buggery.

           The killing of homosexuals persists to the present time in many parts of the world. We know far right regimes as philosophically different as Nazi Germany and Islamic theocracies have executed gay people. Paramilitary death squads in South America have also been responsible for over 1,500 deaths of homosexuals. A recent survey indicated one out of every three Russians believes gays and lesbians should be “liquidated.”

              Citing biblical scripture, some neo-conservative Christian leaders continue to advocate the death penalty for sodomites. Mormon Apostle Bruce R. McConkie stated he supported the death penalty for all illicit sex including homosexuality. McConkie excused his outrageous assumption by claiming public execution of homosexuals would never take place until the church and state were one.

I am not certain how Elder McConkie was going to publicly execute homosexuals; however, his well-received book, “Mormon Doctrine,” instilled in the minds of many in Utah that homosexuals were worthy of death.

             For the next couple of columns, I want to report on five heinous murders of gay men in Utah. Most people will have never heard of them outside of the gay community due to a “conspiracy of silence” on the part of the judicial system and the media. In legal terms homosexuality was called for many years the “unspeakable crime.” Because of this conspicuous silence, it is extremely difficult to determine how many men and women have been killed in Utah for either being homosexual or perceived as being homosexual.

GEORGE ROY MORIARTY

 George Roy Moriarty’s murder was so horrific even the Salt Lake Tribune printed enough information that most people could tell his death was a sex crime. George Moriarty, a 33-year-old Korean War veteran, lived in South Salt Lake. On New Year’s Day 1965, Moriarty met Gary Horning, 25, of Ogden, at a Salt Lake City bar. After playing pool and drinking all day, Horning said he had to get back to Ogden to go to work in the morning. Moriarty then told Horning he would like to go with him to Ogden to “have a party.” The pair drove to Ogden and after visiting several bars, they met up with Leon Dyer, 26. After midnight, the three men drove to a secluded turnout up Ogden Canyon and there Moriarty removed all his clothing.

           What set off the events which led to Moriarty’s death, only Dyer and Horning know. Whether Dyer, after having sex, directed his intense feelings of guilt at Moriarty, or whether he was sadistically trying to sexually assault Moriarty is unknown. Horning confessed when Dyer started to hit Moriarty, he ran away naked into the cold January night. However, evidence shows Moriarty, who was beaten severely enough in the car to leave blood all over a plastic seat, was either tossed or shoved over the edge of the parking area, down a 140-foot embankment. Moriarty survived the fall and climbed back onto the road. Staggering half a mile toward the mouth of the canyon, he encountered Dyer and Horning driving back down the canyon. Surprised to see the man alive and on the road, they struck him with the car.

           On January 2, 1965, Moriarty’s body was found by a paper boy. A trail of blood and bare foot prints, in the snow, led to where Moriarty was lying nude, in a fetal position, beside the road. George Moriarty had died sometime during the night from exposure.

           On June 17, 1965, a voluntary manslaughter verdict was returned against Dyer and Horning. They were sentenced to only one to ten years in prison. As in many of the other gay murder cases, Moriarty was portrayed as somehow being responsible for his own grizzly death. Judge Parley E. Norseth—displeased with the jury’s verdict—vowed the killers would never receive his recommendation for leniency. Judge Norseth said, “You have won a legal victory but not a moral one.”

           Next issue: the murders of gay activist Tony Adams and drama student Gordon Church.

 

29 January 2005 Saturday

The Utah Bear Club announced, “All, I would like to take this opportunity to thank EVERYONE who participated in the Bear Auction that took place last night at Club 161. Together we raised a very successful $600 to go towards the Mr. Utah Bear / Mr. Utah Cub contest. This money will enable the group to do so much more with the Contest. Thanks especially to Ron [Hunt], Todd [Bennett] and Jeff for planning and organizing the Auction, Ken Baker for calling the Auction, and to all of the hot men who Gave up their time, talents, and services to be auctioned off. They include Jeff McKay, Scot B, Rusty James, Peter Savas, Ron Hunt, Daddy Todd, and a non-member of the UBA named David.

We also had four people from the Audience who volunteered on the spot to be Auctioned including one of our Members Gary McCulloch, and friends of the Bears, Steve, Francis, and Barry.

The Club was packed, the night was great and we as the Board of the UBA send out a HUGE - THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!! As we can see........together things are happening. Let’s keep it going. Best to everyone, The UBA Board.

 

30 January 2005 Sunday

Family Fellowship Forum held a panel at the University of Utah in the Social Work Auditorium at 5:00 p.m. Free of charge.

“Building Bridges - Healing Relationships - Loving and Serving All Dear Friend of Family Fellowship, “We have invited Aaron Cloward to speak and moderate a panel entitled "For The Strength of Our Gay Youth."  The panel will include other young gay and lesbian Mormons or former Mormons who will provide their perspectives about being gay in our Mormon culture and how they are and have been coping. It will be a very interesting panel discussion not to be missed! As is our custom, a light buffet will be served at the conclusion of the program.

Family Fellowship is a volunteer service organization, a diverse collection of primarily Mormon families engaged in the cause of strengthening families with homosexual members. We share our witness that gay and lesbian Mormons can be great blessings in the lives of their families, and that families can be great blessings in the lives of the gay and lesbian members.

We strive to become more understanding and appreciative of each other. We seek to put behind us all attitudes which are anti-family or which threaten loving relationships. All who can support these goals are welcome to contribute. Sincerely, Family Fellowship 

 

31 January 2005 Monday

I didn’t do a very good job of keeping up in this journal. Since I am pretty sure teachers are going to be riffed I am going to volunteer to be one of the teachers that leave Orchard.

            Michael Romero and I just exist in the same space with him upstairs and me down in the basement.

February

1 February 2005 Tuesday

The Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire is inviting interested community members to attend a Community Forum on Tuesday February 1st at the Center's Black Box Meeting Space.

The Forum will be held at 7 p.m. to explain internal changes in the Monarch System and put to rest rumors about fiduciary concerns and past actions by court officers.

The Court wants to provide time to discuss with the community at large past mistakes and future goals. The Royal Court is the oldest Queer philanthropic organization in Utah founded in 1976. It has raised 100s of thousands of dollars for such worthwhile causes as Toys for Tots, AIDS Prevention, PWACs, Breast Cancer Awareness, and many more.

            I attended the meeting and gave my two cents writing, “An open forum was held at the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Utah [GLBTCCU] by the Royal Court to address wrong doings by a past and present Monarch. It was very sad and gut wrenching to see an organization in such arrays.

The Board was queried why different monarchs received what was perceived to be different punishments. The court system seemed to me broken and almost beyond repair by the hurt and anger and frustration leveled there.

 The Chair of the Board did a remarkable job trying to keep passions to a simmer but several times he could not keep the room from boiling over. General members were accusing Board Members of breaches of confidentiality; Board members were arguing among themselves. Tears flowed; old wounds opened. It was clear that court was hurting. "Back stabbing" was the word "de Jour."

 Several things were self-evident from the meeting. The bylaws were unclear about the procedure for dealing with fiduciary malfeasance by court officers, leaving it to the discretion of the board to meet out an appropriate punishment. There was not a proper way of accounting for receipts. Closed Board Meetings led to strife and rumor mongering among general members.

Out of this meeting several policy changes were announced. By laws will be amended to spell out what disciplinary action will be taken for fiduciary irregularities so that all people are treated equitable. All show receipts will be placed in locked money deposit bags and deposited within 24 hours by the Emperor of court secretary. All board meetings (unless dealing with an individual) will be open meetings.

Both court monarchs have made restitution to the court and both had resigned over their misdeeds, however the castigation meted out by the board appeared to be excessive and more punitive then the malfeasance warranted.

It was voted (with only 3 votes in opposition) that both monarch's punishments and resignations be rescinded until a general court meeting could be held. Cooler heads need to prevail.

Off With Their Heads said the Red Queen- Both monarchs have been exemplary community minded individuals raising thousands of dollars for the community, and many felt that justice should be tempered with mercy. Public humiliation for their misdeeds have been excruciating but then the court like Caesar's wife "must be beyond reproach."

But do these individuals really need to wear a scarlet letter for life? Do not former good deeds account for anything?

Shakespeare wrote: "The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones." Let's be different and let the good people do live after them and let the evil be buried with their bones. C'mon we're Gay we are the good guys! We say all the time we are family. We need to act more like it.”

Chad Keller sent out an email regarding a ‘Collective Oral History of the Radio City and Sun.” He wrote,  “I have just met with Margaret Brady director of Your Story and the Utah Museum of Art and History. I am seeking any of those who remember the early days of the Radio City and the Sun Tavern (both old and new) who would be willing to sit down together as a groups and share their memories about both of these institutions that shaped the early years of the Utah Gay Community. Interested parties should respond directly to me Thanks! CCK”

Chuck Whyte responded to Chad, “I would be more than happy to chat about the "good old days" at the radio city and the first Sun I started going to them in 1978. I really started going earlier with fake i.d. Feel free to  call me at my home # 485 7360.

John Vernon who played Dean Wormer, assigning double-secret probation to the "Animal House" gang died at the age of 72.

 

2 February 2005 Wednesday

Utah Valley State College's Gay Club Rush  wrote, “Hey All, Club rush is 2/2 and 2/3 from 8am to 2pm, and we need helpers to staff the booth in the hall of flags. If you are available during these times call me at 358-1353 so we can schedule you and let you know the details.

Club rush can be really fun and it's a fun place to interact with other UVSC students. Activity is schedules for this Thursday 2/3 in LA 118 at 430PM. Bring a quote from a famous author, not so famous author, a poem you or someone else wrote, story, etc... something you can share with the group. Thanks for all your help, Club President Kevin”

The U of U’s LGBT resource Center and National Organization for Women in conjunction with Panini Restaurant proudly present:  The L-Word Lounge--A Lesbian and Bisexual Women's Social group trans and gender queer women are of course always welcome.

 At Panini Restaurant, 299 South Main Street at 7:30 PM on Thursday nights. Panini will be providing free appetizers and there will also be $2 Drafts. The L-Word lounge will be screening an episode of season one of the L-Word every Thursday   

 

3 February 2005 Thursday

The Center is OPEN and full of exciting changes - check it out! THE CENTER located at 361 North 300 West Salt Lake City announced, "The Center Space" (formerly Stonewall Coffee - downstairs in the north building) OPEN 6-9 PM Monday thru Friday The former coffee shop is now the "Center Space" and is open to the community M-F from 6-9 PM.”

“ It is still the place to come pick up magazines, access the internet, check out library books and check the message boards! We are even serving drip coffee, hot tea, sodas, and snacks, so there is no reason not to drop by.

Please pass the word along - we have a great community space to hang out in and get resources. Additionally we have great events happening regularly. Log on to www.glbtccu.org and check the room scheduling calendar for the most updated events and groups meeting on site. Check out what we have for the next month:

Mike Picardi, Chair, Utah Stonewall Democrats announced; “Ladies and Gentlemen, As most of you know, Sen. Paula Julander is resigning from the Senate due to health reasons. This Saturday, February 5th, 2005, there is to be a meeting of all the delegates from Senate District 2 in the Salt Lake County council room at 10:00 am. PLEASE attend and exercise your right as a delegate in selecting her replacement. I hope to see you all there.”

Mark Swonson announced a “New Gay Men Yahoo Group site:  To all Single Gay Men: I have created a new yahoo group site called utahgaymentodate@yahoogroups.com to reach out to other Single Gay men.

 This site will be a place where we can communicate to other Gay men regarding dating Gay men like at the Gay Men's Health Summit. If you decide to join the group you are welcome to post your profile, talk about your issues of dating, sexuality, health, relationships, financial, emotional, and everything else that relates to dating other Gay men in Utah. Thanks, Mark Swonson.”

 

4 February 2005 Friday

“Loud, Undisciplined conduct;  Dear GLBT Community and Friends: Could you help our group with a problem? We have gathered at several businesses in the past, for socialization and fun. This is great for all of us!

Unfortunately, we have been uninvited to some, not because we are gay, but because of LOUD and UNDISCIPLINED conduct. Yes, we are gay and proud! but please do not confuse this issue with that of appropriate and rational behavior.

We currently meet on Wednesdays at Starbucks, and they have welcomed us, even with the complaints of a local anti-gay group, and some in our group have repeatedly acted like uncontrollable children, the sad fact is that the few members of "our" community and several of their "straight" friends are the ones causing all the problems, but when they do this it is only "our" community who suffers.

It is the gay community who is targeted and put in danger, and it is all of us who are asked to leave. Here is a simple set of guidelines:

1) Be considerate of the other customers (don't yell at them or through anything at them, etc.)

2) Purchase items from the businesses where we meet.

3) Tell the staff thanks for letting us gather at their business.

4) Watch the noise level and horse play.

 This is plain common sense. We are members of a community that often rejects us. Don't let our social conduct be a reason for further discrimination. Thank you,  

 

5 February 2005 Saturday

Mike Picardi, Chair, Utah Stonewall Democrats wrote, Subject: Senate District Ladies and Gentlemen, as some of you may have heard by now, Scott McCoy has been chosen by the delegates in Senate Distrust 2 to replace Paula Julander. I wish to extend my congratulations to Scott. This is a first for the LGBT Community, having an openly gay man in the State Senate. I believe he is extremely qualified to represent the people of  District 2. I wish him the best of luck and look forward to working with him in the future.

The Salt Lake Tribune editorial “NO GAY MARRIAGE The Utah legislature is determined that gays and lesbians will not be allowed to marry. Even when they don't want to. Sen. Greg Bell, R-Fruit Heights, proposed a bill that would allow two adults "who are not eligible to be married under the laws of Utah" to enter into contracts that would give them limited mutual rights and responsibilities concerning health care and property. The Senate defeated the bill the other day, 18-10, on the theory that the contracts would amount to gay marriage by another name.

This was wrong for two reasons. First, as quoted above, the bill specifically stated that only two adults who could not marry under the law were eligible for the contracts. Second, the bill was carefully written to say that these contracts would not be marriages and were not to be treated as if they were. In short, no one was proposing gay marriage.

But the Senate is so blinded by its antipathy toward the idea of gay marriage that it cannot bring itself to make it easier for same-sex couples to exercise certain mutual contract rights, such as the ability to visit a loved one in the hospital or share property in joint tenancy.

This treatment of gays and lesbians is wrong because it sends the message that they are less entitled to certain basic rights than other people.

 We, like most other Utahns, do not support gay marriage. But we do believe that gay couples should have certain basic rights that married couples enjoy, among them the rights that Senate Bill 89 would have afforded.

Utahns voted overwhelmingly last November to amend their constitution to protect the institution of marriage. The new amendment, which appeared on the ballot as Amendment 3, says that marriage consists only of the legal union between a man and a woman. The second part of the amendment says that no other domestic union, no matter what you call it, may be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substantially equivalent legal effect.

We worried at the time of the election that the second part of that amendment would create barriers to affording gay couples basic rights. As a matter of law, that issue has not been decided by the courts. But as a political reality, it is clear from the Senate's vote on SB89 that our concern has been realized.

 A simple contract that allows one person to make health-care decisions for an incapacitated adult, as an immediate family member could, is not a "domestic union." Neither is a contract that would allow two unmarried people to own property in joint tenancy. Making it easier for people to enter those contracts, and register them with the Health Department, is a simple courtesy, not a marriage. It's too bad that 18 Utah senators can't, or won't, see that.”

Peggy Fletcher Stack religion writer for  The Salt Lake Tribune wrote, “Rebel Mormon's memoir ignites a furor Accusations: Author Martha Nibley Beck claims her father, a respected LDS intellectual, abused her. A daughter of famed Mormon intellectual Hugh Nibley has accused him of ritually abusing her as a 5-year-old, possibly wearing some kind of Egyptian garb and imitating the sacrifice of the biblical Abraham.

Martha Nibley Beck makes this and a host of other allegations against her aged father, mother, siblings, Brigham Young University, Mormons in general as well as leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in an explosive new book, Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith.

 Beck, author of the best-seller Expecting Adam, takes the far side of often virulent debates about recovered memories of sexual abuse versus false memories, dissidents versus the LDS Church, scholarly debate about the veracity of Mormon truth claims, and feminists versus patriarchal religions.

For many, especially non-LDS readers, it will be a compelling tale, enlivened by hilarious as well as agonized dispatches from Mormon country. Beck's "sarcastic self-scrutiny and laugh-out-loud prose elevate her story far above the run-of-the-mill dysfunctional family memoir," said a Dec. 15 review in Kirkus. But Publisher's Weekly said the book was "marred by shallow, formulaic anti-Mormon criticisms." And Tom Kimball, a Utah marketing director, compared it to "a 19th century anti-Mormon narrative of Utah where women claimed to have jumped into the Great Salt Lake from the towers of the Salt Lake Temple and swam to safety."

Kimball worries that such an approach will "undermine the credibility of those who have been legitimately abused by family and others and . . . that apologists will use Martha's exaggerations and fabrications as an excuse to discredit legitimate Mormon scholars who are critical of traditional or orthodox Mormon claims."

Adds BYU sociologist Marie Cornwall: "If you believe 'Desperate Housewives' is an accurate reflection of American society, then you'll believe this book."

Leaving the Saints is scheduled to be published on March 8, the same month that Nibley will turn 95. Beck, a columnist for Oprah Winfrey's magazine O and a "life coach," will be promoting the book on a national tour - which won't be stopping in Utah - hoping to sell the first printing of 75,000 copies.

Though the book is not yet available to the public, Beck said Friday that she has been receiving "a lot of nasty e-mails." Most of the large Nibley clan, including Beck's seven siblings, have read parts or all of it. They have known about their sister's accusations for more than a decade but only heard about the book last November from her ex-husband, John Beck.

At that time, several of her sisters tried to talk her out of publishing what they see as outrageous lies about their father and their family. "I don't believe it, not remotely," said Zina Nibley Petersen, the next-youngest sister who shared a room and a bunk bed with Beck for much of their childhood. Martha had the upper bunk.

One day when they were very small, the two were playing on the top bunk when the slats shifted and the mattress collapsed, dumping them on the floor and knocking out two of Zina's teeth. "That was with two little wispy girls," Petersen recalled. "To say nothing of an adult trying to manipulate a child into sex."

Their room was next-door to their parents', she said, and their mother was a light sleeper. Doors were always open and walls were thin, she said.

Christina Nibley Mincek, the eldest daughter, said Beck's details of her abuse grew after she first started telling them the story in the early 1990s. She added the Egyptian elements and vaginal scarring later, Mincek said. She believes Beck's experience corresponds to someone who had a false implanted memory.

Beck read Courage to Heal, a kind of how-to book about unleashing recovered memories that was popular in the early 1990s and was in therapy. And she experimented with self-hypnosis, Mincek said. "Martha wanted to teach me and her sisters how to recover these memories," she said. None did.

Even Rebecca Nibley, whom all siblings agree is Beck's strongest supporter in the family, doesn't believe their father abused anyone. "The one thing she wanted so badly was for us to say, 'it happened to me too,' " she said. "But we couldn't because it didn't."

And Nibley, four years older than Beck, is surprised that her sister failed to mention several key facts in this memoir: that Beck and her husband are divorced and that both are gay. "When the key issue in the book is her sexuality and how she got the way she is, to leave that out is going to make her look foolish," Rebecca Nibley said.

Beck responded that she left out that information because Leaving is a memoir of her life between the ages of 25 and 30. "At the time, I knew that my then husband John had struggled with homosexual attractions and behavior for most of his life," she said.

The family has hired Christopher Barden, a psychologist and lawyer who has testified in court cases on False Memory Syndrome. He has compiled affidavits from all the Nibley siblings, some in-laws and their mother, Phyllis. They are considering legal action against Beck or her publisher, Random House in New York.

Hugh Nibley has been bedridden for two years and is mostly lucid, Alex Nibley said. He is aware of the accusations and vehemently denies them.

Mormons have been feverishly circulating excerpts of the book on the Internet. An editor's note mentioned it at the bottom of Beck's column in January, and Nibley family friend Linda Smith has launched an e-mail campaign to dissuade Oprah from giving Beck an additional platform in her magazine or on her show to promote the book.

Such an organized reaction is "really surprising," Beck said by telephone from her home in Phoenix. "I don't feel I'm significant enough." But just about anyone else would have predicted the onslaught.

Her book makes many exaggerated claims about Mormons and Mormonism: that the governing First Presidency maintains a "death squad . . . to deal with malcontents," that the incidence of sex abuse among Mormon families far exceeds any other group, that "virtually all Mormons agree with the current prophet that mothers should not work under any circumstances," that the church

wire-tapped her home phone, that BYU removed all mention of Equal Rights Amendment Mormon activist Sonia Johnson from its library and that a Provo hairdresser insisted Beck get permission from her husband before cutting her hair.

But more than anything, this book is about her view of one of the church's most favored sons: Hugh Nibley. For more than 50 years, he was leadership's go-to scholar on LDS claims about the ancient origins of the Book of Mormon. The BYU- based Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS) has spent the last couple of decades building on his research.

Beck writes that 90 percent of his books' footnotes are invented, a fact disputed by numerous proofreaders. And she blames the LDS Church for putting her father in a bind by demanding that he prop up indefensible history. "He could either lose his job, his livelihood, his social standing, his bully pulpit, by publicly revealing information that would undermine the very foundation of Mormonism, or he could lie flat out," she writes. "In a way, I admire him for choosing the only other alternative: he went crazy."

Beck's family says she's the unstable one. "She has a long history of mental illness, especially anorexia and depression," Mincek said. "I am worried about her. [The negative mail] is probably throwing her into a total panic."

On the contrary, Beck is at peace with her book. "I write memoir and self-help because trusted editors and my own heart seem to push me toward dealing with the most difficult issues of real life," she said. "I wrote this book now because it is about an experience that taught me more than any other experience of my life about fear and pain as a path to compassion, forgiveness, and hope."

 

6 February 2005 Sunday

Thomas Burr  and Kirsten Stewart of   The Salt Lake Tribune wrote an article about Scott McCoy. “Dems pick gay advocate to fill state Senate spot  Scott McCoy: The vice chairman of Equality Utah is tapped to fill the seat vacated by Paula Julander-  By In a surprise move, Democrats named gay-rights advocate Scott McCoy to the state Senate on Saturday, making him Utah's second openly gay lawmaker, and setting up what could be an interesting matchup in the conservative Legislature. It's a case of if you can't stand 'em, join 'em.

Just last week, McCoy, as vice chairman of Equality Utah, criticized senators for defeating, in an 18-10 vote, a Senate bill that would have given two adults - gay or otherwise - marriagelike rights. "This is about the fact that they don't want to do anything that would be beneficial for gay people," he said at the time.

"No one can say Democrats are boring," County Party Chairwoman Nichole Adams said Saturday. Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. is expected to formally appoint McCoy, an attorney, to the Senate on Monday to fill a seat being vacated by Sen. Paula Julander, a Salt Lake City Democrat who is resigning for health reasons.

 Democrats elected McCoy, 34, and a former registered Republican, by three votes over Julander's choice to fill her post, her husband Rod. The vote came during a Saturday morning emergency meeting of District 2 county delegates.

McCoy says the fact he is gay wasn't the primary reason he was picked and he promises not to be a single-issue senator. "I represent probably one of the most diverse constituencies in the Senate," he said. "I'm committed to doing my level best to represent not only gays and lesbians, but all people." He also vowed to continue Julander's push to require insurance companies to cover contraceptives in prescription plans and to fight for issues such as a hate-crimes law.

Gayle Ruzicka, founder of the conservative Eagle Forum, called the choice "very interesting." "That gives us two people [in the Legislature] living that lifestyle," she said. But "he and Paula probably vote the same, so at the end of the day it probably won't make a difference."

When told McCoy had been elected, Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, who pushed the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, asked, "The gay?" Buttars then said he didn't want to comment.

McCoy's election comes as a surprise to many Democratic leaders. Senate minority leaders and all elected House Democrats had publicly backed Rod Julander for the seat.

Still, state Democratic Party Chairman Donald Dunn said McCoy will be welcomed. "We'll do some fence-mending," Dunn said. Rod Julander says he and his wife were "disappointed" in the outcome, but that they would continue to be involved in politics. "We're taking it well," Rod Julander said, noting that his wife had "wanted it very badly" to go to him.

Paula Julander, who suffers from an internal inflammation called diverticulitis, came home Saturday from the hospital. "What she is upset about is that she had supported [gay-rights] issues and then they organized to defeat her candidate," Rod Julander said.

Rep. Jackie Biskupski, a Democrat from Salt Lake City and until now the only openly gay legislator, had also backed Rod Julander. But she said it would be nice to have another voice on the Hill for gay issues. "I welcome the help, that's for sure," she said. "And I welcome having that on the Senate side."

Of course, chances are it will be a difficult transition for McCoy. Soon after Biskupski was elected, some lawmakers wouldn't even look at her. She says things are changing now, but McCoy will still face challenges. "It'll be hard at first for Scott, there's no doubt," she said.

Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, was surprised as well that delegates didn't choose Rod Julander. "I wouldn't have expected that," Valentine said. But "we're excited to get our new senator to work and have him join the body on Monday."

Senate Minority Leader Mike Dmitrich, D-Price, shared in Valentine's surprise. "The delegates have spoken and it will be interesting to have him join us," Dmitrich said. "He'll add something to our  caucus, that's for sure." 

“SCOTT MCCOY   Age: 34  Education: B.A. from William Jewell College in Missouri M.A. from George Washington University J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University Member of the American Bar Association and the New York and Utah  bars Work experience:  Vice chairman, Equality Utah Director, now-defunct Don't Amend Alliance Clerked for Utah Supreme Court Justice Leonard Russon Associate with law firm Bendinger, Crockett, Peterson, Greenwood & Casey

Mike Picardi wrote, “Ladies and Gentlemen, Some of you have asked when Scott would sworn in in the Senate. My understanding is that it will take place around 10:00 am in the Senate Chamber. Remember, there is MAJOR construction up at the hill, so parking is a nightmare. The Senate Chamber is on the first floor of the west building. Just an FYI to you all.

Duane Jennings co president of Affirmation and on the 2005 Utah Interfaith Pride Celebration Committee wrote “Dear Friends in/to the GLBT Community: We invite you to join us for the first meeting of the Utah Interfaith Pride Celebration planning, to be held Sunday, February 6, at 4:00 pm, at the home of Duane Jennings: 32 East Bryan Ave (1560 South between Main & State), Salt Lake City. The 2005 service is tentatively scheduled for June 11--the day before Pride. Thank you for your participation, Duane Jennings

 

7 February 2005 Monday

My Lambda Lore Column Hate Crimes In Utah Part Two Volume 2, Issue 4

TONY ADAMS

On November 3rd 1978, Tony Adams, a 25 year old Gay Black Socialist, was stabbed to death in his SLC Avenues apartment. As news of his death spread throughout the burgeoning Gay community, fear swept over Salt Lake City as rumors of a serial killer targeting Gays surfaced,  as well as rumors that the murder had official police sanction or duplicity.

Adams, a Maryland native was reared in Salt Lake City. He graduated from Judge Memorial High School and was attending classes at the University of Utah at the time of his death. Adams was also, in 1978, the campaign manager for the Socialist Workers Party Congressional candidate, Bill Hoyle. Adams was murdered just days before the national elections.

Concerned that no one had heard from him for several days, Adams’ boyfriend, Bill Woodbury, and his Pastor, Bob Waldrop, went to Adams’ apartment. After climbing through a window, Woodbury discovered Adams in the bedroom, naked and covered with blood. Adams had been stabbed repeatedly with a butcher knife, with his throat slashed.

After news of another killing of a Gay man on November 30 near the Sun Tavern, Gay community leaders, and a Socialist Worker’s Party official from New York, met with SLC’s Police Chief. The activists demanded that police provide more vigorous protection for Gays in a “general atmosphere of violence against Gay people.”

Rev. Waldrop told city officials that he himself had been the recipient of 22 death threats in the past two years and said that rumors were sweeping the Gay community to the effect that police were looking the other way when it came to violent acts against homosexuals. Waldrop claimed that he had inside knowledge from a “closeted police officer” that some officers had joked about Adams’ death, saying “Nigger, Queer, Communist: Three Strikes and you’re out.” The SWP told the police chief that the investigation of Adams’ death should even be approached as an “assassination of an out spoken political leader.”

The meeting ended unsatisfactorily with Rev. Waldrop warning the police that panic was sweeping the Gay community; worried that there might be “an L.A. Slasher type out there” who was systematically murdering homosexuals. Four people with ties to the Gay community had recently been murdered in the Salt Lake area.

The Socialist Workers Party was so dissatisfied with the Salt Lake City police department’s handling of Adams’ murder case that they charged that the police had been “lax and ineffectual.” On December 30, the SWP went to the United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division requesting that the FBI investigate the death of Tony Adams. SLC’s Chief of Police denied that the police were ignoring the murder but to this day Adams’ murder and that of the other Gay men of 1978 are unsolved.

Rumors abounded and trust levels towards the police by the Gay Community disintegrated. When rumors surfaced that the knife, used to murder Adams, was one taken from the Salt Lake Police department’s evidence room, many in the Gay community feared that someone in the police’s own vice department was connected with the killings and that the police were covering up to avoid a scandal.

GORDON CHURCH

On November 23, 1988, Gordon Church, a 28 year old a drama student at Southern Utah University, was brutally murdered by Michael Archuleta, 25, and Lance Wood, 19. The murder was one of the most sadistic murders in the history of the state, Gay or straight, but only a few people are aware of the torture killing because a judge placed a gag order over the case to shelter a prominent Mormon family in Delta from public humiliation that their son was Gay.

Archuleta and Wood recently paroled from prison, encountered Gordon Church, at a convenience store while out cruising in Cedar City. Handsomely attractive, Wood was able to talk Church into giving Archuleta and him a ride. After "cruising" for a while, Church drove the men up Cedar Canyon and pulled onto a dirt road. Church parked his car and there Archuleta asked Church if he was Gay. He said he was. According to Archuleta, "That's when everything started to happen." 

Archuleta had sex with Church but when he made advances towards Wood, Archuleta claimed Wood slashed Church's throat with a knife. Wood however maintained that it was Archuleta who had slashed Church’s throat as a show of machismo after having sex with him.

After being attacked Church jumped out of the car and ran away but Wood tackled him, breaking his arm. Wood then grabbed Church by the hair and slashed his neck again with his hunting knife. The pair then tied Gordon up with tire chains and threw him in the trunk. The convicts drove 70 miles to a secluded location north of Cove Fort known as Dog Valley. Archuleta admitted that once he and Wood pulled Church from the car trunk “evil had completely over taken him, and once they started he couldn't stop."

            The men began torturing the wounded seminude Church. They attached jumper cables to the car battery and then to Church’s testicles just to hear him scream. Archuleta admitted hooking the cables to the battery but accused Wood of attaching the cables to Church’s genitals.

 Wood then twisted Church's neck, and he fell to the ground. Wood began kicking Church in the head so ferociously that Church’s hair was entangled in Wood’s shoe laces. Tiring of that, Wood then got the tire jack and began clubbing the dying boy with it. Archuleta claimed that Wood “had his foot on Church's face and was swinging the jack like a golf club . . . or like a mallet when you play croquet." After striking several times, one of the pair (they both accused each other), took the sharp end of the jack and sodomized Church in the rectum puncturing his liver. The murderers dragged Church's body off the dirt road and covered him with dirt and tree limbs.

Michael Archuleta and Lance Wood were tried separately. Archuleta was found guilty of 1st degree murder in 1989 and given the death penalty. Lance Wood, playing the Mormon card, (he was an Eagle Scout after all) was found guilty in 1990 and given only life imprisonment.

After Archuleta was arrested, he said he needed to talk to a psychiatrist about hallucinations he was having. He told the doctor, “I was seeing Gordon. He was right there. I could see Gordon saying, "Why are you doing this to me?' I could see Gordon laying on the ground. I could see the shallow grave Gordon was in. I could see myself standing right next to Gordon, looking at him. I still see him."  When his attorney asked Archuleta if we wanted to talk to someone so the hallucinations would go away, Archuleta replied "It'll never go away."  Archuleta has been on death row since 1989.

“Scott McCoy Sworn In as Utah State Senator First Openly Gay Member of the State Senate Salt Lake City -- On a historic day, Scott McCoy, vice chair of Equality Utah and former campaign manager for the Don't Amend Alliance, was appointed this morning as a state senator representing Utah's 2nd district by Gov. Jon Huntsman as his partner Mark Barr, his parents and community leaders looked on.

McCoy was elected in a surprise move by delegates on Saturday to fill the seat vacated by community ally Paula Julander who resigned due to illness.

McCoy joins Rep. Jackie Biskupski (D-Salt Lake City) as the legislature's only openly gay members; he is the first member to serve in the Utah State Senate and will be one of eight Democrats in the 29 member body. He was officially sworn in by the Senate this morning.

"Scott has proven himself to be a tireless, passionate and articulate advocate for social justice and civil rights," said Equality Utah executive director Michael Mitchell. "I am absolutely confident that Scott will build on Senator Julander's hard work on the Hill and that he will conduct himself as a representative for the 2nd District with the same professionalism, compassion and intelligence that he has brought to every situation in which I've seen him."

 "People who believe that Scott will be a one-issue senator have clearly never experienced his impressive depth of knowledge on - and his strong commitment to - a wide range of subjects. He is a fearless bridge-builder."

Gov. Jon Huntsman signs the papers appointing Scott McCoy to the Utah State Senate. McCoy (middle, blue tie) is joined by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Glen McCoy, his partner Mark Barr, and senate leadership (l.) Raised in Oklahoma and Missouri, the 34 y.o. McCoy holds a B.A. from William Jewell College in Missouri, an M.A. from George Washington University, and a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University in New York City. He is a member of the American Bar Association and the New York and Utah bars and currently serves as the chair of Salt Lake City's Police Civilian Review Board. He and Mark moved to Utah in 2001 when Scott was chosen to clerk for Utah Supreme Court Justice Leonard Russon. He took a leave of absence from the law firm of Bendinger, Crockett, Peterson, Greenwood & Casey to run the Don't Amend Alliance in opposition to Amendment 3.

While the amendment passed, the Don't Amend Alliance (a project of Equality Utah) has been recognized as one of the best run and effective campaigns in the states that faced such amendments. Scott was elected as vice chair of Equality Utah's board in November and chairs the organization's strategy committee. Although this is Scott's first elected office, he has several years of experience in politics. In addition to his work for Equality Utah and Salt Lake City, he worked for six years in Washington, DC for the U.S. House of Representatives agriculture committee.

It was widely believed that Sen. Julander's husband Rod would step into the 2nd district seat, covering the Avenues and central city of Salt Lake, due to strong support from party leaders. "While we are thrilled with Scott's election, we know that Rod Julander would have continued in his wife's footsteps with solid support for issues that affect Utah's LGBT community," said Mitchell. "We look forward to continuing to work with the Julanders upon Paula's recovery."

Mike Picardi Chair of the Utah Stonewall Democrats wrote “Subject: Hate Crimes Legislation (SB 161)  Ladies and Gentlemen, Tomorrow morning Tuesday Feb. 8th, SB161, "Criminal Code Amendments Bill" will be heard and voted on in the Judiciary, Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice Committee. Please help if you can:

First: if you live in Senate District 9, Senator Al Mansell, or Senate District 18, Senator David Thomas, contact YOUR senator and ask him to vote to allow this bill to be heard by the full Senate.

When you contact them be cordial and polite, remember, this bill is being sponsored by Senators Karen Hale(D) and Greg Bell(R). Second: if you can attend the hearing, it begins at 8:00 AM in committee room WEST 130. Thanks to all of you who can help. And remember, you didn't have to had voted for them, they are still your senators!!

Carrie Brown interviewed two student officers of the Logan High School gay Straight Alliance. wrote, “LHS Gay-Straight Alliance officers speak out; High school is a difficult time for many kids. But Jordan Davis and Miranda Trostle, two student officers of the Gay-Straight Alliance at Logan High School, say the stress is amplified for students who have alternative sexual preferences, and even for GSA members who are straight but support the club's goals.

Physical assault, name calling, discrimination and other hate-related behavior are a few of the things members of Logan High School's GSA club deal with on a daily basis, they say.

In July 2003, after some controversy, the GSA club was approved at the school. School officials determined that denying the club would be against federal law. According to the federal Equal Access Act, if a school allows any club whose purpose is not directly related to the school's curriculum to meet on school grounds, it cannot deny other groups the same access based on the content of their proposed discussions.

Now in its second year, the GSA club continues to battle for mere tolerance, members say. On Wednesday, Davis and Trostle talked about the club's activities this year, the reception it's getting and a recent situation in which the GSA was barred from making a video presentation at the school's diversity week assembly.

Q: How many members do you have in your club? JD: On a good day about 30. A lot of (it) just depends, but at the beginning of the year and on our roster we have about 30, and then at the meetings we have about 15 to 20.

Q: I understand there's a mixed population in your club. How many are gay, lesbian, straight or bisexual? JD: Our club is actually a predominantly straight group. We do have a few who associate themselves as gay and a few that associate themselves as bisexual, but we try not to infringe on their personal ... so we don't really ask people, "Are you gay?" or "Are you straight?" And a lot of them are just, they don't know. They're questioning. They're just trying to figure out who they are. It's a very small (gay) percentage, like I would say maybe 10 percent if that. Like I said, it's predominantly straight, and so a lot of them are just trying to make friends and teach tolerance.

Q: How often does your club meet? JD: We try to meet every Monday.

Q: What are some of the activities or events that you've organized? MT: This year we had Transgender Day of Remembrance, and we did sort of like a week-long thing where we had different activities. We had a candlelight vigil. JD: It's just to honor those who've died from hate crimes for being transgendered or gay or bisexual. For instance, Matthew Sheppard. But there are quite a lot of people who have (died), so we did hold a candlelight vigil in their honor. We did a panel where we had homosexual people from USU come, and we invited the whole school to come in and they answered questions and they talked about how it was to be in high school and the troubles they faced. It was one of those things where we wanted to get everybody educated, but again it's hard because you can't force them to come. I tried to focus on all of the groups, but the actual day, I think, was the 18th of October ... and that day is specifically to honor transgender people.

Q: What other activities do you have? JD: Coming up in April (13) we have the National Day of Silence, and that again is to honor gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people who have been silenced by discrimination, and so for a whole day the group goes silent. You start in the morning, and you're silent all day, and then you have a breaking of the silence at the end of the day. We have (also) started preparation on a language policy proposal for the school.

Q: What do you mean by a language policy proposal? JD: To bar hate language. There's not really a policy in our school constitution, I guess you could call it, that really focuses on hate language, and it's a pretty big deal at Logan because hate language is used pretty widely spread. So we're trying to get that passed so everyone knows that's not OK.

Q: So what's the whole focus of the club? JD: Our mission statement is to have a group where people who do feel discriminated against because they are bisexual or transgender or whatever, to come and have a support group for them. It's also to spread education and tolerance throughout the school so there's not such a barrier between those groups of people.

Q: Now there was some controversy when the club was first started. How has the reception been on campus among students, teachers, and administrators? MT: Half the people at Logan high now are used to it (the club). So I think it was harder last year because it was something new, and we were sort of trying to establish ourselves as a club.            JD: It's still a problem. We definitely have an issue with, again, with the language. You can walk down the hall and be called certain names just because you are in the club regardless of whether they know if you're straight or bisexual or whatever. There have been instances of pushing in the hallway. They just walk by and shove them, so that's an issue. One of my issues is that a lot of times faculty will just turn their heads. Like in the classroom, occasionally you'll hear a word -- such as a hate language word toward the homosexual community -- and nothing will be said, you know. But then if you hear a racial term it's a completely different situation. It's automatically like you can't say that. So one of the things with the language policy proposal is we're trying to get people aware that it's just as big of an issue.

Q: So do you think the majority of the problems come from student-to-student interaction with club members? JD: Yeah, mostly from there. There is some hostility, I think, between faculty and the actual club. You know, it's not voiced and it's not as physical, I guess, as the student-to-student interaction, but there's definitely a tension there.

Q: What about administrators? How's the reception there? MT: Well, they sort of pay lip service to it (the club). They'll say that they support us, but then they will "forget" to propose the language policy at the board meeting. ... In some ways it's worse because you can't say, "Oh, you're not supporting us." Because they'll say, "Oh yeah, we support you all the time." JD: Well it's like they build you up right before. Like right before the video (at the Diversity Week assembly). They build you up and get you to where you think, "This is good and they want to help us." It's kind of been the typical situation throughout this year. It's like you get up to that point where it's right there and it's the brink of when it's got to happen and then it's not OK.

Q: Have you expressed your frustration to administrators? JD: Every time I set up a meeting, unless I just walk in there, it seems like the administrators are not there. ... I haven't really voiced my opinion necessarily quite yet. I'm waiting for the right time. ... Our moms have been great supporters to us. As far as community, the community doesn't really know a lot about us, either, and what we're doing.

Q: Tell me about this video. How did it get started and what happened with it? JD: Well, there's an assembly in January every year, and it used to be called the Multicultural Assembly. In about October or November, I think, I went in to the administration and asked for them to change the name to Diversity Assembly and to allow us -- the GSA -- to have a spot in the assembly each year. Because before it was just like the multicultural club. It was another place for us to get our mission statement out there and let them know what our beliefs were.

Q: And they agree to let, allow, you to be in the assembly? JD: They agreed and they changed the name (of the assembly).

Q: Who did you have to ask? JD: I went and talked to (Principal) Pat Hansen, and I had a meeting with her. That was about the same time I went to talk to her about the (language) policy proposal. And then I guess it was two weeks before Christmas break that I ran into the person in charge of the Multicultural Assembly, Mr. Frank Schofield. And I told him kind of the storyboard of the video and that we would like to be part of it and he said, "That's great." I didn't go into details, but I did tell him that we were going to show different sources of discrimination and he said, "That's great, sounds good." At the time, he didn't mention anything about how he wanted the video to be. So over Christmas break I made a rough draft of the video, showed it to the Gay-Straight Alliance after Christmas break was over and they really liked it. I changed a couple things, just timing on the pictures and stuff. And we (the club) decided that we wanted audio. So I wrote up a couple of questions, and we interviewed five different teachers, one of them being the principal, and we recorded her voice and were going to play it over the video.

Q: What were the questions like? JD: The video started out with four or five pictures of the Holocaust, four or five pictures of the Ku Klux Klan. Then it moved into the Civil Rights movement. You know, just to show that these people had been liberated. Then it moved to instances like we had a picture of Matthew Sheppard, and I put in a gay pride parade (photo) in there. Then I put up a summary of (Utah Constitutional) Amendment 3, and I put the Logan High Gay-Straight Alliance mission statement on there. ... At the end I had a picture of a bunch of different types of people ... and they were hugging and holding hands and everything was happy. The audio questions were like: "What do you feel the Civil Rights movement did for America? Do you feel we have discrimination in our society today? And stuff like that. So it wasn't necessarily like an extremely negative video, and it wasn't accusatory. So then, it was a couple of weeks until they had faculty meeting on Jan. 14, which was where they were supposed to present the (language) policy proposal. I went to talk to Pat Hansen and interview her for her question that morning because she was going out of town. I reminded her about the proposal because she was going out of town to Arizona State University with the debate team. So when she got back I talked with her again about the video. And we had to audition for the assembly. So I showed Mr. Schofield my questions, I told him again about the video, and I dropped off a video for him. This was on the 17th, I believe. ... Then he took one of the videos up to the administration. The morning of the assembly I went to talk to him again to see if he had approved it and if it was OK and he said, "Yeah, you're excused second hour so we can get set up." So I went to first hour and I was sitting in class. Then the teacher gets a phone call and it was Mrs. Hansen and she asked if I could come up to the office. So I did. They (administrators and the GSA club advisor) were having problems getting it to play on the laptop, which is what we'd have to use to show it. So they decided to view it again ... on just the regular computer. And then they were like, "Jordan, why don't you go get the computer guy to come up here and try and play this on the laptop." ... When I came back I could definitely tell that they were talking about me when I walked in the room. I walked in and sat down. ... Then Pat Hansen was like, "Well, I don't think we're going to show the video." And this was five minutes before second hour, which was when we were supposed to set up (for the assembly). Needless to say, I was extremely upset because up until that time they had told me that I was in the assembly.

Q: Did they give you a reasons why it couldn't be shown? JD: I think that's what they were talking about when I came back in, and Pat just looked at me and said, "You know, I just don't think it goes with the assembly." She gave me a couple reasons. ... The audio clarity was kind of bad, and I told them that we didn't necessarily need to play the audio because I had meant the video to be silent when I first made it.

And so then one of their (other) excuses was ... one of the speeches was about standing up for what you believe in, and it was playing during the Ku Klux Klan pictures and people said that they might think that we were for the Ku Klux Klan. ...

Another reason they said was because the assembly was to celebrate diversity, and I understand that completely. There were some pictures in there that were completely about celebrating diversity, but then there were others that weren't. I understand that aspect of it, but what I don't understand is how they had viewed it before and told me that I was in the assembly that morning.

 I had a speech prepared afterward that was welcoming everyone to come to our meetings ... so the end was extremely uplifting. It was kind of like, in my opinion, just a sneaky way of not letting us be in the assembly. In my opinion, as of now, the gay and lesbian community doesn't really have a lot to celebrate. You know ... like Amendment 3 and especially during that time it was like, "What rights do we have that would make us want to celebrate?" MT: It was just so disrespectful. I mean, we all saw how stressed out she was. I just think it's so ridiculous, and one of the problems at Logan high is lots of people don't know what the GSA is for ... that's what our surveys tell us. And our mission statement, like Jordan said, was in the video, and I think that would eliminate a lot of problems.

Q: How long do you think it took you to prepare the video and your speech? JD: Forever. It probably took me about two months to prepare everything and get everything perfect.

Q: Do you get any kind of support from the national Gay-Straight Alliance? JD: The Gay, Lesbian Education Student Network, or GLESN (pronounced glisten), have helped us a lot. They've sent us a lot of resources. They notify of us of when events are coming up. ... Also, on the national level there's a man -- he doesn't really have a whole lot to do with any certain network -- but he was very supportive. And I wrote a grant and he funded us $500 at the beginning of the year to help throughout the year. I wrote it at the beginning of August and we got it in September.

Q: So you don't really have any legal backing or defense as far as school issues that may come up? JD: Well, definitely if we had a really big issue and we were to contact GLESN about it, or there are a number of organizations that are just specifically targeted to Gay-Straight Alliances and they have legal document after legal document and they'll call you and say, "This isn't legal, and here's the evidence." MT: When the club was trying to get started the school or the district said, "No, you can't be a club." And then the ACLU stepped in because it's illegal to disallow a GSA if it's requested legitimately. So, our friends -- Mark Sailor and Jessica Liddell (former club president and vice president) -- they got a lawyer from the ACLU that helped them out. JD: And I've been in contact with the ACLU ... just because they really are interested in what issues we are facing.

Q: You mentioned some members getting pushed around. Have there been any other incidents where club members have been subject to harassment? JD: We have a member right now who feels discrimination quite heavily every day. And the Gay-Straight Alliance has definitely been a place for her to be able to voice that opinion and let people know that what they're doing to her is not OK. Horrible names get yelled at her. She gets pushed. She gets punched. Last year, one of the founders actually, Jessica Liddell, got hit in the face with a water balloon and got called some names while that was happening. They may not be as severe, like there's no killing, but they are important and they are out there.

Q: It was said when the club was first started that there was a real need for a GSA at Logan High School -- especially due to some of the school and community perceptions, beliefs, or attitudes. Do you think that your club and its members have been successful in changing some of those things? JD: It's happening very slowly. But they need to know who we are. A lot of people who come into the school as freshmen or sophomores don't really know what the club's about. ... The big issue, I think, is education because a lot of people are ignorant to the issue. The problem is, how do we get everyone in the room because we can't really be like this is mandatory unless it's approved by the administration. ... But until we have an extended period of time where we can educate them on the issue, I think it's definitely going to keep going slowly. We have had more people warm up to us, I believe, and a lot of people who last year were not so favorable to the club are accepting of us and realize that what we're doing is not necessarily to change their beliefs but to ask them to help us in our struggle.

Q: This is the only high school in the valley with a GSA. Have you heard about any efforts to start chapters in any of the other two high schools? JD: There was effort about two or three years ago, before our Gay-Straight Alliance started at Mountain Crest, I believe. It got shot down, and they (students) didn't really fight for it after that. The problem with starting other chapters is there has to be a big enough interest group at the school, and in Cache Valley the interest group isn't that large. ... A couple students from other high schools actually come to our club because they don't have one. Like people from Fast Forward will come or South Campus and some from Mountain Crest. We'll (usually) have one or two kids from different high schools that come in. ... I haven't heard if anyone from Sky View that's been interested, but I haven't been in contact there.

Q: Some people reading this in a primarily conservative Cache Valley might say, "Those kids are participating in something that's morally wrong, and they are just confused." What would your response be to that? MT: Well, that's what we're trying to fight, because people are allowed to have their beliefs, but not if it's at the expense of someone's freedom, you know. If someone is being discriminated against, that's what we're trying to stop really. We're not trying to turn people gay or anything; we're just trying to educate people to make them more tolerant.

JD: A good example that I like to bring up a lot of times is interracial marriages. When the whole civil rights movement was going on people were extremely opposed to having interracial relationships and marriages. And interracial couples were not allowed to get married for a long time. I try to bring this up to people like it's the same thing. Interracial couples are now allowed to get married, but there's still this other group of people that can't have the life they want and they can't adopt children and they can't get married. And now with Amendment 3, they can't visit their partner in the hospital or take care of their estate or funeral arrangements or whatever. And it's like you're taking away the Bill of Rights. You're taking away everything that they have that they need. It's everybody's American dream to be married and have the life that they want, and they can't have that.

Q: Is there anything that we haven't talked about as far as the status of the club this year or how things are going for the GSA? JD: Well, we definitely want to keep building the club just because the more people and the more support we have, the easier it'll be to educate. But like we said, we aren't trying to change people's beliefs. We're just asking for their support and their tolerance. And we're not asking them to be gay. We just want support.

 

8 February 2005 Tuesday

Thomas Burr of Salt Lake Tribune wrote,  Gay senator sworn in;  The state Senate welcomed its first openly gay member on Monday, applauding Democrat Scott McCoy as he took the oath to replace outgoing Sen. Paula Julander, who resigned for health reasons. McCoy is the 34-year-old vice chairman of the gay-rights group, Equality Utah. But he vowed in his first floor speech that he will not be a single-issue lawmaker. "The fact that I am gay is certainly one of the characteristics with which I have been endowed by my creator and it is an important part of who I am as a human being," McCoy said. "But it is certainly not the only characteristic that defines me, just as none of my colleagues can or should be reduced to any one of their many characteristics." Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. made McCoy's appointment official Monday morning. -

Kevin Peterson President of the Utah Valley State College Gay Club wrote, “Attention all, we've been having great turn out to our activities and meetings, I’m really excited to see the club back on its feet. Last activity went great, we ate popcorn, (Thanks C), apples, (Thanks I), and shared some quotes and looked at some pics, (Thanks N).

On Thursday 2/17/05 we will be playing board games, make sure to bring your favorite board game, and a treat if you would like, D and K are required to bring treats to redeem their membership, lol, We'll meet in room LA 118 at 3:30. Also announcing our new club Vice President, Anastasia. Hope to see you all there and have a great week. Club President, Kevin Petersen

 

9 February 2005 Wednesday

Southern Utah GLBT I (Little Aimee) will be speaking about this bill on Wednesday the 9th at 9:20 am on Newstalk 890 AM- KDXU. Listen in and give the station a call. Aimee Selfridge (Little Aimee) will be discussing SB89 with Lavar Christensen. If anyone has any "pointers" to offer, please let me know.

            James Hicks responded, “All I know is he's frightened of us, he is afraid that we are anti-family and obviously doesn't know anyone who is gay or lesbian. I'd like someone to ask him "when did Gays & Lesbians become anti-family?" 

I keep hearing right-wing religionists say they are "Pro-Family" and Gays & Lesbians are not. I'm confused because I know thousands of GLBT people who are completely and totally "Pro-Family."  Perhaps we need to start a new organizations called "Gays & Lesbians for Pro-Family?" 

Ask Lavar if he's against Gays and Lesbians being part of any family? Let him know that, by telling our community that we can only be pro-family if we are Mormon or some other Christian Religion then, he is in-fact anti-family.

We need to take back the term "family" and put it into our own community. I have to ask who will be the next target? I'm wondering if he would target the Jewish Community for not being Christians and start excluding them from this deranged "pro-family" movement? Sounds reminiscent of the Nazi Movement doesn't it? My best to you”

Daren Brabham of The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center is sponsoring “Carnation Sales on Valentine’s Day to benefit the LGBT Resource Center. Hey Everyone: Support the U of U Resource Center. Valentine’s Day! On Monday, February 14, they will be selling carnations in the Union lobby. Let your administrative assistants, student workers, and faculty know that you appreciate them by giving them a carnation on Valentine’s Day. Carnations will be on sale for $2 in the Union. Or, for $3, we can deliver carnations to your department; email Daren Brabham by February 12th at dbrabham@sa.utah.edu with your delivery order, including where it is to be delivered and to whom, and we will collect money upon delivery.

 Payments may be made in the form of cash or check. Proceeds benefit the LGBT Resource Center. Special thanks to Twigs Flower Company for donating the carnations!!! When staff know they are loved, departments become letter. Daren Brabham Intern for Volunteer Services and Speaker's Bureau LGBT Resource Center, University of Utah 317 Olpin Union

 

10 February 2005 Thursday

Rebecca Walsh and Thomas Burr of The Salt Lake Tribune wrote, “Scott McCoy "the Gay" to be targeted by Neo-Cons  Senator could face residency challenge Requirement violation? The Constitution is vague about how long an appointee must live in a district  The Utah Senate's newest member may not be qualified to be there.

Scott McCoy - who became the state's first openly gay senator this week - may not meet state residency requirements to be in the Legislature and there could be an effort by conservative lawmakers to remove him. It probably would be a short-lived attempt, though, since Senate leadership says it won't support McCoy's removal.

Utah's Constitution requires that legislators live in the state for three years and in their district for six months prior to state deadlines to file for office - typically the March before each election. The Constitution does not lay out a procedure for midterm appointments, such as McCoy's. He was named Monday to replace Sen. Paula Julander, who resigned from her District 2 seat for health reasons.

It could be argued that McCoy would have had to move to Utah three years before the last time Julander would have filed for office - March 2002. McCoy moved to Utah just three months before that deadline.

Senate President John Valentine said Wednesday that leadership has decided not to pursue any action on McCoy because the Constitution and law governing replacements are too ambiguous. "We do not feel it's appropriate to take any action on Sen. McCoy," Valentine said. "We need to give him the benefit of the doubt."

That doesn't mean an attempt won't happen. Sen. Curtis Bramble, R-Provo, said earlier Wednesday that in general, requirements should be applied consistently. "If residency requirements aren't met, then action should be taken without regard to party," Bramble said. He said he would support an action, but he wouldn't lead it.

Robert Wright, one of McCoy's old political opponents in the 2004 election battle over Utah's gay-marriage amendment, raised questions about the new senator's residency this week. Wright, a Salt Lake County Republican Central Committee member who alerted the news media to the potential problem, says McCoy's appointment to office is not legitimate. He insists his opposition is unrelated to the fact that McCoy is openly gay.

"He shouldn't be in the state Senate," said Wright. "It just blows me away that [Democrats] elected somebody who couldn't get elected in his own right. The whole thing stinks." Wright, an evangelical minister, was one of the organizers of Yes on 3.

While Wright was largely in the background of supporters of the constitutional change meant to block gay marriage, McCoy, an attorney, was the outspoken director of the Don't Amend Alliance.

About 100 Salt Lake County Democratic delegates met Saturday and picked McCoy over Julander's husband, Rod Julander, to fill her senate seat for two years. At that meeting, Utah Democratic Party Chairman Donald Dunn asked McCoy to sign an affidavit that he met all the requirements.

 "No matter how you calculate it, I've lived here three years or more," McCoy said. "This is not something the party brought up."

Dunn says McCoy still meets all the eligibility rules. He figures the three-year residency requirement should be counted back from Saturday - the day Julander's seat became vacant. "I believe we should follow the rules. I believe we have," Dunn said. Legislative attorneys who advised Senate leadership Wednesday, say the state law is ambiguous on the issue.

"It's unclear whether the Constitution's provisions apply to a person who is appointed to fill a midterm vacancy," said John Fellows, of the Office of Legislative General Counsel. "It would be up to the Senate to decide the application of that provision." Because McCoy already was sworn into office, his removal would require a Senate vote to expel him.

Under state law, one senator can make a motion from the floor to oust a member "for cause." If after debate two-thirds of the senators agree, the member would be expelled. In the 29-member Senate, Republicans hold 21 seats, one more than the two-thirds threshold. But with Senate leadership opposing any effort, there would not be enough votes to oust McCoy.

In 1987, Utah House members briefly considered excluding three representatives who worked for the state after questions were raised about separation of powers. Eventually, those lawmakers were sworn in. And four years later, there was talk of expelling Democratic Rep. Dionne Halverson after she was arrested for shoplifting. Halverson resigned.

Sen. Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, said he was not ready to support any action if the residency requirement isn't met. "That's up to his party and his constituents," he said.

Bramble insists senators have to act if there is a question. He notes he supported review of former Orem Republican Rep. Kathryn Bryson's residency last year. But he worries his impartiality will be questioned. After McCoy was elected, Bramble was quoted in the Deseret Morning News accusing the new senator of having a gay rights agenda.

"My concern is it could be perceived as a witch hunt," Bramble said Wednesday. Dunn says Wright's and Bramble's motives are suspect. "This is an attempt of the radical right wing to inflict their bigoted agenda into the legislative process," Dunn said. "I would hate to see the Senate even spend time on this rather than focusing on hate crimes or legislation to figure out the budget." What's next? l A vote will be taken if a single senator makes a motion to expel McCoy "for cause." Possible action: If two-thirds of senators approved, he would be expelled.

Playwright Arthur Miller who “chronicled the dark side of the American dream” and most famous for authoring “Death of a Salesman” died today at the age of 89

 

11 February 2005 Friday

Thomas Burr of The Salt Lake Tribune reported, “GOP won't challenge McCoy's residency Sen. Scott McCoy can relax. The Senate GOP Caucus has decided not to try to expel the Salt Lake City Democrat for questions about his residency qualifications for office. McCoy, the state's first openly gay state senator, was elected by Democrats last week after Sen. Paula Julander, D-Salt Lake City, resigned for health reasons.

A conservative activist raised questions, claiming McCoy didn't meet the constitutional requirement of living in the state three years prior to the filing date for the office. Julander's last filing date was March 2002 and McCoy moved to Utah just three months before that deadline. But the constitution doesn't spell out a time period for midterm vacancies. McCoy said he was pleased there would be no action taken against him.

Sen. Chris Buttars, a West Jordan Republican who McCoy battled with over a same-sex marriage ban, patted McCoy on the back Thursday afternoon and told him no one would try to expel him. "It is nice because I've got enough hard work to do for my district," McCoy said. "Having that on your mind is difficult."

One senator could have moved to oust McCoy from the body, though it would have taken 20 senators to pass the motion. Democrats hold eight of the 29 seats.

Senate President John Valentine said the GOP Caucus – had a "robust discussion" on McCoy but it centered on his residency status and not on McCoy himself.

 

12 February 2005 Saturday

QUEEN OF HEARTS BALL This is the only pageant the RCGSE holds were you the Audience can decide who should win. The candidates have 3 weeks to campaign out in the community, then the night of the pageant (Feb 12th 7pm) all those who attend and pay the $6 cover at the door (Proceeds to benefit the RCGSE General Fund) will receive a ballot with all the candidates’ names running for King of Hearts and all of the names of the candidates running for Queen of Hearts. So if you can make it out, please join me Feb 12th 7pm at the Trapp Door and Vote Ryann for Queen of Hearts 28.

 

 

13 February 2005  Sunday

Questioning Minds 2004-2005 Lecture-and-Discussion Series presents “IS RELIGION THE BASIS OF MORALITY?”  by Professor David Keller 

Meet & Greet: 1:45 pm  •  Presentation: 2:00 pm  Meeting Closes: 4:00 pm Salt Lake Main Library, 210 East 400 South, Fourth Floor Conference Room Free and Open to the Public David R. Keller is Director of the Center for the Study of Ethics and Associate Professor of Philosophy at Utah Valley State College. His first book, The Philosophy of Ecology, explores the philosophical issues implicit in the science of ecology. He has contributed to The International Global Studies

Encyclopedia, Classics of Philosophy: The Twentieth Century, and Terra Nova Books’ Writing on Air. He also has been published in BioScience, Humanities, Teaching Ethics, Environmental Ethics, Interdisciplinary Humanities, Ethics, and the Environment, Encyclia, Journal of the Utah Academy, and Ecosystem Health.. “It is widely assumed that without religion, there would be no morality. In this presentation I will argue that while there might be a connection between ethics and religion, the connection is not necessary. In fact, it is entirely possible—even desirable—to have ethics without religion.” Speaker-Suggested Reading Friedrich Nietzsche, The Gay Science, section 125. Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov, Book V, Chapter 5, “The Grand Inquisitor.”

 

14 February 2021 Monday

The high holy day of Elementary School is valentine day. I had some room mothers do the party and of course they spent way too much money on treats for the kids.

The Center announced a new Women's Support/Social group. “All women are welcome to come participate in this facilitated group discussion on issues that are important to you! This will be a safe space for women to talk with other women about their experiences, socialize, and get support around coming out, life, relationships, and more. Occurs every Monday at 7 PM.”

 

15 February 2005 Tuesday

The gun self-defense group Pink Pistols held their quarter-annual Meet-and-Greet meeting at Joe Pitti’s A Cup of Joe Coffeehouse at 353 West 200 South in Salt Lake City. David Nelson founded this group but don’t know how involved he still is in it as that his acerbic personality often gets him ran out of the organizations he creates.

 

16 February 2005  Wednesday

No Entry

 

17 February 2005 Thursday

The U of U Resource center announced a regional Gay conference held today until next Tuesday in California. The symposium is using in their title one of those ubiquitous alphabet soup handles “LGBTQIA.” Who the hell comes up with these? It costs $200 to attend so that leaves out most poor undergraduates.

“Western Regional College Conference February 17-21, 2005 Theme:  Putting the Puzzle Together: Connecting Communities & Identities. Join students from the University of Utah and Weber State University as we travel to University of California Davis. We will be driving out on February 17th and returning on February 21st.

The LGBT resource Center will be providing letter for your professors to excuse you from class if you choose to use the letter. The conference will cost $200, but LGSU has agree to sponsor a number of students to go to the conference. These sponsorship will be limited, as a first come first serve basis. The sponsorships will cover $75-$100 of the cost of the trip.”

 

18 February 2005 Friday

The fundraising chair of the Utah Gay Rodeo Association  announced an event at the Paper Moon as “a very different and new kind of fund raiser for the UGRA. Shaun Dee is a group hypnotist who puts on a very funny, very entertaining show. He has generously donated his time and talents to put on a show for the UGRA and Salt City Kings.

There is a buffet hosted by the UGRA Board of Directors prior to the show. The buffet starts at 6:00 with the show starting promptly at 7:00. We'd love to see you all down  there and please bring some friends.”

            The Salt Lake Kings is a drag act for male impersonators.

Mark Eddington of the Salt Lake Tribune reported “Gay-free texts a dilemma for school district Nebo: Homosexuality is a taboo topic; virtually all psychology texts now cover it to some degree By The topic of homosexuality is taboo in the Nebo School District. So the school district in southern Utah County is having trouble finding a replacement for outmoded psychology textbooks at its three high schools.

Priscilla Leek, a Springville High School psychology teacher who sits on a district committee that reviews teaching materials, says the world has changed in the seven years since the district last chose a psychology textbook. "Most publishers have now included small amounts - a paragraph or couple of pages - in texts about homosexuality," Leek said. "I don't teach homosexuality. But if it appears in a textbook, there's nothing I can do to keep students from reading it."

 Despite their difficulty in finding new basic-level psychology schoolbooks, Nebo school board members told Leek and others this week to keep on looking. State law bans teachers or texts from advocating homosexuality, but Nebo District's policy is more restrictive.

 "Our policy is that it will not be taught unless it is teaching the negative consequences thereof," said Nedra Call, Nebo's director of curriculum. "Our teachers would rather not get into teaching about it because it is a very sensitive issue."

Except for the psychology books used by advanced placement students at Nebo's high schools, district officials are unaware of any book that mentions homosexuality. District leaders, however, note parents must give written permission before their students enroll in AP psychology classes at Springville, Spanish Fork and Payson high schools.

In replacing the texts for general psychology classes, Nebo board members want to steer clear of the subject altogether. Leek says that might prove impossible but says students' educational experience will not be adversely impacted if they are forced to do without a book.

"I can find current research material, selected readings and we have the Internet," Leek said. "I mean we're not living in a cave."

School board member Randy Boothe does not see teaching sans texts as an option. If gay-free texts cannot be found, he favors requiring students to get parental permission to take the course. Even then, he added, teachers probably would teach around the topic. "They would just skip that chapter," Boothe said.

Gay-rights activist Chris Johnson of Salt Lake City is appalled by the efforts to avoid the subject of homosexuality. "To ignore something does not make it go away," said Johnson, whose 12-year-old daughter is an honors student enrolled in high school-level courses.

"There are students [in the Nebo District] who will grow up to be gay. To not give them any exposure or education on homosexuality is unfortunate and only contributes to the difficulty gay people have in our society."

 Valerie Larabee, executive director of the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Utah in Salt Lake City, agrees. "It's very possible for educators to be committed to a good education and also believe in having a frank and respectful discussion of gay and lesbian issues," she said. " 'Education about' does not mean 'advocating for.' "

Brett Moulding, curriculum director of the state Office of Education, said Nebo is within its rights to have a tougher standard than the state on instruction about homosexuality. "They know their community better than the state office," he said.

A sampling of several other Utah school districts shows Nebo's rules are not the norm. Teachers in Alpine School District in Utah County, the state's fourth-largest, employ a more lenient standard. "We don't exclude the mention of homosexuality," said Sam Jarman, Alpine District administrator over high schools and adult education. Nor does Alpine require teachers to talk about the "negative consequences" of being gay if the topic is raised.

Neither do the Provo and Salt Lake City school districts. "Our policy is that if any material might be sensitive or offensive, a reading list of books is put together for parents to read and opt out [of enrolling their students] if they want to," Salt Lake City District spokesman Jason Olsen said.

Based on her understanding of Nebo's standard, Leek is leery about discussing gays or lesbians. "If I have a student who asks a question, I'm allowed to give an honest and correct answer. Then I'm supposed to close the discussion. But I am not to bring up the information. We don't discuss it."

 

19 February 2005 Saturday

sWerve's held its "Party Gras" event, at the Rose Wagner Black Box Theatre. The cost was $15.00 sliding scale pay at the door. This was a women’s only event.

My letter to the Salt Lake Tribune was printed today. “Find a new family- In response to Stephen Drabner's letter (Forum, Feb. 17) regarding his friend's inner turmoils with being gay, I suggest that they rest solely on the sentence, "His church and family don't want him to be gay." Perhaps if his friend could resolve the conflict that God made him that way, with societal hatred of the homosexual, he could be happy.

The only problems homosexuals have are the prejudices of bigoted heterosexuals. Perhaps this friend of his will come to learn that being gay is a blessing and not any more a curse than being heterosexual. If any religious organization tells you that you are wrong for being who you are, find one that is more enlightened. If your family cannot love you as you are, create a new loving family. Ben Williams Director, Utah Stonewall Historical Society for Gay and Lesbian Studies Salt Lake City

 

20 February 2005 Sunday

The Salt Lake Men's Choir announced they have been invited to sing at the National  Cathedral in Washington DC for the quadrennial Utah Day. Today they performed at the First United Methodist Church located at 203 S. 200 East

The Pink Pistols’ monthly outdoor shooting-range meeting was held at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Lee Kay Center for  Hunter Education and Public Shooting Range  at 6000 West 2100 South in Salt Lake City

Teen actress Sandra Dee from the late 50s and early 60s most notably most “forever the ingenue as Tammy” died at the age of 62. Was in a lot of movies with Troy Donahue. “Look At me I’m Sandra Dee, Lousy with virginity, Won't go to bed Till I'm legally wed, I can't, I'm Sandra Dee”

 

21 February 2005 Monday

Rebecca Walsh  of The Salt Lake Tribune reported; “McCoy ready to move beyond 'gay state senator' Scott McCoy has developed a clause after his name: "Utah's first openly gay state senator."

It's starting to get just a little bit irritating. "It's reductionist," he says. Gay is not all he is. But the word defined his first week on Capitol Hill. His presence in the Senate has irked conservatives and some loyal liberals. And while an attempt to challenge his residency has faded, the pique in the Democratic Party has not.

Sexual orientation probably will not matter; McCoy may end up getting along just fine with Republican senators. His bigger problem could be wooing members of his own party to win re-election in two years. He succeeds former Salt Lake City Sen. Paula Julander, one of the beloved matriarchs of the Democratic Party. When she resigned for health reasons two weeks ago, he beat out Julander's husband for the job of replacing her. Some in the party think he jumped the line to take a prized Democratic seat ahead of House Minority Leader Ralph Becker, who reportedly plans to run for it in 2006, and Centro de la Familia's Rebecca Chavez-Houk, an up-and-coming party activist.

McCoy has a lot to prove. "He's going to have to spend the next two years earning that place," said Rep. Jackie Biskupski, a Salt Lake City Democrat. "He's going to have to show people that he should stay there."

Despite a job clerking for former Utah Supreme Court Justice Leonard Russon, his dogged leadership of the Don't Amend Alliance, quiet advocacy for Equality Utah and position on Salt Lake City's Civilian Review Board, McCoy is a relative unknown in Utah political circles.

After just three years in the state, he belatedly decided to run for Julander's seat the night before the vote. He registered as a Republican to vote in the 2004 gubernatorial primary before quickly switching his party affiliation back to Democrat after the election. As a result, some have questioned his Democratic credentials. But McCoy is determined to stay where he is, representing Salt Lake City's Avenues, Central City, Sugar House, and Millcreek

neighborhoods. "This is extremely important," he said. "It fulfills a strong sense of service in me."

The son of a schoolteacher and a college administrator, 34-year-old McCoy grew up in Smithville, Mo., and Tulsa, Okla. On the side, his parents raised Morgan horses. Summers were spent driving to horse shows - he competed in the "pleasure driving" category, steering a buggy. And his older sister Jennifer competed in English riding.

During the school year, he won trophy after trophy in speech and debate. He studied philosophy, political science, and economics at a small liberal arts college, then international affairs at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. In 1992, he took a job with the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.

Initially, he worked for a Republican congressman but stayed on through partisan congressional shifts. After a year working as legislative director for Iowa Republican Congressman Tom Latham, McCoy left Washington in 1998 for law school in New York. He graduated in January 2001 and worked a year for a Wall Street law firm.

Then Russon called and McCoy jumped. He and his partner, 32- year-old Mark Barr, a real estate broker and documentary filmmaker, moved to Utah. When Russon retired, McCoy stayed in Utah, taking a job at a Salt Lake City law firm. But he has gravitated toward politics - taking a leave to fight the marriage amendment and now juggling his job with a post in the Legislature.

McCoy almost couldn't help himself. He decided to run over the course of 24 hours on Feb. 4. "Others were getting in. It seemed to be turning into an open race. And I thought to myself: 'Why shouldn't I?' I thought I would be a good candidate," he says.

The decision to re-enter politics was almost subliminal. He surprised colleagues in the gay community as much as Democratic stalwarts and Republicans. Utah's conservative Senate is adjusting.

McCoy has mended fences with West Jordan Republican Sen. Chris Buttars, an opponent in the marriage amendment election fight. And he has gotten his first message from the Eagle Forum's Gayle Ruzicka - signed with a "hi" and a smiley face - urging him to "please vote yes" on the Patients Access Bill.

Barr was invited to the Senate president's dinner and the first lady's "Spouses Lunch" and mistakenly listed in a legislative manual as McCoy's "spouse."

But McCoy does not want to be summed up by his sexual orientation. He picked up Julander's bill requiring Utah insurance companies with drug plans to cover women's birth control prescriptions - the so-called pill bill. And, as in the seven years before, the bill failed Friday, with Julander in the audience. McCoy plans to bring it back next year.

He says education, health care, the environment and hate crimes legislation are equally important to him. "Because of his sexual orientation, he has broken some barriers," said state Democratic Party Chairman Donald Dunn. "But I don't think he's going to be a single-issue person."

McCoy said he can't remember whether he was registered as a Republican in Washington. But he proudly touts his Democratic stripes now. He volunteered for U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson's 2002 campaign and donated money to Scott Matheson Jr.'s gubernatorial campaign. He says he voted in the Republican primary to "find the weakest candidate" to run against Matheson.

Eve Furse, a friend and shareholder at McCoy's firm, says his party affiliation is not inconsistent with his political views. She calls him a "classic moderate," motivated by a fundamental sense of fairness and a "Midwestern, salt-of-the-earth moderating force." She is not surprised he has thrown himself into the thick of things on Capitol Hill. "Scott has always wanted to be involved in whatever was exciting and interesting. And the Legislature is pretty exciting and interesting," Furse said. More so since he arrived.

Sen. Scott McCoy Age: 34 Bedside table: My Life by Bill Clinton and a Benjamin Franklin biography. Job: Attorney at Bendinger Crockett law firm. Pet: German short-haired pointer "Parker," named after actress Parker Posey and writer Dorothy Parker. Trophy: Reserve national junior champion in horse buggy "pleasure driving" (second place). Geek factor: A hopeless fan of "Star Trek" and "Stargate SG-1." Has read every Harry Potter book.

 

22 February 2005 Tuesday

David Winmill of Ogden wrote, “Living in a cave-Nebo School District leaders are in a dither because they can't find a psychology textbook that elucidates only the "negative consequences" of homosexuality.

The American Psychological Association has determined that homosexuality is not an illness but a normal expression of intimacy and attraction for a minority of individuals and is likely determined at or shortly after birth.

Priscilla Leek, a member of the committee that will make final recommendations, said board-sanctioned articles, and directed readings will be provided because, "We don't live in a cave."

In a cave is exactly where they are living, a cave of prejudice, hatred, and bigotry they call moral values. It is a cave where straight students don't get to see that gay people can and do lead happy, productive, and fulfilling lives. They are not taught the human (and Christian) values of treating others with respect and dignity.

It is a place where gay and lesbian students are isolated, tormented and exposed only to the "negative consequences" of their God-given sexuality. It is in this very cave that these young men and women, without role models and support, often are left to negotiate the horrors of depression, drugs, suicide, promiscuity, and AIDS.

These educators should look out of their cave and see that the negative consequences of homosexuality are really the stereotypes, hatred, and bigotry they perpetuate. I am not holding my breath.

My Lambda Lore column “THIRD PART ON SERIES ON UTAH HATE CRIMES Volume 2, Issue 5

DARRELL WEBBER

Darrell Webber, age 38, a divorced Gay man, raising two boys in his West Valley Apartment was murdered April 7, 1989, while cruising SLC’s State Street. Webber a southerner by birth was an Interior Decorator and active member of the Gay community in SLC. At the time of his death he was the Secretary/Treasurer of Unconditional Support, a Gay support group in Salt Lake City.

Late April 6, 1989, Webber began looking for sex with men who often hitchhiked on State Street for that purpose. He spotted a man with whom he had sex with once before, named Marty Withers, 27, an ex-convict. Webber picked Withers up and drove into a parking lot behind a paint store where they had sex. Afterward Withers took out a knife and began stabbing Webber, slashing his femoral artery.

Many members of the SLC Gay community attended Webber’s viewing where his youngest son, while patting his father’s face and brushing back his hair, cried “Wake up Daddy, Wake up.” This is how I personally remember my 38th birthday attending Darrells viewing and wake.

 In April 1990 Marty Withers went to trial for homicide and pled not guilty. His defense was that he was a straight man who had been attacked by a homosexual. Withers claimed he was drunk when Webber picked him up on State Street and had passed out in the car. He awoke when Webber, with his pants down, was unbuckling Withers' pants. Withers said he panicked, struggled, and Webber attacked him.

On a Friday the 13th, following nearly two hours of deliberations by an eight-member all male jury, Withers was acquitted on the basis of self-defense. The jury accepted Wither’s testimony that he was intoxicated and had stabbed Webber in self-defense after he made homosexual advances toward him, regardless to the fact that Darrell Webber never had any weapon of his own. The Defense Attorney argued that under Utah law if someone is having a felonious assault on his person then that person has the right to use deadly force to repel the attacker. Withers walked out of the court room free.

DOUGLAS KOEHLER

Probably no other murder, besides that of Tony Adams, so galvanized the Gay community to action, than that of Douglas Koehler. Koehler was shot to death in cold blood in Park City on 21 August 1992. His murderer was sentenced to serve less time in prison than a shop lifter would have been.

Douglas Charles Koehler, age 30, was co-owner of the Frame-It Shop in SLC. He was an articulate, talented, 6-foot-4 “gentle giant'', who liked to ride his horse in the Utah mountains. His friends said, “he was a hell of an artist and someone who wouldn't harm a fly.”

On August 20th Koehler had been partying in the Park City with friends when later he decided to go out drinking alone. At a Park West bar, Koehler met David Nelson Thacker, age 26, a cowboy from Unionville, Nevada and his roommate Clint Marcus Crane, age 21. Thacker and Crane were ranch hands in Summit County living in a condominium provided by the ranch owner.

Thacker upon first seeing Koehler told the bartender that Koehler was "as queer as a three dollar bill" and asked if he let people like that in the bar? Yet later Thacker did not seem to mind drinking, playing pool and sniffing cocaine with Koehler. After the bar closed, Thacker invited Koehler back to his place to party more. However Thacker claimed that when he fell asleep, he woke up to find Koehler performing fellatio on him. When Koehler however tried to kiss him, Thacker kicked Koehler out of the condo. Koehler began his four mile walk back to Park City in the rain.

Thacker however drank another beer, took a shower, and grabbed a .22 revolver. He then woke up Crane and told him he was going to get Koehler for trying to kiss him but he needed Crane to drive the pickup truck because Thacker was to inebriated.

Koehler was only about 50 feet from his place, when Thacker spotted him and ordered Crane to pull up next to him. Thacker ordered Koehler to come over to the passenger side of the truck, then, “bang, pulled the pistol out and shot him."  Thacker would later claim he aimed the gun between Koehler's eyes and pulled the trigger only after Koehler grabbed him and kissed him on the cheek. However, when Koehler's body was discovered both his hands were in his pockets. Thacker bragged, "You should have seen that queer drop, like a sack of shit".

Koehler’s murder was Summit County's first homicide in three years and when Thacker and Crane were released on bail five days after Koehler was murdered the SLC Gay community protested. On September 1, 1992 more than 220 people gathered at the Gallivan Plaza in downtown SLC protesting acts of violence against Utah's Gay and Lesbian community. Chet Harris, a Gay Black man, had also been murdered within days of Koehler.

Thacker was tried a year later in August 1994 where he told the notoriously incompetent 3rd District Judge David S. Young that he didn’t kill Thacker because he was “Gay or anything like that."  Judge Young agreed and blamed Koehler for his own death saying, “Koehler would be alive if he had not supplied the drugs and alcohol the night of his death.”

Finding Thacker only guilty of manslaughter Judge Young then stated that the maximum prison term of 15 years for the killing was "too high". He reduced the penalty to zero to five years while imposing a one-year firearms enhancement for the Nevada cowboy.

The light sentencing incensed the Gay community and a rally of more than 100 outraged protesters gathered August 15, 1994 on the steps of the state capitol. They called for Judge Young's removal from the bench. Five days later the Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats filed a formal complaint with the Utah Judicial Conduct Commission against 3rd District Judge David Young, seeking the "strongest-possible penalty" against Young including his removal from office. Young was finally voted out of office for a number of complaints by Utahns over a series of outrageous judgments.

 

23 February 2005 Wednesday

Chad Keller wrote he is “Seeking people who experienced the Sun (both old and new) and Radio City to participate in a group oral history of  what these places were like and share the experiences from these Utah Gay Community gathering places. If you were there or have stories to share.

He added we “will also be collaborating to collect Gay individual oral history's in near future. A copy of the recording will go to the Utah State Historical Society and to the Utah Stonewall Historical Society. Participants will also have copy made available to them. Save Our History, participate in this great, and important project! Thanks! Chad Keller

 

24 February 2005 Thursday

Lauren Littlefield sent out a message “Unity through Visibility!” An Ally Open House for Support, Learning, and Fun! Speaker: Lori McDonald – On Allied Visibility, For friends and Family of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender individuals. Event was held at The Commanders House  Refreshments Served!

 

25 February 2005 Friday

Mark Barr partner of Scott McCoy  wrote me, “Ben –thanks for the congratulations w/ Scott’s new position (it’s shaken things up a bit). - Anyway, I looked at the website – and you have a lot of great info, but I was wondering if I could pick your brain for some suggestions for people you have come into contact with that might have an interesting story to share re: their personal Gay/Mormon story.

We're looking for men and women who have been through shock or extensive reparative therapy, closeted and married types, and people who have decided to stay celibate and active in church, people who have been kicked out of their homes etc.

We are also trying to find videos of Church leaders talking about homosexuality in conference or at BYU etc. - and any Historic angles you can think of with the Church and their stance or LDS member etc. Thanks Ben  - Mark.”

 

26 February 2005 Saturday

No Entry

 

27 February 2005 Sunday

The Ogden Standard-Examiner printed this obituary. “Brian Joseph Stanislawski, 34, died from pneumonia on Sunday, February 27th in Denver, Colorado. He was surrounded by friends and family at the time. Private services were held. Brian was born in Beaufort, SC at Beaufort County Hospital on June 2, 1970. He was raised in Roy, Utah, attended Valley View Elementary, Sandridge Jr. High and graduated from Roy High School in 1988.

At Roy high he was a member of the swim team and was a featured actor in several theatrical productions. He won a number of awards at theater conferences around Utah. He attended Stacy's Beauty College on evenings and weekends during his senior year. The day after graduating from high school he moved to Denver, Colorado.

He completed his cosmetology education at Emily Griffith in 1995 and passed his boards that same year. He first cut hair at Diamond Cuts on Downing Street in the Capitol Hill area of Denver. Within a year he bought the salon and renamed it Envy. He owned and operated the salon and served the majority of the clientele until his death.

Between 1998 and 2000 he also owned and operated Gallery 13, a shop and gallery around the corner from Envy, where he sold cards, art, and gifts. Many of the items sold there were hand made by his parents. Brian's dynamic personality won him many friends and admirers. His annual "costume required"

Halloween parties were famous and always well attended. He had a beautiful singing voice and strong stage presence and was regularly seen and heard at the karaoke mic in clubs all over Denver. He is survived by his partner Ken Rales and his extended family and many friends in Utah, Colorado, Minnesota, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Melbourne. He was an original and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Envy's business manager will keep the salon running.

 

28 February 2005 Monday

I let Merry Fusselman that I will volunteer to be one of the teachers riffed so this will be my last year at Orchard. I have been talking to Mom and she wants to move out of Palmdale and sell the house. She is thinking about Las Vegas at it would be about midway between Utah, Arizona, and California.

Hi everyone! I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself, and the group I represent. My name is Jon, and I'm the chapter captain of Strength In Numbers--Salt Lake City (SIN-SLC), a social group for HIV+ gay men. SIN started in Los Angeles in September of 2002, and now has 23 chapters internationally. To find out more about Strength In Numbers, you can visit our main website at www.strengthinnumbers.org.

Part of the philosophy of SIN is help poz guys be more open and honest about their sero-status, help poz guys form longer and more meaningful social and romantic relationships, and to promote a better image of gay men living with HIV and AIDS.

 It has always been my opinion, that when positive men support each other, they are stronger for it.

SIN-SLC started really started going last fall, and now has a membership of over 40 guys, and growing. As with all SIN chapters, we are a not-for-profit, on-line organizing group, devoted to the social and educational needs of HIV positive gay men.

Our chapter has a Yahoo! group were we post messages about upcoming activities and current events. We are currently meeting twice a month; on the second Saturday for a house party, hosted by different members of the group, and on the third Saturday for brunch.

Our membership is a diverse and vibrant group of men, coming from different ages, races, cultural backgrounds, political beliefs, and lengths in time of HIV infection. While we do encourage all positive men to be more open and honest about their status, we also respect the varying lengths of experience living with HIV. Therefore, SIN is a group where we honor every member's desire for discretion and confidentiality.

HIV is always a part of our lives and often discussed at our events. But we also strive to have a casual environment, where we can talk and laugh, and remember that we are still social men, with the same needs that any other man has. So many men with HIV and AIDS have a hard time forming relationships with the added hurdle of HIV infection; it is wonderful to be a member of a group where that isn't a consideration! I'd like to make a special invitation to any positive men to join our group.

I will post general information about upcoming SIN activities on this calendar, but you will need to be a member of SIN-SLC to get all the juicy details! And, if you've got something you would like to share with the members of SIN-SLC, just e-mail me at  monkey74@yahoo.com Thanks for your time, and take care!! Jon

Christopher Smith of The Salt Lake Tribune reported; “Interfaith gathering hails 'Utah Day' in D.C. Calls for unity echo in National Cathedral WASHINGTON - "Utah Day" at the majestic National Cathedral was a cross-pollination of faiths and religious viewpoints unlike anything likely to be found in one of the state's own churches on a Sunday morning.

The Salt Lake Men's Choir, a group of mostly gay Utah men, sang a signature Mormon hymn during the choral prelude. The daughter of a Ute Indian tribal elder read a passage from the New Testament. And the bishop of the Utah Episcopal Diocese celebrated communion with Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and his wife, Mary Kaye, both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

After delivering a thunderous sermon, the Rev. France Davis of the predominantly black Calvary Baptist Church in Salt Lake City marveled at the diversity of Utah beliefs represented for 800 worshippers in attendance.

"As we came together, it's what we expect heaven will be like," said Davis. "It allows us to realize we have more in common than we have differences."

Known as the nation's "House of Prayer for All People," the cathedral is open to all faiths and hosts a special service honoring each state in the union once every four years, usually featuring celebrants and worshippers with ties to the featured state.

On Sunday, the Utah state flag was displayed on the chancel steps next to the ornate pulpit in the nave, dwarfed beneath soaring limestone pillars that meet in arcs more than 102 feet overhead, the centerpiece of the Gothic architectural showpiece that took more than 80 years to build.

"To stand before this congregation in such awe-inspiring surroundings was an extraordinary experience and I was honored to participate," Huntsman said after the 90-minute service. "It was a celebration of our interfaith strengths in the state, which sometimes are unrecognized but are significant at the end of the day."

Added Utah's first lady: "It represents what we are trying to do in Utah, to strengthen the interfaith community, which is something we both feel very strongly about."

The governor read an opening scripture recounting the Old Testament miracle of God saving the Israelites wandering in the desert by telling Moses to strike a rock, producing a gusher of fresh water.

Another reading by Lena Duncan, director of the National American Indian Housing Council and the daughter of Ute tribal elder Clifford Duncan, also dealt with the spiritual meaning of water, a theme relevant to commemorating the second most arid state in the union.

"Utah is a desert land, and we are constantly praying and hoping that enough snow will fall in the mountain that it will melt and then the runoff will fill the rivers so everybody has enough to drink," Davis told the congregation. In a reference to the Mormon pioneers who fled religious persecution in the 19th century to settle in what would become Utah, Davis said the "state was discovered . . . by those in search for a drink of spiritual waters."

As a former staff member of the National Cathedral, the Right Rev. Carolyn Tanner Irish, bishop of the Utah Episcopal Diocese, said the service was special not just because of the surroundings. "It doesn't matter if I'm in a church in small-town Utah or here in the national cathedral, it's a privilege always to break bread with the people of Utah," said Irish.

For Lane Cheney, director of the 36-member Salt Lake Men's Choir, the cathedral represented neutral ground in battles among faiths over social and moral issues. Some of the participants and "the members of our choir, most of whom are gay, have quite different views regarding homosexuality," said Cheney, who directed the group in African-American spirituals, Protestant hymns and the LDS standard "Come, Come Ye Saints" prior to the service.

 "But the point of a national house of prayer is that all of God's children are welcome to come through the door," he said. "It's a place where we can overlook our differences and celebrate the fact we are all God's children."

 

 

March 2005

1 March 2005 Tuesday

No Entry

 

2 March 2005 Wednesday

Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Angels in America: Millennium Approaches Part one began its two weeks engagement at the University of Utah's Babcock Theatre. “This is a monumental masterpiece that balances the intense realism of AIDS, sex, politics, and religion with such creative theatrical fantasy that it has been described as a surrealistic dream play. It transports us to Manhattan, the South Bronx, Salt Lake City and Antarctica and deals with Jews, Mormons, WASPs, African Americans, Straights and Gays. Join us for this superb, compelling theatrical experience.

PANEL DISCUSSION - Following the 1st matinee, Saturday, March 5th, there will be a panel discussion sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender Resource Center and the Utah Hillel Foundation. Panelists include Dr. Kristen Ries, Professor of Internal Medicine- Department of Infectious Disease, University Hospital, Dr. Richard Scharine, Chair of The Department of Theatre, Larry West, Director of the production, and Jerry Rapier, Producing Director of Plan B Theatre Company. Those who have attended a previous performance or will attend at a later date, are invited to the free forum.

WARNING - The play contains adult language and content and is not appropriate for children under 16. For those of you who are wondering - Yes, Part Two- "Perestroika" will be presented in our next season!

 

3 March 2005 Thursday

No Entry

 

4 March 2005 Friday

The Center Space"  held a free seminar! Called "Life, Relationship and Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples" by Dale Boutiette from San Francisco. “Wine & Cheese will be served  “This seminar is also offered at 12:00 noon at KUED on the University of Utah campus. Lunch will be served.”

Topics covered in this seminar include  Why planning is critical Basic planning such as powers of attorney, co-habitation agreements and revocable living trusts. How to achieve personal and family goals. How to minimize taxes.”

 Dale T. Boutiette received a B.A. in Economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law. Mr. Boutiette is the former Managing Director of the University of San Francisco School of Law Moot Court Board and a current member of the California State Bar Trusts and Estates Section, the American Bar Association Probate, Real Property, and Trust Law Section, the Bar Association of San Francisco, the Peninsula Estate Planning Council and serves on the Boards of Directors of the Midsummer Mozart Festival and the Jewish Community Relations Council.

 

“Shaun Dee Hypno-Hick, the fastest Hypnotist in the West, performed at  7:30 pm in the Center’s Multi-purpose room. “Don't miss this evening of Wild Comedy Hypnosis. Tickets are $10.00 at the door. For Youth under 20, suggested donation is $5.00. This is a benefit for the GLBT Community Center so please come and bring ALL your friends!”

 

5 March 2005 Saturday

The Salt Lake Metro Utah’s Best for 2005 awards ceremony was held in the Black Box at The Center 355 N 300 W,  to recognize the amazing award winners. “our readers have chosen to honor. A $5 donation at the door will benefit The Center.

            The Utah Bears held an “old-fashioned Bear Hug for Bears, Cubs, Daddies and Chubs, and men of all descriptions who admire them.” The hot tub will be open, so bring a towel and flip-flops if you want to get wet! We are requesting a $5 donation for this party, to help cover expenses.

As always, you will be greeted at the side door off the driveway, so please cum around to the lighted door at the side. Please arrive by 7:30, so your hosts don't have to spend all night doing door duty! This will be an Soft Drinks, Water and Snacks will be provided. Please bring your own liquor, lube & condoms, and whatever toys you want. We ask that no illegal drugs be consumed on the premises. This is NOT a clothing-optional event; clothing is NOT an option! We encourage all party guests to engage in safer sex, especially for buttsex. This is NOT a "barebacking" party. Your fellow guests will be expecting you to use a condom.

 

6 March 2005 Sunday

Drag Show Extravaganza at the Trapp Door. Performances by the Royal Court, Latino Divas, and the Salt City Kings! $5.00 gets you in, but donate all you can at the door, because it ALL goes to the Center!

 

7 March 2005 Monday

My Lambda Lore column: THE ANITA BRYANT FAIRGROUNDS AFFAIR Issue 6 Volume 2 “On 18 September 1977 the first organized Gay protest in Utah was held against Anita Bryant, singer, and spokeswoman for the anti-homosexual backlash of the late seventies.

After the heady days of the early seventies, when Gay Civil Rights seemed unstoppable, a movement of radical right wing Christians sprang up in opposition. This backlash was spear headed by a former beauty queen and semi talented singer named Anita Bryant. However Bryant was mainly known as a pitchwoman for the Florida Citrus industry. “A day without orange juice is like a day without sunshine.”

Dade County Florida had recently passed an anti-discrimination ordinance protecting the rights of its Gay citizens. A group known as “Save Our Children Committee,” quickly mobilized to overturn the ordinance and organized nationally to roll back similar measures. While Utah had no pro-Gay ordinances, the state “powers” whole heartedly embraced Anita Bryant’s message.

Utah Senator Orrin Hatch on May 24, 1977 addressed the listeners of radio station KSXX stating, “Well I can tell you this, I think if you take what she (Anita Bryant) says as truth, that she is not prejudiced against the homosexual, but she realizes what they have done, that she does not want them teaching her children. I tell you this I don’t want them teaching My children, and I don’t want them teaching YOUR children either and I think they are becoming too blatant in our society and I don’t want to take other rights away from them but I sure as heck don’t want them teaching, and I don’t want them in sensitive areas around children.”

While Utah is often loathed to become political, Utah State Fair director, Hugh C. Bringhurst, announced on 28 June 1977 that Anita Bryant, “songstress and antigay rights publicist” would be performing along with country singers Lynn Anderson, Bill Anderson, Barbi Benton, Anne Murray, and Crystal Gayle. The burgeoning Gay community was outraged over the choice of Bryant and began to organize.

The Mormon response was given on July 9, 1977, when Mormon Apostle Mark E. Peterson, in an article entitled "Unnatural Without Excuse", argued that "every right thinking person will sustain Miss Bryant, a prayerful, upright citizen, for her stand", which Peterson had hoped would, "keep this evil (homosexuality) from spreading, by legal acceptance, through our society".

Within a week on Peterson’s attack on the Gay community the Salt Lake Coalition for Human Rights held it first public meeting at the Salt Lake Metropolitan Community Church. Their purpose was to inform others in the Gay Community what each member group was doing in response to Anita Bryant’s invitation to appear at the State Fair. Eight organizations sent representatives to the meeting. They included the Metropolitan Community Church of Salt Lake, the Gay Services Coalition, the Gay Student Union (LGSU), Affirmation, Women Aware, and the Socialist Worker's Party.

            Integrity/Dignity, a group of Gay Catholics and Episcopalians, turned down an invitation to join the effort stating that they had reservations over joining forces with any group which included Marxists. This response was in reference to Tony Adams, a member of the Socialist Workers Party.

            Representatives from Women Aware, a Lesbian-Feminist organization, stated that they tried to solicit straight feminists, with only a moderate response, to join the march in protest against Anita Bryant's appearance at the Utah State Fair. WA told the State Fair Committee members not to expect much straight support. Nevertheless Women Aware was “jazzed” about staging a protest stating that "the purpose of any demonstration around Anita Bryant's appearance would be to bring solidarity to the Gay community and to get media coverage".

           Camille Tartaglia, a member of Women Aware, was elected Chairwoman of the State Fair Committee of the coalition. Under her leadership money was raised for the protest movement by selling anti-Anita Bryant posters, buttons, T-shirts, and bumper stickers. Much of the money raised went to bring Gay Rights Activist Bob Kuntz from Florida as a key note speaker for a candlelight vigil.

            During the two weeks in September in which the State Fair was held, Metropolitan Community Church, led by Rev. Bob Waldrop, managed to secure a booth in the fairgrounds and donated that facility to be the coalition’s command post. Tartaglia’s committee came up with the slogan "This Is Not The Place for Human Rights” and organized a picket line of over 100 people to march at the fairgrounds.

            On September 18th Anita Bryant sang "Onward Christian Soldiers" and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" in the old round stadium at the fair. One Gay observer wrote: "Thousands of foot stomping, Bible toting zealots, ignorance overriding good taste, filled the stadium while a handful of brave men and women picketed in the cause of human dignity against man's inhumanity to man. Being spat upon and facing an openly hostile mob, the supporters of Gay Liberation silently spoke out in favor of love and the right to co-exist on this planet with their brothers and sisters". Although some people were escorted out of the stadium by security on the whole the protest was without incident and violence.

            Some members of the Gay community even walked around Temple Square chanting pro-Gay slogans.

             In the evening, the candlelight vigil, organized by Tartaglia, was held at Memory Grove where over 500 people attended to hear Bob Kutz speak. The Memory Grove vigil was held in memory of those who would be killed as a direct result of the Dade County, Florida controversy.

            Babs Delay published several photos of the protest in her newspaper "The Rocky Mountain Woman". If anyone has photos or that newspaper a scanned copy would be greatly appreciated by the Utah Stonewall Historical Society. Camille Tartaglia went on to serve as Prince Royal III in the Imperial Court of Utah (now RCGSE.)Bob Waldrop ran for state offices as a Libertarian candidate during the 1980’s and is now a Catholic lay man serving in the Cesar Chavez Humanity House in Oklahoma City.

 

8 March 2005-10 March 2005

No Entries

 

11 March 2005 Friday

Mr. Utah Bear Contestant’s Meet & Greet held at Club 161 “Raffle, Meet the Contestants, Entertainment.”

Brandon Griggs of The Salt Lake Tribune reviewed Angels in America. “  U. 'Angels' rendition surprisingly mature- With its sprawling cast, weighty themes and frank sexuality -not to mention that angel crashing through the wall - "Angels in America" poses a challenge for any theater company. For college-age actors, who presumably lack the life experience to recreate the play's darker moments, it's even tougher.

But you wouldn't know that from the Babcock Theatre's fine production of Tony Kushner's Pulitzer-winning drama, which closes Saturday at the University of Utah. Solid production values and strong acting from the ensemble cast make this ambitious work come to full-blooded life.

(This is only the first half of Kushner's epic play, subtitled "Millennium Approaches." The second half, "Perestroika," will follow - with a new cast - in the spring of 2006.)

As most theatergoers know by now, "Angels in America" blends realism and fantasy in chronicling a group of loosely connected New Yorkers during the mid-1980s, when AIDS was still emerging as a global plague. Its Reagan-era references now seem a bit dated, but other political details, as when two Republicans chortle about "the end of liberalism," feel more timely than ever.

The play's main characters are Prior, a young AIDS sufferer; his Jewish lover Louis, who abandons him out of fear of his illness; their compassionate black friend Belize; Joe, a straight-arrow but closeted Mormon lawyer; Joe's agoraphobic wife Harper, who is battling depression; and Roy Cohn, the caustic real-life powerbroker, who rejects his diagnosis of AIDS as a weakness he can't face.

Abraham M. Adams deftly captures Joe's tentative first steps out of the closet, Benjamin T. Brinton convincingly conveys Louis' guilt and self-loathing, Shanna Jones shows comic flair as Joe's mother Hannah (who lives, incidentally, in Salt Lake City), and Jonah B. Taylor does an amusingly breezy take on Belize. Eric McGraw is inconsistent as Prior - swishy one minute, steely the next - but has some fine moments.

Special praise goes to seniors Cheryl Nichols, whose wonderfully eccentric, funny-sad performance as Harper is a tour de force, and Josh Pierson, who - in a demanding role for any young actor - conveys the fear beneath Cohn's profane bluster.

Thomas George's ingenious set design blends realism with metaphorical fissures in the wooden floor and rear brick wall. These cracks widen and close, suggesting both rifts between the characters and the tears in society's fabric wrought by homophobia and AIDS.

Well-chosen costume and sound elements, such as Culture Club's "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?" playing in the background, reinforce the play's period and themes.

Director L. L. West stages too many scenes near the back of the stage, creating unnecessary distance between the actors and the audience. But he deserves credit for coaxing such vivid performances from his young cast.         

The Babcock Theatre will present Tony Kushner's "Angels in America: Millennium Approaches," tonight at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. at its space in the basement of the Pioneer Memorial Theatre, 300 S. 1400 East in Salt Lake City. The play contains adult language and content and is not appropriate for children under 16. l Tickets are $12; $6 for students and can be purchased in advance at the Kingsbury Hall Ticket Office, 801-581-7100, the Olpin Student Union, 801-581-5888, or from ArtTix, 801-355-ARTS (2787).

For more information, call 581-6448.

 

12 March 2005 Saturday

Kennedy Cartier & Krystyna Shaylee Present: 3rd Annual Drag Roulette Drag Roulette at the Trapp Door. The show performers do not know what song they are performing until the song is played by the DJ. The performer has to perform the song the best they can and have fun with it.

The Utah Bear Alliance’s first annual Mr. Utah Bear / Mr. Utah Cub Contest Event  was held at Club 161, a private club for members Street located at 161 South Pueblo Street. “This is sure to be an evening of hot men (Bears, Muscle Bears, Cubs, Otters, and their admirers, etc. A lot of work has been put into this night so come help us have some fun. Our Sponsors include Club 161, Salt Lake Metro Newspaper, Bearfilms.com, BigBearSex.com, Modified Music, The Pillar Newspaper We have 5 Contestants running for Mr. Utah Bear and 2 running for Mr. Utah Cub.

The winner in each category will represent Utah at the 2006 International Bear Rendezvous in San Francisco. This is a weekend of excitement and is sure to be the start to a remarkable annual event here in Utah.

Judges are comprised of individuals from local groups such as the Wasatch Leather men’s Association and Regional Groups such as the Front Range Bears and the Oregon Bears.

 

13 March 2005 Sunday

Bear Brunch with Contest Winners held at Cafe Med. followed by the Bear a.k.a. Beer Bust at Club 161.

 

14 March 2005 Monday

Chad Keller wrote regarding the Utah Stonewall History project, “Ask your most outrageous or heartfelt questions! The Questions for the publication are being taken now through May 15. The publishers will send a premier test copy in June provided criteria is met to move into this market.

Only two more small hoops to jump through. (questions are one) Sun/Radio City Oral History Project, only Chuck White has responded, it is a continuous and ongoing project. Would like to do a group interview but am going to start with Chuck!

The Fabbi, well that unfortunately will debut in 2006 at a major sponsors request, who graciously is helping with trademark issues. Don’t want to run into the same problem a local publication who will remain nameless is currently experiencing...some best of Utah thing. The major sponsor is working with us and two other major contributors to pick up some of the associates fees.

Chad was referring to the Salt Lake City Weekly stating that the Metros Best of infringes on their brand.

 

15 March 2005 Tuesday

The GLBT Public Safety Liaison Committee, the Utah Nonprofits Association, and the GLBT Center hosted a free workshop on "Fiscal Controls for GLBT Community Groups and Nonprofits" at the Centers Black Box Theater (300 West 350 North, SLC) “And while the workshops title may not be the sexiest, the topics covered are critically important to anyone on a board, serving as an elected officer, or handling the cash and assets of GLBT community groups, from large to small.

Facilitated by Diane Hartz Warsoff, Executive Director of the Utah Nonprofits Association, the workshop will cover State and Federal Tax Exemption, Financial Reporting and Accountability; Creating checks and balances; Board oversight, responsibilities, rotation, and separation of powers; Reporting fraud and theft; Annual license and charitable solicitation permits. There will time allocated for an open Question and Answer period to address other legal concerns.

            I was sent this Ogden Standard-Examiner article written by Tim Gurrister from Val Holley. “Dear Ben, In the unlikely event you missed this, here, for your archive of gay-related Utah news events, is a piece from today's Ogden Standard Examiner.”

 Val Trial begins in 2002 murder case Victim found bound, gagged in his apartment OGDEN – Opening arguments in the murder trial of Franklin Eugene Woodrick painted a picture Monday of a gay underworld sparked to violence by drugs and jealousy.

Woodrick, 49, is accused in the Nov. 6, 2002, killing of 62-year-old Vincent Donato after party plans with Woodrick and Rodney Boyle turned fatal. Boyle, 34, pleaded guilty to murder in October 2003 and is serving a five-years-to-life sentence at the Utah State Prison. He will testify in the weeklong trial -- in Woodrick's defense. The case is one of only a handful of homicides above Harrison Boulevard in 20 years, say longtime courthouse observers.

Prosecutor Bill Daines described Donato as tiny, 100 pounds. "He is also a gay man, and the reason I tell you that is it plays into the facts of the case." Defense attorney John Caine told the jury, "We're going to take you down a trail you've never been on ... reminiscent of Dante's Inferno. Drugs, homosexual sex and violence all wrapped up in one."

The case is made more baroque in that the crime scene is St. Benedict's Manor, 3000 Polk Ave., converted from the original St. Benedict's Hospital (now Ogden Regional Medical Center) built by Benedictine nuns in 1944.

The night of Nov. 6, Woodrick, and Boyle, also gay, went to Donato's to use methamphetamine, Daines said. But an altercation ensued for varying reasons with details conflicting in Woodrick's and Boyle's statements to police.

Either Donato was upset that Woodrick took out a pocketknife to slice a filter off a cigarette or for breaking up his live-in relationship with another man the day before. Donato either threatened to or actually brandished a butcher knife at Woodrick, so Boyle punched Donato out.

Regardless, they bound and gagged Donato, then ransacked his apartment for drugs and money, settling for two VCRs and Donato's 1985 Dodge Daytona. They left the car at the residence of Donato's ex-lover to sidetrack police.

Boyle didn't check on Donato's condition, worried showing too much concern might upset Woodrick because Boyle had been intimate with Donato a few days earlier. Woodrick eventually admitted to police he knew Donato had no pulse but didn't tell Boyle because of his temper.

Despite 13 broken ribs, a broken jaw and bruising everywhere, Donato's official cause of death was the gag Woodrick admitted he tied, Daines said. "The person who actually committed this crime, Rodney Boyle, will be here to testify and take responsibility for it again," Caine countered.

 

16 March 2005 Wednesday

No Entry

 

17 March 2005 Thursday

A healthy way to spend St. Paddy’s Day! Health Expo at the Center – in conjunction with National GLBT Health Awareness Week: What a night it will be! Come watch Melissa Etheridge perform – bald & beautiful – at the 2005 Grammies on the big screen. Get a free massage, as well as free screenings for your blood pressure & antioxidant levels. There will also be a wealth of information on community resources and health issues that affect the GLBT community, such as tobacco, cancer, Crystal Meth & HIV, safer sex, domestic violence, trans issues, mental health and more!

 

18 March 2005 Friday

Kathryn Warner performed in concert in the "Center Space" at the Center. “If you've never heard Kathryn Warner, you won't want to miss this amazing chance to hear one of our best local musicians, live and for free to the public! If you have heard of her, I know you will already be planning on attending.”

The Comedy Hypnosis Show starring the HYPNO-HICK played at the Paper Moon. “He puts on a great show !!!!  Cocktails and Buffet dinner at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7pm  $10 donation for the dinner and show. Hope to see you there.

The Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire along with Prince Royale 23, Kim Russo Princess Royale 26, Kyra Prespentte and Princess Royale 28, Krystyna Shaylee presented a show as a benefit for the Court's Cancer Fund at the Paper Moon, 3737 South State at 9:00 PM There is a $5.00 cover charge. “I am very proud to be a part of this show, as I believe that the Court does more for the community than any other single organization. They are true humanitarians who strive to meet the needs of those in the Salt Lake community who are in need of assistance. I am proud to be affiliated with them, and I hope you will join me on Friday in supporting this organization and their charitable causes.”

The Paper Moon owner, Toni Fitzgerald's  continued her  Annual Bra Auction with the Proceeds going to the RCGSE Cancer Fund.

 

19 March 2005 Saturday

I wrote on the subject of requesting  Coming Out stories for the Historical Society. “Coming out is probably the most single courageous act a homosexual does in his/her life time and yet these remarkable stories are rarely recorded and are often thought to be rather mundane. We need to remember to celebrate each small step and sometimes the giant leaps that Gay people do to liberate themselves in an extremely homophobic and violent society that is often America.

Very often homosexuals are as afraid of being labeled "Gay" or "Lesbian" as much as anything and are reluctant to use those terms because of misperceptions fostered on our Lambda Communities by heterosexual social constructs.

It's been my limited experience that the first steps to coming out were saying "I'm Gay friendly" to justify association with Gay people. The Second step was to say "I'm Bisexual" so that one could test the water but retreat if those waters are too hot or too cold.

Yes I know there are a few true bisexuals but if we define our orientation not by use of our genitals but by our affection and devotion...men who fall in love with men, or women who fall in love with women...then the old joke about bisexuality being a learners permit for being Gay has some merit.

A third step seems to be coming out to friends before family. Families are simply too volatile with so much expectation placed on family members.

Coming Out can be in stages….Mine was. In and Out In and Out  Often there's a "candy store stage" component when after being deprived most of one's life of candy- one over indulgences until one realizes that the candy isn't going away.

A study in the 1980's also showed that people coming out of the closet often come out at the emotional age they went in- having a developmental part of their lives stunted. In other words if you discovered your sexuality at 15 and went in the closet then, when you come out you are still emotionally 15 whether you are 25 or 50. However the studies also show that one quickly adjusts to one's emotional chronological age.

Many older Gays and Lesbians are not "Trolling" when wanting to be in youthful settings- they are simply trying to recover something that was lost to them.

Thank Providence that the work of the pioneer activists is coming to fruition and more and more people are coming out in high school and do not have to reclaim missing stages of their lives.

Closeted Gays often put on hold much of their lives- paralyzed with introspection and recrimination. The sooner one is out of that enclosure the sooner one can move on to build careers and relationships.

In a speech at Gay Pride Day 1989 I once said that Gay People are the bravest people I know. I still think that is true. Please share with the USHS your coming out stories. –Ben Williams”

Mark Gray of the Standard-Examiner wrote, “Jury concludes Woodrick is guilty in murder trial  OGDEN -- It took a jury only two hours Friday afternoon to convict Franklin Eugene Woodrick of murder for his part in the death of a man who had a short fling with his lover. The case was unusual from the start, much of it centering on the gay underworld, drugs, and jealousy.

In the end, the eight-member jury sorted through the weeklong testimony of a medical examiner who detailed the violent evening in Vincent Donato's home, a lover's claim of being the sole killer and tactics from both attorneys -- prosecutors called Woodrick "the defendant," and the defense called him "Franklin" and "Frankie."

 Along with the murder conviction, Woodrick was found guilty of second-degree felony theft for stealing Donato's car after killing him. Donato died Nov. 7, 2002, beaten by Woodrick and Rodney Boyle. A friend found Donato bound and gagged and lying in a pool of blood.

The guilty verdict capped a day in which prosecution and defense gave their closing statements, much of which focused on Boyle, Woodrick's codefendant, and lover.

Boyle testified Wednesday that he committed the murder and that Woodrick wasn't even there. Boyle has already pleaded guilty to the murder and is serving time in the Utah State Prison.

Just prior to his murder, Donato and Boyle engaged in a relationship. In closing arguments, prosecutor Gary Heward argued that Boyle has no credibility and flatly lied on the stand, citing statements Woodrick had allegedly made to detectives claiming partial responsibility for the crime. He also said Boyle was taking sole responsibility because he has nothing to lose and said Woodrick struck a deal to pay Boyle off for the testimony.

Defense attorney John Caine denied a deal was in place and said Boyle was truthful this week but lied initially to detectives. "The prosecution contends that he is a liar," Caine said. "That's fine. If Rodney Boyle was a liar the other day, why wouldn't he be a liar on Nov. 8, 2002? He lied then. He told the truth here."

The murder was one of only a handful that have occurred east of Harrison Boulevard in the last 20 years. Detectives and prosecutors were relieved with the verdict and with the fact they can now put the two-year-old case behind them.

Sentencing is set for April 28. The first- and second-degree felonies carry prison punishments of five years to life and one to 15 years, respectively.

Dave Baker wrote to me “Hello Ben, You probably don't remember me, but we corresponded a few years back. I have been reading your postings to gaybyu. Very interesting material you posted. Thank you for the insight.

I realize I may have invaded your private space but I need some help. Do you still teach in Davis County? I am also a teacher in Davis County but that may change after this year. For some reason my principal, a female, has decided that I should not be allowed to remain in my fifth grade teaching position. She evaluated me for four or more weeks and said I did not make any progress and now I am in the second week of "Remediation" being evaluated by my "peers" and other district personnel.

It has arrived to the point to where going to school each day is not enjoyable any more, nothing like it has been the in the previous 15 years.

Why am I telling you this? Well, if it would be possible, could we talk sometime and maybe you could give me some advice on improving so that at least I can leave thinking a good effort was made despite all the negative thrown towards me. I made some really bad mistakes concerning grades, teaching, etc., but nothing to justify what I am going through now. Both my parent and student evaluations were high plus the parents of my students are very supportive of me.

It was told to me not to discuss my situation with my students or their parents, but word got out somehow. That is another reason my principal is angry with me.

 I am starting to look in other districts in the state for a teaching position but worry that no one else will hire me if the Davis District lets me go. The union, of which I have been a member for all my teaching career, is not really doing anything to help other than making sure a "union" member is on the Remediation Committee.

Okay, I stop now, but your help and ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading this. Dave Baker in Layton, UT

I really didn’t know how to respond back to him as I am having my own issues at Orchard. Not that I am in any trouble but without Pam Park as principal this year everything has been kind of just drifting. Merry Fusselman said last week at Faculty meeting that she is resigning at the end of the year. She never wanted to leave the district office and I know she felt like she was pushed out.

Also there’s going to be some staff reduction this year and we will lose about three teachers. I don’t know but maybe a change will do me good as I am burning out here at Orchard.

The kids below Highway 89 I hear are going to be cut off and bused to Washington Elementary in Bountiful. So the kids who actually can walk to school are being bused so that kids high up in Eaglewood who have to e driven to school can attend Orchard.

 

20 March 2005 Sunday

The first children’s concert given by the Salt Lake Men’s Choir “Sissy Becomes a Star” was performed at the  Leona Wagner Black Box Theatre, Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 West Broadway. “Children of all ages are invited to attend.”

“—Oliver Button is a Sissy. This concert has a universal and heartwarming theme—it’s okay to be different. Oliver Button is a Sissy was premiered in 2000 by the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus. The work was jointly commissioned by TCGMC and the Vancouver Men’s Chorus, the Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego, and the Heartland Men’s Chorus.

Based on the book by acclaimed children’s book author and illustrator Tomie dePaola, the 20-minute piece was composed by Minnesota-based composer Alan Shorter.

Oliver Button is a boy who doesn’t fit other people’s ideas about how boys should behave. He prefers dancing to baseball. He is  mercilessly teased at school and called a “sissy.” When Oliver enters the local talent show, though, his classmates realize he has unique and wonderful gifts, and he becomes a star in their eyes.

This charming story carries urgent messages–not just about acceptance and tolerance but about celebrating diversity and encouraging individuals to be true to themselves. The concert will feature other works and should be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Salt Lake Men’s Choir, under the artistic direction of Lane Cheney, is one of Utah’s largest member-supported arts organizations and is celebrating its 22nd season as “Utah’s OTHER Choir.” The choir just returned from Washington, D.C. where they performed as part of the National Cathedral’s quadrennial “Utah Day” Governor Jon Huntsman, Episcopal Bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish and Calvary Baptist Church Pastor France A. Davis participated in the services.

The event built bridges between people of differing faiths. Some of the participants and “the members of our choir, most of whom are gay, have quite different views regarding homosexuality,” Cheney told the Salt Lake Tribune. “But the point of a national house of prayer is that all of God’s children are welcome to come through the door,” he said. “It’s a place where we can overlook our differences and celebrate the fact we are all God’s children.”

 The choir performed African-American spirituals, Protestant hymns and the LDS standard “Come, Come Ye Saints” prior to the service.

 

21 Mar 2005 Monday

David Baker contacted me again. “Sorry to bother you. I just needed some advice. Miss Schapp, the principal, thinks my lessons are not creative enough nor presented well. My end of level test scores have always been good. For some reason, my year just wasn't going well and the principal saw that and decided to put me under scrutiny. Just luck of the draw I guess. Somehow I will solve my own problems.”

 

22 March 2005-23 March 2005

No Entries

 

24 March 2005 Thursday

The Lambda Hiking Club  over this Easter Weekend) is “Backpacking in Coyote Gulch in the Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument. Waterfalls, two arches, and a natural bridge make this hike the most popular in the area. We will  backpack approximately 5 miles down an easy wash into Coyote Gulch and set up a  base camp and take day hikes to areas of interest within the canyon. Call  Randy Burke to register

 

25 March 2005 Friday

Lisa Narciso of the Daily Utah Chronicle reported; “Posters around campus arouse questions from students. Students have mixed reactions regarding the posters focusing on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people around campus this week and question the possible outcome of Monday's LGBT forum.

The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Resource Center said the posters were intended to spark people's curiosity about the subject matter and also make people aware that LGBT students do exist as part of "Operation Visibility" week.

The posters said phrases such as, "Gay is real" and "Transgender people are real." However, some students did not take the message positively. "We had some fliers...people had written 'Just because it's real, doesn't make it right,'" said Charles Milne, a coordinator at LGBT.

"We had somebody call the office last night saying 'Gay's aren't allowed on campus. What are you thinking?' They actually thought it was against school policy for gay students to be on campus," Milne said.

Dean of Students Stayner Landward also received two calls complaining about the posters. "They reported that they were offended that the University would allow that language on campus," Landward said. Landward said he explained to the callers that LGBT was expressing its constitutional rights and he encourages all students to express themselves. He also encouraged the callers to attend the forum and give their opinions on these issues.

Some students were not quite sure what to make of the signs. Regan Duckworth, an international studies student, said, "If they want to put up signs, that's fine. I don't feel that you need to go around and flaunt whatever you are. Just be you, who you are."

Despite any negative reactions to the posters, Milne said he encountered many students at the U that were supportive. According to a LGBT survey conducted two years ago, 64 percent of the campus had positive attitudes toward gay and lesbian people. "I can see how people may think [the signs are] controversial, but it's just like advertising anything on campus," said Nicole Nguyen, a freshman student. Nguyen also said she believed the posters were unclear of their connection to the LBGT forum on Monday, March 28.

"Part of [putting up the posters] was to try and get people on campus to talk about the subject matter and maybe think about it from another perspective," Milne said. LGBT is hoping the forum increases people's awareness of LGBT people and knowledge of the resources at the LGBT center.

"I think it's important for people to know that there are these safe environments, these safe zones that exist here on campus. And that campus is not a hostile place toward lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, intersexed individuals...all these things are welcomed and even embraced," said Derick Stephensen, a LGBT student.

The center also hopes to address issues at the forum including suicide rates of students who identify with LGBT, the effect of Amendment 3 on the LGBT community and bringing heterosexual allies and LGBT people together as a community. The forum is to be held Monday in the Saltair Room in the Union from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire and The Utah Gay Rodeo Association, “Along with Emperor 27 Bobby Childers and Empress 21 & Miss UGRA 2000 Tasha Montiel Present  The UGRA Royalty 2005 Pageant Show and Raffle  at Heads Up. $5.00 Cover

 

26 March 2005 Saturday

The Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) Group meets every Saturday from 7:30- 8:30 pm in the Middle Meeting Room at the Center. Crystal Meth Anonymous is a 12 step fellowship for those in recovery  from addiction to crystal meth. There are no dues or fees for membership. Membership in CMA is open to anyone with a desire to stop using drugs.

The Equality Utah Newsletter Spring 2005 wrote “The 2005 legislative session is over, but we're still working hard for the rights of LGBT Utahns and their families here at Equality Utah.

Last Saturday, over 250 people showed up to show appreciation to three hardworking community members: Rep. Jackie Biskupski, Sen. Scott McCoy and our own executive director, Michael Mitchell.

Jane Marquardt, who will soon be stepping down as EU's board chair to run for Salt Lake City Council, took the mike to talk about her upcoming race and received some of the loudest applause of the evening. Jane, along with 16 other Utahns, recently completed the Victory Fund Leadership Institute's Candidate training that was held here in Salt Lake and co-hosted with Equality Utah.

The Victory Fund conducts 3-4 of these trainings around the country each year, so we're very excited to have been able to have had one here in Utah.

One of our goals at Equality Utah is to have more representation from our community in elected offices, from the school board to the state house. With so many qualified LGBT Utahns, we're certain that the goal of more out elected officials is a reachable reality.

 You can read more about the Victory Fund training in a couple of recent articles by going to the News section of our website.

During the legislative session, we had a great victory in our first Meet Your Legislators Day with almost 40 citizen lobbyists, some of them coming up to the Hill for the first time in their lives, talking with our lawmakers. We have plans to make it bigger and better next year and to do it on several days so more people can get involved.

 

27 March 2005 Sunday Easter

Plan B Theatre Company sponsored a Benefit Performance of “Tragedy :  a tragedy” A twisted look at how far the media will go to create report the news, for the LGBT Resource Center. Tickets are $25 and includes a reception afterwards.

The Utah Gay Travel Group hosted their first group adventure, "Easter at Wendover". “We are going to be taking the Utah Trailways bus From the Downtown Sheraton and spending Easter morning hanging with friends and having brunch at "The Cathedral of the Holy buffet".

The cost is $15.00 per person to go. $10.00 for the bus and $5.00 as a fund raiser to help GUTG get started. If we have a group over 25 paid people we can have our own bus. You can pay by check made out to The Utah Gay Travel Group mailed to, UGTG 376 2nd Ave # 4 SLC UT  84103. Final reservations and payments are to be made by March 23rd and is nonrefundable after this date (03/23/05). You get with the trip:

$7.00 in Cash Back A Free Grand Buffet A Free Drink at any Casino Bar A Free Starbucks Coffee Drink A Lucky Buck to be used at the table games 10% Discount on Gift Shop Merchandise Every Trip is Fully Escorted with On-Board Games AND MORE! Sheraton City Center Hotel Approximately 130 West 400 South Sheraton City Center Hotel North (back) parking lot Logan Brueck, President,  Randy Laub,  Don Demke, Secretary Co-Founders, Gay Utah Travel Group

 

28 March 2005 Monday

LGBT Resource Center held a “Dialogue/Informational Forum to address issues of individual concerns and feelings of the “lgbt is real” campaign. This forum is being moderated by Barbara Snyder, Vice President for Student Affairs. Let the LGBT Resource Center and University administration here your views about LGBT concerns on campus. We will also be talking about all the events that the center has coming up and programs and resources that we run for the community and students.”

 

Arrin Newton Brunson wrote a Special to The Salt Lake Tribune “USU weighs same-sex benefits Touchy issue: Some - even among those sympathetic - feel it could create a backlash in conservative Utah-By LOGAN - Despite potential backlash, Utah State University officials are exploring a proposal to offer employee benefits to same-sex couples.

USU President Stan Albrecht said he has not received a formal proposal for consideration yet, but he is aware of a series of discussions among members of the faculty that began in March 2004 and will continue today.

The issue gained momentum when a draft proposal - dated Jan. 27 and written by four USU faculty members - requested domestic-partner benefits on demand to same-sex partners of USU faculty and staff. And, the proposal says, those benefits must be comparable to those received by employees' married partners. Despite this momentum, at least one faculty member warns that such a policy could anger conservative Utahns.

Accounting professor Irvin T. Nelson questioned whether it would be "fair" for taxpayers and students to be forced to financially subsidize behaviors they believe are immoral.

An Ad Hoc Domestic Partner Benefits Committee has amassed statistics, legal arguments, cost projections and testimonials from homosexual faculty and staff members. The proposal, signed first by sociology professor Patricia M. Lambert, uses national demographics to estimate that only seven of the approximately 68 gay and lesbian faculty and staff at USU would seek benefits. It would cost about 60 cents per employee per year for health-care coverage, the proposal says.

To qualify for same-sex benefits, employees would complete an affidavit modeled after one used by the Washington State Health Care Authority. It defines same-sex partners as a couple, living together continuously for at least six months, who share living expenses as well as a "close personal relationship in lieu of a lawful marriage." Joint mortgages, leases, or checking and credit accounts are ways couples would be asked to declare partnership, according to the draft proposal.

Proponents say an affirmative action policy signed in 1993 by former USU President George H. Emert warrants the proposed policy change because it compels all supervisors to "ensure that no employee or student is discriminated against/harassed because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status."

"Over the years, faculty and staff at Utah State University have been told repeatedly that our excellent benefits compensate in part for our relatively low salaries," the draft proposal says. "Those without access to full benefits get less compensation and thus are paid less than those with access to spousal benefits."

Meanwhile, accountant Nelson disputes that contention. He is a member of the USU Budget and Faculty Welfare Committee that voted unanimously to forward two proposals for domestic-partner benefits to the USU Executive Committee.

"The assertion that a large number of institutions are paying for domestic-partner benefits belies the fact that a much larger number of institutions is not doing so," Nelson says in a written argument against the proposal. "It appears that not a single major public university in the states of Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, or Utah pays for domestic-partner benefits." 

A 'safe zone' for gender issues The Utah State University Allies on Campus, a network of faculty, staff and students committed to providing a "safe zone" for anyone dealing with sexual or gender orientation issues, is offering a seminar Friday in the Taggart Student Center, Room 335, 9 a.m. to noon, for anyone interested in becoming a member. Allies on Campus strives to reduce homophobia and heterosexism on campus through education, advocacy, awareness and creating a visual network of allies. Those interested should contact LuAnn Helms.

 

29 March 2005 Tuesday

Arrin Newton Brunson Special to The Salt Lake Tribune reported, “USU same-sex benefits proposal suffers big setback LOGAN - Supporters of a "Domestic Partner Benefits" proposal at Utah State University were dealt a blow Monday afternoon. Still, they are not bowing out of what is sure to be a tough fight for everyone involved. "It's absolutely not over," said sociology professor Patricia M. Lambert just hours after a meeting where a "Domestic Partner Benefits" proposal was shot down. "It's by no means over."

Proponents of the proposal have been fighting for a year to provide to partners of homosexual employees the same benefits that are given to legally married employees. But USU legal counsel Craig Simper told approximately 150 employees at the Faculty Forum on the Logan campus that Utah's Amendment 3, approved by popular vote in November and effective Jan. 1, clearly defines marriage as a legal union only between a man and women.

"No other domestic union may be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substantially equal legal effect," he said. Although the legal validity of laws just like Amendment 3 is being challenged beyond Utah's borders, Simper made it clear that this is not a battle his employer wants to fight. "Utah State University does not want to be the test case and does not intend to be the test case," Simper said Monday afternoon.

 Lambert, a member of a USU ad hoc committee that has amassed a wealth of information in support of domestic-partner benefits, said her group is not challenging Utah's legal definition of marriage. "There are different views on Amendment 3 than Craig Simper presented," Lambert said, citing support from Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., whose election campaign boasted plans to strive for equal rights to same-sex couples, as well as Sen. Gregory Bell, proponent of failed Senate Bill 89 to extend benefits to domestic partners.

"We're not proposing to marry people. This is a matter of benefits." Lambert said USU added sexual orientation to the list of reasons not to discriminate against people in the affirmative action/equal opportunity policy in 1993.

For years, USU employees have been told that the benefits package is a measurable part of employee salaries. "But if not everybody has the same access, than not everybody is being paid the same," Lambert said. Failure to offer benefits discriminates against homosexuals, a fact many universities and private companies are recognizing and remedying, Lambert said.

"We also probably limit our [hiring] pool because there are a lot of people who feel that this is a discriminatory practice," she said. Monday's USU Faculty Forum was open to faculty, professional and classified employees, but not the press.

Faculty Senate President Janis Boettinger said the large crowd probably wasn't at the meeting to delve into the controversy. "We've opened it up [Faculty Forum] to all faculty members in the past, but this is the first time we've done it for all employees," Boettinger said. "I think the big draw was the discussion about proposed changes to health benefits - [co-payments and premiums]."

Still, Boettinger said, the same-sex benefits discussion did draw comments. "There are some faculty who still think that we should pursue providing same-sex benefits, but, in terms of Faculty Senate at Utah State University, we are a state institution and we basically need to uphold the state constitution," Boettinger said. She said Faculty Senate President-elect Derek Mason agrees. "We really can't, at this time, take this any farther. There's really nothing we can do right now until there's a challenge," Boettinger said.

 

30 March 2005 Wednesday

Rachel Miller, Freshman, History wrote a  Letter to the Editor of the Daily Chronicle: The LGBT Center should fire its advertising Manager Editor: As I walked past the Union on March 22, I saw the simple white signs with black lettering that relate a short message, a telephone number, and a room number of the Union. For me, the signs presented a couple possible meanings. What am I supposed to feel when I read a sign that says, "Gay is Real" or "Bisexuals do Exist" or "Lesbians are Real?"

One possible message: Like aliens and Bigfoot, homosexuals and transgender people do exist! Come see them on exhibit in room 317. Needless to say, the ambiguous signs lead to confusion.

Although the assumed intent of the signs is to make the public aware of these individuals, I can't help but chuckle at signs that resemble headlines in National Enquirer like, "Elvis lives!" "Child born with five heads!" and "Aliens do exist!" Even though I don't treat homosexuality and bisexuality lightly, I have to admit that I laughed out loud as images of smashed wheat fields, UFOs and giant apes flitted through my mind.

 

31 March 2005 Thursday

Center Space Invite your family and friends for a discussion on: Homosexuality in Utah  and View the KUED documentary:  Friends & Neighbors, A Community Divided, then discuss why this issues brings up such strong emotions for  individuals and families. Panel discussion with Rob and Kathryn Steffensen - who are featured in the documentary.

“Mere mention of homosexuality elicits strong emotions in many Utahns. Here, as in many places throughout the nation, debate over acceptance and inclusion of openly gay and lesbian people has divided communities and families. While the headlines and public debate bombard us, it is within the intimacy of their homes, neighborhoods, schools, and churches that many Utahns must contend with the frustration, pain, and outright anger this issue often evokes.

The Board of the Utah Bear Alliance would like to announce and welcome our newest Board member Ron Hunt. Ron will serve as our Treasurer and Membership Coordinator. Ron brings the Board great experience and knowledge and will be a wonderful addition to the group. We would like to thank Ron for his value and support to the UBA.

Everyone come out to Bear Coffee and the monthly Membership Meeting at the GLBT Community Center. You can meet Ron and help us plan activities and fund raising efforts. We are continually appreciative and excited for all the great times with this group. Let’s keep it moving forward.

I received an email from a  man named John Hoffman today. “Hello Ben. I'm a researcher in Los Angeles and while browsing through articles on vaccines and the military, I came across your article on a potential origin of HIV. I'm sure some would consider it paranoid; however, you only need open the history books to 1972 when the Tuskegee Experiment was finally revealed, and it puts your argument into perspective. My question is this: was G.D. Searle & Company one of the Vaccine suppliers for the Gay Men's Heath Drives in 1978? If you don't know, how would you find out? All the Best John Hoffman.”

I wrote back: My readings indicate that the hepatitis B vaccine used by Smuzness was developed by Merck, Sharpe, and Dohm Inc. Perhaps Freedom of Information Act would be useful Readings:

“Dr. Alan Cantwell, author of AIDS and the Doctors of Death: An Inquiry into the Origin of the AIDS Epidemic and Queer Blood: The Secret AIDS Genocide Plot, believes that HIV is a genetically modified organism developed by US Government scientists; that it was introduced into the population through Hepatitis B experiments performed on gay and  bisexual men between 1978-1981 in Manhattan, Los Angeles, San Francisco, St. Louis, Denver, and Chicago. Cantwell claims these experiments were directed by Dr. Wolf Szmuness; and that there is an  ongoing government and media cover-up regarding the origin of the AIDS epidemic. Similar theories have been advanced by Dr. Robert B. Strecker, Matilde Krim and by Milton William Cooper, author of Behold A Pale Horse.

Matilde Krim, a cancer virologist, AIDS expert, and the co-chairperson of the American Foundation for AIDS Research, has also suggested that Dr. Wolf Szmuness' hepatitis B vaccination experiments of the late 70's caused the AIDS epidemic. Unlike Cantwell, however, she attributes this to accident rather than conspiracy.

Dr. Leonard G. Horowitz, author of Emerging Viruses: AIDS & Ebola. Nature, Accident or Intentional? And Death in the Air: Globalism, Terrorism and Toxic Warfare, has advanced the theory that the AIDS virus  was engineered by such US Government defense contractors as Litton Bionetics for the purposes of bio-warfare and "population control." Dr. Horowitz  believes that Jews, blacks, and Hispanics are prime targets in these attempts at "population control." He cites the historical preoccupation with eugenics on the part of the American medical establishment as evidence of a greater conspiracy to commit genocide.”

            Hoffman wrote back, “Hey Edgar. Thanks for responding, and I appreciate the suggested reading. I was asking about Searle because Rumsfeld ran that organization and has been Sec. of Defense twice running; the vaccines they've forced on the military have been backfiring, triggering auto-immune related responses, according to a lot of people in those areas. Creepy. Thanks again! Regards, John Hoffman

            My Lambda Lore column “Pam Parsons” In February 1982, Sports Illustrated published an article entitled "Stormy Weather at South Carolina," in which the women's basketball coach at the University of South Carolina was accused of having a Lesbian relationship with one of her players. This article rocked the national women sport’s realm as well as the Salt Lake’s Lesbian’s community, dividing a fragile populace into opposing camps for years.

Pam Parsons, a native Utahn, was the basketball coach of the South Carolina Lady Gamecocks. Her 1980 team finished third in the nation and the following year, her team was ranked No. 2 and was undefeated, when suddenly “it all came crashing down after Parsons was caught in an affair with one of her players.” 

 In 1979 Tina Buck averaged 28.2 points per game as a Senior in High School and was among DeKalb Georgia's all-time scoring leaders. Parson first met 17 year old Tina at an Atlanta bar. Their relationship according to critics, “made the stereotypes seem true -- that untrustworthy Lesbians pervade women's basketball and entice impressionable young people.”

In November 1980, a private detective revealed that the 30-point high school average Buck spent a night at Parsons' house -- violating recruiting rules because Buck was considered a visiting high school recruit. Later that December, a player told her mother she'd seen Parsons and Buck embrace and kiss.

The relationship between the women seemed to be so obvious that in 1982, Sports Illustrated outed Parsons as a Lesbian, after which she was fired as a basketball coach. Parsons then accused Time, Inc., which owned Sports Illustrated, of libel and sued the company for $75 million. Two years later the case was brought to the United States Federal District Court in South Carolina with Time defending the story as true and, therefore, not libelous. During the course of the trial, Parsons and Buck denied, under oath, that they had been lovers and swore that they had not had sex with each other.

In May 1984, during Utah’s KUTV Channel  2 sports segment of the 10 p.m. news, Babette (better known as Babs) De Lay watched incredibly as Pam Parson and Tina Buck stated under oath in a Federal Court that they were not Lesbians and denied any type of relationship. This infuriated Babs De Lay who had a secret that she could not wait to tell.

Babs De Lay had been involved in community building, by 1984, for nearly a decade and had made herself a reliable reputation as editor of fledgling Gay and Lesbian newspapers, as well as being the host of a weekly women’s music program on KRCL FM 91. However more importantly for this story, she also worked at the popular Lesbian bar “Puss N Boots” as a bartender. There she had witnessed Parsons and Buck, “dancing intimately and openly proclaiming that they were lovers.”

During much of the 1980’s, bar patrons were required by law to sign a membership registry before entering and they had to show driver’s license also. The Puss N Boots’ registry contained the signatures of Parson and Bucks who had visited Salt Lake City the year before. Babs De Lay knew this.

After the KUTV’s broadcast, Times Inc. received several phone calls from Salt Lake, including Babs De Lay, offering information concerning Parson and Buck’s stay in Salt Lake the summer of 1983. Babs De Lay was then contacted by the Times’ Attorneys, whom she told that she had a “smoking gun,” access to Puss N Boots’ membership book. De Lay claims that she was given permission by bar owner Hattie Raddon to use the  registry after blacking out all names except Parsons and Buck. Others claim she didn’t and that publicity was her motive since she was more than willing to testify against the lying women.

De Lay was flown out for the trial and became the Times’ star witness. She testified that Parsons and Buck frequently visited Puss 'n' Boots and her testimony was deciding factor in the suit in favor of Sports Illustrated.

When the civil case ended, the presiding federal judge, Clyde Hamilton, asked the FBI to investigate criminal perjury by Parsons and Buck both of whom denied ever frequenting "Puss n' Boots." Perjury charges against the pair were filed and in November 1984, both women pleaded guilty to one count of perjury each. In February 1985, the Lesbians were sentenced to three years in prison – 109 days of which they actually served in a Lexington, Kentucky penitentiary.

            Back in Salt Lake City, Utah, Babs De Lay returned to a very divided Lesbian community, many who were ready to lynch her. She was accused of betraying her Lesbian sisters by the radical feminists and for endangering the security of those women whose names were also on the membership registry by the conservative Lesbians. De Lay was ostracized, had death threats made against her, and her home vandalized by outraged Salt Lake Lesbians. In a September 1986 article by Mark Taylor for the defunct Utah Holiday Magazine, Babs De Lay told her side of the story and recounted the fear she lived in, for several years, because of Lesbians with a vendetta against her.

It took almost a whole generation of Lesbians, who grew up not knowing the Parson Incident, before this matter was put to rest; but among older Lesbians there is still resentment and deep hurt over the affair.

Today Babs De Lay is still a host of a women’s radio program on KRCL called,” Women, the Third Decade” and is a successful Broker and Realtor. Her continuing Involvement in the Lesbian community has Babs de Lay helping the owners of Modiggity, a Lesbian Sports Bar, become a success. She served as chair of Mayor Rocky Anderson's Capital Improvements Program in 2003 and received her Doctor of Metaphysics in 2002. She performs non-denominational marriages in Utah and has twin daughters and grandchildren.

 

Parson and Buck are still together living in Atlanta, Georgia getting by on $15,000 a year. After being fired as a successful basketball coach and player they have worked as house painters, waitresses, and yard keepers.

Parson’s latest claim to fame was during the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton. She was called before Congress to testify about her imprisonment for lying under oath.

When asked by Congressman McCollum to state the nature of her perjury she answered:  “Well, it's really kind of funny. There is a gay bar called "Puss and Boots" in Salt Lake City, Utah. It wasn't easy to say I'd been there. That occurrence was two years after the things that I was suing "Sports Illustrated" for. It wasn't a pretty picture for me. I thought I had many reasons for why I couldn't -- could say no, but it was an out-and-out lie. I had been there... "I finally found what I was looking for -- peace," she said. "I'm not afraid of being found out. I don't have to lie or concoct an image. It's an amazing space to be in. It is something I've wanted more than a national championship."