After more than three years as CEO of the center, and two years before that on the UPC's board, Moolman recently announced he will be leaving the nonprofit. Rob Moolman has led the Utah Pride Center since February of 2018. Utah Pride Center's Rob Moolman talks about an a-maze-ing (and COVID-safe) Pride Week. So, until the runway beckons again (hopefully in 2022), keep your drag alive! PS: For enquiring minds who've asked: The Miss City Weekly pageant is on COVID-hold again year. The coursework will help graduates understand the unique challenges of those who identify with being LGBTQ and will equip students to create more inclusive workplace environments.
De Lay, in her Urban Living column, also reflects on the early years of celebrating Salt Lake Pride.Īnd it's good timing to announce that starting next fall, Weber State University in Ogden will be Utah's first institution to offer a queer studies minor. The locally distilled spirit spotlights five Utahns-are they brother-husbands?-some of whom you know.įor those of the LGBTQ persuasion who are grappling with coming out even if it means exiting the LDS church, Carolyn Campbell has provided a directory of organizations that can offer support and guidance.Īnd finally, Babs De Lay, who writes City Weekly's Urban Living column about local happenings and real estate trends, has scribed a piece about the golden era of women's music as well as a touching tribute to a local icon, dear departed Charles Lynn Frost.
In this issue, we're excited to announce the possibility of a new queer bookstore as well as the bottling of a fresh batch of Ogden's Own Five Husbands vodka. Utah Pride Center CEO Rob Moolman will provide a multitude of reasons of why you should adorn yourself in your technicolor finest and come downtown to reconnect with your rainbow-loving besties. If that sounds a little bit underwhelming, read on. This year's COVID-safe gathering will be greatly scaled back compared to past years': no parade, live entertainment or vendors. That's why, as cases of the pandemic appear to be slowing, it's vital that the Utah Pride Festival bring us all together again.
A conservative hub like Salt Lake can so often make those outside the mainstream feel "othered" and excluded, and the act of being visible and seen for who you is incredibly healing. The Pride festival marks another year of survival and strength. Before there were rainbows, there were riots, protests and discrimination to overcome. But it's also sobering to think that much of the #lovewins talk of Pride is borne out of the collective wounds and painful memories that a good many LGBTQ have had to carry with them. That ribald "rainbow spirit" is outrageous, playful and proud. No matter where you get your Pride on, the sight of seeing so many effervescent souls converging in varying stages of dress and undress is indescribably powerful.