.gay Community Spotlight on Utah Pride Center
For this week’s .gay Community Spotlight, we talked to Utah Pride Center about their efforts to support and serve Utah’s LGBTQ+ communities and their allies, to strengthen their collective vision.
Learn more about Utah Pride Center’s important work in our chat below.
How would you describe your organization’s mission?
The mission of the Utah Pride Center is to unite, empower and celebrate Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
Tell us about how that mission is brought to life through your work?
The Utah Pride Center provides a safe and welcoming space for education, partnerships, services and events which advance the LGBTQ+ community’s collective health, wellness and success. We are known for the organization of the Pride Festival, but the UPC is much more than that! All year long the UPC provides daily social and support groups for youth, families, adults, and seniors, suicide prevention services, education and trainings, community and mental health services.
What would happen if your organization suddenly did not exist?
We believe our community would lose a safe space with an abundance of programs and resources beneficial to the LGBTQ+ community. The Utah Pride Center is not the only resource for queer people in Utah, but it is definitely a unique one with a rich history and an exciting future.
What can people do to get involved and help make sure that never happens?
As a nonprofit we rely on donations of all sizes to keep our doors open and the quality of our services high, so we always appreciate our donors’ support (you can make a donation here). Volunteers are also an incredible help around the center, either on a regular basis or a one time opportunity. Finally, we rely on our community to help us spread the word about our services. So, if you know someone who might benefit from the services that the Center provides, please bring them to our location, or share our website and social media pages. The Center is a great place to make new friends and help break detrimental isolation patterns.
Why does LGBTQ+ visibility matter to you?
LGBTQ+ representation can tell stories that resist harmful stereotypes. When LGBTQ+ lives are made visible and are allowed complexity in the public eye, it generates changes for all identities. On the one hand it allows our society at broad to create empathy, intimacy, and social consciousness to the struggles and joys of queer identities. On the other hand, it generates a great sense of affirmation for LGBTQ+ individuals, boosting self-worth and self-esteem, and reinforcing the message that you are not alone or invisible, you matter, and you have role models who care about you.
In your own words, what does “LGBTQ+ safety and support” mean specifically?
LGBTQ+ safety and support means different things for different members of our community, depending on their intersecting identities and life experiences. Queer communities are authentic, courageous, and kind, so our safe and supportive environments are the ones that foster these qualities and allow diversity to thrive.
Who are some of your LGBTQ+ heroes?
Sadly, I am certain that throughout history there are many important figures that were never out, so they can’t be in this list. But having mentioned that, I would include James Baldwin, Barbara Gittings, Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Gilbert Baker, Gladys Bentley, Freddie Mercury, Rachel Maddow, Laverne Cox, among many many others…
If you could give LGBTQ+ youth one message, what would it be?
You are not alone, and you are part of a wonderful and proud community. Come visit the Utah Pride Center!
Tell us about a time when you felt like the work you do at your organization really mattered or made a difference for the communities you serve?
Every day. Everyday new people walk through the doors of our center and get the support and direction they’re looking for. Most recently during the holidays the Center organized a senior giving tree, and the feedback was fabulous both from the donors and from the receivers. It was a special reminder that the work we do is meaningful, and that spaces of kindness and connection are essential.
Anything else you would like to share with the .gay audience?
If you’re in Utah, please connect with the Pride Center! Follow us on social media, come visit our location, or join us for an event or program any day of the week in person or virtually. Thanks so much for this opportunity to share about our organization!
