Happy Pride Month! It's a time to celebrate and honor the LGBTQ+ community's history, achievements, and identities. Pride is an ongoing act of resistance, and the ACLU of Utah is committed to fighting for LGBTQ+ civil rights and liberties here in Utah.
Celebrating our joy while fighting for LGBTQ+ Rights Every Day
Amidst the celebrations, we acknowledge the ongoing attacks in Utah on the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Contrary to these continuing challenges, we intend to celebrate the joy, community, and resilience that the LGBTQ+ community embodies.
During this Pride month and throughout the year, we invite you to join us in celebrating the incredibly diverse LGBTQ+ communities across Utah while recognizing the ongoing work ahead. We are dedicated to stopping governmental efforts to deny the rights of, discriminate against, and silence LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse individuals in Utah. From ensuring equal treatment in schools to protecting the right to live "loud and proud" free from censorship and defending our right to bodily autonomy, our staff, supporters, and volunteers diligently challenge discriminatory policies, fight for LGBTQ+ youth, and mobilize Utahns to demand change.
Here are a few ways we at the ACLU of Utah have been working towards ensuring the civil rights and liberties of LGBTQ+ Utahns:
- Defending Drag Performances & Protecting the First Amendment
We recently filed a lawsuit against the City of St. George for censoring Southern Utah Drag Stars. - Fighting for transgender kids in sports:
Our litigation continues against HB 11, which bans transgender girls from playing sports. - Investing in the Fight:
Nick Arteaga, our Organizer and Transgender Rights Strategist, is connecting us to the LGBTQ+ community and building on the power of our local champions. This power was visible in testimonies and rallies protesting SB 16, Utah's 2023 law prohibiting gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth. - Uplifting LGBTQ+ Voices:
Connecting media and the press to LGBTQ+ people affected by the laws and policies implemented by elected officials.
Pride is About Living Our Truth Freely
Pride is more than just a festival or a parade; it's about living our truth freely, celebrating our stories, and protecting Utahns' rights regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. If you want to learn more, we encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ Equality landing page this Pride month to learn more about our work. Additionally, our staff members are attending multiple Pride celebrations across the state. Say hello, when we visit your local Pride festival!
Remember that while the road may be long and challenging, progress is possible when we unite. We won't back down in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Utah, and we know you won't either.