In Mormon Utah, Pride Celebrations Meet a Desperate Need

Salt Lake City isn't necessarily the first place I think of when I imagine the full flourishing of LGBTQ people. But it's certainly home to one of the proudest Pride celebrations I've ever seen. Last weekend I had the privilege of walking around the festival with a dear friend. We didn't see all of it; there was no way to in just one afternoon. According to public relations manager Kevin Randall, it was the largest Pride gathering in the city's history, with around 70,000 attendees and 300 vendors, booths and exhibits. The parade route doubled in size -- partly because of the social distancing that's wise in the age of COVID-19, and also to accommodate the growing crowds.