Message from Nikki Boyer and Valerie Larabee:
During this time of year, we both like to take time to look around our lives and be reminded all of the things for which we are thankful. Whether that is the ability to play in the dirt (Nikki), discovering that cool new electronic device (Valerie) or spending quality time with our friends and loved ones, we are thankful.
We are also thankful for everyone who works tirelessly in the fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) equality. For a national movement that brought an end to the military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, the Obama Administration's refusal to defend the "Defense of Marriage Act," and passage of state laws extending marriage and spousal rights to same-sex couples. For those who provide care to our LGBTQ community members who may not have family support systems. For the courageous youth who choose to be true to themselves regardless of adversity or family rejections. For our allies who come out in support of the LGBTQ community and embody the ideal of "unconditional" love. And, we are thankful for YOU!
Your generous support of The Center's programs, through financial contributions and volunteerism, help us to provide vital programs and services to the LGBTQ community and its allies. We have thriving youth, senior and transgender programs offering safe spaces, support groups, workshops, social events, community advocacy and reference and referrals. We offer programming aimed at promoting healthy living, tobacco cessation, free HIV testing, affirmative therapists and healthcare providers and women's health. The Center provides meeting spaces to 35+ community groups, leadership opportunities, mentorship, love and acceptance to our community.
Our community center does more than just throw a great, big summer celebration, it works to heal the sources of misunderstanding and hurt – bias and misinformation – through cultural competency trainings and empowerment workshops to strengthen and inform the community. It influences public opinion in many ways by: encouraging a more inclusive community, educating professionals who work with LGBTQ people, hosting conference and summits, coordinating queer-straight alliances (QSA) in schools, putting on the fabulous Utah Pride Festival and constantly monitoring and appearing in the media to ensure that our lives are visible and our stories are told accurately, inclusively and fairly. This work truly changes hearts and minds!
The heart of Utah's LGBTQ community can be found at The Center. The staff and volunteers work together in harmony with many other great Utah organizations to make our state more hospitable to LGBTQ people. As a board and staff, we realize that in order to reduce the number of LGBTQ youth and adults in crisis, we have to educate all Utahns on LGBTQ issues. And as you know, this kind of work requires funding to move forward.
So, we are asking you to join us, The Center's board and staff, in changing public opinion – with your time, your money or both. We feel so strongly about this work, that we are giving additional contributions and issuing a challenge to our community. Together, the board and staff have pledged $5,994 to match your donations – so every dollar you give will be matched 1-to-1 by those who see firsthand how The Center's programs and services are changing lives, for the better, every day.
To join us, please visit online at www.utahpridecenter.org/get-involved-now to make your tax deductible donation or join the $27.77 Club.
Give what you can and watch your dollars transform into a more inclusive Utah. Every dollar counts in ending discrimination, eliminating hateful talk, stopping bullying and saving lives. Think about what makes you thankful in your life, and give a dollar, ten or hundred for each of those people and experiences that enrich your life. Remember, there are many of your LGBTQ brothers and sisters who are thankful for having a safe haven to call home – the Utah Pride Center. Thanks for doing everything you can to make our community a better place!
Thankfully yours,
Nikki (Board President) and Valerie Larabee (Executive Director)
