Though it is indisputably among the more progressive areas in the state, many residents are hesitant to accept this title. Salt Lake City has long been labeled one of the “queerest cities” in America. Pride has spread from Salt Lake City to include marches, rallies and festivals all across the state. Celebrations in the decades since have taken many forms and have commemorated important milestones in the fight for equality. Pride celebrations in Utah began in the 1970s, just years after the Stonewall Riots in New York City inspired worldwide demonstrations in support of the LGBTQ+ community. The main events of the week are the Pride Story Garden, the Rainbow March and Rally, the Pride Month Proclamations and Flag Raising and the Pride Interfaith Service. The week-long festivities will be unlike any before, as restrictions due to the pandemic have forced the Utah Pride Center to come up with creative ways to celebrate Queer history and community.
Continuing with tradition after cancellations last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Salt Lake City will celebrate Pride Week beginning Tuesday, June 1.
