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(re)Building and Fortifying

Posted 4 years ago Tagged Gay Mormon Leaving Mormonism LGBTQ Matt Easton Mormon

This week has been an absolute whirlwind of emotions. On Monday, August 23, my husband and I headed to Mount Lemmon to do a photoshoot with some local photographers. We had so much fun in the tall pine trees that … Read the rest here

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Latter Gay Stories

19 hours ago

🏳️‍🌈 Utah’s HB77, effective May 7, 2025, bans pride flags in classrooms and government buildings, aiming for “neutral” public spaces. But there are legal loopholes to keep supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Utah schools! Here’s how teachers can navigate the law while fostering inclusivity:

Non-Flag Symbols: HB77 defines a flag as a “rectangular piece of fabric,” so non-fabric pride symbols are fair game! Teachers can display rainbow stickers, pins, or signs like “All Are Welcome” or “Love is Love.”

Organizations like LatterGayStories are distributing rainbow themed items for educators. These items are a powerful way to show support without breaking the law, though district policies may vary.

Educational Curriculum: An amendment to HB77 allows pride flags in classrooms if part of an approved curriculum. This means teachers can include flags in lessons on LGBTQ+ history (e.g., Stonewall Riots), diversity, or social studies, as long as the district signs off. This loophole offers a clear path to keep pride visible in education, but it hinges on curriculum approval.

Personal Expression: The rules are murkier here, but personal spaces like a teacher’s desk might allow small pride symbols. University of Utah allows flags in private offices (not visible outside), hinting K-12 teachers could use desk decor similarly. However, classrooms are public spaces, so check district policies to stay safe.

Cultural Celebrations: Schools can display pride flags during brief cultural events, like Pride Week, with approval. The University of Utah allows flags for up to a week with a dean’s OK, and K-12 schools might follow suit for Pride Month or awareness days, pending district approval.

Other ideas:

• Rainbow-themed decorations like posters or art supplies to evoke inclusivity without flags, as the law targets flags, not colors.

• Written messages like “Love is Love” and “All Are Welcome” aren’t banned.

• Wear rainbow lanyards or pins with slogans like “Love is Love,” as personal attire is exempt.

• Place Pride stickers on personal items like laptops, which aren’t flags.

• Encourage student art with rainbow colors or messages like “Everyone Belongs,” as student work faces less regulation.

• Include diversity messages in syllabi or handouts, as text isn’t restricted.

• Organize a “Diversity Day” with banners (not flags) for inclusive messaging, framed as educational.

• Use Pride flag Zoom backgrounds in virtual classes, as digital displays may not count.

• Show Pride flags on personal items like handbags or totes which aren’t school property.

• Stock LGBTQ+ books like “And Tango Makes Three” in class libraries, as books are educational.

• Use subtle symbols like pink triangles, which may go unnoticed.

• Display Pride flags in history lessons (e.g., Stonewall Riots) as curriculum content, leveraging academic exceptions.

• Put up flags during after-school clubs and remove them, though this risks scrutiny.

• Encourage student-led Pride clothing or signs, as students have broader speech rights.

• Display peace signs or hearts for inclusivity, as vague symbols aren’t banned.

• Host off-campus events at libraries where flags are allowed.

• Post classroom rules like “Respect all identities,” which aren’t flags.

• Urge parents to display flags near school, as private displays are unregulated.

• Work with the Utah Education Association to clarify “flag” definitions, exploiting ambiguities in the law. The ambiguous language of the bill will be challenged in court.

⚠️ Key Tips: Always consult your district’s policies and the Utah State Board of Education for guidance. The law’s recent rollout means interpretations are evolving. Governor Cox called HB77 “flawed,” suggesting more clarity may come.

🌈 Why It Matters: These loopholes—non-flag symbols, curriculum use, personal decor, cultural events, and potential legal shifts—let teachers and students keep classrooms inclusive. Despite HB77’s restrictions, you can still show pride and support for all students. ... See MoreSee Less

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Latter Gay Stories

2 days ago

“May the fourth be with you this day, and always” -probably Lloyd Newell

Happy Star Wars Day, rebels! 🏳️‍🌈 ... See MoreSee Less

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3 days ago

The Davis County Pride Festival is happening today, May 3, 2025, from noon to 6 PM at Layton Commons Park, 437 N Wasatch Dr, Layton, Utah.

This FREE, public event, is themed “Shimmer, Shine, & Show Your Pride!” Come visit with over 60 local artists, 40 non-profits, and booths everywhere!

There will be drag performances, storytellers, poetry, a flash mob, a walking parade, and food trucks too.

Expect a vibrant, inclusive celebration with live entertainment on the Rainbow Stage, including performances by OPPA! Theater, Imperial Rainbow Court of Northern Utah, Cheer Salt Lake, and the Lavender Menaces Brass Band. A highlight is the “Hell Together” Mom & More Hugs at 3:30 PM, inspired by David Archuleta’s song.

With over 4,000 attendees expected, it’s a powerful day of community and belonging. For more details, visit DavisCountyPride.org ... See MoreSee Less

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