Written by George Scott
The fifth annual Equality Utah South “Say Yes” celebration took place in Kayenta on Saturday night, May 9. Billed as “Glitter in the Gulch,” the gala was filled with shining moments throughout the night, including comments from Equality Utah Executive Director Troy Williams and Utah Senator Steve Urquhart and a stirring performance from award-winning poet Andrea Gibson.
Like the challenges that come with securing equality for the LGBT community, the weather tried to rain on the parade. However, this group is used to opposition and ready for the task of adapting. Seeking shelter in the galleries of the Kayenta Art Village there was only exuberance, joy, and excitement for the event as people mingled, sipped on drinks, and munched on eye-popping, divine tasting hors d’oeuvres. Even Mother Nature relented the hindering of the right for this celebration of equality. As the rain cleared and the clouds parted, a rainbow fittingly graced the sky overhead.
As guests continued to arrive, filling the village with excitement, a press conference was held for members of the press. Melynda Thorpe facilitated the conference and opened up with introductions, a rundown of the night’s itinerary, and some of the highlights of progress over the past year. Troy Williams, Equality Utah Executive Director; Linda Stay, event coordinator; and Sen. Steve Urquhart made up the panel addressing the press. Each shared the notion that Utah is moving in the right direction toward equality and acceptance offering much to celebrate but that there continues to be much more work to do.
One of the big milestones that has given cause for celebration is the passing of Senate Bill 296 which goes into effect Monday, May 11. The bill offers protection from discrimination in housing and employment for the LGBT residents of the state. Tireless efforts have taken place over the years in order to get this bill into law. Urquhart has championed the cause for several years and expressed his gratitude to everyone that has assisted in making it happen.
Urquhart recounted that for the past three years of his attendance at the Equality Utah South event, he has said how they have made progress and that the next year would be the one that really counted.
“This year, I get to stand up and say, we have made a lot of progress and this year is the year!” Urquhart said. “We passed [SB 296] and the sky has not fallen. We did it right.”
As the press conference was wrapping up, a special treat was offered when poet Andrea Gibson—previously unexpected to be available—joined the group. Gibson spoke about her poetry, activism, love, and passion. Gibson’s poem, “Say Yes” was the inspiration for the theme of the 2015 celebration. Speaking of her inspiration for the poem, she said it was her “life motto” and was her way of putting into words the way she attempts to live her life, what can be created, and what good can be done. Gibson was very personable and had a way of speaking—even in a small setting—that captivated those listening. Yet it was only a taste of what was to come when she took the stage later and addressed the entire group of attendees.
During the press conference and throughout the evening, a silent auction was going on. The fifth annual event also serves as a fundraiser, with proceeds going to education, awareness, and outreach. Items were donated by local artists, businesses, and individuals to the cause. Several people addressed the crowd to shine recognition on those who have been and continue to be instrumental in the journey of equality. The night sky opened up, and even the stars glittered in the gulch as Andrea Gibson stepped onto the stage.
It truly is impressive to see Gibson in person and nearly impossible to fully explain how she touches the audience with her riveting words and rhythmically punctuated delivery. She is not only an extremely talented poet, she is a consummate orator. There were no whispers in the audience of people discussing other topics. Gibson garnered the attention of every ear and commanded the view of every eye.
She discussed with the ease of everyday conversation topics ranging a broad spectrum. Then she would step into a zone where she would share the beauty of a poem she had written on the topic. With proficient articulation, raw emotion, and some sort of magical cadence, Gibson shared herself in a way that reaches out and grabs your very heart and soul. It was not just a speaker/audience relationship; it was a celebration of soul connections as the village became one with another in the experience. She made people laugh, she made them cry, and she made them feel.
The chilly night air set in, and as she neared her allotted time for speaking, it was also obvious she was reaching her limit of being able to continue in the cold. As she was finishing up, someone brought her a pair of gloves and a coat, which fit her more akin to a tent. The act of kindness resulted in Gibson continuing and with more intensity. It was as if the gift had invigorated her and connected her deeper as she made it clear she may have finally discovered her people. As she stepped off the stage, it was almost as a collective breath was finally taken. She had fully enthralled the group with her magnificent presence.
Following the mainstay of the event, an after party began with Soul What!? bringing their funky sound to the gulch. They played a high energy set that got feet on the street for dancing as the celebration continued well into the night.
