Former Utah Pride Center Workers Legal Fund

Dear Friends-

We, previous employees of the Utah Pride Center, all of whom were fired along with 8 other individuals in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, have taken legal action against the Center.   After a year of administrative process, on June 30, 2021, we filed a complaint in the Third Judicial District Court of Utah because we deeply believe in the mission of the organization to: unite, empower and celebrate Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community by providing a safe and welcoming space for education, partnership, service, and events which advance our collective health, wellness and success.

We are convinced that the current leadership of the organization, including the Center’s Board of Directors and Executive Staff are not able to advance this mission because of their refusal to critically look at and change organizational practices and policies which uphold oppressive systems including but not limited to misogyny, ableism and racism.

Each of us, the plaintiffs in this case, have been directly harmed by the actions of Pride Center leadership.  And, more importantly, countless members of Utah’s LGBTQ+ communities have been systematically excluded and denied service, access, and support of the Pride Center.

We are calling on all right-minded, empathetic, and fair people to:

-        Recognize the critical nature of the charges outlined in this complaint.

-        Hold the leadership of the Utah Pride Center accountable for their actions and inactions.

-        Support all people who are working within and outside of the UPC to affect real change in our communities.

-        Focus your efforts always toward love and support of the most marginalized and underserved among us.

Last year taught us many things. Most importantly, it taught us that real change is possible, but real change cannot happen without the mobilization of a community. We need your help. We need you to add your voice to ours as we demand the truth.

We need to raise $17,000 to cover our accruing legal fees. Will you add your voice to ours, and join this movement for truth? $5, $25, $50 -- every dollar makes a difference. 

We are loud & proud queers, and we will always speak truth to power.
 
Michael Bryant They|Them
Hillary McDaniel She|They
bek Birkett He|She|They
Liz Pitts Shey|They
Brim Wachendorf They|Them