In 2024, the Utah legislature passed HB 261, a piece of legislation aimed at destroying EDI initiatives at institutions of higher education. In response to this new law, the University of Utah closed down its LGBTQ+ Resource Center, as well as numerous other programs. The dissolution of this center was intended to destroy our community by eliminating the events and spaces where it was built.

Later that year, in response to these attacks, a group of queer students led an initiative to revive one of the most beloved LGBTQ+ events at the U, the start of year Queer Pool Party. In spite of the dearth of institutional support and backing, the 2024 Pool Party was more successful than ever before, with over 200 attendees joining in on the festivities.

Today, we have united that team to once again bring queer community to the University of Utah, this time in the form of a permanent Queer Student Union (QSU).

Your donation to our organization will be used to fund first and foremost, the 2026 Queer Pool Party during the upcoming Fall Semester. This year, it will serve as the kick-off not just for the semester, but for the enduring power that will animate the QSU throughout the rest of the year and far off into the future!

We know that there is power in joy, and resilience in the bonds we build with one another. Together, we can show all those who would have us eradicated that our happiness will not be impeded. Not by discriminatory legislation, not by unjust laws, and certainly not by hateful rhetoric.

Any amount donated over our primary goal of $2,200 will be allocated towards future events, activities, and programming!