Buzz Blog

Ever wonder about the blue and yellow bumper sticker with the "equals" sign that now even your grandma is driving around with? You knew it promoted gay rights but you may not know it is the logo of the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender organization: the Human Right Campaign. --- This weekend is "the" weekend to plug into the efforts of the HRC, through its “On the Road to Equality” nationwide 12-week bus tour that kicks off today in Salt Lake City. After this weekend, the tour will stop in 17 cities in 11 states and Washington, D.C., communities where legal protections for LGBT people are limited and where living openly and honestly can be difficult.

“Salt Lake City is a fitting place to kick off this tour as Utahans believe in fairness but the laws haven’t yet caught up with that reality,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese, who, along with other HRC staff, will be in Salt Lake City this weekend.  “The LGBT community here is making tremendous progress, and I’m proud to work with them.”

The weekend events are as follows:

Friday, August 12

"On the Road to Equality" Open House

The Utah Pride Center, 355 North 300 West, Salt Lake City, 3-5 p.m.

Equality Utah and Utah Pride Center co-host with the HRC an open house with elected officials and community leaders with HRC President Joe Solmonese. The open house is free and open to everyone.

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Club Equality

Club Sound, 579 W. 200 South, Salt Lake City, 9:30 p.m.

Dance party HRC's staff and Broadway's Gavin Creel. Help HRC raise funds for the Utah Pride Center and enter to win tickets to Equality Utah's annual dinner. Club Equality is open for those 18 years old and older and a cover charge will apply.

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Saturday, August 13

Pathway to Acceptance: Supportive Families, Healthy Communities

Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South Conference Room 4, Salt Lake City, 2-4 p.m.

Panel discussion featuring Dr. Caitlin Ryan of the Family Acceptance Project. Learn how community leaders and families impact the lives of youth. The event is free and an RSVP is recommended.

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"On the Cusp of Equality: Are We at a Tipping Point?" Presentation & Open House

Paris Ballroom at Hotel Monaco, 15 West 200 South, Salt Lake City, 4-7 p.m.

Open house (4 p.m.) and presentation (5:30 p.m.) on the state of the LGBT movement today. Hear from HRC President Joe Solmonese and other senior HRC staff about what’s happening across the nation. This event is free and RSVP is recommended.

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Sunday, August 14

"On the Road to Equality" Bus Open House

Liberty Park, corner of Belmont and North Shelter Road, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Last chance to tour HRC's bus in Salt Lake City. Explore the amazing exhibits at the Equality Bus. The event is free and open to everyone.

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5K Fun-Run & Walk to Benefit Volunteers of America

Liberty Park, Corner of Belmont and North Shelter Road, Salt Lake City, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

5K fun-run and walk helps Volunteers of America to establish a transitional home for homeless young men and boys in Salt Lake. Participation fee $10 per runner. Runners will receive a free shoelace wallet. RSVP is suggested, runners can register the morning of the run.

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A Public Witness: The Power of Faith Advocacy for Equality

%uFFFDEpiscopal Church Center of Utah, 75 S. 200 East, Wasatch Room, Salt Lake City, 2- 4 p.m.

Panel discussion on how to use faith to speak with legislators about equality. The event is free and an RSVP is recommended.