Salt Lake's LGBTQ youth share the spotlight with celebrities at Encircle's Only Love Gala.
Small Lake City
By Cat Palmer
On April 26, my daughter and I attended Encircle's Only Love Gala at the Adobe Lehi Campus, a night that shimmered with warmth, compassion and a unifying theme—Welcome Home. And a highlight of the night was watching the radiant Kristin Chenoweth receive Encircle's Ally Award.
Chenoweth—who grew up in the Oklahoma Bible Belt—shared a powerful story about her third-grade friend Jackie Bell, who was bullied for being different. She said that experience became the foundation of her lifelong allyship with the LGBTQ+ community. Chenoweth's talent and wit are undeniable, but her greatest strength may be her compassion. When she introduced my daughter and me onstage, she embraced us both with genuine warmth. She leaned in close and whispered to my daughter, "You're going to do great."
It was a brief moment, but it meant the world to her—and to me.
Chenoweth spoke about how meaningful this award was to her. Her father had called earlier that day and told her, "This is by far your best award." She wholeheartedly agreed. For someone with a shelf full of accolades, that says something profound about her values.
I also found myself charmed by Angie Katsanevas (or "Angie K") from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Though I don't watch much television, I noticed her authenticity and generosity. She credited her best one-liners to the gay friends she's loved for over 30 years. A mother herself, Katsanevas said that "all children deserve to feel safe, healthy, and loved." I couldn't agree more.
As we enjoyed the delicious food from Laziz and danced the night away to the lively beats of DJ Robot Dream, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude for the people who make Encircle's mission a reality here in Salt Lake City. People like Fane, Eliza, Ollie, Nyx and Ty work tirelessly to create a space where LGBTQ+ youth feel at home. Their presence, care and leadership are felt in every hug, every laugh, every quiet moment of reassurance. I see the difference they're making in so many young lives—and I'm endlessly thankful for their work.
Still, the most meaningful part of the night wasn't the celebrity encounters—it was seeing my daughter shine. Dressed in her new purple suit, standing among mentors and friends, she radiated confidence and pure delight. On stage, she shared: "Encircle is a space that reminded me that I still had a future, even when the rest of the world made me doubt it."
As a parent, those words washed over me, and my heart brimmed with quiet joy. Thank you, Encircle, for creating a place where LGBTQ+ youth feel seen, safe and celebrated.
Your mission—no sides, only love—is more than a theme. It's a promise, and this night, it felt like home.
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