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2009 Pride Celebration at the University of Utah

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Lt. Dan Choi, an Iraq War veteran and West Point graduate fluent in Arabic, will give the keynote address. Choi, who announced publicly that he is gay, had discharge proceedings filed against him under the “don’t ask don’t tell” policy that allows homosexuals to serve in the military only if they do not disclose their sexual orientation. He wrote an open letter to President Obama and members of congress asking that the policy be repealed. His keynote address is one of many events and activities planned for the Pride Week celebration.

“The University of Utah takes pride in providing all students with an extraordinary educational experience – one that embraces diverse perspectives and offers a broad panorama of ideas and viewpoints,” said Michael K. Young, University of Utah president.  “As such, we welcome LGBT Pride Week at the U and celebrate the contributions of LGBT students, faculty and alumni who enrich the culture of our campus and our community. Together, we can create an educational environment that fosters greater understanding and respect for all people.”

In addition to the keynote address, the Pride Week celebration will include the annual Gay-la celebration dinner and silent auction. Award-winning activist, performer and author Thea Hillman will be featured at the dinner. Hillman’s book “Depending on the Light” won the Lambda Literary Award for Transgender Literature. All proceeds from the Gay-la and Silent Auction are dedicated to fund scholarships for LGBT students.  

"The University of Utah is excited to celebrate our well-established tradition of Pride Week,” said Barbara Snyder, vice president for student affairs. “It is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about each other and embrace the diversity that we value at the U.”

Other Pride Week events include a screening of the documentary “The Times of Harvey Milk,” a panel discussion titled “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Turns 15: LGBT in the Military Today,” a performance of “Ten Years Since Laramie, Revised” at Kingsbury Hall and, once again, the fun and funny Pride Pet Show. 

All events during Pride Week are open to the public, LGBT students, staff and faculty, community members, and their straight allies. For a full schedule of events and more information about the University of Utah Pride Week Celebration, or to purchase tickets to the Gay-la dinner and silent auction, call 801-587-7973 or visit www.sa.utah.edu/lgbt.