Utah Pride 2025

The Utah Pride Festival has a rich history dating back to the 1970s, reflecting the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in the state. The inaugural event occurred in 1977 during the Human Rights Convention in Salt Lake City, marking a significant milestone with the formation of Gay Mormons United, now known as Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families, & Friends.

The first official Pride march took place on June 27, 1990, coinciding with the 21st anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Organized by Connell O’Donovan, the march began at the Utah State Capitol and concluded in downtown Salt Lake City, drawing approximately 270 participants.

Throughout the 1990s, the festival expanded to include more structured activities, including the establishment of the Utah Stonewall Center in 1991, which provided vital resources and a gathering place for the community. By the mid-2000s, the festival had grown substantially, necessitating a more formal organization and structure, leading to the foundation of what is now the Utah Pride Center.

Today, the Utah Pride Festival is a vibrant celebration of diversity, unity, and the ongoing pursuit of equality, attracting participants and spectators from across the nation.