With the news that Utah Valley University is shutting down its Center for Intercultural Engagement, and with it, the LGBTQ space on campus, my heart breaks for the students who desperately need a place for themselves on campus. The elimination of this center was done, in part, because of Utah legislation.
Seeing yourself represented in public can be lifesaving. When I attended Southern Utah University, seeing rainbow flags in the offices of my professors made me feel safe and seen and allowed me to reach out for help. The queer group therapy helped me build community and repair my mental health after hiding who I was for seven years.
These services, which have been eliminated now at every public university, are the only reason I am not dead at the bottom of a canyon. If I were starting college now, I would have never seen graduation.
After years of passing anti-LGBTQ laws, it has become clear that the intent of the Legislature is to actively harm queer people. In public buildings and schools, trans people can’t use most restrooms and displaying pride flags will become illegal in a few weeks.
Like Gov. Boggs of Missouri in 1838, our Legislature has signed an extermination order. Only the Utah version targets queer youth.
But in these infuriating times, it is incumbent on all of us to defy the intent of our Legislature. Instead of allowing their hate to stand, we must remain visible and supportive. While this alone won’t repair the damage done, it is the first step to showing Utah’s queer community that the state has a place for us.
Billy Clouse, Salt Lake City
