Herein lies the fascinating paradox: Utah’s queerness isn’t merely about its LGBTQI+ population. Rather, it embodies a deeper, more fundamental queerness rooted in the very fabric of the state’s history, particularly its origins in Mormonism. From its early days of polygamy and unique religious practices, Mormonism has always defied conventional norms. Despite many Utahns’ usually conservative stance towards LGBTQI+ matters, an intrinsic oddity permeates Utah’s culture, creating an environment where queerness, in the broadest sense, can thrive while simultaneously being suppressed or disavowed.
An interesting article, thanks for sharing. I’ve been to SLC a few times. I used to have a trans friend who lived out there. Unfortunately she had a medical complication that lead to her passing away, but I always found the city a fascinating enigma. I went back out there the other year for a conference and the little gayborhood was still just as gay and had fantastic food.