Community
Updated: LGBTQ+ task force responds to Park Record editorial
Updated: A statement from Park City’s LGBTQ+ task force:
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PARK CITY, Utah — Park City’s LGBTQ+ task force told the city council on Thursday that they were no longer seeking to light up the McPolin Barn in rainbow colors during Pride Month following a Park Record editorial that said the decision of local leaders should be “properly tinted.”
The write-up, which doesn’t have a named author, said that the city should “proceed with caution” regarding the decision about the barn.
The staff report to the council said that such a large decision would require further discussion, which the Record piece called wise.
“There is also the possibility of other movements, some clearly out of touch with the DNA of Park City, seeking the same high-profile opportunity at the barn,” the editorial states. The op-ed did not give any examples as to what the “other movements” could be.
“With a quick clarification, in relation to the last point in the staff report – just because the editorial yesterday, we are not seeking to light the McPolin Barn for Pride this summer,” Joe Urankar, a member of the task force, told city council on Thursday. “We are seeking to return to council at a later date with a broader coalition in the community to have the discussion about whether or not the lighting activations are of interest to the city for public structures and then establish a process.”
There was a discussion about painting the Pride flag on the Maverik building in Bonanza, which city councilors supported. It will require a special meeting of the public art advisory board to approve in time for celebrations next month.
Cami Richardson, another member of the task force, discussed events going on in June to celebrate Pride — here is a list of where you can participate:
- Flag Raising — June 1 at the Miner’s Hospital at 6 p.m.
- SLC Pride Parade — June 5 in downtown Salt Lake City from 10 a.m. to noon
- Living Library — June 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the PC Library
- Community Conversation — June 21 or 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., location pending
- Pride Picnic — June 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Library Field