TRAILBLAZERS: Virginia Solomon on building a more inclusive Summit County

“I hold a core value around being locally involved,” Solomon said. “If I love a place, I want to be part of making it better—not just for me, but for everyone who comes after me.”

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City’s welcoming reputation didn’t always align with measurable benchmarks of inclusivity. In 2020, the city received a shockingly low Municipal Equality Index score from the Human Rights Campaign—a moment that catalyzed local leaders into action. In response, Park City Municipal established an LGBTQ+ Task Force, an internal initiative to address equity and inclusion gaps. Over time, the task force expanded beyond city government, evolving into an independent nonprofit known today as Summit Pride Foundation.

Playing a key role in this transformation, alongside other dedicated leaders, is Virginia Solomon. For Solomon, who has lived in the Bay Area and Los Angeles and New York before settling in Park City, helping to build a strong queer community in their chosen home felt like a natural and necessary endeavor.

“Park City doesn’t have the same built-in queer community that exists in larger cities,” Solomon said. “The opportunity to help build that here, in a place I love, was something I really wanted to do.”

A Lifelong Connection to Park City

Solomon’s ties to Park City run deep. Their family has been visiting since the 1980s, and some of their closest lifelong friendships were formed here. “I met one of my best friends here between the ages of five and seven, and we’re still best friends today,” Solomon said. “Even before moving here full-time, Park City was always a significant part of my life.”

This deep-rooted connection made the decision to get involved with Summit Pride even more personal. Having witnessed Park City’s evolution over decades, Solomon saw an opportunity to help shape the town into a more inclusive place—not just for themselves, but for all LGBTQ+ individuals choosing to call Park City home.

“I hold a core value around being locally involved,” Solomon said. “If I love a place, I want to be part of making it better—not just for me, but for everyone who comes after me.”

Summit Pride officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in July 2024, expanding its ability to provide financial autonomy and long-term sustainability. The foundation focuses on two core initiatives: education and advocacy—working with local government and businesses to improve inclusivity—and community-building—creating meaningful spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.

The Evolution of Queer Community in Summit County

While there have always been queer individuals in the area, Solomon recalls that for much of their early time in Park City, visibility was limited. “Back in the day, it was all about going to Salt Lake,” Solomon recalled. “If you wanted to be part of a queer scene, you had to travel. Now, we’re working to create a sense of belonging right here.”

That sense of belonging, however, comes with unique challenges. Summit County’s demographic skews older, meaning that the needs of younger queer residents may differ from those in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. Additionally, Solomon noted that allyship and education remain key priorities in shaping an inclusive culture. “Most people here want to do the right thing,” they said. “It’s not about changing minds—it’s about helping well-intentioned people understand how to show up for the queer community in meaningful ways.”

Moments That Matter

One of Summit Pride’s most impactful initiatives to date is the Raise the Flag campaign in response to Utah’s recent pride flag ban, which encourages local businesses and organizations to visibly display Pride flags in support of LGBTQ+ inclusivity. The response, Solomon said, has been overwhelming. “I got an email from a longtime community leader saying how meaningful it will be to see these flags around town this June,” Solomon said. “The idea that everywhere you go in June, you’ll see rainbows in your line of sight—that’s powerful.”

While moments like these affirm the foundation’s progress, Solomon acknowledges the work is far from over. Education on LGBTQ+ issues, especially around gender identity and allyship, remains a priority. “I wish more people understood that gender-affirming care isn’t just about surgery—it’s about something as simple as a haircut or a new pair of pants,” Solomon said. “And that, statistically, regret rates for gender-affirming procedures are significantly lower than, say, ACL surgeries—yet we don’t hear people questioning those.”

Beyond that, Solomon wants more people to understand what genuine allyship looks like—not just symbolic gestures, but meaningful action. “It’s about speaking up when you hear someone misgender another person. It’s about making workplaces more inclusive, so queer employees don’t have to advocate for themselves at every turn,” Solomon said. “It’s about recognizing the assumptions we make and ensuring that queer individuals feel seen, respected, and valued.”

How to Get Involved

For those looking to support LGBTQ+ inclusion in Summit County, Solomon emphasizes the importance of community participation. “One of our foundational values is that this movement is bottom-up, not top-down,” Solomon explained. “If someone comes in with an idea—whether it’s a book club, a hiking group, or a parents’ support network—we help them bring it to life.”

Even beyond queer-focused initiatives, they encourage newcomers to find ways to engage with Park City’s nonprofit and volunteer ecosystem. “Your place of belonging might be working with animals, or environmental advocacy, or housing justice,” Solomon said. “No matter where your interests lie, getting involved is one of the best ways to feel connected here.”

Looking Ahead

Solomon envisions a future where Summit Pride continues to thrive as a self-sustaining, financially viable organization that extends its reach beyond Park City into surrounding areas. They also hope to build deeper collaborations with other local organizations, ensuring that queer issues are considered within broader community conversations around housing, education, and economic opportunity.

“We live in an intersectional world,” Solomon said. “Queer issues are tied to so many other community challenges. My hope is that Summit Pride is always in the conversation, helping make Park City a better place for everyone.”

To learn more about Summit Pride Foundation and ways to get involved, visit Summit Pride Foundation.