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Opinion: Sometimes it’s hard being part of the Utah LGBTQ+ community. Here’s how I deal with tough times.

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Opinion: Sometimes it’s hard being part of the Utah LGBTQ+ community. Here’s how I deal with tough times.


While these are challenging times and there might be days where it can feel nearly impossible to stay here, your being alive keeps us feeling safe and connected.

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Pride Parade, on Sunday, June 4, 2023.

The past two years have been tumultuous for the LGBTQ+ community, especially for the transgender population in Utah because of discriminatory legislation. These laws include a ban on providing gender-affirming health care for trans people under age 18, a ban on trans kids competing in youth sports and, most recently, a ban prohibiting trans people from using bathrooms and locker rooms in public schools and government-owned buildings.

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As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have shed many tears over the last few years. I have found myself feeling hopeless and scared of what this will do to our community — especially to our trans youth. As an associate therapist at Flourish Therapy, Inc., I’ve seen firsthand the impact that these laws are having on kids and adults and I have felt their fear, anxiety and depression.

This is backed by research. According to 2023 survey by the Trevor Project, 41% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, and nearly 60% of youth expressed needing mental health care but were unable to get it.

While I’m fortunate to work for a nonprofit agency that provides urgent crisis support and mental health care to the LGBTQ+ community, there are other things that we can do right now to help us navigate this difficult time when we feel unsafe. Here are some things I have done myself to get through these challenges:

1. Connect with others.

We are all going through these legislative changes collectively, and it’s important to know that you are not alone. You are brave, beautiful and authentic, and the LGBTQ+ community needs your voice and experience to make us stronger. Whether it’s an online LGBTQ+ group or a safe space to gather, there are places where you can find support and a sense of community.

2. Give.

When we help others by supporting them, or providing acts of service, it can increase mood and well-being.

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3. Unplug from technology.

Social media, the news and online content can be filled with stories of hate against our community. There are stories about legislation across the United States and discriminatory actions as well as violence against our community. This constant exposure can cause anxiety, anger, sadness and fear. If the online content causes any feelings of distress, it might be time to unplug or unfollow.

4. Practice mindfulness.

Paying attention to the present moment can improve your overall well-being. Taking a few minutes to pause, breathe and be mindful of your surroundings can lower stress and calm your mind and body. Try to distinguish a certain smell. Feel the temperature of the room. Feel the seat under you or your feet on the floor. There are countless videos on guided meditations or relaxation exercises to help walk you through it. Yoga is also helpful and there are local groups or online videos with examples.

5. Focus on your physical health.

Taking care of your physical health by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and maintaining a nutritious diet can decrease the risk of depression and improve anxiety and stress. Exercise can release endorphins and serotonin that can help improve your mood and can distract you from the negative thoughts caused by the recent legislation. A benefit of getting enough sleep is a reduction in daily stress. A healthy diet can improve concentration and can increase a level of optimism and protect you from feeling down.

6. Talk to a professional.

Our community is hurting. It’s important to know that help is available. If you are struggling to stay positive and are experiencing mental health challenges, reach out to a therapist, local support group, or primary care provider for support. If you need help, you can connect with a crisis counselor any time at the Trevor Project’s help line by texting “Start” to 678-678 or by calling 1-866-488-7386. You can also download the SafeUT app, which can provide a way to connect to licensed counselors who are ready to listen to any crisis or concern. Lastly, if you’re in immediate crisis, call 988, a suicide and crisis lifeline which is available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year and provides confidential support for you or your loved ones.

While these are challenging times and there might be days where it can feel nearly impossible to stay here, your being alive keeps us feeling safe and connected. We have seen legal challenges before — and we have overcome them. Your advocacy and voice make the world a better place. With unity, I hope we can help each other by supporting one another and using our collective voice for a greater good.

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Jackie Keel is an associate therapist at Flourish Therapy. They have worked for the state in a variety of positions for the last decade serving youth and emerging adults. Jackie is a combat veteran from the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era as a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, who is passionate about reducing stigma, prejudice and discrimination for underserved and marginalized populations.

The Salt Lake Tribune is committed to creating a space where Utahns can share ideas, perspectives and solutions that move our state forward. We rely on your insight to do this. Find out how to share your opinion here, and email us at voices@sltrib.com.



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Teens airlifted to Utah County hospitals after rollover of at least 50 yards | Gephardt Daily

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Teens airlifted to Utah County hospitals after rollover of at least 50 yards | Gephardt Daily


Photo: Utah County Sheriff

UTAH COUNTY, May 11, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — Two males, ages 14 and 19, were transported to area hospitals Sunday after the side-by-side they were riding rolled down the side of a mountain.

Utah County Sheriff deputies and Santaquin police responded to the 6:07 p.m. call. Two medical helicopters were called to the scene, in the Pole Canyon area, as was a Department of Public Safety helicopter with a hoist in case it was needed, Sgt. Austin Edwards, Utah County Sheriff‘s Office, told Gephardt Daily.

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“Eventually, rescue workers were able to make it to the spot on the hill where the vehicle had come to rest, and they were able to secure the victims, stabilize the victims, and get them back down the hill again to where the helicopters were waiting,” Edwards said.

“The 19-year-old male was transported to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, and the 14 year old was transported to Primary Children’s in Lehi.”

Both were said to have critical injuries, which were not considered to be life threatening, Edwards said.

“The cause of the rollover is still under investigation, so we don’t have that information available just yet.”

Two black Polaris RZR side-by-side off-road vehicles wrecked in a brushy area, one shown from the side with exposed roll cage and damaged seating, the other from a similar angle with dented body panels.

Photos: Utah County Sheriff





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Utah Jazz jump to #2 in the lottery, plus full results

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Utah Jazz jump to #2 in the lottery, plus full results


In what has a chance to be one of the most important nights in Jazz history, the Utah Jazz jumped in the NBA Lottery to the #2 spot for the upcoming NBA draft.

Here are the final results, which show all the movement.

Aside from it being a massive night for the Wizards, Jazz, Grizzlies, and Bulls, it was a devastating night for a few teams, but no one more than the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers, in their trade for Ivica Zubac, had a stipulation on their pick that if the pick was top-4 they kept it. But if it fell below 4, they would give it to the Clippers which is exactly what happened. Now, the Clippers, who are without Zubac, find themselves with a #5 pick to build around.

For the Jazz this is a culmination of four years of rebuilding that ends with an extremely satisfying end. Utah will now have one of the tier-1 players from this draft: AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson. The player Utah drafts will be one of their cornerstone pieces and will have the chance to not only play, but be a part of a team that will be competing for the playoffs this season.

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The Utah Jazz now have a Sinister Six core: Darryn Peterson (If AJ Dybantsa goes #1), Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Walker Kessler (if he signs). It’s quite the core with a mix of youth and veterans in their prime. With this group, the Jazz will have a chance to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference. Yes, the Thunder and Spurs are going to be difficult to beat, but Utah has the mix of talent, coaching, and depth that could absolutely do the trick.

Now the Utah Jazz look forward to the NBA Draft that be on June 23rd. Let the posturing begin!!



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Provo’s new Boys & Girls clubhouse gives Utah youth more space to learn, grow and belong

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Provo’s new Boys & Girls clubhouse gives Utah youth more space to learn, grow and belong


PROVO — An organization that has been a beacon of hope for Utah children and families just got a big upgrade in Provo.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County on Friday held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newest facility, marking the start of a new chapter in providing support for those who need it the most.

The new Kent B. Nelson Clubhouse, 131 N. Olympic Blvd., replaces the organization’s former Provo clubhouse, which had been in operation for more than 50 years. Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County leaders said they had outgrown the aging facility and needed a larger, more modern space to support more community members.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the Boys & Girls Club of Utah County’s new Kent B. Nelson Clubhouse on Friday. (Photo: Curtis Booker, KSL)

“This new clubhouse is more than a building — it’s a central place where we can coordinate programs, support our staff, and amplify our impact across the region,” said David Bayles, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County, in a statement.

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The organization’s mission was something the late former Utah County Commissioner Tom Sakievich was passionate about. His wife Marji and daughter Emily Sakievich attended Friday’s grand opening ceremony just as if he would’ve wanted to.

“He loved this project, and it meant the world to him,” Emily Sakievich told KSL. “This was actually one of the last places he went before he passed. (He) and my mom stopped by to just see how progress was going; he would be so excited to see this come together.”

The former commissioner died last December at the age of 72. Tom Sakievich resigned from the seat in September 2024 after being diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer.

Emily Sakievich said her father was a big supporter of helping children in the Boys & Girls Clubs feel supported while he was in office.

“He would have all of them come to his office and talk about how government works and how they can be a part of it someday,” she said.

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The new 20,000 square-foot facility expands on resources and programs offered at its previous site for community youth and families experiencing hardships.

The clubhouse will provide safe, engaging, and educational programs in a modernized building fit to serve more than 14,000 Utah children and teens.

A variety of programs including after-school, summer activities and STEM learning will be offered at the new facility. Other resources include internet safety programs, mental health support, nutrition initiatives, and housing assistance for families experiencing homelessness.

“We’ve been able to increase the capacity so much and add preschool and other things; we can even benefit more families — and we can benefit them for a longer period of time, from younger to older, where there are no gaps.” Provo City Council Chair Katrice MacKay told KSL. “So I’m really excited. It’s a fantastic thing for the city and for our residents.”

Leaders of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Utah County say the new $6 million Provo clubhouse was designed as a welcoming space where children and teens can explore new interests, build life skills, and receive mentorship from caring staff.

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“The Boys & Girls Clubs have been a cornerstone of youth development in Utah County for decades,” said Janet Frank, board president, in a statement “This new clubhouse strengthens that mission, allowing the organization to extend its reach and impact across the entire region.”

Friday’s event took place while children who attend the Boys & Girls Clubs were in school, so another ceremony for kids and their families is planned for the end of the month.

“The Boys & Girls Club is for every kid out there,” Bayles said. “We want to accomplish what every parent wants for their kids — we want them to have a safe place to learn and grow, to be successful in school, to build social skills and to go on and be great members of society.”

The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.



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