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Utah Pride Center

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Utah Pride Center


Jay Evans is a scholar at West Jordan Excessive College and makes use of he/them pronouns. Day by day Jay is met with ongoing challenges which might be pretty typical for many transgender college students in Utah.

“Folks make jokes about every little thing. They purposefully use ‘you’re homosexual’ as a joke to the purpose the place it’s actually annoying” Evans explains. “It’s not a secure place to be,” they proceed, “I take advantage of a corridor go to go to the toilet whereas everybody else is in school. Meaning I take advantage of up all my corridor passes within the first two weeks of college.”

These challenges carry by to health club class, workforce sports activities, and different actions the place gender typically separates the “boys” from the “ladies.” Evans likes to remain lively at college, however that’s changing into tougher to do after the Utah Legislature voted to go HB 11, banning transgender ladies from taking part in sports activities.

“Everybody simply desires to do what they love and there’s no motive to get in the course of that,” mentioned Evans referring to transgender college students taking part in sports activities at college. “Recover from it!” mentioned Jay frustratingly.

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The day earlier than the Utah Legislature determined to overturn the Governor Cox’s veto of HB11, the Utah Delight Heart organized a rally on the Utah State Capitol with two goals: to guard trans children and allow them to know they’re beloved and supported, in addition to ask lawmakers to vote no on HB 11. Jay Evans was requested to EmCee the occasion.

“I simply wish to maintain taking part in like the remainder of y’all,” mentioned Evans to a crowd of roughly one thousand folks attending the protest. Evans was certainly one of many voices that spoke up that day of individuals simply making an attempt to outlive. “It felt good to see people who find themselves straight and cis-gender, coming collectively to point out assist for trans youth.”

Jay’s father, Justin Evans, was additionally within the crowd and could possibly be heard yelling “I LOVE YOU” to a gaggle of youth sitting on the south steps of the Capitol. He desires his son, Jay, to be given each alternative at college like each different scholar. “I couldn’t be extra pleased with him for stepping out of his consolation zone and doing one thing he’s keen about,” he continued, “He desires to do marching band, extra-curricular actions, and we assist him in that.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Whereas college is probably not a secure area proper now, Jay finds refuge amongst his household, associates, the college’s GSA group, and the youth assist group on the Utah Delight Heart. “With youth assist group, I get an opportunity to vent and get every little thing off my chest. The opposite youth will share and join on an emotional degree,” mentioned Evans.

The Utah Delight Heart gives quite a few completely different assist teams together with for males, ladies, grownup trans/non-binary, spiritual trauma, sexual assault trauma, seniors, youth and transgender youth. These teams are very effectively attended serving 300 distinctive people in 2021 throughout the state of Utah.

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ADAPTING TO COVID-19

For the reason that pandemic arrived in 2020, the Utah Delight Heart was pressured to transition into digital mode, bringing assist teams, in addition to direct psychological well being companies and particular person remedy classes on-line. Within the final two years, $500,000 has been directed to assist psychological well being companies alone.

Jessica Dummar, Co-CEO over Authorized and Operations, oversees the Psychological Well being Division.

“COVID was not simple on us,” mentioned Dummar. “Aside from an absence of donations, and with no bodily area, we had to determine easy methods to do packages nearly. Concern grew round constructing group with out having a bodily area to fulfill in, however employees did a tremendous job at adjusting to the restrictions introduced on by the pandemic, and now we’re in a position to attain extra folks than ever earlier than,” mentioned Dummar.

“We assisted all purchasers who confronted expertise limitations, together with offering laptops to a number of low-income seniors; and we offered technical coaching and assist, in addition to monetary help for web entry, to those that wanted it,” Dummar continued.

PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

With improved expertise, new management, and doorways open to the general public once more as of April 2022, Dummar is wanting ahead to ramping up remedy and counseling with the aim of reaching an ever-growing inhabitants of individuals looking for affirming psychological well being companies.

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“We really feel able to develop our attain to the complete state and enabled to achieve a big variety of LGBTQIA+ people who beforehand had little or no entry to competent, secure, LGBTQIA+ affirming companies, a capability enlargement that we’ll proceed going ahead as a result of it’s vital that we fill this hole.” She continued, “As we return to in-person programming, the Heart is ready to supply a hybrid of digital and in-person companies making them extra accessible to the LGBTQIA+ group than ever earlier than.”

SUICIDE PREVENTION

On the coronary heart of their psychological well being technique is to proceed QPR (Query, Persuade, & Refer) Coaching, an evidence-based gatekeeper intervention that trains households, friends, group members, and others to successfully reply to people who find themselves experiencing suicidal ideas or intentions. As well as, the Utah Delight Heart has a suicide prevention workforce answerable for implementing particular packages together with Survivors of Suicide Makes an attempt (SOSA) and Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL) assist teams. As a response to the pandemic, the Utah Delight Heart developed Suicide Prevention Bins to be mailed to LGBTQIA+ group members and companions all through the state. They comprise 200 gadgets starting from info playing cards, bookmarks, stickers, and posters all printed with state and nationwide suicide prevention lifelines, and non-compulsory gunlocks.

ACTIVISM

The Utah Delight Heart has a protracted historical past of standing up for social justice and equality and plans to be a powerful advocate for probably the most susceptible in our group. We’re excited to return to our roots in unified protest regularly, to make sure progress revamped a long time, isn’t rolled again by discriminatory political practices.

As for Jay, they’ve one message to share with the LGBTQ+ group. “Stick collectively and assist one another out. Be one another’s folks. Keep sturdy. You might be beloved, you might be heard, you might be seen.”



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Utah

Utah father of six Olin Johnson killed wife in murder-suicide after chilling final Facebook post: police

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Utah father of six Olin Johnson killed wife in murder-suicide after chilling final Facebook post: police


A Utah man and his wife were found dead in a suspected murder-suicide on Thursday afternoon, days after he reflected on being a “crappy person” in his final chilling social media post.

Olin Johnson, 57, is accused of fatally shooting Kerilyn Johnson, 52, before turning the gun on himself inside their $1.34-million American Fork, Utah home, according to KUTV.

Police have not disclosed a motive for the killing, but said a family member discovered their parents’ bodies.

Olin Johnson is accused of fatally shooting his wife Kerilyn Johnson before turning the gun on himself inside their million-dollar American Fork home. Kerilyn Johnson/Facebook

Neighbors of the couple said they were playing softball with them the night before the shooting, and didn’t notice any problems as Olin hinted at future plans, the outlet reported.

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The couple celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in April.

Before the tragedy, Olin shared his concerning thoughts and love for his motorcycle.

“No matter how crappy a person I am, motorcycles always love me back. Oh and skiing. Skiing loves me too,” Olin’s post on June 18 read alongside pictures of him riding his bike and skiing.

Olin’s account featured a bio that read “father to 6 great kids and one Beautiful wife,” and also featured his family, especially Kerilyn.

“The family is requesting privacy as they grieve their loss. We express our most profound and sincere condolences to the family and friends of Olin and Kerilyn,” the American Fork Police said.

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According to his LinkedIn, Olin is listed as the owner of Simtek Modular, a “service company that makes modular panels for force-on-force training.”

The page alleges the company has worked on projects with the US Border Patrol, FBI and Utah County Sheriff’s Office.

Police have not disclosed a motive for the killings. Olin Johnson/Instagram
The couple had built the million-dollar home in American Fork back in 2022. KUTV 2 News Salt Lake City/YouTube

Recent posts showcased the couple’s trip to Australia, where they celebrated Kerilyn’s birthday and a separate post praising her breadmaking.

Kerilyn Johnson was an adjunct faculty member at the BYU School of Music where she taught several courses over the last two years.

She is credited with performing in multiple main stage productions and performed in throughout the US, Russia and Baltic States while completing her bachelor’s degree.

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“Currently, she does studio work locally and maintains her private studio at home, in addition to being a mother of six,” her bio read.

Days before the tragic murder-suicide, Olin shared his concerning thoughts and love for his motorcycle. Olin Johnson/Instagram
The couple shared six children together. GoFundMe

She was remembered as a generous friend that would be missed.

“Kerilyn was literally one of the most generous, kind, supportive people that I have ever known,” Gayle Lockwood told KUTV.

Lockwood, a retired voice teacher at BYU, said she had Johnson as a student and called her a friend.

“She is a light that will be missed in the world,” she added.

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A GoFundMe was created by a family friend to raise funds for the Johnson children who have to make funeral arrangements.

Kerilyn Johnson was an adjunct faculty member at the BYU School of Music where she taught several courses over the last two years.
She also did studio work locally and maintains her private studio at home. Olin Johnson/Instagram

“With the sudden passing of Olin and Kerilyn Lowe Johnson many are devastated and desire to show love and support to their six children as they navigate this tragedy,” the crowdfunding read.

“It is hoped that they would not need to shoulder the financial burden of paying for funeral expenses and other unexpected costs over the coming weeks and months.”



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Stage 1 fire restrictions now in place for southern Utah

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Stage 1 fire restrictions now in place for southern Utah


ST. GEORGE With wildfires starting to pop up around the state, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in place in southern Utah as announced Friday by the Bureau of Land Management. 

Fire managers in multiple counties are worried about the dry, hot conditions. As a result, they are urging people to be careful this summer.

What it means

So, what does Stage 1 mean when it comes to fire restrictions?

Basically, it means no campfires or open fires outside of designated areas are allowed. 

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Additonally, no fireworks are allowed on public lands, but there is more.

Stage 1 fire restrictrions also include the following:

  • No shooting of explosive targets.
  • No metal cutting or welding in dry areas.
  • No smoking near vegetation.

With the current conditions, the BLM said it’s just too dangerous.

“Right now, we are averaging between three and four fires most days of the week,” said Nick Howell, fire management specialist with the Bureau of Land Management. “We’re expecting conditions to definitely continue to dry out.”

Howell is the fire manager for the BLM’s Color Country District near Cedar City. He said most of the fires in the area could have been prevented.

“Most of our wildfires here in the Color Country Interagency Management Area are human-caused fires at this point,” he said.

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The reason why fire managers are worried about the conditions is because there is a lot of grass is southern Utah.

Some portions of southern Utah have had higher-than-normal precipitation, which means a lot of grass growth, and that vegetation is starting to dry out.

Locations included

The areas under Stage 1 restriction are in Washington, Iron, Beaver, Kane, and Garfield counties as well as several areas in northern Arizona.

With temperatures expected to stay warm for the foreseeable future, fire conditions are only going to get worse.


Mark Jones contributed to this story.

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Utah hosted international standout Veniamin Abosi on official visit

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Utah hosted international standout Veniamin Abosi on official visit


The Utah Utes basketball program is abuzz with excitement as they hosted highly-touted international prospect Veniamin Abosi on an official visit. Abosi, a standout player known for his athleticism and versatility in Greece, has garnered significant attention from top programs across the country. His visit to Utah is a testament to the Utes’ recruiting efforts and their aim to build a competitive team for the upcoming seasons.

Abosi’s journey to this point has been impressive. Standing at 6-foot-6 with a wingspan that allows him to play multiple positions effectively, he has shown remarkable skills both offensively and defensively. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc, drive to the basket, and his defensive prowess make him a highly sought-after recruit. Abosi’s career has been marked by numerous accolades, including leading his team to championships and earning MVP honors at several tournaments. He played for the Olympiacos U18 team during the Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament earlier this year, which is the annual tournament that features the top U18 clubs in Europe.

For the Utes, landing a player of Abosi’s caliber could be a game changer. The program, which has a storied history in college basketball, will be looking to re-establish itself as a dominant force in the Big 12 Conference. Smith is known for his ability to develop talent and build cohesive teams, and has been at the forefront of this recruitment effort. His vision for the Utes involves a fast-paced, high-energy style of play that would suit Abosi’s strengths perfectly.

During his visit, Abosi had the opportunity to tour the campus and get a feel for the university’s facilities. He also spent time getting a sense of the team culture that Smith has cultivated. The Utes’ state-of-the-art training facilities and the passionate fan base were highlights of the visit, giving Abosi a glimpse of the support he would receive if he chose to commit to the Utes. 

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One of the key moments of the visit was a meeting with the coaching staff, where they discussed Abosi’s potential role on the team and how he fits into their long-term plans. Smith reportedly emphasized the development opportunities at Utah, not just on the court but also in terms of personal growth and academic success. The Utes’ recent success in developing players and helping them reach their professional aspirations was a significant talking point.

As Abosi considers his options, the Utah Utes remain hopeful that their efforts will pay off. Abosi would not only bolster their starting five but also send a strong message to other top recruits about the Runnin Utes’ direction and ambition.



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