The event, which invites people of the same gender to express affection on campus grounds, was organized by LGBTQ+ students and allies taking aim at the college’s “homophobic policies.”
“This Valentines Day we will flood campus with queer joy” the protest’s flyer, which began circulating a few days ago on social media, read.
In response, some students showed rainbow flair on their backpacks and carried yellow flowers. The more daring ones held hands.
In 2020, the college relaxed its persecution of “homosexual behavior,” but officials reiterated that “Same-sex romantic behavior cannot lead to eternal marriage and is therefore not compatible with the principles in the honor code.” deseret.com/faith/2020/3/4…
About 100 supporters gathered at the Wilkinson Student Center before walking on a loop around the college’s iconic buildings #utpol
Matt Easton (left) made national headlines when he came out during his 2019 #BYU valedictorian speech. He returned to Utah specifically to attend today’s protest.
“I think today was less about trying to make something happen in the moment and cause a ruckus, and more about existing in a space authentically,” alumn @StaceyHarkey said.
Harkey said he was closeted during his stint at BYU.
“I never really gave myself a chance to get to know me,” he said about his experience living under the #HonorCode.
Other than a couple of surprised looks and a cheer or two from passers-by, the affectionate protest ended without incident (and with campus security at bay).
Hundreds descend upon the Utah Capitol today for the first iteration of #UtahMarch
The gathering originally had an immigration focus, but after organizers asked potential attendees to bring IDs, and suspicion around the nascent group began to form, it shifted to a general human rights rally #utpol
Under the unifying message, locals came out in droves to hear messages centered around women’s, immigrant and LGBTQIA+ rights
Happening now: A group 1,000 strong is gathered at the Utah Capitol as part of the 50 protests/50 states initiative #utpol
US and trans pride flags — as well as signs emblazoned with messages like “We the people reject the oligarchy” and “What happened to all lives matter?” pepper the sizable crowd
Road closure on 1300 East by the I-80 entrance due to a protest in progress #slc #utah #upol
The SLC gathering—which closed down the busy Sugar House intersection for nearly two hours—was part of a Global Day of Action that saw similar disruptive events in 100 cities across 45 countries
A winter weather advisory wasn’t able to deter the hundreds who showed up on Saturday. In between chants and speeches, some speculated the protest might turn into a march on the freeway itself, but that didn’t materialize
‘Rally for Reproductive Freedom’ underway at the state Capitol #utpol#utleg
“We stand in solidarity with all AFAB individuals, and recognize that our country has never truly ensured the rights that they deserve,” organizers Pro Choice People of Utah said
Attendees are carrying signs emblazoned with messages like, Red, white and trash,” “Land of the free, my ass,” and Abortion is Liberty”
A few hundred are out today at SLC’s Washington Square Park in response to SCOTUS’ decision to overturn Roe v. Wade #utpol
Utah is one of a handful of states with a “trigger” ban that takes effect after an official certifies that all or part of the landmark decision has been overturned #utleg