Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

WHO
WE ARE

ESPECIALLY
FOR YOU

EVENTS
& NEWS

RESOURCES
& LINKS

BECOME
INVOLVED


DONATE

Parents & Supporters

Salt Lake Tribune Names Mormons Building Bridges “Utahns of the Year”
John Gustav-Wrathall: “It is now safe for Mormons to talk openly about homosexuality, and Mormons Building Bridges played a key role in that”

by Hugo Salinas
December 2012

The Salt Lake Tribune, Utah’s largest circulating newspaper, named Mormons Building Bridges “Utahns of the Year.” The Tribune announced the distinction on December 25.

As described on its Facebook page, Mormons Building Bridges is “dedicated to conveying love and acceptance to LGBT individuals.”

Two days later the Tribune published a cartoon by Pat Bagley which depicts a construction worker wearing a Mormon Building Bridges T-shirt and walking on water. The worker stands in the middle of the gulf that divides Mormons and non-Mormons and appears to be snubbed by both groups.

“Notice how the children on each side are willing to peek across the divide,” Mormons Building Bridges founder Erika Munson commented in reference to the cartoon. “The next generation gives us hope!”

Last summer more than 300 straight Mormons in their Sunday best marched in Utah’s 2012 Gay Pride Parade, right behind Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black. Coalitions who identify with Mormons Building Bridges, Mormons for Marriage Equality, and Affirmation marched in 18 cities around the country and in Santiago de Chile.

“It was electrifying that there would be a large contingent marching in Salt Lake City,” John Gustav-Wrathall told the Salt Lake Tribune. “And I figured if they can do that there, we can do it anywhere.”

John, who has just been appointed senior vice president for Affirmation, marched under a “Mormon Allies” sign in Minneapolis.

“The mood has shifted, a new tone has been struck,” John added. “It is now safe for Mormons to talk openly about homosexuality, and Mormons Building Bridges played a key role in that.”

“Well deserved,” wrote Utah LGBT activist Troy Williams on his blog. “I’m thrilled that the editors and journalists of the Tribune saw fit to honor their efforts.”

Past recipients of the distinction include Utah Governor Olene Walker, LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, and Winter Games organizer Mitt Romney.