It's 2016, people. You'd think a few hundred years after those founding fathers declared "all men are created equal" we wouldn't still be splitting hairs about exactly which of us they meant. We'll give you a hint: it's literally everybody, and the fine folks at Equality Utah are doing more than their fair share to make sure our LGBTQ community is represented in the age-old fight for our rights. Equality Utah, as we've touted a time or two before, is "one of the most sensational soldiers in the effort to win equality for Utah’s LGBTQ community and their families"; they're a fantastic group of Utahns that's truly doing good in our community, and we're happy to sing their praises year in and year out. The organization focuses primarily on education, advocacy, and political action, so every change-makin' base is covered. And true, Equality Utah is carrying the banner for equal rights year round, but their biggest yearly bonanza is assuredly the Allies Dinner. The annual fundraising fete is one part dinner, two parts gala, and all kinds of amazing. Last year's shindig was one for the books, but we someone suspect the folks at Equality Utah will find a way to outdo themselves once more (as always).
To get local folks in the spirit of celebration, the organization hosted the annual Kick-Off Dinner (merrymaking evidenced in the photos below). Over 120 fine, salty folk turned out to the Capitol Club (atop the Capitol Theatre) for tasty treats (from Good Day Catering and Manoli's), and to snap up their tix for the main event: The Allies Dinner (worth noting: the number of tables sold to the Allies Dinner since the Kick-Off event is nearly triple those sold last year). The theme for this year's event is "Everyday Rebels", and the lineup for honorees and speakers is staggering. You'd do well to snap up your tickets now and see these renegades in person, but for now we'll give you just a taste: Dr. Rixt Luikenaar, Dr. Forrest Crawford, Mama Dragons (a phenomenal and game-changing group that runs "support groups for gay Mormons, their families and even allies in other groups, including Family Fellowship, Affirmation and Mormons Building Bridges"--very big deal, people). The 2016 keynote speaker is the incomparable Gloria Steinem (arguably the mother of modern feminism), so we're assuming tickets will go--fast. The night promises to be one of happy tears and hugs, so come in your finest "rebel glam" for an evening of inspiration and celebration.
Psst! Get your COLLECTIVE reader-exclusive early bird discount tickets here. This week only!
Allies Dinner: Everyday Rebels | Saturday, October 21, 2016 | Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S. West Temple
