EQUALITY & DIVERSITY

Utah groups hopes to bridge religious and LGBTQ communities

Nov 21, 2022, 6:17 PM | Updated: 6:55 pm

HEBER, Utah — Local groups in Utah are working to help people in the LGBTQ community feel more welcome and more understood.

Kyle Ashworth was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served a mission, married in the temple, and had some kids.

“And after all those things, I still was gay,” said Ashworth.

Now, he’s married again and hosts the podcast Latter Gay Stories, where he’s hoping by sharing people’s stories, others might get a better understanding.

“A lot of the religious population have no need to draw closer to the queer community,” Ashworth explained. “It’s usually only when someone’s son or daughter or child comes out that a family actually pays attention to these topics.”

He’s not the only one in Utah with this kind of personal mission, like Susie Augenstein.

“I’m constantly begging and pleading for people, especially those that don’t have LGBTQ kids in their lives to join us and to help support those that do because they need us,” said Augenstein.

She’s an ally to queer kids and adults through a group called Peculiar.

“Whether it’s a shooting like happened or a suicide, we just need to stop the deaths and have them feel like they’re a part of us,” explained Augenstein.

And it’s tragedies like the one in Colorado that have people on the side of allyship and support. Asking others to join them or, at the very least, listen.

“Because often in this space, we see so much trauma, and we see a lot of triage where we’re left putting people back together,” said Ashworth

Getting to know people who may seem nothing like you is the kind of big ask these folks are going for.

“This great gay agenda is to get up in the morning and to love and be loved,” said Ashworth.

Neither of these groups is affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but both say better understanding is essential, especially when it comes to the mental health of LGBTQ youth.

 

KSL 5 TV Live

Equality & Diversity

Jani Iwamoto talks to KSL TV about the potential changes to Salt Lake City's Japantown. (Greg Ander...

Lindsay Aerts

Japantown advocates push for preservation of downtown street amid NHL stadium plans

A little-known but impactful section of Salt Lake City's downtown is soon to be at the center of a new vision for the city.

9 days ago

FILE - An attendee holds up flags during the New York City Pride Parade, June 24, 2018, in New York...

Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press

A Japanese court says denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional

A Japanese high court has ruled that denying same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and called for urgent government action to address the lack of any law allowing for such unions.

14 days ago

Lauren Rives, a senior at the University of Utah, speaks at a demonstration against HB261 at the U....

Tim Vandenack, KSL.com

University of Utah highlights positive impacts of equity, diversity and inclusion programs

The University of Utah has produced a new 'scorecard' highlighting the positive impacts of equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives that face revamping due to new state legislation.

1 month ago

The parents of a female student athlete are speaking out, calling for school board member Natalie C...

Shelby Lofton

Parents of female student-athlete at the center of controversy call on school board member to resign

The parents of a female student-athlete are calling on board member Natalie Cline to resign after she posted insinuating their daughter was a boy, yielding hateful comments.

2 months ago

Study results shown in an image that was given to participants. A heat map shows participant select...

Mary Culbertson

Is it really different for women walking at night than men? This study has new evidence

A new BYU study shows visual evidence that walking at night is a different experience for men and women.

2 months ago

FILE - The Utah Capitol is shown on March 3, 2023. Utah lawmakers have just five days left to pass ...

Tim Vandenack, KSL.com

Utah House OKs bill prohibiting employers from imposing racial beliefs on workers

A measure that would prohibit employers from requiring employees to ascribe to certain beliefs related to race, color, sex or national origin has passed the Utah House.

2 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utah groups hopes to bridge religious and LGBTQ communities