Where to connect with all the queer fabulousness that Salt Lake City has to offer. 

• Utah Pride Center
• Salt Lake City’s annual Pride Parade

Editor's note: The following article was originally published as part of City Weekly's 2025 City Guide, out now in print and available online.

If you think Salt Lake City is all temples and tabernacles, honey, you've only seen the surface. Beneath that squeaky-clean, postcard-perfect skyline is a thriving, glitter-dusted, rainbow-waving queer community that knows how to turn up, show up, and shake things up. From drag brunches that could convert a missionary to underground dance parties that defy the desert heat, SLC's LGBTQ+ scene is serving sass, class and a whole lot of fabulousness. Buckle up—it's time to spill the tea on the queerness that keeps this city fierce.

Mark your calendars: SLC Pride (slc-pride.org) is coming in hot on June 28-29, 2025, and it's all about turning up the volume on visibility, belonging, support and equity. This isn't just a party (though, trust me, it will be a PARTY)—it's a bold, joyful and beautiful community celebration of what it means to be queer here in the state of Utah. With an atmosphere designed for acceptance, understanding and full-throttle fabulosity, SLC Pride is making sure our voices are heard and our stories are celebrated.

But wait—there's more! The Utah Pride Festival (utahpride.org) is the state's biggest LGBTQ+ celebration, lighting up Library Square the first weekend of June with a dazzling parade, electric performances, a massive march down State Street, and all the rainbow-filled revelry you can handle. It's a can't-miss event that proves Utah's queer community is here, fierce and thriving.

Looking for community, connection and maybe a little comfort food? Encircle (encircletogether.org) is serving it all—literally! With programs like friendship circles and themed nights for different corners of the LGBTQ+ fam, they're creating safe, supportive spaces where you can show up exactly as you are. And did we mention they serve dinner every weekday? Yep, they're nourishing our youth (ages 12-24) in every way.

But let's be real—Salt Lake City's queer scene is way more than just meetups and support groups. This city is bursting with underground music, powerhouse poets and nightlife that keeps the party going. Don't sleep on The Galaxxy Band, Talia Keys or Zaza Historia VanDyke; if you want to stay in the know, UBLAC (ublac.org) is a must-follow. For spoken-word magic, keep an eye on Andrea G. Hardeman, Wynter Storm, Cydney Caradonna and Artikulate—they are serving truth, rhythm and realness.

Thirsty for a good time? Milk+ (milkslc.com) is the spot—one of the biggest LGBTQ+-focused, locally-owned bars in the city. Whether you're hitting up their Karaoke Sundays or one of their legendary events, you're in for a good time. And if you're craving drag with your brunch, look no further than the "Sip & Slay" brunches at HK Brewing—where Ivy Dior Stephens and friends serve up high-energy performances alongside craft cocktails, mocktails and kombucha (21+). Meanwhile, if you're sober but still want to be social, Queer & Sober SLC (IG: @queerandsoberslc) has your back with community events that don't require a drink in hand.

Did you know Salt Lake City is home to one of the longest-running international queer film festivals? That's right, we've been serving cinematic realness for 22 years! The Utah Queer Film Festival (utahqueerfilmfestival.org), formerly known as Damn These Heels, is back and ready to slay the big screen once again. Save the date for October 24-25, 2025, at The Rose Wagner Center for an unforgettable lineup of queer storytelling, with extra online screenings the following week. Lights, camera, fabulous—we'll see YOU at the movies.

Craving a good book or a chill way to find your people? Under The Umbrella (undertheumbrellabookstore.com) Bookstore & Café and Legendarium Books (legendariumbooks.com) are where it's at. From open mic nights and book clubs to queer speed dating, author events, drag story hour and youth art nights, these spots are serving up all the cozy, community vibes. So whether you're here to read, mingle or just soak up the queer magic—pull up a chair and stay awhile.

Want to keep your coins in queer-friendly spaces? The QPages (qpages.com) has your back with a hand-picked directory of businesses and services across Utah—because spending your money where it matters just hits differently. And if you're looking to support LGBTQ+ owned and allied businesses, let the Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce (utahlgbtqchamber.org) be your guide. We love our inclusive city and all the amazing businesses that keep it thriving, so go show them some love.

In this state, we never forget our roots, and we know exactly how crucial the "T" in LGBTQ+ is. The first Pride was a riot—and we see you, Stonewall, giving us all the courage we needed. Want to stay plugged in to all the transgender fabulousness happening in town? Make sure you're following The Glitter Foundation on Instagram! And if you spot those rainbow flags staked around the state, you can bet it's thanks to Project Rainbow, spreading love and visibility far and wide.

Keep up with the drag royalty and follow @darcy_willey, @theonlysequoia, @theonlykaybye, @willietouchya and @madazon_can_can on Instagram to stay on top of all the must-see shows, karaoke nights and the hottest happenings in town. Because if you're not following the Qweens & Kings, are you even in the know?

Salt Lake City's queer scene is loud, proud and absolutely unshakable—no matter the political climate. We're here, we're fabulous and we're not going anywhere. From drag brunches to underground beats, poetry slams to all-night dance floors, we're building an inclusive, thriving community that welcomes everyone with open arms (and maybe a glitter bomb or two). So whether you're born and raised, freshly unpacked, or just passing through, know this: Queer Utah is alive, electric and the place to be. Stay loud, stay proud, and we'll see you on the dance floor!