Gay Utah lawmaker won’t seek re-election

Utah House Rep. Christine Johnson, an out lesbian, does not plan to run for another term. But that doesn’t mean her gay rights activism is taking a back burner.

“I’m not leaving because I’m giving up on the fight in Utah,” Johnson said , according to the Salt Lake Tribune. “We …

Gay marriage fight, `kiss-ins’ smack Mormon image

(Salt Lake City) The Mormon church’s vigorous, well-heeled support for Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in California last year, has turned the Utah-based faith into a lightning rod for gay rights activism, including a nationwide “kiss-in” Saturday.

The event comes after gay couples here and in San Antonio and El …

Carbondale woman receives honor from statewide gay rights group

A Carbondale woman was honored by one of the Midwest’s largest gay rights activism groups this past weekend.

Chicago-based Equality Illinois honored Paulette Curkin, retired coordinator of the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Resource Center at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, at its annual black tie gala this weekend in Chicago. Other honorees included former state Senate President Emil Jones, state Rep. Greg Harris of Chicago and Kraft.

“It was a real honor,” Curkin said. “I think what it says is throughout the state, providing these kinds of resources is viewed as exceptional and important.” See Carbondale woman receives honor from statewide gay rights group
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