Utah Pride Parade 2025: Radical Love

SLUG was proud to once again take part in Utah Pride Parade and support the local queer community. Photo: TaCara DeTevis

Image: TaCara DeTevis

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Utah Pride Parade 2025: Radical Love

The Utah Pride Parade 2025 theme was “Radical Love,” and nothing screams radical love more than the Utah LGBTQ+ community coming together and celebrating queerness and liberation in a state known for its conservatism and overwhelming religious presence. After 35 years of celebrating Pride, the event is still going strong. Even with funding cuts and sponsors pulling out, Utah Pride continued its mission of bringing joy and solidarity to the queer community with over 100 groups coming together to show their love and support for the LGBTQ+ community. SLUG was proud to be one of those groups walking in the Pride parade. Where would we be without the local queer community?

Flags of every color combination were raised high, gay pop anthems were blasting from every vehicle and drag queens were waving and dancing from their floats. The event was vibrant and energetic, and SLUG was there for it all. Starting from West Temple, walking all the way through 100 South and ending at the corner of 300 South and 400 East, the parade may have only lasted two hours, but it was filled to the brim with good times.

In between the Utah Valley University Queer Student Alliance and the Rainbow Classics of Utah, SLUG was there handing out June’s LGBTQ+ Pride Issue to eager attendees, while announcers introduced us at every block. Complete with signs, a bright red SLUG truck, our photographers riding around in pastel pink Vespa and matching tees designed by SLUG’s own Marketing Assistant Jackie Stigile, the team interacting with longtime readers, giving information about the upcoming Trans•Form celebration, and just enjoying the vibes of the parade, it was a treat to be there.

From the neon wigs to the wild outfits, the Utah Pride Festival was the place to be to celebrate queer joy. Those who chose to stay after the parade had the chance to partake in alcoholic libations, dance parties and chats with SLUG staff at our event booth. Here’s hoping that Utah Pride continues to grow and bring even more cheer for years to come!