From the editor: LGBTQ where least expected

In this issue, I was able to speak to two women who are living openly and honestly in places where you may not think it’s possible.

Our cover story is about an open, ambitious lesbian who was crowned Miss Davis County earlier this year. Yes. You read that right. Davis County, Utah — one of the most conservative counties in the country.

You will be surprised at how open she has been through the whole pageant process about herself and her dreams to help the LGBTQ community.

We also speak to the mayor of Helper, Utah, which just celebrated its second Pride. Yes, rural Helper, Utah, population of 1,200, has a pride. And the female mayor has a wife. Both of them are very active in the town’s revival over the past decade.

While Republican leaders hammer away at the love and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, the people who might call themselves Republican, or conservative, aren’t following them down that path.
As I research stories, I see that the most bitter social posts are from a small group of loud and angry people across the country.

When you look at the reactions of the locals, you see everything from simple tolerance to outright support.

Pessimist Michael believes that these are mostly people paid to spew their bile across the country. Why else would someone in deep Tennessee even be reading posts from someone in Layton, Utah?
Whatever the reality is, I hope it comes to a head soon and explodes all over the GOP leaders so that we can go back to living our lives honestly, safely, and harmoniously.