Listen to this articleArchie Archuleta was one of those who understood and supported the LGBT movement, even back in the ’90s when Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats was first organized and faced large pushback from the powers that were.
We last saw him at the opening of Harvey Milk Boulevard, where he said:
“The naming of Harvey Milk Blvd. is another thread in the fabric for the struggle for social justice and equality in Salt Lake City, Utah and the U.S.A. — nay, in the world. The thread joins and strengthens the other threads that were begun by many different groups and movements, starting with the abolitionists. Going on, with the suffragette movement, and going on to the battle for liberation by blacks, Chicanos, Native Americans, and Asians. And, of course, this big one, LGBTQ.
“You have suffered the indignities and the sting of racism, ethnocentrism, as well as the ugly one — homophobia. We fought it together and we will continue to fight it.”
Salt Lake Mayor Jackie Biskupski presented Archuleta with the “Key to the City” last Fall for his work on behalf of homeless, Latinos and other communities of color, LGBTQ individuals and women.
Archuleta died Friday at the age of 88.
Rest in power.
