Listen to this articleBest Barber
Friar Tuck / Kylee Howell
As “Utah’s queerest barbershop,” Kylee gives back to the community in a huge way; both volunteering in local LGBTQ organizations and providing free services to homeless youth. That deserves a FABBY.
Best Hair Stylist
Matthew Landis
Probably the most famous name in hairstyle, but you’ll need to go to Matthew Landis Atelier in the 9th & 9th neighborhood to find him. Watch for him on Good 4 Utah and see his work on the anchors’ coifs.
Best Landscape Designer
Dean Anesi / Urban Garden Co.
Anesi has been supporting Utah’s LGBTQ community since, well, I promised I wouldn’t tell. Check for his YouTube video touting his French Kitchen Urban Farm behind his offices or attend one of the many Alternative Garden Club events he offers his wisdom at no cost.
Best Nursery/Garden Center
Millcreek Gardens
For 65 years, Millcreek has been your favorite garden center. The sprawling nursery has everything that a Utah garden can grow, and then some. They also have extremely knowledgeable people wandering about to help.
Best Caterer
Lux Catering and Events
Lux has donated thousands of dollars worth of food and services to Utah’s LGBTQ community over its many years. They are the most environmentally-aware caterer in the state. Check out what a Certified B Corporation is and you’ll understand their way of business. They are also a certified LGBT Business Enterprise.
Best Place to Get Pierced
Koi Piercing
Koi has been punching holes in human bodies since 1997 and would have been winning FABBY Awards back then if our prestigious had existed then.
Best Veterinarian
Animal Care Center
The first time Michael walked into Animal Care Center it happened to be the week after Pride. There was a huge standard poodle with rainbow fur greeting everyone at the door. It’s true what they say, in his experience — They care about your pets as much as you do.
Best Kennel/Pet Boarding
Camp Bow Wow
Drop off your dogs for the day, overnight, or for a week. Your pups will love their time at “summer camp.” You can even check in on your loved one by cellphone.
Best Real Estate Agent
Babs De Lay
Babs was selling homes in Salt Lake before the Mormon pioneers climbed through Emigration Canyon. She’s on every city commission there is. She basically runs this town. And she knows her shit when it comes to buying and selling in Salt Lake.
Best Car Dealership
Mark Miller Subaru
Mark Miller has been a proud Pride sponsor for many years. They know love is love and love makes a Subaru. They have the national awards to prove it. They also save homeless dogs in a big way, which is huge in my book.
Best Insurance Agent
Sentry West / Jon Jepsen
Jon Jepsen is a doer in this community. He volunteers on boards, was on the first Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission, and is just a nice guy. He has partnerships with so many insurance companies that he will surely find one that fits your needs.
Best Attorney
Chris Wharton
The Wharton in Wharton and O’Brien donates much of his time to helping the community and those in it. He’s also my city councilperson and had the pothole on my street fixed. Okay, that last part wasn’t true. But I’m sure he’d try!
Best Photographer
David Daniels
David Daniels’ photos have graced our pages since we had pages. He volunteers his services for many LGBT events and can take some kick-ass photos for your wedding, boudoir, or special event.
Best Church
First Baptist Church
The host of the Salt Lake Men’s Choir and the Matrons of Mayhem, as well as many other LGBT events, is also a great place to visit on Sundays. Pastor Curtis, when the Rona wasn’t around, loved to head down to the Utah Pride Center just to chat with the people there. Same-sex marriage became legal? Pastor Curtis was their marrying people. Beware of his dad jokes though.
Best Wedding Officiant
Christopher Scuderi
Christopher may be the hardest working minister in the valley. He even gets up for an Easter service in Park City at the crack of dawn. He’s been doing same-sex weddings since before it was legal. He also takes care of funerals and healing blessings.
Best Radio Station
KRCL
KRCL is northern Utah’s only non-profit, member-supported community radio station dedicated to broadcasting a well-curated contemporary eclectic mix of music and community information 24 hours a day. Listen to Sue Robbins for an LGBTQ take on the world.
Best Television News
Fox 13
Don’t let the word “Fox” in “Fox 13 News” scare you. This group of professionals is the hardest-working news team in the state and regularly reports on Utah’s LGBTQ community … in a good way.
