Punk Possum

The colors of Olympic National Park [2048x1577] [OC]

We played by the rules and didn’t tear down the fence and disobey the signs for Rainbow Day. Instead we celebrated at a nearby park. It took a few days, but the Y did get lit. Don’t assume we’re the same passive group of past years who slink away hoping to not be harmed, things have changed. The Honor Code change and reversal transformed us, just as The Stonewall Inn revolutionized the queer community. We will not go gentle into that good night.

No current BYU students were involved as that would put them at risk. It is allies and parents of LGBTQ+ children who lit up the Y. 

I was especially touched to see they found a way to include and honor my friend Kris Irvin who passed away earlier this year and did so much to bring awareness to trans students at BYU and trans people in the church, and more than that, was a kind, humorous, encouraging presence across the LDS/formerly LDS queer community, and known for being especially comforting & affirming of trans, enby, genderfluid, genderqueer people

When I saw the Y lit up last year in rainbow, it brought tears to my eyes and I felt different, like the world is changing, this place that causes so much harm can’t deny & erase us anymore. I’m so happy to see the trans colors getting the same treatment, especially after services to trans clients was discontinued at the Dept of Communication Disorders by orders of the university.

It began with the colors of the trans flag 🏳️‍⚧️ , and ended with the colors of the rainbow flag 🏳️‍🌈

This display is a brilliant and non-violent way of shining light onto the issue that queer people want justice, equality, inclusion and liberation. Things are not fine, change is required.

BYU Police showed up at the bottom of the trailhead with three cars, waiting for those with flashlights to descend the trail.

Supporters also showed up at the trailhead to greet the flashlight hikers, and there is a criminal defense attorney who was in the parking lot, just in case things get dicey. The Salt Lake Tribune was also on the scene.

BYUPD apparently called Provo PD for backup, but the city police department chose not to show up. 

All hikers made it off the mountain safely. The Provo Police did not show up. No citations were issued. No arrests were made. No hikers were injured. The most that happened is BYUPD was rude to the hikers and supporters. 

Eagle River Glacier Aerial Chugach Mountains, Alaska, USA