The Utah Pride Center in Salt Lake City has closed its doors and suspended all operations and services until at least Oct. 1. The center has provided support and services to the LGBTQ+ community since its founding as the Utah Stonewall Center in 1991.
In a statement, the Pride Center leadership team — which now consists of six people after a reduction of its workforce — said the shutdown decision wasn’t an easy one, but it was a necessity due to the “massive financial turmoil” the center is facing.
“Our remaining leadership team are hopeful and trust that their hard work to get the center back into shape will be effective and will generate great future services for Utah’s LGBTQ+ community,” the statement said. “However, the task at hand is monumental given the state of the center’s finances and the earned negative reputation of the organization.”
The center said it is unsure what the future holds as the center could “close, revive or reset.” During the closure, the remaining leadership team will be “restructuring and reimagining” the future of the organization.
The closure comes just two months after “Pride 2023,” which the center called an “incredible success.” Funds earned from the festival, including ticket sales and food and beverage purchases, help fund the organization, including access to mental health and suicide prevention services.
“We are dedicated to finding the answers on how to best serve the community going forward,” said the Pride Center leadership statement. “Reimagining the center is a long overdue task.”
The center leadership is asking the community to provide input and vision by connecting with the Utah Pride Center on social media. The center will also be issuing requests for comments in the near future through its newsletter, leaders said.