Gay-lesbian community honors S.L. mayor

Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson was honored Friday by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Utah for supporting the state's gay and lesbian community.

Anderson received the Center's "Champion" award during a kick-off ceremony for Winterfest, a weeklong festival hosted by the GLBT Community Center. The ceremony featured three stand-up comics, Jason Stuart, Vidur Kapur and Michele Balan.

Valerie Larabee, executive director of the GLBT Community Center, said in a statement that Anderson "has been and continues to be a pillar of strength."

She continued: "He has refused to be silent about issues important to the GLBT community and we are pleased to be able to honor him with this award."

Winterfest will run until next Saturday. The event will include forums, rallies and entertainment. For information, log on to: www.slcwinterfest.com.