3-day Utah Pride Festival to celebrate progress

"When I am sitting in the Legislature and I observe all the things in our state, and nationally, that so desperately need attention ... figuring out how to make lives miserable for gay people should not be a priority," she said.

Organizers say the Pride Festival, which will include children's activities, is a great way for families to enjoy a day out. And Johnson will be using the event to find volunteers for Bridge, a new service organization in which members of the LGBT community will help the broader community.

She hopes the organization will "community build through service" and help bring awareness to the broader community, in the same way that her own presence as one of three openly gay lawmakers has had on the state Legislature.

"There's been this demystification of LGBT stereotypes," Johnson said. "I have a really great relationship with most of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle."

---

If you go . . .

2008 Pride Festival and Parade

Today: 6 p.m. Grand Marshal Reception, Hilton Salt Lake Center, $75.

Saturday: 2 p.m. Pride Interfaith Service, First Unitarian Church, 569 S. 1300 East, free.

4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Pride Festival, Washington Square, $10.

Sunday: 10 a.m., Utah Pride Parade, downtown, Free.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pride Festival, Washington Square, $5.

For a full schedule of entertainment and events or to purchase tickets, visit www.utahpride.org.

---

E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com