This month, community organizers are reclaiming a painful part of Utah’s history with … a bike ride? Find out more about Banished!, a two-part event that tells an untold story and celebrates the resilience of Utah’s LGBTQ+ community.
So, What’s the Story?
In 1988, during Utah’s struggle to understand and respond to the AIDS epidemic, a shocking idea surfaced inside the state legislature. While debating a bill about identifying AIDS patients, State Sen. Jack Bangerter, R-Bountiful, allegedly suggested that people with AIDS be painted red and exiled to an island in the Great Salt Lake.
While the law never passed, it reveals the fear and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS at the time. Today, discussions about public health remain urgent, especially as federal cuts continue to slash funding for HIV research.
The group that attended last year’s Banished! (Courtesy of Kyle Treasure/Banished!)
What Is Banished?
After hearing about this, Salt Laker Kyle Treasure organized Banished!, an annual pride ride to Antelope Island, symbolically reclaiming a space once imagined for banishment. Wanna ride? Email banishedslc@gmail.com.
Salt Lakers 21 and older are invited to Banished! Night on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. at The SunTrapp in Salt Lake City. Don’t forget to wear red!
