Ep 6. Out And Proud Salt Lake

In season 4 episode 6 of United Shades of America, titled "Out And Proud Salt Lake," host W. Kamau Bell travels to Salt Lake City, Utah to explore the LGBTQ+ community. Salt Lake City might not be the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of LGBTQ+ culture and activism, but the city has a thriving LGBTQ+ community with a unique set of challenges and triumphs.

The episode begins with Bell meeting with a group of LGBTQ+ Mormons who discuss the relationship between their faith and their sexuality. Many Mormons struggle with reconciling their religious beliefs with their LGBTQ+ identity, leading some to leave the church altogether. At the same time, others find a way to reconcile the two and create unique, inclusive communities within the Mormon church.

Bell also visits the Utah Pride Center, which provides a variety of resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community in Utah. The center offers counseling, health services, legal and financial advice, and a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals. Bell talks to several people who have benefited from the center's services and learn about the various challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals face in Utah.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode revolves around a drag show that Bell attends. The event draws a diverse crowd of people from different backgrounds and communities, and Bell talks to several drag performers about their experiences living and performing in Salt Lake City. The performers discuss some of the unique obstacles they face living in a predominantly conservative state, and how they use drag as a form of self-expression and activism.

Throughout the episode, Bell also speaks to several LGBTQ+ activists who have made an impact in Salt Lake City and beyond. One such activist is Troy Williams, the executive director of Equality Utah, a nonprofit organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights in Utah. Williams talks about some of the significant accomplishments his team has made in recent years, such as helping pass a nondiscrimination law in Salt Lake City, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Utah and across the country.

Finally, the episode ends with Bell reflecting on the complexities of LGBTQ+ identity in Salt Lake City and the importance of creating spaces where people can be themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination. He notes that while the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Utah may be unique, the resilience and strength of the community is universal.

Overall, "Out And Proud Salt Lake" offers a compelling and thoughtful exploration of LGBTQ+ life in Utah. Through interviews with various LGBTQ+ individuals and activists, Bell uncovers the challenges and successes of the community while showcasing their resilience and determination to create positive change. LGBTQ+ viewers will undoubtedly relate to many of the stories shared in the episode, while non-LGBTQ+ viewers will walk away with a deeper understanding of the issues facing the community.