Last weekend, The Muve Group attended a packed yet beautiful Equality Utah Political Action Committee (PAC) brunch within the University of Utah’s light-filled Orangerie at Red Butte Gardens. Fellow Muver, Jordan Smith is an esteemed director for this amazing organization that Muve Group wholeheartedly supports.
In 2001, Equality Utah was founded by a group of visionary Utahns, focused on increasing the number of fair-minded elected officials holding office. In 2016, the group assisted 17 candidates to win their elections. These successful candidates uphold key roles for passing policy that supports and protects LGBTQ Utahns. The group’s mission is simple yet hard-won – advocating for equal rights and protection to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) Utahns and their families.
Troy Williams, a.k.a. “the gay mayor of Salt Lake City”, hosted the brunch as the proud Executive Director of Equality Utah, with over a decade of experience rallying supporters and organizing pivotal events on behalf of the LGBTQ community.
Prominent human rights activist, author, and lecturer, Cleve Jones was the morning’s passionate keynote speaker, sharing his extraordinary story as recounted in his just released poignant memoir, When We Rise: My Life in the Movement.
Cleve is no stranger to adversity or controversy. He cofounded the San Francisco AIDS Foundation in 1983 and is credited for devising what is now the world’s largest community arts project, the AIDS memorial quilt. While attending a candlelight memorial in 1985 for slain friend Harvey Milk, Cleve thought to memorialize his friend Harvey and the quilt has since honored over 85,000 Americans who have succumbed to AIDS. He has endured devastating loss yet remains steadfast on leading a powerful movement.
When We Rise chronicles Cleve’s loss of dear friends to the AIDS epidemic, including passionate activist, Harvey Milk. Cleve’s book forms the basis of a soon to be released mini-series with an acclaimed directorial/production crew and cast including screenwriter, Dustin Lance Black, executive producer, Gus Van Sant, and actors Guy Pearce, Mary-Louise Parker, Carrie Preston and Rachel Griffiths.
Cleve captivated the audience with his sometimes harrowing but ultimately uplifting accounts, highlighting the need to continually fight for equal rights for all. “We must unite instead of being separated by political views”. The gathering of 170 supporters offered a standing ovation, much laughter and congratulatory hugs when they later met with Cleve to individually discuss and sign copies of his much-anticipated book.
The fundraising brunch naturally benefited the LGBTQ community, toward ongoing education, advocacy, and political action. We’re very proud to share that the event raised $30,000.00.
The Muve Group strives to uphold diversity, lending our support to as many vital community projects as possible. We’re not just about real estate or development projects. We believe in people, community and family.
