LGBT Fundraiser
No, the hate crimes bill didn't pass this year. But you can still join Equality Utah to enjoy food, drink and music among the company of friends old and new in a historic and beautiful venue. Proceeds from this Queer Pioneers event go to Equality Utah's 501c4 organization, which funds direct advocacy on Utah's Capitol Hill. This event is for members of the LGBT community and its allies and marks the end of the 2016 legislative session. It's also a way to say thanks to Equality's champion on the Hill this session, Sen. Steve Urquhart.This Is the Place Park, Kimball House, 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave., 801-582-1847, Friday, March 11, 6-8 p.m., free/suggested $10 donation per person
Documentary Release
You may not remember a time when fight dogs were just considered damaged and then killed. That's what could have happened to the pit bulls NFL star Michael Vick used and abused in his fighting rings. But today there is hope, largely because of Kanab's Best Friends Animal Society, whose work with pit bulls and ongoing efforts to end breed discrimination is featured in the documentary The Champions, which tells the heartbreaking and inspiring story of the dogs and people affected by Vick's abuse. Best yet, it's available for download on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Video and Vudu. Oddly, there are no screenings in Utah yet, but you can set one up at Tugg.com. $14.99 download, BestFriends.org/Champions
Author Reading
Body image is a hot topic in the age of sex and skin. But there is a social and physical price to pay if you focus too much on the outside. Art Access is undertaking a multi-faceted project tackling personal and social body image perspectives, hoping to deepen the conversation about weight and inspire social change. Events, targeting female issues, begin with a book reading and signing by Jasmin Singer for her memoir, Always Too Much and Never Enough. It's a story of a girl who went from being a bullied child to an empowered activist. There will be writing classes, book group discussions, an art exhibit called Fat Phobia and more. 230 S. 500 West Ste. 125, 801-328-0703, Friday, March 11, 5:30 p.m., free and open to public, $16 per book, AccessArt.org
