Festival attendance may indicate growing LGBTQ+ acceptance in Logan

Attendees at this year's Logan Pride Festival are hoping an increase in attendance is indicative of an improved culture of inclusion in Cache Valley.

“I believe this is my fourth year attending this event,” said Meghan Fergeson, who has family in Logan. “This may be the busiest it’s ever been.”

The festival, organized on Sept. 18 by the Logan Pride Center and held at Willow Park, saw attendees coming together to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Aggie Blue Bikes representative Ella Rose Leonelli said she hadn’t previously been impressed by the degree of inclusivity in Logan. “But being here and seeing all the parents with their kids supporting, it’s been amazing,” Leonelli said. “I have been so impressed.”

Edward Quinlan, a member of Encircle Utah, which provides support and counselling for LGBTQ+ students and their families, attended the event to tell people about a new facility which will finish construction at the end of this summer.

“Our house is being built near Old Main, here in Logan,” he said. “It’s a great location and will be a good way to support the LGBTQ members of our community.”

The festival was also attended by representatives of the Utah Pride Center.

“I have to say that I’ve been thoroughly pleased, surprised, and extremely happy to see the inclusion and diversity of those that have shown up here, that they have felt they are welcome here,” said Isaiah Mataele, the center’s community engagement manager.

Organizers and attendees saw the rise in attendance as a step in the right direction.

“We’re probably heading in a better direction,” festival goer Avery Cronyn said. “In the past it has been really bad, but I think it’s better now, hopefully on an upward trajectory.”