The day before LoveLoud there was a press conference with Encircle. They announced two new home locations for LGBTQ+ youth in Utah. And the event was filled with people from LoveLoud such as Imagine Dragon’s Dan Reynolds and Neon Tree’s Tyler Glenn and BYU & San Francisco 49er quarterback Steve Young.
I’m sharing this photo first, cause I’m a BYU Cougar and this photo just makes me happy. #GoCougs
BYU icons Steve Young and Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons
The event also thanked several individuals for their contributions to help renovate homes for Encircle. Someone even donated a grand piano for the music room. Pretty dang cool.
Some of the shorter attendees
There were TV cameras from most of the local TV channels. And I was there as the press photographer for Encircle. I toured the building that will be remodeled and guests were invited to tour the home as well.
Tyler Glenn & Jackie Biskupski
Families attending the press conference
I was there to photograph a number of the attendees and the VIPs. There were people from Equality Utah, HRC of Utah, the Utah Pride Center, Encircle, local government, and more.
Tyler Glenn with Troy Young of Equality Utah and others
LoveLoud supporters
A group photo
A larger group photo
Well wishers
Lt. Governor Spencer Cox reads a proclamation from Governor Gary Herbert. It declared July 29th to be LoveLoud day and recognized the efforts of many to reduce suicide among youth and LGBTQ+ youth in Utah.
Lt. Governor Spencer Cox of Utah
The most moving moments were the words shared by Tyler Glenn with his coming out and then Dan Reynolds on why he wants to help out as an queer ally.
Dan Reynolds shares why he acts
Dan Reynolds and Tyler Glenn
A toast from Tyler Glenn and Dan Reynolds
Stephanie Larsen who heads Encircle
Representative Steve Eliason
The Governor’s statement for LoveLoud Day
The perfect light for an awesome portrait
I found perfect light for some photos
Lots of people
Happy people
Happy people
Savannah meets people with Encircle
More families
Jim Dabakis with Lukas Horns
And hey, it’s me with Savannah Kester. She is a future LGBTQ+ activist for sure.
dav.d and Savannah
HRC & Encircle folk
