Back to School Pride Night aims to provide sense of belonging among Utah County’s queer communities
Nichole Whiteley, Daily Herald file photo
Live music is performed by several bands at the Back to School Pride Night in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023.Now that classes have been back in session for a couple of weeks and everyone is getting into their routine for the school year, one local group is inviting students from Brigham Young University and community members to its Back to School Pride Night.
The event, hosted by the nonprofit RaYnbow Collective and happening Saturday, aims to create an inclusive space for BYU students and faculty to connect with each other, provide community resources and incorporate LGBTQ-friendly vendors, a press release states.
Other organizations such as Rainbow Connection, Encircle, the Utah Queer Film Festival, and other groups and people are also partnering sponsors.
The RaYnbow Collective is not a BYU-affiliated group, but Gracie Purcell, the organization’s president, explained that their focus revolves around directing students of the school and others in Utah County’s LGBTQ+ community in toward any resources they may need. “We are constantly connected to the other organizations so that we can provide support for the queer students here in Provo,” Purcell said.
The support can come in a variety of ways including helping students feel welcomed.
During the organization’s fourth annual Back to School Pride Night, over 60 artists and organizations from across Utah Valley will be on hand, in addition to food trucks and musicians performing throughout the day. In the evening, guests can watch PG-rated performances from Utah drag performers. In all, around 2,000 people are expected to attend, according to the release.
“It’s just like a time that everyone just hangs out. And I think it’s really helpful, especially for students who are new at BYU, to come and know that there’s a community there for them,” Purcell said.
The event comes after The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which operates the university, listed updated guidelines in its General Handbook.
Last month, the church announced new restrictions that would limit participation among transgender members. The updated policy states that members who have “transitioned from their biological sex” whether socially or physically would be forbidden from certain activities or volunteer positions in their congregations.
In the event press release, the RaYnbow Collective said it stands with LGBTQ+ students and faculty harmed by current BYU policies and rhetoric. “Pride Night is essential because every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and heard on and off BYU’s campus,” Purcell said in the release. “Until we achieve that, we’ll keep creating spaces where everyone feels at home and celebrated. This event isn’t just a tradition–it’s a commitment to making sure all voices are part of the BYU community.”
The event happens from 1:30-8 p.m. Saturday at Kiwanis Park in Provo. More information can be found online at raynbowcollective.org and the group’s social media platforms.


