I ran for local office because I believe that government at every level should protect the rights and expand opportunities for all residents. As the mayor of Midvale, I take that responsibility seriously — especially as an openly gay mayor in Salt Lake County. My goal is for everyone who lives, works or visits here to feel a true sense of belonging.
Unfortunately, Utah’s HB77 sends the opposite message. This bill would severely limit the display of pride flags in public school classrooms and ban them on government property, an unnecessary and divisive attack on Utahns who simply want to be seen and valued. Despite claims that it aims to remove politics from classrooms and municipal spaces, the bill’s sponsors have repeatedly made public statements suggesting their true intent is to score political points rather than foster inclusivity.
Growing up, there were very few openly LGBTQ+ leaders in elected office. I didn’t have the reassurance that someone like me could step up, serve and lead. From personal experience, I can tell you that seeing a pride flag displayed at City Hall isn’t just symbolic — and it certainly isn’t political. It’s a statement that all qualified, capable individuals have a place in public service at every level of government.
Supporters of HB77 argue that removing pride flags is about keeping the government “neutral” and avoiding political statements. But pride isn’t political — it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals know they are seen, valued and welcome. At a time when Utah’s youth suicide rate remains among the highest in the nation, especially for LGBTQ+ youth, this legislation sends the wrong message to those who need support the most.
A pride flag doesn’t endorse a candidate, a party or a policy. It simply affirms that LGBTQ+ Utahns are an integral part of our communities. The argument for neutrality has been used before to justify the exclusion of marginalized folks and to erase symbols of progress. There was a time when displaying the American flag in support of civil rights was deemed political. There was a time when lowering the flag to honor victims of hate crimes was seen as controversial.
Utah is home to a growing and vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Across every city and town, LGBTQ+ individuals contribute to our economy, serve in government, teach in our schools and raise families. The idea that acknowledging their existence is controversial is not just outdated, it’s harmful.
State legislators who voted for HB77 might believe that cities should refrain from taking positions on social issues, but the truth is that municipal governments regularly engage in public messaging. Cities display banners celebrating local events, issue proclamations recognizing cultural heritage months and fly flags honoring veterans, first responders and causes that matter to our communities. Cities, as representatives of the people, play a vital role in fostering belonging and inclusion.
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld that municipalities have broad discretion over their own speech, including the symbols they choose to display or not display — like when Pleasant Grove was allowed to display a Ten Commandments monument.
HB77 seeks to strip away that right, imposing an arbitrary restriction that specifically targets one vulnerable community. That’s not neutrality — that’s discrimination, and it’s unlikely to survive potential litigation.
No matter what happens with HB77, I want to be clear: All are welcome in Midvale. To every LGBTQ+ person in Midvale, in Utah and beyond: You belong here. You are a part of this community, and no bill can erase that — or us.
(Dustin Gettel) Dustin Gettel currently serves as the 23rd Mayor of Midvale City.
Dustin Gettel currently serves as the 23rd mayor of Midvale and is one of only 10 openly LGBTQ+ elected officials in Utah.
The Salt Lake Tribune is committed to creating a space where Utahns can share ideas, perspectives and solutions that move our state forward. We rely on your insight to do this. Find out how to share your opinion here, and email us at voices@sltrib.com.
