Syd Mortensen
THEY/THEM
Where did you grow up? What made you stay in Southern Utah?
I was born here, I stayed because I live with my family.
When did you realize that you are queer? What has that journey been like for you?
I have a pretty funny story. I had just got my first boyfriend, he was walking me to the locker room in gym class, and I glanced over at the cool 9th graders all lined up for roll call. I met eyes with a very, very pretty girl, and my heart skipped a beat.
I didn’t know what to do, or how to feel. I ran into the locker room without saying goodbye or thank you to my boyfriend at the time, and locked myself in a bathroom stall. Questions flooded my mind, “why did I feel like that when I don’t feel that way with my own boyfriend?” “do I like girls?” “am I... gay?”
How would you describe your experiences as a queer person here?
It wasn’t great at first, but it is getting better. I was bullied when I first came out in middle school and cyber-bullied the beginning of high school. Since I went to an arts school, I was finally able to find a very accepting and loving community, along with my family. Outside of the amazing queer community we have here, there’s been a lot of times where I question my safety. People get aggressive when they see my “love is love” sticker on my car and they whisper and stare when I’m out in public with a partner.
What do you feel is missing here? What do you wish would change?
I think we need more safe spaces in town. More places like encircle, where we as a community can gather and feel safe together. I wish there was more understanding, accepting, and open-minded people here in St. George.