Nancy Thao

HLTH 1110-005
Bishop
Service Project
In our society, the LGBT group is not in the norm that most people know. Heterosexuality
is the norm in this society, a relationship involving a man and woman. They have been oppressed
and have a lower status than the heterosexuals. The LGBT don't have the same rights/privileges
as the heterosexuals and they have fought for their rights through many years.
The group I got put in was the sexual minority group. Since the other people in my group
did their service projects at the same place, I thought I could do something different so we can
have a variety of service projects. Instead going to Utah AIDS, I went to the Utah Pride Center.
The Utah Pride Center is a organization that provides services, events, and activities for lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Utah.
While I was there, I asked a staff member about what else they do. They hold events such
as the Pride Festival and Queer Prom. They also have support groups; men's support group,
women's and youth support groups. Their mission is to unite, empower and celebrate Utahs
diverse LGBTQ+ community by providing a safe and welcoming space for education,
partnerships, services and events which advance our collective health, wellness and success.
They also encourage and promote physical, emotional and mental health and wellness of their
community through programs which supports and nurture the mind, body, and soul. They also do

campaigns. As of now, they are currently having a "We see you, We love you" wristband unity
campaign (http://utahpridecenter.org/we-see-you-we-love-you/).
The challenge I had from doing this was actually finding the time to go in and trying to
contact them at the right time. I would have to email them whenever I wanted to volunteer, and
to me, I felt like I just kept bothering them constantly asking "Is there anything that I can do
today or tomorrow?"Sometimes when I ask, they wouldn't have anything for me to do, so I had
to check in with them every now and then. Another thing was I didn't really get to interact with
those in the community. The first thing I did there was clean and organize a closet by myself.
There was suppose to be other volunteers showing up to do a project but it was only me, so the
closet was the only thing I could do for them, which wasn't that bad, fortunately. My second time
going there I actually did some more things. I got to vacuum and sort out employee folders.
I looked into other places as well. I found Equality Utah and tried to contact them, but
they didn't have an email set up. I knew SLCC did have a LGBT club and I did get a hold of the
members, unfortunately, they didn't have anything for me to do either. It was hard trying to get
my service hours done since there was almost nothing that I could do for them.
Going there and seeing that people in the community made me really happy. I loved
seeing them smile and get the support that they needed from this organization. As I got to explore
a little in the building, they had a room for the youth members and it seemed like they can do
their homework there with the help they need as well. The environment in there has a very
positive vibe to it and it's a great feeling. I'm glad that there are organizations like this in Utah.
This service project actually makes me get out there to support those who are in the
LGBT group, especially my friends. I've been wanting to do something for this group but I just

didn't really know where to go or when to start. I makes me feel happy on the inside knowing
that I can do something to help this community in any way I can.