Salt Lake City Welcomes All
Resources provided by visitsaltlake.com.
Ethnic Diversity
Since the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, Salt Lake has been “The Crossroads of the West.” As the railroad was built, thousands of Chinese, Japanese, Greek, and Central European immigrants came to Salt Lake. (This cultural heritage is still celebrated today with annual festivals like Greek Fest and Nihon Matsuri.) With the discovery of gold and silver, miners from all over also came to the area to try their luck, diversifying the religious practices in the area. As time went on, more folks from Central and South America moved into the state. And Salt Lake has long prided itself on its acceptance of refugees. The International Rescue Committee, headquartered in Salt Lake, is one of eight national resettlement committees in the US committed to helping refugees thrive here.
Diversity Resources
Salt Lake Diversity Census Data
Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion
Religious Diversity
Beyond ethnicity, Salt Lake is also religiously diverse. Although like much of the US, there is a strong Christian influence here. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is headquartered here. However, about 50% of Salt Lakers identify as Mormon. Salt Lake has a small Jewish community in the Sugarhouse area. Christian religions like Baptist, Unitarian, Presbyterian, Greek Orthodox, Episcopalian, and non-denominational groups have congregations here. Residents also practice Buddhism, Hinduism, Baha’i, Sikh, and Islam. There’s even a non-religious, Sunday Assembly primarily aimed at former Mormons who have left that faith.
Resources
Christian Churches in Salt Lake
Pluralism Project: Directory of Religious Centers in Salt Lake
Accessibility
From Salt Lake International Airport to Thanksgiving Point, we strive to help everyone have a great visit to Salt Lake no matter their abilities. ADA-compliant attractions and activities are available throughout the valley.
Adaptative Recreation Resources
The Kostopulos Dream Foundation (Camp K)
Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation Adaptive Program
Utah State Parks Accessibility
LGBTQ Community
Since 1983, Utah Pride has been held in Salt Lake. Today, this annual 3-day festival hosts national headlining acts like Betty Who. The event draws tens of thousands of queers and allies to downtown. All identities, orientations, and lifestyles are celebrated at this raucous event. But it hasn’t forgotten its activist roots. The event still kicks off with a march at the Utah State Capitol each year.
LGBTQ Resources
Utah Pride Center – “Utah Pride unites, empowers and celebrates Utah’s diverse LGBTQ community by providing a safe and welcoming space for education, partnerships, services and events which advance our collective health, wellness and success.”
Q Salt Lake – Utah’s Gay and Lesbian News & Entertainment Magazine
Human Rights Campaign – Human Rights Campaign for LBGTQ equality in Utah
Equality Utah– Working to secure equal rights and protections for LGBTQ Utahns and their families.
Log Cabin Utah – Republicans who support fairness, freedom, and equality for LGBTQ Americans.
