Cougar Pride brings ‘Pride in Progress’ to downtown Provo, Utah
On April 12, a vibrant and history-rich part of Provo came alive with color, music, and an unshakable sense of purpose as the Cougar Pride Center hosted its fourth annual Pride March and Music Festival — Pride in Progress 2025.
What began in 2021 as a small grassroots effort to carve out a safe space for LGBTQ+ students at BYU has blossomed into a full-fledged movement. This year’s Pride, themed “Pride in Progress,” was a celebration of how far the community has come — and a bold reminder of the road still ahead.
A March With Meaning
The afternoon kicked off at the Utah County Historic Courthouse with moving speeches that underscored the theme of progress, resilience, and collective power. Former Cougar Pride president Julia Sasine addressed the crowd, saying, “Today in this unlikely haven, we illuminate the path for the future with unyielding courage and contagious joy. Today and together, let us celebrate, unite, and advocate for a better tomorrow.”
Over 200 attendees marched through downtown Provo, waving rainbow flags, holding handmade signs, and walking proudly down Center Street. As cars passed by honking in support, it became clear that visibility — long denied — was finally being reclaimed.
Among the marchers was Mike Mcleroy, a BYU alumnus who reflected on his time at the university.
“Being gay was something you didn’t actively show there at that time,” he told The Daily Universe. “It takes courage. Any individual coming out can be the spark for someone else. So I’d say: be yourself.”
A Festival for the Future
The celebration continued at Memorial Park, where a joyful, affirming atmosphere awaited. Local artists including Dune Moss, Talin Everett, and Liam Lars graced the stage as food trucks served hot eats and community members danced and connected in the spring sunshine. Booths from the RaYnbow Collective, Utah Pride Center, and other affirming organizations lined the park, offering resources, support, and smiles.
Gracee Purcell, president of the RaYnbow Collective, called the event “one of the only safe spaces in Provo,” and added, “It’s really exciting for BYU students to come and just be themselves.”
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Cougar Pride Center’s inaugural Progress Award, given to local activist and drag icon Charity Heels for her tireless advocacy and uplifting presence in Utah’s queer spaces.
A Community in Motion
The Cougar Pride Center, which officially gained nonprofit status in January 2024, has become a cornerstone of support for LGBTQ+ BYU students and their allies. With initiatives like the Safe Housing Project, Open Closet, and on-campus career fairs for minority students, Cougar Pride is redefining what inclusion looks like in a traditionally conservative setting.
“We’ve helped almost 400 people find safe housing,” said Executive Director David Shill. “The whole idea is that pride is in progress. We haven’t arrived, but we’ve come a long way.”
Shill expressed optimism about continued collaboration with BYU and community groups. “I’d love for more people to be able to know about all the resources out there for them,” he said. “This event shows them they’re not alone.”
Pride Is a Promise
The Cougar Pride Center’s official statement on this year’s event echoed the heart of the day: “Pride is a demand for equality. Pride is a fight for love.” The march may have ended at Memorial Park, but the spirit of the day — the unity, the courage, the unapologetic joy — will keep marching forward through the work of Cougar Pride and those it uplifts.
Because in Provo, in 2025, Pride isn’t just a parade. It’s a promise.
For more information or to access resources, visit cougarpridecenter.org.
