Gay at BYU in the 1970s: A Conversation with Loreen Major & Dale Miller
Schedule
Thu, 21 Aug, 2025 at 06:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
Signature Books | Salt Lake City, UT
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Both students of Brigham Young University in the mid and late 1970s, Loreen Major and Dale Miller will share their powerful stories in a structured conversation led by historian and Mildred Berryman Institute Chair, Connell O’Donovan. Together, Loreen and Dale will reflect on navigating BYU’s academic, religious, and social pressures as queer students, and how they survived an era of institutionalized shame and repression. This event shines a light on lived history often left unspoken, contributing to a fuller understanding of Utah’s not-so-distant LGBTIQ+ past.
In-person and virtual options available (see zoom link below).
Thank you Seniors Out And Proud (SOAP) for matching our honoraria for our panelists!
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About the Panelists:
Loreen Major was born and raised in California. She and her partner were one of the first lesbian couples married in Utah. She attended BYU from 1975 to 1979 and graduated with a BS in Educational Psychology. With Special Education as a focus, she taught grades K-12 for 33 years. Loreen is the mother of two children and currently resides in Lehi, Utah.
For Dale Miller, growing up in a small east Texas town was tough for an artistic kid. But dance saved him. After two missionaries visited, he realized he could join the church and be a part of BYU’s nationally recognized dance programs and thus get the benefit of low tuition there. After he began attending in January 1973, he discovered that society and BYU had the same rules – that it was ok to be gay as long as it was hidden.
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Special thanks to Signature Books for allowing us to host this event in their space!
Please plan plenty of time to find parking and join us early to find your seat. Parking lot has limited spaces. Convenient street parking is also available.
**TICKETS**
Sliding scale ticket cost. Tickets not required but we request you pay what you are able to help support Utah queer history!
Click "Donate" under this link: https://givebutter.com/7cbzVH
**ZOOM LINK**
https://utah.zoom.us/j/98290159768
Meeting ID: 982 9015 9768
Passcode: 296876
🌈 Past lectures can be accessed on our YouTube channel
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Where is it happening?
Signature Books, 511 W 400 N, Salt Lake City, UT 84116-4168, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
