The Utah Democratic Party Mourns the Passing of LGBTQ+ Champion Bruce Bastian

June 17, 2024, Salt Lake City - The Utah Democratic Party mourns the passing of WordPerfect co-founder and legendary LGBTQ+ rights activist Bruce Bastian. Bastian used his fortune to support key service-providers to Utah’s LGBTQ+ community, such as the Utah Aids Foundation, the Human Rights Campaign, and Equality Utah. He was also a supporter of pro-equality causes and organizations, including the Utah Democratic Party.

Bastian further showed his commitment to philanthropy through his support of the arts in Utah, and served as an advisor on the arts to President Obama. He prioritized supporting the arts and people of Utah, especially in times of nationwide economic turmoil. 

In 2008, with American support of gay marriage at a low point, Bastian gave a $1 Million Dollar donation to the campaign against Califonia’s infamous Propisition 8, which would have banned same-sex marriage in the state. At a time when being openly gay and pro-LGBTQ+ rights was stigmatized, Bastian was proudly himself - and he made tremendous strides to support other LGBTQ+ people as well.

“Bruce Bastian was a light to the people of our state,” UDP Chair Diane Lewis said. “His example calls on us to do more, especially when it comes to supporting our LGBTQ+ community.” 

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For more information, contact Mason Hughes at press@utdem.org or +1 (801) 830-0645.

The Utah Democratic Party is the face and voice of Democrats in the State of Utah. We believe that Utahns deserve strong, competent leadership that puts the people and democracy first.