written by: Charissa Che
Since its inaugural installation last year, buzz over the LOVELOUD Festival has grown substantially. To accommodate what is sure to be a massive crowd on Saturday July 28, curators have shifted festivities from its former Orem, Utah, Brent Brown Ballpark locale to the Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Ticket sales open this Friday, April 6 at 10 AM.
LOVELOUD is the brainchild of Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds, who had prefaced the event with his documentary, Believer, at Sundance earlier this year. Together with AT&T, Reynolds responds to the growing rates of LGBTQ+ teen suicide; according to the Center for Disease Control, suicide is the leading cause of death among this age demographic in the U.S. More specifically, LGBTQ+ youth that come from a home or community where they are not accepted are eight times more likely to commit suicide.
“We at LOVELOUD are determined to help create a more loving and accepting environment for them, while also hoping to raise more than $1 million dollars for local and national LGBTQ+ charities,” said Reynolds. “We look forward to a day dedicated to celebrating their diversity while listening to great music and inspiring speakers.”
Through its music and message, LOVELOUD seeks to be the instrument that spurs conversation on how our community members may better advocate for the support, inclusion, and acceptance of LGBTQ youth. The lineup includes Imagine Dragons, Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda, Neon Trees’ Tyler Glenn, and Vagabon, and proceeds will benefit local and national LGBTQ+ charities including Encircle, the Tegan and Sara Foundation, and the Trevor Project.
To learn more about the festival and buy tickets, go here.
