I See London, I See France

For a couple years now, Salt Lake City has held an Undie Run. Each year they have actually set the Guinness Book of World Records record for the largest gathering of people in their underwear, and since break a world record is on my bucket list, I have wanted to go and participate. Unfortunately my timing has always been off and I couldn't make it for one reason or another. This year my timing finally matched up and I could go! While it is the Undie Run, I was in a sports bra and spanks shorts so I felt more clothed than I would be at the swimming pool, which I have spent a lot of time at over the years... Of course the one year that I can go, the record wasn't broken.

On the bright side, the Undie Run is more than just a bunch of people in skivvies running around to set a world record. It's also an opportunity for those of us living in Utah who feel like we are oppressed by the laws that seem to only reflect the beliefs of the LDS church and not the rest of the citizens. I know most of the people who may tune in to this blog are LDS so I want to make it clear that I do not dislike the people of the church and I respect your ability to make your own personal decisions in any way you feel may reflect your best interest. As the LDS church is clear that every single person is granted the gift of free agency to make his or her own decisions, I wish the church would stay OUT of politics and allow me and other non-LDS people to do just that! While there are many laws I disagree with, this year I decided to use my voice (and my body) to protest Anti-Gay Marriage Laws, overbearing liquor laws and laws prohibiting the use of MEDICAL marijuana. We painted our view points on our bodies and then ran from Library Square, past Temple Square and up to the Capital. After a couple quick photos on the Capital steps, we ran back to Library Square. It was a fun way to protest an uptight state and the overbearing laws imposed on us.

Me, Corrin, Sarah and Heather

Sarah and I in front of the Capital

Jordan, me, Heather, Sarah and Joey

Corrin, Sarah and I

Jordan, Heather and Joey

Sarah and I

Sarah, Me, Corrin and her friend

I would also like to note that I'm grateful I live somewhere that does allow me to peacefully protest my views even if they aren't the views of the public. I know I can choose to leave the state, but I grew up in Utah and all my closest family members and friends are here. I would rather feel oppressed but surrounded by the ones I love than to be free and alone. I also want to thank the SLC Unified Police Department for making sure runners stayed safe and being polite, professional and many times even friendly to the protesters rather than looking down upon us, or trying to break up the protest. I know many countries don't have that same freedom.