‘Less Hurt’ | Cover Story | Salt Lake City

Six months ago, on Feb. 14, a tragic set of actions changed thousands of lives in Parkland, Fla. A man carried a gun into what should have been a safe space—in this instance a school, though similar situations have played out in movie theaters, churches, neighborhood parks and people's homes across the U.S.—and committed an act of terrorism, ending the lives of 17 people between the ages of 14 and 49.

An all too familiar scene followed—people spoke out, some calling for thoughts and prayers; some for legislative changes. But then something unusual happened. Student survivors of the massacre started advocating for themselves and their teenage peers. They kicked off a movement that highlights intersectionality, one which emphasizes that shootings don't just happen in schools. And they demanded that lawmakers pass bills that will make the country a safer place for all.

That movement took root nationwide, including here in Utah. What follows are interviews with a handful of locals who are engaging in the debate from varying sides. They are parents and teenagers, poets and lawmakers, activists and student journalists. But most importantly, they're all standing up for their rights. And they're not sitting down any time soon.

The Reformers
Responsible firearm owners: Ermiya Fanaeian and Elizabeth Love know what