STRAIGHT EDGE: THE EVOLUTION OF A YOUTH MOVEMENT IN UTAH Straight Edge began as a philosophy that espoused a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle among youth in the early 1980s. Deeply tied into the punk rock movement, the philosophy has always been suspect by outsiders. In the 1990s, Straight Edge is a favorite target of Utah and national media alike. How did Straight Edge develop, and why has it reached such extremes in Utah? Moderator Michael Van Wagenen was involved in Straight Edge in Los Angeles during the movement’s formative years. Van Wagenen and a panel of current Utah Straight Edgers will discuss their experiences and insights about Straight Edge and its development over the last two decades. Please be advised that this session may contain strong language and themes that some may find offensive.

Michael Van Wagenen, Paul Kreutz, Trent Nelson, Alex Beckstead, Sean McClaugharity