David Nelson (Utah activist)  David Keith Nelson (born April 7, 1962) is an American activist for the protection of equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. He founded or helped found several LGBT-related nonprofit organizations in Utah and helped direct others. His work with the Democratic Party encouraged many LGBT Utahns to serve as party leaders. His work as a legislative and executive lobbyist accomplished the adoption of several LGBT- and weapon-friendly state and local laws, rules, ordinances and policies, and the rejection of other legislation. Nelson was born in Salt Lake City as a member of the political Cannon family. He studied political science at the University of Utah from 1982 to 1984. He retired in 2001 from his professional career in marketing and public relations, and resides in Millcreek, Utah. He lives with disabilities, and was diagnosed in 2015 with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nelson has been active in politics since 1982. Though he was most active during the 1990s in Utah, his work included helping to direct political groups in California and the District of Columbia. His work reflected the ideals of Jeffersonian democracy including those for American republicanism, civic duty and equality of political opportunity. His work in LGBT and Second Amendment politics reflected the ideal for a limited government which is prohibited from violating the natural rights of the people or the rights of the states. His work earned the attention of governmental and political leaders, and news reporters. Twenty years ago, David Nelson was one of the few Utah voices demanding basic rights for gay and lesbian citizens. Aggressive in promoting antidiscrimination measures, he assisted in passage of the first hate-crimes legislation. Although Nelson frequently generated disagreement among supporters (including me), no one can dispute the courage he exhibited in the early years of this movement. —Frank Pignanelli and LaVarr Webb, "Political pioneers, then and now, deserve thanks," "Deseret Morning News", July 30, 2006  While the fight for gay marriage has hatched a whole new generation of gay rights activists, some Utahns have had their shoulder to the wheel of equality for decades. One of the most notable, Dave Nelson, is a pioneer of queer politics in the state who has carved a niche for himself in Utah politics for being a fierce advocate of his community since the early '80s while also fighting for the rights of gun owners. —Eric S. Peterson, "Dave Nelson on the queer New Year," "Salt Lake City Weekly", December 30, 2009  As a political leader, Nelson founded or helped found several LGBT-related nonpartisan political groups in Utah and helped direct others.