Nothing Makes Us More Proud Than Celebrating With You!
Pride month message, events, and announcements
A Pride Month Message from Equality Arizona
Dear Friend,
Annually each June, our communities gather to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising, and to rededicate ourselves to our movement for liberation. Each Pride month we are reminded that in our struggle, in our joy, in every breath we take there lives a revolution. This Pride Month, let our cry for a better world ring out in every corner of our state, our nation, and our world.
Last year, as a pandemic ravaged our communities, especially those who are most vulnerable to the inequities of this nation, we could not gather together in public. But in the proud tradition of those who came before us, we created community without sacrificing safety. This year, though we must remain mindful of the continued threat of COVID 19, there are ways in which we may safely gather again. We cannot wait to be in community with all of you.
This year, we have so much to celebrate. In the last three months alone, Equality Arizona, One Community, and our many partners, with the help of supporters like you, have secured non discrimination ordinances in Mesa, Scottsdale, and Glensdale. Not so long ago, we could not have imagined winning in conservative cities like these. But thanks to your work, and amazing advocates deeply rooted in these communities, we have secured victories that will positively impact queer and transgender Arizonans for generations to come.
Pride is a celebration, undoubtedly, but to matter, Pride must also remain a protest. Despite so many gains, Arizona still affords our people so much reason to protest. Rather than use their power to positively impact the lives of Arizonans as we struggle to adapt to unprecedented challenges, our legislature has used their platform to attack transgender children, queer Arizonans, and so many marginalized members of our family. So far, we have defeated the worst of these attacks, but we know we must stay vigilant. With you on our side, we will remain dedicated to this fight, and we will win.
This Pride Month, let us celebrate our wins, let us rejoice together in community, and let us rededicate ourselves to our cause, working together until each of us is free. Together, with the spirit of Pride on our side, there is nothing we cannot do. Thank you for building with all of us!
Happy Pride!
Welcome to the team, Allie!
We’re thrilled to announce that Allie Shinn (she/her/hers) is joining our team as the Managing Director! Allie is joining us with more than a decade of experience in progressive advocacy and policy and a deep passion for building organizations rooted in community. Most recently, Allie served as Executive Director of Freedom Oklahoma, where in less than three years she tripled the organization’s operating budget and dramatically expanded the programming, turning the organization in a more progressive direction. Prior to her role at Freedom Oklahoma, Allie spent several years with the ACLU of Oklahoma, where she worked primarily on LGBTQ equality and criminal justice reform. Allie holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science both from Oklahoma State University. When she’s not working, she volunteers her time to her community, working with Oklahoma City Pride Alliance and queer progressive candidates for office. She has served on numerous boards and councils in Oklahoma and nationwide. Allie lives with her partner, Laura, who runs a coffee roaster and an art collective. Allie’s experience growing progressive organizations in red states, her heart centered approach to everything she does, and her belief that strong organizations create impactful policy make her a tremendous asset to our team. Welcome, Allie!
Celebrate Pride with Us!
Phoenix Rising Pride Night
Phoenix Rising FC is proud to welcome ONE Community, Aunt Rita's, Equality Arizona, One-N-Ten, You Can Play, the Phoenix Gay Flag Football League, Southwest Center, and Phoenix Pride to its Pride Match on Saturday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m.
$5 of every $18 ticket sold will benefit these eight nonprofit organizations, so get your tickets by clicking "Ticket Information" below!
In addition, Rising's supporters would love for you to join them at their pregame party at Rawhide Steakhouse & Saloon, located less than a mile West of Rising at Wild Horse Pass Stadium (5700 West Loop Road, Chandler, Arizona 85226). Beginning at 4:30 p.m., the saloon will have food/drink specials and music prior to the supporter's March to the Match.
Purchase tickets by clicking this link.
We’re Here, We’re Beer, Get Used To It
What are you doing to celebrate Pride this weekend? We hope the answer is going to Four Peaks Brewing Co. to enjoy the delicious We're Here, We're Beer, Get Used To beer! This delicious hazy IPA is brewed for - and by - Arizona's LGBTQ+ community!
In celebration of the LGBTQ+ the name and recipe were created with input from groups serving LGBTQ+ people in AZ: ONE Community, Equality Arizona, one n ten, Phoenix Pride, Aunt Rita's Foundation, and Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS. Proceeds from sales of the beer will benefit each of these organizations.
We’re Here, We’re Beer, Get Used To It is available at the 8th Street pub in Tempe. A small number of crowlers will be sold exclusively at 8th Street. The first 144 people to purchase a draft pint will get a glass featuring the “We’re Here, We’re Beer, Get Used To It” logo and a QR code with information on all the groups that collaborated on the beer’s creation. Limited-edition Pride shirts will also be available for purchase.
City of Mesa Mayor Signs Pride Month Declaration
We are so proud to kick off #LGBTQPride Month with Mayor John Giles and the #MesaLovesEveryone team! Congratulations for putting your hearts on the line and working towards a Mesa that is truly welcoming and open for business to everyone!