We’re starting this week’s newsletter with a message from Cal Dobbs, a transgender ultramarathoner who will be joining us at our next Queer People Fit event on March 23! He's running across the country to draw attention to the work organizations like us are doing in states that have been particularly targeted by anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, and he’s raising funds along the way to support community advocacy!
Here's a message from Cal:
My name is Cal (he/they) and I am a queer transgender ultramarathoner and long-distance hiker. This spring I will start my transcontinental run across America from California to Florida to fight for inclusion of transgender people in sports and access to gender affirming healthcare. Learn more about the run on my website!
This year is the worst year for anti-transgender legislation in America with over 41 states introducing 400+ anti-trans bills. It's time to show up for the trans and queer people most affected by these proposed policies. Visit Equality Arizona's guide to learn more about all of the anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed in Arizona.
Equality Arizona is a non-profit organization dedicated to making sure LGBTQ+ people in Arizona have the opportunity, capacity, and confidence to make change as advocates, voters, and civic leaders. They are committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of trans people in Arizona. Please give generously to support their work.
Meet Cal and enjoy a springtime walk at Tempe Town Lake at our next Queer People Fit event on March 23.
Queer People Fit: Walking / Running
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm March 23, 2023 | register
Queer People Fit running events are hosted in partnership with FrontRunners & FrontWalkers Phoenix, a running and walking club for the LGBT+ community and allies. We'll gather together at Tempe Town Lake at 5:30 PM and break out in running and walking groups after a 10 to 15 minute introduction.
Civic Advocacy
Action Alert: SB 1005
On Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee will vote on SB 1005, a bill that would allow anti-LGBTQ+ parents to impose their beliefs on schools with the threat of costly lawsuits. By allowing parents to impose financial penalties on schools for any perceived violation of their parental rights, SB 1005 weaponizes our court system against schools, even when the courts decide there hasn't been a violation of parental rights. You can sign in on RTS to put your opinion on the public record, and you can show up on Wednesday to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Civic Advocacy Jam
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm March 18, 2023 | register
Join us on March 18 for another Civic Advocacy Jam! We’ll be approaching the final deadline for bills to get committee hearings, so the following week will be one of the busiest of the session. We’ll use our time in this meeting to strategize for committee meetings and to practice effective testimony. Can’t be there in person? Join through our Discord livestream instead!
Political Power
Today is Election Day in Phoenix! If you are a voter in city council district 6 or 8, don’t forget to cast your ballot in the runoffs. The city’s website has a guide to help you locate a voting center, and you can learn more about your rights as a voter on our voter guide.
Media & Events
Banned Book Club
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm March 20, 2023 | register
As book bans sweep the nation, one great way to push back is to read! Our banned book for the month of March is Detransition, Baby, by Torrey Peters, a novel about family, parenting, and trans community. Join us at Brick Road coffee on March 20 to discuss the book with our book club host Vanessa Marie!
Ask Smart People Smart Questions: Incarceration
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm March 22, 2023 | register
Join us on March 22 for our next installment of Ask Smart People Smart Questions. We’ll talk with a panel of people with real insight into Arizona’s criminal justice system about the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in our courts, jails, and prisons. The LGBTQ+ community is disproportionately incarcerated, and LGBTQ+ individuals face discipline and solitary confinement on the basis of their identities, often as a matter of policy.
