LGBTQIA+ Resources in Arizona
In the state of Arizona, there have been many innovative and groundbreaking efforts to protect the safety and rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals, including the prohibition of conversion therapy for minors, and the ability for transgender individuals to correct their name and gender marker on identity documents. However, there is still a significant amount of work to be done regarding criminal justice, healthcare, and parental/adoption laws and policies which have not been addressed to meet the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ population in the state. Arizona’s equality profile can be accessed here, and the full resource guide put together by Arizona Coalition to End Sexual Violence's Rainbow Collective can be found here.
One groundbreaking project in Tucson, Arizona is the Thornhill Lopez Youth Center on 4th Avenue. This center houses youth programming and services. The central focus is the Eon Lounge, a Southern Arizona Aids Foundation (SAAF) space for LGBTQ & allied youth. Programs offered at the center include anti-violence resources, mental health counseling services, physical health, arts and culture, community outreach and education, as well as legal resources and other educational materials. More information about the center can be found here.
A few additional examples of the many LGBTQIA+ organizations in the state include the following:
- And Then Initiative – a community based non-profit organization based in Mohave County whose main goal is to support and promote activities directed at furthering the well-being, positive image, and human rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community, its allies, and low to moderate income residents. Their website can be accessed here.
- Equality Arizona – a non-profit organization working with every level of government to ensure and safeguard the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Arizona. More information can be found here.
- Trans Queer Pueblo – a primarily Phoenix based organization offering shelter for LGBTQIA+ migrants of color in the state of Arizona. Their Clinica Liberación offers free primary care and hormone treatment for over 250 LGBTQIA+ undocumented and migrant patients in and around Phoenix. Their website can be accessed here.
Some fun and exciting upcoming events in the state for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies who wish to get involved include the following:
- Phoenix Pride Festival – October 21st and 22nd, a two-day celebration designed to bring our diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities together for a weekend of camaraderie and celebration of our past, present and future, while raising funds for the Phoenix Pride Community Programs and educating the public about the existence and continuing civil rights battle facing our community. More information from their website can be found here.
- AIDSWALK Tucson – October 15th, a fundraiser for the care services, prevention programs, and LGBTQ initiatives of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation. Additional information from the Southern Arizona Aids Foundation website can be accessed here.
There are many ways to support and get involved in the LGBTQIA+ community in Arizona, whether you are an ally or a member of the community yourself. A comprehensive guide of events and resources throughout Northern Arizona, Phoenix, Tucson, and Southern Arizona can be found on the Pride Guide Arizona website here. While there is still a significant amount of work to be done to make our state an inviting and safe space for Arizonans identifying as LGBTQIA+, the Arizona community has made significant strides in changing the landscape of LGBTQIA+ rights to secure equity and protections for these groups.