Greetings GLSENeer,
In the 54 years of commemorating the First Pride (aka The Stonewall Riots), we’ve come a long way as queer people in America. For the most part, we’re no longer illegal, our relationships are legally recognized, and most Americans can say they know and love an LGBTQ person. Progress not perfection!
This week we celebrate Pride Month with a few fun facts, and offer a up round of local and national news!
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
HAPPY PRIDE MONTH ARIZONA!
We often hear “The first Pride was a riot!” meaning it wasn’t a kiki with all your besties, it was a 3-day riot against police brutality and corruption. NYPD had been paid off many times to allow the Stonewall Inn to continue operating even under a state law that outlawed serving alcohol to gay patrons, but in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, even corruption couldn’t keep the raids at bay.
The subsequent Pride marches had a similar pushback to authority. No trash cans were set on fire, but event organizers did not ask for permits to march in the streets for liberation, they just marched. Still to this day, the Dyke March in New York City does not ask for permission to march - they just take to the streets the Saturday of Pride weekend. Participants don’t ask for acceptance, but solidarity with queer women and femme presenting folks is their mantra and collect marchers as they make their way through lower Manhattan.
In the 54 years of commemorating the First Pride (aka The Stonewall Riots), we’ve come a long way as queer people in America. For the most part, we’re no longer illegal, our relationships are legally recognized, and most Americans can say they know and love an LGBTQ person. Progress not perfection.
Clearly, we still have a long way to go in addressing employment and public accommodation protections, disparities in health outcomes, and stopping the continued violence against our trans siblings. With the political power queer people and our allies continue to build, we are able to advocate for safety, equality and inclusion in American life through voting rights, education, health care, and community building.
As queer Arizonans, we have often been our own champions when we lacked elected officials who would advocate for us. Luckily, we have a champion in Gov. Katie Hobbs and we’ll be kicking off Pride Month with her on Monday, June 3, with the unveiling of the Pride flags in front of the Executive Tower at 1:30pm followed by an LGBTQ round table discussion at 2pm inside the Executive Tower.
Fun Fact: Pride flags have been circulating around the one n ten satellite sites around the state allowing youth and their allies to sign the flags that will adorn the Executive Tower during Pride Month!
\WHAT CAN YOU DO?
The House is voting on HCR 2060 on Jun 4, 2024. Contact both of your Representatives today and ask them to oppose HCR 2060.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Since the Legislature is biding their time by meeting once a week, we’re working to raise awareness about voter registration and upcoming voter education opportunities . Stay tuned and watch for more engagement information in the coming weeks!
LOCAL EVENTS
Check out Lookout for upcoming events for Pride!
If you have any questions or would like to share your story, please contact me at kelley.dupps@glsenarizona.org and 623-715-6005 (text or Signal).
BILL TRACKER
Our 2024 Arizona Legislative Session Bill Tracker which kept up to date by our advocacy partner working group.
REGISTER TO VOTE
YOUR VOTE IS ESSENTIAL!
Voting is the most crucial way by which you are able to participate in our democracy!
IMPORTANT DATES:
Register to vote. Deadline for the 2024 Primary Election is Jul 1, 2024
IN THE NEWS
These 3 LGBTQ+ sports leagues are taking off in Arizona . Read More.
Zaya Wade, Dwayne Wade launch Translatable for parents of trans youth of color. Read More.
Meet the Gen Z candidate taking on one of Arizona’s most MAGA Republicans . Read More.
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