Sharon Benson is named in a lawsuit for allegedly defaming a teacher she is set to have power over.
A last-minute appearance by Dr. Jill Biden at this year’s Flagstaff Pride left community members to lash out against their local Pride organization.
The considerable shift to the right locally showed many that the work to attain civil rights is far from over.
A change at the legislature is needed, both parties say.
Every week, we highlight the lives of our readers by showing off what queer joy looks like to them. Show off your life by replying back to this email with a photo, or tagging us on Instagram @lookoutphx.
YOUTH DAY: For the past 20 years, Democrats (and some Republicans) have tried to pass a statewide nondiscrimination bill that would protect LGBTQ+ people from being denied housing, employment, or access to private businesses.
That has changed recently, though, as some Republican support has turned to no Republican support.
So what's it going to take? Lawmakers in both parties agree that the only way queer people will have equal protection under the law is if Democrats have full control of the House and Senate. Read our full story here.
WHAT WE’RE KEEPING AN EYE ON: Earlier this year, we highlighted legislation introduced by Democrats in the House and Senate that aimed to pass a statewide nondiscrimination bill.
One of those bills, sponsored by the LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus, was created in partnership with the ACLU of Arizona, HRC of Arizona, and had the support of other LGBTQ+ groups locally such as GLSEN Arizona and AZTYPO.
The other bill, introduced by Rep. Amish Shah (D.-Phoenix), had far less support from the community, but was seen as a moderate approach to the more popular bill because it allowed for religious exemptions.
In an interview with LOOKOUT this past Feb., Michael Soto, the executive director of Equality Arizona and chief advocacy officer with One Community—the organization that helped draft the bill—said that he didn't believe there was such a thing as "perfect" legislation, and that the goal of advocacy was to make meaningful steps forward, even if they were small.
But there hasn't been progress, and some criticize Democratic lawmakers as being hypocritical for even pushing legislation—they note that progressives criticize Republicans for introducing bills they know will end up in a veto, but at the same time push legislation they know Republicans won't pass.
At the end of the day, this is how politics is played in a state with slim majorities and where bills are used to push discussions among the public.
But we're curious how these kinds of battles affect you: do you care that these bills are introduced but not passed? Do you agree that the only way things will change would be through a party shift in the legislature? Or what do you think needs to happen for members of both parties to come to an agreement on LGBTQ+ rights? Reply back to this email and let us know!
Have a community event coming up you want LOOKOUT to highlight? Email us.
Without the LGBTQ+ community, there’s less meaning. Guess the word below with only the support of the letters L, G, B, T, Q, I, A and submit your answer to be entered into our monthly drawing for exclusive LOOKOUT swag. The more times you play, the more chances you get to win! The next drawing will be April 30.
T_A_ _ _
"AFRICA"
_ _ _ _A_
Hint: The first transgender model to be on the box of Clairol's "Born Beautiful" hair dye No. 512 in the 1970s. She was later outed and fired.
Last Week's Answer: CASA NUESTRA
The Arizona Corporation Commission race could affect the LGBTQ+ community in ways you may not have thought about.
Interviews with 24 people show consistent concerns about Phoenix Pride.
If a small rural city can find common ground, maybe we all can.
A private web meeting last week showed how a far-right religious organization is trying to teach families to challenge schools, causing a chilling a chilling effect.
If you like independent and accountability-driven queer news, then you'll love LOOKOUT's weekly newsletter.
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