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.
LOOKOUT's community newsletter on culture, events, and happenings!
Happy Friday, LOOKOUT readers-
I've been in Toronto for Pride week since Monday, and I have to say it's nice to be back in a city where the entire metro area celebrates with us; we're not simply relegated to a day, a fenced off park, or a walk down a non-major side street.
It's these kinds of travels to cities where I recognize how far behind Arizonans are with celebrating its various populations, and how much work we at LOOKOUT have to do in changing hearts and minds about who makes up our community.
Yes, I know what many of you will say (and have said to me): Arizona is not New York or California, and we will never be when it comes to open acceptance and celebration of LGBTQ+ people.
But that's why we created LOOKOUT. We wanted to make an organization that believed Arizona could become that. For 17 months, we have worked to make this state a place that doesn't just welcome us, but celebrates us. We want leaders of the cities where we exist to want to show off their support, not hide us or simply allow us to exist.
Unfortunately, we have a long way to go before that happens. But we don't have to wait until then to celebrate each other! What did you do this Pride month that you found joyful? Or where did you go where you felt celebrated? Respond back to this email and let me know.
-Joseph Darius Jaafari
Have a community event coming up you want LOOKOUT to highlight? Email us.
Same thing as our "Out of the Closet" game, just with a new name! Play "The Weekly Kiki" every week 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 May 30. Rules: 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 by replying to this email.
_A_ _ _
"JIM"
_ _LB_
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.
LOOKOUT Publications is a federally recognized nonprofit news outlet. EIN Number:92-3129757
