Why advocacy
Every right LGBTQ+ Arizonans hold today — from marriage to nondiscrimination protections in 11 cities — exists because someone advocated for it. Policy is where equality stops being a value and becomes the law. That’s why advocacy is the first pillar of our mission: the laws that govern our lives are written by people, and people respond to the communities they serve.
Our advocacy reflects who we are. We work with lawmakers of every party. We pair our case for equality with genuine respect for the freedoms of people who live and believe differently — because we believe equal treatment under the law and pluralism strengthen each other. And we ground every position we take in research about what works and where Arizonans actually stand.
Local
Equality often advances city by city before it reaches the statehouse.
We work with city councils, school boards, and local leaders on nondiscrimination ordinances and inclusive policy — the strategy that has already secured local protections covering more than half of Arizona’s population. Our Equality Advocates organize in their own communities, because the most persuasive voice at a council meeting is a neighbor’s.
State
The Arizona Legislature is where the biggest fights over LGBTQ+ rights in our state happen — both the bills that would advance equality and the bills that would roll it back.
Each session, we track every bill affecting LGBTQ+ Arizonans, testify in committee, work with legislators in both parties, and mobilize constituent voices at the moments that decide outcomes.
Federal
Arizona’s voice matters in Washington.
We helped demonstrate that when we co-led the coalition supporting Arizona’s senior U.S. Senator in passing the Respect for Marriage Act — the first federal LGBTQ+ civil rights statute. We continue to advocate with our congressional delegation for federal protections, and we bring Arizona’s brand of bipartisan, pluralism-forward advocacy to the national conversation.
Our Policy Agenda
We advance policy that treats every Arizonan equally under the law — and we defend against policy that singles LGBTQ+ people out. Our full agenda, in plain language:
Pro-Active Policy Priorities
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Non-Discrimination
Hate Crimes
Conversion Therapy Ban for Minors
Identity Records for Transgender Arizonans
Access to Healthcare
Defensive Policy Priorities
Anti-Transgender Bills
Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills
Bills that seek to limit the rights and personal choices of individuals and families
Anti-Democracy Bills
bill watch list