The mission of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence is to end sexual and domestic violence through dismantling oppression and promoting equity among all people. As outlined in our guiding principles, we do our work with a frame of intersectionality, recognizing that all oppression is interconnected. The LGBTQ+ movement, like all social justice movements, must be inclusive and equitable. This means one cannot fight for LGBTQ+ equity without fighting against racism, xenophobia, misogyny, and transphobia. Therefore, when LGBTQ+ organizations collaborate with institutions and corporations that perpetuate violence, racism, poverty, and injustice, we must call for change.
Phoenix Pride has been a valuable opportunity to uplift LGBTQ+ identities, celebrate important social and legislative change, and come together in community. However, when Phoenix Pride partners with entities that contribute to causing harm for LGBTQ+ communities of color, it diminishes feelings of safety and the ability for all members of the community to participate freely and authentically. Phoenix Pride continues to partner with corporations currently financing detention centers which harm people of color and immigrants, and who are supporting endeavors like the Dakota Access Pipeline, which violates the rights of Native people and damages the environment.
Furthermore, Pride has historically been a political event asserting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, which have been consistently violated by institutions such as law enforcement and corporations—the very entities Phoenix Pride partners with and promotes today, despite their perpetuation of racism, overcriminalization, and violence. We cannot remain silent and ignore the harm this lack of understanding causes to individuals and communities, especially communities of color. Phoenix Pride should be safe, affordable, and inclusive for everyone, including people of color, immigrants and undocumented people, and transgender individuals.
The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence supports the creation of a Pride focused on fighting oppression through uniting in power. For this reason, we stand with Trans Queer Pueblo in calling for a Pride for the people—all the people. Please join us in standing for justice and equity.
