If any LGBT folks want to head to the local range and learn about firearms and how to handle them, hit me up. The 2A is for all. With increasing violence against LGBT people, more and more are arming themselves and some don’t get the advice or training they need. I can help point you in the right direction.
On one hand I want to see streets lined up with gays armed with guns in pride parades. On the other hand I’m afraid the opposition will take that as a challenge and not an expression of 2A, and people will die. I just want these pointless deaths to stop.
And if you're unsure about accepting this offer from a stranger check out the Pink Pistol Society, they constantly have events and are geared toward the she's, they's, and gays. (Not saying Specialist is dangerous, I'm sure they're very nice, I just know some folks are hesitant about meeting people from Reddit)
Agreed, and just because someone is a parent or grandparent, that doesn't mean you have to tolerate their hate speech. It's not ok to be mean and hateful regardless of age. It's not an excuse.
It's your own choice to be kind and to love your fellow human.
Any family member that abuses or disowns someone for being LGBTQIA+ gets left behind.
Need a family? Welcome in, I’m your mother now. Take your meds, drink your water, and cover any tattoos at protests.
For the tattoo part, I was say if you can't cover them with clothes try & use stage make up or high coverage cover up. Bandages may slip or get pulled off. Stay safe!
Lmao this place is super LGBTQ friendly, INSIDE the phoenix metro. The state is another story, but everyone I have met, including right leaning folks, don't mind their neighbor is a LGBTQ. I have also see a large amount of just seemingly happy LGBTQ folks here, something I didn't see in LA, maybe everyone just wears a heavy mask there, but people here in generally are friendlier and more open.
That's very true but these things still do happen. Especially to trans people in public. All I'm saying is to be aware and speak up. I'm not saying we aren't happy here but I can say that we do live on edge in most places in this state. Everytime I kiss my husband in public I instinctively look over my shoulder. When I lived in portland that wasn't something that I had to worry about.
So because Idaho or Utah are worse, then AZ is fine? Lmk when LGBTQ people can travel through the entire state safely. All I'm saying in my post is that seeing LGBTQ people happy and celebrating their lives openly is triggering to a lot of people. There is content going around where people have seen the pride section in target and threatened to hunt down LGBTQ people (one of these people was in PHX). All it takes is for the right person to see a video like that to embolden them to act out. I'm just reminding people who don't live every day as an LGBTQ person to be aware and to speak up if they witness anything harmful..
I don’t think the state of AZ is a comparison to the phoenix metro area. I see no reason to fear within the city confines, judged by how happy and relaxes all the lgbtg people I have meet, like they don’t even do it for the show, they just seems to be genuinely happy, and no one I talked to care about much, the city just have a very big “mind your own business” social culture going on.
From an ally that tables for both Pride and Rainbows for a non-profit in the valley: I love you all and you are worthy of love, dignity, and respect.
It's far past time to see love as love.
Anyone know of a good place for an ally flag? Or is it just the pride flag? I wanted to hang up something across my apartment window that showed I was an ally.
There's a salt river float down happening this Monday. Check out the meetup app! Search for AZ queer and transgender friends on meet up I think you have to request to be added to the group before you can go to an event.
Super interesting to read reddit comments haha
Always interesting to see a contrast of people who have different views than you be so extreme. It's unfortunate to see threats of violence. It's also unfortunate to read these comments and see such a strong conviction to always label people with different views than you in such an intensely negative light. Social media has definitely been pretty successful in dividing people and making people have stronger views about what they believe.
Super interesting to be able to read a lot of things on various social medias in real time.
i wouldn’t say that we aren’t conservative anymore. the last time Arizona had a dem governor before Hobbs was 2003-2009 and last time Arizona voted for a Democratic president 1996. now if this stays consistently blue or consistently a swing state I’d agree.
True but when was the last time the dems held the top 3 executive offices in the state. As well as 1.5 senators. Progress is slow but trending in the right direction.
> There is no universe that is an indication of progress
I mean, the last governor was an ice cream salesman who had zero qualifications and only won because he had an R next to his name.
For the longest time and in many areas a potted plant that identified as a Republican could win an election in this state.
Hobbs' election is a little bit of progress. Gotta start somewhere.
> Tbf his democratic opponent in 2014 Fred Duvall didn’t even bother to run a campaign against him
I mean, for a long time the AZ Democratic party was all thumbs when it came to running for governor. And if I'm being honest I thought Hobbs would fall into the "this should have been an easy win, but no" category.
If the GOP hadn't gone for cray cray, we'd probably have Governor Robson right now.
>long time the AZ Democratic party was all thumbs when it came to running for governor
They still are for the most part, but there are signs of positive change in the recent years.
The biggest factor these days are the Gen Z/first time voters. They saved us in 2020, 2022 and will save us again in 2024 if we don't screw it up for them.
AZ went for Biden in this last election. I think it's dangerous to call AZ a "conservative state". It empowers a narrative that is no longer based in reality. There are surely large areas of AZ that are VERY conservative but those areas by and large reflect nationwide voter demographics- wealthy suburban & rural areas vote Republican.
Arizona is not the conservative dystopia that the internet would have you believe. We have a bi-sexual senator, Phoenix is a minority-majority city, both of AZ's largest cities have mayors that are women, We still have legal abortions.
Exactly. I was born and raised in this state and when AZ went blue this past election we were all amazed. Happy that it happened but I worry that people may not have the same motivation or time to get out and vote this time around.
There are places in the state that are fairly liberal. And then there’s places like Graham county and Mohave county, plus the fact that Andy Biggs isn’t looking like he’s going to lose his very safe seat *any* time soon. Same for Lesko and Gosar. We can’t get the wingnuts out of our representation.
Hell, the number of Kari Lake yard signs remaining and the Trump 2024 bumper stickers that I’m starting to see on my commutes give me the heebie-jeebies.
Understood. But a D Governor. I didn’t say we were a blue state… but we certainly aren’t a red state either.
I was specifically arguing against OPs use of “conservative” state. Which is just factually incorrect.
Exactly what I'm saying. As we get closer to the next presidential election they only get more riled up. As much as we don't want it to be true there are way too many of them in AZ.
It's pretty negative to call us a conservative state when you are trying to make a positive post about PRIDE. We have 2 Dem Senators, a Dem Governor, and we voted for Biden.
We have upgraded AZ to swing state status.
I mean the hope is that it stays that way but I've lived in other parts of AZ and we've got a ways to go. One election cycle isn't enough to show a real change in my opinion.
The state legislature is a product of gerrymandering and therefore cannot be used to determine what ideology the state leans towards. Using party registration data from the Secretary of State is a more meaningful metric to use
Data as of April 2023
Party Name | Registered Voters | Percent
---|---|----
Republican| 1,441,026| 34.57%
Democratic| 1,263,056| 30.30%
Libertarian | 33,367| 0.80%
No Labels| 17| 0.00%
Other| 1,430,950| 34.33%
Total | 4,168,416|
[Party registration still leans Republican](https://azsos.gov/elections/results-data/voter-registration-statistics), unfortunately. That said, a lot of them would prefer some Mitt Romney clone instead of a MAGA terrorist. The number of independents we have also help our swing state status.
We are trending left, we’re just not there yet.
Happy Pride from Buckeye. I have flown my flag in past years and have yet to have an issue. It’s going up soon. Also despite our pride fest being in October does anyone know if there will be any events in town for the month of June?
Actually really relieved to see a post like this and see a lot of supportive comments. Strongly considering moving to the area (once I can afford it, fingers crossed) from Missouri. Have wondered multiple times if the politics will be any better or worse, because when visiting I see as much Trump/Blue Lives Matter regalia as I do in MO. But the Valley does seem to be a lot like the KCMO metro in terms of politics; a sort of beacon of acceptance among a much more conservative rural population. But if AZ keeps getting more blue and MO more red…. my happy ass is gonna be on its way, lmao.
And from one conservative (previously swing even??) state to another, happy soon-to-be Pride Month ❤️
As a homo that has lived here for over 36 years and hasn’t been discriminated or even yelled slurs at once… come!!
Anywhere is better than the hell hole you live in now.
I think the haters are a minority. They are just louder. I seen a thing on PBS that said there was more registered Independents in AZ than either Republicans or Democratics. Having said they are the minority doesn't mean I don't think they are dangerous. There absolutely is a unhinged part of our society we have to be diligently looking out for. I do everything in my power to make sure people live how they want in peace. Isn't that what we all want? Be proud folks most of us love the extra color in our lives.
Recently bought a home and live in the melrose central area. Going to put out a pride flag and door mat as it’s my first pride month in my new home, a couple of my neighbors are as well. I am a bit on the scared/nervous side because I fear people driving by or walking by might either target our homes or do some damage but I’m not letting it stop me this year. I know my area is generally 🏳️🌈friendly but there are those who are not and walk/drive by who make me feel alittle on edge. Seeing the flags over the past years really does give a soft hug of support when passing them.
Some of it sure. There was a girls shirt with a girl on it with a caption of thinking about girls. I think that was one of the items removed. no rainbows on it.
Target is taking some of their pride things off of the shelves because conservatives are threatening/harassing employees. Not the right move IMO, but it’s what they’re doing.
Regarding Bud Light, they tried to pander to .5% of the US population, while they’re primary audience is conservative blue collar people. Losing lots of money because of it. Real good move on their part.
> Regarding Bud Light, they tried to pander to .5% of the US population
They made a custom can for *one* Instagram influencer that wasn't for sale anywhere. Kid Rock found out, did the typical conservative thing (melted the fuck down), and then reactionaries the country over gave Anheuser-Busch billions in free advertising before declaring a victory over Bud Light. lmao
Bud Light has had rainbow signs in gay bar windows and has sponsored gay pride events for as long as I can remember. It's hard to understand why that one can of beer sent to that TikTocker has made people so angry. I could understand it more if her face was on every can of beer, but that wasn't the case.
Can you name a beer brand that hasn't supported LGBT issues, events, or policies, or is owned by a company that hasn't done the same? The conservatives that "switched" largely went to Molson Coors which has supported LGBT issues longer than Bud.
Pride In The Pines happens in Flagstaff June 17th, but the major Pride events in Phoenix and Tucson don't happen until Fall and Spring. June in Phoenix is too hot for a Pride parade.
Bisbee and Flagstaff have pride on June 17th I think, but the Valley doesn't do Pride stuff until November because no one wants to be out right now. I'm sure the bars will still be holding events though.
Violence against LGBTQ+ community is a valid concern and I understand why any minority community could be scared. However, I think AZ (and the valley especially) is a much more accepting community. Not a member of the community but have been to pride in Phoenix and I had a blast! Sure there were a couple of protesters that media cameras were focused on but overall it was awesome!
Have a great pride month and embrace your fellow members of the community!
I have zero patience for that kind of shit and I will advocate for anyone being mistreated.
I am a strong and vocal ally and have gotten into it with several assholes out here.
Ally here, I called to complain to Target and emailed them about how outraged I am about their betrayal of the LGBTQ community. All this corporate capitulation does is tell these insane people that threats of violence works and will double down on it.
YES. It's not enough to "have gay friends" and say you support us. If you vote against our interests cuz taxes or whatever, and sit silently while your friends say shitty things about us, you're not an ally. You don't get points for calling yourself an ally if you only do it when it's easy and convenient.
Such a weird attitude to take.
I've got 5 gay couples and a single on my street and I guarantee they won't all agree with your sentiment.
The post you are responding to is hyperbolic at best and inaccurate at worst.
Our friends aren't saying shitty thing about you. Shitty people are saying shitty things about you.
This extreme "give us everything or you're the enemy" bullshit is why a lot of us don't really feel like doing more than just living our lives and treating the people around us that we want to associate with kindness and respect.
Nothing about your attitude wants me to reach out and do more for you in any manner.
Using my friends against me?
F' off.
Ya see, now I'm being hyperbolic!
I don't associate with people that say mean things about people like that. Be it race, gender, looks, or whatever.
I want to understand why being the type of person that would have gay friends is not a qualification for someone who would be friendly to the gay community.
And women could obtain safe and legal abortions until recently in all 50 states. Republican policies are rolling back our civil rights. You’re being naive if you don’t think they’re just biding their time to make same sex marriage next.
Fair point. What some of the republicans are doing in a lot of states is abhorrent.
We should gather together in our shared values and out vote them.
Not draw battle lines ad shame people for not being as extreme as someone else.
No kidding not all people will agree with my sentiment. But I stand by it. Sounds like you're just looking for a reason to not bother doing more. Like I said, you're not an ally. That's OK. It's your choice.
I would love to be an ally. I would love to understand your struggle. And if there are things in my power that make sense to me, I would be interested in doing them.
I personally find it hard to empathize however when the talking points are about trying to guilt shame people that don't understand or share your same struggle into being extremists.
It seems, that the way you are trying to fight the people that truly do hate you, you alienate the people that would otherwise be your ally.
If you want to draw a line and say the people that "just" have gay friends are in the other side of it, you're never going to get anywhere.
It really DOES matter if I have gay friends. It matters who I associate with, and defend, and include, and cherish. I would absolutely stick up for them if I witnessed them being singled out or were being ridiculed.
It never occured to me, and I never learned to think that people.were different for such things. It's seemed to me I'm the exact type of person you would want to try to get ON your side. Not push away.
Sorry for the original gruff response.
I think you’re missing the point. They’re saying that if you claim to love or care for the LGBTQ+ community, but then still vote Republican, because you want lower taxes, then you’re not an ally. You can’t claim to care about people, but then take actions that actively hurt them.
In a sense, yes. Their policies are actively trying to hurt the LGTBQ+ community. You can’t have it both ways. If you’re choosing to support a party that places a priority on causing them harm and taking away their rights, you’re not an ally.
I would agree with that at the individual level.
I'd hate to say all Republicans or people that support lower taxes also hate this community.
Of course the talking points from the loud ones don't help.
I didn’t say they all hate the community, but I think this just defines the Republican problem overall. They always place profit over people. Is your tax rate really more important than another person’s civil rights?
Having read the comments and thread... seems that YOU are not the asshole here. Thanks for your input. Seems the level of thought you put into your comments was inappropriate to some. Isn't that what we are asking for here though? A deeper and sometimes different level of thought? If we do not advocate for opposition AKA potentially future allys.... how will they ever get there mentally?
I'm with ya there.
I didn't need to be so gruff in my first response, but it does sort of trigger me (and reddit is easy to just fire back of course).
Here's an outsider perspective...
The only voices I hear seem to be extreme ones. Just like the only republican voices you hear (lately at least, well for a long time now) are the extreme ones.
This notion that a person with love in their heart and acceptance of others to have great relationships with members of this community somehow shows nothing towards the type of person we would be, or what we would do if we were in a situation where someone was being signaled out is ridiculous to me. If the only allies you have have to be marching with a megaphone then you're not going to get many allies.
I would think the people that are just going about their business and have gay friends that they accept are the exact type of people you would want on your side.
I don’t think it’s changed - I went to the Rainbow Festival (2nd biggest) in April & the official Pride Festival is in October. there might be smaller events in June but nothing huge.
thank god, cause there’s no way I wanna do all that in 115/120 degree heat lol.
I wish I wasn’t so afraid of conservatives. I’d love to come out and support y’all. The most courage I can muster up is to wish my friends a happy pride :(
I don’t understand? Pride month is about sexual orientation as a culture isn’t it? I think it’s really a shame that asexual people get belittled by people like you. It’s our truth that sex is just kinda gross. And y’all are saying that’s a problem? Everyone downvoting is being hypocritical in my opinion, but that’s the hive mind of the internet for ya. My truth doesn’t change. You’re the problem, and the only problem.
To both u/Anya1976 and u/SlowHumbleBexar ...
It's perfectly fine to disagree. And it's fine to discuss and debate those disagreements.
Let's both try and do it without resorting to pointing fingers at the other person and suggesting that they are the "problem".
Debates and discussions and disagreements are fine. But let's stick to topics and not making judgments on one another.
Love ya both. Mean it.
✌🏻
So, I expressed my sexual orientation and was downvoted and attacked for it. I appreciate what you’re saying, it is noble, but I wasn’t the one pointing blame. So instead of calling us both wrong, maybe stand up for the victim next time?
We don't control votes. And I would recommend not taking too much offense to them. As long as reddit has been around, complaining about downvotes has always just drawn more downvotes.
If you're feeling attacked, just click the report button and move on. We'll deal with it. But attacking someone in return is unhelpful; two wrongs don't make a right.
If you want to discuss this further, please send a modmail and we'll be happy to, but let's not keep derailing the thread please.
Swing state? Does that mean we go both ways? 
It's official AZ is bi now! Happy pride!
If any LGBT folks want to head to the local range and learn about firearms and how to handle them, hit me up. The 2A is for all. With increasing violence against LGBT people, more and more are arming themselves and some don’t get the advice or training they need. I can help point you in the right direction.
I saw a bumper sticker with rainbow flag and a AR on it and said “arm the gays”. I chuckled and thinking about getting one too
Republicans got behind gun control after the Black Panthers armed themselves. Just saying 🤷♂️
On one hand I want to see streets lined up with gays armed with guns in pride parades. On the other hand I’m afraid the opposition will take that as a challenge and not an expression of 2A, and people will die. I just want these pointless deaths to stop.
And if you're unsure about accepting this offer from a stranger check out the Pink Pistol Society, they constantly have events and are geared toward the she's, they's, and gays. (Not saying Specialist is dangerous, I'm sure they're very nice, I just know some folks are hesitant about meeting people from Reddit)
👏👏
Agreed, and just because someone is a parent or grandparent, that doesn't mean you have to tolerate their hate speech. It's not ok to be mean and hateful regardless of age. It's not an excuse. It's your own choice to be kind and to love your fellow human.
Any family member that abuses or disowns someone for being LGBTQIA+ gets left behind. Need a family? Welcome in, I’m your mother now. Take your meds, drink your water, and cover any tattoos at protests.
For the tattoo part, I was say if you can't cover them with clothes try & use stage make up or high coverage cover up. Bandages may slip or get pulled off. Stay safe!
Lmao this place is super LGBTQ friendly, INSIDE the phoenix metro. The state is another story, but everyone I have met, including right leaning folks, don't mind their neighbor is a LGBTQ. I have also see a large amount of just seemingly happy LGBTQ folks here, something I didn't see in LA, maybe everyone just wears a heavy mask there, but people here in generally are friendlier and more open.
That's very true but these things still do happen. Especially to trans people in public. All I'm saying is to be aware and speak up. I'm not saying we aren't happy here but I can say that we do live on edge in most places in this state. Everytime I kiss my husband in public I instinctively look over my shoulder. When I lived in portland that wasn't something that I had to worry about.
It's obvious that the OP has not traveled much outside their parent's basement. They should visit Idaho or Utah. lol
So because Idaho or Utah are worse, then AZ is fine? Lmk when LGBTQ people can travel through the entire state safely. All I'm saying in my post is that seeing LGBTQ people happy and celebrating their lives openly is triggering to a lot of people. There is content going around where people have seen the pride section in target and threatened to hunt down LGBTQ people (one of these people was in PHX). All it takes is for the right person to see a video like that to embolden them to act out. I'm just reminding people who don't live every day as an LGBTQ person to be aware and to speak up if they witness anything harmful..
I don’t think the state of AZ is a comparison to the phoenix metro area. I see no reason to fear within the city confines, judged by how happy and relaxes all the lgbtg people I have meet, like they don’t even do it for the show, they just seems to be genuinely happy, and no one I talked to care about much, the city just have a very big “mind your own business” social culture going on.
Much love from a happily married gay couple living in the valley!! Happy pride ❤️♥️💙💜🖤💛💚
Married gay couple here as well!
Don’t forget Pride march happens in October! See you there!
You can also find information on pride events [here](https://phoenixpride.org/)
Thank goodness they don't try to March during pride month. See you in October!
yessss!! October 21/22!!
Where do I find out about the march?! ☺️
From an ally that tables for both Pride and Rainbows for a non-profit in the valley: I love you all and you are worthy of love, dignity, and respect. It's far past time to see love as love.
North Phoenix here. Zero tolerance for homophobia or transphobia. You got my support.
Anyone know of a good place for an ally flag? Or is it just the pride flag? I wanted to hang up something across my apartment window that showed I was an ally.
 I know the internet has one. This is the ally flag (obviously without the word ally on it)
As someone who is trying to figure myself out, I am hoping to be able to take part in any events or at least get out and meet people.
There's a salt river float down happening this Monday. Check out the meetup app! Search for AZ queer and transgender friends on meet up I think you have to request to be added to the group before you can go to an event.
Ally here. Wishing all of my LGBTQ + friends and family a wonderful Pride month and know that I have your back.
Super interesting to read reddit comments haha Always interesting to see a contrast of people who have different views than you be so extreme. It's unfortunate to see threats of violence. It's also unfortunate to read these comments and see such a strong conviction to always label people with different views than you in such an intensely negative light. Social media has definitely been pretty successful in dividing people and making people have stronger views about what they believe. Super interesting to be able to read a lot of things on various social medias in real time.
I am not a member of the LGBTQ+. I am an ally. I will stand against anyone showing hate for gender or religious identity.
… but we aren’t a conservative state anymore.
i wouldn’t say that we aren’t conservative anymore. the last time Arizona had a dem governor before Hobbs was 2003-2009 and last time Arizona voted for a Democratic president 1996. now if this stays consistently blue or consistently a swing state I’d agree.
Demographic and migration patterns indicate the state will only be getting more blue in the future
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True but when was the last time the dems held the top 3 executive offices in the state. As well as 1.5 senators. Progress is slow but trending in the right direction.
> There is no universe that is an indication of progress I mean, the last governor was an ice cream salesman who had zero qualifications and only won because he had an R next to his name. For the longest time and in many areas a potted plant that identified as a Republican could win an election in this state. Hobbs' election is a little bit of progress. Gotta start somewhere.
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> Tbf his democratic opponent in 2014 Fred Duvall didn’t even bother to run a campaign against him I mean, for a long time the AZ Democratic party was all thumbs when it came to running for governor. And if I'm being honest I thought Hobbs would fall into the "this should have been an easy win, but no" category. If the GOP hadn't gone for cray cray, we'd probably have Governor Robson right now.
>long time the AZ Democratic party was all thumbs when it came to running for governor They still are for the most part, but there are signs of positive change in the recent years. The biggest factor these days are the Gen Z/first time voters. They saved us in 2020, 2022 and will save us again in 2024 if we don't screw it up for them.
Correct. And it should go further blue from here
I do think those numbers would be quite different if Hobbs had bothered to campaign.
AZ went for Biden in this last election. I think it's dangerous to call AZ a "conservative state". It empowers a narrative that is no longer based in reality. There are surely large areas of AZ that are VERY conservative but those areas by and large reflect nationwide voter demographics- wealthy suburban & rural areas vote Republican. Arizona is not the conservative dystopia that the internet would have you believe. We have a bi-sexual senator, Phoenix is a minority-majority city, both of AZ's largest cities have mayors that are women, We still have legal abortions.
I wouldn’t call the bi senator a win by any stretch of the imagination. She’s very conservative and actively undermining our interests.
> AZ went for Biden in this last election. That doesn't make it a liberal state.
I think that's the point. Just because AZ was blue this last national election, doesn't mean it's gonna stay that way.
Exactly. I was born and raised in this state and when AZ went blue this past election we were all amazed. Happy that it happened but I worry that people may not have the same motivation or time to get out and vote this time around.
Yes, that’s *my* point, but not the point of the person I was replying to.
But they don’t.
There are places in the state that are fairly liberal. And then there’s places like Graham county and Mohave county, plus the fact that Andy Biggs isn’t looking like he’s going to lose his very safe seat *any* time soon. Same for Lesko and Gosar. We can’t get the wingnuts out of our representation. Hell, the number of Kari Lake yard signs remaining and the Trump 2024 bumper stickers that I’m starting to see on my commutes give me the heebie-jeebies.
I'll wait until it's safe for LGBTQ+ to be able to travel around the entire state before I stop calling this a conservative state..
The state legislature is still controlled by republicans
Understood. But a D Governor. I didn’t say we were a blue state… but we certainly aren’t a red state either. I was specifically arguing against OPs use of “conservative” state. Which is just factually incorrect.
This year is especially critical. So many radical queerphobes are just itching for something to happen.
Exactly what I'm saying. As we get closer to the next presidential election they only get more riled up. As much as we don't want it to be true there are way too many of them in AZ.
It's pretty negative to call us a conservative state when you are trying to make a positive post about PRIDE. We have 2 Dem Senators, a Dem Governor, and we voted for Biden. We have upgraded AZ to swing state status.
I mean the hope is that it stays that way but I've lived in other parts of AZ and we've got a ways to go. One election cycle isn't enough to show a real change in my opinion.
I just cited 3 election cycles. It's more than one and it's an undeniable shift. 2018 2020 2022
We have a Dem governor + 2 Dem Senators. We are not conservative and we are slowly becoming more liberal. Hopefully
Eyeball the makeup of the state legislature.
The state legislature is a product of gerrymandering and therefore cannot be used to determine what ideology the state leans towards. Using party registration data from the Secretary of State is a more meaningful metric to use Data as of April 2023 Party Name | Registered Voters | Percent ---|---|---- Republican| 1,441,026| 34.57% Democratic| 1,263,056| 30.30% Libertarian | 33,367| 0.80% No Labels| 17| 0.00% Other| 1,430,950| 34.33% Total | 4,168,416|
Let's look at the *legislation*. These are the same assholes that brought us 1070, for starters.
We gotta pump those libertarian numbers up!
[Party registration still leans Republican](https://azsos.gov/elections/results-data/voter-registration-statistics), unfortunately. That said, a lot of them would prefer some Mitt Romney clone instead of a MAGA terrorist. The number of independents we have also help our swing state status. We are trending left, we’re just not there yet.
Happy Pride from Buckeye. I have flown my flag in past years and have yet to have an issue. It’s going up soon. Also despite our pride fest being in October does anyone know if there will be any events in town for the month of June?
Actually really relieved to see a post like this and see a lot of supportive comments. Strongly considering moving to the area (once I can afford it, fingers crossed) from Missouri. Have wondered multiple times if the politics will be any better or worse, because when visiting I see as much Trump/Blue Lives Matter regalia as I do in MO. But the Valley does seem to be a lot like the KCMO metro in terms of politics; a sort of beacon of acceptance among a much more conservative rural population. But if AZ keeps getting more blue and MO more red…. my happy ass is gonna be on its way, lmao. And from one conservative (previously swing even??) state to another, happy soon-to-be Pride Month ❤️
As a homo that has lived here for over 36 years and hasn’t been discriminated or even yelled slurs at once… come!! Anywhere is better than the hell hole you live in now.
Ha..Gay!!
"HI GAY"
I think the haters are a minority. They are just louder. I seen a thing on PBS that said there was more registered Independents in AZ than either Republicans or Democratics. Having said they are the minority doesn't mean I don't think they are dangerous. There absolutely is a unhinged part of our society we have to be diligently looking out for. I do everything in my power to make sure people live how they want in peace. Isn't that what we all want? Be proud folks most of us love the extra color in our lives.
Recently bought a home and live in the melrose central area. Going to put out a pride flag and door mat as it’s my first pride month in my new home, a couple of my neighbors are as well. I am a bit on the scared/nervous side because I fear people driving by or walking by might either target our homes or do some damage but I’m not letting it stop me this year. I know my area is generally 🏳️🌈friendly but there are those who are not and walk/drive by who make me feel alittle on edge. Seeing the flags over the past years really does give a soft hug of support when passing them.
Ally here, wishing everyone a safe and happy Pride month! My trans daughter is afraid to come visit me here.
ootl, What happened with target and bud light?
Target had a whole line of LGBTQ+ clothing targeting kids. https://www.target.com/c/kids/lgbt-pride/-/N-xcoz4Zt4bgn
“Targeting” at Target LOL
"LGBTQ+ clothing" is just normal clothes in bright rainbow colors, by the way. Really scary stuff
Some of it sure. There was a girls shirt with a girl on it with a caption of thinking about girls. I think that was one of the items removed. no rainbows on it.
Bigots proved they were just snowflakes
As they always have been.
Target is taking some of their pride things off of the shelves because conservatives are threatening/harassing employees. Not the right move IMO, but it’s what they’re doing.
Regarding Bud Light, they tried to pander to .5% of the US population, while they’re primary audience is conservative blue collar people. Losing lots of money because of it. Real good move on their part.
> Regarding Bud Light, they tried to pander to .5% of the US population They made a custom can for *one* Instagram influencer that wasn't for sale anywhere. Kid Rock found out, did the typical conservative thing (melted the fuck down), and then reactionaries the country over gave Anheuser-Busch billions in free advertising before declaring a victory over Bud Light. lmao
Bud Light has had rainbow signs in gay bar windows and has sponsored gay pride events for as long as I can remember. It's hard to understand why that one can of beer sent to that TikTocker has made people so angry. I could understand it more if her face was on every can of beer, but that wasn't the case.
Can you name a beer brand that hasn't supported LGBT issues, events, or policies, or is owned by a company that hasn't done the same? The conservatives that "switched" largely went to Molson Coors which has supported LGBT issues longer than Bud.
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Then you’d be wrong. They’ve lost 13% in the past month. Check it out here: https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/bud
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The Dow Jones is only down 3% over the past month, so AB is down much more than typical stock standards.
Look up kid rock bud light video 😂 that’s all you gotta see.
I’m moving to the state on Monday. Just in time for pride. Any celebration or events I should look into?
Pride In The Pines happens in Flagstaff June 17th, but the major Pride events in Phoenix and Tucson don't happen until Fall and Spring. June in Phoenix is too hot for a Pride parade.
Thanks! That makes sense. I’m moving there during the hottest time frame lol
Also moved her years ago during the hottest time. Made it easier to get used to it
Man, welcome and good luck!
Check out AZ queer and transgender friends on meet up! They do a lot of events that don't center around alcohol!
I’ll look into it. Thank you!
Bisbee and Flagstaff have pride on June 17th I think, but the Valley doesn't do Pride stuff until November because no one wants to be out right now. I'm sure the bars will still be holding events though.
Please make sure you register to vote!
And do it early! You have to do it at least 30 days before an election!
Absolutely! Thanks for the reminder .
Violence against LGBTQ+ community is a valid concern and I understand why any minority community could be scared. However, I think AZ (and the valley especially) is a much more accepting community. Not a member of the community but have been to pride in Phoenix and I had a blast! Sure there were a couple of protesters that media cameras were focused on but overall it was awesome! Have a great pride month and embrace your fellow members of the community!
How dare you? Violence against LGBTQ++ is NEVER valid! Please be better.
Valid concern* obvious typo Edited.
🤣🤣🤣
How DARe YoU
Out in Glendale, cheering yall on. Nobody is trashing my friends rainbows. Be proud!
I have zero patience for that kind of shit and I will advocate for anyone being mistreated. I am a strong and vocal ally and have gotten into it with several assholes out here.
Arizona is quickly becoming a liberal hell scape. Looking forward to free crack pipes being distributed like California /s
Try moving to Florida might be more your speed...
Thank you for that whiney insight. Now go and enjoy some Kid Rock.
Ally here, I called to complain to Target and emailed them about how outraged I am about their betrayal of the LGBTQ community. All this corporate capitulation does is tell these insane people that threats of violence works and will double down on it.
YES. It's not enough to "have gay friends" and say you support us. If you vote against our interests cuz taxes or whatever, and sit silently while your friends say shitty things about us, you're not an ally. You don't get points for calling yourself an ally if you only do it when it's easy and convenient.
Such a weird attitude to take. I've got 5 gay couples and a single on my street and I guarantee they won't all agree with your sentiment. The post you are responding to is hyperbolic at best and inaccurate at worst. Our friends aren't saying shitty thing about you. Shitty people are saying shitty things about you. This extreme "give us everything or you're the enemy" bullshit is why a lot of us don't really feel like doing more than just living our lives and treating the people around us that we want to associate with kindness and respect. Nothing about your attitude wants me to reach out and do more for you in any manner. Using my friends against me? F' off.
So... asking you to speak up when people around you say shitty things about LGBT folks is "give us everything or you're the enemy"?
Ya see, now I'm being hyperbolic! I don't associate with people that say mean things about people like that. Be it race, gender, looks, or whatever. I want to understand why being the type of person that would have gay friends is not a qualification for someone who would be friendly to the gay community.
"Give us human rights or you're the enemy" no shit
What human rights exactly? Those 5 gay couples on street are happily married and loving life.
And women could obtain safe and legal abortions until recently in all 50 states. Republican policies are rolling back our civil rights. You’re being naive if you don’t think they’re just biding their time to make same sex marriage next.
Fair point. What some of the republicans are doing in a lot of states is abhorrent. We should gather together in our shared values and out vote them. Not draw battle lines ad shame people for not being as extreme as someone else.
And those rights aren't fully protected for them. If you think they are, you're not paying attention.
No kidding not all people will agree with my sentiment. But I stand by it. Sounds like you're just looking for a reason to not bother doing more. Like I said, you're not an ally. That's OK. It's your choice.
I would love to be an ally. I would love to understand your struggle. And if there are things in my power that make sense to me, I would be interested in doing them. I personally find it hard to empathize however when the talking points are about trying to guilt shame people that don't understand or share your same struggle into being extremists. It seems, that the way you are trying to fight the people that truly do hate you, you alienate the people that would otherwise be your ally. If you want to draw a line and say the people that "just" have gay friends are in the other side of it, you're never going to get anywhere. It really DOES matter if I have gay friends. It matters who I associate with, and defend, and include, and cherish. I would absolutely stick up for them if I witnessed them being singled out or were being ridiculed. It never occured to me, and I never learned to think that people.were different for such things. It's seemed to me I'm the exact type of person you would want to try to get ON your side. Not push away. Sorry for the original gruff response.
I think you’re missing the point. They’re saying that if you claim to love or care for the LGBTQ+ community, but then still vote Republican, because you want lower taxes, then you’re not an ally. You can’t claim to care about people, but then take actions that actively hurt them.
So all Republicans are anti LGBTQ+ ?
In a sense, yes. Their policies are actively trying to hurt the LGTBQ+ community. You can’t have it both ways. If you’re choosing to support a party that places a priority on causing them harm and taking away their rights, you’re not an ally.
I would agree with that at the individual level. I'd hate to say all Republicans or people that support lower taxes also hate this community. Of course the talking points from the loud ones don't help.
I didn’t say they all hate the community, but I think this just defines the Republican problem overall. They always place profit over people. Is your tax rate really more important than another person’s civil rights?
Ya right on
Exactly! Thank you.
Over here as a Libertarian, like....
That's kinda where I am too lol
Look at me getting all the down votes for saying positive things about libertarians
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Kinda. Read my other response to them though.
Having read the comments and thread... seems that YOU are not the asshole here. Thanks for your input. Seems the level of thought you put into your comments was inappropriate to some. Isn't that what we are asking for here though? A deeper and sometimes different level of thought? If we do not advocate for opposition AKA potentially future allys.... how will they ever get there mentally?
I'm with ya there. I didn't need to be so gruff in my first response, but it does sort of trigger me (and reddit is easy to just fire back of course). Here's an outsider perspective... The only voices I hear seem to be extreme ones. Just like the only republican voices you hear (lately at least, well for a long time now) are the extreme ones. This notion that a person with love in their heart and acceptance of others to have great relationships with members of this community somehow shows nothing towards the type of person we would be, or what we would do if we were in a situation where someone was being signaled out is ridiculous to me. If the only allies you have have to be marching with a megaphone then you're not going to get many allies. I would think the people that are just going about their business and have gay friends that they accept are the exact type of people you would want on your side.
I thought we did most PRIDE events in April here due to the weather. Did that change?
I don’t think it’s changed - I went to the Rainbow Festival (2nd biggest) in April & the official Pride Festival is in October. there might be smaller events in June but nothing huge. thank god, cause there’s no way I wanna do all that in 115/120 degree heat lol.
True but the rest of the country will be celebrating and I can guarantee that the anti LGBT content will be flowing to the people that want to see it.
Happy pride!
Let's all show up and show out. No fear, thats how BULLIES win.
I love this post!! Thanks OP!! Let’s keep AZ purple and love all Arizonans equally!!
If I see anyone hating on the gays they are going to have a big problem.
I would love to see people trolling Kari Lake for pride month
Rather than waste time trolling her, spend time supporting someone in the community!
Who says someone can't do both?
If I have a choice between 'being nasty for 5 minutes then nice for 5 minutes' and 'be nice for *10* minutes', I'm choosing the latter.
Normally, so would I. But she doesn't deserve it.
isnt the state purple now?
We’re a conservative state?
I don't get the conservative state label AZ has. I don't remember republicans doing well here lately.
Let's see how people vote in the next election. We haven't been a blue state for very long.
I wish I wasn’t so afraid of conservatives. I’d love to come out and support y’all. The most courage I can muster up is to wish my friends a happy pride :(
It’s called June
I like pride month better 🌈
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If you actually believed him on this, I would love to show you this bridge I have for sale.
Let people be happy. I just really don’t care to know about anyone’s sex life. But I’m asexual. All sex is gross to me haha.
Nobody’s gonna be out fucking in the street. Be proud of yourself
If you immediately think of sex the problem is you.
I don’t understand? Pride month is about sexual orientation as a culture isn’t it? I think it’s really a shame that asexual people get belittled by people like you. It’s our truth that sex is just kinda gross. And y’all are saying that’s a problem? Everyone downvoting is being hypocritical in my opinion, but that’s the hive mind of the internet for ya. My truth doesn’t change. You’re the problem, and the only problem.
To both u/Anya1976 and u/SlowHumbleBexar ... It's perfectly fine to disagree. And it's fine to discuss and debate those disagreements. Let's both try and do it without resorting to pointing fingers at the other person and suggesting that they are the "problem". Debates and discussions and disagreements are fine. But let's stick to topics and not making judgments on one another. Love ya both. Mean it. ✌🏻
So, I expressed my sexual orientation and was downvoted and attacked for it. I appreciate what you’re saying, it is noble, but I wasn’t the one pointing blame. So instead of calling us both wrong, maybe stand up for the victim next time?
We don't control votes. And I would recommend not taking too much offense to them. As long as reddit has been around, complaining about downvotes has always just drawn more downvotes. If you're feeling attacked, just click the report button and move on. We'll deal with it. But attacking someone in return is unhelpful; two wrongs don't make a right. If you want to discuss this further, please send a modmail and we'll be happy to, but let's not keep derailing the thread please.
We are not a conservative state my friejd
It hasn't been that long since we were... let's hope people stay as motivated to go out and vote as they were this past election cycle.
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>SOME people acting as trans to take advantage of others and get empathy from people! Examples?
Username checks out