Pride Month is a celebration of authentic identity and love in all its forms. However, what that looks like is different for everyone. As our understanding of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum expands, so has the queer community. Though political and social prejudice and persecution persist, so too does the resilience and beauty of trans, non-binary, gender expansive and queer spectrum people.
While it’s easy to find a fun party or join a parade this month, it can be more difficult to find spaces for diverse, inclusive communities, or to get support – whether it’s for mental health, queer news or a sober space.
Fortunately, Arizona is home to a unique variety of resources and groups, from peer-led support groups and nonprofits that champion queer youth rights to body positive meetups and thriving zines.
Queer and gender diverse peoples have always existed. In pre-colonized Arizona, Indigenous nations have centered and celebrated Two Spirit People – gender expansive individuals in their community. This Pride Month is an opportunity to learn more about affirming queer history and empowering ourselves for an accepting and loving future.
Whether you are queer, questioning or an ally, here are seven Phoenix-based resources for finding your unique queer community, celebrating joy, creativity and perseverance and providing inclusive spaces for all.
Trans Spectrum of Arizona
Trans Spectrum of Arizona (TSAZ) has provided support to trans, non-binary and gender expansive folks since 2013. Its peer-led support groups as well as SOFFAS (Significant Others, Family, Friends, Allies) in Downtown Phoenix are an incredible way to meet a supportive community. Celebrating the uniqueness, resilience and beauty of the gender spectrum, TSAZ “envisions a world where trans and gender expansive individuals are recognized and celebrated. Where trans/gender expansive people and their allies have free access to community support resources to live their lives as they see fit.” TSAZ also offers free access to a gender-affirming clothing closet, assistance with legal name and ID changes, fun safe space events and more. At a time when trans, non-binary and gender diverse peoples are facing tremendous prejudice, this is a vital and urgent community-led organization partnered with The Queer Center. tsaz.org
LOOKOUT
To stay informed – whether on breaking political news for queer Arizonans or cool arts and culture spotlights – LOOKOUT is the only queer nonprofit newsroom in the state. Founded by editor-in-chief Joseph Darius Jaafari in 2022, LOOKOUT provides a vital and engaging newsletter centering 2SLGBTQIA+ Arizonans, as well as community events. LOOKOUT has continued to grow as a newsletter and print issue in its mission to deliver fearless journalism. Its vision is to “inspire and hasten a queer experience that’s liberated from injustice and delivers on the promise of equal respect, rights and opportunity for all people.” The organization is hosting a Summer of Solutions event series, which will include panels on safety, public health, drag, education, politics and business. lookoutnews.org
one-n-ten
Founded in 1993, one-n-ten has remained a vital resource for queer youth ages 11-24 in Arizona and beyond. From grassroots beginnings meeting in community rec rooms and members’ garages, it has grown into a thriving hub in Downtown Phoenix with satellite locations across the state. The nonprofit offers weekly support meetings, a summer camp, a youth center and even a charter school, among other vital services. Nearly 80 percent of the youth that one-n-ten serves are trans, non-binary or gender expansive and come from across the state and the country to seek a caring community. As queer youth and their families face a harsh political and social world, one-n-ten is an enduring beacon of hope, and proof of the positive life-changing power of affirming safe spaces for queer youth. onenten.org
Thunderbird Lounge
While many gay bars remain unfortunately unwelcoming places for trans, non-binary, bisexual and queer spectrum individuals, Thunderbird Lounge is an inviting atmosphere for everyone. Thunderbird Lounge hosts loteria every Thursday night with local queer organization RipplePHX and karaoke on Wednesdays if you’re feeling like a pop star. This fun, funky spot in the queer-friendly Melrose District also offers an array of vintage arcade games, a lovely outdoor space and 1970s-inspired decor. thunderbirdloungephx.com
Phoenix Queer Hoopers
Queer Hoopers is a local meetup for queer women, non-binary, trans and gender expansive community members to connect around the sport of basketball. At a time when questions about who gets to participate in sports spark debate and division, Queer Hoopers proves that when everyone can participate, play and have fun, the whole community grows stronger. Regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, all people deserve to be treated with kindness and dignity on and off the court. Sports can help support positive team collaboration, physical and mental health, as well as uplift and empower people. Phoenix Queer Hoopers is open to all skill levels. @phxqueerhoopers
Fat Babes of Phoenix
Fat Babes of Phoenix is a community group rooted in fat liberation, creating spaces where fat joy and bodies are celebrated. For the girls, gays and theys in bigger bodies, Fat Babes offers a creative and inclusive zine, a fat-friendly healthcare directory, Discord server for connecting with body positive community, and in-the-flesh events that empower and embrace all bodies, and advocate for a world free from size-based discrimination. fatbabes.org
Lambda
Founded in 1991, in response to anti-queer prejudice in AA meetings, Lambda was formed to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ people in the recovery community or those looking for inclusive sober spaces. For more than 30 years, Lambda has provided resources and group meetings for individuals and families in the Metro Phoenix LGBTQ+ community recovering from alcoholism or other addictions. Today, Lambda continues its goal of providing a place to meet without fear of rejection, where individuals and communities can grow and heal. lamdaphx.org
