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Arizona

News from within the borders of Arizona and the fight for equality there. The state's sodomy laws were repealed in 2001 with the passage of the Arizona Equity Act. Arizona voters amended their state constitution to ban same-sex marriage in 2008, approving Proposition 102, which stated, "Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state." Past and present challenges include hate crimes law, transgender rights, adoption, and other rights denied to same-sex couples.

Richmond VA awarded perfect LGBTQ equality score HRC municipal index 2024
News

U.S. cities score big in LGBTQ+ equality despite wave of discriminatory state laws

A record number of cities achieved a perfect Municipal Equality Index score in 2024.

Kyrsten Sinema Arizona
Politics

Kyrsten Sinema, first out bisexual U.S. senator, won't run for reelection

The Arizona senator has been much criticized by progressives. Now, she's decided to step aside this November.

Arizona State University Campus Instructor David Boyles Protect Trans Kids Shirt
News

Queer Instructor Harassed, Injured by Anti-LGBTQ+ Turning Point USA Crew in Disturbing Video

Two Turning Point USA members followed Arizona State University instructor and co-founder of Drag Queen Story Hour Arizona and one of the members eventually pushes the instructor to the ground.

Alray Nelson and his partner Brennen Yonnie
News

They Live in the US, but These LGBTQ+ Couples Can’t Get Married. Here's Why

Same-sex marriage is banned on the Navajo Nation, the sprawling reservation that spans Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. But that could soon change.

GLSEN supporters
News

Democratic Governors ‘Rise Up’ to Join in Support of LGBTQ+ Youth

Together, local and state leaders are expressing the urgency to care for LGBTQ+ young people in all communities.

Appeals Court Rules in Favor of College Athlete in Antigay Harassment Case
Law

Appeals Court Rules in Favor of College Athlete in Antigay Harassment Case

Court documents describe a horrific and homophobic environment for the university freshman runner.

Raul Grijalva
Obituaries

Arizona Rep. Raúl Grijalva, fierce LGBTQ+ ally & progressive champion, dies at 77

His office confirmed his death in a statement.

Ruben Gallego Kari Lake Arizona
Election

Meet the Democrat who beat MAGA Republican Kari Lake to replace bi lawmaker Kyrsten Sinema in the U.S. Senate

He eked out a victory in a state that Donald Trump won.

Christopher Ibarra Charged Anti-Gay Murder
Crime

Another Man Is Charged in Torturing and Brutally Murdering an Arizona Gay Man

Police say the alleged killers horrifically murdered Bernardo Pantaleon because he was gay, then sent photos of his body to his family.

Stephen Miller Sues Mesa Arizona School District
Law

Stephen Miller's Legal Firm Sues Arizona School District Over Trans-Supportive Policies

The former Donald Trump aide's legal group says Mesa Public Schools' inclusive policies violate parents' rights.

89 Images of Vice President Kamala Harris Behind the Scenes from The Advocate’s Exclusive
Exclusives
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89 Images of Vice President Kamala Harris Behind the Scenes from The Advocate’s Exclusive

Check out our recent coverage of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Pelosi, Sinema, Gallego
Politics

Pelosi Hosting Fundraiser for Kyrsten Sinema Challenger

Sinema, the first bisexual U.S. Senator, has renounced the Democratic party.

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema
Politics

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema Spends Campaign Funds on High-End Wines, Food, Travel: Report

The bisexual former Democrat, now an independent, is drawing criticism from both right and left.

Kalaya Morton
News

Cis woman confronted by police officers in Arizona Walmart restroom for looking too masculine speaks out (exclusive)

“It’s already enough being Black and facing discrimination,” Kalaya Morton told The Advocate. “Now I have to worry about being harassed just for needing to pee?”

Kyrsten Sinema surrounded by reporters leaves the US Capitol after a vote
Politics

Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema accused of misusing campaign funds for lavish travel

A government watchdog group filed the complaint.

Shawnna and Clink Bolick Abortion Vote Arizona
Politics

An Arizona Republican blocked a total abortion ban, betraying the GOP — and her judge husband

Shawnna Bolick’s vote was the deciding factor in overturning a total abortion ban from 1864 — a ban her husband, a state Supreme Court justice, voted in favor of.

Bernardo Pantaleon Phoenix Murdered
Crime

3 Arrested in Murder and Mutilation of Arizona Gay Man

Bernardo Pantaleon's relatives, who were sent photos of his brutalized body, believe the killing was a hate crime.

Kyrsten Sinema Democratic Donors Deserting
Politics

Democratic Donors Abandon Kyrsten Sinema Just Like She Did the Democratic Party

That spells trouble for the bisexual former Democrat, now independent, if she seeks reelection to the U.S. Senate. But are we surprised?

Paul Gosar and Mark Milley
Politics

Republican Rep. Paul Gosar Calls for Death to 'Sodomy-Promoting Traitor' Gen. Mark Milley

The far-right Republican from Arizona went on an unhinged rant against the retiring Joint Chiefs chairman.

U.S. House
Law

Republicans Use Defense Bill to Restrict Abortion, Gender-Affirming Care

GOPers like to say they “support the troops,” but when it comes down to it, they don’t support certain troops.