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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 The state's sodomy laws were repealed in 2001 with the passage of the Arizona Equity Act.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.
Gov. Katie Hobbs speaking at a rally with a crowd behind her.
Politics

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoes anti-trans bills, and tells lawmakers to 'focus on real issues that matter'

Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a birth certificate update ban as well as two DEI bans that explicitly included transgender people.

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 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.

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.

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.

Marcus Freiberger giving yoga instructions alongside Phoenix Arizona police headquarters building
Crime

A gay Arizona man's death is still unsolved, but Phoenix police closed the case: report

Marcus Freiberger, 45, was found dead and without clothes in March. Police have closed his case without solving it.

phoenix sky harbor international airport
Crime

Missing gay Arizona yoga instructor, Marcus Freiberger, found dead after blind date

Marcus Freiberger, 45, was found dead almost a month after he went missing following a blind date.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

Nonbinary non binary pride flag in front of person carrying rainbow bag alongside judges gavel about to strike
News

Nonbinary Arizona teacher doxxed and accused of grooming by board members settles lawsuit

River Chunnui's lawsuit accused two board members of leaking their address and leading a "smear campaign."

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Speaks At The American Bankers Association Summit April 2025 Washington DC
Politics

Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego adopts anti-trans, far-right talking points

He is the latest Democratic lawmaker to turn his back on the trans community.

Raul Grijalva
Obituaries

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

His office confirmed his death in a statement.

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.

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.

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.

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?