The sprawling city of Phoenix has 300 days of sunshine a year and boasts an effervescent nightlife. From loud dance clubs to tranquil Happy Hour patios, the local scene is lively, and even sexier in the warmer months. Greater Phoenix's fusion of natural splendor and metropolitan verve sets it apart from many other big cities, and its strong LGBTQ community is integrated into the area's businesses, spaces, events and entertainment.
One of the best places to experience LGBT culture in Arizona is during Phoenix Pride, a two-day celebration that brings our diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities together for a weekend of camaraderie. The event features a parade, live music, performance art and more, with proceeds benefiting LGBTQ programs and services. During the week leading up to Pride, there are also a variety of LGBTQ-friendly events that celebrate and support the community.
The first Pride event in Phoenix took place in 1981, with a group of gay and lesbian activists marching through downtown from Patriots Park (now Cityscape) to the state capitol to call attention to gay rights issues. The protest was just 12 years after the Stonewall Riots and helped launch the national movement for equality for all people.
Today, Phoenix Pride is an all-out party that celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people -- and the rich history, culture, struggles and contributions they've made to metro Phoenix. It's also a fundraising and advocacy event that continues to fight for human rights in the face of ongoing discrimination and bigotry.
While Pride is the biggest event of the Guide to gay pride Phoenix year, there are always things to do and see throughout the community, especially during the summer. Check out the Melrose District, which is known as Phoenix's "gayborhood" and spans a one-mile stretch along 7th Avenue. You'll find everything from boutiques and cafes to an array of LGBTQ-friendly bars.
There's no better way to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ community than by listening to and supporting its performers. During the weekend of the Pride festival, local drag queens and other performers take the stage at clubs and other venues around town. Fans of RuPaul's Drag Race can get up close and personal with the stars during their appearances at local events.
Aside from the parties and performances, you can learn about the history of LGBTQ rights in Phoenix at local museums. The Phoenix Museum of Contemporary Art and the Tempe Center for the Arts both have exhibits dedicated to the history of the community. The former is also home to an archive of historic documents and photos relating to the movement for equality in Arizona and across the nation. The Tempe center is home to the Desert Overture, a LGBTQ+ wind ensemble that performs works by notable composers. This month, the group is taking a look at LGBTQ composers past and present with Composed with Pride!.
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