Dobson resigns as chairman of Focus on the Family

Conservative evangelical leader James Dobson resigned as chairman of Focus on the Family, an organization he founded over three decades ago. Now 72 years old, Dobson will continue hosting the Focus on the Family radio program, writing monthly newsletters, and speaking out on moral issues. Dobson stated, "One of the common errors of founder-presidents is to hold to the reins of leadership too long, thereby preventing the next generation from being prepared for executive authority... Though letting go is difficult after three decades of intensive labor, it is the wise thing to do." While Focus on the Family is best known for promoting conservative moral stands in politics the organization continuously emphasizes that they are primarily devoted to offering parenting and marriage advice. Many gay-rights and liberal groups issued statements Friday warning that Dobson is not leaving the scene. Americans United for Separation of Church and State portrayed the move as Focus on the Family "merely rearranging the deck chairs on its big, intolerant ship."

Equality Arizona Applauds Appointment of Jeffrey S. Crowley as Director for Office of National AIDS Policy

Today President Obama announces that Jeffrey S. Crowley was appointed to head the Office of National AIDS Policy. Crowley’s bio reflects a strong background in policy research and development. Barbara McCullough-Jones, Equality Arizona Executive Director, is optimistic that Mr. Crowley’s extensive academic credentials and real life experience will bring renewed focus to this epidemic in a way that will create effective policy and return compassion to those most affected by this disease. McCullough-Jones said, “We are enthusiastic with the selection of Mr. Crowley to join the President’s Domestic Policy Council to guide policy on HIV/AIDS.”

Click for Equality Arizona's press release.

Click for Mr. Crowley's complete bio from the White House’s official website.

The 2009 FireFighters Chili Challenge

Can you take the heat? Find out on Saturday, February 28th as the 2nd Annual Fire Fighters Chili Challenge kicks off at 11:00am. Join fire fighters from all over the Valley as they come together in downtown Phoenix at Washington Street from 1st to 4th Avenue to battle each other and find out "WHO WILL REIGN SUPREME" as the next Chili Challenge champion.

Come and enjoy a day of great music, excellent food, and loads of fun. All proceeds benefit the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Charity, who have been and continue be amazing allies! Click here for more information.

Amber Darland Live at the Fair Trade Cafe!

Monday, March 2nd join us at the Fair Trade Cafe from 7:00pm to 10:00pm for an Amber Darland performance live. It's a $5.00 suggested donation, all proceeds go to Equality Arizona. Amber will be performing live for one night only coming all the way from Washington after just recording her brand new album. Don't Miss it! Click here to hear some of Amber Darland's music.

As an added bonus the Fair Trade Cafe will be starting Double Punch Mondays! Beginning March 2nd you will receive double punches on your frequent buyer card for every beverage you purchase.

Jason Anthony on Equality Arizona Radio

Listen up Saturday, February 21st from 10:00AM to 11:00AM as Emmy Award winning host Donna Rossi outs the closeted issue of eating disorders within the lgbt community with author Jason Anthony. Jason Anthony discusses his book "The Journey of Miles" and soon to be released on Sunday, February 22nd "Journey of Miles: Destination" an amazing work of fiction which creatively mirrors the struggle of accepting and overcoming an eating disorder. Over 8 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder but an alarming number of them are lgbt tune in this Saturday to find out why. Tune into 1190NOVA M or online at www.1190novam.com, www.equalityarizona.org, or www.ntouchaz.com.

If you miss out Saturday you can always download the podcast at your convenience at: http://equalityarizonaradio.podbean.com/

Equality Arizona is going Postal

We are preparing to send out 800 letters on Tuesday, February 24th and we need YOU to help! We will be having an envelope stuffing party on Tuesday from 10:00AM to 5:00PM at our office on 525 East Lynwood. Join Equality Arizona in getting the message out about what's going on in Arizona and what the LGBT and allied community are doing to get involved. If you would like to volunteer please email meta@equalityarizona.org and get involved today!

Not signed up to receive updates? Click here.

It's show time

Do you know someone who deserves an award? Do you deserve an award?

Equality Arizona is now accepting nominations for this year's awards dinner, June 13th. It's easy to nominate yourself or another deserving individual or company. Check it out.

It's cool to get one of our awards. Just think...1,000 people cheering just for you! Oh yeah, you can buy your tickets now too! Click here for the box office.

Knowledge is power, never be at a loss about what to say at the water cooler again!

Equality Arizona has unveiled its newest program the “Arizona Education and Research Project” (AERP). This enhanced online series of reports, articles and web link provides current local, national, and international data regarding a wide range of LGBT topics. As an educational resource, the AERP has been developed for the purpose of promoting informed and pro-active conversation, debate, and activism on behalf of the LGBT people.

The AERP is comprised of 3 components: 1) Results of local LGBT research studies conducted by Equality Arizona and other organizations; 2) In-depth research summaries of LGBT topics that present research facts and dispel distortions of research by anti-LGBT forces; and 3) Web links to additional training modules, coming soon.

This educational and research project will cover a wide variety of issues including, but not limited to, same-sex marriage, adoption, the “ex-gay” movement, hate crimes, same-sex parenting, employment discrimination and transgender issues. The extensive research summaries review findings of over 100 scientific studies. Additionally, the research summaries provide examples of how particular research results are distorted by the religious right and/or the media, and they provide “talking points” as suggestions for accurate discussion.

To find out more about this project, and empower yourself with knowledge follow this link: http://www.education.equalityarizona.org/ProgramsServices/ArizonaEducationResearchProject/tabid/85/Default.aspx

March 4 Education

Rally for Education at the March 4 Education at the Arizona State Capitol on Wednesday, March 4th at 4:00pm. Support our public schools along with thousands of parents, teachers, education support professionals, and taxpayers. AEA Education Day participants will be joined by thousands sharing their stories about the impact of budget cuts on education. Be a part of the biggest mobilization of education supporters in Arizona's history March 4th!

For more information on the Arizona Education Association and the March 4 Education visit www.arizonaea.org.

Chocolate for Equality

Valentines Day is just around the corner and what an opportunity to celebrate your partner while supporting you community at the same time! Carters Chocolates will be giving Equality Arizona a portion of their earnings for today only! Order today by 4:00 pm from Carters Chocolates, a deliciously supportive company who uses all natural, organic ingredients and snazzy recycled packaging. Visit carterschocolates.com, show your partner and your community that you care.

Thank you and have a Happy Valentines Day!

For the Bible Tells Me So- viewings across Arizona

For the Bible Tells Me So allows viewers to discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child by walking them through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families.

Viewings of For the Bible Tells Me So will be followed by an open and frank discussion with faith and community leaders about the impact and implications of the film and how this divide between the religious and lgbt community might be bridged in Arizona. All are welcome with an open mind.

RSVP today! Showings locations include;

Valley Unitarian Universalist Church Friday, Feb 13th 7:00pm
Good Shepherd United Church of Christ Tuesday, Feb 17th 7:00pm
Flagstaff Federated Community Church Saturday, Feb 21st 7:00pm
New Vision Spiritual Growth Center Saturday, March 7th 6:30pm
St Michael & All Angels Liberal Catholic Church Sunday, March 8th 4:00pm

Please visit http://www.education.equalityarizona.org/ for a complete list of film showing locations and to RSVP for a showing near you!

Drop In Center gets Fresh Coat of Paint

The YEP(Youth Empowerment Project) House is a drop in center made possible with the collaboration of Native Health and Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS. This drop in center provides youth ages 14 to 24 the opportunity to find jobs, get information and resources, meet with a life-coach, get involved in their community, and empower themselves to be better individuals in a safe environment!

Special thanks to all those that helped out with an amazing day of painting and community collaboration!

Check out the YEP House on Myspace or find out more about programs for LGBTQA youth like 1n10 and get involved!

Breaking News from CA about Prop 8

From our colleagues at Equality California!

The California Supreme Court announced today that it will hear oral arguments on Thursday, March 5, 2009 in the Proposition 8 legal challenge.

On November 19, 2008, the California Supreme Court agreed to hear the legal challenges to Proposition 8 and set an expedited schedule. Briefing in the case was completed on January 21, 2009.

The California Supreme Court must issue its decisions within 90 days of oral argument.

Click here to read the full article!

Domestic Partnerships have Arrived in Phoenix

Equality Arizona invites you to join us at Phoenix City Hall to celebrate the domestic partnership registry. Click here to RSVP if you will be registering your domestic partnership.









Effective Monday, February 9th starting at 9:00am unmarried residents of Phoenix can register for domestic partnerships at Phoenix City Hall in Assembly room B. Registration is available to unmarried same-sex or opposite-sex partners who live together with a $50 non-refundable fee. All registered couples will be granted hospital-visitation rights to Phoenix hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other health-care facilities.

After a unanimous vote by the City Council in December, Phoenix became the second city in Arizona to adopt domestic partnerships; Tucson was the first to do so in 2003. Registration will continue in assembly room B through February 13th and relocated to the 15th floor of Phoenix City Hall from then on. Both parties must appear together to register and must provide a valid photo ID issued by a government agency within the U.S. that includes name, date of birth, weight, height and hair and eye color. Click here for more information.