Arizona, long known for its independent political streak, has become a battleground for LGBTQ+ rights, leaving many queer individuals wondering if the state remains a safe place for them. Over a dozen interviews with LGBTQ+ Arizonans who have either already left or are planning to leave the state reveal a deep unease about the future of their marriages, bodies, and personal freedoms.
A Changing Landscape for LGBTQ+ Arizonans
The last few years have been difficult for LGBTQ+ people in Arizona, as the state has seen a rise in laws targeting their rights. Nova Galloway, a teacher from Tempe, is one of many LGBTQ+ individuals who feels the state’s political climate has made it unsafe. Galloway, who was once an enthusiastic educator, found her passion for teaching waning as the state introduced increasingly strict laws on how issues of sexuality and gender could be discussed in schools. The passing of these laws, coupled with the hostility towards LGBTQ+ topics, forced Galloway into a position where she had to suppress her identity in the classroom for fear of losing her job.
But Galloway’s personal struggles extend beyond her work life. She had always been uncomfortable with the sex she was assigned at birth, and in recent years began using different pronouns and a new name, which her students discovered. Fearing the backlash from both the school administration and conservative parents, Galloway chose to keep her identity hidden. However, the stress of living inauthentically became unbearable, and she decided to leave both her career and her home state behind.
Arizona’s Political Divide and LGBTQ+ Rights
Arizona’s political landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, leading to a divided state government where LGBTQ+ rights are a hotly contested issue. The state’s legislature has been at the forefront of efforts to pass laws targeting LGBTQ+ people, including bills that restrict the use of pronouns and bathroom access for transgender individuals. While Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed many of these bills, the growing political opposition in the state has left many feeling vulnerable.
The state’s political instability has fueled fears for the future, as LGBTQ+ rights activists worry that the hard-fought victories for marriage equality and transgender protections could be reversed. Arizona is one of 29 states where same-sex marriage bans are still part of the state constitution, despite the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Some LGBTQ+ advocates are concerned that these bans could be revived or reinforced, especially given the conservative shift in state politics.
The Impact on Families
For families like Robert Chevaleau’s, the decision to leave Arizona was not just a personal one but a matter of survival. Chevaleau, a father of two queer children, found himself battling against school policies that discriminated against his transgender daughter. He sought help from school administrators, elected officials, and even charter school leaders, but found resistance at every turn. After years of struggling to secure basic rights for his family, Chevaleau and his wife decided to move to California, where they felt their children could grow up without fear of discrimination.
Chevaleau’s story is just one example of how the state’s political climate has forced many LGBTQ+ families to flee in search of a more welcoming environment. With no state-level protections against discrimination, LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Arizona face uncertainty. This is compounded by the absence of a hate crime statute in the state, despite multiple attempts to pass such legislation.
The Threat to Marriage Equality
Arizona’s lack of legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals extends to marriage equality. Although same-sex marriage is legal in the state, a 2008 constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage still remains in effect. Despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in 2015, Arizona is one of the states where same-sex marriage could still be challenged.
In the wake of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade and sparked fears of further legal erosion of rights, LGBTQ+ advocates are worried that same-sex marriage could be next. Arizona lawmakers have shown no interest in removing the ban from the state constitution, leaving LGBTQ+ couples in a state of uncertainty. Some fear that marriages could be invalidated in the future, stripping couples of important legal rights, such as property ownership, medical visitation, and parental rights.
While federal protections like the Respect for Marriage Act offer some safety, these are not foolproof. Arizona’s patchwork of local ordinances and executive orders provide some protection, but future administrations could reverse these safeguards at any time.
The Exodus of LGBTQ+ Arizonans
As more LGBTQ+ individuals and families grapple with the hostile political environment in Arizona, many have begun to leave for safer states. Blake Reeves and Nick Earl, a married couple from Phoenix, decided to move away from Arizona due to growing concerns about the future of their marriage rights. Despite their deep ties to the state and their love for their home, they felt the increasing political attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals left them no choice but to leave before their rights were stripped away.
For many, leaving Arizona has become a matter of survival. The state’s political climate, which has grown more hostile toward LGBTQ+ people, has made it increasingly difficult for queer individuals to live authentically and safely. For some, the decision to leave was not easy, but it has become clear that finding a more supportive environment is the only way forward.
What Lies Ahead for Arizona’s LGBTQ+ Community?
As Arizona’s political landscape continues to shift, the future for LGBTQ+ residents remains uncertain. While some find hope in the actions of Democratic leaders like Governor Hobbs, the increasing number of conservative lawmakers in the state raises concerns about the potential rollback of LGBTQ+ rights.
For now, many LGBTQ+ Arizonans are forced to look for safety elsewhere, seeking refuge in states where their rights are more secure. The fear of losing basic freedoms, including the right to marry and access healthcare, has created a sense of urgency for many who feel that Arizona is no longer a safe place for them.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.
