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In 1981, a group of gay & lesbian activists organized the first Pride march through the streets of downtown Phoenix to the state Capitol building. It was a politically focused march to bring awareness to gay rights issues in Phoenix.

Nearly ten years later, a group of volunteers joined together to coordinate the annual Pride festival. This committee, best known at the time as the Phoenix Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee, Inc. helped establish the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization known today as Phoenix Pride.

The organization was created as an educational non-profit to continue to educate and promote issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community in metro Phoenix. Under the leadership of Phoenix Pride, there has been an annual march, festival, parade, or celebration in metro Phoenix for almost 40 years.

The organization is a leader in the metro Phoenix LGBTQ+ community. Since 2008, the organization has been able to make significant contributions to other LGBTQ+ focused non-profit organizations and has awarded scholarships to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies continuing their education totaling over a million dollars. It is the goal of this organization to continue developing community programs to benefit the LGBTQ+ community and to continue to raise public awareness about the LGBTQ+ community in hopes to eliminate homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination still very much prevalent over 40 years later.

In 2021, the LGBTQ+ community will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the first LGBTQ+ march in Phoenix. Phoenix Pride will continue to honor and celebrate our community by promoting April as “Pride Month” in Phoenix, Arizona, and by continuing the “March Toward Pride” events.

History of the LGBTQ+ Movement

On June 28th, through 30th, 1969, after continual harassment by the New York City police, the patrons of the Stonewall Bar, located on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village, openly defied the unjustified raids and took to the streets in demand of their civil liberties. These riots continued through the weekend, until Monday morning. The gay crowd numbered over two thousand, and in this act of integrity and self-affirmation, the modern Lesbian and Gay Rights Movement was born and was soon formally launched into such organizations as the Gay Liberation Front.

Pride Committees, commemorate the birth of the gay and lesbian rights movement each year across the country. They host rallies, parades, marches, and festivals in the month of June, many on or around the 28th. These activities keep the spirit alive and allow us to renew our energies toward educating the general public about our Pride in ourselves and our right to exist.

2023

UNITED AGAINST HATE was the theme of the 2023 Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade held October 21-22, 2023.

The Festival, presented by Bud Light, was held at Steele Indian School Park. Thousands of Festival goers converged over the weekend for the 42nd Annual event. Estimated attendance over the 2 days was 34,000+ attendees, with more than 90 sponsors combined for the Festival and Parade, 235 exhibitors, and 200+ performers on 7 stages. Headlining Entertainment on the Circle K Main Stage included: Paulina Rubio, Ashanti, Zee Machine, & Niki Haris and Donna Delory, the original OG singers for Madonna. VIP Experience, produced by Vermillion Events and hosted by Kadee Christian Starr, had exclusive entertainment featuring Jessica Wild, Naysha Lopez, Ethylene Canne and Hellin’ Bedd. The Fiesta Caliente Latin Stage, produced by Club Papi and hosted by Ms Lola, was graced by: Mariana Seoane, Mar Solis, Jessica Esoterica, Andrew Christian and the Club Papi dancers. We continued to have our amazing ASL service interpreting both the Pride Festival & Parade and Rainbows Festival for our Deaf/Hard of Hearing community members.

Our Relaxation Station created an area for those requiring a quiet space to “disconnect” away from the hustle & bustle of the festival. With sponsorship from Waymo, we had soft lights, soft sounds, soft areas to sit, water, and volunteers to assist. This area was near the lake, fenced off from the rest of the festival grounds. It had the “neurodiversity infinity symbol” on the sign and was open to all. We expanded our offerings for our “mature” community members who need a space to get out of the sun and cool off. The 2023 Phoenix Pride Parade, presented by Amazon, was held on Sunday, October 22, 2023 and attracted over 13,000 spectators and 225 parade entries with over 4,500 participants. The Community Grand Marshals were Phoenix Fast-Track Cities, Positively You and AZTYPO.

The Parade was broadcast and live streamed for the very first time via WTSM TV with announcers Vanessa Ruiz and Oscar De Las Salas.

Miss & Mister Phoenix Pride Royalty, Veronica Savage Rose and Rocky Heart were crowned on March 12, 2023 at Tempe Center for the Arts. Their pageant class raised over $48,000 for the Phoenix Pride Scholarship Fund.

The Annual Phoenix Pride Awards Reception was held on June 25, 2023 in the Lakeside Room at Tempe Center for the Arts. $53,000 were awarded in scholarships, $3,628 were awarded in Partnership Grants and $65,000 were awarded in Community Grants. The 2nd Annual Mx Phoenix Pride Pageant was held in the Studio immediately following our Awards Ceremony. Sassy D. DeMornay was crowned Mx Phoenix Pride.

Phoenix Pride celebrated our 11th year of ownership of the Rainbows Festival at Heritage Square on April 1 – 2, 2023. Jasmine Green Tea was crowned Miss Phoenix Junior Pride on the Nissan Community Stage on April 1, 2023. Our Headline entertainers on the Bud Light Main Stage were Ada Vox, Venus D Lite, and Niki Haris
The Phoenix Pride Festival and the Rainbows Festival maintained the honor of being the two largest LGBTQ+ events in the state of Arizona.

2022

BE YOU! BELIEVE IN YOURSELF was the theme of the 2022 Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade held October 15-16, 2022.

The Festival, presented by Bud Light Seltzer and Embry Health, was held at Steele Indian School Park. In spite of heavy storms on Saturday, thousands converged over the weekend for the 41st Annual event. Estimated attendance over the 2 days was in surplus of 38,000 attendees, with more than 90 sponsors, 250 exhibitors, and 180 performers on 8 stages. Main Stage Headlining Entertainment include: En Vogue, GAYLE, Vincint, and Willie Gomez. VIP Experience, presented by Hi Road and produced by Vermillion Events, had exclusive entertainment featuring Sherry Vine, Kimora Blac, and Sir Elton: the Ultimate Elton John Tribute. The Fiesta Caliente Latin Stage, presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, was graced by: Ninel Conde, Ana Barbara, Jessica Wild, and Amor Prohibido: Selena Tribute Band. Club Papi helped produce the Latin Stage. On the Main Stage, we honored Vicki Bond and Bryanna Browder, American Sign Language interpreters, for their ten years of service interpreting both the Pride Festival & Parade and Rainbows Festival for our Deaf/Hard of Hearing community members.

With feedback from the community, we created an area for those requiring a quiet space to “disconnect” away from the hustle & bustle of the festival. With sponsorship from Waymo, we had soft lights, soft sounds, soft areas to sit, water, and volunteers to assist. This area was available Saturday and Sunday, from 12 noon-9 pm. This area was near the lake, fenced off from the rest of the festival grounds. It had the “neurodiversity infinity symbol” on the sign and was open to all. This area saw 407 folx come into the tent throughout the weekend. We expanded our offerings for our “mature” community members who need a space to get out of the sun and cool off. We had air conditioning, cool towels (courtesy of AARP), bottles of water, and a table & chairs to relax and recharge body and mind! Volunteers were available, and hours were 12:00 – 8:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. This area saw 124 festival-goers over the weekend.

The 2022 Phoenix Pride Parade, presented by Desert Financial and Embry Health, was held on Sunday, October 16, 2022 and attracted over 14,000 spectators and 230 parade entries with over 4,000 participants. The Community Grand Marshal was ABC15 morning anchor Nick Ciletti. The Organization Grand Marshal was one-n-ten.

Miss & Mister Phoenix Pride Royalty, Desiree DeMornay and Roman Holiday were crowned on March 13, 2022 at Tempe Center for the Arts. Their pageant class raised a record-breaking $82,000 for the Phoenix Pride Scholarship Fund.

The Annual Phoenix Pride Awards Reception was held on June 12, 2022 in the Lakeside Room at Tempe Center for the Arts. $53,000 were awarded in scholarships, $2,905 were awarded in Partnership Grants and $145,000 were awarded in Community Grants. The inaugural Mx Phoenix Pride Pageant was held in the Studio immediately following our Awards Ceremony. Te` D. DeMornay was crowned the very first Mx Phoenix Pride.

Phoenix Pride celebrated its 10th year of ownership of the Rainbows Festival at Heritage Square on April 30 – May1, 2022. Selena Luna Shane was crowned Miss Phoenix Junior Pride on the Community Stage on April 30, 2022. The Phoenix Pride Festival and the Rainbows Festival maintained the honor of being the two largest LGBTQ+ events in the state of Arizona.

2021

“Forty Years of Fortitude” Two-Day 40th Anniversary Phoenix Pride Festival was held Nov. 6-7, 2021 at Steele Indian School Park. Due to COVID-19 health concerns, the Festival was postponed for 2 years and moved to the fall. The 2022 Phoenix Pride Parade was held on Saturday, November 6, 2022 and attracted over 14,000 spectators and 225+ parade entries with over 4,200 participants. In honor of the 40th Anniversary of Phoenix Pride, we recognized our past Board chairs and Executive Directors as our Community Grand Marshals.

Past Board Chairs: Ernie Mendoza (1996-2001), Linda Hoffman (2001-2008), Ron Houston (2008-2009), Paul Carroll (2009-2011), Shannon Lank (2014-2017), Lawrence Moore (2011-2014), Mark Leeper (2017- 2021).

Past Executive Directors: Brandi Sokolosky-Williams (2007- 2013), Justin Owen ( 2013-2017)

The Community Organization Grand Marshal was The Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce- also celebrating 40 years of service to the community. Festival Headlining Entertainment included: Neon Trees, Mya, Jody Watley, and Deborah Cox. VIP Experience exclusive entertainment featured RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Jiggly Caliente. The Latin Stage was was graced by: Maribel Guardia, Los Horoscopos De Durango, Fedro, Jessica Wild, Yara Sofia, and April Carrion. Miss & Mister Phoenix Pride Royalty: Tyra Marie and Owen Michael Parker were crowned on March 15, 2020, at the Tempe Center for the Arts and reigned through the pandemic as we could not hold a Pride Pageant in 2021. The Annual Pride Awards Reception was postponed to 2022, but where $37,000 in scholarships were still awarded. $1,974 were awarded in Volunteer Grants, but since we only had one in-person event in 2021, the Community Grant Program was postponed until 2022 with the promise of doubling the grant amount. The Rainbows Festival was also postponed and moved to the spring of 2022.

2020

2020 a challenging year with COVID-19 to say the least. BUT if there is one thing that 2020 taught us, it was to look at the bright side of things, appreciate the incredible partnerships and relationships we have built, and relish in the outstanding work undertaken each day by our community members. We all do come together and step up and support each other, and when we work together, absolutely nothing is impossible. Even though the Phoenix Pride Festival had to be postponed to the fall of 2021 and the Rainbows Festival was postponed to the spring of 2022, we were enormously proud of our ability to give back to the Phoenix LGBTQ+ community. In 2020, we humbly celebrated our 40th Anniversary and $1 million give back to the community! We celebrated our 40th Anniversary in conjunction with the Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce ( now the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce ) on February 29, 2020, at Young’s Market.

Miss & Mister Phoenix Pride Royalty: Tyra Marie and Owen Michael Parker were crowned on March 15, 2020, at the Tempe DoubleTree by Hilton just a few days before the pandemic threw the city into lockdown. Through the hard work of the contestants and Royalty we were able to award $52,000 in scholarships at An Evening In TV Land: The Virtual Awards Reception that was held on November 19, 2020. Tito’s Handmade Vodka presented the Virtual Awards Reception and Nissan presented the 12th annual Phoenix Pride Community Spirit Awards. The honorees can be seen at https://phoenixpride.org/events/pride-awards/2020-honorees/.

The year in Review can be seen in our 2020 Annual Report.

2019

“CELEBRATING PROGRESS: Past, Present, and Future” Two-Day 39th Annual Phoenix Pride Festival held April 6th & 7th, 2019 at Steele Indian School Park with an average temperature of 84 degrees. The 2019 Phoenix Pride Parade was held on Sunday, April 7, and attracted over 14,000 spectators and 180+ parade entries with over 4,000 participants. The Celebrity Grand Marshal was Monica Helms- transgender activist, author, veteran of the United States Navy and creator of the Transgender Pride Flag. The Community Grand Marshal was ECHO Magazine- celebrating 30 years of service to the community. Festival Entertainment included: JOJO, Kim Petras, Taylor Dayne, DumBlonde, RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Nina West, and American Idol’s Ada Vox. The Latin Stage was added for the first time in 2019 and was graced by: Amara La Negra, DULCE, Robin S. and Miss Vanjie. Miss & Mister Phoenix Pride Royalty: Vanity St. James and Gray Matter were crowned on March 24, 2019, at the Tempe DoubleTree by Hilton. The Annual Pride Awards Reception was held July 13 at the Penske Racing Museum where $47,000 were awarded in scholarships, $65,000 were awarded in Community Grants and $4,500 were awarded in Volunteer Grants. Phoenix Pride celebrates its 8th year of ownership of the Rainbows Festival at Heritage Square on November 2-3, 2019. The Pride Festival and Rainbows Festival maintained the honor of being the two largest LGBTQ+ events in the state of Arizona.

In June of 2019, for the first time in Arizona history, both City Hall and the State Capitol flew the Rainbow and the Transgender Pride flags in observance of the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall and the 20th Anniversary of the creation of the Transgender Pride Flag. Phoenix Pride provided the flags and worked with both offices to make this historic event happen during Pride Month. On June 26th, 2019 Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego made 2 proclamations celebrating both events and asking residents to remember and recognize the impact and power they had on our LGBTQ+ Communities. On June 28th, 2019 the flags hung from the balcony of the Arizona Capitol Museum for the actual Anniversary of Stonewall. The Mayor’s Office, Councilwoman Laura Pastor, and Secretary of State Katie Hobbs were instrumental in making this happen.

2018

“UNITED WE STAND, EQUALITY FOR ALL” Two-Day Pride Festival held April 7th & 8th at Steele Indian School Park with an average temperature of 80 degrees. The 2018 Phoenix Pride Parade (presenting partner) Bank of America was held on Sunday, April 8th and attracted record-breaking attendance with Community Grand Marshals Daniel Hernandez and IGNITE by SouthWest Center for HIV/AIDS and Celebrity Grand Marshal Bill Kennedy. Festival Entertainment included: Bebe Rexha, Berlin featuring Terri Nunn, Grammy-winning singer -Thelma Houston, American Idol’s -David Hernandez, and Billboard magazine Top 3 Dance Artist of all time-Kristin W. Miss & Mister Phoenix Pride Royalty: Mya McKenzie and Carrington Hall- Dubois were crowned on March 18, 2018 at the Tempe DoubleTree by Hilton. The Annual Pride Awards Reception was held on June 23, 2018 at the Penske Racing Museum were $41,000 were awarded in Scholarships and $65,000 we awarded in Community Grants. Phoenix Pride celebrates its 7th year of ownership of the Rainbows Festival at Heritage Square. The Pride Festival and Rainbows Festival maintained once again, the honor of being the two largest LGBTQ+ events in the state of Arizona.

In July of 2018, the City of Phoenix joined the ranks of other leading cities in the U.S. and abroad that have recognized the vibrance, vitality and contributions of their local LGBTQ+ community by installing rainbow-painted crosswalks at two locations within the city ( 7th Ave. and Glenrosa Ave. & Central Ave. at Portland Ave.). The initiative to create the Phoenix Rainbow Crosswalks was led by Phoenix Pride, with the support of many local organizations, merchants and neighborhood leaders. One hundred percent of the cost of installing and maintaining the crosswalks is being provided by private – not public – funding, made possible through a partnership between the Phoenix Pride Foundation and the one•n•ten Foundation.

2017

“STAND UP, STAND PROUD” Two-Day Pride Festival held April 1st & 2nd with an average temperature of 75 degrees. The Phoenix Pride Parade was held on Sunday, April 2nd and attracted record-breaking attendance with Community Grand Marshals Stacy Louis and the Grand Canyon Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Celebrity Grand Marshal Belinda Carlisle. Festival Entertainment included: Belinda Carlisle, Aaron Carter, Ninel Conde, & Brian Justin Crum. Miss & Mister Phoenix Gay Pride Royalty: Eva Angelica Stratton and Kristofer V. Lee. Phoenix Pride hosted The Equality March & Rally for Unity and Pride (part of the National Equality March) on June 11th in Downtown Phoenix. The Annual Pride Awards Reception (formerly Awards Brunch) was held June 23rd at the Phoenix Art Museum. Phoenix Pride celebrated its 6th year of ownership of the Rainbows Festival with continued record attendance. The Pride Festival and Rainbows Festival maintained once again, the honor of being the two largest LGBTQ+ events in the state of Arizona.

2016

“COMMUNITY STRONG” Two-Day Pride Festival held April 2nd & 3rd with an average temperature of 74 degrees. The Phoenix Pride Parade was held on Sunday, April 3rd and attracted record attendance with Community Grand Marshal Olivia Gardens. Festival Entertainment included: The B-52s, MAGIC! & Daya. Miss & Mister Phoenix Gay Pride Royalty: Naomi St. James and Geo Johnson. The Annual Pride Brunch (formerly Awards Gala) was held June 11th at the Hilton Scottsdale. Phoenix Pride celebrated its 5th year of ownership of the Rainbows Festival with continued record attendance. The Pride Festival and Rainbows Festival maintained once again, the honor of being the two largest LGBTQ+ events in the state of Arizona.

2015

“PASSIONATE, POWERFUL & PROUD” Two-Day Pride Festival held April 11th & 12th with an average temperature of 76 degrees. The Phoenix Pride Parade moved to Sunday for the first time in its history and was held April 12th with Community Grand Marshal Brendan Mahoney. Festival Entertainment included: Phoenix Pride’s first ever Latin Headliner, Ana Barbara and other headliners Wilson Philipps , Katy Tiz and Betty Who. Miss & Mister Phoenix Gay Pride Royalty: Trixxie Deluxxe and Dee-Jay Galazy. The Annual Pride Awards Gala was held June 20th at the Hilton Scottsdale. Phoenix Pride celebrated its 4th year of ownership of the Rainbows Festival with continued record-setting attendance. The Pride Festival and Rainbows Festival maintained once again, the honor of being the two largest LGBTQ+ events in the state of Arizona.

2014

“BE HEARD, STAY STRONG, BE YOU” Two-Day Pride Festival held April 5th & 6th with an average temperature of 78 degrees. The Phoenix Pride Parade was held April 5th with Celebrity Grand Marshal Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury and Community Grand Marshal Lloyd Mays. Festival Entertainment included: Neon Hitch, Beverly McClellan, David & Devine, A Great Big World and Michelle Branch. Miss & Mister Phoenix Gay Pride Royalty: Barbra Seville  & Eddie C. Broadway. The Annual Pride Awards Gala was held June 7th at the FireSky Resort & Spa. Phoenix Pride celebrated its 3rd year of ownership of the Rainbows Festival with another year of record-setting attendance.

2013

“EQUALITY & JUSTICE FOR ALL” Two-Day Pride Festival held April 6th & 7th with an average temperature of 80 degrees. The Phoenix Pride Parade was held April 6th with Community Grand Marshals Howard & Patricia Fleischmann and Karen Bailey & Nelda Majors, Pride Gala Grand Marshals the Imperial Court of Arizona and the Phoenix Gay Flag Football League. Festival Entertainment included: Girl in a Coma, Wynter Gordon, Black Carl, The Veronicas and Karmin. Miss & Mister Phoenix Gay Pride Royalty: Khloe V Monroe  & Jensen Dean. The Annual Pride Awards Gala was held June 8th at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. Phoenix Pride celebrated its 2nd year of ownership of the Rainbows Festival with record-setting attendance on its 11th Anniversary.

2012

“Born This Way FEEL IT. LIVE IT. BE IT. Proud!” Two-Day Pride Festival held April 21st-22nd. Pride Parade held April 21st with Community Grand Marshals Rick Zavala (Afeelya Bunz) and Jamie Henderson-Maysm Pride Gala Grand Marshals Empress VI Lady Christian and Emperor VI Jerry Heitman, Youth Grand Marshal Max Janssen and Celebrity Grand Marshals Chely Wright and Beth McDonald. Festival Entertainment: Chely Wright, Vanessa Carlton, Cazwell & Amanda Lapore and the Village People. Miss & Mister Phoenix Gay Pride Royalty: Grecia Montes D’Occa  & Jensen Dean. Annual Pride Awards Gala was held June 9th at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. Phoenix Pride acquires the Rainbows Festival on it’s 10th Anniversary and now produces the two largest LGBTQ+ events in the state of Arizona.

2011

“Do Ask. Do Tell. BE PROUD.” 15th Annual Pride Parade was held on April 16th. Featuring Celebrity Grand Marshal’s Lynda Carter, Derek Hartley & Romaine Patterson, Community Grand Marshal’s Meg Sneed & Jimmy Gruender, and honoring the first LGBTQ+ Youth Grand Marshal Caleb Laieski. Two-Day Festival held at Steele Indian School Park April 16th – 17th. Festival Headliners: 80’s Teen Idol Tiffany, American Idol finalist Blake Lewis, former The L Word star Leisha Hailey’s Indie/Electropop band Uh Huh Her and American indie rock Shiny Toy Guns. Added expanded Erotic Art World, ARTS Expo/Bistro Stage all under one roof, additional shading throughout the park. Mister and Miss Phoenix Gay Pride Royalty: Olivia Gardens and Freddy Prinze Charming.

2010

“1 Community. 3 Decades. 4 Pride.” 30th Anniversary of Pride Festival. Two day festival held April 17th – 18th. Pride Parade held April 17th and presented by Verizon Wireless, Community Grand Marshal’s Tambra Williams & Micheal Weakley and International Grand Marshal’s Adam Biskupiak and Tomasz Baczkowski from Warsaw Pride of Warsaw, Poland . Festival Entertainment: Colby O’Donis, Nina Sky, Berlin and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. Added Erotic Art World, Red Bull Tent, Fort McDowell Casino Tent, 10 Days of Pride, T-shirt Design Contest, ProEM’s Wedding Expo. Mister and Miss Phoenix Gay Pride Royalty: Diamond Dallas and Nikki Kidd. OUTdayPHX returns to the Phoenix Zoo for the second year with celebrity keynote speakers ANT and Heather Matarazzo. Phoenix Pride teams up with Aunt Rita’s Foundation for Celebration of Giving held Dec. 4th.

2009

“Celebrate Community, Celebrate Family, Celebrate YOU!”, Two day festival held April 18th -19th. Pride Parade held April 18th with Community Grand Marshal’s Linda Hoffman and Mayor Phil Gordon and our 1st International Grand Marshals, from Tijuana Pride, Lorenzo Herrera and Dr. David Oliva Jimenez . Festival Entertainment: Inaya Day, Deborah Cox, The Cliks & Gin Blossoms. Mister and Miss Phoenix Gay Pride Royalty: Chane’ Jordan (title removed) & Brandon Packer. Inaugural Pride Gala was held June 13th at Memorial Hall. Inaugural OUTdayPHX at the Phoenix Zoo is held Oct. 11th. Celebrity keynote speakers: My So Called Life’s Wilson Cruz & former The L Word star Daniel Sea. Phoenix Pride teams up with the Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for the 1st annual Festival of Trees held at the Hilton in Scottsdale on Dec. 5th.

2008

“More Color, More Voices, More Pride”!, Two day festival held April 12th-13th. “The Celebration Starts Here!” Pride Parade held April 12th with Community Grand Marshal’s Bob Heygi and Regina Gazelle Wells, National Grand Marshal the Phoenix Mercury.
Festival Entertainment:Ultra Nate’ and Expose’ on Saturday night or Kat DeLuna and Sheena Easton.
Pride Royalty: Miss Afeelya Bunz.

2007

“Over The Top” Pride Parade on 3rd St on April 14th and Festival April 14th-15th, 2 day Festival at Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix Green. 5K Pride run organized by AZ Frontrunners.on April 15th
Entertainment Headliners: Taylor Dane and En Vogue. Added additional interactive Entertainment / Friends Fun Zone.
Pride Royalty: Miss Claudia B

2006

“10th Annual Parade” Pride Parade on 3rd St on April 1st and Festival April 1st-2nd, 2 day Festival at Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix Green. 5K Pride run organized by AZ Frontrunners on April 2nd.
Entertainment Headliners: Jennifer Holliday and RuPaul. Added Art Expo, Wine Experience and Bungee-Trampoline Ride.

2005

“25 Years of Pride in Phoenix” Pride Parade on April 2nd and Festival April 2nd-3rd, 2 day Festival at Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix Green. 5K Pride run organized by AZ Frontrunners.on April 3rd
Entertainment: Evelyn Champagne King, Crystal Waters, Liquid 360, Kevin Ceballo, Rockell, Debbie Deb, Comedy: Sabrina Matthews, Nick Tarr

2004

“Celebrating Rainbow Flag 25” Pride Parade on April 3, 2004. 5K Pride run moves North & is organized by AZ Frontrunners.
Festival: April 4 12:00-6:00 pm Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix Green (another new location) (added Bistro Stage & Pride Saloon) 1st ever Phoenix Gay Pride Week proclamation-Mayor Phil Gordon presented on Festival Stage.
Entertainment: Kim English, Thea Austin, Paul Lekakis, comedienne-Michele Balan
Royalty: Miss- Paula Sha’, Mr. Jeffrey Klimas-Mckenzie, Ms-Madame Rose (Rosemarie Nagle), Miz-ter Tomi Boi (aka Tara Masters)

2003

“Let Your Pride Be Your Guide” Pride Parade (1st year northbound), 10K Pride run, and Festival at Steele Indian School Park, Circle of Life area Entertainment: Pointer Sisters, Digital Soldier
Festival moved to Steele Indian School Park
Royalty: Miss- Anita Champagne Pride (aka Kelvin Brown)

2002

“For One Day Feel Like the Majority” Pride Parade, 5K run, and Festival at Margaret T. Hance Deck Park
Entertainment: Abigail
Royalty: Miss- Dottie D, Mr-Jerry Lee (moved), replaced by Mr. Mikey P

2001

“What Part of Equal Don’t You Understand” Pride Parade, 5K run, and Festival at Margaret T. Hance Deck Park (June)
New ACP President: Linda Hoffman (YEAR OF THE STORM)
Entertainment: RuPaul (almost), Crystal Waters (not!)
Royalty: Miss-Aurora Gayheart, Mr.-Tommy D
1st time Gay Billboard (I-17 & 17th Ave)

2000

“One Heart, One Mind, One Vision, Take Pride, Take Joy, Take Action” Pride Parade, 5K run, and Festival at Margaret T. Hance Deck Park
Royalty: Miss-Antewnette, Mr-Byron Lourde, Ms-Liz Kestner, Mr. Jeff Edwards

1999

“Millions of Lives…One Voice in Pride..” Pride Parade, 5K Pride run by Team AZ/ACP, and Festival at Margaret T. Hance Deck Park.
Royalty: Miss- Mimi Rae Rose, Ms DaMomma Powers, Mr. Jeff Edwards

1998

“Pride 98…A Gateway to Change” Pride Parade (1st year together with Festival date)
Festival moves to Margaret T. Hance Deck Park in Phoenix

1997

“Pride…Equality Through Visibility” Festival (June) at Tempe Diablo Stadium Complex Soccer Fields, 1st year for Parade (April) in Phoenix Entertainment
Royalty: Miss- Pussy LeHoot, Mr. John (Tigner) Dennem, Ms. Pat Brinegar
Entertainment: Royalty: Miss- Paula Sha’, Mr. Carl Gommer, Ms. Jennifer Stieha

1996

“Discover: Pride Without Borders” Festival at Tempe Diablo Stadium Complex Soccer Fields
New ACP President: Ernie Mendoza.
Royalty: Miss- Diane Daniels, Mr. Tony Geraldes, Ms. Jennifer Guthrie

1995

“Discover Pride” Festival at Tempe Diablo Stadium Complex Soccer Fields.
Royalty: Miss- Felicia Fahr, replaced by Miss Ellie

1994

“Stonewall 25: A Global Celebration of Pride” Festival at Tempe Diablo Stadium Complex Soccer Fields expands to 3 day event.
Royalty: Miss- Roxy Blue
PLGPC renames itself to Arizona Central Pride

1993

“A Family of Pride” Festival at Tempe Diablo Stadium Complex Soccer Fields.
1st year for Royalty Pageant: Miss Markus

1992

“Pride = Power: A Simple Matter of Justice” Festival at Tempe Diablo Stadium Complex Soccer Fields

1991

“Desert Pride: It’s Hot” Festival at Kiwanis Park, Tempe, AZ.

1990

“A New Decade of Pride” Festival at El Lienzo Charro Rodeo Grounds (27th Ave & baseline) with booths and entertainment.
Entertainment: Comedienne Lynn Lavner
The organization incorporates as The Phoenix Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee, Inc.
President: Beth Verity

1989

“Stonewall Remembered” March from Patriot’s Park to rally at Wesley Bolin Plaza
Keynote: Karen Thompson

1988

“Unity ’88” – Festival at Phoenix Civic Plaza with booths and entertainment
Keynote: Caryoln Warner.

1987

“Silent No More” / “Hands Across the Capitol” Rally at Wesley Bolin Plaza Rally becomes combined with Mecham Recall event. Participants held hands surrounding the State Capitol building.

1986

“Phoenix Pride Emerging” – Outdoor event at South Mountain Park
Keynote: Activist Cleve Jones.

1985

“Our Future in Our Hands” – Parade on Central Avenue
Keynote: West Hollywood Mayor
Pro-Tempore: John Heilman.

1984

“Unity and More in ’84” – March on Central Avenue. Rally at Phoenix Civic Plaza.
Keynote: Attorney and Civil Rights Activist Flo Kennedy.

1983

“Uniting for Freedom, Recognition, and Understanding” March on Central Avenue. Rally at Phoenix Civic Plaza
Keynote: David Clarenbach, Wisconsin State Representative.

1982

“We are Family” – March from Patriot’s Park to rally at Wesley Bolin Plaza. 17 People walk to Phoenix from Tucson for the event.
Keynote: Author Charlotte Bunch.
Alternative Relations Center opens in Phoenix during Gay Pride Week.

1981

“We are Here” – March from Patriots Park to rally on State Capitol ground.
Keynotes: Lesbian activist Arlie Scott and Serviceman/Activist Leonard Matlovich.