Thousands of people from all walks of life came together to celebrate the annual Rainbows Festival by Phoenix Pride last weekend to celebrate a growing and diverse LGBTQ+ community.

The family and pet-friendly event hosted more than 100 vendors including various food trucks, informational/activism booths and separate stages that hosted performances and educational and inspiring presentations. 

More than 25,000 people gathered in Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix.

“Everyone seems to be here wanting to be together in a closeness and kind attitude,” said Caroline Economopoulos a local non-profit organization owner.

Whether you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally or not that involved with the community, the festival introduced an opportunity to meet new people and engage in one of the most diverse festivities and celebrations Phoenix has to offer. 

“It’s always a good time at Rainbows Fest…everybody from the community comes out, allies come out and we love to meet with them,” said Jesse Baltazar, who ran Queer Center, a booth that provides free clothing necessities.

“We love to see them and especially educate them,” Baltazar said. 

The two-day event highlighted the importance of LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy.

When asked about the status of concerns within the LGBTQ+ community, Shannon Black a member of Free Mom Hugs told Northeast Valley News her thoughts on the event and the issues for the community. 

“It’s important to educate the community of what these issues are and how they can be damaging,” Black said. “I think it’s some of the most important work that we do—every time we are out here folks are are grateful, they are happy to see us. They are thankful that we are here to love and support them and to celebrate with them.” 

Lots of attendees stopped at the “Mom and Dad hugs” booth. 

There are many anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been raised by Republicans in the Arizona state legislature and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community were on hand manning informational booths and armed with petitions and educational resources that promote helping these communities and being registered to vote against legislative attacks. 

For example, Arizona Republicans sent a flood of anti-LGBTQ proposals to Gov. Katie Hobbs in 2023— forging ahead with the discriminatory legislation despite warnings that doing so endangers the lives of trans youth. 

Even though the anti-LBGTQ+ measures passed 100% by Republicans—none were supported by Arizona Democrats—and once the discriminatory bills were sent to the desk of Gov. Hobbs, they had a veto guarantee. 

Hobbs has issued repeated warnings that she’ll reject the proposal since its first hearing in January, and she has emphatically said she will reject any anti-LGBTQ bills that land on her desk.

The Phoenix Rainbows Festival is another reminder that the LGBTQ+ community has challenges in our state. The Rainbows Festival strives for a reminder and a place for the community and their allies to feel safe and express themselves freely with other people. 

The weekend was a celebration of being able to be “who” you are and share the right with others who share common goals of freedom and acceptance.

“to be able to come here and dress the way I want and look the way I want and hang out with my friends and be free in this community– it’s just really nice to have that support,” said Valley local Rowan Whitney 

The festival is just one of many events put on by phxPRIDE for those within the LGBTQ+ community, their allies and friends and family to ensure proper resources are available.