This week’s Arizona Supreme Court decision on reproductive rights is harmful to Arizona, our economy and our citizens. It once again puts Arizona in the national spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The draconian decision to revert Arizona to a pre-statehood, Civil War-era abortion ban continues to promote gender inequality and impact our standing in the national and global economy.

Arizona is a state that is fiercely independent, taking pride in individual freedoms and the belief that with hard work you can achieve success. However, this week’s decision rolls back those individual freedoms and creates a roadblock to success by limiting access to healthcare options for half the population.

The decision also makes it harder for Arizona to attract and retain the workforce we desperately need to thrive and grow. Top talent will not want to stay or relocate here if they lose fundamental freedoms when they cross state lines. And many corporations and businesses want to know that their employees have equitable protections and autonomy to make the decisions that are right for them.

We strongly condemn this decision and hope Arizonans will join us in our call to action:

• We call upon our leaders to act swiftly in reinstating protections and access to healthcare.

• We ask Arizona voters to join us in voting to protect choice in November. 

• We ask all Arizonans to visit www.yourvoteisyourvoice.com to register to vote or update their registration status so they can use their voice in November. 

ONE Community, the coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals advancing diversity, inclusion, equity, and equality for all Arizonans, is proud to announce the thirteenth annual Spotlight on Success Local Heroes Awards to be held on Friday October 18th, 2024, at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix.

The recognition and special awards will take place at a luncheon scheduled for Friday, October 18th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a networking cocktail reception to follow from 1:30 - 3:00pm at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix, 340 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix.

Purchase tickets to Spotlight.

Request Sponsorship information for Spotlight.

ONE Night Only is the event you don't want to miss! Join us for a night of music, laughter, and good vibes. It's going to be EPIC! Get ready to have the time of your life surrounded by amazing people. Mark your calendars and spread the word – it's going to be unforgettable!

We will be celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride month in style while sharing the personal stories of some of our dearest friends and partners, people whose lives have been enriched by the work that we do. Get to know us and learn why this is the ONE Community that you need to be a part of!

Celebrate the success we have had so far and learn how you can join the Unity Movement to create an Arizona that celebrates, respects and protects us all!

Featuring: The Instant Classics “The hardest working band in the known universe.”

Purchase tickets to ONE Night Only

Request Sponsorship information to ONE Night Only

Our groundbreaking summit focuses on the importance of LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion to attract and retain top talent to your organization. Panel discussions cover economic development, tourist and new business attraction, our yearly marketing report and our up to the moment report on the State of LGBTQ+ as we work to create a sustainable future for all Arizonans.

Purchase tickets to Point of Pride.

Request Sponsorship information for Point of Pride.

HB 2736: The Equality and Fairness for All Arizonans Act Filed to Protect LGBTQ+ Arizonans

Legislation will extend Arizona’s non-discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ Arizonans in employment, housing and public accommodations leading to a more competitive and resilient Arizona. 

(February 2nd, 2024,  Phoenix, Ariz.): This week, HB 2736, the Equality and Fairness for all Arizonans Act, was filed that will extend Arizona’s current non-discrimination protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Arizonans in employment, housing, and public accommodations. In accordance with Governor Hobb’s Executive Order from 2023, it will also codify protections from the harmful and disproven practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth.

This historic measure is the product of years of thoughtful dialogue between leading Arizona LGBTQ+ organizations, business leaders and communities of faith to support updating the state’s non-discrimination law to be inclusive of LGBTQ+ people.  

The proposed legislation also follows passage of similar non-discrimination ordinances in Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tolleson and Chandler. In total, only 11 Arizona municipalities have LGBTQ+-inclusive non-discrimination laws, leaving millions of Arizonans vulnerable to discrimination with no legal recourse.

“HB 2736 brings the LGBTQ+ community, business community and people of faith together in celebration of the great American tenets of equal treatment and freedom of opportunity for all. This bill reflects the true spirit of bipartisanship and democracy – diverse groups of Arizonans coming together to create a fairer Arizona for all people. We are grateful to Representative Shah, M.D. for his leadership,” said Michael Soto, Chief Advocacy Officer for ONE Community.

“HB 2736 will ensure that LGBTQ+ Arizonans have the same opportunity to live, work, and contribute to our great state. The diverse coalition supporting this bill are Arizonans from all walks of life, willing to work together based on our shared values of equality and fairness.” said Angela Hughey, president, and co-founder of ONE Community  “If we want to live in a state that grows by attracting the very best talent, has a strong economy, welcoming culture, and is open for business to everyone, then we must pass this bill,” concluded Ms. Hughey.

“HB 2736 will provide vital protections for LGBTQ+ youth who are vulnerable to harm and discrimination both from lack of non-discrimination protections and also the practice of conversion therapy,” said Nate Rhoton, CEO of one.n.ten.

“HB 2736 will ensure equal access to hospitals, doctors offices and more across Arizona,” said Jessyca Leach, Executive Director, Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS. “This legislation will increase healthcare equity in Arizona, particularly for LGBTQ+ people,” concluded Ms. Leach. 

Support for LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protections have continued to grow in recent years across religious and political affiliations. 93% of Fortune 500 companies have non-discrimination policies that include gender identity and sexual orientation. ONE Community’s UNITY Pledge, a pledge to not discriminate in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations has more than 22,000 individual signers, 3,600 business signers and over 500 faith-based organizations. 

“It’s time to protect all Arizonans from discrimination and harm equally in our great state. Let’s send a message that Arizona is a place that celebrates, respects and protects all who live and visit here no matter who they are or who they love,” concluded Ms. Hughey.

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For more information:

Sophie O’Keefe-Zelman

[email protected]

602-380-1809

About ONE Community

Since its inception in 2008, ONE Community has evolved into the member-based coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals moving diversity, inclusion, and equality for all Arizonans forward.  We are committed to reshaping Arizona’s image through educating, empowering, and connecting our diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities on the benefits of inclusion and its direct impact on attracting and retaining top talent and businesses—and thereby, ensuring our state’s economic sustainability.

On December 5th and 6th, ONE Community welcomed partners and community leaders to come together and discuss critical topics facing the LGBTQ+ community. 

In case you missed last week's UNITY Summit, or want a replay, you can now stream all four sessions at your convenience on YouTube. 

Click here to view the 2023 UNITY Summit Sessions

On October 7, 2023, the terrorist group Hamas launched an attack on the State of Israel and the Jewish people. This attack resulted in the brutal murders of over 1,400 Israelis—including Holocaust survivors and children—the kidnapping and hostage-taking of at least 200 more, and the tragic deaths of countless innocent Palestinians whose evacuation has been prevented by Hamas. 

Antisemitism, homophobia, and transphobia travel together. As LGBTQ and allied Americans, we know what it is like to have violent extremists attempt to target and kill us for who we are and who we love. Further, we know all too well what it is like to realize that people we had counted on to speak with a voice of moral courage are silent in the face of our destruction. We have searched our own hearts these last weeks when murmurs of, “it’s complicated,” have sounded an all too familiar alarm. Painfully, we have even seen some blame Jews for the violence they’ve suffered. 

We will not be silent.

The murder of any innocents is never justifiable. While we recognize that people of good will may disagree with the elected Israeli government, we are not called to solve the issue of sovereignty—although we support it for both Israelis and Palestinians. It is absolutely imperative that as LGBTQ and allied Americans, we unequivocally condemn the brutal attacks of Hamas. 

We ask you to join us now in our grief for all the innocent lives lost, and for the hostages still being held. We ask you to join us in our conviction that the State of Israel has a right to exist and reaffirm that the Jewish people deserve a homeland where they can live freely; and that the Palestinian people must no longer be exploited and deserve legitimate self-government in their own nation.  

LGBTQ and allied Americans know that any group dedicated to hate is an existential threat to all marginalized people. Stand with us on the right side of history today. Stand with us for justice, fairness, and equality for all people.

On October 7, 2023, the terrorist group Hamas launched an attack on the State of Israel and the Jewish people. This attack resulted in the brutal murders of over 1,400 Israelis—including Holocaust survivors and children—the kidnapping and hostage-taking of at least 200 more, and the tragic deaths of countless innocent Palestinians whose evacuation has been prevented by Hamas. 

Antisemitism, homophobia, and transphobia travel together. As LGBTQ and Allied Americans, we know what it is like to have violent extremists attempt to target and kill us for who we are and who we love. Further, we know all too well what it is like to realize that people we had counted on to speak with a voice of moral courage are silent in the face of our destruction. We have searched our own hearts these last weeks when murmurs of, “it’s complicated,” have sounded an all too familiar alarm. Painfully, we have even seen some blame Jews for the violence they’ve suffered. 

We will not be silent.

The murder of any innocents is never justifiable. While we recognize that people of good will may disagree with the elected Israeli government, we are not called to solve the issue of sovereignty—although we support it for both Israelis and Palestinians. It is absolutely imperative that as LGBTQ and Allied Americans, we unequivocally condemn the brutal attacks of Hamas. 

We ask you to join us now in our grief for all the innocent lives lost, and for the hostages still being held. We ask you to join us in our conviction that the State of Israel has a right to exist and reaffirm that the Jewish people deserve a homeland where they can live freely; and that the Palestinian people must no longer be exploited and deserve legitimate self-government in their own nation.  

LGBTQ and Allied Americans know that any group dedicated to hate is an existential threat to all marginalized people. Stand with us on the right side of history today. Stand with us for justice, fairness, and equality for all people. 

The UNITY Pledge is the Largest LGBTQ+ Inclusive Pledge in the Nation

(October 23rd, 2023, Phoenix, Ariz.) – The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona signed the UNITY Pledge in support of equality for all Arizonans. Created by ONE Community, a member-based coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals who support diversity, inclusion and equality for all Arizonans, the UNITY Pledge is a public declaration to support and advance workplace equality and equal treatment in housing and public accommodations for all Arizonans, including LGBTQ+ people. To date, more than 3,600 businesses, 500 faith leaders, and 22,000 Arizonans have signed the UNITY Pledge, which is now the largest equality pledge in the nation.

“We are proud to sign the UNITY Pledge in support of equality and fairness for all. Signing the pledge is an embodiment of our faith and Jesus’ commandment to love one another as he loves us. Nobody should be turned away from a business simply because of who they are, and nobody should have to fear or question whether or not they will be served when they walk through the doors of a business. We all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, without exception,” said Bishop Jennifer A. Reddall, the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Arizona, and the first woman to serve in the position.

“We are so grateful and honored to be welcoming the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona into the UNITY Pledge family,” said Angela Hughey, President and Co-Founder of ONE Community and ONE Community Foundation. “As we continue to build bridges of support for equality and fairness for all across our community, we celebrate today’s signing and what it means for a brighter tomorrow for us all,” concluded Hughey.

Currently, Arizona does not have a fully inclusive non-discrimination law, leaving LGBTQ+ individuals and their families vulnerable to discrimination throughout much of the state. In total, only 11 Arizona municipalities have LGBTQ+ inclusive non-discrimination laws, creating a patchwork environment of laws that is not only bad for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, but for our entire community.

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For more information:

Sophie O’Keefe-Zelman

[email protected]

602-380-1809

About ONE Community

Since our inception in 2008, ONE Community has evolved into a member-based coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals who support diversity, inclusion and equality for all Arizonans.  We are committed to reshaping Arizona’s image through educating, empowering and connecting our diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities on the benefits of inclusion and its direct impact on attracting and retaining top talent and businesses—and thereby, ensuring our state’s economic sustainability. Visit www.ONECommunity.com for more information.

About ONE Community Foundation

ONE Community Foundation provides educational opportunities to ensure better understanding of nondiscrimination and the importance of being LGBTQ+ inclusive. We are committed to reshaping Arizona’s image through educating, empowering and connecting our diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities with business leaders, academic institutions, elected leaders, members of the media and key opinion leaders about the benefits of inclusion and its direct impact on attracting and retaining top talent and businesses—and thereby, ensuring our state’s economic sustainability. Visit www.UNITYPledge.com for more information and to take the UNITY Pledge, the largest equality pledge in the nation.

(Phoenix, AZ) - This week Arizona lost a prolific community leader, loving wife and mother, cherished friend, and champion of equality after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Nelda Majors was a vivacious force of nature who will be missed by all of us at ONE Community and the countless lives she touched in her lifetime. She was the wife of Karen Bailey, her partner of over 65 magnificent years, as well as mom and guardian to great nieces, Marissa Diamond and Sharla Curtis. Nelda was a remarkable advocate on behalf of others and is a central part of the inspiration behind the ONE Community Unity Pledge, the largest equality pledge in the nation, that continues to inspire support for equal protections for LGBTQ+ people in Arizona and across our nation in housing, employment and public accommodations. 

In 2013, Nelda and Karen had been a couple for over 50 years when they traveled to Washington, D.C. to rally in support of equal marriage. Nelda and Karen were brave representatives, speaking in favor of marriage on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court during the United for Marriage Coalition rally. Their love story is Arizona’s love story as they served as the face of marriage equality in Arizona and our nation. In 2014, Nelda and Karen bravely paved the way for marriage equality in Arizona, joining six other couples to sue the state over its ban on gay marriage. That same year, after gay marriage was legalized in Arizona, Nelda and Karen officially exchanged vows – more than five decades after their love story began.

In 2012, ONE Community had the honor and privilege of sharing the inspiring love story of Karen and Nelda, detailing their journey and love for each other and their family. “Nelda was like a mom to so many of us and her enduring love story with Karen has and always will be pivotal to the evolution of ONE Community’s story,” said Angela Hughey, Co-Founder and President of ONE Community. We are honored and privileged to have been part of her extraordinary journey and we will continue to be like Nelda, welcoming everyone and treating all people with dignity and respect,” she added.

About Nelda Majors:

Nelda was born in 1938 in Houston, Texas. She is a University of Houston graduate with a degree in sociology and physical therapy. Nelda was an outstanding athlete and played softball from 11 years until her 30s. She is a hall of fame fast pitch pitcher and received many awards during those years. Nelda graduated from Herman School of Physical Therapy and started her own business contracting with hospitals to provide physical therapy. Her business started with one hospital and one outpatient department in Houston and when she retired, she had contracted with 33 hospitals in Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

Please join us in mourning and celebrating the loss of a role model, friend, and confidant.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to ONE Community Foundation or one-n-ten.

Details about the celebration of life will be forthcoming.

ONE COMMUNITY ANNOUNCES 2023 SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS HONOREES

Event Celebrates Arizona’s LGBTQ+, Allied Businesses and Community Leaders

(Phoenix, AZ) - ONE Community, the coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals working to advance diversity, equity, equality and inclusion for all Arizonans, is proud to announce the 2023 Honorees for the thirteenth annual marquee event, Spotlight on Success Awards, scheduled to be held on Friday October 13th, 2023, at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix.

This year’s Spotlight event is particularly meaningful, as it is also the ten-year anniversary of the UNITY Pledge, which is now the largest equality pledge in the nation! The UNITY Pledge is a concerted effort by Arizona businesses, organizations, and individuals to advance workplace equality and equal treatment in housing, workforce, and public accommodations. To date, over 3,500 businesses and 25,000 individuals have proudly signed the pledge, supporting an update to Arizona’s non-discrimination laws. 

The 2023 Honorees include:

Common Good Award:

ONE Community and the Equality and Fairness Campaign will honor Senator Krysten Sinema (I-AZ) with the ONE Community Common Good Award. Sen. Sinema, Arizona’s Senior Senator, is the first to be recognized in this new category. The Common Good award honors bipartisan leadership that brings people together to work for the common good of our state and nation. Senator Sinema was instrumental in introducing and passing the landmark Respect for Marriage Act in 2022 that repeals the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and requires the U.S. federal government and U.S. states and territories to recognize the validity of same-sex and interracial civil marriages in the United States.

“I am deeply humbled and honored by this esteemed recognition from ONE Community, as we share the common goal of bringing diverse viewpoints together to make a positive impact,” stressed Senator Sinema.  

Furthermore, this year’s Local Heroes Honorees represents a diverse group of individuals, from various backgrounds; however, what they have all demonstrated their dedication to ensuring Arizona is a place that celebrates, respects, and protects all who live and work in our great state:

Local Heroes Awardees include:

• Sarah Krahenbuhl, Executive Director, Phoenix Suns Charities & Vice President of Social Responsibility, Phoenix Suns & Phoenix Suns Charities

• Terri Kimble, President, Chandler Chamber of Commerce

• Jennie Patel, Vice President, Social Responsibility & Volunteers, NCAA Mens’ Final Four Local Organizing Committee

• Paul Rockower, Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix

• Gabe Hagen and Jesse Shank, co-owners Brick Road Coffee

Unity Agent Honor:

Presented by PetSmart, this year’s Unity Agent honor is awarded to Lynette Braddock, an Arizona mom who has advocated tirelessly on behalf of her daughter Chloe, who is an incredible transgender young woman in her second year of law school. Braddock spoke and testified at the Arizona State Legislature and the Chandler City Council last year on behalf of her daughter and others in the community seeking fair and equitable laws. She also traveled to Washington D.C. twice during the summer with the Equality and Fairness Campaign to advocate for a comprehensive update to federal non-discrimination law. Without statewide non-discrimination protections, Braddock worries about her daughter being discriminated against in employment, housing and public accommodations once she graduates law school in 2024, even though she ranks in the top 10% of her law school cohort at NYU. Braddock has and continues to work collaboratively and advocate for full inclusion through policy measures alongside ONE Community to protect her daughter and so many others in our community.

Additionally, ONE Community will be highlighting past collaborative efforts that led to the passage of ten municipal ordinances that updated or created non-discrimination policies over the past ten years. To date, these cities include Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Sedona, Winslow, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tolleson and Chandler. These ordinances protect residents living in their respective cities from discrimination in housing, employment and places of public accommodations based on characteristics including race, ethnicity, disability, religion, age, nationality, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

“It is with deep appreciation and gratitude that we come together to honor these brave leaders from across our community who work to find common ground by working to ensure Arizona is a place that sincerely respects and protect all people on the same terms,” said Angela Hughey, President, and Co-Founder of ONE Community and ONE Community Foundation. “Every one of our esteemed honorees have their own unique story of how they have positively impacted and contributed to our community and how they work together to promote diversity and inclusion measures that are critical to our collective success,” concluded Hughey. 

The recognition and special awards will take place at a luncheon scheduled for October 13th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a networking cocktail reception to follow from 1:30 - 3:00pm at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix, 340 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix.  Individual and corporate tickets for the Spotlight on Success Awards are available at www.ONECommunity.com  

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For More Information:

Sophie O’Keefe-Zelman

[email protected]

602-380-1809

About ONE Community

Since our inception in 2008, ONE Community has evolved into the member-based coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals moving diversity, inclusion, equity and equality for all Arizonans forward.  We are committed to reshaping Arizona’s image through educating, empowering and connecting our diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities on the benefits of inclusion and its direct impact on attracting and retaining top talent and businesses—and thereby, ensuring our state’s economic sustainability.

About ONE Community Foundation

The ONE Community Foundation is committed to diversity, inclusion, equity, and equality for all Arizonans.  We are committed to reshaping Arizona’s image through educating, empowering and connecting our diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities on the benefits of respecting, protecting, and celebrating all who live in our great state. 

ONE Community Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary of UNITY Pledge in Support of a Fully Inclusive Arizona

The UNITY Pledge is the Largest LGBTQ+ Inclusive Pledge in the Nation

(February 13th, 2023, Phoenix, Ariz.) - Today marks the 10th anniversary of ONE Community’s UNITY Pledge, which is now the largest equality pledge in the nation. Ten years ago today, on February 13th, 2013, ONE Community launched the UNITY Pledge, a concerted effort by businesses, organizations and individuals who support equal treatment and inclusive non-discrimination policies in employment, housing, and public accommodations for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. 

To date, more than 3,500 businesses, 500 faith leaders and 20,000 Arizonans have taken the UNITY Pledge in support of equality and non-discrimination.

“Over the past decade, the support for ONE Community’s UNITY Pledge has grown year over year, demonstrating that Arizona businesses and residents overwhelmingly support equity, equality and inclusion,” said Angela Hughey, President and Co-Founder of ONE Community. “We have accomplished so much together in this journey, but there is still much work to be done to ensure we celebrate, respect and protect all who live and work in our great state,” she added.

Currently, Arizona does not have a fully inclusive non-discrimination law, leaving LGBTQ+ individuals and their families vulnerable to discrimination throughout much of the state. In total, only 11 Arizona municipalities have LGBTQ+ inclusive non-discrimination laws, creating a patchwork environment of laws that is not only bad for individuals and their families, but for business as well.

“The UNITY Pledge has been an amazing tool to educate and raise awareness among Arizonans that we do not have fully inclusive non-discrimination laws and to build support for inclusive policies across our state. It also allows LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies to select and support inclusive workplaces, restaurants, businesses and more as we go about our daily lives,” said Michael Soto, Chief Advocacy Officer for ONE Community.

“Local First Arizona was proud to be the very first signer of the UNITY Pledge,” said Kimber Lanning, founder and CEO, Local First Arizona. “And ten years later we continue to be proud signers and supporters of the UNITY Pledge because of how it has helped advance not just the conversation around diversity and inclusion in Arizona – but also policies that impact people’s lives - making our community stronger and more competitive,” concluded Lanning.

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For more information:

Sophie O’Keefe-Zelman

[email protected]

602-380-1809

About ONE Community

Since our inception in 2008, ONE Community has evolved into the member-based coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals moving diversity, inclusion, equity and equality for all Arizonans forward.  We are committed to reshaping Arizona’s image through educating, empowering and connecting our diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities on the benefits of inclusion and its direct impact on attracting and retaining top talent and businesses—and thereby, ensuring our state’s economic sustainability.

For Immediate Release

Representative Amish Shah, M.D. files HB2739: The Equality and Fairness for All Arizonans Act

Legislation will extend Arizona’s non-discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ Arizonans in employment, housing and public accommodations leading to a more competitive and resilient Arizona.

(February 9, 2023, Phoenix, Ariz.): This week, Representative Amish Shah, M.D. (LD5) filed HB2739, the Equality and Fairness for all Arizonans Act, that will extend Arizona’s current non-discrimination protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Arizonans in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

This historic measure is the product of years of thoughtful dialogue between leading Arizona LGBTQ+ organizations, business leaders and communities of faith to support updating the state’s non-discrimination law. The introduction of the bill also follows Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signing of an executive order on her first day in office, providing employment protections to state employees and contractors who are LGBTQ+.

The executive order directed the Arizona Department of Administration to update hiring, promotion, and compensation policies for all state agencies to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and include provisions in all new state contracts to prohibit discrimination on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The proposed legislation also follows passage of similar non-discrimination ordinances in Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tolleson and Chandler. In total, only 11 Arizona municipalities have LGBTQ+-inclusive non-discrimination laws, leaving many Arizonans vulnerable to discrimination with no legal recourse.

“HB2739 brings the LGBTQ+ community, business community and people of faith together in celebration of the great American tenets of equal treatment and freedom of opportunity for all. This bill reflects the true spirit of bipartisanship and democracy – diverse groups of Arizonans coming together to create a fairer Arizona for all people. We are grateful to Representative Shah, M.D. for his leadership,” said Michael Soto, Chief Advocacy Officer for ONE Community.

“HB2739 will ensure that LGBTQ+ Arizonans have the same opportunity to live, work, and contribute to our great state. The diverse coalition supporting this bill are Arizonans from all walks of life, willing to work together based on our shared values of equality and fairness.” said Angela Hughey, president, and co-founder of ONE Community  “If we want to live in a state that grows by attracting the very best talent, has a strong economy, welcoming culture, and is open for business to everyone, then we must pass this bill.” concluded Ms. Hughey.

Support for LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protections have continued to grow in recent years across religious and political affiliations. Over 91% of Fortune 500 companies have non-discrimination policies that include gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

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For more information:

Sophie O’Keefe-Zelman

[email protected]

602-380-1809

About ONE Community

Since its inception in 2008, ONE Community has evolved into the member-based coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals moving diversity, inclusion, and equality for all Arizonans forward.  We are committed to reshaping Arizona’s image through educating, empowering, and connecting our diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities on the benefits of inclusion and its direct impact on attracting and retaining top talent and businesses—and thereby, ensuring our state’s economic sustainability.

Governor Hobbs Signs Executive Order Extending Non-Discrimination Employment Protections to LGBTQ State Employees as First Act in Office

Executive Order will also apply to state vendors and contractors

Phoenix, Arizona - Today, Katie Hobbs was sworn in as the 24th Governor of Arizona and its 5th female Governor. As her first official act in office, she signed an Executive Order extending employment non-discrimination protections to LGBTQ state employees as well as state vendors and contractors. 

“On her first day in office, Governor Hobbs demonstrated her commitment to inclusion, fairness, and equality for all Arizonans through tangible action. This Executive Order sends a resounding message that under Governor Hobbs’ bold leadership, Arizona is truly welcoming and open for business to everyone,” said Michael Soto, ONE Community Chief Advocacy Officer.

While 11 municipalities in Arizona have ordinances prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ people, Arizona has no statewide law barring discrimination against LGBTQ people in employment, housing or public accommodations.

“ONE Community has worked towards this outcome for years, and we are sincerely grateful for the swift action taken by Governor Hobbs during her first few hours in office. We look forward to our continued close partnership with her administration to advance policies that further promote equality and fairness to protect LGBTQ Arizonans in all walks of life including employment, housing, and public accommodations,” said ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey.

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‘Democracy Is Not A State. It Is An Act.’ -Rep. John Lewis

As faith and community organizations representing the diverse mosaic of the Valley of the Sun, we stand together to affirm our state’s democratic process. The bedrock of Arizona is a strong, thriving democracy and an engaged citizenry. Our state’s democratic principles rely on fair and free elections. That is why we urge trust in our resilient electoral system and legal process.

We honor those who won in this last election, regardless of party or affiliation, and commend those whose campaigns came up short. We congratulate all those elected across our city and state, and look forward to working with them on the issues that are important to our communities.  We respect all who ran for public office, and who engaged in the public sphere of ideas. 

We also thank those who staffed campaigns, and the countless volunteers who poured out hours of time and energy for their candidates and causes.

We particularly are grateful for the leadership of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for their steady hand managing the election season, as well as Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer for his tremendous efforts on behalf of our county’s democratic process. We offer further gratitude to all the election workers and staffers, without whose efforts our voices (and votes) would not be counted or heard.  We are grateful to Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone and his office for protecting our voting spaces.

Democracy means compromise, and the citizens of our county and state have indicated that they desire such actions from its elected leadership. Our differences of opinion must come with civility and respect. Therefore, let us re-engage with our friends and neighbors. Let us celebrate our differences. Let us continue to argue, with civility and respect, on what is best for the people of Arizona.

Signed, 

Arizona Faith Network

Chicanos Por La Causa

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)-AZ

Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix

Maricopa County Branch NAACP

ONE Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 

September 27th, 2022

ONE Community Hires Chief Advocacy Officer

Michael Soto will lead educational outreach and civic engagement efforts 

(Phoenix, AZ) – ONE Community has hired Michael Soto to serve as Chief Advocacy Officer to lead educational outreach and civic engagement efforts. Soto has deep experience and roots in the movement for LGBTQ equality, most recently serving as the CEO of Equality Arizona.

Soto will also co-lead federal efforts on behalf of The Equality and Fairness for All Americans (EFFAAA) coalition.  The bi-partisan coalition was co-founded by ONE Community President, Angela Hughey, and Michael Soto in 2021 to support and promote federal LGBTQ protections in employment, housing, credit, jury service, and public accommodations, while also preserving rights for religious institutions.

“I am deeply honored and privileged to join ONE Community and help to spearhead continued efforts for Equality and Fairness for All Americans,” stressed Soto. “Our work together has been extraordinary and will continue to broaden support across our state and nation to provide immediate relief to millions of Americans and their families,” stressed Soto.  

“We are honored to have Michael join us in this critically important role. Together, we have a historic opportunity to advance protections for LGBTQ people and successfully fight back against the hateful attacks we’ve seen in recent years,” said Hughey. “We have a successful history of engaging and educating folks about the value of inclusion and equality measures for all Arizonans and all Americans, and we will undoubtedly be stronger as a team,” she added. 

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For More Information:

Sophie O’Keefe-Zelman

[email protected]

602-380-1809

June’s Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade was an attack on women and birthing people in our nation, and it also created a direct threat to existing and future LGBTQ+ rights. The Dodds decision created dangerous precedent to allow the Court to strike down key decisions on LGBTQ+ equality in the future, including equal marriage.

We can’t and we won’t go back. And thanks to people like you taking action - Congress is preparing to act as early as next week. In a rare moment of bipartisanship, Senators and Congressmen are working together to pass the “Respect for Marriage Act” to codify equal and interracial marriage and protect these valuable rights from future SCOTUS action. 

In a bipartisan op-ed, Sen. Baldwin and Sen. Collin wrote: “Millions of American families have come to rely on the promise of marriage equality and the freedoms, rights and responsibilities that come with making the commitment of marrying the one you love.”

While momentum is growing - there is still work to do. So today we are asking you to take action and send a letter to your Senator asking them to vote “Yes” on the Respect for Marriage Act” and to share our video and action link on social media to spread the word. 

Please sign our letter in support of the Respect of Marriage Act.

The window to pass federal LGBTQ inclusive nondiscrimination policy is closing. Our Equality and Fairness for All Americans framework will not only make real federal civil rights protections for LGBTQ Americans, but will also codify the SCOTUS decisions on marriage equality and discrimination in employment.

Panelists:

Angela Hughey, President and Co-Founder, ONE Community

Michael Soto, CEO, Equality Arizona

Shapri LoMaglio, Principal, The Raben Group

Rev. Marian Edmonds-Allen, Executive Director, Parity

Sarah Kate Ellis, President, GLAAD