Story and photo by LeeAnn DiSanti
For the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community of Arizona, the seventh annual Rainbows Festival and Street Fair is more than a celebration of an open life. It is a symbol of how far they have come in gaining acceptance.
Heritage Square Park in downtown Phoenix transformed for Sunday’s festival into the social hub for LGBT businesses, communications and outreach programs.
“It is a place where the LGBT community and straight allies could come together,” Phoenix Pride Executive Director Brandi Sokolosky said.
Phoenix Pride, a local organization that promotes diversity and tolerance for the metropolitan Phoenix LGBT community, is having its first ever Coming Out Day at the Phoenix Zoo on Oct. 11.
The event is considered a milestone for the LGBT community.
“For Phoenix, it’s one of the first events of its kind,” Sokolosky said. “It is the first day to come to a mainstream location.”
Though it has not always been that easy for the LGBT community, Sokolosky said he was lucky enough to grow up in a home that taught open values and love.
“I haven’t dealt with the same prejudices like my girlfriend has,” Sokolosky said.
Sokolosky’s partner worked for the Phoenix Police Department for over 20 years and was forced to deal with injustices on the job.
Sokolosky said it was written in the police department’s policy that officers could not be gay or lesbian.
“She had to hide who she was,” Sokolosky said.
Out of prejudice, the LGBT community developed their own businesses.
Realtors Steve Donovan and Shawn Hertzog are members of the Arizona Gay Real Estate Alliance.
“If you are gay or lesbian, you want someone helping you find a home that is in that community,” Donovan said.
Unique on Central Urban Boutique, a department store that caters to the LGBT community, was created by Doug Klinge 15 years ago.
“I have everything; cards, gag gifts, men’s underwear that will make them look sexy,” he said.
Klinge created the store after his partner was diagnosed with AIDS.
“I wanted to create a store with a community resource center,” Klinge said.
Members of the LGBT community have largely been able to move past the stigmatisms society has put on them, Sokolosky said.
“My parents always taught me to love anyone and everyone even if they’re black, white, gay, straight,” Sokolosky said. “We love what we love.”
Contact the reporter at ldisanti@asu.edu
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