AZ NonProfit Warns of Economic Consequences of Anti LGBTQ+ Legislation
The Two Gay Geeks received this press release from our friend Elena Joy Thurston of the Pride and Joy Foundation. She is very concerned about a number of attempts by the AZ Legislature to enact Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
See what she has to say below.
Let us know what you think in the comments section below. As always we welcome your feedback and input on all of our published content. Than you for stopping by and spending time with us.
Phoenix, Arizona. March 2021. Despite similar bills being defeated earlier this month, Arizona lawmakers are pursuing another bill to protect conversion “therapists”. SB 1269 which is sponsored by State Senator Vince Leach, has added the necessary language to protect the practitioners of this dangerous practice. Legislator Walt Blackman heads the Criminal Justice Committee which will hear the bill this afternoon. The Pride and Joy Foundation warns of the economic fallout if this bill passes.
The practice which attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity has been discredited by every major medical and psychological association. It has been banned in nearly half of the United States and in Pima County, AZ. The practice has a 57% suicide rate and a 2020 study proved that survivors are 92% likely to suffer from lifetime suicidal ideation.
The LGBTQ+ community has a $3.7 trillion buying power. The Pride and Joy Foundation is in the midst of planning their annual summit for 2022 to be in-person. This entails about 1,500 families coming to the Valley of the Sun for connection, community, and support. They will utilize hotel rooms, AirBnbs, visit restaurants, and like many tourists that come to our state, possibly visit the Grand Canyon or other popular attractions.
“We will not be able to get approval from our Board of Directors to host this conference locally if Arizona lawmakers continue to prove that the LGBTQ+ dollar is not welcome here. Similar to March of 1991, when Arizona lost the Super Bowl to California because of racism, there will be significant economic consequences to this homophobic and dangerous legislation.” – Elena Joy Thurston, Executive Director, Pride and Joy Foundation.
For questions and comments, contact speaking@prideandjoyfoundation.com.
Pride and Joy Foundation
Queen Creek, AZ
www.prideandjoyfoundation.org
About The Pride and Joy Foundation
The Pride and Joy Foundation is dedicated to building self-awareness and safety in LGBTQ families and their allies.
The idea was born from a realization that we have many traumatized LGBTQ adults in our society, damaged from childhood experiences, societal experiences, and the like.
These deep-feeling, compassionate adults are now productive members of society and trying to nurture their own families, while still navigating relationships with their families of origin. Some of which may still be within very difficult circumstances.
At the same time, we have current-day LGTBQ youth who are trying to navigate their way as well and are at risk of becoming damaged adults themselves. Thus the cycle repeats. And that’s what we’re here to change.
