October is a month for celebration!

October is a month for celebration! As we gracefully wave a fond farewell to the hot days of summer and enthusiastically adorn ourselves with autumn sweaters, it's the perfect time to get OUTdoors and celebrate Pride month here in the Valley of the Sun.

As we know, visibility is incredibly important for the LGBTQIA2S+ community – Visibility is the launch point for necessary action and meaningful change. That's why all of us at Southwest Center are so excited for this month's Pride festivities, which provide an amazing opportunity to highlight the community's contributions to a diverse society and our friends' and neighbors' unique healthcare needs.

We'd love for you to join the Southwest Center team for Phoenix Pride 2022, October 15-16 at Steele Indian School Park! Catch the Southwest Center team walking the Pride Parade, and stop by our Pride Festival booth all weekend. This unforgettable weekend of unity is a chance for us to honor the beauty, diversity, and importance of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Event Information:

Phoenix Pride Festival

Saturday, October 15, 2022 and Sunday, October 16, 2022 - Parade kicks off at 10:00 am

Steele Indian School Park

300 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Walk, bike, and rideshare encouraged

Buy your tickets today!

Next, get ready for the block party of the year, as our representative and champion, Phoenix City Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari, and Mercy Care present the second annual Pride on the Block, benefiting Southwest Center. This fun and FREE, local community event returns to Portland on the Park in downtown Phoenix on Sunday, October 23, from 3:00-8:00 pm. Enjoy exciting live music, drag performances, and on-site mural paintings. Sink your teeth into local food & drink specials, and enjoy the great outdoors.

Wondering what it's all about? Pride on the Block is a collaborative, hyperlocal event launched in 2021 by Councilwoman Ansari, supporting and spotlighting our diverse queer communities. We are incredibly grateful to partner with the Councilwoman this year and are beyond honored to be the event's beneficiary.

The 2022 Pride on the Block features Barbra Seville as our Master of Ceremonies, as well as music, performances, interactive activities, face painting, and more. Participating businesses include Fez, Match, Valley Coffee Company, and Fair Trade Café.

Hoping to feel the cool breeze of autumn? The event will include a Rainbow Bike Ride!

Hungry? Enjoy local food truck delicacies from Flavors Plant-Based, Lalas Lemonades and Mocktails, Random AF, and What the Crepe.

Looking for local information and engagement opportunities? Look no further than the Pride on the Block Resource Fair, featuring Arizona State University, Aunt Rita's Foundation, CAN Community Health, Downtown Phoenix Inc, Dress for Success, GLSEN Arizona, Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce, LGBTQ+ Employee Alliance, one•n•ten, One Community, PGFFL, Plumaje, Mercy Care, Southwest Center, Valley Metro, and Visit Phoenix.

This year's event sponsors include Mercy Care, True North Studio, The Pemberton, Walter Where?House, Arizona Cardinals, Valley Metro, Visit Phoenix, Goodwill, and Waymo!

Again, all funds raised before and during the event will benefit the Southwest Center. Please show your support and celebrate with us.

Event Information:

Pride on the Block

Sunday, October 23, 2022

3:00PM - 8:00PM

Portland on the Park

200 W. Portland St, Phoenix, AZ, 85003

Pride on the Block 2022