The Equality Walk uses the framework of pilgrimage for its outreach. Each summer a group of core Equality Walkers walks a mile for every year Arizona has been a state without full legal recognition of its LGBTQ citizens. The Equality Walkers utilize these miles to speak to police, city managers, faith communities, elected officials and individuals in diverse districts.

Our goal is to carefully and collectively examine the intersection wherein scripture and social norms meet gender and human sexuality. And more practically, we hope to share and gain insights about how related policies and doctrines impact the lives of everyone in a community. These conversations are undeniably essential in creating a safe environment for all citizens of Arizona.

The Equality Walk began as the Right to Marry Campaign in 2008, since then the walk has been rebranded to the Equality Walk, because LGBTQ Equality is more than just marriage.

In 2008 the Equality Walkers completed 96 miles through western Maricopa County, in order to raise awareness about Proposition 102.In 2009 the Equality Walkers completed 97 miles through eastern Maricopa County focusing their outreach to diverse faith communities. In 2010 the Equality Walkers completed 98 miles through Northern Arizona walking through some of the most rural cities in the State and putting faces and stories to the issue of LGBTQ Equality. In 2011 the Equality Walkers completed 99 miles in the extreme heat and desert of Southern Arizona.

And in 2012, the Equality Walkers will embark on the biggest journey yet, 100 miles across Arizona on foot, with the hot August sun beating down. For the first time the campaign will have three simultaneously campaigns, allowing the walkers to cover the entire state of Arizona to have an open dialogue around full equality for LGBTQ Arizonans.

If you have questions/comments email meg@righttomarryaz.org

For more information on the 2012 Equality Walk please visit here