The Right to Marry Campaign 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 LGBT 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.
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.
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 Marriage 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 Marriage Equality and all issues affecting the LGBTQ community.
The Central Route will be lead by Director Meg Sneed, and Route Lead Dr. Mandee Rowley, who are engaged to be married and met on the 2010 Right to Marry. Central Arizona cities are Avondale, Chandler, El Mirage, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Tempe, Tolleson, and Yougtown.
The Northern Route will be lead by Director Jimmy Gruender, and Route Lead Paul Roark, partners of 18 years. Northern Arizona cities Fountain Hills, Pine, Show Low, Snowflake, Window Rock/Fort Defiance, Rock Point, Page, Tuba City/Moenkopi, Grand Canyon National Park, Williams, Flagstaff, Cottonwood, Prescott Valley Wickenburg, Anthem, Cave Creek.
The Southern Route will be lead by Director Karon Bohlender, Route Lead Sister Marie Elle E’Phant. Bohlender joined the Right to Marry Walk in 2011 as a walker in Southern Arizona. Southern Arizona cities are Florence, Queen Creek, Buckeye, Gila Bend, Yuma, Ajo ,Marana, Oro Valley, Tucson, Green Valley, Sahuarita ,Douglas, Willcox , Benson ,Globe, Superi
The Right to Marry Application for Equality Walkers and Support can be found at
First Time Applicants: Click Here
Returning Walkers/Support: Click Here
We encourage old friends, new faces and future leaders to apply! Deadline is February 1st.
If you have questions/comments email meg@righttomarryaz.org
For more information on the 2012 Equality Walk please visit here
