PHOENIX — Phoenix Pride says it is changing its policies regarding the participation of local police agencies in the annual Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade.
On Wednesday, officials with Phoenix Pride said in an effort to stand in solidarity with LGBTQ Black and Indigenous People of Color, police and law enforcement officers will no longer have participating contingents in the parade, or booths/displays at the Pride Festival.
Individual police or law enforcement officers are still welcomed to attend the events as private individuals without badges, firearms, non-lethal weapons or any other identifying gear or equipment present.
The new policy begins with this year’s 40th Anniversary events, scheduled for November 7 and 8 at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix.
Additionally, Phoenix Pride has asked the Phoenix Police Department to use only unarmed, non-uniformed officers to manage required street closures and traffic restrictions around the Phoenix Pride Parade route.
Phoenix Pride officials say they are committed to engaging only the minimum mandated number of hand-selected off-duty officers to be present at the Phoenix Pride Festival to meet requirements set forth in the City’s permitting process for the use of Steele Indian School Park.
The Phoenix Board of Directors will continue to review the new policies on an annual basis to ensure they are best reflective of the organization, its mission and our community.
