LGBTQ+ Bar Association of Arizona

The LGBTQ+ Bar Association of Arizona was formally established in February 2015 to provide “a strong leadership presence of and for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons in the Arizona legal profession and in the community at large.” The organization is committed to community, visibility, and equality through education, legal advocacy, and participation in civic and social life.

Its formation coincided with a period of rapid change in LGBTQ+ rights nationwide, when many attorneys still navigated questions of visibility and belonging. The Bar’s founders sought to ensure that no attorney or law student would feel isolated because of their identity and that LGBTQ+ legal professionals would have a unified voice within Arizona’s legal community.

In 2016, the Bar became an affiliate of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association, strengthening its connection to a broader professional network and expanding opportunities for collaboration.

Membership is open to all who support the Bar’s mission, including allies. From the outset, the organization has emphasized that advancing inclusion benefits not only LGBTQ+ attorneys, but the legal profession as a whole by strengthening diversity, mentorship, and public trust.

Since its founding, the Bar has developed a robust slate of programming spanning professional development, education, and community engagement. It hosts an annual reception at the State Bar of Arizona Convention, presents educational programming on issues affecting LGBTQ+ attorneys, and maintains a consistent presence at the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association’s Lavender Law Conference.

A signature initiative has been the Bar’s Name and Gender Marker Change Clinics, which assist community members in navigating legal processes related to identity documentation, reflecting a commitment to practical access to justice.

The organization has also built strong partnerships with Arizona State University’s OUTLaw student organization, co-hosting networking events and fostering mentorship between law students and practicing attorneys. These efforts support pipeline development and intergenerational connection within the profession.

Social and community engagement has been a consistent focus, with events in Phoenix and Tucson, participation in Pride parades, Diamondbacks Pride Night, and other visibility efforts across the state. In 2017, the Bar partnered with ASU to host the Arizona premiere of Freedom to Marry and participated in the AIDS Walk. More recently, it has hosted Drag Happy Hour fundraisers to support scholarships for LGBTQ+ law students.

The Bar’s growth has unfolded alongside broader shifts in Arizona’s legal landscape. The state’s legal culture—often characterized by independence—has evolved over time, with increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ professionals, including openly LGBTQ+ judges serving at multiple levels of the judiciary.

Since the Bar’s founding, generational shifts have further transformed the profession, with more young attorneys openly identifying as LGBTQ+. This has heightened the need for structured mentorship and professional support. The Bar plays a key role in bridging generations, connecting experienced practitioners with emerging leaders and fostering continuity in leadership and community.

Today, the LGBTQ+ Bar Association of Arizona continues to expand its membership and impact. It remains focused on mentorship, scholarship support, collaboration with affinity bars, and strengthening its presence statewide.

Grounded in its founding vision of connection and inclusion, the Bar serves as a vital part of Arizona’s legal community—supporting its members, advancing access to justice, and fostering a profession in which all attorneys can practice with authenticity and purpose