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It’s our “Southern Arizona Fried Chicken Special!!” This week, we’re talking all about what’s going on south of Phoenix. We’re joined in-studio by Christopher Jay Hall, interim President of Central Arizona Rainbow Eduction (C.A.R.E.) and via phone by Joe Sprague, Director of the Out in the Desert LGBT Film Festival. From Casa Grande to Tucson, we’re talking to these great individuals who are making a difference in their local communities and we’re learning about their upcoming events!
Christopher Jay Hall worked to start the March for Equality in Casa Grande, which has evolved into a larger event including a festival with exhibitors and entertainment. How did it get started? There was a need, of course! In 2006, he wanted to start a gay-straight alliance at his high school, and things just ‘blossomed from there.’ C.A.R.E. is now an organization that serves the LGBTQ community in the rural areas of Central Arizona. The upcoming 4th Annual March for Equality takes place on Saturday, March 31 from Noon to 4pm at Peart Park in Casa Grande. The actual March itself will take place at 10am. Both events are free admission are open to all-ages.
Joe Sprague hails originally from Chicago and was involved in many years of LGBT film festivals before he moved to Tucson. And now, he’s bringing his talents to The Old Pueblo and has created one of the largest (by number of films) LGBT film festivals in the entire country! A total of 165 films will be shown at the Out in the Desert Film Festival at several locations in Tucson during the weekends of February 17-19 and February 24-26. Over 40 VIPs from the films will be in Tucson to be a part of the festival. It is shaping up to be an incredible festival and we’re excited that Tucson gets to take this giant leap into LGBT film festival history!
More information on Central Arizona Rainbow Education and the March for Equality
More information / tickets for Tucson’s Out in the Desert Film Festival