Description

Is there a role for advocacy in Arizona's small business scene? Join LOOKOUT for a community discussion on what small business owners within the LGBTQ+ community are saying on advocacy, impacts or hesitance they've had in taking action, and what they look forward to. This summer 2024, LOOKOUT is putting together community education events that will focus on subjects important to the daily lives of Arizona’s LGBTQ+ population. These events will bring people of different backgrounds together to learn about issues and then discuss solutions to make the community stronger and more engaged. This August 3 from 2-4 p.m. we invite you to join us at the Newton in midtown Phoenix to attend our panel discussion that will include questions from the audience and an opportunity to get feedback on ideas you might have to build small business coalitions, or on working with small businesses to help push greater equality. The topic for this event is: What is the role of businesses in regards to LGBTQ+ advocacy? For decades, queer spaces such as bars and community centers had long been the center to organize and activate LGBTQ+ people. But more often these days, we’re seeing those spaces either disappear, owned by people outside of the community, or refuse to engage in advocacy. And when they do, bars and coffee shops have been the brunt of social media harassment. What is a business to do? PANELISTS: Jesse Shank, co-owner, Brick Road Coffee Charissa Lucille, founder, Wasted Ink Zine Distro Brandon Slayton, co-owner, Stacy’s @ Melrose This event is open to the public, but we are capping our attendance at 40 attendees.