Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:50:09 -0700 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2623372 en-us © 2026 Read the Room Podcast yes 44cdc29f-2de1-57c7-99cb-4543d7366103 agonzalez@acluaz.org agonzalez@acluaz.org ACLU of Arizona episodic false Read the Room is a podcast from the ACLU of Arizona exploring the gap between the political games played in local government and the everyday realities LGBTQ+ Arizonans navigate in 2026. What makes Read the Room special are its guests — LGBTQ+ Arizonans who bring their own stories, insights, and lived experiences to these important conversations. Together, we will take a closer look at how choices made by lawmakers are impacting LGBTQ+ Arizonans in their day-to-day lives. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) ACLU of Arizona agonzalez@acluaz.org https://storage.buzzsprout.com/54lrymxokpg4agwcl4fliysw5yon?.jpg https://www.buzzsprout.com/2623372 Targeted but Still Standing Sonix Flores Bahena of Trans Queer Pueblo joins Read the Room to explore the intersection of LGBTQ+ and immigrant identities. The conversation dives into the unique challenges facing queer migrants, the advocacy work driving Trans Queer Pueblo’s mission, and why community-led solutions are essential in the fight against systemic oppression. Sonix also shares practical insights on how to better support our trans siblings – both in and outside of detention.

]]> Sonix Flores Bahena of Trans Queer Pueblo joins Read the Room to explore the intersection of LGBTQ+ and immigrant identities. The conversation dives into the unique challenges facing queer migrants, the advocacy work driving Trans Queer Pueblo’s mission, and why community-led solutions are essential in the fight against systemic oppression. Sonix also shares practical insights on how to better support our trans siblings – both in and outside of detention.

]]> ACLU of Arizona Buzzsprout-19674135 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:00:00 -0700 1870 1 3 full false Drag the Conversation Phoenix native Ben Whitneybell, known across the Arizona drag scene by his drag name Benaddiction, joins Read the Room to discuss his start in drag, the role it plays in cultivating community, and the real impact of legislative attacks on drag in Arizona. He also shares how he uses his platform as a performer to uplift underrepresented voices and artistry while advocating for all queer Arizonans. 

]]> Phoenix native Ben Whitneybell, known across the Arizona drag scene by his drag name Benaddiction, joins Read the Room to discuss his start in drag, the role it plays in cultivating community, and the real impact of legislative attacks on drag in Arizona. He also shares how he uses his platform as a performer to uplift underrepresented voices and artistry while advocating for all queer Arizonans. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19399198 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0700 2233 1 2 full true Setting the Room  In the first episode of Read the Room, hosts Alex Gonzalez and Angel Medina 'set the room' with a brief history of LGBTQ+ rights in Arizona — and where the state stands today. They introduce the main mission behind the podcast: to explore what it means to be queer in Arizona in 2026 and have conversations about the intersection with civil rights. 

]]>  In the first episode of Read the Room, hosts Alex Gonzalez and Angel Medina 'set the room' with a brief history of LGBTQ+ rights in Arizona — and where the state stands today. They introduce the main mission behind the podcast: to explore what it means to be queer in Arizona in 2026 and have conversations about the intersection with civil rights. 

]]> Alex Gonzalez Buzzsprout-19367749 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0700 1097 1 1 full false