It’s Phoenix Pride Week, a celebration of the accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community. But it is also LGBTQ+ Justice Week, where members of the community bring a celebratory spirit to raise awareness for issues in the community.
“Rise Dance Resist” is a combination funeral procession, drag show and dance party to bring attention to killings committed by the Phoenix Police Department.
One of the event's organizers is Jonathan Beebe Giudice from Trans Queer Pueblo.
“Instances of police violence against people of color and LGBTQ people of color are constant in our city," Beebe Giudice said, "so we need to hold our police department accountable, and we need to do that in joy and loving celebration of our community."
"Rise Dance Resist" takes place on Thursday at 5 p.m. outside Phoenix City Chambers in Downtown Phoenix. Beebe Giudice said he's expecting over 50 people to participate.