PHX QUEER SPACES - Know Your Rights Training

Description

On Tuesday, August 26, from 4–6 p.m., LOOKOUT is partnering with Trans Queer Pueblo to host a Know Your Rights Training at Copper Star Coffee in Melrose. The training is free, and it’s designed specifically for people like you who manage or own queer spaces. It will also be open to the public, in the event other local business owners want to attend.

We’re doing this because across the country — from Seattle to Pittsburgh to Florida — we’ve seen police enter LGBTQ+ venues under the pretense of liquor violations, immigration enforcement, or vague accusations of “lewd conduct.” Those entrances into LGBTQ+ spaces have led to arrests, tickets, and fines that have threatened the closure of those spaces. 

With increased hostility toward drag, trans folks, and fetish-themed events, it’s not a question of if this happens in Phoenix — but when.

This training will cover exactly what law enforcement can and cannot do when they walk through your doors, and how you can protect yourself, your staff, and your patrons.

Also, we will publicly list on our website and newsletter which venues have attended the training. Community members are asking us who they can trust, and who is taking real steps to protect their safety and rights. We believe they deserve to know. 

At the end of the training, you will be given a "We Know Your Rights" sticker that you can put in your doorway or entrance to let people know that your staff have been informed of what to do should law enforcement, including ICE, come to your door. If you or anyone from your staff can't attend this training but still wants to be involved in this, please reach out and we can work out a virtual session or follow up. 

We hope you’ll be there — not just for your own protection, but for the community that supports you.

If you have any questions or have scheduling conflicts but would still like training, please don’t hesitate to reach out.