Read the Room Podcast
Last updated on August 19, 2026
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.
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Episodes
Targeted but Still Standing
Drag the Conversation
Setting the Room
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Jun 29, 2026
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.
Aug 19, 2026
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 we can better support our trans siblings – both in and outside of detention.
Jun 18, 2026
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.