Phoenix has 9th-highest concentration of same-sex couples, report says

PHOENIX — Compared to cities across the country, Phoenix has the ninth-highest concentration of same-sex couples, according to a newly released report by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The report, which used data from the bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey, said Phoenix had a growing demographic of gay and lesbian coupled households.

Jose Rodriguez, vice chair of the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce, believes the concentration is a result of the diversity and inclusivity the city offers.

“The city really welcomed the LGBTQ community,” Rodriguez said. He explained other factors for the high concentration of same-sex couple is the wages, jobs and affordability of living in the city.

Michael Mazzocco, who is also a board member of the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce, told KTAR News 92.3 FM community-based organizations within the city have also had a big role in the increase of same-sex households over the past couple of years.

Mazzacco explains community organizations have built a support network that has helped create a more inclusive environment within the city.

“I moved here almost 15 years ago from New York City and I have seen this community grow with such love and respect,” he said.

Rodriguez and Mazzacco both point out that Phoenix, unlike other major metropolitan areas, does not have a dedicated “gay district” — something both cite as a positive, as members of the LGBTQ+ community don’t have to separate themselves from other members of the community.

“Even if you’re not gay, you want to be part of the community and you’re accepting and I think that has been a great thing,” Rodriguez said.

Last year, the human rights campaign gave Phoenix a perfect score in their Municipal Equality Index Card in 2020. To provide the score, the organization looked into the ways the city supports the LGBTQ+ community.