Equality Maricopa Relaunches
Equality Maricopa Relaunches as Independent Nonprofit to Expand Statewide Support for LGBTQIA+ Students
Equality Maricopa, a longstanding advocate for LGBTQIA+ college students, announced today that it has officially incorporated as an independent nonprofit and earned 501(c)(3) status. The move marks a new chapter for the organization, enabling it to expand its reach and serve LGBTQIA+ students at all colleges and universities throughout Arizona.
Six months after being disbanded due to federal executive orders issued during the Trump administration, the relaunch as an independent nonprofit organization marks a powerful comeback for the group, which has served as a vital advocate for LGBTQIA+ college students for the past five years.
A New Chapter of Advocacy and Support
As an independent nonprofit, Equality Maricopa will expand its mission beyond community colleges to support LGBTQIA+ students at colleges and universities across the state. The organization will focus on increasing scholarships, enhancing fundraising capacity, and strengthening advocacy efforts to create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments statewide.
“This transition is more than a relaunch. This is a reaffirmation of our commitment to LGBTQIA+ students,” said Jay Franzen, President of Equality Maricopa. “We are returning stronger, more focused, and better positioned to ensure every student feels safe, welcomed, and empowered to complete their education.”
A History of Service and Resilience
Founded more than five years ago, Equality Maricopa has been dedicated to helping LGBTQIA+ students thrive academically and personally. The organization was disbanded in February 2025 due to changes in federal policy but remained steadfast in its commitment to finding a path forward. Over the years, Equality Maricopa has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support students, removing barriers to college completion through scholarships, inclusive programming, and advocacy. Its return marks an expanded mission to serve students at all colleges and universities across Arizona.
Why it Matters
The need for Equality Maricopa’s mission is urgent, and growing.
1 in 5 incoming college freshmen identify as LGBTQIA+, underscoring the substantial presence of LGBTQIA+ students in higher education
Yet, 1 in 3 LGBTQIA+ students face discrimination on campus, creating barriers to their academic and personal success.
30% of students contemplate dropping out due to financial or social hardships, a situation often heightened for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Supporting a single community college graduate can yield approximately $146,000 in net societal benefits, highlighting the economic and social value of each student’s success.
Meanwhile, 33% of LGBTQIA+ youth face parental rejection, and LGBTQIA+ students are four times more likely to attend college away from home in search of acceptance.
By removing barriers through scholarships, advocacy, education, and community engagement, Equality Maricopa doesn’t just support students. It empowers futures, uplifts communities, and builds a more economically inclusive Arizona.