From a young age Phoenix wanted to make a change. Growing up in Denver, Colorado, he was always passionate about protecting the freedom of those around him. All too early he came to realize that under the guise of liberty, people justify many authoritarian action. From economic socialism to "free the workers" to surveillance to "protect our freedoms" people were all too willing to compromise one freedom for another.
So he realized he would have to take the fight into his own hands. As a teenager he began to see that he had romantic interest in men. At the time this wasn't something he could be open about so stayed in the closet for a while. However, he sought out activist groups and not only did he fight with them for equality, but they helped him grow comfortable with himself. Eventually through his fight he became comfortable sharing who he was with those around him. This experience taught him that nobody should be considered lesser simply because of who they were.
After his teenage years Phoenix went to study Political Science at Duke University. Here he learned of different principals of liberty and governance, and was able to become firm in his beliefs. Eventually he turned that into a law degree, and moved back home to become a defense attorney, specializing in drug crimes. He had to adjust his practices greatly after Donald Trump's administration resigned and the resulting contingent election occurred, but he was always able to do so. Seeing Governor Zero's indifference to his responsibility led him to want to run for office to be a force for freedom from such negligence.