More Gay-Friendly Businesses In Tucson

Rainbow Connection

Rainbow connection over a rainbow background Tucson’s Rising Phoenix Self-Defense & Fitness is a unique, queer-friendly martial arts and self-defense gym open to all ages, skill levels, and fitness levels. Rising Phoenix has named this branch of their program The Rainbow Connection.

Our Approach

Founded in 2014, Rising Phoenix takes a different approach to self-defense training by using therapeutic martial arts instruction to promote healthy human connection, emotional control, and the importance of consent. Each class focuses on street-smart self-defense skills and concepts designed to be immediately applicable to real-world situations. The self-defense we teach is based on Israeli Krav Maga, specifically intended to be practical, functional, and quick to learn. In 2021, the Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Fame named Rising Phoenix the Best Krav Maga School in Tucson.

The Rainbow Connection

Weapon tactics at the Rainbow ConnectionRising Phoenix provides a welcoming environment for people in the LGBTQIA+ community to be themselves, gain confidence, and learn valuable skills. Rainbow Connection is our weekly donations-based self-defense class for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. Rainbow Connection was established as part of Rising Phoenix in 2016. The program was created by former gym member James Cook, who saw the need for self-defense training among his fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our Rainbow Connection classes provide training specifically designed to address concerns in the queer community. We practice trauma-aware instruction, focused on helping students take ownership of their minds and bodies to challenge their comfort zones and discover what they’re capable of. Rainbow Connection is a safe place. Its dedication is to helping participants effectively learn and use assertiveness and self-defense skills in uncomfortable, intimidating, and scary situations. Our instructors and students use their strengths to help, support, and encourage each other to succeed.

Our Classes

Judo with the Rainbow ConnectionTucson’s Rising Phoenix offers a variety of self-defense, martial arts, and fitness classes, ranging from Krav Maga, Yoga, and Group Fitness, to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Weapons Tactics, and more! We have two donations-based classes that are open to the public: Our Rainbow Connection LGBTQIA+ self-defense classes every Saturday from noon – 1:00 p.m., and our women’s self-defense classes every Friday from 6:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m. and every Saturday from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. One-on-one private lessons, small-group private lessons, customized group workshops, and corporate training sessions are also available.

Our Owner

The founder and owner of Rising Phoenix, Jesse James Tucker, has been teaching self-defense and Krav Maga for over 15 years. He holds black belts in four different Krav Maga systems. He is also a certified Krav Maga instructor with the Federation of Israeli Martial Arts (FIMA). Jesse has been inducted into both the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He was named Defense Master Instructor of the Year in 2021 by the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Reviews

Rainbow Connection classMatt S.

“Stepping into a martial arts gym can be really scary, especially when you’re not a “Tough Guy,” but summoning my courage and walking through the doors at Rising Phoenix is the best thing I’ve done since relocating to Tucson three years ago. Jesse and his fellow instructors go out of their way to make people of every age, body type, culture, and orientation feel welcome and empowered with the best in modern martial arts training. Rising Phoenix’s Krav Maga isn’t static: It’s constantly evolving and incorporating techniques from kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and catch wrestling, alongside the tried and true martial education in Israeli Krav Maga you’d expect. Rising Phoenix also offers more stuff than Krav Maga, too: specialized instruction in Judo, BJJ, and Muay Thai, weapons, and you can take as much as you want for one price. I look back at the years I’ve spent training here and see a totally changed me. I’m tougher physically and psychologically, and my day-to-day life is better for it. Thanks, Jesse!”

Kristina S.

“I can honestly say training at Rising Phoenix is one of the best decisions I have EVER made. Whether you are at a beginner or advanced level in Krav Maga, BJJ, etc, this place makes you feel right at home. I have never met any instructors who are as passionate about teaching self-defense. Jesse, Chance, and Alicia are three of the most amazing people I have met in Tucson. I can ask endless questions, pose endless scenarios, and someone is ALWAYS ready to help and answer my questions. Instructors will stay after class with you for more than an hour to discuss your personal training plan, answer any questions you might have, or just to talk about your experiences and what brought you to Rising Phoenix. They care about your personal experience and want to help you get what kind of training you’re looking for.… I have learned so much from Rising Phoenix, and I cannot wait to continue my training. I have gone to other gyms in Tucson, but there is no place better to train than Rising Phoenix. The atmosphere and the instructors are unbeatable.”

Jeremiah Thomas

“The people here are amazing. The instructors are professional, helpful, willing to show techniques that meet your fitness level, and very supportive. The training here is awesome. From real-life situations to multiple scenarios per technique, the instructors here are on top of their game. The group fitness class is great. It will work you into fighting shape pretty effectively. If you come, just say hi to anyone, and you will find a friend at this gym. I have been coming here for a couple of years now. Every new person is immediately treated as someone you’ve known for a lifetime. It really does make this such an inviting place to learn how to defend yourself and others.” Womens self defence taught at the Rainbow ConnectionCompany Name: Tucson’s Rising Phoenix Fitness & Defense Office Address: 4500 E Speedway Blvd, Suite 4, Tucson, AZ 85712 Contact Name (s): Jesse James Tucker Phone (s): (520) 838-1592 Email: tucsonrisingphoenix@gmail.com Pricing: sliding scale Website: https://tucsonselfdefenseandfitness.com/ Office hours: (Please check our website for class times)  

Sarah Baracks, Structural Energetic Therapist

Sarah Baracks (she/they) is a Tucson queer Structural Energetic Therapist, herbalist, and educator who really wants to build a business that is mostly working with queer clients! That is where you come in…. Would you like to try out what they have to offer? 

What is Structural Energetic Therapy?

Sarah Baracks holding a log stump in the forestSET is a style of bodywork that combines cranial/structural techniques, myofascial/soft tissue protocols, and energy healing to release both physical and emotional trauma from the body and restore alignment throughout the whole self. This style of bodywork is based on the idea that most everyone presents with a core distortion that causes a rotation of the pelvis and other imbalances in our structure. Accidents, illness, stress, emotional challenges, injuries, and other life activities cause the body to collapse further into this distortion resulting in pain and dysfunction. Structural Energetic Therapy uses a unique protocol that will balance your structure and allow for your body to heal its dysfunctions. 

What can SET help with?

  • Brain Fog
  • Executive Function Difficulties 
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries 
  • Headaches/Migraines
  • TMJ
  • Concussions (old or new) PTSD
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Sports Injuries
  • Shoulder Injuries
  • Neck Pain
  • Hip Pain
  • Knee Pain
  • Back Pain
  • Whiplash
  • Scoliosis
  • Poor Posture
  • Muscle Spasms
…and more!!  Sarah Baracks holding a clear bowl with purple flowers in itYou can read more about SET and book an appointment on Sarah’s website: www.sarahbaracks.com   Use the Promo Code LGBTQ20 to receive 20% off your first appointment. Cell: 520-369-7347 Review: Jenn H. Sarah Baracks sitting at a wooden table smiling“Sarah was extremely intuitive, friendly, and careful with me during our session. An accident 20 years ago left me with some lasting nerve damage and I’m always keen to try different therapies. I plan on returning for multiple reasons and I’m glad I can support someone in the Qcommunity while doing so.”  

Ramada by Wyndham

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777 W. Cushing Street
Tucson, Arizona 85745
520-239-2300
Ramada by Wyndham

Located less than 3 blocks from the Tucson Convention Center and within 3 miles of the U of Arizona and Pima Community College, the Ramada is one of our favorite gay-friendly hotels because of its amazing location! Located right along the light rail, stay here and get to wherever you are going without a car making this a great launching pad to go explore Tucson’s vibrant downtown.

This is the closest hotel to the Roadrunners Hockey Arena, you could even walk to the game! It’s also next to the Tucson Convention Center where Tucson’s Comic-Con is held!

When you’re ready to get some exercise or simply connect with nature there are biking and jogging paths right at the River Walk.

Enjoy resort-like ambiance on 8-acres with courts and lawns and be well-positioned to explore all the best things Tucson’s downtown has to offer.

TownPlace Suites Tucson Williams Center

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http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tuswc-towneplace-suites-tucson-williams-centre/

The extended-stay hotel in Tucson, Arizona is the perfect choice for traveling business professionals. They offer studio and home-office style suites that boast fully equipped kitchens with sleek appliances.

Therapy For All

Therapy-For-All.Square.Site
(360) 784-4050
4021 E Grant Rd. Suite 145
Tucson, Arizona 85712
Nina Bingham’s Work on Amazon

Nina Bingham, MS
Nina Bingham, MS

Nina Bingham is an award-winning Author and life voyager who strives to inspire conscious living and conscious dialogue. She writes books that are electric with honesty and passion, causing readers to explore topics such as the soul. Nina earned an AA in Psychology, a BA in Applied Psychology, and completed her MS in Mental Health Counseling program. She is a master-level Clinical Hypnotherapist, a Certified Sound Therapist using tuning forks for painless acupuncture, a Reiki Master who was initiated and taught by a Peruvian shaman, and an Intuitive who channels books about the Archangels. Nina is a member of the International Alliance of Holistic Therapists and has been in private practice for 19 years. 

Nina lives with her wife and dog in Tucson, Arizona, and can be found paddling her kayak on Arizona lakes. Before moving to Tucson, she and her wife lived in Portland, Oregon where Nina had a mental health counseling private practice. Personally, she is a practicing Hindu who received the honorary name Devi from her guru in India (but you can call her Nina). She enjoys growing and smoking her own brand of CBD flower, Devi’s Dream (it doesn’t make you high, just happy). Her wife Rachael sells CBD products such as CBD flower, oil, and pain relief products. Her greatest joy in life is to engage with the LGBTQ community, and she has written her difficult coming-out story in her autobiography, Once The Storm Is Over (you can find her books on Amazon).She also writes a self-help blog: ninabingham.blogspot.com

Clients describe Nina as professional, caring and insightful, and she is a 5-star Groupon merchant. Jeanne left this comment on Groupon about her first Hypnosis session: “Very nice and relaxing experience! This is my first Hypnosis experience but definitely won’t be my last!”

Bob Hunt – Message Therapist

Bob Hunt – Massage Therapist

Massage the way you like it. You describe your needs and I will design a massage to assist with your needs. Your satisfaction is my largest concern. Call Bob in Tucson 760-578-4003. Rates start at $80 per hour. Enjoy Swedish, deep tissue, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, sports massage or Therapeutic massage. Just want to relax, Lomi Lomi massage is a great way to relax, with long deep strokes up and down the body. Give me a call so I can help!

When we meet we go through where in your body you are in pain or stiff and I will build a massage designed around your needs. I have many different modalities to relieve your pain or stiff neck or back. And there is nothing to lose, on your first experience with me if you do not like the massage, you don’t pay! But that has never happened in my 20 plus years of massage, so give us a call Bob at 760-578-4003!

LGBT Adoption Attorney – Heather M. Strickland

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MyersStrickland PLLC
MyersStrickland PLLC

MyersStrickland, PLLC

3180 E. Grant Road Tucson, AZ Phone: (520) 327-6041 ArizonaAdoptionLaw.com
Heather M Strickland with MyersStrickland PLLC
Heather M Strickland with MyersStrickland PLLC
Every day, Tucson families trust their most important decisions with Heather M. Strickland, an LGBT adoption attorney. They trust her not only because of her sterling track-record and relentless work-ethic but also because she takes the time to listen and understand EVERY situation.  They also trust her because she has experience with the system from both sides… While young, Heather had a friend who desperately needed to live with a new family.  She bravely convinced her parents to take up this challenge, only to watch the effort and desire required to follow-through.  Heather was deeply touched not only by her families courage but also by how supportive her community became to lift and protect her young friend. Flash forward to adulthood and motherhood.  Heather has devoted herself to providing the precious gift of family to all of Tucson’s youth.  It is important to her that every child has the support and love of a caring, nurturing family.  Trust Heather Strickland as you work to build your family through adoption.

Why Heather Strickland Should Be Your LGBT Adoption Attorney

Adopting a child can be a gauntlet for any parenting couple.  This is only exacerbated when you are an LGBT couple trying to build your family through adoption.  Heather Strickland can help you navigate the turbulent waters and keep you moving towards your family goals!

Why MyersStrickland, PLLC?

MyersStrickland is a boutique law firm focusing its practice on family building through adoption and assisted reproduction.   They have the privilege of working on more than three hundred adoptions a year – more than any other law firm in the state.  Their expertise allows us to provide exceptional representation in all types of adoptions – whether you are pursuing an independent adoption, working with an adoption agency, are a stepparent or relative, or adopting a child from foster care. They are committed to the ethical and compassionate representation of expectant parents or prospective adoptive parents.

When it takes more than just two to make a baby, MyersStrickland is there to assist with the legal aspects of your donated sperm, eggs or embryos, and your relationship with a gestational carrier.  They guide you through the legal landscape in Arizona and help you develop the best journey to parenthood for you and your family.

At MyersStrickland, they value and welcome ALL families.

Attorney Heather M. Strickland is a native Tucsonan and has been practicing adoption, assisted reproductive technology and family law in Arizona since 2005.  She is a proud Fellow of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys and a recipient of a 2017 Angels in Adoption award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) for her dedication to positive child welfare practices.

Contact MyersStrickland at 3180 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85716 or call (520) 327-6041.

Have a great day! Tony Ray 🙂

Arte Bella on 4th

Arte Bella on 4th Ave.
Arte Bella on 4th Ave.
340 N. 4th Avenue Tucson, AZ 85705 520-526-2588 www.artebellaon4th.com

Art, Entertainment, and Inclusivity at Arte Bella on 4th + Bella’s on 4th

Arte Bella on 4th began as an inclusive art space for Tucsonans Arte Bella on 4th began as an inclusive art space for Tucsonans. It has blossomed into a one-of-a-kind bar, restaurant, live music venue, painting studio, and 420-friendly haven. That’s right, Arte Bella on 4th is not your mother’s paint and sip! It’s the only venue in the country that rounds up live music, art-inspired cocktails, painting classes, drop-in-and-paint options in a 420-friendly atmosphere. Enter the Arte Bella on 4th door and walk through the art gallery back to the event space, or come in through the Bella’s on 4th restaurant after ordering a bite to eat. Arte Bella on 4th has somehow encapsulated all that is awesome about Tucson’s 4th Avenue and put it under one roof!

Offerings

Arte Bella on 4th aims to be a safe gathering place for all 21+ patrons. As allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community, Arte Bella on 4th is truly a “come as you are” establishment, and a “choose your own adventure” experience. Schedule a fun, guided art class or drop-in to freestyle a canvas or decorate a wine glass— whether your skill level is Van Gogh or color-by-numbers. Popular classes include Puff + Paint Date Night, Blacklight Puff + Paint, and Acrylic Pour. Those who don’t have time to paint can stop by for a puff on the patio or a drink from the bar and enjoy live music. Arte Bella on 4th hosts local musicians throughout the week and is always adding special events to their calendar. Bella’s on 4th will serve up an array of munchies, including delicious vegan options. Puff, paint, party time!
Customers keen to partake in legally purchased cannabis products can smoke on the patio
Customers keen to partake in legally purchased cannabis products can smoke on the patio
Customers keen to partake in legally purchased cannabis products can smoke on the patio while vaping and dabbing are allowed inside. Ordering a cocktail at Arte Bella on 4th is an art show in itself! Bella’s bartenders’ craft signature cocktails inspired by art pieces and artist bios. The result is delightful drinks that are sure to color you impressed. Try the spicy Frida Rita made with mango jalapeño tequila or the Starry Night vodka cocktail that *shimmers* with edible glitter! You’ll also find an extensive list of wine, craft beers, ciders, meads, and seltzers as well as non-alcoholic CBD seltzers and mocktails.

Arte Bellas Colorful Backstory

Artist, Air Force veteran, LGBTQ advocate, and cannabis activist Jen Christiansen opened the 4th Avenue location in April 2021. Jen saw an opportunity to fuse some of her favorite worlds together when Prop 207 passed. Further nudging her mission to go mainstream with her ‘Puff and Paint’ concept. Jen shakes her fist at the cannabis stigma. She opens her doors to all 21+ customers with the liberating reminder that “Moms smoke weed, too!”
  • Arte Bella on 4th Ave (21 + 420 friendly bar, live music venue, puff and paint art studio) &
  • Bella’s on 4th Ave (new restaurant expected to open within a few weeks)

Blank Page Consulting

I am a “returner.” Born and raised in New York City, I moved to Tucson in the early 90s. I left to be closer to the family for support after a divorce. When I lived here, I owned a communications firm, Veritas Communications, and was very involved in the small business community. 19 years later, I am back (with my wife) and delighted to be home! Tucson is a city that feels like a personal treasure that only a few can appreciate. Every day I am more inspired by the miracle of this land.

Blank Page Consulting

Kim Green of Blank Page Consulting
I am a credentialed life coach and love working with people who are ready for transformation in their lives. As an author, ghostwriter, award-winning copywriter, and blogger, I realized that my true passion is supporting people in making their dreams come true. My company is Blank Page Consulting. My coaching programs are rigorous, often emotional, and extremely effective. I, too, have had my share of loss, grief, and disappointments and out of it came unthinkable growth. My work supports people in their growth, whether it is learning to speak their truth, learning how to navigate a challenging world as well as finding joy when it seems scarce. For writers, I have designed an experience that is nurturing, supportive, and gets the results that writers desire…to get to The End. For Life Coaching clients, we will identify buried truths and help you to find your inner strength to conquer that which hinders your action and joy. Established weekly meetings and assignments ensure that all clients stay on track. For writers, group coaching is also available with a new group starting January 10th for 10 weeks. (5 places left) Call for a 30-minute free consultation and get ready to be transformed.

Reviews

“Kim pushed me to explore my own identity, my identity as a writer, and the stories I believed most needed to be told.  She inspired a passion in me for writing that I didn’t think was possible.  I highly recommend that writers – new and seasoned – partner up with Kim to benefit from the treasure trove of resources she has to offer.” – S. Kumar “Kim Green has been a savior, a north star, and a friend through the process of writing my very first book. Meeting with Kim every single week has given me structure, helped me to see new perspectives, and support me in finding my voice. She encourages me when I feel like I can’t go any further. She’s there to remind me that what I’m doing is important to the world and she’s been someone to rely on as I do this important life work. I will be eternally grateful to Kim for her patience, her humor, and her mind.” – A. Arthur

Business Information

Company Name: Blank Page Consulting Office Address: 8987 E Tanque Verde Rd, Suite 309-186, Tucson, AZ 85749 Contact Name (s) Kim Green Phone 678-938-2777 Services: Life coaching, Coaching for writers, Manuscript critique, and Editing Pricing: Varies, discount applies when you mention GayTucson Website: www.blankpageconsult.com Office hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 6 pm, Friday 9 am-12 pm Blank Page Consulting Logo