More Gay-Friendly Businesses In Tucson

Families For Private Adoption

Families For Private Adoption - Logo
Families For Private Adoption – Logo

Families For Private Adoption

Thinking about adopting? Families for Private Adoption (ffpa.org) is a not for profit agency that can help your family through the adoption process. The FPA supports and educates parents who are looking to grow their family with the aid of private adoption. Additionally, the FPA works around the many religious-based adoption agencies to specifically help LGBT families with adopting.

To meet their mission, Families for Private Adoption offers two training classes each year. They teach parents looking to adopt how to get through all the red tape and adopt a beautiful, worthwhile child. The FPA holds adoption training workshops in Phoenix, AZ. They will hold more workshops as their need for training increases. Please, click here for Adoption Training Workshops near you!

Families For Private Adoption - Loving Family
Families For Private Adoption – Loving Family

Why Trust Families for Private Adoption?

Families for Private Adoption has been serving the LGBTQ community since its inception, in 1984. In fact, it is the oldest non-profit organization in private adoption. Until 2015, all workshops were held in the Washington D.C. area. However, we recently expanded our reach and are now offering this workshop in Phoenix, Arizona.

We have recruited the state’s top-notch attorneys (all AAAA) and adoption professionals that are all encouraging and accepting of LGBTQ adoption. The aim of the workshop is to educate prospective adoptive parents on how to independently adopt in the state of Arizona. This includes presentations from attorneys, social workers, birth mothers, and adoptive parents. Prospective adoptive parents leave this workshop equipped to adopt, from start-to-finish. Topics include Arizona adoption law, ICPC, birth mom search strategies, home study requirements, communication with birth parents, and funding.

The unique nature of FPA is that we are all volunteers. No one gets paid-most of us are adoptive parents that simply wish to pay it forward. Our organization not only provides bi-annual workshops, but also “buddy” mentors for the adoption process and social events to encourage collaboration.

The FPA is making great friends as well! Currently, the FPA is working with Equality Arizona on Project Jigsaw. Project Jigsaw spreads the word about private adoption as a viable family building option for LGBT individuals and families.

I look forward to all the great things coming out of Families for Private Adoption in the near future.

Have a great day,

Tony Ray 🙂

Families For Private Adoption - Another Loving Family
Families For Private Adoption – Another Loving Family

Pop Cycle

Pop Cycle 4th Ave Tucson AZ

Pop Cycle

Pop Cycle is one of my favorite shops on 4th Ave.

Pop Cycle is a retail gift shop that sells unique, green, fun things made from recycled items.

Fun, Campy and Gay Friendly, once you enter you’ll know why I love Pop Cycle. Find earrings and clothes and wall art and cards and all kinds of great gifts. Even some fun things with gay icons like wonder woman! There are so many cool things, I usually go through the store a few times to make sure I don’t miss anything.

I particularly love the letters made from recycled cans. I have the word “imagine” across the wall between my kitchen and great room. If you don’t see the letters you want, just ask, they can usually find you the letters to make your favorite word(s) or saying(s).

Also check Pop Cycle on 4th Ave for Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) stuff.  I bought the awesome little green skeleton (see photo below) there.

Last time I was there they had some license plates that you could customize, I think. lol You’ll have to check and see.

Go in and play and have fun and remember to tell them you found them on GayTucson.com!

Pop Cycle

422 N 4th Ave
Tucson, AZ 85705

 

Food Conspiracy Co-op

Amazing Selection at Food Conspiracy Co-op
Amazing Selection at Food Conspiracy Co-op

412 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
520-624-4821
Website: https://foodconspiracy.coop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodconspiracy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/?hl=en

We are a full service grocery store on 4th Avenue focusing on local, organic, and wellness food and health products.  We are member owned and open to all, guided by democratic decision making and actively working to practice as an inclusive, anti-racist organization and business.

The Tucson Museum of Art

the Tucson Museum of Art
Kasser Family Wing of Latin American Art exterior
The Tucson Museum of Art has been a leader in the fine arts and education in Southern Arizona for nearly a century. It was established in 1924 and is in Tucson’s historic downtown and moved to its current location in 1975. TMA features permanent and traveling exhibitions of Modern and Contemporary, Indigen
Patrick Martinez work at the Tucson Museum of Art
Patrick Martinez’ neon signs on view in the Kasser Family Wing of Latin American Art
ous, American West, Latin American, European, and Asian art. The museum resides on a four-acre campus, and its exhibits and arts education programs are central to its mission. In addition, the museum hosts events serves as a steward of five historic properties and has a 6,800-square-foot art education center and research library. It has a permanent collection of over 12,000 works spanning continents, centuries, and media.
TMA
View of the gallery for Latin American Folk Art
The museum will take you on a journey through art, history, and culture and with artwork ranging from ancient to contemporary, there is something for everyone! Thousands of lives have been enriched by the museum’s programs and exhibitions including: an award-winning outreach program serving Tucson’s refugee community, robust k-12 programs, one of the state’s longest-running biennial exhibitions, public programs, and lifelong learning programs like TMALearn! Docents. The museum provides numerous opportunities to connect and engage with the arts and local community, such as free First Thursday and Second SundAZe, lecture series, annual spring and fall artisans market, youth studio programs, K-12 field trips, and more!
The Tucson Museum of Art Summer Camp Class
Teacher leading a group of students during summer camp

Reviews 

“This place is a quiet gem. It was so much more than what we expected. Masterful artworks on careful display. I’m no art expert but I found this museum to be an excellent way to spend a relaxing few hours. Although as an introvert I found myself exhausted after exploring the many displays. Go if you haven’t been!  We also enjoyed salad for lunch at the attached café.” Paul H on Yelp 9/27/2021 “The Tucson Museum of Art was a great stop. We took three generations of our family to visit it. The layout of the museum is expansive. We covered a lot of ground (not all of the buildings were open, so we didn’t get to see everything) over a two-hour period. The exhibits on display were definitely thought-provoking and got us talking about topics that may not have come up otherwise. I’m glad we made the trip there for the discussions it invoked. Wear comfortable shoes and plan enough time to really soak everything in!” Karl A on Yelp—1/11/2019
Tucson Museum of Art
North Entrance to TMA
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block Office Address: 140 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701 Contact Name (s): Marianna Pegno Phone (s): 520-624-2333 As of July 1, 2023 the following will go into effect for hours and pricing related to admissions: HOURS Wednesday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm First Thursday of every month 10 am – 8 pm ADMISSION General $15 Senior/ Educator $12 College Students $10 17 and under/ Veterans and Military/ Members – Free TOURS PreK – 12 Student $7 Art-making $5 ($12 total) NOTE: Discounts for College and Senior tours will no longer be offered.

Feel Good Fitness Tucson

Image of FeelGood Fitness group

The FeelGood Fitness Tucson community supports one another in developing an overall sense of well-being while maximizing joy through fitness. We offer fun outdoor fitness classes designed for people of all ages and abilities. Our community prides itself in being an all-inclusive, authentic, energetic, safe, and caring community that is 100% body-positive and LGBTQA+ friendly. FeelGood Fitness HIIT (high-intensity interval training) classes in public parks include a full-body workout that incorporates strength training, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. FeelGood Fitness Coach Antonio Rubio offers expert training, support, accountability, and inspiration to help his clients meet their personal goals. “I am committed to serving others and cultivating a judgment-free community of fitness friends.”

FeelGood Fitness Tucson Formation

FeelGood Fitness Tucson came to being at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Coach Tony was laid off from his job as a Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor at a local gym that is now permanently closed called the Nerd Gym. Once Coach Antonio realized that the pandemic affected his community’s mental, physical, and social health, he leaped into action. He invested his life savings into FeelGood Fitness Tucson, and he created a safe outdoor fitness space where people can feel connected to the community and enhance their emotional, physical, and social well-being in a time that our community needed it the most.

Image of Coach Tony and 2 clients from Feel Good FitnessCoach Antonio is super passionate about providing space for people that the fitness industry typically underserves. He also is passionate about cultivating community. “I am a Tucson native, and my community here in Tucson has always provided space for me in some of my lowest and darkest periods of life. It is comforting to know that we have the power to create a family through community. If it weren’t for my community, I would not be the person I am today. We all deserve to take up space, feel loved, appreciated, and valued. I try my very best to give that feeling to everyone that comes to my classes or utilizes any of my services.”

There is no other fitness space in Tucson like FeelGood Fitness. Coach Antonio is one of a kind and will inspire you to be the best version of you.

If you are interested in services, you may contact Coach Antonio himself via email feelgooodfitnesstucson@gmail.com or call (520) 358-1264. Tell him Tony Ray at GayTucson sent you : )

FeelGood Fitness Tucson membership flyer

Client Reviews

Joining Feel Good Fitness was the best decision I could’ve made for me and my health this year. Since working with coach Antonio I’ve gained many positive habits, and met many awesome people along the way. It’s only week four of my 12 Week Program and my body is already transforming. Previous to starting I had a shoulder injury that required surgery, but after strength training I may not need it anymore and that is such an exciting thing for me! Every session is full of laughs, positivity and hard work, I look forward to my time spent with coach Antonio, he is the best and his dedication to all of us is beyond admirable.” -Deij Jimenez

“There is so much I could say about this one man wonder. Antonio is a true light of positivity bringing happiness, wellness, and health to Tucson. He is extremely driven by his clients success, and is hyper-focused on YOUR goals. Antonio is able to cater to whatever physical needs you may have. He creates personalized workouts, that he shares with you after your personal session so you can go home and continue the progress you have started!! I have never met anyone like him, he is truly changing the Tucson fitness community one client at a time.

If you have gone from personal trainer to personal trainer, gym to gym, maybe not seeing results, not hearing the things you want to hear, please reach out because he is seriously unlike no other. I have personally been on my fitness journey for 4 years, and have never felt so motivated and cared for by someone who I am simply a client for. Much love for FeelGood Fitness Tucson.” -Kayla Stegner

Wellness Concepts, LLC

Jaye Allyn of Wellness ConceptsNutrition is one of the most misunderstood topics in the realm of health and wellness. In fact, food isn’t entirely the problem, but frequently, a symptom. That’s why there are Wellness Concepts.

About Jaye Alynn

wellness concepts logoJaye Alynn’s holistic approach to health and weight management through diet addresses simple elements of your metabolic response to food. It also integrates other factors such as your food culture, your food beliefs, and your coping mechanisms. Treating you as a whole person, you benefit from reaching your healthy goals sustainably. Therefore there is no yo-yo. Your journey leads you to your new normal with all the tools you need to answer your body’s needs as life changes – from your 20’s to your 30’s to your 40’s… Jaye graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from the University of Colorado at Denver.  Subsequent studies led to her certification as Master Nutrition Therapist from the Nutrition Therapy Institute. Her specialties are auto-immune, gluten-free, and nutrition in athletic performance. Recognizing the broader disconnect between food and wellness, Jaye heavily focuses on the basic need for establishing a solid foundation of good nutrition for everybody.

Transition to Tucson

After moving out of her native state of Colorado, Wellness Concepts, LLC was opened in Tucson in May of 2019. Clients can expect a customized program that eliminates guilt and judgment by refocusing on data. Moreover, Jaye helps her clients navigate the feedback they receive from their own bodies thereby establishing meaningful forward-strategy and simple habits. wellness concepts graphConducted through program management principles, clients go through the same compassionate discovery process you would expect. But, then cycle it through a measurable progression that sets realistic (sub)goals, anticipates potential risks, and reviews progress. Incorporating body composition tools provides the inside information that you will never glean from your bathroom scale. Body composition analysis minimizes unhealthy weight loss and lengthy plateaus, subsequently providing a guide map. In addition, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Jaye is passionate about building strength within the community. She has a genuine eye on all the things that make each of us unique. Furthermore, the absolute greatest gift we can offer to the community and loved ones is a long, healthy life.

Reviews

Patti B.

“The closet was full of clothes I had outgrown… Airplane seats were getting even tighter. The doctor said the best thing I could do for the knee that was killing me was lose weight. On New Year’s Day, I would start a diet. The next New Year’s Day, I would start a different diet. The daughters were saying, “mom we’re worried about you”. And so it went year after year. Working with Jaye, the weight melted off, but it was not like the typical diet. It was very much a data-driven, proactive, interactive program where Jaye (the coach) taught me (the player) how to win the battle for my health. With her vast knowledge, expertise, and support, I was able to execute a successful game plan. Finally 60+ pounds lighter and 100% smarter about nutrition and how to manage my body, it feels awesome to be this healthy. My bad knee is now pain-free and no longer limits my activities; I don’t dread plane seats; the closet is thinned down to sizes I haven’t worn for two decades; my daughters are ecstatic, and what I learned from Jaye will allow me to experience New Year’s Day with confidence and optimism rather than dread. If you are ready to regain your health, Jaye is the person who can help you make that happen. Without a doubt, working with Jaye was worth every penny and the best money I have ever spent on myself!”

Jazmine P.

“Working with Jaye at Wellness Concepts has been a richly unique and empowering experience. She has taught me how to listen to my body and recognize my own derailing habits. Thereby taking ownership of my role in meeting goals. The transition away from traditional dieting dogma has opened towards sustainable lifestyle patterns. It’s nothing short of liberating and feels natural. Jaye’s program is customized to my body, my lifestyle, changing demands, and stress levels. She keeps me honest and moving in a positive direction. I would recommend her in a heartbeat.”

Wellness Concepts

Company Name: Wellness Concepts, LLC – Nutrition Office Address: Tucson, AZ Contact Name (s): Jaye Alynn Phone (s): 970-889-8896 Pricing: Initial Consult is Free Website: wellnessconceptsnow.com Office hours: by appointment Wellness concepts diploma

Gay Friendly Hotels

What To Expect from the Gay Friendly Hotels we recommend:

  • Get A Feel for the Local LGBT Scene
  • Clean and Secure Rooms
  • Fun and Courteous Staff
  • Reasonable Prices

Check out a few of these great Tucson Gay-Friendly Hotels to see what we mean!

Velvet & Shadow Photography

Velvet & Shadow Photography in rainbow colors
Velvet & Shadow Photography in color
Welcome to Velvet & Shadow Photography, a rainbow color explosion for the eyes. But, not in an ‘it hurts my head to look at’ kind of way. The lighting is dreamy and the sets are custom to elicit ethereal emotions, perhaps a dream half-forgot…
Velvet & Shadow photography
Look like a dream with Velvet & Shadow Photography
If you’re a regular to 4th Avenue you may have wandered into &Gallery or deliberately gone to their art openings. And if that’s the case there’s a good chance you’ve glimpsed the work of this incredible photographer who makes every shoot memorable. Velvet & Shadow Photography is a Tucson, AZ-based experimental boudoir photography business founded by Isabella Laos that offers personalized photoshoot sessions inside visually stunning hand-crafted sets with rainbow explosions of colorful lights. You can take part in a staging shoot where different models get to use the same set or a completely custom set you and Isabella decide on. For instance, if you want to be a fairy princess she creates the illusions to make it so.

Background

Model Bri posing for Velvet & Shadow Photography
Model Bri poses for Velvet & Shadow Photography
Having worked as a venue and event photographer for many years, Isabella is deeply inspired by the theatrical lights and special effects of the dimly lit stage. Isabella provides positive affirming direction and encouragement throughout each session which cultivates a truly therapeutic journey of self-discovery & empowerment. Boudoir photography makes a lot of people nervous but you don’t have to worry about that with Isabella. She makes every subject feel like the only person in the world. As a result, she guarantees genuine and touching photographs.
We like Velvet & Shadow Photography because she actually listens. Whether you’re having a conversation about your favorite restaurant or coming up with the perfect pirate shoot she’s paying attention and making sure that you feel heard. But don’t take our word for it. Here’s a review from local artist Sophie McTear.
Sophie poses for Velvet & Shadow Photography
Sophie posing for Velvet & Shadow Photography

Client Review: Google Sophie McTear

 “I love working with Bella. I feel comfortable and at ease when I’m in front of the camera with her, even when I’m in lingerie! She makes me feel confident, and her photos have such a gorgeous, dreamy quality that she’s honed in on and made completely her own. I love her work and encourage anyone in Tucson to book a shoot with Velvet & Shadow!”

The Details

Company name: Velvet & Shadow
(velvet.and.shadow – Insta)
Contact Name: Isabella
Phone: 5203073775
Pricing: $150+
Website: Velvetandshadow.com

Barrio Books

Barrio BooksAn abundance of booksBarrio Books is the only bilingual woman-owned bookstore in Tucson, AZ. We specialize in carrying literature from Latinx authors as well as other BIPOC authors. We dedicate ourselves to serving the Tucson community by providing a space where our customers can find representation in the books they read. Barrio Books began as a pop-up vendor, going to different events throughout Tucson and the surrounding areas. In January, we were fortunate to have a partnership with Hotel McCoy who provided our first Brick and Mortar location rent-free. We are currently working on our bookmobile in order to have an easier and more efficient way of getting more literature into our neighborhoods.

Representation Matters

SYRENA AREVALO-TRUJILLO
Selfie of Syrena at Barrio Books
I am a native Tucsonan and a graduate of the University of Arizona. Throughout the years, I have been involved in organizations throughout the community that focuses on Social Justice and Cultural enrichment. Tucson is such a diverse city and so incredibly supportive. We saw that first opening at our Brick and Mortar location! There were so many people that came in rooting for Barrio Books to succeed. And so many others that were eager to learn and devour the literature that we sell. Even today, there are still so many people so excited to come in and take in the unique vibes of Barrio Books. Barrio Books MerchRepresentation for Latinx peoples is incredibly important in all mediums, especially literature.  Barrio Books is a way to get books out to people in the community who have no idea where they can find books that reflect them and their unique journey through life. This is especially important for young readers. Books that have characters who look like them, eat the same foods, or go through the same obstacles can really lure them into wanting more books and in turn, create lifelong readers!   “Quickly has become one of my favorite bookstores in town. Syrena has been extremely kind and helpful when it comes to helping me find rare Latinx-focused books, and I am very grateful for all the wonderful finds!” -Luis Silva COMPANY NAME: BARRIO BOOKS OFFICE ADDRESS: HOTEL MCCOY 720 W SILVERLAKE #302 TUCSON AZ, 85713
WEBSITE: BARRIOBOOKS520.COM
CONTACT NAME: SYRENA AREVALO-TRUJILLO