Aloft Tucson University Hotel

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1900 E Speedway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 908-6800
ALoft Website

The hotel is within walking distance from the U of A stadium, making it the perfect choice for a place to stay after the next big basketball or football game or to check out the area.

Devereux Arizona

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Devereux Arizona

Devereux Arizona - Logo
Devereux Arizona – Logo

6141 E. Grant Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85712
(520) 296-5551
www.DevereuxArizona.org

Devereux offers LGBTQ Foster Care & Adoption services across the country and, thanks to their partnership with Human Rights Council (HRC), they are an amazing ally in serving LGBTQ youth and their families.  They work to end LGBTQ Youth Homelessness by training supportive foster families and helping with the adoption process.

Devereux Arizona children and families depend upon the generosity of people like you to help the individuals and families we serve. Without community support, we would be unable to provide an extra pair of shoes for a growing teen or a holiday party for a foster child.  

  • Did you know that your gift may qualify for the Arizona Qualifying Tax Credit Contribution?  That’s right.  Your tax money can go directly to the community you live in.  

Support our Recreational Supplies Campaign: While individuals adhere to social distancing guidelines, we are spending more time indoors.  We would like to bolster our indoor activity supplies. You can either purchase items from our Amazon wish list or donate funds to this campaign. Just visit our website and check out the Support Devereux Recreational Support Campaign.  Giving was never easier!

Outpatient Services
LGBTQ+ Youth Services

Devereux offers services to the LGBTQ+ population in a safe and respectful setting.  Individual and family therapy is offered for members of our community who wish to explore areas related to gender identities and expression, sexual orientation, and other identified needs.  Our gender expansive youth can also receive help navigating through school systems, accessing support within their community, outreach and advocacy. 

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

Desert Rat Art Collective

MoreGraphic image of the sonoran desert with the desert rat art collective statement

Image of desert rat art collective founder Tierney
DRAC founder Tierney

Desert Rat Art Collective is a local Tucson community of artists that specialize in the strange and beautiful, inspired by our lives in the desert. They see the charm of the dirt and mountains and know that no matter where life takes them, they’ll basically always be desert rats at heart. DRAC is queer-owned and operated, and was founded by artist Tierney after their group of friends got together every Friday for about 2 years to make art together. Those little gatherings still go on, and now they have a website to support art sales now that they’ve run out of wall space to show everything off.

Desert Rat Art Collective

Image from desert rat art collective of sushi in acrylic paintDRAC specializes in selling original canvas art pieces online, but also offers prints, merchandise, and also accepts mural requests around town! Their art is usually cheeky, with wildly different styles between the current members. E/ze, the anonymous artist featured exclusively on their website, creates heavily textured pieces inspired by street art. You can feel the deep emotion in every piece. Ry Arvin is an expert in all things text and font. They’re wildly creative with mandalas, text, and also reimagines the margin-doodles of our teenage years. Tierney, the founder, and manager of Desert Rat Art Collective creates a wide variety of prints and patterns. Using the same techniques in their digital art as their physical canvas work, creating strong lines and measured shading.

A collections of desert rat art collective workTucson and the Sonoran Desert will always hold a special place in Desert Rat’s little heart. Moreover, they want to honor and give back to the community. They’ve got big dreams of being able to provide free art supplies to underfunded schools throughout Tucson. Sharing the love of art to everyone they can. The website itself takes only 3% commission which is far less than physical gallery spaces. Any DRAC money leftover after the minimal website maintenance costs goes right back to supporting local Tucson small businesses and art ventures.

Company Name: Desert Rat Art Collective
Office Address: Online
Contact Name (s): Tierney
Website: Desertratac.com
Socials: @DesertRatArtC

Client Review

“The original piece by JackofAllArt is the highlight of our kitchen. The meticulous care given to every detail and the bold use of color make this an outstanding creation. We love it!” – Windy Lynn, owner of Sushi Flood by JackofAllArt

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.

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)

 

RoadRunner Theatre Company

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RoadRunner Theatre Company
RoadRunner Theatre Company

RoadRunner Theatre Company

This group has an assortment of people who commit to engaging the imaginations of viewers, and while doing so, simultaneously, expanding the creative skills of pupils/performers. This is a safe and supportive environment for all of the participants involved.

Located in Northeast Tucson, the RoadRunner Theatre Company is a proud resident of the Alliance Performance Center Of Tucson (APCOT).  Additionally, they have a traveling troupe that presents musicals and revue performances throughout the Tucson area.

They provide the community with engaging performing arts experiences through classes, showcases and performances in a comfortable environment.

God of Carnage
View the Full RoadRunner Theatre Schedule at GayTucson

Get The Full RoadRunner Theatre Company Schedule!

Roadrunner is busy adding the entire RoadRunner Theatre Schedule of events to the GayTucson Events Calendar for you.  We update regularly, so be sure to check back often, and you will always know about the newest shows!

Learn more the RoadRunner Theatre Company on their website: http://www.roadrunnertheatrecompany.org/

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.”  

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