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.

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 🙂

Kristi Frank – American Family Insurance

Kristi Frank American Family Insurance Office Tucson AZ
Kristi Frank American Family Insurance Office Tucson AZ

Kristi Frank – American Family Insurance

Kristi Frank Agency, INC.

4319 E Broadway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85711
Office: 520-323-0017
Fax: 855-383-8085
Website
E-Mail: kfrank@amfam.com
24-Hour Claims Reporting: 800-374-1111

I’ve known Kristi Frank for years and she always has been someone in the community I respect and trust. And my clients, they can’t say enough about her. From the minute they walk in and meet her and her associates, they know the experience is going to be different. Everyone is friendly and professional at Kristi Frank’s office.

My clients have told me that they appreciate how Kristi cares enough to really examine their entire financial situation before offering her services. Best of all, she usually gets them more insurance and still saves them money. She has done the same for me.

Whether it’s home owners insurance, renters insurance, flood insurance, auto insurance, an umbrella policy or a combination, you should at least give her a call and see what she can do for you.

Kristi Frank American Family Insurance
Kristi Frank American Family Insurance

I know that when you meet Kristi, you’ll feel at ease about discussing and disclosing personal information with her. You will also get an overwhelming sense that she genuinely cares about you and your needs. You’ll know immediately that she is someone on your side and someone you can trust.

You’ll be sending me an email with a big thank you.
A small gift would be nice too, just saying LOL

The legal stuff:
©2005 American Family Mutual Insurance Co. and its Subsidiaries
Home Office – Madison, WI 53783

Abbey Funeral Chapel

Abbey Funeral Chapel - Logo
Abbey Funeral Chapel – Logo
Abbey Funeral Chapel is a gay-friendly and supportive firm that services all families in their moments of need.  They provide an incredibly important service because not all funeral homes and chapels are welcoming to everyone in our community.  During some of the most trying times of your life, choose someone you trust to help you say goodbye to your loved ones.

Meet Gary Carolan, Abbey Funeral Chapel Director

Abbey Funeral Chapel Location
Abbey Funeral Chapel Location
Gary has been fighting for equality for a long time.  In fact, he became interested in funeral homes to provide for families who had lost someone to AIDS.  It was a growing custom during the 80’s to not service HIV+ individuals or people with AIDS.  This perverse policy negatively affected the families who had already lost someone they loved deeply, only to be insulted when trying to find a place for their loved one to rest.

Why This is Important to Me

I was crushed to hear recently the story of a close friend who had difficulty finding a funeral home because the deceased was transgender.  The lack of caring and decency was appalling, but for this to occur in 2018, after all the progress we have made as a community, put me over-the-top. What will it take for people to realize we are all the same?  We are all sisters.  Brothers.  Lovers.  Humans, who dream, and yearn, and cry all the same.  The ties that unite us outnumber the differences that so bitterly divide us. It is important to support amazing businesses like Abbey Funeral Chapel who treat everyone with the same level of empathy and comfort.  It is important to support good people doing good things to help others.  And, above all else, it is important to love each other fully and completely. 3435 N 1st Ave Tucson, AZ 85719 (520) 888-1111 Abbey Funeral Chapel Have a great day! TonyRay 🙂

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!”

Massage Tucson by Bruno Loya

Massage Tucson image of a back massageMy mission is to offer therapeutic massage services to the greater Tucson community. I place an emphasis on relaxation, stress management, and improved functionality in daily life. This includes working specifically with athletes to help improve range of motion, flexibility, mobility, and aiding in post-injury recovery. But massage therapy isn’t just for athletes, everyone can benefit. Massage Tucson image of massageI created Massage Tucson, LLC with a commitment to offering the gift of therapeutic healing touch to my local community. As a member of Tucson’s LGBTQIA+ community, I’m interested in giving back to that same community. I focus highly on ensuring that my massage practice is a safe space for all who value and appreciate the diversity of our community so that everyone benefits. As a Tucson native, I’m excited to work with the local community I love. We offer in-call and convenient out-call mobile massage services at an affordable rate. We also have a free loyalty rewards program and offer discounted package deals and discounts for referring a friend! As a result, many people can obtain care at a reasonable rate. In your first session, we will go over your health history as well as what goals you have in regard to massage therapy. Are you looking for simple relaxation or are you looking to improve your mobility with a particular joint or limb? Whatever your reasons I can help aid you on your health and fitness journey. There are many reasons to pursue massage therapy but above all let’s get you comfortable in your own skin again. Everything will get better from there. Book with Massage Tucson today! https://mymassagetucson.com/book-now My Massage Tucson back massage image101 S Players Club Drive Tucson, Arizona 85745 Phone Number: 520-344-4060 Website: https://gaymassagetucson.com/mens-massage-tucson  

Mobility Plus

Mobility Plus

Mobility Plus Tucson Showroom

Mobility Plus

(520) 225-0415

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-5:00, Saturday 9:00-3:00

Locations:

Mobility Plus
245 S Tucson Blvd Ste 2
Tucson AZ 85719

Mobility Plus
10861 N Mavinee Dr Ste 155
Oro Valley AZ 85737

Mobility Plus
9140 N Silverbell Rd Ste 120
Marana AZ 84743

Mobility Plus is a locally owned small business and it is operated by Gary & Dan Ross. They are proud to be part of Tucson’s LGBTQ community and Gary is a veteran with over 25 years of service. Mobility Plus is a franchise that offers sales, repairs, installations, and rentals of scooters, ramps, lifts, and more. Gary & Dan opened their first location in Central Tucson, and they plan to open a location in Oro Valley and in East Tucson.

Gary was a Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy and Dan was a Flight Attendant at US Airways when they met in 2000. They were living in Tucson when they made headlines in 2011 by becoming the first same-sex military couple to legally marry following the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Gary & Dan also successfully challenged the constitutionality of the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” when it comes to military spousal benefits.

Gary received new military orders, so they moved away from Tucson. However, Gary and Dan left their hearts in Tucson, and they dreamed about returning. Their dream became a reality when they purchased a Tucson home in 2019 and moved permanently in 2020. They have enjoyed reuniting with old friends and making new friends. Gary and Dan adore the Old Pueblo because of the sunshine, warmth, history, and culture—not to mention Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy!

Gary and Dan researched several business opportunities before they decided to open Mobility Plus. “We improve people’s lives by consulting with them to find the right solutions for their mobility needs,” says Gary Ross. “We help people maintain their independence and age in place in the homes they love,” says Dan Ross. Mobility Plus is committed to exceeding its client’s expectations by offering internet pricing along with personalized service, delivery, and installation.

Mobility Plus Storefront
Mobility Plus Storefront

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

 

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)