More Gay-Friendly Businesses In Tucson

Creatively Queer Press

creatively queer press logoHave you ever felt seen, valued, or important? Here at Creatively Queer Press, we want everyone to experience that feeling through the media they consume. We’ve seen in popular media that many people in the LGBTQ+ or BIPOC communities lack representation with accuracy or empathy if represented at all. Our mission as a publishing company is to change that. We look to media for versions of ourselves and for visions of who we could be. If we don’t see ourselves represented then our dreams can feel limited, or at worst, discouraged. Diversity is something we believe should be visible and celebrated.

The Media

Cuentos CoverOne of our first publications does that for the queer Latinx community: Cuentos. This bilingual Latinx mythology art anthology came to fruition by our Creatively Queer Press team. With the help of two dozen queer Latinx artists and writers. Every entry is a painting or illustration about a myth, legend, or creature from folklore. The artworks are accompanied by either fiction or non-fiction writing about the subject in both Spanish and English. Through Cuentos our founder Luis Silva discovered our first editor for the CQP team: A. Dante Bravo. Originally a contributing artist and writer, Dante took on the task of editing the book layout and running the Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the print books of Cuentos. To help finish Cuentos, our second editor Joelle Blot was also invited to join us on the book’s publishing journey. Together our team of three queer creators works to share our books all across the town of Tucson, AZ, and far beyond. By collaborating with queer and POC creatives from all over the world, Creatively Queer Press strives to create and publish accessible entertainment for fans of all genres of comic books, art anthologies, gaming books, and so much more. We are also working towards building an animation team to help us create groundbreaking animated films that serve our mission of inclusive representation. We invite everyone who values diversity to discover a new favorite on our website at www.creativelyqueerpress.com

Phaedra Wilson – Altitude Home Loans

Phaedra Wilson with Altitude Home Loans
Phaedra Wilson with Altitude Home Loans

Phaedra Wilson – Altitude Home Loans

Phaedra Wilson
Senior Loan Officer
Altitude Home Loans
1885 N Kolb Rd
Tucson, AZ 85715
BK# 0907366

Direct: (520) 617-2925

Email phaedra@altitudehomeloans.com
Toll Free: 888-634-6399

After graduating from the University of Arizona in 1992, Phaedra Wilson dove full-time into the mortgage industry and never looked back.  Since then, she’s consistently ranked as a top producer in Tucson – earning the respect of customers and peers alike.  To this day, she is passionate about going the extra mile to help families achieve their homeownership dreams.

A born and raised Tucsonan, Phaedra has spent almost 30 years working with more than 2,000 people to achieve their home loan goals.  Customers choose to work with Phaedra for her excellent communication, ethics, experience, and expertise.

Phaedra and her team have created a stress-free experience by designing efficient systems that provide weeks updates and produce quick response times.  Their ultimate goal is to have everything in place to fund loans on time, or even early when needed.  Phaedra’s strong base of loyal repeat customers and lasting relationships with excellent local real estate agents is the cornerstone of her success in Tucson’s incredibly competitive mortgage environment.

Phaedra is an enthusiastic member of the community, volunteering on the board of Kids of Steele and serving with the hostesses of Silver and Sequitur, supporting the restoration efforts at Mission San Xavier del Bac.  She enjoys traveling, hiking, yoga, and staying active with her husband, Gred, their two wonderful daughters, Addy and Avery, and their sweet Golden Retriever, Sunny.

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)  

Patricia Pritchett – Licensed LGBTQ Therapist

Patricia Pritchett – Licensed LGBTQ Therapist

Patricia Pritchett - Licensed LGBTQI Therapist
Patricia Pritchett - Licensed LGBTQI Therapist
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Pritchett, LPC, NCC, CCTP, CLC offers Psychotherapy and EMDR for individuals and couples. She has worked with a wide variety of clientele in residential facilities, inpatient hospitals, outpatient and private practice. Patricia now limits her private practice to working with gay, lesbian, Trans and Queer individuals and couples.

Patricia Pritchett: Loves Her Job!

Patricia Pritchett's Calming and Elegant Office
Patricia Pritchett’s Calming and Elegant Office

You’ll Feel Comfortable in Patricia Pritchett’s Spacious and Calming Office

One of the first things that you will notice when you meet Patricia is that you feel welcomed and admired. She loves her job, loves people, and it shows. Her therapy style brings together acceptance, non-judgment, and empowerment.

“By utilizing a variety of techniques, we are able to identify the root cause of your symptoms and suffering that may be fueling your current predicament.” Once we know what starts the fire, (and the fuel that drives you to repeat the same bad choices over and over), we can develop a plan to reduce these flames so that you can lead the joyful and peaceful life you deserve, without repeatedly getting burned. I utilize inner child work and IMAGO for couples as a means of getting to the core issues and resolving them. I like to weave in art, writing, role reversals, family sculpts, and EMDR to help you see yourself and the people around you from a new perspective. Using a variety of techniques can be highly effective in motivating the change you desire.”

Patricia can be reached by email or text. Her office is located in the NorthWest side of town right off the freeway.

Patricia Pritchett: Contact Info

Office: 7229 North Thornydale Rd., Suite 109, Tucson AZ 85741

Website: PatriciaPritchett.Weebly.Com

PsychologyToday Profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/254541

Email: TucsonTherapyInfo@Gmail.com

Text: 602-791-0840

INSURANCE ACCEPTED

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • United Healthcare
  • Optum Behavioral Health
  • MHN

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma/PTSD
  • Grief
  • Lesbian/Gay Couples/Families/Parenting
  • Inner Child Work/CBT/DBT/Motivational Interviewing/Family Sculpting/Gestalt/Strength-Based

Have a great day!

Tony Ray 🙂

Gay Friendly Hotels

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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!

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

The Window Covering Company

The Window Covering Company
The Window Covering Company

The Window Covering Company

I’ve know Dell for several years and they have always exceeded my clients expectations. For many of my clients they treated every window of their new home.

Now, The Window Covering Company has a full selection of window coverings, almost every brand name possible. And Jason and Dell really know the product. Pair their knowledge of the product with their creative enthusiasm and that’s why I think that they are so good at what they do.

But what makes them great is that they measure and install your window treatments for you and the price is usually lower than the price you would pay at the super “depot” type stores.
It doesn’t get better than that.
Make sure you tell Dell that you heard about him at Gay Tucson.

The Window Covering Company - Logo
The Window Covering Company – Logo

The Window Covering Company

3661 N Campbell pmb 250
Tucson, AZ 85719
contact: Dell De-Lorenzo
(520) 326-4648

The Window Covering Company - Shades

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.

Pampered Skin Studio

Pampered Skin Studio Logo
Pampered Skin Studio
Pampered Skin Studio offers a complete schedule of skin rejuvenating services.  While they specialize in anti-aging skin repair, including re-texturizing treatments, Doctor Suzie also provides Acne Treatments for Teens and Adults! Pampered Skin Studio is conveniently located in Central Tucson, inside the Glenn Medical Village.  The cutting-edge studio features state-of-the treatments, procedures, and equipment, all dedicated to eliminating minor skin imperfections and giving you the skin you’ve always wanted! Wait until you check out the Botox®, “Liquid Face Lifts” with injectable Fillers as well as the latest rejuvenation treatment with NovaThreads – the “Lunch-Time Face-Lyft”. Pampered Skin Studio has injectable treatments, offering a speedy and secure method of achieving dramatic results that take years off your appearance!

Acne Treatment

Doctor Suzie offers amazing Acne Treatments for Teens and Adults.  These services emphasize targeted products, procedures and client education to clear up the causes and remedies for this complex condition.
Patient receiving Light Therapy treatment from a Holistic Esthetician
Patient receiving Light Therapy treatment from a Holistic Esthetician

Service Menu

  • Acne Treatment
  • Anti-Aging Modalities
  • Ethnic Skin Enhancement
  • Health-Challenged Skin® Repair
  • Customized Facials
  • Dermaplaning
  • Holistic Energy Balancing Facials
  • Microdermabrasion & Peels
  • Botox & Dermal Fillers
  • Body Skin Refinement
  • Skin Lesion & Spider Vein Treatment
  • Electrolysis
  • Microneedling/Collagen Induction Therapy
  • LED Light Treatments
  • NovaThread Lifting Treatments
  • Pampered Skin Studio offers many luxurious facial & skin rejuvenation treatments at an affordable price.
Meet Dr. Suzie Pear
Meet Dr. Suzie Pear

Meet Doctor Suzie

Dr. Suzanne Pear (Dr. Suzie) is a registered nurse aesthetician specializing in corrective skin care. She has a doctorate in epidemiology (the study of diseases/epidemics) and spent many years as a hospital epidemiologist dedicated to prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections. Now Dr. Suzie, as a licensed aesthetician, is focusing her clinical passion on helping her clients achieve their skin care goals, whether that be acne treatment, repairing the effects of sun damage or the ravages of time. Additionally, Dr. Suzie is certified in Oncology Esthetics and is qualified to treat Health Challenged Skin™. Another focus of Dr. Suzie’s clinical aesthetics practice is the special skin refinement challenges faced by people of color. She incorporates protocols and products created especially to treat hyperpigmentation and the remnants of acne scarring in darker skin. Dr. Suzie’s skin rejuvenation expertise also extends to the use of Botox and injectable fillers, NovaThread Facial Lifts, dermal leveling, chemical peels, as well as permanent hair and skin growths removals. 5160 E. Glenn Street, Suite 150 Tucson, AZ 85712 (520) 400-8109 PamperedSkinStudio.com Have a great day! Tony Ray 🙂

P.S. Look At These Incredible Results!