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.
A Local Hub for Art, Espresso, and LGBTQ Expression in Tucson
Located in the heart of Main Gate Square, just steps from the University of Arizona, Espresso Art Cafe stands out as a vibrant, inclusive space that celebrates creativity, connection, and community. As a proud part of downtown Tucson’s growing network of LGBTQ-friendly businesses, this eclectic coffeehouse and bar invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy everything from expertly crafted espresso drinks to late-night drag shows and live music.
Whether you’re stopping in for a morning latte, catching a jazz set after class, or dancing the night away at a drag fashion show, Espresso Art Cafe offers something for everyone—especially those looking for an LGBTQ-friendly environment that welcomes all with open arms.
🌈 LGBTQ-Friendly & Community-Driven
Espresso Art Cafe is proud to be a safe space for Tucson’s LGBTQ+ community, actively hosting events like drag performances, open mic nights, and Pride fundraisers. Their latest collaboration with the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF)—a Pride Fashion Show Fundraiser—is just one example of how they use their platform to uplift and support queer voices.
Looking for live music, unique drinks, or a chill hookah lounge? Espresso Art Cafe has you covered:
🎷 Staircase Session Jazz Nights
🎤 Open Mic Nights (no comedians)
👑 Drag Shows & Pride Events
🎶 Live DJs & Special Guest Bands
🎯 Trivia & Karaoke Nights
🎨 Rotating Local Art Exhibits
Pair your experience with one of their light bites, house-made cocktails, or flavored hookahs for a full sensory experience.
A lively afternoon at Espresso Art Cafe, where Tucson’s LGBTQ community comes together for coffee, connection, and chess.
☕ Coffee, Cocktails & Creativity
Their drink menu features everything from bold espresso drinks to expertly crafted cocktails, making this the perfect spot whether you’re looking to study by day or sip by night. Try one of their specialty blends, or stay for happy hour and enjoy drink specials in their cozy, art-filled atmosphere.
At GayTucson.com, we spotlight spaces that support our community, fuel creativity, and celebrate queer joy. Espresso Art Cafe checks all the boxes, making it one of the top LGBTQ-friendly spots in Tucson.
Whether you’re looking to perform, connect, or just vibe with a great cup of coffee, this is the place to be.
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.
Antigone Books was founded in 1973 as a predominantly lesbian-owned feminist bookstore. This was at a time when there were more than fifty independent bookstores in Tucson. In the decades since the number of indie bookstores in the city has dwindled. Still Antigone Books has remained a pillar of the local book-loving community, expanding our mission to be a community bookstore with feminist roots. Although ownership has changed hands a couple of times since we originally opened in the 70s, we’ve remained women-run from the start. The current owners and long-time Antigone Books employees Kate, Melissa, and Morgan took over in 2018. They have expanded the store’s selection of books, gifts, and cards while remaining true to the store’s original focus on the recently-published boundary-pushing literature.
The Store
We keep a circulating stock of Pride supplies on hand throughout the year. From flags representing all identities across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum to dog- and cat-themed rainbow stickers. We also maintain a thriving queer literature section (see photos!), where we keep classic gay, trans, lesbian, and ace titles in stock. Readers can find everything on our shelves from LGBTQIA+ children’s books and YA fiction to queer graphic novels and LGBTQIA+ non-fiction. We also get regular issues of Sinister Wisdom and RFD as well as the latest lesbian romances from Bella and Bold Stroke Books. Whatever we don’t have in stock we’re happy to order for our customers at no extra charge! You can place orders in our store, over the phone, or online and we can get most titles in within a week.
Though our events program is on hold indefinitely due to COVID-19, pre-pandemic we were home to seven local book clubs and we featured regular book signings, author readings, and we had just begun to host Drag Queen Story Hours. We look forward to supporting our community with these and more exciting options in the near future; keep an eye on our website for updates! We also run a local authors consignment program for Tucson writers whose books are self-published or not available through major book distributors. We’re always looking for new voices, so definitely reach out if you’re interested after checking out the “Consignment” page on our website. In addition, we proudly carry local free periodicals of the Tucson queer community such as the 55+ LGBT newsletter Senior Forum and the Tucson Pride guide. Whether you’re new to town or a regular search for that perfect book, we’re excited to welcome you!
REVIEW:
“LOVE Antigone Books! This is generally my first stop if I’m looking for gifts or a physical book. Love their selection of adult coloring books, blank journals, cookbooks, and local authors. Their feminist and LGBTQ+ selection is also pretty impressive. And, they host a few book discussion groups. The staff is always friendly, and I like the sense of community.”
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?
SET 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 coredistortion that causes arotation 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 aunique 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!! You can read more about SET and book an appointment on Sarah’s website: www.sarahbaracks.comUse the Promo Code LGBTQ20 to receive 20% off your first appointment.Cell: 520-369-7347
Review: Jenn H.
“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.”
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.
Enhance your home’s style and comfort with custom Hunter Douglas blinds and draperies from The Window Covering Company.
The Window Covering Company
📞 Del DiLorenzo 📲 (520) 907-6742
If you’re looking for the perfect window treatments in Tucson, you need someone who truly cares about your home, your style, and your budget. That’s why I always recommend Del DiLorenzo and The Window Covering Company. I’ve known Del for years, and he consistently exceeds my clients’ expectations. Whether you’re updating one room or dressing every window in a new home, Del provides an unparalleled level of service that you simply won’t find at the big box stores.
What makes Del different? It’s more than the high-quality Hunter Douglas products or the custom designs tailored to your space—it’s the start-to-finish personal service. From consultation to installation (and even repairs down the line), Del is there for you every step of the way. And the best part? His pricing is often lower than the superstore chains!
Let’s dive into what makes The Window Covering Company your go-to source for window treatments in Tucson.
A Personalized Touch – More Than Just Window Coverings
The Window Covering Company – Logo
When you choose The Window Covering Company you’re making an investment in your home’s comfort, beauty, and functionality. Unlike chain stores where you’re left to measure, choose, and install your window coverings yourself, Del handles it all.
Here’s how the process works:
In-Home Consultation: Del takes the time to understand your vision, décor, and specific needs. Whether you’re looking for energy efficiency, privacy, or just a fresh new look, he’ll help you choose the perfect solution.
Expert Measuring & Custom Fit: No more worrying about whether you measured your windows correctly! Del personally measures each window to ensure a flawless fit.
Professional Installation: Once your custom treatments arrive, Del and his team handle the installation, making sure everything is perfect before they leave.
Ongoing Support: If a blind breaks or needs adjustment, Del is there to fix it—no extra charge. He personally guarantees his work, something you won’t get from a chain store.
With over 30 years of experience, The Window Covering Company has built a reputation for top-tier customer service and expert craftsmanship. No pushy sales tactics, no middlemen—just Del, taking care of you from start to finish.
Quality You Can See – Custom Hunter Douglas Window Treatments & More
The Window Covering Company – Blinds
One of the biggest reasons customers trust The Window Covering Company is the huge selection of high-quality window treatments. As a local Hunter Douglas dealer, Del offers some of the best window treatments available, known for their durability, elegance, and innovative designs.
Popular Options Include:
✅ Sheers & Shadings – Soft, light-filtering options that create a warm, inviting ambiance. ✅ Honeycomb Shades – Energy-efficient and stylish, these shades help keep Tucson’s heat out while maintaining privacy. ✅ Shutters & Blinds – From classic hardwood shutters to modern vertical and horizontal blinds, you’ll find options to fit any décor. ✅ Roman Shades & Roller Shades – Sleek, timeless window coverings that add a sophisticated touch to any space. ✅ Woven Wood Shades – Perfect for adding a natural, organic feel to your home. ✅ Custom Draperies & Cornice Boards – If you want a truly one-of-a-kind look, Del can design and install custom draperies and coordinating cornice boards for an elegant finishing touch.
With so many options, there’s something for every budget and style—and Del’s expert guidance ensures you’ll find exactly what you need.
Why Choose The Window Covering Company Over Big Box Stores?
The Window Covering Company – Shades
Many people assume that going to a national chain will save them money, but that’s not always the case. The Window Covering Company offers competitive pricing without sacrificing service or quality. Here’s why Del’s approach beats the big box stores every time:
1. Personalized Service from Start to Finish
At the big stores, you’re on your own. You have to select, measure, and install the treatments yourself—or pay extra for limited installation services. With Del, everything is done for you, ensuring a hassle-free experience and a perfect result.
2. Better Quality for the Same Price (or Less!)
Chain stores may offer low-cost window treatments, but they often cut corners on materials. The Window Covering Company provides high-quality, name-brand products at prices that are often lower than Home Depot or Lowe’s. Plus, you’re investing in durability and style that lasts.
3. Ongoing Support & Repairs
What happens if your blinds break or stop functioning properly? At a big box store, you’ll likely have to buy a replacement. With Del, he personally guarantees his work, meaning he’ll come back and repair or replace your blinds if needed—a level of service that’s almost unheard of today.
4. Supporting a Local Tucson Business
When you work with Del, you’re not just getting great service—you’re also supporting a local business that truly cares about the Tucson community. Local businesses provide better customer service, contribute to the economy, and are invested in maintaining a great reputation.
Transform Your Space with The Window Covering Company
Whether you’re looking to update one room or your entire home, The Window Covering Company is Tucson’s best choice for stylish, high-quality window treatments. With a full selection of Hunter Douglas products, custom draperies, and expert installation, Del and his team ensure you’ll love the finished result.
Ready to get started? Give Del a call today!
📞 Del DiLorenzo 📲 (520) 907-6742
💡 Mention that you found him through GayTucson for personalized service!
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
Rising 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
Tucson’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
Matt 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.”
Company 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)
Arizona Folklórico Dance Company LogoArizona Folklórico Dance Company LLC was established in December of 2022 under the direction of Maestro Bruno A. Loya III in Tucson, Arizona.
Arizona Folk (AZ Folk) seeks to preserve and promote the Hispanic performing arts throughout the greater Arizona community by presenting traditional & innovative Mexican folkloric dance works infused with techniques from a variety of dance disciplines including jazz, ballet, modern, ethnic dance, salsa, merengue, hip hop, and more.
Arizona Folklórico Dance Company provides dance and performance opportunities to students beginning at 4 years old. We invite you to become a part of the AZ Folk family by enrolling today!
MoreDRAC 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
DRAC 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.
Tucson 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
