Velvet & Shadow Photography

Velvet & Shadow Photography in rainbow colors
Velvet & Shadow Photography in color

Welcome to Velvet & Shadow Photography, a rainbow color explosion for the eyes. But, not in an ‘it hurts my head to look at’ kind of way. The lighting is dreamy and the sets are custom to elicit ethereal emotions, perhaps a dream half-forgot…

Velvet & Shadow photography
Look like a dream with Velvet & Shadow Photography

If you’re a regular to 4th Avenue you may have wandered into &Gallery or deliberately gone to their art openings. And if that’s the case there’s a good chance you’ve glimpsed the work of this incredible photographer who makes every shoot memorable.

Velvet & Shadow Photography is a Tucson, AZ-based experimental boudoir photography business founded by Isabella Laos that offers personalized photoshoot sessions inside visually stunning hand-crafted sets with rainbow explosions of colorful lights. You can take part in a staging shoot where different models get to use the same set or a completely custom set you and Isabella decide on. For instance, if you want to be a fairy princess she creates the illusions to make it so.

Background

Model Bri posing for Velvet & Shadow Photography
Model Bri poses for Velvet & Shadow Photography

Having worked as a venue and event photographer for many years, Isabella is deeply inspired by the theatrical lights and special effects of the dimly lit stage. Isabella provides positive affirming direction and encouragement throughout each session which cultivates a truly therapeutic journey of self-discovery & empowerment. Boudoir photography makes a lot of people nervous but you don’t have to worry about that with Isabella. She makes every subject feel like the only person in the world. As a result, she guarantees genuine and touching photographs.

We like Velvet & Shadow Photography because she actually listens. Whether you’re having a conversation about your favorite restaurant or coming up with the perfect pirate shoot she’s paying attention and making sure that you feel heard. But don’t take our word for it. Here’s a review from local artist Sophie McTear.
Sophie poses for Velvet & Shadow Photography
Sophie posing for Velvet & Shadow Photography

Client Review: Google Sophie McTear

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

The Details

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

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.”

 

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!

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.

Gingeroot

Phone: 520-302-5862
Web: https://gingerootacupuncture.com/
Address: 1639 E Prince Rd, Tucson, AZ 85719
Social: https://www.instagram.com/gingeroot.tucson/

Gingeroot is an integrative wellness clinic that provides healing, pain-relief, and lasting solutions. We offer an unique approach to the mind, body, and soul through Acupuncture, Therapeutic Massage, Fire-Cupping, Chinese Food Therapy, Cranial Sacral Therapy and Sound Bath Healing all in one place.

AAPI and Queer owned and operated.
Trauma-informed Care.
Safe-Space for all.

More about Jordan Agee LMT (he/they),

I’m a dedicated Massage therapist known for my intuitive touch and positive energy. I believe in the human body’s ability to heal when provided safe, skilled, and empathetic support. The principle of my practice is to help create alignment, tension release, and lasting solutions.

There is great importance in receiving and holding compassion for all groups, while also recognizing the effects of those disadvantaged. I seek to create a safe and healing space for people of all body types, gender expressions, ethnicities, and lived experiences.

I look forward to meeting you!
More details can be found on our website.

Southern Arizona Psychology

Southern Arizona Psychology
Southern Arizona Psychology
Bryce Paradis, MA, started Southern Arizona Psychology after years of professional experience working with children, young adults, and adults in diverse settings. Ranging from private practice consultations to community mental health and professional athletics. Bryce, a South Dakota native, has resided in Southern Arizona since 2015. Bryce’s background in Freudian psychotherapy has been integrated into the treatment of protocols in private practice, community mental health, professional athletic organizations, and family medical practices and training programs.
Southern AZ Psych
Bryce Paradis, MA
Bryce has received extensive training in improving the lives of individuals experiencing various areas of mental and emotional discomfort or distress. As a master’s level professional Bryce has years of professional experience working with individuals who experience moderate to severe mental health issues struggle with addiction and life/functional difficulties in response to personal trauma. As a member of the LGBTQ community, Bryce provides first-hand knowledge and understanding of the struggles that the community faces in his clinical practice and interventions.

The Mission

Southern Arizona Psychology operates with the mission and goal of providing patients with top-of-the-line mental health services. Your well-being is the number one priority. Southern Arizona Psychology goes above and beyond to cater to the needs of every client with gold standard personalized services. Services provided by Southern Arizona Psychology include couples coaching, individual coaching, family coaching, and athletic performance/mental health coaching. Emotional and behavioral issues are addressed by guiding patients every step of the way and implementing various methods to help individuals develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters. The goal of the process is to solve current problems and improve positive thinking and behavior. I will help you “re-frame” your reactions and provide you with valuable tools to cope with life’s obstacles.
Southern AZ Psych exterior
Southern AZ Psych exterior
Personal growth and the cultivation of self (self-discovery, self-worth, and self-esteem) is paramount to Southern Arizona Psychology’s practice. It is our mission to provide our clients with tools, emotional regulation, and positive self-worth to lead healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.

Contact

Southern AZ Psych Logo
Company Name: Southern Arizona Psychology, LLC Office Address: 183 W. Broadway, Tucson AZ 85701 (Downtown Tucson & Via Zoom) Contact Name (s): Bryce Paradis, MA Phone: (424) 234-9591 Pricing: $80 – $100 per session (sliding scale available based on income and/or economic hardship). Website: www.southernAZpsych.com Office hours: 7 Days a week based on appointment availability
Southern AZ Pych Services Graphic
Southern AZ Pychology Services

Photographer – Chansley Photo

Photo of Michael Chansley
Meet Michael Chansley

Michael Chansley – Gay-Friendly Photographer
www.MichaelChansley.com
Phone: 520.241.5746

Michael Chansley has been serving the Tucson community as a professional photographer since 2007. Specialties include weddings, events, portraits and sports, but available for any photographic need. As a self-employed photographer, Michael is available 7 days a week and is very quick to respond to calls and emails. Most projects photographed are edited and delivered within just a few days. Pricing is very affordable and can be flexible based on your budget and needs. A perfect 5-star review on sites like Google and Yelp testify to Michael’s work and professionalism.

Michael will not only give you a high quality product at an affordable rate, he will make you comfortable and enjoy working with him. Family is a big part of his life with wife, 4-year-old daughter and two dogs. Family doesn’t just stop there as he makes his clients feel like family as well they way they are treated and taken care of. His fun, sarcastic personality will make you laugh and smile whenever he is around, which is perfect if you are the one getting photographed!

Feel Good Fitness Tucson

Image of FeelGood Fitness group

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

FeelGood Fitness Tucson Formation

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

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

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

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

FeelGood Fitness Tucson membership flyer

Client Reviews

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

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

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

Combat Krav Maga Tucson

Combat Krav Maga Tucson
Combat Krav Maga Tucson

Website: https://www.combatkravmagatucson.com/
Address: 3273 N Freeway #545, Tucson, AZ 85705
Phone:  (520) 975-4722
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KravMagaAZ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/combatkrav/

Combat Krav Maga Tucson has been teaching reality-based self-defense to the Tucson community since 2015. It is owned by Jenna Herder who has been practicing Krav for over 18 years. She has her 3rd degree Black Belt from the United States Krav Maga Association.

Jenna strives to create an inclusive safe space community where everyone is accepted and cherished. Combat Krav Maga is a PROUD member of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Jenna is proud to be a part of the Tucson LGBT+ community and is excited to be hosting low cost/no cost self-defense classes and seminars for the LGBT+ community.