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.com
Use 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.”
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.
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)
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
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
Nutrition 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
Jaye 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.
Conducted 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
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.
& Gallery is owned and overseen by East Sleep Work and is an art gallery unlike any other in Tucson. While many galleries here focus on Southwest fine art & Gallery takes an entirely different approach. Here you will find zines, sequential art, low brow art, anime, and so much more. They showcase local Arizona artists and give them a place to shine that’s off the beaten path.
A New Beginning
& Gallery Interior
In 2019 the &G moved from its small space at Grand and Stone to 4th avenue, the hub of downtown Tucson. Since its grand reopening, the gallery has put on numerous exhibitions showcasing local talent and forward-thinking artists. Its mission is to not only lift up locals but offer them a safe space to showcase their art. Tucson itself is touted as a queer-inclusive city but it’s important to & Gallery to actually take action and do the work. While all are welcome only those with good intentions get to stay.
Cynthia Naugle is the gallery manager, event coordinator, and social media maven. Through her connections in the community, she continues to put on exciting events and brings new opportunities to artists who formally only had an online audience.
“One of our big missions here is to amplify artists. We want to make sure we’re taking our artists to the next level. I love our group shows and we can do them all the time but if we’re not pushing you to be better, for each piece to be better… well we’ve just got to have that growth.” -Cynthia Naugle
Aside from regular group shows and exhibitions, this gallery offers tons of merchandise. From original artwork to prints and stickers there’s something for everyone at reasonable prices. Print and photography services are also available and if they can’t do it they will point you to the people who can.
& Gallery shot by Velvet & Shadow
Networking nights are something new &G is trying out. Each meetup will have a theme, such as musicians or digital artists but all are welcome to attend. Getting the right information and tools to artists is just as important as getting the art made. The gallery is building a beautiful artists community here in Tucson and everyone should drop in and check them out.
Contact Details
Company Name: & Gallery
Office Address: 419 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
Contact Name: Cynthia Naugle
Phone: (520) 258-8451
Pricing: varies
Website: https://www.andgallery.art/
Office hours: Open 12-6 pm Thursday-Monday
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
& Gallery Anime
From the brilliant, creative mind of Courtney Kelly comes this whimsical yet intimate portrayal of man’s furry friends. I have always been a HUGE animal lover.
Besides our baby, Keeley Bear, we regularly feed and care for neighborly cats, transient rabbits, and all matter of migrating birds. It was hard for me to express my love devotion for life’s most vulnerable and delicate creatures until I first laid eyes upon my favorite Courtney Kelly masterpiece, “Greyhound De La Muerte”. (pictured above)
Now, thanks to the wonders of the internet, you too can have your very own Courtney Kelly displayed prominently above your fireplace.
For a nominal price, CourtsArt (partnered with Etsy Art) will delivery a high-quality archival print of any one of her fantastic works, including “High Five Kitty” (pictured right) and many others. Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/courtsart to view the entire catalog and let Courtney know how much you love her!
Massage the way you like it. You describe your needs and I will design a massage to assist with your needs. Your satisfaction is my largest concern. Call Bob in Tucson 760-578-4003. Rates start at $80 per hour. Enjoy Swedish, deep tissue, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, sports massage or Therapeutic massage. Just want to relax, Lomi Lomi massage is a great way to relax, with long deep strokes up and down the body. Give me a call so I can help!
When we meet we go through where in your body you are in pain or stiff and I will build a massage designed around your needs. I have many different modalities to relieve your pain or stiff neck or back. And there is nothing to lose, on your first experience with me if you do not like the massage, you don’t pay! But that has never happened in my 20 plus years of massage, so give us a call Bob at 760-578-4003!
