Desert Rat Art Collective

MoreGraphic image of the sonoran desert with the desert rat art collective statement
Image of desert rat art collective founder Tierney
DRAC 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

Image from desert rat art collective of sushi in acrylic paintDRAC 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. A collections of desert rat art collective workTucson 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

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

Antigone Books

Exterior of Antigone BooksAntigone 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.”

-Ginger, ***** Google Review

STORE INFO:

Company Name: Antigone Books

Office Address: 411 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705

Phone (s): (520) 792-3715

Website: www.antigonebooks.com

Office hours: Tues-Sat 10-5; Sun 11-4; closed Mondays

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.

Barrio Books

Barrio BooksAn abundance of booksBarrio Books is the only bilingual woman-owned bookstore in Tucson, AZ. We specialize in carrying literature from Latinx authors as well as other BIPOC authors. We dedicate ourselves to serving the Tucson community by providing a space where our customers can find representation in the books they read. Barrio Books began as a pop-up vendor, going to different events throughout Tucson and the surrounding areas. In January, we were fortunate to have a partnership with Hotel McCoy who provided our first Brick and Mortar location rent-free. We are currently working on our bookmobile in order to have an easier and more efficient way of getting more literature into our neighborhoods.

Representation Matters

SYRENA AREVALO-TRUJILLO
Selfie of Syrena at Barrio Books
I am a native Tucsonan and a graduate of the University of Arizona. Throughout the years, I have been involved in organizations throughout the community that focuses on Social Justice and Cultural enrichment. Tucson is such a diverse city and so incredibly supportive. We saw that first opening at our Brick and Mortar location! There were so many people that came in rooting for Barrio Books to succeed. And so many others that were eager to learn and devour the literature that we sell. Even today, there are still so many people so excited to come in and take in the unique vibes of Barrio Books. Barrio Books MerchRepresentation for Latinx peoples is incredibly important in all mediums, especially literature.  Barrio Books is a way to get books out to people in the community who have no idea where they can find books that reflect them and their unique journey through life. This is especially important for young readers. Books that have characters who look like them, eat the same foods, or go through the same obstacles can really lure them into wanting more books and in turn, create lifelong readers!   “Quickly has become one of my favorite bookstores in town. Syrena has been extremely kind and helpful when it comes to helping me find rare Latinx-focused books, and I am very grateful for all the wonderful finds!” -Luis Silva COMPANY NAME: BARRIO BOOKS OFFICE ADDRESS: HOTEL MCCOY 720 W SILVERLAKE #302 TUCSON AZ, 85713
WEBSITE: BARRIOBOOKS520.COM
CONTACT NAME: SYRENA AREVALO-TRUJILLO

Families For Private Adoption

Families For Private Adoption - Logo
Families For Private Adoption – Logo

Families For Private Adoption

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
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
Families For Private Adoption – Another Loving Family

Devereux Arizona

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Devereux Arizona

Devereux Arizona - Logo
Devereux Arizona – Logo

6141 E. Grant Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85712
(520) 296-5551
www.DevereuxArizona.org

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. 

Patricia Pritchett – Licensed LGBTQ Therapist

Patricia Pritchett – Licensed LGBTQ Therapist

Patricia Pritchett - Licensed LGBTQI Therapist
Patricia Pritchett - Licensed LGBTQI Therapist
[td_block_5 custom_title=”Informative Articles By Patricia Pritchett” post_ids=”10984″ installed_post_types=”page” limit=”4″]

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 🙂

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!