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)
Northside Barbershop 3900 W Costco Dr #184, Tucson, AZ 857415205054624 9-530 (Mon – Fri)
After working towards getting a master’s license in Barbering I decided to move to Tucson Arizona from Boston Massachusetts a year ago. I take great pride in my work and also, I strive to make anyone feel comfortable especially those of us who are LGBT and do not always seek traditional barbershops for reasons we all can relate to. So; for that, I am here. I am skilled in any haircut that comes my way.
I am excited to meet new people and build a client base for both Men, Women, and Anyone who is looking for a haircut or beard trim.
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
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 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.
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.
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
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
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!
Abbey Funeral Chapel – Logo
Abbey Funeral Chapel is a gay-friendly and supportive firm that services all families in their moments of need. They provide an incredibly important service because not all funeral homes and chapels are welcoming to everyone in our community. During some of the most trying times of your life, choose someone you trust to help you say goodbye to your loved ones.
Meet Gary Carolan, Abbey Funeral Chapel Director
Abbey Funeral Chapel Location
Gary has been fighting for equality for a long time. In fact, he became interested in funeral homes to provide for families who had lost someone to AIDS. It was a growing custom during the 80’s to not service HIV+ individuals or people with AIDS. This perverse policy negatively affected the families who had already lost someone they loved deeply, only to be insulted when trying to find a place for their loved one to rest.
Why This is Important to Me
I was crushed to hear recently the story of a close friend who had difficulty finding a funeral home because the deceased was transgender. The lack of caring and decency was appalling, but for this to occur in 2018, after all the progress we have made as a community, put me over-the-top.
What will it take for people to realize we are all the same? We are all sisters. Brothers. Lovers. Humans, who dream, and yearn, and cry all the same. The ties that unite us outnumber the differences that so bitterly divide us.
It is important to support amazing businesses like Abbey Funeral Chapel who treat everyone with the same level of empathy and comfort. It is important to support good people doing good things to help others. And, above all else, it is important to love each other fully and completely.
3435 N 1st Ave
Tucson, AZ 85719
(520) 888-1111
Abbey Funeral Chapel
Have a great day!
TonyRay 🙂
I am a “returner.” Born and raised in New York City, I moved to Tucson in the early 90s. I left to be closer to the family for support after a divorce. When I lived here, I owned a communications firm, Veritas Communications, and was very involved in the small business community. 19 years later, I am back (with my wife) and delighted to be home! Tucson is a city that feels like a personal treasure that only a few can appreciate. Every day I am more inspired by the miracle of this land.
Blank Page Consulting
Kim Green of Blank Page Consulting
I am a credentialed life coach and love working with people who are ready for transformation in their lives. As an author, ghostwriter, award-winning copywriter, and blogger, I realized that my true passion is supporting people in making their dreams come true. My company is Blank Page Consulting. My coaching programs are rigorous, often emotional, and extremely effective. I, too, have had my share of loss, grief, and disappointments and out of it came unthinkable growth.
My work supports people in their growth, whether it is learning to speak their truth, learning how to navigate a challenging world as well as finding joy when it seems scarce.
For writers, I have designed an experience that is nurturing, supportive, and gets the results that writers desire…to get to The End. For Life Coaching clients, we will identify buried truths and help you to find your inner strength to conquer that which hinders your action and joy. Established weekly meetings and assignments ensure that all clients stay on track. For writers, group coaching is also available with a new group starting January 10th for 10 weeks. (5 places left)
Call for a 30-minute free consultation and get ready to be transformed.
Reviews
“Kim pushed me to explore my own identity, my identity as a writer, and the stories I believed most needed to be told. She inspired a passion in me for writing that I didn’t think was possible. I highly recommend that writers – new and seasoned – partner up with Kim to benefit from the treasure trove of resources she has to offer.” – S. Kumar
“Kim Green has been a savior, a north star, and a friend through the process of writing my very first book. Meeting with Kim every single week has given me structure, helped me to see new perspectives, and support me in finding my voice. She encourages me when I feel like I can’t go any further. She’s there to remind me that what I’m doing is important to the world and she’s been someone to rely on as I do this important life work. I will be eternally grateful to Kim for her patience, her humor, and her mind.” – A. Arthur
Business Information
Company Name: Blank Page Consulting
Office Address: 8987 E Tanque Verde Rd, Suite 309-186, Tucson, AZ 85749
Contact Name (s) Kim Green
Phone 678-938-2777
Services: Life coaching, Coaching for writers, Manuscript critique, and Editing
Pricing: Varies, discount applies when you mention GayTucson
Website: www.blankpageconsult.comOffice hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 6 pm, Friday 9 am-12 pm
Kristi Frank American Family Insurance Office Tucson AZ
Kristi Frank – American Family Insurance
Kristi Frank Agency, INC.
4319 E Broadway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85711
Office: 520-323-0017
Fax: 855-383-8085 Website
E-Mail: kfrank@amfam.com
24-Hour Claims Reporting: 800-374-1111
I’ve known Kristi Frank for years and she always has been someone in the community I respect and trust. And my clients, they can’t say enough about her. From the minute they walk in and meet her and her associates, they know the experience is going to be different. Everyone is friendly and professional at Kristi Frank’s office.
My clients have told me that they appreciate how Kristi cares enough to really examine their entire financial situation before offering her services. Best of all, she usually gets them more insurance and still saves them money. She has done the same for me.
Whether it’s home owners insurance, renters insurance, flood insurance, auto insurance, an umbrella policy or a combination, you should at least give her a call and see what she can do for you.
Kristi Frank American Family Insurance
I know that when you meet Kristi, you’ll feel at ease about discussing and disclosing personal information with her. You will also get an overwhelming sense that she genuinely cares about you and your needs. You’ll know immediately that she is someone on your side and someone you can trust.
You’ll be sending me an email with a big thank you.
A small gift would be nice too, just saying LOL
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’ 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.
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!
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
North Entrance to TMATucson 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.
