Every day, Tucson families trust their most important decisions with Heather M. Strickland, an LGBT adoption attorney. They trust her not only because of her sterling track-record and relentless work-ethic but also because she takes the time to listen and understand EVERY situation. They also trust her because she has experience with the system from both sides…
While young, Heather had a friend who desperately needed to live with a new family. She bravely convinced her parents to take up this challenge, only to watch the effort and desire required to follow-through. Heather was deeply touched not only by her families courage but also by how supportive her community became to lift and protect her young friend.
Flash forward to adulthood and motherhood. Heather has devoted herself to providing the precious gift of family to all of Tucson’s youth. It is important to her that every child has the support and love of a caring, nurturing family. Trust Heather Strickland as you work to build your family through adoption.
Why Heather Strickland Should Be Your LGBT Adoption Attorney
Adopting a child can be a gauntlet for any parenting couple. This is only exacerbated when you are an LGBT couple trying to build your family through adoption. Heather Strickland can help you navigate the turbulent waters and keep you moving towards your family goals!
Why MyersStrickland, PLLC?
MyersStrickland is a boutique law firm focusing its practice on family building through adoption and assisted reproduction. They have the privilege of working on more than three hundred adoptions a year – more than any other law firm in the state. Their expertise allows us to provide exceptional representation in all types of adoptions – whether you are pursuing an independent adoption, working with an adoption agency, are a stepparent or relative, or adopting a child from foster care. They are committed to the ethical and compassionate representation of expectant parents or prospective adoptive parents.
When it takes more than just two to make a baby, MyersStrickland is there to assist with the legal aspects of your donated sperm, eggs or embryos, and your relationship with a gestational carrier. They guide you through the legal landscape in Arizona and help you develop the best journey to parenthood for you and your family.
At MyersStrickland, they value and welcome ALL families.
Attorney Heather M. Strickland is a native Tucsonan and has been practicing adoption, assisted reproductive technology and family law in Arizona since 2005. She is a proud Fellow of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys and a recipient of a 2017 Angels in Adoption award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) for her dedication to positive child welfare practices.
Antigone Books was founded in 1973 as a predominantly lesbian-owned feminist bookstore. This was at a time when there were more than fifty independent bookstores in Tucson. In the decades since the number of indie bookstores in the city has dwindled. Still Antigone Books has remained a pillar of the local book-loving community, expanding our mission to be a community bookstore with feminist roots. Although ownership has changed hands a couple of times since we originally opened in the 70s, we’ve remained women-run from the start. The current owners and long-time Antigone Books employees Kate, Melissa, and Morgan took over in 2018. They have expanded the store’s selection of books, gifts, and cards while remaining true to the store’s original focus on the recently-published boundary-pushing literature.
The Store
We keep a circulating stock of Pride supplies on hand throughout the year. From flags representing all identities across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum to dog- and cat-themed rainbow stickers. We also maintain a thriving queer literature section (see photos!), where we keep classic gay, trans, lesbian, and ace titles in stock. Readers can find everything on our shelves from LGBTQIA+ children’s books and YA fiction to queer graphic novels and LGBTQIA+ non-fiction. We also get regular issues of Sinister Wisdom and RFD as well as the latest lesbian romances from Bella and Bold Stroke Books. Whatever we don’t have in stock we’re happy to order for our customers at no extra charge! You can place orders in our store, over the phone, or online and we can get most titles in within a week.
Though our events program is on hold indefinitely due to COVID-19, pre-pandemic we were home to seven local book clubs and we featured regular book signings, author readings, and we had just begun to host Drag Queen Story Hours. We look forward to supporting our community with these and more exciting options in the near future; keep an eye on our website for updates! We also run a local authors consignment program for Tucson writers whose books are self-published or not available through major book distributors. We’re always looking for new voices, so definitely reach out if you’re interested after checking out the “Consignment” page on our website. In addition, we proudly carry local free periodicals of the Tucson queer community such as the 55+ LGBT newsletter Senior Forum and the Tucson Pride guide. Whether you’re new to town or a regular search for that perfect book, we’re excited to welcome you!
REVIEW:
“LOVE Antigone Books! This is generally my first stop if I’m looking for gifts or a physical book. Love their selection of adult coloring books, blank journals, cookbooks, and local authors. Their feminist and LGBTQ+ selection is also pretty impressive. And, they host a few book discussion groups. The staff is always friendly, and I like the sense of community.”
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.
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.
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
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
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)
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.
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.
Go to Roma Imports and have some of the best Italian food in Tucson.
Roma Imports is an Italian food import store with a little restaurant in the back. Nothing fancy, but absolutely Italy-icious!
I like to eat lunch there and then take home some of the home made hot Italian sausage. They have one that is really hot.
They always have incredible antipasta’s, cheeses, desserts, pastas and just about anything Italian your heart may desire.
I don’t know the owner but I do like the people who work there. The reason I’m telling you about them is because I’m Italian and everyone should know good Italian food, gay or not.
Tell them Tony Ray sent you and have a great lunch.
Roma Imports
Roma Imports
627 S. Vine
Tucson, AZ 85719
520-792-3173
www.RomaImports.com
Roma Imports
