Abbey Funeral Chapel

Abbey Funeral Chapel - Logo
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
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 🙂

El Rio Community Health Center

Multiple Locations
(520) 670-3909

El Rio Community Health Centers are located throughout Tucson and serve as the primary medical and dental care facilities for over 10% of our population. With such an expansive footprint, they have become known for their easy access and affordable, quality care.

What Does El Rio Community Health Center Provide?

Thanks to it’s all-encompassing mission of providing integrated, comprehensive health care options, El Rio offers a full suite of medical and dental care services. Additionally, they are a large employer in the area and offer great benefits for working there. El Rio Health is a valuable part of Tucson’s social fabric and we thank them for their contributions.

Therapy For All

Therapy-For-All.Square.Site
(360) 784-4050
4021 E Grant Rd. Suite 145
Tucson, Arizona 85712
Nina Bingham’s Work on Amazon

Nina Bingham, MS
Nina Bingham, MS

Nina Bingham is an award-winning Author and life voyager who strives to inspire conscious living and conscious dialogue. She writes books that are electric with honesty and passion, causing readers to explore topics such as the soul. Nina earned an AA in Psychology, a BA in Applied Psychology, and completed her MS in Mental Health Counseling program. She is a master-level Clinical Hypnotherapist, a Certified Sound Therapist using tuning forks for painless acupuncture, a Reiki Master who was initiated and taught by a Peruvian shaman, and an Intuitive who channels books about the Archangels. Nina is a member of the International Alliance of Holistic Therapists and has been in private practice for 19 years. 

Nina lives with her wife and dog in Tucson, Arizona, and can be found paddling her kayak on Arizona lakes. Before moving to Tucson, she and her wife lived in Portland, Oregon where Nina had a mental health counseling private practice. Personally, she is a practicing Hindu who received the honorary name Devi from her guru in India (but you can call her Nina). She enjoys growing and smoking her own brand of CBD flower, Devi’s Dream (it doesn’t make you high, just happy). Her wife Rachael sells CBD products such as CBD flower, oil, and pain relief products. Her greatest joy in life is to engage with the LGBTQ community, and she has written her difficult coming-out story in her autobiography, Once The Storm Is Over (you can find her books on Amazon).She also writes a self-help blog: ninabingham.blogspot.com

Clients describe Nina as professional, caring and insightful, and she is a 5-star Groupon merchant. Jeanne left this comment on Groupon about her first Hypnosis session: “Very nice and relaxing experience! This is my first Hypnosis experience but definitely won’t be my last!”

Arte Bella on 4th

Arte Bella on 4th Ave.
Arte Bella on 4th Ave.

340 N. 4th Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85705
520-526-2588
www.artebellaon4th.com

Art, Entertainment, and Inclusivity at Arte Bella on 4th + Bella’s on 4th

Arte Bella on 4th began as an inclusive art space for Tucsonans

Arte Bella on 4th began as an inclusive art space for Tucsonans. It has blossomed into a one-of-a-kind bar, restaurant, live music venue, painting studio, and 420-friendly haven. That’s right, Arte Bella on 4th is not your mother’s paint and sip! It’s the only venue in the country that rounds up live music, art-inspired cocktails, painting classes, drop-in-and-paint options in a 420-friendly atmosphere. Enter the Arte Bella on 4th door and walk through the art gallery back to the event space, or come in through the Bella’s on 4th restaurant after ordering a bite to eat. Arte Bella on 4th has somehow encapsulated all that is awesome about Tucson’s 4th Avenue and put it under one roof!

Offerings

Arte Bella on 4th aims to be a safe gathering place for all 21+ patrons. As allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community, Arte Bella on 4th is truly a “come as you are” establishment, and a “choose your own adventure” experience. Schedule a fun, guided art class or drop-in to freestyle a canvas or decorate a wine glass— whether your skill level is Van Gogh or color-by-numbers. Popular classes include Puff + Paint Date Night, Blacklight Puff + Paint, and Acrylic Pour. Those who don’t have time to paint can stop by for a puff on the patio or a drink from the bar and enjoy live music. Arte Bella on 4th hosts local musicians throughout the week and is always adding special events to their calendar. Bella’s on 4th will serve up an array of munchies, including delicious vegan options. Puff, paint, party time!

Customers keen to partake in legally purchased cannabis products can smoke on the patio
Customers keen to partake in legally purchased cannabis products can smoke on the patio

Customers keen to partake in legally purchased cannabis products can smoke on the patio while vaping and dabbing are allowed inside. Ordering a cocktail at Arte Bella on 4th is an art show in itself! Bella’s bartenders’ craft signature cocktails inspired by art pieces and artist bios. The result is delightful drinks that are sure to color you impressed. Try the spicy Frida Rita made with mango jalapeño tequila or the Starry Night vodka cocktail that *shimmers* with edible glitter! You’ll also find an extensive list of wine, craft beers, ciders, meads, and seltzers as well as non-alcoholic CBD seltzers and mocktails.

Arte Bellas Colorful Backstory

Artist, Air Force veteran, LGBTQ advocate, and cannabis activist Jen Christiansen opened the 4th Avenue location in April 2021. Jen saw an opportunity to fuse some of her favorite worlds together when Prop 207 passed. Further nudging her mission to go mainstream with her ‘Puff and Paint’ concept. Jen shakes her fist at the cannabis stigma. She opens her doors to all 21+ customers with the liberating reminder that “Moms smoke weed, too!”

  • Arte Bella on 4th Ave (21 + 420 friendly bar, live music venue, puff and paint art
    studio) &
  • Bella’s on 4th Ave (new restaurant expected to open within a few weeks)

Southern Arizona Psychology

Southern Arizona Psychology
Southern Arizona Psychology

Bryce Paradis, MA, started Southern Arizona Psychology after years of professional experience working with children, young adults, and adults in diverse settings. Ranging from private practice consultations to community mental health and professional athletics. Bryce, a South Dakota native, has resided in Southern Arizona since 2015. Bryce’s background in Freudian psychotherapy has been integrated into the treatment of protocols in private practice, community mental health, professional athletic organizations, and family medical practices and training programs.

Southern AZ Psych
Bryce Paradis, MA

Bryce has received extensive training in improving the lives of individuals experiencing various areas of mental and emotional discomfort or distress. As a master’s level professional Bryce has years of professional experience working with individuals who experience moderate to severe mental health issues struggle with addiction and life/functional difficulties in response to personal trauma. As a member of the LGBTQ community, Bryce provides first-hand knowledge and understanding of the struggles that the community faces in his clinical practice and interventions.

The Mission

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

Southern AZ Psych exterior
Southern AZ Psych exterior

Personal growth and the cultivation of self (self-discovery, self-worth, and self-esteem) is paramount to Southern Arizona Psychology’s practice. It is our mission to provide our clients with tools, emotional regulation, and positive self-worth to lead healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.

Contact

Southern AZ Psych Logo

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

Southern AZ Pych Services Graphic
Southern AZ Pychology Services

Ramada by Wyndham

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777 W. Cushing Street
Tucson, Arizona 85745
520-239-2300
Ramada by Wyndham

Located less than 3 blocks from the Tucson Convention Center and within 3 miles of the U of Arizona and Pima Community College, the Ramada is one of our favorite gay-friendly hotels because of its amazing location! Located right along the light rail, stay here and get to wherever you are going without a car making this a great launching pad to go explore Tucson’s vibrant downtown.

This is the closest hotel to the Roadrunners Hockey Arena, you could even walk to the game! It’s also next to the Tucson Convention Center where Tucson’s Comic-Con is held!

When you’re ready to get some exercise or simply connect with nature there are biking and jogging paths right at the River Walk.

Enjoy resort-like ambiance on 8-acres with courts and lawns and be well-positioned to explore all the best things Tucson’s downtown has to offer.

Creatively Queer Press

creatively queer press logoHave you ever felt seen, valued, or important? Here at Creatively Queer Press, we want everyone to experience that feeling through the media they consume. We’ve seen in popular media that many people in the LGBTQ+ or BIPOC communities lack representation with accuracy or empathy if represented at all.

Our mission as a publishing company is to change that. We look to media for versions of ourselves and for visions of who we could be. If we don’t see ourselves represented then our dreams can feel limited, or at worst, discouraged. Diversity is something we believe should be visible and celebrated.

The Media

Cuentos CoverOne of our first publications does that for the queer Latinx community: Cuentos. This bilingual Latinx mythology art anthology came to fruition by our Creatively Queer Press team. With the help of two dozen queer Latinx artists and writers. Every entry is a painting or illustration about a myth, legend, or creature from folklore. The artworks are accompanied by either fiction or non-fiction writing about the subject in both Spanish and English.

Through Cuentos our founder Luis Silva discovered our first editor for the CQP team: A. Dante Bravo. Originally a contributing artist and writer, Dante took on the task of editing the book layout and running the Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the print books of Cuentos. To help finish Cuentos, our second editor Joelle Blot was also invited to join us on the book’s publishing journey. Together our team of three queer creators works to share our books all across the town of Tucson, AZ, and far beyond. By collaborating with queer and POC creatives from all over the world, Creatively Queer Press strives to create and publish accessible entertainment for fans of all genres of comic books, art anthologies, gaming books, and so much more.

We are also working towards building an animation team to help us create groundbreaking animated films that serve our mission of inclusive representation. We invite everyone who values diversity to discover a new favorite on our website at www.creativelyqueerpress.com

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

LGBT Adoption Attorney – Heather M. Strickland

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MyersStrickland PLLC
MyersStrickland PLLC

MyersStrickland, PLLC

3180 E. Grant Road
Tucson, AZ
Phone: (520) 327-6041
ArizonaAdoptionLaw.com


Heather M Strickland with MyersStrickland PLLC
Heather M Strickland with MyersStrickland PLLC

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.

Contact MyersStrickland at 3180 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85716 or call (520) 327-6041.

Have a great day!

Tony Ray 🙂