Have 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
One 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
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 TMA
Tucson 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.
Hotel Tucson City Center 475 N Granada Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701 (520) 622-3000
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind stay at the Hotel Tucson City Center. Located in the heart of Downtown Tucson’s El Presidio Historic District, our boutique hotel is within walking distance of the Old Town Artisans shopping plaza, El Presidio Park, and several bars and restaurants. Local family-owned and operated, our staff offers exceptional service with a smile.
The amenities offered at Hotel Tucson City Center provide a relaxing retreat. Go for a swim in our Olympic-size outdoor heated pool, relax in the hot tub, work out in our fitness center or grab a refreshing cocktail and bite to eat in our full-service restaurant and bar. Guests can also enjoy free parking, free WiFi, and free airport shuttle service.
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.
[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
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
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.
Sad to say goodbye, & Gallery has officially closed. For incredible Tucson art, visit The Tucson Gallery on GayTucson!
& 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
The moment I walk into the building, I am at ease. The smells, the natural surroundings, and the pure intention of each practitioner in their healing art moves me. Grateful to see such a sanctuary thriving in what they do best. Samantha S.
Center 4 Self-Care welcomes you! All of you. The YOU you want to be. We are a queer owned, queer friendly wellness collective. All four owners found our way to Tucson from other parts of the country and felt drawn to opening a business here for the healing energy, welcoming community, and of course the mountain views. We have built a team of experienced, skilled, and informed practitioners providing heart centered services. We believe that self-care is a constantly evolving process as unique and individual as you are.
Our background and passion began with massage therapy and many styles of bodywork. Over the years we have expanded to include energy modalities, acupuncture, postural alignment, health and wellness coaching, all natural locally sourced skin care, yoga, meditation, education, and community wellness events. We are currently excited about partnering with local non-profit organizations to provide access to self-care services to those in recovery. Our hope is that this program will lead to successful outcomes including higher functioning, less dependence on our healthcare system, and improved mental health in our community. As advocates of mental health awareness and members of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce we enjoy working together to elevate humanity. We strive to connect each other with resources that are supportive in all things wellness. We are here for you and your best self!
Our bodies can hold so much trauma and massage therapy can facilitate healing in a gentle, effective, and affirming way. We believe in the inherent right of everyone to feel good in the skin that they’re in. We pride ourselves on creating a safe space and offering client-centered compassionate connection. Our commitment to being intentionally inclusive is at the core of our mission and vision. Visit our website for more details and to learn more about our offerings, events, and practitioners. We look forward to supporting you on your self-care journey.
Feast Restaurant 3719 E. Speedway Tucson, AZ 85712 (520) 326-9363 Feast Website
Feast Restaurant Diners
Locally owned and very gay friendly, this hip little restaurant packs a lot of punch. I recommend you schedule yourself to dine in at least once a month. You’ll love the food, atmosphere and the staff.
One of the great things about Feast is that it seems like there is always something different. That’s because the chef /owner changes the menu each month. And not to worry, there are a few items that stay the same for those creatures of habit.
Not in the mood to dine in? How about a nice candle light dinner for you and that special someone at home? Tasteful takeout is Feast’s motto.
They also cater! I have been at an event catered by Feast. Definitely a crowd pleaser. If you have special dietary needs, certain social expectations, a specific culinary palette in mind, talk to Cassandra and she will help you create the perfect menu at the right price.
Here’s some more punch. Feast restaurant has won best caterer from Best of Tucson, four times. The food at Feast has also earned accolades from the New York Times and Zagat Guide.
Okay, so go have a great lunch or dinner at Feast. Let them know you found them on GayTucson.com.
