More Fun Gay Events in Tucson and Southern Arizona

Tucson Gay Pride

Events

Tony Ray Baker

August 11, 2016

Tucson Pride 2024: Celebrating Diversity and Community

Get ready for the biggest LGBTQIA+ celebration in Southern Arizona! Tucson Pride 2024 brings together the vibrant LGBTQ+ community and allies for two days of unity, joy, and empowerment. From the colorful Pride Parade to the lively Pride Festival, this year’s event promises to be a celebration like no other. Join us in embracing diversity, advocating for equality, and creating lasting memories!

Pride Parade

Pride Festival

Tucson Pride Week Featured Events

G3 Pride Kickoff Party 2024

Start Pride Weekend off right at the G3 Pride Kickoff Party on the SkyDeck at Playground! Join the party under the stars with great music, drinks, and dancing, all while celebrating the start of Tucson Pride Week. Your first drink is on us—don’t miss out on the fun!

Get all the details and RSVP now

Tucson Pride Parade 2024

Join Tucson’s LGBTQ+ community as the streets light up with vibrant colors and celebration during the Tucson Pride Parade! March alongside friends, family, and allies in this exciting kickoff to Pride Weekend. Don’t miss the electric atmosphere at Armory Park.

Learn more and register for the parade

Tucson Pride Festival 2024

Get ready for a full day of music, food, and fun at the Tucson Pride Festival! Held at Reid Park, this annual festival features live performances and activities for all ages. Whether you’re looking to dance, shop, or enjoy family-friendly entertainment, this event has something for everyone!

Discover the festival lineup and get your tickets

2024 Grand Marshal: Jess Losoya

Tucson Pride is proud to announce Jess Losoya as the Grand Marshal for the 2024 Parade! Jess is a longtime advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, known for his resilience and leadership in supporting marginalized individuals. His work with the Amity Foundation and various non-profits like the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN) has made a lasting impact on the community. Jess’s personal journey through foster care, addiction, and recovery has shaped his passion for helping others. As Grand Marshal, he represents the strength, perseverance, and compassion of the LGBTQIA+ community in Tucson.

Past Tucson Gay Pride Events and Photo Galleries

Tucson Gay Pride Origin Story

From its humble beginnings atop the soaked summit in Himmel Park, Gay Pride in Arizona has gone through enough "wardrobe changes" to make Lady Gaga sweat! Fast forward to today and Tucson Gay Pride is one of the largest annual events to hit Southern Arizona, featuring a huge cast of entertainers, local celebrities, and all-around great people.

Back To The Future

Himmel Park - The Site of Tucson 1st Gay Pride

On a robust weekend morning some 40 years ago, I find myself trying something brand new. Staring down the water-soaked grass of the largest hill in Himmel Park, I gathered with Tucson's burgeoning LGBTQ community and constructed a Slip-n-Slide. It was no ordinary Slip-n-Slide, however, it was the biggest and wettest and probably the most dangerous construction ever attempted.

Careening down the hill at close to the speed of sound, you have no control and no hope of slowing yourself, let alone stopping. Waiting for you perilously at the bottom of the hill was a vat of thick, primordial mud. This mud promised to swallow any would-be adventurer whole and spit them out, covered in grime and exhilaration.

Terrifying stuff, huh? To this day, I can remember looking down at all this and thinking, "am I out of my mind"? So I hesitate. Old friends go flying out of view. Still I hesitate. Cute guy disappears into the pond of mud. Yet, I hesitate.

In retrospect, I don't know what took me so long. Bathing suit? Check! All belongings safely stowed away? Check! What was I waiting for? So I closed my eyes and made a promise to myself; "jump on three".

"One. Wow it's cold out here! Maybe I should wait a bit for the sun to break through the clouds...", I think.

"Two. That mud can't be sanitary. Is that my car alarm? (note: this is before car alarms)".

"Three" I throw myself off the peak without even thinking. Almost immediately, I start to pick up speed as the mud pit barrels towards me. I put my hands down as an emergency break but they only knock me off balance, so now I am sliding face-first into the abyss...

Sploosh! That's all I remember. Lots of light, then a loud "sploosh", then darkness and silence. Proudly, I raise my head, wipe the dirt from my eyes, and emerge from the pit victorious. Everyone is screaming and clapping and hollering their approval, and I find myself jumping and dancing to the joyous symphony.

It's About Time

IBTs Gay Lesbien drag queenDance Club Tucson

It was basically a party without the party. A time for friends and lovers to come together to enjoy eachothers company. But I was a hot-blooded 20-something, lets get this party started! Enter Fred and Dave, the former owners from IBT's...

We could see them in the distance. A large, boxy truck with faded paint came ambling up the road. As the truck approaches, you can here the unmistakable cadence of dance music. Boom. Tink. Boom. Tink. My heart starts to beat to the rhythm. Boom. Ba-Boom. Boom. Ba-Boom.

The truck danced ever closer, until it's full majesty came into view. It's a tricked-out beer truck from IBT's filled to the brim with kegs of mouth-watering bear and speakers of brow-watering dance music. All I could think was, "It's About Time!"

Embrace Your History

From those halcyon days of yore, Tucson Gay Pride has become the annual behemoth that it is. Yearly, people from far-flung places convene in sleepy little Tucson to throw the best party of the year! Starting Friday night and proceeding all the way through Saturday, the hosts of Tucson Gay Pride have planned a mind-boggling number of special events and fun things to do for everyone! Not solely for the members of my amazing Tucson LGBTQ family, Tucson Gay Pride is a celebration of the differences and the diversity that make our community truly special. I can't wait to see you at this year's Tucson Gay Pride as we add another chapter to our illustrious history!

PS. Some of this story may be a little exaggerated, or not. Who can really remember? LOL

Tucson Gay Pride Guide June 2019

Tony Ray Baker

June 23, 2019

It’s finally here! I feel like a kid on Christmas! It’s Gay Pride Month. Just because our Tucson Gay Pride isn’t until September doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate with the rest of the world. Keep reading to learn when and where to go this month in your Tucson Gay Pride Guide 2019!

Bisbee gay pride — Be Sure to Celebrate Bisbee Gay Pride Later This Month, June 2019

Where to Go to Celebrate Gay Pride in Tucson

There is another party every weekend in Tucson, and you’re invited! What follows is a comprehensive list of everything we could find, updated as soon as we find something new! Do you know about a great event that isn’t on this list? Do not hesitate to use the contact form to the right (below for mobile users) and let us know about it!

June

01jun6:00 pm8:00 pmLGBTQ Amigos and Allies Reception

01jun6:00 pm10:00 pmTucson Pride Tour 2019 - A Night at the Movies

11jun9:00 am3:30 pmPoint of Pride: LGBTQ Business Summit

Event Details

ONE Community is proud to partner with the Phoenix Business Journal on the 3rd annual LGBTQ Business Summit.

Attendees will be the first to see up-to-the-minute data about Arizona’s LGBTQ community and current best practices for marketing to this growing consumer demographic. Corporate responsibility and diverse and inclusive environments are key to creating a thriving and sustainable workforce. This summit is perfect for corporate leaders, managers, ERG members and small business owners alike.

We will begin the day with a presentation on the LGBTQ community in Arizona and the economic benefits of corporate responsibility and inclusion. After we cover the basics, we’ll dive into breakout sessions and discuss the current landscape of LGBTQ non-inclusive laws and how they impact our state’s ability to be competitive and create a sustainable future for all Arizonans.

Breakout Session 1

Option #1 – Inclusion and Belonging: Presented by Katee Van Horn, Founder and CEO of Bar the Door and Tyler Conaway, Global Pride board member, PayPal

Option #2 – Religious Freedom and Public Accommodations: Presented by Zachary Kramer, Associate Dean of Faculty, Professor of Law, and the William H. Pedrick Distinguished Research Scholar at Arizona State University

Breakout Session 2

Option #1: HR Policies & Procedures: Presented by Nonnie Shivers, partner Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. Nonnie regularly speaks and trains on current and emerging employment law topics, including recent presentations to industry and trade groups on LGBTQ workplace issues.

Option #2: Schools & Youth Advocacy: Panel Discussion moderated by Madelaine Adelman, founder GLSEN Phoenix

Panelists include:

Nate Rhoton, Executive Director of one-n-ten
Vinny Chulani head of Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s LGBTQ inclusive Adolescent Medicine Program
Kathy Hoffman, Superintendent of Public Instruction

Lunch

Afternoon Panel: The Business of Inclusion Panel Discussion / Q&A with Local Leaders

Panelists include:

Neil Giuliano – President and CEO, Greater Phoenix Leadership
Devney Preuss – President and CEO, Downtown Phoenix Inc.
Senator Kate Brophy-McGee
Representative Daniel Hernandez
Debbie Castaldo – Vice President, Corporate and Community Impact, Arizona Diamondbacks

Afternoon Presentation: 2019 LGBTQ Marketing Survey

3:30 Adjourn

Time

June 11, 2019 9:00 am - 3:30 pm(GMT+00:00)

Location

ASU Memorial Union

301 E Orange St, Tempe, AZ 85281

Organizer

ONE Community

Learn More

Calendar GoogleCal

14junAll DayBisbee Pride Weekend 2019

14jun6:30 pm10:00 pmOne Night Only - LGBTQ Pride Party

15junAll DayBisbee Pride Weekend 2019

15jun6:00 pm9:00 pmTreasures for TIHAN 2019 - Sparkle and Silver Benefit Auction

Event Details

“Treasures for TIHAN,” the signature fundraising benefit commemorates 25 years of TIHAN’s service with a spectacular event! Join us for a sparkling evening of cocktails, great music, fantastic food, and wonderful auction items. Enjoy great hors d’oeuvres, festive entertainment, a no-host cantina, and a live and silent auction!

Thanks to generous donors and friends, we’ve got a fabulous evening planned for you, with hundreds of amazing auction items for you to bid on and win. Come out to the Marriott University Park Tucson Hotel for great food and drink, entertainment, and check out these items you can bid on and win!

SPARKLE & SILVER!

Join Tucson treasure Lupita Murillo and hundreds of Tucsonans for the biggest party of the year to benefit the programs and services that TIHAN provides for people living with HIV. The event is Saturday, June 15 at 6:00pm at the Marriott University Park, located at 880 E 2nd Street (University and Euclid Avenue), with FREE PARKING in the garage right next door (or you can choose valet parking for a small fee).

For this milestone anniversary year, our event theme is “SPARKLE & SILVER!” Come enjoy the biggest fundraising event of the year to support the programs and services of TIHAN and help people with HIV to live well!

Get Your Tickets Now!

Advance tickets for the event are $65 each, and can be purchased as late as Friday June 14.
Early Bird Special – Save $10! Buy 2 tickets by May 21 for the price of $120.

By clicking the secure link below to purchase tickets online, or
By calling 299-6647 (credit card orders can be taken by phone), or
From any Treasures volunteer, or
By visiting the TIHAN office between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM

2660 North 1st Avenue Tucson, Arizona 85719 (north of Grant Road on east side of 1st Ave)

Or, you can purchase tickets at the door on the day of the event for $75 each.

Tucson Marriott University Park Hotel 880 E 2nd St

The value of food and services received in return for each ticket purchase is $30.

Buy raffle tickets to have a chance to win $1,000 cash!

Raffle tickets are $20 for five tickets or $50 for fifteen tickets.

Get Your Tickets to Treasures for TIHAN 2019 Today!

Time

June 15, 2019 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT+00:00)

Location

Tucson Marriott University Park Hotel

880 E 2nd St, Tucson, AZ 85719

Organizer

Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network

Learn More

Calendar GoogleCal

16junAll DayBisbee Pride Weekend 2019

20jun7:30 am9:00 amTucson GLBT Chamber of Commerce Monthly Networking Breakfast - June 2019

29jun4:00 pm6:00 pm3rd Annual PRIDE Bowl benefiting SAGA

Event Details

Get Pride Bowl Tickets Now!

Join us for our 3rd year! Come out and help us raise $ for this awesome cause. Celebrate PRIDE and help Southern AZ’s trans community.

Southern Arizona Gender Alliance is a non-profit organization that supports and advocates for southern Arizona’s community of trans identities: transsexual, transgender, genderqueer, masculine of center, feminine of center, non-binary, two-spirit, butch, femme, gender fluid, intersex, and ALL of us who are gender fabulous!

SAGA envisions a society in which transgender, non-binary, and gender-creative people are ensured of their basic rights and can be open, honest and safe at home and in the community. We provide support groups, advocacy, community education, and training for businesses, service providers, and community members on how our allies can be supportive and inclusive.

Tickets are $15 purchased in advance and include 2 hours of bowling and shoe rental. We will also have some great Raffle prizes!

Get Pride Bowl Tickets Now!

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Nope! If you are over 21 have your ID for the bar!

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

There is a large parking lot with parking in front, on the side & behind

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Email jennifer@thetacoteam.org or MSG on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/taco.team2016

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

It helps! But I will have a list.

Can our team have their own lane?

Yes, minimum per lane is 5 bowlers but max is 7. We pay per lane so the more bowlers per lane the more $ we raise for SAGA.

Can I come even if I don’t bowl?

ABSOLUTELY! We only pay for the lanes we use, so if you want to buy a ticket and just be a spectator or cheerleader for our bowlers and enjoy the food, drink & raffle prizes, COME ON DOWN!

Time

June 29, 2019 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm(GMT+00:00)

Location

Lucky Strike Bowl

4015 East Speedway Boulevard Tucson, AZ 85712

Calendar GoogleCal

Why Does the Rest of the World Celebrate Gay Pride in June?

Like most things Gay History in this country, it all started with Stonewall. Read all about it in our Brief History of Gay Pride in the US. It’s a fascinating look at where we’ve been with a nod towards where we are going.

Gay Pride in the Park 2017 in Tucson, AZ.

What Can You Tell Me About Tucson Gay Pride?

It’s coming soon and, like anything worthwhile, it’ll be here before you know it. As far as the details you crave, I don’t have much. From years past, I expect to start learning about the when and where of Tucson Gay Pride within the next month or so. As always, you’ll find out as soon as I do! Till then, keep it tuned to GayTucson and better prepare yourself for what to expect by reading our page Tucson Gay Pride throughout the years.

Have a great day!
Tony Ray 🙂

Show Us Your Awesome Talent at the 2022 Tucson Gay Pride in October!

Tony Ray Baker

July 11, 2022

Show Us Your Awesome Talent at the 2022 Tucson Gay Pride in October!

While national Pride month has come and gone we still have the 45^th annual Tucson Pride to look forward to in October! Here’s a little info on the upcoming festivities and how you can get involved if you’re interested in the open entertainment call.

Pride Weekend

Kick off the weekend on Friday, September 30^th with the Pride Parade. Registration will be open soon so stay tuned. The official Pride Festival is on October 1^st from 12:00-10:00 PM at the Georges DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center at Reid Park. If you’d like to be a vendor registration is now open, hurry before all the best spots are snatched up! Pride Brunch is on Sunday at Highwire Lounge, stay tuned for details. This is a great chance to unwind from the crazy weekend’s festivities and catch up with friends you might have missed at the park. Do you know any LGBTQ people who don’t love a good brunch? Neither do we.

The Open Entertainment Call

Image of 3 drag queens posing with a girl

Are you an entertainer or performer of some type? Do you enjoy the feeling of the crowd’s adoration washing over you? Well now is your chance to apply to be a part of Tucson Pride 2022. They are currently looking for bands, dancers, comedians, DJ’s, drag performers, track entertainers, and more! If you think you’ve got what it takes you have until July 31^st to get your application in. You’ll need to include a letter of interest along with video samples or links to your work for review. Now is the time to showcase your talent! Spots are limited so we encourage you to act fast. Send submissions to NancyN@TucsonPride.Org

Just visiting?

Do you have friends or family coming into town to celebrate with you? Well, Tucson Pride just announced the official hotel for this year. Make your reservations at The Graduate, located off Main Gate Square at the University of Arizona. This hotel is shiny and new with eclectic design elements that showcase the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

We’re talking rooftop heated swimming pool, firepits, and a bar and restaurant just for starters! Yes, all of that is on the roof. You can also bring your furry family with you if you like. This is going to be the place for after-parties so book your stay now. If you have any questions about the upcoming festivities you can send them to information@TucsonPride.Org.