Wingspan Dinner

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
Wingspan Dinner
Moving Forward

The Wingspan Annual Benefit Dinner
September 20, 2008
Wingspan’s Benefit Dinner – 20 years on September 20th
 
This years event was very well done.  The silent auction was well organized and a great time to catch up and socialize.  The appetizers (cheese, fruits and veggies) looked beautiful and there were plenty of bars so very small lines if any.
 
The dinner tables looked great (see photos below) and so did the room. The centerpieces were beautiful and in hindsight I wish I had bought one.
 
Jason Cianciotto, the new Executive Director of Wingspan, gave a strong and meaningful speech.  I took a photo of him on the big screen (see below).  I have had the pleasure of meeting Jason several times before the dinner and I am definitely impressed and excited to see what changes he will bring.  Personally, I think Jason is just what Wingspan needs to move forward. 
 
Tony Ray

SAAF Bowling For Tommy

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
SAAF Bowling For Tommy

SAAF is an incredible organization with an outsize footprint in the Old Pueblo and surrounding areas.  I attempt to support them whenever possible as I know ever dollar of proceeds goes directly to support their mission.  SAAF is known for:

  • Providing support services for those living with HIV/AIDS
  • Supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS
  • Education for prevention of HIV

They serve around 1,300 clients each year, so they have a huge need for volunteering and donations.  Thankfully, they make it so easy and fun to give!  Come to the next Bowling for Tommy event to see what I mean!

What is SAAF Bowling For Tommy?

Named after the legendary Tucsonan Tommy Gin, this fun, family-oriented bowling tournament serves as a fitting legacy.  It is a fund-raising opportunity for SAAF and a great chance for you to have a good time for a fantastic cause.

When and Where is SAAF Bowling For Tommy?

Check the GayTucson.com Events Calendar regularly to stay on top of this and all the other incredible events for Tucson’s fabulous gay community.  Also, be sure to read the GayTucson Blog to learn about the latest news affecting Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, and Vail!

SAAF Festival For Life

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
SAAF Festival For Life

Over the years, SAAF Festival for Life has grownup and adjusted, however the most attractive element continues to be the gathering of fine design on show within the live and silent auction. It’s not only art, the auction also offers vacations, gift baskets, gift certificates, celebrity collectibles, trips, one-of-a-kind experiences and paper prayers. Our generous community has come to love this nice chance to seek out superb works of art and nice gifts, even as they begin preparing for their own vacation.

Pride Events in Arizona This June

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
Pride Events in Arizona This June

Tucson Pride is in October, but for the rest of the country, it’s in June. You’ll know it by the mass rainbow apparel that starts popping up everywhere. Literally everywhere. But, if you’re like us and love seeing new pride merch up for grabs keep on keeping on. If you are interested in still participating in Pride here are some of the events you can find around Arizona in June while you wait for October to get here.

In Tucson

Sophie Mctear standing in front of their
Sophie McTear

Pride Exhibition at Crooked Tooth Brewing
Local artists Sophie McTear and Trevor Mock will have their work up on display while the bar serves Pride-themed drinks and specials. Opening June 4th at 6 pm.

Pride pack for $25Pride Night with the FC Team
FC Tucson is the pro soccer team in town. They are celebrating their LGBT+ Pride Night at our match on Saturday, June 11th at 7:00 PM. Great group rates for 10 or more. Friends of GayTucson.com get the early bird special even if it’s not early!

Image of white beer cans imprinted with a rainbowTucson Pride Bar Crawl
Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. A pub crawl. So, if you’re into libations you might want to get tickets early! Happening on June 18th.

For more pride events check out our calendar!

Elsewhere

Mojave County Pride, Glow
Do you have friends in Mojave County? If so you can enjoy Pride with them on June 11 & 12th from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. This is a completely family fun weekend. Adult themes are only available at the afterparties.

Bisbee Pride, Express Yourself:
Bisbee Pride returns on June 17, 18, & 19th 2022. It’s always a good time at Bisbee Pride, there is Pride Village, street dancing, a tea dance, a Gayme Night and so much more. Grab some friends, rent an Air B&B and enjoy the entire weekend!

Pride in the Pines logoPride in the Pines
Those of you in Northern Arizona have Flagstaff Pride to look forward to on June 18th from 12-9:00 pm. Thorpe Park Ball Fields is the venue so remember to wear sunscreen.

Proud to be seenProud To Be Seen in Tubac
This is a national juried art exhibition that will be up for the entirety of June at the Bruce Baughman Studio and Gallery. Exhibiting artists are interpreting PRIDE.

 

 

 

Rocky Point Diversity Pride Parade
Poster for Rocky Point PrideThis is the 2nd annual Puerto Peñasco Pride Parade happening on June 25that 5 pm. Technically it’s not in Arizona but it’s close enough if you want a little getaway a little south of the border. Meeting at the Plaza de la Madre o Malecon Fundadores to kick things off.

We hope to see you there!

Tucson Pride on Parade 2015

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
Tucson Pride on Parade 2015
Before I dive into the review, I would like to take a moment to thank all the great parade participants whom worked hard and dressed up and displayed the true diversity in Tucson.  I would also like to especially thank the fun and welcoming crowd which hooted and hollered and came together to celebrate our diversity.

Pride on Parade 2015 was probably the most active and well-attended Tucson Pride Parade I have ever been to.  The floats were elaborate and colorful and the costumes and makeup were absolutely fabulous!  It was perfectly staged on the busiest downtown avenue and the weather gave us a vintage Tucson Fall evening, with cool temperatures and an amazing sunset backdrop.
 
Grand Marshall’d by the inimitable Tempest DuJour (looking fantastic as always), the floats and parade entrants really stole the show.  From the hilariously under-costumed Old Lesbians Organizing for Change to the full-blown costumes worn by the Rocky Horror Picture Show cast, you could easily identify with each of them.  Then the rolling party that is the SAAF long-bed float crawls past and you can’t help but smile as you catch candy and Mardi Gras beads affixed with condoms.  I can finally write this: “The event truly offered something for everyone” 🙂
 
The Tucson Pride on Parade couldn’t have been any better planned or executed.  It was a wonderful time for the entire family to come out and honor the common differences that provide spice and excitement to our community.  I can’t wait to see what they come up with next time!

Bisbee Gay Pride

Tony Ray Baker
-
0
Bisbee Gay Pride
Bisbee gay pride
Be Sure to Celebrate Bisbee Gay Pride Later This Month, June

Every year on Father’s Day weekend, the Arizona LGBT community and Straight Allies gather in the adorable little town of Bisbee to celebrate their pride. Come along with me on one such adventure, and be sure to catch the next incarnation of Bisbee Gay Pride!

When and Where is Bisbee Gay Pride?

Get to Bisbee by driving South on I-10 and taking a right on Highway 80 in Benson. From Tucson, it’s a little over 1.5 hours, 47 if you’re coming from Benson. Gay Pride Weekend corresponds with Father’s Day Weekend, occurring on the third weekend in June. It may seem like a long way to go, but a bunch of your friends from Tucson will be there and it really is one of the better parties of the year!

What Can I Expect at Bisbee Gay Pride?

There are so many things to do and ways to celebrate in Bisbee and the surrounding area, but what follows is my tried-and-true method for having a great time at Bisbee Gay Pride.  We call this The Move.

The Move starts at a quaint little bed and breakfast on Friday night. Try the Copper Queen Hotel or the Bisbee Grand, you’ll love either place.  I highly recommend locating yourself around the Main St. part of town. That is where all the action is and you don’t want to have to drive back to your hotel room after a full night of partying.  The drunken stumble back to your bed is a quintessential part of The Move.

What’s Next For The Move?

The Move is to then walk the crowded, action-packed streets, observing the myriad booths and vendors set up for the weekend.  The streets fill up on both Friday and Saturday with live music, so be sure to get your groove on!  The town blocks off the roads from car access around the Copper Queen, so begin there and meet up with all of your friends.

The next Move is to head across the street to the Underground Dance Party.  I would tell you where to go, but it’s better for you to just head down and discover for yourself.  Dance to some high-energy dance music and have a few cocktails, powering you up for what’s next!

The Move then takes you on a club crawl, guided by a drag queen carrying a high heel on a stick.  You’ll be heading from bar to bar, effectively getting a crash course in Downtown Bisbee.  As you reach the end of the pubs, the MC will organize the flock into a Drag Race.

No, not the type you’re thinking of, this race consists of your drunken friends, wearing dresses and high heels, and running up a small hill.  Cue the ankle tape and the ice packs!  It’s a hilarious time for all involved and will truly punctuate your time at Bisbee Gay Pride.

See You Next Year!

Still not convinced? Bisbee Gay Pride is an awesome time with your best friends in a wonderful little town. There are some fun activities that I have never seen anywhere else, making Bisbee Gay Pride a one-of-a-kind event.  It’s just a short drive South to have an amazing weekend and you’ll even see Darren and I on the club crawl.  See you next year!

Have a great day,
TonyRay 🙂

1234...6Page 3 of 6