Bisbee Gay Pride

Tucson Pride on Parade 2015

Gay Pride

Tony Ray Baker

August 10, 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!

SAAF Bowling For Tommy

Events

December 7, 2017

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!

Gay Pride 2016 Review

Blog
Gay Pride

Tony Ray Baker

October 6, 2016

Now that we’ve had a few days to recover, I wanted to take some time and recap the incredible 2016 Gay Pride Weekend! First of all, thanks needs to go out to the Tucson Pride Planning Board for serving up a fantastic slate of fun and meaningful events for this years celebration. Let’s set them up for next year by donating today! Be sure to head back here after you’re done 🙂 Fun Photos below.

Now that we have the business out of the way, we can get to the fun! Lets start at the top:

Pride Friday Night

We have long held the Tucson Gay Pride Parade on the Friday before Tucson Pride, but that and a possible Block Party was the extent of the festivities for the night. This year was completely flipped on its head! Not only did we have the Tucson staple, Pride on Parade, but we were also treated to a host of events geared around the Gay Pride theme. The night went like this:

G3Pride

Between the hours of 5 – 7, the Hut hosted Pete Kings infamous G3Pride Party! With great drink specials, pulse-pounding music and delicious dinner options, it was a fantastic way to start Pride Friday Night!

Pride On Parade

The Hut was also the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail and cheer on the Tucson Pride on Parade as it proceeded down 4th Avenue. With more floats and participants than ever, this year’s parade was truly a celebration of our amazing spirit and diversity. I didn’t get any photos, but send us your pics today and I’ll post them on this page!

Rainbow Block Party

After the Parade, everyone headed over to RBAR for the Rainbow Block Party. If you’ve never been to RBAR, it’s a decadent little hole in the wall next to the Rialto Theatre with some of the best drinks in Tucson. The Rainbow Block Party featured a killer DJ spinning some great dance tunes, perfect for setting the stage for what came next.

Pride at the Rialto

The entire night built up to this moment, and Pride at the Rialto surely didn’t disappoint. Meticulously planned and flawlessly executed, Pride at the Rialto had something for everyone. We were entertained by the stars of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, as hilarious as they were gorgeous, who came all the way from Hollywood to share their own unique brand of Pride. The drinks were delightful, the food was delicious, and the show was divine; a wonderful capstone for a wonderful night!

Pride in the Park

With the stage set, it was time for Tucson’s Gay Pride flagship, Pride in the Park, to step into the spotlight. It was better than I had even expected!

I’d like to begin with a shout out to our amazing community! We were fun and rowdy but always respectful and everyone, every single person that I’ve spoken with had an excellent time. How many events can you say that about?

A Huge Crowd In Front of the Gay Pride Stage at Pride in the Park

And did I mention the size of the crowd? By the time I was there, they had already admitted over 4,000 Tucsonans and the line was growing by the second. This was the most well-frequented Tucson Gay Pride I have been to in many years and I love Tucson for being so supportive and kind.

The event itself was a marvel of crowd and performer synergy as it seemed every act built upon the previous and the entire presentation wove a tapestry of precious moments that I will never forget. Everyone, from the excellent DJ’s to the talented singers and presenters was in top form and the crowd repeatedly roared its approval.

Me and Tempest DuJour Loving Tucson Pride in the Park 2016

Now, I might be a little biased, but the pinnacle of the event, atleast for me, had to be Tempest DuJour. Tempest is a world renowned performer whom hails from Tucson, so the event had to be extra special. We were given a small sample of his many talents and he left the audience starving for more. Be sure to get your Tempest DuJour fix by checking out Retro Game Night!

The Wrap-Up

If you didn’t have a chance to join us for Tucson Pride this year, you owe yourself to mark it on your calendar and come out next year. This was the largest and most well-planned Tucson Pride event I have been to in a long time, and I used to plan them back in the day 😉 The Tucson Pride Board of Directors has set a high bar for themselves and I am excited to see what they have in store for us next year! Thanks for reading!
Tony Ray

Photos from 2016 Pride in The Park

Wingspan Dinner

Events

Tony Ray Baker

August 10, 2008

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