Pop Cycle is a retail gift shop that sells unique, green, fun things made from recycled items.
Fun, Campy and Gay Friendly, once you enter you’ll know why I love Pop Cycle. Find earrings and clothes and wall art and cards and all kinds of great gifts. Even some fun things with gay icons like wonder woman! There are so many cool things, I usually go through the store a few times to make sure I don’t miss anything.
I particularly love the letters made from recycled cans. I have the word “imagine” across the wall between my kitchen and great room. If you don’t see the letters you want, just ask, they can usually find you the letters to make your favorite word(s) or saying(s).
Also check Pop Cycle on 4th Ave for Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) stuff. I bought the awesome little green skeleton (see photo below) there.
Last time I was there they had some license plates that you could customize, I think. lol You’ll have to check and see.
Go in and play and have fun and remember to tell them you found them on GayTucson.com!
Tucson’s Rising Phoenix Self-Defense & Fitness is a unique, queer-friendly martial arts and self-defense gym open to all ages, skill levels, and fitness levels. Rising Phoenix has named this branch of their program The Rainbow Connection.
Our Approach
Founded in 2014, Rising Phoenix takes a different approach to self-defense training by using therapeutic martial arts instruction to promote healthy human connection, emotional control, and the importance of consent.
Each class focuses on street-smart self-defense skills and concepts designed to be immediately applicable to real-world situations. The self-defense we teach is based on Israeli Krav Maga, specifically intended to be practical, functional, and quick to learn.
In 2021, the Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Fame named Rising Phoenix the Best Krav Maga School in Tucson.
The Rainbow Connection
Rising Phoenix provides a welcoming environment for people in the LGBTQIA+ community to be themselves, gain confidence, and learn valuable skills. Rainbow Connection is our weekly donations-based self-defense class for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.
Rainbow Connection was established as part of Rising Phoenix in 2016. The program was created by former gym member James Cook, who saw the need for self-defense training among his fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Our Rainbow Connection classes provide training specifically designed to address concerns in the queer community. We practice trauma-aware instruction, focused on helping students take ownership of their minds and bodies to challenge their comfort zones and discover what they’re capable of.
Rainbow Connection is a safe place. Its dedication is to helping participants effectively learn and use assertiveness and self-defense skills in uncomfortable, intimidating, and scary situations. Our instructors and students use their strengths to help, support, and encourage each other to succeed.
Our Classes
Tucson’s Rising Phoenix offers a variety of self-defense, martial arts, and fitness classes, ranging from Krav Maga, Yoga, and Group Fitness, to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Weapons Tactics, and more!
We have two donations-based classes that are open to the public: Our Rainbow Connection LGBTQIA+ self-defense classes every Saturday from noon – 1:00 p.m., and our women’s self-defense classes every Friday from 6:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m. and every Saturday from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
One-on-one private lessons, small-group private lessons, customized group workshops, and corporate training sessions are also available.
Our Owner
The founder and owner of Rising Phoenix, Jesse James Tucker, has been teaching self-defense and Krav Maga for over 15 years. He holds black belts in four different Krav Maga systems. He is also a certified Krav Maga instructor with the Federation of Israeli Martial Arts (FIMA).
Jesse has been inducted into both the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He was named Defense Master Instructor of the Year in 2021 by the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Reviews
Matt S.
“Stepping into a martial arts gym can be really scary, especially when you’re not a “Tough Guy,” but summoning my courage and walking through the doors at Rising Phoenix is the best thing I’ve done since relocating to Tucson three years ago. Jesse and his fellow instructors go out of their way to make people of every age, body type, culture, and orientation feel welcome and empowered with the best in modern martial arts training.
Rising Phoenix’s Krav Maga isn’t static: It’s constantly evolving and incorporating techniques from kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and catch wrestling, alongside the tried and true martial education in Israeli Krav Maga you’d expect. Rising Phoenix also offers more stuff than Krav Maga, too: specialized instruction in Judo, BJJ, and Muay Thai, weapons, and you can take as much as you want for one price. I look back at the years I’ve spent training here and see a totally changed me. I’m tougher physically and psychologically, and my day-to-day life is better for it. Thanks, Jesse!”
Kristina S.
“I can honestly say training at Rising Phoenix is one of the best decisions I have EVER made. Whether you are at a beginner or advanced level in Krav Maga, BJJ, etc, this place makes you feel right at home. I have never met any instructors who are as passionate about teaching self-defense. Jesse, Chance, and Alicia are three of the most amazing people I have met in Tucson. I can ask endless questions, pose endless scenarios, and someone is ALWAYS ready to help and answer my questions.
Instructors will stay after class with you for more than an hour to discuss your personal training plan, answer any questions you might have, or just to talk about your experiences and what brought you to Rising Phoenix. They care about your personal experience and want to help you get what kind of training you’re looking for.… I have learned so much from Rising Phoenix, and I cannot wait to continue my training. I have gone to other gyms in Tucson, but there is no place better to train than Rising Phoenix. The atmosphere and the instructors are unbeatable.”
Jeremiah Thomas
“The people here are amazing. The instructors are professional, helpful, willing to show techniques that meet your fitness level, and very supportive. The training here is awesome. From real-life situations to multiple scenarios per technique, the instructors here are on top of their game. The group fitness class is great. It will work you into fighting shape pretty effectively. If you come, just say hi to anyone, and you will find a friend at this gym. I have been coming here for a couple of years now. Every new person is immediately treated as someone you’ve known for a lifetime. It really does make this such an inviting place to learn how to defend yourself and others.”
Company Name: Tucson’s Rising Phoenix Fitness & Defense
Office Address: 4500 E Speedway Blvd, Suite 4, Tucson, AZ 85712
Contact Name (s): Jesse James Tucker
Phone (s): (520) 838-1592
Email: tucsonrisingphoenix@gmail.com
Pricing: sliding scale
Website:https://tucsonselfdefenseandfitness.com/Office hours: (Please check our website for class times)
The extended-stay hotel in Tucson, Arizona is the perfect choice for traveling business professionals. They offer studio and home-office style suites that boast fully equipped kitchens with sleek appliances.
Go to Roma Imports and have some of the best Italian food in Tucson.
Roma Imports is an Italian food import store with a little restaurant in the back. Nothing fancy, but absolutely Italy-icious!
I like to eat lunch there and then take home some of the home made hot Italian sausage. They have one that is really hot.
They always have incredible antipasta’s, cheeses, desserts, pastas and just about anything Italian your heart may desire.
I don’t know the owner but I do like the people who work there. The reason I’m telling you about them is because I’m Italian and everyone should know good Italian food, gay or not.
Tell them Tony Ray sent you and have a great lunch.
Roma Imports
Roma Imports
627 S. Vine
Tucson, AZ 85719
520-792-3173
www.RomaImports.com
Roma Imports
I am a “returner.” Born and raised in New York City, I moved to Tucson in the early 90s. I left to be closer to the family for support after a divorce. When I lived here, I owned a communications firm, Veritas Communications, and was very involved in the small business community. 19 years later, I am back (with my wife) and delighted to be home! Tucson is a city that feels like a personal treasure that only a few can appreciate. Every day I am more inspired by the miracle of this land.
Blank Page Consulting
Kim Green of Blank Page Consulting
I am a credentialed life coach and love working with people who are ready for transformation in their lives. As an author, ghostwriter, award-winning copywriter, and blogger, I realized that my true passion is supporting people in making their dreams come true. My company is Blank Page Consulting. My coaching programs are rigorous, often emotional, and extremely effective. I, too, have had my share of loss, grief, and disappointments and out of it came unthinkable growth.
My work supports people in their growth, whether it is learning to speak their truth, learning how to navigate a challenging world as well as finding joy when it seems scarce.
For writers, I have designed an experience that is nurturing, supportive, and gets the results that writers desire…to get to The End. For Life Coaching clients, we will identify buried truths and help you to find your inner strength to conquer that which hinders your action and joy. Established weekly meetings and assignments ensure that all clients stay on track. For writers, group coaching is also available with a new group starting January 10th for 10 weeks. (5 places left)
Call for a 30-minute free consultation and get ready to be transformed.
Reviews
“Kim pushed me to explore my own identity, my identity as a writer, and the stories I believed most needed to be told. She inspired a passion in me for writing that I didn’t think was possible. I highly recommend that writers – new and seasoned – partner up with Kim to benefit from the treasure trove of resources she has to offer.” – S. Kumar
“Kim Green has been a savior, a north star, and a friend through the process of writing my very first book. Meeting with Kim every single week has given me structure, helped me to see new perspectives, and support me in finding my voice. She encourages me when I feel like I can’t go any further. She’s there to remind me that what I’m doing is important to the world and she’s been someone to rely on as I do this important life work. I will be eternally grateful to Kim for her patience, her humor, and her mind.” – A. Arthur
Business Information
Company Name: Blank Page Consulting
Office Address: 8987 E Tanque Verde Rd, Suite 309-186, Tucson, AZ 85749
Contact Name (s) Kim Green
Phone 678-938-2777
Services: Life coaching, Coaching for writers, Manuscript critique, and Editing
Pricing: Varies, discount applies when you mention GayTucson
Website: www.blankpageconsult.comOffice hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 6 pm, Friday 9 am-12 pm
6555 E Speedway Blvd Tucson, AZ 85710 (520) 721-7100 Radisson Suites Tucson Website With plenty of first-class amenities and a swanky midtown location, the Radisson Suites Tucson is one of Tucson’s gay-friendly hotels.
1900 E Speedway Blvd Tucson, AZ 85719 (520) 908-6800 ALoft Website
The hotel is within walking distance from the U of A stadium, making it the perfect choice for a place to stay after the next big basketball or football game or to check out the area.
Kristi Frank American Family Insurance Office Tucson AZ
Kristi Frank – American Family Insurance
Kristi Frank Agency, INC.
4319 E Broadway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85711
Office: 520-323-0017
Fax: 855-383-8085 Website
E-Mail: kfrank@amfam.com
24-Hour Claims Reporting: 800-374-1111
I’ve known Kristi Frank for years and she always has been someone in the community I respect and trust. And my clients, they can’t say enough about her. From the minute they walk in and meet her and her associates, they know the experience is going to be different. Everyone is friendly and professional at Kristi Frank’s office.
My clients have told me that they appreciate how Kristi cares enough to really examine their entire financial situation before offering her services. Best of all, she usually gets them more insurance and still saves them money. She has done the same for me.
Whether it’s home owners insurance, renters insurance, flood insurance, auto insurance, an umbrella policy or a combination, you should at least give her a call and see what she can do for you.
Kristi Frank American Family Insurance
I know that when you meet Kristi, you’ll feel at ease about discussing and disclosing personal information with her. You will also get an overwhelming sense that she genuinely cares about you and your needs. You’ll know immediately that she is someone on your side and someone you can trust.
You’ll be sending me an email with a big thank you.
A small gift would be nice too, just saying LOL
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.
This group has an assortment of people who commit to engaging the imaginations of viewers, and while doing so, simultaneously, expanding the creative skills of pupils/performers. This is a safe and supportive environment for all of the participants involved.
Located in Northeast Tucson, the RoadRunner Theatre Company is a proud resident of the Alliance Performance Center Of Tucson (APCOT). Additionally, they have a traveling troupe that presents musicals and revue performances throughout the Tucson area.
They provide the community with engaging performing arts experiences through classes, showcases and performances in a comfortable environment.
View the Full RoadRunner Theatre Schedule at GayTucson
Get The Full RoadRunner Theatre Company Schedule!
Roadrunner is busy adding the entire RoadRunner Theatre Schedule of events to the GayTucson Events Calendar for you. We update regularly, so be sure to check back often, and you will always know about the newest shows!
