The journey of the LGBTQ+ community in Tucson, Arizona, is a testament to resilience and unity, marked by both tragedy and triumph. It’s a tale that begins before the Stonewall Riots, takes shape with a different tragedy, and builds momentum through community organization and legal advancements. One such pivotal moment was the launch of GayTucson.com by Tony Ray in 2006, a landmark event that has been integral in the community’s growth.
The origins of Tucson’s LGBTQ+ activism are unique in that they do not directly tie to the Stonewall Riots as with many other cities. Instead, Tucson Pride was founded in 1977 following the brutal murder of Richard Heakin, a young gay man who was attacked leaving the Stonewall Tavern in Tucson in 1976. The lenient punishment meted out to his attackers led to an outcry, rallying the community to form what is now known as Tucson Pride, which led to some of the first LGBT anti-discrimination legislation in the country.
A New Century Brings New Opportunities
The turn of the century brought further advancements. In 2000, the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona convened a group of Tucson-area LGBTQ activists and allies to form the LGBTQ+ Alliance Fund. Then, in 2001, Arizona repealed laws that had previously been used in anti-gay sting operations, marking a significant legal victory for the community.
In the same year, Wingspan, a key LGBTQ+ organization in Tucson, expanded significantly under the direction of its first executive director, Kent Burbank. With Burbank’s leadership, Wingspan evolved to include the Eon Youth Lounge, the DV Project with its 24-hour hotline, SAGA, Rainbow Families, Senior Pride, and an LGBTQ library, and it took a pivotal role in addressing community issues.
The early 2000s saw the establishment of further programs and initiatives. The Wingspan DV Project was renamed the Anti-Violence Project in 2003, and the same year, Tucson’s City Council enacted the first domestic partnership registry law in Arizona. Wingspan Senior Pride was founded as a program of Wingspan community center in 2004, and in 2005, the University of Arizona Women’s Plaza of Honor was dedicated, with Wingspan activists among the honorees.
Milestone Moment: The Launch of GayTucson
In 2006, a significant milestone was reached when Tony Ray launched GayTucson.com. This online platform, serving as a resource for the local LGBTQ+ community, marked a crucial turning point, helping the community in Tucson to connect, engage, and grow in new ways.
The following years continued to build on these achievements. In 2010, the Tucson chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families, Friends, and Allies United with LGBTQ People to Move Equality Forward) was founded, and in 2011, the Arizona Queer Archives were incorporated into the University of Arizona Institute of LGBTQ Studies.
In 2013, Wingspan celebrated its 25th anniversary, with Tucson’s Mayor hosting a reception and proclaiming Wingspan Day. The following year, the LGBTQ+ community rallied against the passage of S.B. 1062, a controversial bill that sparked widespread opposition.
Throughout this history, numerous organizations, including United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, formed in 1922, have played important roles in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, although further research is required to detail their specific contributions.
In conclusion, the journey of the LGBTQ+ community in Tucson has been marked by a steady progress towards equality and acceptance, driven by a resilient community and their allies. This journey, however, is far from over, and the LGBTQ+ community in Tucson, like in other cities across the country, continues to fight for full equality and recognition.
Tony Ray Baker
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Tony Ray
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