Echo Magazine - Arizona LGBTQ Lifestyle - June 2018 by OUTvoices Phoenix (former Echo Magazine)

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LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | VOL. 29, #9 | ISSUE 705 | JUNE 2018 | COMPLIMENTARY

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inside this issue Issue 705 | Vol. 29, #9 | June 2018

features NEWS 8

Letter From The Editor

12 News Briefs 14 Datebook

PREVIEWS AND REVIEWS 54 Without Reservations 60 Opening Nights 62 The Small Screen

24 COMMUNITY

Making the Most of Their Shot Longtime friends Chris Bebee and Daniel Eckstrom rise up and embark on their reign as Miss and Mister Phoenix Pride.

Mercury Rising Phoenix kicks off the 2018 WNBA season with its hottest roster since its 2014 championship season.

64 All Over The Map 66 Not That You Asked 82 Lambda Directory

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LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | VOL. 29, #9 | ISSUE 705 | JUNE 2018 | COMPLIMENTARY

JUNE 2018

Making It To Safety Chrysalis, a local domestic violence advocacy organization, underscores resources for LGBTQ community.

EchoMag.com

LGBTQ NEWS, VIEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT | VOL. 29, #9 | ISSUE 705 | JUNE 2018 | COMPLIMENTARY

The PRIDE Pages Echo proudly presents your 2018 Community Directory, a listing of resources throughout Arizona.

inside this issue

echomag.com web exclusives PHOTO GALLERIES Did the Echo cameras catch you out and about at this month’s events? Find out at echomag.com/ gallery/2018-photos. COMMUNITY CALENDAR From pageants to advocacy, this is where the community goes to ﬁnd out what’s going on in the gayborhood. Marilyn Forever Terri Schlichenmeyer reviews Boze Hadleigh’s collection of quotes and thoughts on America’s sweetheart. echomag.com/marilyn-forever

Trixie Mattel “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” Season 3 winner dishes on music makeup and comedy ahead of her June 22 Valley visit. echomag.com/trixie-mattel

echomag.com/ community-calendar COMMUNITY DIRECTORY Looking for a local group to join? Have a group that’s seeking new members? Either way, this is the place to connect. echomag.com/ community-directory MARKETING SOLUTIONS Find out why Echo is the publication your future clients are already reading. echomag.com/ marketing-solutions

Broadway or Bust Echo’s theater expert Seth Reines takes us on a tour of six spring shows in the Big Apple. echomag.com/broadway-or-bust

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Feature Story

Longtime friends rise up and embark on their reign as Miss and Mister Phoenix Pride 2018 By Mark Schulte

nyone lucky enough to have seen Hamilton – or who is just obsessed with the soundtrack – knows the oftrepeated mantra “I’m not throwing away my shot.” It’s not only appropriate for a founding father that ended up on the losing side of a duel, it’s also perfect for two pride contestants who ended up on the winning side of this year’s competitions for pride royalty. Daniel Eckstrom and Chris Bebee are long-time friends. In fact, Eckstrom’s first home in Phoenix was renting out Bebee’s guest house more than a decade ago.

Since that time, Bebee, who was already performing as Mya McKenzie, further established his alter-ego as one of the Valley’s best-known drag queens, performing at such bars as BS West and Club Volt. Eckstrom became just as successful behind the scenes, owning and managing two preliminary competitions for the prestigious Miss Gay America pageant system.

“When I went to my first Miss Gay America pageant, I was just blown away by the production of it all,” Eckstrom said, explaining how he first got hooked. Today, he owns Miss Gay Arizona America and Miss Gay Western States America. He is responsible for the promotion and integrity of the competition, which has drawn a sizable number of talented participants through preliminary competitions held at bars and other venues throughout Arizona. His contributions to the pageant scene and its impact on the LGBTQ community in Phoenix are major reasons for his induction into Echo’s Hall of Fame in 2016. Somehow, he still finds time for his career at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and married home life. Bebee’s career has also been full of accolades, including being named Miss Gay Phoenix America in 2007 which led to victory at Miss Gay Arizona America and a chance to compete at that year’s Miss Gay America pageant, the biggest organization of its kind in the country. Out of Drag, Bebee works full-time at United Pet Care, is married and has three dogs. He chose Mya based on his favorite singer and, when told that his last name should start with the same letter, had an epiphany when he visited a friend who lived on McKenzie Drive. He’s recently added Hall to his last name as a tribute to his late drag mother, the renowned and greatly missed Tajma Hall.

Miss Phoenix Pride 2018 Mya McKenzie (Chris Bebee). Photo by Scotty Kirby. 24

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Feature Story

Eckstrom, on the other hand, had never competed in this type of contest before, but he used the experience her garnered behind the scenes to make a major impact on the stage. He quickly settled into his new role of male entertainer, taking on the stage name of Carrington-Hall Dubois. The name was created as a tribute to the Dynasty television series, Tajma Hall and former Miss Gay America Nicole Dubois. So, it turns out that Bebee’s years of experience culminated with a victory as Miss Phoenix Pride in the same year that Eckstrom’s introduction into male performance resulted in his being named Mr. Phoenix Pride. It was a case of two friends getting two shots and definitely not throwing either one away.

As a titleholder, they have a sizable list of duties, including the encouragement and promotion of pride in the community, Arizona and even across the country; portraying rolemodel qualities with integrity and dignity; and raising awareness of the Phoenix Pride Scholarship Program, which has provided awarded $207,500 to LGBTQ students since its inception in 2008.

Mister Phoenix Pride 2018 Carrington Hall-Dubois (Daniel Eckstrom). Photo by Scotty Kirby.

The fact that two friends were able to share this experience together made it even more special. As Bebee said in a message to his Facebook followers just after Pride, “I couldn’t have imagined being on the journey with anyone else.” Mike Fornelli, interim executive director of Phoenix Pride, praises both winners, “I have known them both for over 10 years. They are both icons and pillars in the Phoenix LGBTQ community. I have the highest confidence that they will do amazing things this year.” Their victories at the sold-out March 19 pageant, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Phoenix-Tempe, meant their upcoming year would be a very busy one. Just three weeks later, the two Arizona natives were leading this year’s Pride Parade on a float, waving and smiling to 13,000 observers, the largest ever for what is consistently the state’s biggest LGBTQ weekend. “The moment was absolutely surreal,” Bebee recalls. “I saw so many beautiful people in our world come together and it was magical.” Eckstrom agrees, “10 years ago, I never could have imagined myself being here and doing this.” The Miss and Mister Phoenix Pride Pageant isn’t just about wearing a crown. It’s a community event supported by local organizations, community bars and numerous performers and illusionists. As a recipient of the title Miss or Mister Phoenix Pride, the winners become the faces of the organization during their reigns. “The winners should have the passion, grace, dedication and loyalty to represent our diverse community here in Arizona,” Fornelli adds from the perspective of the Pride organization. “They should be able to articulate and educate Phoenix about the great work being done in our community.” Feature Story

Last year, the pageant contestants raised more than $35,000 for the Phoenix Pride Scholarship Program. For this year, Bebee and Eckstrom will work together and individually to try and top that amount. The money can come from appearances at local bars and other events, but this royal duo has already started their own list of fundraisers they’d like to take a shot at, including some ways that

they promise will be anything but traditional. “I want to reach people who don›t necessarily go to the bars,” Eckstrom says. “We have some ideas for this year that I can’t talk about quite yet, but we’re already discussing them with the promoters of Phoenix Pride. They will definitely be unique and really fun.” EchoMag.com

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Bebee agrees, “We have some amazing fundraising ideas coming to light soon. I would also like to bring back the Junior Pride Pageant,” he adds, referring to the Mister & Miss Junior Phoenix Pride Pageant, which was created to encourage youth, ages 14 to 20, to take a more active leadership role in LGBTQ community. “I feel it is so important that our youth know, learn and give back to a community that supports them wholeheartedly.” These promises may sound like they’ll require a lot of hard work, but hard work is something this king and queen are no strangers to. After all, their journey to the crowns did not come easily. Both won at preliminary contests at BS West in Scottsdale before moving on to the main competition in March where Eckstrom defeated seven contestants and Bebee had to prove himself worthy against 11 strong competitors, each of whom had won at their own local competitions. Contestants were also required to each raise $2,000, a goal Chris and Daniel met by using traditional and out-of-the-box fundraising methods. (Think: Christmas wreaths, auctions and tamales, just for starters.)

such diversity and drive.” While this was Eckstrom ‘s first competition, he knew he had to step up his game to compete, which is why he chose, appropriately, “My Shot” from Hamilton. “The first time I heard that song, I knew that – if I ever did any kind of performance – it would be to that song. I had four dancers on stage with me, playing three of Hamilton’s friends and Aaron Burr in the number,” Eckstrom says. “It was a lot of hard work.” Because of their heavy involvement in the community, both Eckstrom and Bebee are aware not only of the pageants’ great past that they’re building on, but the future they’re helping to create, as well. “Brandon Packer was the first Mister Phoenix Pride that I saw. He was super visible, at almost every event with his sash and his crown,” Eckstrom recalls, adding that he credits Packer for bringing Mister Phoenix Pride back from a severalyear hiatus.

When asked about his competitors, Bebee has nothing but praise to offer.

“Of all the duties for a Miss Phoenix Pride, the one I’m most excited about is overseeing this year’s prelims,” Bebee says. “Watching so many amazing, talented members of our community perform and show their talents on stage.”

“They have been some of the most amazing and talented people I have ever competed with,” he says, a statement that is even more of a complement when you remember that he’s been in competitions since 2006. “They all had

Phoenix Pride has steadily grown, especially throughout the past few years. What was once a small, unassuming event has evolved into an allencompassing event attracting 40,000 attendees. The event has corporate

sponsors, support from straight allies, 150 entertainment performances on six stages, dozens of food trucks and 250 exhibitors selling products that you would never have imagined seeing at an early version of the event. Maybe it’s because of their long-term friendship or maybe they just always think alike. No matter what the reason, the two give similar answers when asked what they would like to change about Phoenix Pride. “I’d like to include more diverse headliners,” Daniel says. “We need to be sure we keep embracing the AfricanAmerican and Hispanic communities, even more than we do now. I want to make sure that, for everyone, this is a year of brotherhood.” Chris agrees, “During my reign, I want to encourage tolerance and diversity back into our community. I’d love to see the organization grow and Phoenix Pride be as large as LA Pride or Miami Pride.” Well, guys, here’s your shot. Don’t throw it away! For more information on Phoenix Pride, the Pride Pageant or the Pride Scholarship Program, visit phoenixpride.org. Mark Schulte recently moved to Phoenix from Little Rock with his husband, a cat and a southern accent. While he contributes to national and regional gay publications, his 9-to-5 job is writing advertising copy for people of all orientations.

Former Miss Phoenix Pride Titleholders 2017: Eva Angelica Stratton 2016: Naomi St James 2015: Trixxie Deluxxe 2014: Barbra Seville 2013: Khloe V Monroe 2012: Grecia Montes D’Occa 2011: Olivia Gardens 2010: Diamond Dallas 2009: Chane’ Jordan (decrowned) 2008: Afeelya Bunz 2007: Claudia B. 2006: None 2005: None

Former Mister Phoenix Pride Titleholders

2004: Paula Sha’

1998: Pussy Lahoot

2003: Anita Champagne Pride

1997: Diane Daniels

2015: Kristofer V. Lee

2011: Freddy Prinze Charming

2002: Aurora Gayheart

1996: Ellie

2016: Geo Johnson

2010: Nikki Kidd

2001: Antwenette

1995: Felicia Fahr

2015: Dee Jae Galaxy-Broadway

2009: Brandon Packer

2000: Mimi Rae Rose

1994: Roxy Blue

2014: Eddie Broadway

2005-2008: None

1999: Paula Sha’

1993: Markus

2012-2013: Jensen Dean

2004: Tomi Boi

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Mercury Rising Phoenix kicks off the 2018 season with its hottest roster in years Story and photo by Devin Millington

he three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury will tip off the 22nd season in franchise history May 18 in the Fry’s Food Stores Home Opener at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Mercury’s 34-game regular season will be played over 94 days this summer due to the 2018 FIBA World Championships. After a fifth consecutive trip to the WNBA’s “final four” (eighth appearance in the last nine years) in 2017, WNBA all-time leading scorer Diana Taurasi and 2017 WNBA scoring champion Brittney Griner return to Phoenix this summer with the goal of leading the Mercury to a WNBA-record tying fourth championship in 2018. Source: Phoenix Mercury. Brittney Griner faces off against ex-wife and Dallas Wings forward Glory Johnson in the 2017 season.

Familiar Faces In 2017, the only returning Mercury players were Taurasi and Griner. Because the organization didn’t want a repeat of last year, they made key moves necessary to bring back a majority of last year’s team. This fact alone is some of the hottest news coming out of the off-season. Last year’s oldest rookie, Yvonne “Vonn” Turner is coming back after an offseason leading Sopron Basketball (Hungary) with 14.2 points and 4.3 assists per game. Fan favorite and three-point sharp shooter Leilani Mitchell is also returning to the Mercury guard ranks. Other names returning to the roster this season include Camille Little, Emma Cannon, Stephanie Talbot and Angela Robinson. However, the team has so many returning players that it’s likely they won’t all make the final roster. A highly competitive training camp is a welcome indicator of a strong, competitive 2018 season. Editor’s Note: This preview was written in advance of training camp and the roster changes made thereafter.

Better With Bonner After a wide variety of rumors and theories, DeWanna Bonner is returning to the Phoenix Mercury after taking the 2017 season off due to her pregnancy. Bonner missed last season in order to welcome twins, Cali and Demi, into the world with wife Candice Dupree in July 2017. Last winter, she was back playing in the Czech Republic for USK Praha. Her return to EuroLeague basketball saw Bonner build a solid stat line, averaging over 13 points per game and grabbing an impressive 8.6 rebounds a game. Bonner is known as one of the most versatile players in the WNBA and her return to the Mercury will be pivotal in making a championship run.

GooDROBye One player who won’t be returning, however, is Danielle Robinson. By the 30

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conclusion of last season, DRob averaged 6.9 points, 3.4 assists and 2.9 rebounds in in 23.5 minutes per game. In a March trade with the Minnesota Lynx, the Mercury received the 12th-overall pick (first round) in the 2018 WNBA Draft in exchange for DRob and Mercury’s second-round pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft. In a March press release, Mercury general manager Jim Pitman sent DRob best wishes in Minnesota and said the additional first-round pick is “a very valuable commodity” as the franchise works to build “a championship-caliber roster this year.” The X-Factor can still catch DRob at least twice this season, as the Mercury host the rival Lynx June 22 and July 21.

Draft Deals The Mercury made four selections in the 2018 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm, which took place April 12. With the team’s first round pick (12th overall), the Mercury selected Oregon State standout center Marie Gülich. “After averaging under 10 points per game in each of her first three seasons, Gülich increased her all-around production during her senior year, scoring 17.5 points and 9.1 rebounds in 34 games,” according to phoenixmercury. com. “She ranked third in the nation in field goal percentage (65.2 percent) this season and fifth in blocks, paving the way to be named the media’s Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year…” Phoenix followed that selection by using its two second round picks on Tyler Scaife from Rutgers University (20th overall) and Raisa Musina (21st overall) from Russia. “After missing the 2016-17 season due to open heart surgery, Scaife, a 5-foot-9 guard averaged 19.4 points this season as a senior,” according to phoenixmercury.com. “She was named to the 2018 All-Big Ten First Team and was a semifinalist for the Staley Award, given to the best guard in the country. She finished as the second alltime leading scorer in program history after passing Kahleah Copper and Cappie Feature Story

Pondexter on the list this season.” Musina, a 20-year-old from Moscow, currently plays for UMMC Ekaterinburg alongside Griner and is a member of the Russian National Team, coached by Mercury head coach Sandy Brondello’s husband, Olaf Lange. “[Musina] has seen much success at the international level, most notably winning a gold medal at the FIBA U19 Women’s World Championships in 2017,” according to phoenixmercury. com. “Musina averaged 16.7, 12.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists in Russia’s seven games, including a 33-point, 11-rebound and seven-assists outing against USA in the championship game.” Finally, the Mercury made its fourth and final pick taking Imani Wright, who spent her first two seasons at Baylor before transferring to Florida State to play out her final two years of eligibility, with the 26th overall selection (third round). “Wright averaged 17.1 points and 5.3 rebounds over her four-year college career,” according to phoenixmercury. com. “Wright’s best season came this year as a senior when the 5-foot-9 guard averaged 19.8 points and 6.1 rebounds in 39 games. She was an Ann Meyers-Drysdale Award semifinalist as the top shooting guard in the country, was named an Honorable Mention AllAmerican by the Associated Press and was an All-ACC First Team selection.”

A January Summer The Mercury’s next step was obtaining a new point guard and, in exchange for the eighth-overall pick (first round) of the 2018 WNBA Draft, the team filled that role with Arizona State University alum Briann January.

post season. However, DT has returned after a hard-earned and longer-thananticipated winter break. Taurasi has spent her winters in Russia since the 2012-2013 season, but she formally ended her career with UMMC Ekaterinburg in December 2017. UMMC went on to win the EuroLeague Final Four championship in April, which Taurasi watched from home with her wife, Penny Taylor, and their baby, Leo, who was born March 1. Taylor, who retired after 13 seasons in the WNBA, is now the Mercury’s director of player development and performance. Taurasi and Taylor were married on May 14 of last year, which was also the evening before the Mercury’s 2017 home opener. The perfect combination of rest, wedded bliss and motherhood that just might be the recipe for this MVP-caliber player to lead her team to a fourth championship title.

Grinding Toward Greatness Speaking of MVPs, it’s no stretch of the imagination to expect Griner to be in the running for the league’s 2018 MVP recognition. She was well on her way to earning this top accolade in 2017 until injuries stopped her dead in her tracks. Griner has been playing year-round for five years and, while that’s given her a wealth of experience and improvement, that type of schedule takes a toll on players. Still, the biggest gain in Griner’s game has been her recent realization that she’s damn good.

According to Brondello, Griner needed to be talked up, to build her basketball confidence early in her career. No more. Griner is confident and brings a healthy self-esteem that has erased any hesitation that might have held her back in years past. That could be the last piece needed to bring the MVP award to Griner, finally. The likely starting lineup will be led by Taurasi as the shooting guard with January pushing the ball up and setting up the offense. Bonner and Little will fill the forward slots with Griner in the post. That’s a powerful and versatile lineup, but what about the bench? With Mitchell and Turner, you have perfect complements to Taurasi and January. Cannon gives a strong, intimidating presence underneath, newly acquired Sancho Lyttle brings strong defense play from the bench and Angela Robinson will likely break into the lineup when Griner needs a blow. All that to say, the 2018 Phoenix Mercury has one of the hottest rosters it’s had in years – maybe even hotter than the 2014 championship team. For more information on the Phoenix Mercury, or for tickets, visit phoenixmercury.com or call 602-252WNBA. Devin Millington is a retired teacher-turned-freelance writer and photographer. He is also the web designer and accomplished portrait artist behind devinmillington.com.

Originally the sixth overall selection in the 2009 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever, January is a WNBA Champion (2012), a six-time WNBA All-Defensive team member (2012-17), a former AllStar (2014) and has reached the WNBA Finals three times in her nine-year career (2009, 2012, 2015) with Indy. Instead of playing overseas this past winter, January joined the ASU Women’s Basketball coaching staff as an assistant to head coach (January’s former coach) Charli Turner Thorne. The well-rested guard is bringing defensive tenacity to a Mercury team in need of it.

The Return of the GOAT Last year, the organization made efforts to rest Taurasi throughout the season in order to maximize her performance and make a strong push in the playoffs. Unfortunately, she missed games against Minnesota and Los Angeles, and the team barely made it into the Feature Story

Briann January and Diana Taurasi face off at a Mercury home game in 2017. EchoMag.com

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Making It To Safety Local domestic violence advocacy organization includes resources for LGBTQ community members By Liz Massey

t 5 years old, Cesar Cramton escaped from an abusive father by fleeing with his mother and brother. Like most who’ve survived scenarios like his, Cramton explained that this experience impacted his life in many ways, leaving him with scars, feelings of lack of safety and questioning his worth, for decades after he reached safety. “It affected my ability to bond and my self-esteem,” Cramton said. “The trauma and the memories [caused] me to live in fight-or-flight mode until my early 30s, when I got the help and received the tools to build a stronger sense of self and more self-esteem. When I learned to trust and believe in myself, I could begin to trust others and their intentions.” Cramton has poured his personal passion for domestic violence issues into volunteer work with the Valley nonprofit organization Chrysalis, where he is now the vice chair and chair-elect for its board of directors. He’s also a gay man, something that exemplifies recent shifts in domestic violence advocacy and outreach trends to become more fully inclusive of the entire LGBTQ community. Since its founding in 1981, Chrysalis has broken down barriers to provide inclusive services to those seeking them. In recent years, the organization has focused on configuring its training, housing, counseling and other service components so that the unique needs of LGBTQ persons impacted by domestic violence are addressed. Cramton acknowledged that domestic violence is a difficult topic to discuss within the community, but also asserted that it is essential to reducing its prevalence everywhere. “Given my own life experience, and society’s response to the pain of abuse, I know that domestic abuse is a difficult topic to discuss within our community,” Cramton said. “However, this discussion is essential to reducing its prevalence everywhere. And with the new #MeToo movement, now is the opportune time

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to begin deeper and more meaningful discussions and actions to stop this epidemic. The more we can talk about abuse, the more people become aware of all resources that exist to help those affected by it.”

DV in the LGBTQ community There is a pressing need to have these conversations about domestic violence within the LGBTQ community, according to Elizabeth (Eli) Ditlevson, director of development for Chrysalis. She pointed to statistics provided by the Human Rights Campaign that highlighted the urgency of the issue for people who are in a same-sex relationship and/or identify as trans or non-binary. • In the National Violence Against Women Survey, 39 percent of women living with a female partner reported experiencing rape, physical assault or stalking by an intimate partner (versus 21 percent of women who had only cohabited with men). • Among men who had cohabited with same-sex partners, 23 percent had experienced rape, physical assault or stalking by an intimate partner, compared to 7 percent of men who had cohabited with women only. • Nineteen percent of respondents to the 2011 National Transgender Discrimination Survey reported having experienced domestic violence from a family member. Significantly higher rates of DV were found among trans people of color. • Bisexual women are at particularly heightened risk of experiencing domestic violence, with 61 percent of bisexual women experiencing rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner, compared to 44 percent of lesbians and 35 percent of heterosexual women.

Growth that Creates Independent Beings Ditlevson explained that one factor in play for LGBTQ victims was that abusers often

What to do if you see a domestic violence situation Here are some tips for how to take action if you notice a friend or loved one in an abusive situation, provided by Chrysalis.

DO • Talk directly to the person you fear is being abused. • Prepare yourself to have more than one conversation about the abusive situation – and provide ongoing connection and support. On average it takes a victim seven to nine attempts before they are able to leave permanently. • Understand that the dynamics of abuse can make people stop talking. Keep your connection to the abused person open, even if your relationship to them has changed. • If you see a friend or loved one acting abusively, talk to them about their behavior. • Consider volunteering, fundraising or providing shelter supplies for domestic violence organizations.

DON’T • Judge the situation. Domestic violence is not a victim’s fault. • Speak badly of the abuser. This can complicate things for the abused person who hasn’t left yet. • Act on other people’s behalf. Abused persons need to be ready to take action for themselves. • Discuss the abusive relationship within your social network. This increases social isolation for the victim. For additional resources, visit noabuse.org/domestic-abuse/friendsfamily-resources. For information about volunteer opportunities, call 602-9559059 or email volunteer@noabuse.org. Feature Story

use all the layers of societal disapproval a person may experience to retain control over those whom they abuse. “Offenders often use homophobia and transphobia against their partner,” she said. “Abusive partners can tell victims there are no shelters for trans people or gay men, for example. An abuser can use anything in the larger culture against their victim to try and retain control.” According to Ditlevson, Chrysalis president/CEO Patricia Klahr, has been a leader in doing a better job of integrating LGBTQ-friendly services into its offerings. These actions, in addition to changing employment policies before most organizations did, have made the organization a safe place for LGBTQ staff to be out at work. Although Chrysalis was making strides in serving trans women and other marginalized populations in the early 2000s, Ditlevson said that 2010 was a major inflection point when it came to creating housing facilities that were able to accommodate people of all genders and sexualities. “When Chrysalis underwent planning to build the current shelter, being able to accommodate male victims, with specific focus on male gay, bisexual, and transgender victims, was an organizational priority,” she said. “Although still a communal living facility, privacy was prioritized in the shelter’s construction.” Just as significant, she said, were the ways in which the organization retooled its service delivery to signal that LGBTQ people are safe there. She noted that the organization received a grant from Phoenix Pride in 2010 to receive intensive training and technical assistance in providing culturally competent services to LGBTQ victims of domestic violence. Staff have also received additional training from Terros on serving transgender and other gender non-binary individuals.

Confronting DV from all Angles “None of Chrysalis’ forms assume that the victim is female, or that an abusive partner is male – this is a heteronormative practice still common in many domestic violence organizations,” she explained. “Chrysalis asks about an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity and preferred pronouns during intake, in order to serve people appropriately and to indicate to all clients that Chrysalis serves and is responsive to victims of all genders and sexual orientations.” Another way in which Chrysalis promotes inclusion is by taking what Ditlevson calls a “360-degree approach” to dealing with domestic violence. The Feature Story

organization, in addition to providing counseling, crisis and transitional housing and other services for abuse victims, also provides court-ordered counseling for abusers. “Our offender treatment program holds people accountable and helps them understand the roots and causes of their behavior, and offers them tools for change,” Ditlevson said.

Putting an End to Family Violence The rising awareness and visibility of domestic abuse, due to things like the #MeToo movement, is resulting in positive changes, according to Ditlevson. “I think awareness of domestic violence, admitting it does happen, is the first step,” she said. “We are also seeing increased instances of holding

Chrysalis’ Core Values Empowerment We view empowerment as the guiding principle of our work with clients. We consider our relationship with clients a true partnership, and see our role as facilitating their recognition of their own strengths.

Safety We value safety – physical, emotional, and psychological – as our organization’s primary reason for existing. We place the safety of our clients at the center of every decision and action, and recognize that the trust our clients place in us is precious.

Integrity We value integrity throughout our operations. We are committed to the responsible stewardship of our organization and hold ourselves accountable as a community leader.

the offender accountable. People are becoming more willing to just stand up.” Cramton added, “Talking about domestic violence will always be emotional, but the conversation starts a dialog, which can spread a greater knowledge of the many resources available to victims who often feel alone and don’t know where to get the help they need.” To learn more about Chrysalis services and programs, call 602-9559059 or visit noabuse.org. Liz Massey has been involved in LGBTQ community-building activities in Kansas City and the Valley of the Sun, and is a former managing editor of Echo Magazine. She can be reached at lizmassey68@gmail.com.

Excellence We value excellence as a core principle of our organization. We are continuously working as a team to examine and improve our services to best meet our clients’ needs. Teamwork unites our staff, Board, and volunteers toward achieving our mission.

Innovation We value innovation as inherent to our mission. We constantly strive to make our services accessible for everyone. Through unique, comprehensive services, we promote healing and improve lives.

Compassion We value compassion as fundamental to our mission. We approach our work with empathy, humility, and openness, whether working with clients, colleagues, or in the community. Source: noabuse.org. EchoMag.com

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Phoenix, Northern and Southern Arizona

e h T

E D I R P Pages Echo Magazine proudly presents your 2018 Community Directory

hether you’re looking for LGBTQspecific support or are in need of the services provided by a community-based organization, Echo Magazine has the information and we’ve decided to put it all in your hands. In the pages ahead you’ll find the most valuable resource in town: Not only a listing of Arizona’s organizations and groups, but also hundreds of ways to become better connected to your community. The best part is that this is a complimentary resource that Echo Magazine offers year-round at echomag.com/community-directory. As part of our part of our LGBTQ Pride Month observance, we decided to celebrate as proudly as possible and deliver our Community Directory to you in our second annual installment of “The Pride Pages.” Editor’s Note: Because Echo Magazine’s style is LGBTQ, any differing styles of our community acronym appearing in these pages have been indicated by the associated third party. While the Community Directory and “The Pride Pages” rely on selfsubmitted information from LGBTQ groups and organizations throughout Arizona, Echo Magazine reserves the right to edit submissions based on internal style guidelines and/or deny inclusion based solely on our discretion. Echo is not responsible for any outdated or inaccurate information and does not endorse or promote any of the following groups and organizations in these pages. Please direct any concerns to editor@echomag.com.

Become a part of Echo Magazine’s Community Directory To have your LGBTQ group or organization added to our Community Directory, email editor@echomag.com with the name, a short description, URL and any additional contact information.

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PHOENIX ADVOCACY Arizona Advocacy Network secures electoral justice, political rights and full civic participation through voter education and outreach to achieve government for the people. azadvocacy.org Aunt Rita’s Foundation hosts fundraising events that have helped provide more than $1.5 million to 16 local HIV/AIDS Service Agencies since 2005. auntritas.org facebook.com/aidswalkphoenix Democratic Party LGBT Caucus works with LGBT community to elect Democrats who are LGBT and those who support the LGBT community. azlgbtdems.org facebook.com/azlgbtdems Equality Arizona works to make Arizona a state where LGBTQ persons are valued as full and equal members of society whose sexual orientation, gender identity or expression are viewed with legal and moral neutrality, and sexual and gender diversity are seen as something to celebrate. equalityarizona.org facebook.com/equalityaz HRC Arizona fights for LGBTQ equality in Arizona alongside state and local groups and lawmakers. hrc.org/local-issues/arizona facebook.com/hrcaz The Grand Canyon Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an order of queer nuns, have the vision to unite, elevate and empower the GLBT community throughout Arizona. Our primary role and pledge is cooperative support of every facet of the GLBT community through fundraising, entertainment and education throughout Arizona. azsisters.org | facebook.com/ azsisters

Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona (Imperial Court of Arizona) is a nonfor-profit organization striving to unite the GLTB and heterosexual communities through charitable fundraising events to meet the needs of all. imperialcourtaz.org facebook.com/imperialcourtaz Log Cabin Republicans of Arizona are proud members of the GOP who believe inclusion wins. LCRAZ works to build a stronger, more inclusive Republican Party by promoting the core values of limited government, individual liberty, personal responsibility, free markets and a strong national defense while advocating for freedom and equality for LGBT Americans. logcabin.org/chapter/arizona facebook.com/lcrarizona Old Lesbians Organizing for Change (OLOC) Arizona Chapter is a national network of lesbians over age 60 who share information, provide support and take action. oloc.org | sylvia@oloc.org facebook.com/azchapter-oloc Phoenix Pride unites and engages individuals and organizations to empower, educate and support the Arizona LGBTQ Community; and promotes a positive image in the Valley of the Sun and throughout Arizona through community activities and services. phoenixpride.org facebook.com/phoenixprideaz The Phoenix Police LGBT Citizen Advisory Committee provides service, shares information, addresses concerns between the LGBT community and the Phoenix Police Department. Search “Phoenix Police Citizen Advisory Board Meeting” on Facebook. 602-262-7658 Trans Queer Pueblo is an autonomous LGBTQ+ migrant community of color who works wherever we find our

community directory

people, creating cycles of mutual support that cultivate leadership to generate the community power that will liberate our bodies and minds from systems of oppression toward justice for all people. facebook.com/transqueerpueblo trans.queer.pueblo@gmail.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

HIVAZ.org is a collaborative, webbased database of HIV/AIDS resources throughout Arizona. hivaz.org Joshua Tree Feeding Program is an all-volunteer, nonprofit program that provides meals as well as medical and community resources persons living with HIV/AIDS in Maricopa County. jtfp.org facebook.com/joshuatreefeedingprogram Ignite Your Status is the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS’ outreach project to encourage and support the sexual health of gay men and the gay community in Phoenix. igniteyourstatus.org meetup.com/phoenix-ignite-your-hivstatus-meetup-group LGBTQ Consortium LGBTQ Consortium is focused on supporting the health and wellness of the LGBTQ/GSM communities of Arizona by eliminating health disparities and injustice. lgbtqconsortium.com facebook.com/safeout Planned Parenthood is the largest sexual health organization in Arizona. It serves more than 90,000 women, men, teens and parents through its health care, education, outreach and advocacy efforts. plannedparenthood.org/ planned-parenthood-arizona facebook.com/plannedparenthoodaz

community directory

Project Hard Hat is a not-for-profit HIV/AIDS prevention and education organization that provides services for sexually active adults. projecthardhat.org facebook.com/projecthardhat.org RipplePHX, the Valley’s newest HIV/AIDS education and prevention project, offers advances in HIV prevention, treatment and testing, delivered with innovative content via it’s mobile outreach units (PODS), which are staffed by friendly, well-known faces from the community. ripplephx.org | 408-788-6735 hello@ripplephx.org Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS is a research and resource center in Phoenix that is home to the largest clinical trial, education, behavioral health and nutrition support center dedicated to fighting HIV and AIDS in the Southwest. swhiv.org facebook.com/swcforhivaids STDAZ.com is Maricopa County Public Health’s STD Program, provides confidential testing, treatment and follow-up care to people at risk for developing STDs. stdaz.com facebook.com/theriskisnotknowing Terros is a healthcare organization that provides integrated behavioral, medical, family and community services. terros.org facebook.com/terroshealth The Phoenix Shanti Group provides housing, education and direct client services to those living with and affected by HIV and AIDS in Phoenix. shantiaz.org

LEATHER & FETISH

APEX (Arizona Power Exchange) is a not-for-profit corporation that provides education, social opportunities and support for adults who are interested in

Bondage and Discipline; Dominance and Submission; and Sadomasochism (BDSM) who value individual responsibility, integrity, confidentiality and respect for self and others. arizonapowerexchange.net facebook.com/theofficialapex Arizona Men of Leather (AML) is a male-identified Leatherman’s Social Club consisting of individuals who seek or live the leather/SM/fetish lifestyle, providing opportunities for friendship, mentoring, education and support of our community. arizonamenofleather.com The Mr Phoenix Leather Contest, which takes place each January, serves the only Arizona preliminary contest for the International Mr. Leather contest. mrphoenixleather.com facebook.com/mrphoenixleather Phoenix Boys of Leather exists to help that boy in you to come out, to flourish, to serve, and to find a safe haven for expression and exploration. Membership is open to anyone who self-identifies as a leather boy and is over 18 years old, without regard to gender, orientation or appearance. phoenixboysofleather.com facebook.com/phoenixboysofleather Southwest Leather Conference is an annual event that includes workshops, the Southwest Bootblack and Southwest Master/Slave contests, a bootblack lounge, nightly dungeons and more. southwestleather.org

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING

City of Chandler Diversity Office works closely with the community and the Chandler Human Relations Commission to develop diversity programs and events. chandleraz.gov/ default.aspx?pageid=23 City of Mesa Diversity Office works to foster an awareness, understanding and respect for the differences that make us each unique human beings. mesaaz.gov residents/diversity-office

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City of Scottsdale Office of Diversity ensures that there is fairness in organizational diversity, reviews and evaluates prejudice or discriminatory concerns and celebrates and educates one another about who we are and our significance in our world. scottsdaleaz.gov/diversity City of Tempe Office of Diversity promotes a fair, equitable and accessible environment for the City of Tempe community and workforce.. tempe.gov/city-hall/strategicmanagement-and-diversity/diversity The Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GPGLCC provides an inclusive business environment by fostering growth, visibility, outreach and professional development opportunities within the LGBT and allied communities. phoenixgaychamber.com facebook.com/gpglcc Maricopa County Community College District Diversity Office supports a diverse and inclusive environment where mutual respect and equity are encouraged and valued. One that actively seeks to understand and incorporate views from dissimilar frames of reference. administration.maricopa.edu/diversity ONE Community has evolved into member-based coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals who support and promote diversity, inclusion and equality for all Arizonans. onecommunity.co facebook.com/onecommunityaz Pride @ Work, Arizona Chapter is a nonprofit organization that represents LGBTQ union members and their allies. We are an officially recognized constituency group of the American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) that organizes mutual support between the organized Labor Movement and the LGBTQ community to further social and economic justice. prideatwork.org facebook.com/prideatworkarizona

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CONGREGATIONS

RELIGIOUS GROUPS & CONGREGATIONS

RELIGIOUS & SPIRITUAL GROUPS ALL Arizona – LGBTQ Mormons, Friends and Family is a community of local Arizona members of the LDS Church, including LGBT/SSA Mormons, their families and those who desire to better understand and love them. facebook.com/allarizona AVIV of Arizona is a spiritual and social organization for the Arizona Jewish LGBT community. avivaz.com Catholics Can Come Home is a free facilitator-lead, seven-week discussion group – intended for individuals who feel alienated from, or hurt by, the Catholic Church – that meets at The Franciscan Renewal Center. thecasa.org

Casa De Cristo Church and Apostolic Center God is equipping members of our congregation as leaders to present the Ministry of the Gospel from Casa de Cristo to our LGBTQ community and beyond. casadecristo.org Celebration of Life Presbyterian Church works for the full participation of LGBTQ people in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in society. celebration-of-life.org Community Church of Hope is a diverse group of people who are God-centered and Christ-driven to provide God’s hope and love to all. communitychurchofhope.com Dayspring United Methodist Church exists to create disciples of Jesus Christ who touch and inspire people through an open and diverse community. Dayspring is a reconciling congregation. dayspring-umc.org Faith Lutheran Church welcomes all people, extends God’s loving mercy and nourishs all who seek God’s strength and support. faithalive.com

Congregation Merkaz Ha-Iyr is a welcoming Phoenix congregation that follows a progressive, reform-style, and inclusive path, while maintaining a healthy respect for traditional Jewish practice. congregationmerkaz.org

First Christian Church Glendale welcomes all people to be an active part of the body of Christ, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identification, social-economic status, faith heritage or ability. fccglendale.com

Dignity: Arizona, a fully inclusive faith community serving LGBTQA Catholics, their families and friends, is located in North Central Phoenix. dignityarizona.com

First Congregational United Church of Christ is an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ’s Southwest Conference. phoenixucc.org

Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Spiritual Development provides gay and lesbian psychic development and spiritual healing. Classes are taught by a professional psychic with over 30 years of experience. meetup.com/phoenix-gayand-lesbian-spiritual-development

The Fountains United Methodist seeks to model Jesus’ radical inclusivity and hospitality by welcoming and affirming all people, regardless of their age, sex, race, ability, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are a reconciling church and affiliated with the Center for Progressive Christianity. thefountainsumc.org

community directory

gaychurch.org provides a list of welcoming churches in Arizona (affirming church directory). gaychurch.org/find_a_church/ list-churches-by-state Grove of the Rising Phoenix – ADF is an international neo-pagan organization devoted to creating a public tradition of Neo-Pagan Druidry. We walk an earth-based, polytheistic and spiritual path modeled after the practices of the ancient Indo-Europeans. risingphoenix-adf.org MCC Phoenix is a faith community crossing the frontier of God’s unconditional love by celebrating God’s love for LGBT people. mccphx.org National LGBTQ Task Force provides a map to find welcoming congregations in Arizona. welcomingresources.org/arizona ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans For Full Participation is a national website for supporters of LGBTQ people and families who are not the minority in our Lutheran church, but are the growing majority. reconcilingworks.org Solomon’s Porch is a small independent church on a journey into Celtic Christianity. Worship takes place at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, 3546 E. Thomas Road, in Phoenix. solomonsporchphx.com info@solomonsporchphx.com Soulforce is an LGBTQI organization that sabotages Christian Supremacy through radical analysis, spiritual healing and strategic direct action. soulforce.org facebook.com/pg/soulforceorganization Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix was the first liberal faith community in the Phoenix area, and has been a beacon for free minds, tolerance, and social justice for over half a century. phoenixuu.org facebook.com/pg/Phoenixuu Via de Cristo United Methodist Church promises a friendly congregation, a worship experience that is casual, relevant and always inspiring, and a welcome to all people. umc.org/find-a-church/church/74726

community directory

STUDENT & SCHOOL GROUPS

Delta Lambda Phi at ASU, an international social fraternity for gay, bisexual and progressive men, is one of the fastest growing fraternities, with more than 35 chapters and colonies internationally. dlp.org/alpha-alpha Devils in the Bedroom is a student organization that teaches sexual wellness in a sex-positive manner with a strong emphasis on sexual violence prevention. facebook.com/devilsinthebedroom Estrella Mountain Community College’s P.R.I.D.E. works to create a safe space within the EMCC community for GLBTQ students through an alliance of GLBTQ and straight students. estrellamountain.edu/ students/student-life/clubs Gamma Rho Lambda, ASU is an allinclusive women’s social sorority that exemplifies tolerance, diversity, unity and trust while providing a network of assistance in the areas of scholastic guidance, emotional support, and community service. facebook.com/gammarholambdaatasu Gateway Community College’s Gay Straight Alliance welcomes ALL students regardless of sexual orientation, identity, religious background, ethnicity and ability. gatewaycc.edu/gay-straight-alliance Glendale Community College LGBT+ is an alliance that brings together anyone who is interested in bettering the world, speaking as a group on personal trails, and educating others about being a member or ally of the LGBTQ community. facebook.com/groups/compassgsa

GLSEN Phoenix seeks to create safe, healthy and respectful K-12 schools, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, by offering safe schools resources and training. Volunteers are always welcome. glsen.org/chapters/phoenix inQUEERy at ASU is an interdisciplinary collaborative that aims to enhance the fields of study related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression by building a community of scholars who are invested in queer research and sharing resources with people interested in queer studies. facebook.com/groups/inqu33ry LGBT Devils’ Pride, a chapter of the ASU Alumni Association, strives for PRIDE: Promoting Respect, Inclusiveness, Diversity and Equality while having a good time. alumni.asu.edu/chapters/ lgbt-devils-pride LGBTQ Support Club is an ASU studentled organization that provides a safe place for ASU students, alumni and their family or friends to come and discuss the issues related to the LGBTQ community. asu.orgsync.com/org/ lgbtqsupportclub73948 Mesa Community College Friendly Color is an LGBTQ Alliance that promotes and supports the LGBTQ community while raising awareness on campus and beyond. facebook.com/mccpride National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Arizona & ASU, is an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students working from within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues. facebook.com/groups/nlgjaarizona Out at ASU fosters an inclusive and affirming academic and campus environment for LGBTQQIAA students and their allies. eoss.asu.edu/out Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics ASU (oSTEM) is a national society dedicated to educating and fostering leadership for LGBTQA communities in the STEM fields. facebook.com/asuostem

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Paradise Valley Community College PRIDE (People Respecting Individuality Diversity and Equality) is a gaystraight alliance of the Maricopa Community Colleges that meets weekly. paradisevalley.edu/pv-clubs/prideclub Phoenix College Rainbow Spectrum connects and celebrates all Phoenix College students to support diverse sexual orientation and gender identity. facebook.com/pcrainbowspectrum rainbowspectrum.club@gmail.com Q High School provides LGBTQ and allied youth a welcoming and safe space to attend school and earn their high school diploma. Q High is a partnership with Arizona Virtual Academy, which is a public online charter school. onenten.org/hs_completion Sigma Phi Beta Fraternity ASU promotes equality and respect by providing queer and allied men in college with a uniquely diverse safe space within the traditional Greek fraternity system. asu.orgsync.com/show_profile/12204sigma-phi-beta-fraternity South Pride, South Mountain Community College LGBTQI group, hosts monthly meetings during school months. Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Fountaine. 602-305-5648 Spectrum ASU West is a gay-straight alliance that provides a safe space and supportive community to all LGBTQ people on campus. Search “Spectrum ASU West” on Facebook. rajohn25@gmail.com The Rainbow Coalition is an umbrella organization at Arizona State University that serves LGBTQIA students and their organizations. rainbowcoalitionatasu.weebly.com Ubiquity, ASU’s LGBT staff and faculty organization, supports anyone concerned with LGBT issues. asu.edu/assn/ubiquity

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FINANCIAL AID LGBT Financial Aid, one of the most comprehensive scholarship listings exclusive to the LGBTQIA community, lists several dozen scholarship and financial aid offers to LGBTQIA students and families. finaid.org/otheraid/lgbt.phtml Fastweb lists scholarships available specifically for LGBTQIA students as well as students who demonstrate active involvement in promoting equal rights and involvement with the LGBTQIA community. scholarships.fastweb.com/ u-lgbtq-students GO Financial Aid is a resource directory that lists organizations that offer scholarship funds and grants for LGBTQIA students or families. gofinancialaid.com/resources/ types/lgbt-financial-aid

SOCIAL & MEET-UP GROUPS

Aces of Arizona is a group that invites anyone who falls under the asexual orientation spectrum and resides in Arizona or visits frequently to be a part of meetups and events. facebook.com/groups/acesofarizona Bisexual Ladiez in the Valley is a social and entertainment-focused outing group for cisgender bisexual women who are having a hard time meeting other cisgender bisexual women. meetup.com/valleywidebiz Fluid Arizona is an online community for fluid men, women (cisgender and transgender) and intersex people age 18 and up to interact, share interests and support one another, while also promoting awareness, fluid visibility and overall health and wellbeing. facebook.com/fluidarizona

COUPLES & MORE Arizona Gay Couples and Friends is a group that invited gay couples and their friends to come together and establish friendships with other gay couples. meetup.com/arizonagaycouples Arizona Polyamory, the largest and most active polyamory community in Arizona, offers opportunities for the poly community meet other people who share the same interests and concerns about love and romance through educational and social activities. meetup.com/arizona-poly-events

MEN

ASEXUAL, BISEXUAL & FLUID 5MM: A Social and Support Group for Men provides like-minded guys a confidential and safe space to talk openly and honestly without fear of being outed. Applicants will be screened to ensure they are compatible with the rules of the group. meetup.com/5bisexualmarriedmen

Arizona Nude Dudes, a group of gay and bisexual men who focus on true nudism, enjoy being naked with other men while accepting and enjoying our bodies in their natural state. Nudity is mandatory at our events and overt sexual activity is prohibited. aznudedudes.org Bears of the West is a social club for bears, cubs and their admirers that welcomes all to its events. bearsofthewest.org Black Tie of Phoenix/Scottsdale is a social club for gay men that plans two black-tie events per year and monthly informal events. phoenixblacktie.com

community directory

Deaf Queer Men Only is a biennial event that provides a safe space for deaf queer men to socialize, network and celebrate their identities, and to enrich knowledge on such topics health, civil rights, leadership, community and identity. dqmo.net For Positive Men (ForPM) is an independent peer social and support group that encourages growth, knowledge, self-esteem and acceptance for all positive (HIV+) men age 18 up. forpm.org Get Out! Adventures for Gay Men is for those who crave adventure, love nature, value health and fitness, have fun outside bars and clubs and enjoy meeting like-minded guys. meetup.com/getoutgaymen Girth and Mirth of AZ is an organization for big men and their admirers. gnmaz.org Nude Dudes Social Get-Togethers is a group of HWP and generally fit males (age 21 and up) who like to be nude and participate in non-threatening meetings, social activities, outings, and male bonding with other nude males. meetup.com/ nude-dudes-social-get-togethers Phoenix Gay, Bi, and Transgender Men’s Discussion Group gives all within the GBTQ community who identify as men (age 18 and up) a safe place to get together, socialize and discuss a variety of issues and topics. meetup.com/phoenix-gay-bi-andtransgender-mens-discussion-group Phoenix Men’s Phallic Brotherhood is looking to bring together men from all walks (hetero, bi, homo, trans and asexual) of life to share masculine energies and the power of communal eroticism by exploring ourselves and our bodies. Nudity is expected, but not necessarily required. Initial interview required. meetup.com/phoenixmens-phallic-brotherhood Prime Timers of Phoenix is a group of mature gay and bisexual men and their admirers (age 21 and up). primetimersww.org/phoenix

community directory

LGBTQ & ALL-WELCOMING

WOMEN

Desert Adventures is a social activities group for everyone age 21 and up. desertadventures.org

Fun Rainbow Rebels Phoenix is one of the largest lesbian meet-up women in Phoenix. Search “Rainbow Rebels Arizona Lesbian Open Group” on Facebook.

Fierce Friends of Phoenix, a LGBTQ social group, brings people together to form new fierce friendships through various types of events. facebook.com/groups/ fiercefriendsofphoenix FranGays, a social group for gays and lesbians who enjoy French culture, meet several times a month for conversation in French, potlucks, outdoor activities, wine tasting and more. frangays@yahoo.com More Than Bars, an inclusive group opened to all, is committed to providing a safe space where we can be ourselves and have fun outside of the bar scene. facebook.com/morethanbars Marshall Shore: Retro Spectacular is for anyone who seeks out the weird, the wonderful and the obscure treasures from our past, as well as the semiforgotten people, places and events that made Arizona what it is today. meetup.com/marshall-shoreretro-spectacular Melrose Toastmasters is for those who enjoy public speaking or want to improve their public speaking and leadership qualities. melrose.toastmastersclubs.org OUT Arts Alliance is a social group of artists that meets once a month. groups.yahoo.com/neo/ groups/OUT_Arts_Alliance Phoenix Gay Professionals Meetup Group, a group of local gay Professionals, men and women, who meet for networking and discussion with like-minded individuals. meetup.com/gaypros-224 Rainbow Phoenix, an LGBTQIA inclusive group for singles, couples and families, 0comes together to build community and friendships. meetup.com/rainbowphoenix

Gay Golden Girls if you are a lesbian and middle age is in your rear-view mirror, you are a GGG and we’d like to meet you! We’re based on the Northeast side but welcome older lesbians from all over the Valley. meetup.com/gay-golden-girls Lesbian Who Tech is a community of queer women in or around the tech industry, and the people who love them. lesbianswhotech.org/ events/city/phoenix Lezfinity invites lesbian/gay couples and singles get together in comfortable settings – dinner, movies, day trips and weekend getaways in an effort to expand their base of friends and community. lezfinity.com meetup.com/lezfinity The Missing Puzzle Piece Social Network is open to women wanting to meet other professional women to network and socialize. meetup.com/the-phoenixprofessional-gay-womenmeetup-group Phoenix Women’s Gay Friendly Poker is open to lesbians in the Phoenix area who enjoy a friendly game of Texas Hold’em. Beginner to advanced players welcome. meetup.com/phoenix-womensgay-friendly-poker The Lesbian Social Network (LSN) is the alcohol-free alternative to meeting women at the bars. womenscommunityconnection.com/lsn meetup.com/lesbiansocial-network-phoenix West Valley Fun Lesbian Social is a lesbian group with monthly activities, including game and movie nights, happy hours, picnics, hikes and possibly weekends away. meetup.com/westvalley-fun-lesbian-social

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Our Gang Winter Bowling League is a GLBT (straight friendly) Bowling League that meets at Let It Roll Bowl & Entertainment. facebook.com/ourgangwinterbowling

SPORTS

Arizona Gay Volleyball Association is an outdoor volleyball league that, when in season, hosts games on Monday and Tuesday nights at Steele Indian School Park. azgv.org Cactus Cities Softball League is a LGBT slow-pitch softball league in Phoenix that also hosts the annual Saguaro Cup tournament and sports festival. cactuscities.com Cactus Tennis Alliance promotes the sport of tennis within the Phoenix metro gay and lesbian community, and promotes the gay and lesbian community within the sport of tennis. facebook.com/cactustennis Desert Volleyball Alliance is a nonprofit organization that offers indoor volleyball for the LGBT community and its supporters. facebook.com/desertvolleyball Gay and Lesbian Association of Darts (GLAD), founded nearly 30 years ago, this league’s purpose is to unite the LGBT community and raise money for charity. gladphxaz.org facebook.com/gladdartleague Ladies Fore Golf is open to gay professionals who have a passion for golf and want to play more often and see more courses. meetup.com/lesbian-ladies-fore-golf LGBTQ Yoga is a group for LGBTQ community members who want to practice yoga in a safe and welcoming space with like-minded spirits. We honor and celebrate all body and gender types and expressions. meetup.com/queer-yoga-mash-up

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People & Persons Bowling League is a Sunday morning bowling league that meets at Let It Roll Bowl & Entertainment. Search “People & Persons Bowling League” on Facebook. peopleandpersons@aol.com Phoenix Fire Kickball League an LGBTQ league open to all, who like beer more than rules. They offer structured games with rules, but pursue fun as their No. 1 priority. phoenixfirekickball.com facebook.com/phoenixfirekickball Phoenix Gay Flag Football League provides members of the Phoenix LGBT and allied communities a safe place to experience personal growth while pursuing their athletic aspirations during two structured season per year. phoenixflagfootball.com Phoenix Frontrunners is a running and walking nonprofit organization that hosts events for LGBT identified individuals and allies. phxfr.org facebook.com/phoenixfrontrunners Phoenix Men’s Nude Yoga is a meet up group for men who enjoy practicing nude yoga in a non-sexual, accepting and open-minded group setting. Search “NakedYogi” on Facebook. meetup.com/phoenix-mens-nude-yoga Phoenix Phantomz is an all-women’s full contact football team that’s a part of the Independent Women’s Football League. phoenixphantomz.com phxphantomz@gmail.com Phoenix Storm Rugby Football Club is a nonprofit adult men’s rugby team that welcomes all regardless of size, race, age, fitness or sexual orientation, and is a member of IGR, the Arizona Rugby Union, and USA Rugby. phoenixstorm.org facebook.com/phoenixstormrfc Phoenix Unified Gay Bowling Alliance offers six leagues throughout the Valley for bowlers of every experience level. pugba.org

Saguaro Cup Sports Festival which began with 28 teams in 1994, is the premier gay softball tournament in the Southwest, consistently ranking as one of the largest gay softball tournaments in the country. saguarocup.com facebook.com/saguarocup Sunday Women Golfers play different courses throughout the Phoenix area the first Sunday of each month. swgolfers@yahoo.com

HOBBIES & ENTERTAINMENT

AUTO & MOTORCYCLE Fenders & Friends is a group of Phoenix-area friends who share an interest in cars. Open to automotive enthusiasts regardless of race, gender and sexual orientation. facebook.com/ groups/fendersandfriends Hell’s Fairies is an LGBT scooter club with chapters in Chicago, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Seattle. Search “Hell’s Fairies Phoenix” on Facebook. hellsfairies.com Lambda Car Club is the largest collector car club for LGBT and LGBT-friendly automobile enthusiasts in North America. The Central Arizona Region (CAR) is Arizona’s premiere LGBT automobile club with members from all walks of life. azgaycar.com facebook.com/lambdacarclub

DANCE Desert Valley Squares, a member of the International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs, hosts Sunday dance parties. desertvalleysquares.com

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Phoenix Arizona Gay Square Dancing is reviving GLBT Square Dancing in Phoenix with classes for new dancers as well as Sunday evening club nights. No dress code. Singles and couples welcome. meetup.com/phoenixarizona-gay-square-dancing

Voices of the Desert is the Valley’s LGBT and allied mixed chorus that welcomes anyone with a passion for singing. voicesofthedesert.org facebook.com/pg/voicesofthedesert

OTHER

MOVIES Desperado LGBT Film Festival is an annual event that features movies with LGBT themes at Paradise Valley Community College. desperadofilmfestival.com facebook.com/ desperadolgbtfilmfestival Phoenix Movie Bears is the largest movie social group for Arizona’s LGBT and allied community that meets in Phoenix and surrounding areas on Wednesday nights (and occasionally on weekends) to see a movie at a local theater. phoenixmoviebears.com facebook.com/phoenixmoviebears

MUSIC & INSTRUMENTS Desert Overture is a Phoenix-based community wind symphony comprised of LGBT and ally musicians that is a member of the Lesbian & Gay Band Association. desertoverture.org facebook.com/desertoverture Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus is the flagship of Grand Canyon Performing Arts and presents a full subscription concert series. All members of the chorus are duespaying volunteers who donate over 32,000 hours annually to rehearsals, service projects and benefit performances. phoenixmenschorus.org facebook.com/phoenixmenschorus

Arizona Gay Rodeo Association is a nonprofit organization that organizes the annual Road Runner Regional Rodeo, an International Gay Rodeo qualifier better know and the Arizona Gay Rodeo, each February. agra-phx.com facebook.com/likeagra Phoenix Gaymers, Arizona’s largest gay gaming group, provides a safe environment for the LGBT community and friends to come together to play games, socialize and support each other. phoenixgaymers.com facebook.com/groups/phxgaymers Rainbow RV is North America’s largest gay and lesbian recreational vehicle camping club. Search “rainbowrv.com” on Facebook. rainbowrv.com Valley of the Sun Pink Pistols is a group that gathers regularly to practice shooting, and to acquaint people with firearms. We will help you select a firearm, acquire a permit and receive proper training in its safe and legal use for self-defense or recreation. meetup.com/vsppaz facebook.com/groups/vsppaz vsppaz@gmail.com

SUPPORT GROUPS

Phoenix Women’s Chorus presents four full-length concerts each year and offers chorus members opportunities to participate in a wide variety of community activities. phoenixwomenschorus.org facebook.com/phoenixwomenschorus Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with

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so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. lambdaphx.org/meetings/aa Al-Anon is a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope so that they may solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. lambdaphx.org/meetings/al-anon Arizona Coalition Against Domtestic Violence works to end domestic violence in Arizona by dismantling oppression and promoting equity among all people. Hotline: 1-800-799-7223. azcadv.org Crystal Meth Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from addiction to crystal meth. lambdaphx.org/meetings/cma Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. lambdaphx.org/meetings/ga Hospice of the Valley provides compassionate end-of-life care, including supports for patients and families and relief from suffering in all realms – physical, emotional and spiritual. Healing Rainbows is a LGBT bereavement group. hov.org Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit fellowship/society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. lambdaphx.org/meetings/na

Native Out is a nonnprofoit organization that offers educational resources and multimedia to Native American LGBT/ Two-Spirit. nativeout.com facebook.com/nativeout

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NORM Phoenix provides information, instruction and support to any man who is circumcised and wishes to make his penis more fully functional through nonsurgical foreskin restoration. norm.org/coord.html Phoenix LGBT Police/Fire/EMS Personnel Support Group works to unite, empower, and protect the interests and the general well being of active and retired GLBT police officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel. meetup.com/phoenix-lgbt-police-fireems-personnel-support-group Pride TLC offers recovery to LGBTQ addicts and alcoholics through a 90-day recovery program. 749 W. Second St., in Mesa. tlcpride2@gmail.com 480-307-1836 Stonewall Institute is a licensed outpatient behavioral health agency providing LGBTQ-affirmative counseling and other services for youth and adults. stonewallinstitute.com facebook.com/stonewallinstitute

The National Center for Transgender Equality is a national social justice organization devoted to ending discrimination and violence against transgender people. transequality.org facebook.com/transequalitynow Transgender Law Center changes law, policy and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression. transgenderlawcenter.org Transgender Law & Policy Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging in effective advocacy for transgender people in our society. transgenderlaw.org Trans-Queer Pueblo is an autonomous LGBTQ+ migrant community of color that works wherever we find our people, creating cycles of mutual support that cultivate leadership to generate the community power that will liberate our bodies and minds from systems of oppression toward justice for all people. facebook.com/transqueerpueblo trans.queer.pueblo@gmail.com 480-849-3797

SOCIAL & SUPPORT GROUPS

TRANSGENDER

ADVOCACY & LAW Arizona TransAlliance promotes the equality and equity of Trans (transsexual, transgender and gendervariant persons) throughout Arizona. Search “Arizona TransAlliance” on Facebook. Black Trans Advocacy is a national social justice organization working to advance social equality for all disenfranchised people, with specific focus on inequities faced in the black and transgender human experience. blacktrans.org

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Arizona Transgender is a social and support group for the transgender community and its supporters that gathers together for meetups, events and outings at bars, clubs, private residences, restaurants, special events and other venues. We are here to make friends; this is not a dating site. meetup.com/arizona-transgender Arizona Trans Youth and Parent Organization (AZ TYPO) is a Phoenixbased support group that provides parents, family, friends and caretakers of transgender children a common space to share struggles and successes, discuss challenges and concerns while providing emotional support and guidance through monthly meetings. Search “Arizona Trans Youth and Parent Organization” on Facebook. aztypo.org

Dating for Mature Trans Women and Mature Cross Dressers answers the question: Where do I go to date? This group is open to straight, bisexual and questioning trans women looking for friends to talk over worries and fears together as we re-enter the dating scene. We ask only that you are either a mature (age 50 and up) trans woman (pre-op, post-op, no-op, never op) or a confirmed cross dresser. meetup.com/dating-for-maturetrans-women-and-mature-crossdressers Phoenix Area Trans & Out is for transgender/transsexual people who are committed to living an out and authentic life and looking to meet others with similar experiences. meetup.com/phoenixarea-trans-and-out TransMentors International provides support and assistance to transgender-identified men, women and youth; mentoring, resources, emergencies, safe housing, local support groups and more. transmentors.org TransWomen of Color Collective is a grass-roots funded global initiative created to offer opportunities for trans people of color, families and comrades to engage in healing, foster kinship and build community. twocc.us facebook.com/twocc.us TransYouth Family Allies empowers children and families by partnering with educators, service providers and communities, to develop supportive environments in which gender may be expressed and respected. imatyfa.org info@imatyfa We Exist Phoenix is a movement for non-binary gender identity awareness and equality. facebook.com/weexistphoenix weexist.co

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YOUTH, FAMILY & ADOPTION

ADOPTION AASK (Aid to Adoption of Special Kids) is an LGBTQ-friendly foster and adoption organization that also offers family classes and kinship and mentoring programs. 2320 N. 20th St., Phoenix. 602-930-4900 aask-az.org | info@aask-az.org

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health serves more than 4,000 Arizonans annually, through a variety of programs, including foster care adults and children. 2025 N. Third St., Ste. 250, Phoenix. 602-283-1573 devereuxarizona.org Project Jigsaw, a collaborative effort by Equality Arizona and Arizona’s Children Association, is a grassroots campaign is focused on building a diverse coalition of Arizonans who are committed to working together to create an environment where all couples, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are provided the opportunity to build a loving family for amazing children. equalityarizona.org/project-jigsaw

YOUTH Arizona’s Children Association (AzCA), one of the oldest and largest statewide comprehensive child welfare and behavioral health not-for-profit agencies in Arizona, offers adoption and foster care services. 602-234-3733 | 800-944-7611 arizonaschildren.org

Mulligan’s Manor is a nonprofit group home dedicated to at-risk GBTQA and heterosexual adolescents ranging from 12 to 17 years old. mulligansmanor.com facebook.com/MulligansManor501

one•n•ten serves LGBTQ youth and young adults ages 14-24 through its empowering social and service programs that promote selfexpression, self-acceptance, leadership development and healthy life choices. onenten.org | facebook.com/1n10.org Teen Lifeline provides a safe, confidential and crucial crisis service where teens help teens make healthy decisions together. teenlifeline.org facebook.com/teenlifeline Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development works to provide a safe space for collaborating with youth and young adults in our community who are vulnerable or experiencing homelessness. These safe spaces will allow access to caring relationships, resources, and programs that offer opportunities for young people to develop their individual potential. tumbleweed.org facebook.com/tumbleweedcenter

NORTH ERN A RIZON A FLAGSTAFF Flagstaff Pride educates, celebrates and increases acceptance and awareness of the LGBTQ community of Flagstaff and northern Arizona. flagstaffpride.org facebook.com/flagstaffpride Northern Arizona University’s LGBTQIA Commission is organized to promote acceptance of lesbian gay bisexual transgender queer intersex and ally

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diversity, and to foster respect and appreciation for each member of the NAU community, including extended campuses students, faculty and staff. nau.edu/lgbtqia-commission

Northland Cares, and HIV specialty care clinic, provides a full range of outpatient ser vices for people living with HIV/AIDS in northern Arizona. northlandcares.org

NAU LGBTQA Resources work to foster an inclusive and affirming campus environment for all gender identities and sexual orientations through programs, resources and support. nau.edu/lgbtqa

PFL AG Flagstaff formally disbanded in 2015; however, area LGBTQ information is still disseminated via its Facebook page. facebook.com/pflagflagstaff flagstaff.pflag@gmail.com

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PEAKS Pride is a nonprofit organization that offers volunteer community services to the Flagstaff and Northern Arizona Area under the mission of Promoting Equality through Acts of Kindness and Service (with pride and dignity). peakspride.org

Sedona/Verde Valley LGBT Community Center is a Facebook page that serves as an online community for the area. facebook.com/sedonaverde valleylgbtcommunitycenter

SEDONA/VERDE VALLEY

NAZGEM, Northern Arizona’s Gender Mentors Network, hosts free monthly transgender support meetings and shares resources, support and information all month long. gyccinfo@gmail.com

PFLAG Sedona/Verde Valley promotes a healthy, tolerant local community that celebrates diversity and respects every person by dispelling negative myths about LGBTQ people and communicate the truth about our loved ones. pflagsedona.org facebook.com/pflagsedona Sedona/Verde Valley Pride is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving for the LGBTQ community of in central Arizona through events, education, cultural awareness and support. sedonapride.org facebook.com/sedonapride

PRESCOTT

PFLAG Prescott, works to create a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression through support education and advocacy. facebook.com/prescottpflag

Yavapai LGBTQ Coalition connects the LGBTQ community at large to resources, support, information and activities. (identifying as LGBTQ is not required to become a member). facebook.com/ lgbtqyavapai yavapailgbtqcoalition@gmail.com

WINDOW ROCK Navajo Nation Division of Health’s HIV Prevention Program plans and implements prevention, screening and counseling services on the Navajo Nation with the goal of reducing the incidence of HIV to no more than the national average. nndoh.org/nhephiv.html

Prescott LGBT CommUNITY is an online group designed to engage area’s LGBTQ community and supportive allies through activities and events that keep members connected. meetup.com/prescottlgbtq

SOUTH ERN A RIZON A BISBEE

TUCSON

Bisbee Pride, established in 2004 by a small group of LGBTQ friends, draws hundreds of people from around the country to its annual festivities and supports the local community in various ways throughout the year. bisbeepride.com

AIDS Ribbon Tucson is Southern Arizona’s interactive public memorial to remember the millions of men, women and children lost to AIDS, and anyone HIV-positive who died from other causes. facebook.com/aidsribbontucson aidsribbontucson@yahoo.com

SIERRA VISTA PFLAG Sierra Vista promotes the health and well-being of LGBTQ persons and their families and friends. pflagsierravista.org

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Alliance Fund has awarded more than 142 grants to 57 different LGBTQ organizations since 1999. alliancefund.org Alternative Theater Company is an allvolunteer theater group renowned for producing award-winning LGBTQ plays that engage audiences in conversations

relating to and reflecting the LGBTQ community. alternativetheatreco.org ASUA Pride Alliance is a resource center available to LGBTQ and ally individuals – students, faculty, and staff – that serves as a safe place for anyone seeking advice and/or support from the interns and the program director for LGBTQ Affairs. pride.asua.arizona.edu Bears of the Old Pueblo is a Tucsonbased social organization for bearish, gay and bisexual men and admirers (ages 18 and up). botop.org | 520-829-0117 facebook.com/bears.of.the.old.pueblo

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City of Tucson Commission on GLBT issues acts as the official advisory body. City Hall - 9th Floor, 255 W. Alameda St. Tucson. 520-791-4213 boardsandcommissions@tucsonaz.gov tucsonaz.gov/clerks/boards?board=40 Crossroads Collaborative is dedicated to advancing research, graduate training, public conversation and, ultimately, social change in the areas of youth, sexuality, health, and rights. mcclellandinstitute.arizona.edu/ crossroads Desert Dominion is Tucson-based pansexual and pan-fetish alternative lifestyle organization that welcomes everyone – regardless of sexual orientation, age (age 18 and up), kink (legal activities involving consenting adults), race, creed, religion – to a variety of monthly events. desertdominion.org Desert Voices, Arizona’s premier LGBTQ chorus, is committed to promoting the ongoing and positive LGBTQ presence in our community by advocating for understanding, cooperation and peaceful coexistence through song. desertvoices.org facebook.com/desertvoiceschorus El Rio Health provides affirming, respectful, high-quality healthcare to both the pediatric and adult transgender and gender nonconforming communities, including primary care, gender-confirming hormone therapy, puberty blockers and sensitive referrals. 520-670-3909 elrio.org/transgender-medicine G3 is a social event for gay men and their friends that takes place the second Friday of every month at a different location each time. tucsong3.com | facebook.com/g3tucson GLSEN Tucson strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. glsen.org/tucson facebook.com/glsentucson Institute for LGBT Studies at University of Arizona fosters curriculum, promotes research on gender and sexual diversity

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and presents public programming that addresses the histories, politics, and cultures of LGBT people. Search “Institute for LGBT Studies - University of Arizona” on Facebook. lgbt.arizona.edu JPride, formerly known as the LGBT Jewish Inclusion Project, is a platform with which Southern Arizona’s LGBTQ Jews and their allies can explore issues and ideas of importance to their community through social and festival gatherings, community events, LGBTQ interfaith work, social action initiatives, and educational programs for adults and youth (located at the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona). 520-577-9393 x128 | lgbtinfo@jfsa.org jfsa.org/get-involved/jpride LGBT Grief Support Group, sponsored by TMC Hospice, is an informal and relaxed group for anyone grieving a loss of any kind, no matter how long ago it was. Contact Judith Keane for meeting information. judith.keane@tmcaz.com LGBTQ Integrated Health Coalition of Southern Arizona’s mission is to advocate for culturally appropriate services for LGBTQ individuals and their families, and work to eliminate the stigma of LGBTQ stereotypes within the Southern Arizona behavioral health community. facebook.com/lgbtqbhcoalition

healthcare, including topics that affect LGBTQ patients, medical students, residents, physicians and their allies. uamedpride@gmail.com Men in Birthdaysuits, formerly Get NAKED with TNT MEN, hosts up to seven events each month. Nudity is required and moderator must approve all new members (must be age 18 and up). groups.yahoo.com/neo/ groups/tntucsonmen Men’s Social Network (MSN) offers gay men in southern Arizona opportunities to socialize, participate in activities and support each other in alcohol-free settings. facebook.com/ menssocialnetworktucson menssocialnetwork.org OUTreach, an organization formed by University of Arizona’s LGBTQ faculty, staff, graduate students and supporters, works to achieve a campus climate that fosters the careers of LGBTQ faculty and academic professionals and students. lgbtq.arizona.edu/campus-resources PFLAG Tucson promotes the health and well-being of LGBTQ individuals, their families and friends through support, education and advocacy. pflagtucson.org

Living Out Loud LGBTQI Health & Wellness Center is a safe, welcoming environment where everyone is celebrated for who they are and is invited to check out the services and resources. facebook.com/livingoutloudaz livingoutloudaz.org

Pride Alliance, U of A strives to maintain a drop-in resource center that offers a supportive social and academic environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning, as well as allied, students at the University of Arizona. pride.asua.arizona.edu

Lostboys is a group where you’re free to be yourself and enjoy motorcycling in the company of others who share your passion. meetup.com/lostboys-southernarizona

Pride Law, U of A works to improve the legal status of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Membership is open to all students in the College of Law. arizonapridelaw@gmail.com

Meander in Tuscon invites you to meet with other members of your local LGBTQ women’s community through various activities (self-identified women ages 18 and up only). meetup.com/meanderintucson MedPride, U of A promotes awareness of and sensitivity to LGBTQ issues in

Rainbow Riders is a group of LGTBA cyclists dedicated to the enjoyment of all types of bicycling and promoting the health and environmental benefits as well as the social aspects of cycling. facebook.com/pages/ rainbow-riders/103728733053182

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Reveille Men’s Chorus is an internationally recognized men’s chorus, is in its 21st year of changing lives through music. facebook.com/reveillemenschorus reveillemenschorus.org Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) is the only community-based organization in southern Arizona providing case management and ancillary support services for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families; culturally appropriate prevention and education programs to reduce the rate of infection; and LGBTQ community outreach and engagement. facebook.com/saaforg | saaf.org Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation Anti-Violence Project works to prevent, respond to and end all forms of violence against and within the LGBTQ communities of southern Arizona. saaf.org/care-services/ anti-violence-programs Southern Arizona Gender Alliance is a nonprofit organization that supports and advocates for southern Arizona’s community of trans identities by providing support groups, advocacy, community education and training for businesses, service providers, and community members. facebook.com/SAGATucson sagatucson.org Southern Arizona Senior Pride is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that supports and unites LGBTQ seniors of southern Arizona. soazseniorpride@gmail.com facebook.com/soazseniorpride soazseniorpride.org The Anchor Project (Accessible Network for Coordinated Housing, Opportunities and Resilience) is designed to provide culturally responsive and affirming services to young adults who identify with the spectrum of LGBTQ and straight ally communities. Search “The Anchor Project” on Facebook. 520-909-0754 anchor.project.arizona@gmail.com sirow.arizona.edu/ANCHOR Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority promotes leadership, multiculturalism and self-improvement through academic

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excellence, involvement in and service to the campus and community, as well as being living examples of sisterhood across different races, cultures, religions, backgrounds and lifestyles. tnxmuchapter.wixsite.com/ magnificentmuchapter/mu-chapter

Tucson Queer Strategic Partnership is a partnership of organizations collaborating to enhance support and services to the queer community. Search “Tucson Queer Strategic Partnership” on Facebook. tqsparizona@gmail.com

The Thornhill Lopez Center on 4th, is home to the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation’s LGBTQ youth-centered prevention programs, including Eon, HIV Youth Peer Education (HYPE), and Arizona’s Life Links for Youth (Project ALLY). 526 N. Fourth Ave., in Tucson. facebook.com/tlc4tucson saaf.org/support/tlc4

University of Arizona LGBTQ Affairs creates a safe space on campus for thousands of students every year through programs, training, events and the LGBTQ Resource Center in the Student Union. facebook.com/groups/16943607437 lgbtq.arizona.edu

Tucson GLBT Chamber of Commerce promotes the success and growth of the GLBT, and allied business community in southern Arizona through education, networking and advocacy. facebook.com/tucsonglbtchamber tucsonglbtchamber.org/wp

YUMA

Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN), as individuals and faith communities, works to build bridges, reduce stigma and sustain hope through education and support. facebook.com/ tucson.interfaith.hiv.aids.network tihan.org Tucson Men’s Social Network offers gay, bisexual and straight allied men (ages 18 and up) opportunities to get together in alcohol-free settings to socialize and support each other. facebook.com/ menssocialnetworktucson menssocialnetwork.org Tucson Pride is a nonprofit organization that produces and promotes educational, cultural, and recreational events for the LGBTQ and allied communities in Tucson, including the annual Pride in the Desert festival and Pride on Parade. facebook.com/tucson.pride tucsonpride.org Tucson Prime Timers is a not-for-profit social organization with a mission to serve older gay and bisexual men, as well as younger men who enjoy their company. tucsonprimetimers.org

Arizona Western College’s Safe Zone is part of a nation-wide program committed to assisting colleges and universities in creating a safer, more welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ individuals. azwestern.edu/student-life/ health-and-wellness/safe-zone PFLAG Yuma is committed to providing support while seeking to change attitudes and creating an environment of understanding so that our LGBTQ family members and friends can live with dignity and respect. pflagyuma.org The Yuma Voice is “Southwest Arizona’s No. 1 gay news source.” aj27football@yahoo.com gayinyuma.com/theyumavoice.html Yuma County HIV Services, Ryan White Part B Services/Outpatient Services, provides HIV/AIDS awareness, resources, and education to diminish the spread of the infection and improve the health care of the community. yumacountyaz.gov/government/healthdistrict/divisions/nursing/hiv-services gayinyuma.com, home to the Yuma Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the Yuma area GLBT-friendly business directory and the gay date and event guides, is the No. 1 gay news source serving Yuma, San Luis, Dome Valley and Somerton. gayinyuma.com

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OUT & ABOUT 2018 Echo Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice Award Reveal Party April 19 at Bliss/ReBAR, Phoenix. Photos by nightfuse.com.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2018-photos.

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JUNE 2018

without reservations

Señor Sushi Story and photos by Rachel Verbits

nfortunately, we still live in a world that’s quick to prejudge and label, to cramp people into boxes based on beliefs and ideas and to assume everything’s black and white, right or wrong, male or female. But the creative landscape of culinary fusion is still a space where everyone can celebrate mashups, hybrids and the wonderfully unique gray area without judgement (we do like labels when we’re grocery shopping, however). In case you’re wondering what this has to do with a restaurant review, your answer is this: Mexican sushi. The Mexican sushi craze rolled into the West Valley a few years ago and is only gaining momentum, as there are four restaurants in about a 2-mile radius of 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road alone. And, after hearing enough buzz, we had to check out this fresh and funky fusion ourselves and dish all the delicious details. As a lover of both Mexican and Japanese cuisine, I was a bit hesitant at this combination initially. But after digging in to the scene, I quickly learned that a number of Phoenix eateries are jumping on board to meet a growing demand from intrigued

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and excited palates – and they aren’t disappointing. We visited a few of the most popular spots serving up Mex-sushi, as it’s often referred, including Señor Sushi. Located on the northwest corner of 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road, Señor Sushi looks unassuming from the outside, and offers an intimately lit lounge featuring Japaneseinspired accents and an unmistakable vibe that this place is still a bit of a hidden gem. The menu is just as straight forward as the atmosphere: appetizers, soups and salads, friend rice and noodles, traditional sushi and “Latino rolls.” Most Mex-sushi rolls are deep fried to golden perfection, providing an additional layer of crispy crunch – above and beyond what you’d expect of traditional tempura offerings – and fillings can include anything from chicken and bacon to shrimp and jalapeños. (I promise no one will force you to eat eel sauce with your carne asada or American cheese with your octopus.) Opting for the full, label-free and unbiased experience, we started with the fire cracker jalapeños (the wonton tostadas that originally caught our eye were no longer available). It was no

surprise that these jalapeños aren’t anything like a traditional popper. Instead, they’re lightly fried in tempura batter and stuffed with spicy tuna, crab mix and cream cheese, topped with orange and eel sauce. The result is an adventurous crunchy and creamy upgrade from the typical appetizers that grace most menus. Next up was the Carne Asada Roll. Traditional in appearance only, this roll is filled with carne asada, cream cheese, avocado, cucumber and cilantro and is one of the restaurant’s signature items. Deep fried and filled with perfectly tender steak, the roll embodied exactly what I pictured when imagining what Mex-sushi should be. Simply put, it’s was like eating the best street taco with chopsticks rather than your hands. Not to mention the perfect amount of each ingredient in every bite. The rest of Señor Sushi’s menu shows its commitment to Mexican/Japanese gastronomy, with such rolls as Tres Quesos, stuffed with three cheeses; Cielo Mar Y Tierra, containing chicken, beef and shrimp tempura; and the Milena Roll, chicken, bacon and Chihuahua cheese. Consistent with the emerging trend, most of the rolls were deep fried, but we were able to find one – the Mexican Roll – that wasn’t. Possibly the best blend of both Mexican and Japanese flavors, this extra large roll is filled with salmon tempura, spicy crab mix and cucumber, topped with avocado and yellow hot peppers and a drizzle of orange, eel, Dining Out

Left to right: Firecracker Jalapenos and The Carne Asada Roll.

“señor” and sriracha sauces. Without the layer of deep fried crunchiness, the flavor of the crispy salmon, crab and the hot peppers took center stage and made this one a standout (and probably on the lighter side, if you’re keeping track). Fair warning: most of the rolls are filled with jalapeños for a spicy kick. While it brings flavor and a fresh crunch to each bite, the taste can be slightly overwhelming if you are not a fan. But in my experience, the essence of the jalapeño was perfect: strong enough to provide flavor while letting the meat and seafood shine. We were on a roll, but we couldn’t resist the intriguing “Bomba”. Just as it sounds, this sushi bomb is a deep-fried rice ball stuffed with shrimp tempura, chicken, bacon, cream cheese, Chihuahua cheese, cucumber and avocado, topped with orange and eel sauces. Split into quarters, the crunchy curveball is a perfect sharable appetizer if you, like us, want to try a little bit of everything. It’s incredibly filling, so don’t be surprised if you need a to-go box. While Señor Sushi has a wide selection of Mexican sushi and new flavor combinations to try, it definitely has a fair amount on competition in the area. Sushinola Roll is another hot spot in the area that highlights seafood dishes from the coastal state of Sinaloa, Mexico. Their

signature roll, the Sushinola Roll, is filled with avocado, shrimp, bacon and cream cheese and is topped with Tampico and eel sauce. If you don’t find yourself near their brick and mortar location on West McDowell Road very often, they have a food truck that brings their creations to every corner of the Valley! And if you’re looking for the place that started it all, Sushi Sonora is the original Mexi-sushi spot in Phoenix (now with three Valley locations). Here you’ll find rolls inspired by the popular Sonoran dog, a Vegetarian Roll and a Ceviche Roll. Our list is just a sample of the Valley’s growing Mex-sushi scene. I predict as many readers will be delighted as hesitant, scared or even completely against this new(ish) trend. But if you can set your preconceived palate preferences aside, Mex-sushi a tasty reminder that food should never be black and white.

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OUT & ABOUT Trans Spectrum of Arizonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tropical Paradise Prom May 12 at First Church UCC, Phoenix. Photos by nightfuse.com.

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OUT & ABOUT Phurfest 2018 April 26-30 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Airport. Photos by Gregg Edelman.

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2018-photos.

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Opening Nights

L.O.V.E

Scorpius Sends Belated Valentine By Seth Reines

eralded as “Phoenix’s Best Contemporary Dance Company and Best Dance Collective” by Phoenix New Times, Scorpius Dance Theatre combines humor, drama, aerial arts and a unique blend of organic and technical movement to create an edgy repertoire.

Their annual signature cult classic A Vampire Tale, dubbed a “Halloween Nutcracker,” has toured internationally and ROCK, a vibrant celebration of rock music from the ’70s to the 21st century, was reprised in March. Now, as part of LGBTQ Pride Month, Scorpius is reviving its 2016 production of L.O.V.E, a kaleidoscopic exploration of “affaires d’amour,” June 7-9 at the Metro Arts Theatre Space. The company was founded in 1999 by Lisa Starry who trained with the Phoenix School of Ballet before receiving her BFA in dance/choreography from the California Institute for the Arts with additional studies at the London Contemporary School of Dance. Echo caught up with Scorpius Artistic Director and creator of L.O.V.E Starry to discuss the show’s up-coming revival and here’s what she had to say. Echo: How was L.O.V.E originally conceived? Starry: I wanted to do a show about different types of love and love stories. Many of the works are based on stories from my personal life or experiences of my friends. Although these stories might be personal to me, I feel they have a universal meaning and are connected to so many other stories. Echo: What was the most personal piece in this production? Starry: One of the hardest works for me to set emotionally was called “Sisters.” Because it was my own personal journey I had to remember and heal – with myself and my sister. I felt a huge amount of relief letting those emotions go onstage. It was one of the most popular pieces when it first premiered, and I believe it was because so many people with siblings connected to that work. Echo: How is L.O.V.E different from other pieces in your company’s repertoire? Starry: When starting to create L.O.V.E, I knew I needed to do something different 60

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Gavin Sisson (left) and Haydehn Tuipulotu in Scorpius’ L.O.V.E. Photo by Rose Torres.

with my musical score. Kristofer Hill had been working with me as a composer for several years and happened to be in town to work with me on the show. He suggested that he create original scores and play them live. This was a bit intimidating for me because I had never done this before. However, because I’ve known Kris for quite some time, we’ve developed a friendship; I trust him and feel very comfortable working together. Editor’s Note: Kristofer Hill, an American musician and composer, has created more than 100 internationally performed dance compositions. L.O.V.E is a return to his roots, creating live organic dance accompaniment for modern dance. Echo: What makes the physical staging of this show unique? Starry: I decided to keep all the dancers on stage during the entire show, forming an exterior circle in the back, watching each dance/story. The dancers on stage genuinely laughed with the audience and even cried. It was truly a beautiful time in my life when we premiered L.O.V.E. Echo: What made you decide to reprise L.O.V.E? Starry: I knew I wanted to bring this show back, but was not sure how we could make it happen. Then Kris contacted me early this season and said he was going to be in town this summer. So, we decided to return L.O.V.E to the stage.

Echo: How is the up-coming revival of this piece different from the original? Starry: For this year’s version, I will keep many of the same parts, but I will also add and edit some works since I have more [stories] to share. Many of the original cast members will return with some new members joining us from the current company. Echo: How do you think Echo’s readership will embrace your production? Starry: L.O.V.E definitely speaks to the LGBTQ audience. I have shared some stories about my friends and how they played an important part in my life. Even though many of my dancers [approximately half of whom are members of the LGBTQ community] will be dancing with the opposite sex, I’m sharing love stories that will resonate with my entire audience.

L.O.V.E presented by Scorpius Dance Theatre June 7-9 Metro Arts Theatre Space 1700 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix scorpiusdance.com M. Seth Reines is an award-winning theater buff who has directed more than 500 productions nationally for stage and television, and formerly served as head of Roosevelt University’s musical theatre program. Theater

THE SMALL SCREEN

“Let Nina Prosper” cast. Photo by Francisco Fernandez. Makeup by Tarence Anderson.

extremely supportive from the very beginning,” she said. “My family is extremely supportive of the work that I do. It’s also a great feeling to see them share the episodes on social media and encourage their friends to view the series.” Sadé brings to the table an undergrad degree from Howard University and a master’s degree in Digital Cinema Production from The New School in New York City. “The New School gave me the [tools] to visually tell a compelling or a funny story within a condensed platform,” she said. “The idea of ‘Let Nina Prosper’ came from a short film that I wrote and directed about a queer couple dealing with life, love and relationships. I decided to adapt the short film as a web series to allow accessibility to the content while also tackling an array of conflicts with each episode.”

“Let Nina Prosper” Queer women of color shine in new web series by Eboni Sadé By David-Elijah Nahmod

n the first episode of “Let Nina Prosper,” Eboni Sadé’s comedic new web series that follows a queer woman of color as she navigates love, friendship, family and her career, the title-character is moving in with her sweet, yet slightly unorganized girlfriend. Nina (Sadé) expresses concern about Laila’s (Devin Nelson) propensity for hoarding, though it’s obvious that the two women love each other. Fast forward to the end of the episode, which runs 6 minutes and 37 seconds, and they’re joined on the front steps of their building by a friend as they enjoy celebratory cocktails as a reward for their hard day’s work. A total of four characters appear in the opening episode, and all of them are women of color. “I’ve always yearned to see queer women of color loving each other on TV and film formats,” said Sadé, the series’ writer, director, producer and star. “Queer women of color are simply underrepresented. I created a series that I wanted to see, a show about queer women of color being funny, strengthening friendships, building 62

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romance and, yes, struggling and failing to get it right at times.” The series is shot in Jersey City, N.J., where Sadé grew up as an only child with her mother and grandmother. “From as early as I can remember, I loved the art of storytelling,” she recalled. “I remember writing a short story at 11 years old about an exotic dancer raising two children on her own. I didn’t know anyone with that particular experience, but my imagination ran wild and I realized my passion of creating stories.” Sadé’s first story is right in line with the kind of work she hopes to create today: stories about the underdog. “The underserved, the underrepresented, the characters that color just outside of society’s lines,” she explained. “As a queer woman of color, I love to pen stories about other queer women who are multifaceted and exist, in spite of.” According to Sadé, her coming out story is a brief one. She knew that she was attracted to girls when she was 8 years old, which was met with support from her family. “I initially came out to my mother who asked a lot of questions, but was

In addition to writing, directing, producing and starring in the series, Sadé is also credited as one of three directors of photography. “As a writer, director, and actor in a series, you are many things to many different people and the multiple hats sort of stack onto each other rather than interchange,” she said. “It was certainly interesting to be the director while also being a part of a scene. You’re listening for the lines in a certain way, giving a certain feeling, while also being in tune with your own character.” “Let Nina Prosper” has been financed through 225 Cinema, Sadé’s own company, with an overall the budget ranging from $20,000 to 22,000. Looking forward, she added that she hopes to monetize the series for season two. “The first season has seven episodes shot solely in Jersey City,” she said. “Once the season finale air[ed] on April 24, [I stepped] back into the writer’s room to brainstorm topics for season two.” Sadé promises that “Let Nina Prosper” offers something for everyone. “It’s a series about love, friendship, and trying to figure it all out,” she said. “Whether you identify within the LGBTQIA community or not, there is something that feels familiar within each episode.” For more information, or to watch the first season of “Let Nina Prosper,” visit letninaprosper.com. David-Elijah Nahmod is an American-Israeli writer who’s lived in New York City, Tel Aviv and is currently based in San Francisco. He’s been published in LGBT publications, monster magazines and SF Weekly, and can be reached on Facebook as David-Elijah Nahmod, Author and on Twitter at @DavidElijahN. Streaming

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| ISSUE 705

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ENTARY | COMPLIM

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ALL OVER THE MAP

Doing The Same Thing Over And Over Again By Liz Massey

he title of this column can be interpreted in one of two ways. Many of you have probably heard of the phrase “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” offered as the definition of insanity. And if you are trapped in a toxic relationship, saddled with a bad job, or caught in the throes of an addiction, expecting different results from the same actions is, indeed, insane. However, there is one way in which repeating actions over and over CAN lead to different results. That comes when you dedicate yourself to improving your skills in an area, and decide to commit to the practice of a particular discipline in order to make that happen. Studies from the spheres of education, the arts and sports reveal that deliberate, intentional practice can improve your fluency, accuracy and endurance of whatever it is at which you want to get better. Over the years, I’ve committed myself to practicing long-distance running, playing the trumpet, singing in a chorus, writing, journaling and a host of other skills. I do not practice all of them now, but each one has taught me something about discipline and mastery. Practice and its goal of mastery are concepts that are in dire need of celebration currently. Author and professor Tom Nichols, in his 2017 book “The Death of Expertise,” provides a scathing indictment of the downsides of today’s digital culture. While the internet and advancing technology have democratized fields such as publishing and broadcasting, the last generation also has been characterized by a rapid erosion of respect for experts in every field. In many cases, people now substitute their feelings or beliefs in

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place of verifiable, objective expertise. Nichols writes, “These are dangerous times. Never have so many people had so much access to so much knowledge, and yet have been so resistant to learning anything.” Nichols’ words have import for all people involved in reform/resistance movements, including those within our LGBTQ community. Protest can be powerful, and that power is amplified when would-be activists prepare themselves fully for what they are about to do. Civil rights activists in the 1960s rehearsed how they would respond to brutality by police and onlookers; before that, activists such as Rosa Parks were learning nonviolent resistance tactics from the Highlander Folk School in Tennessee. A more recent protest “curriculum” can be studied by reviewing the website (and book) Beautiful Trouble and similar types of media. If you have an area of your life where you aspire to do more or perform better, committing to a specific form of practice can help. Some tips for developing a “practice mindset” to facilitate this venture include: Pick a specific practice. Find an activity about which you’re passionate about or to which you are consistently drawn. You can become good at anything, but not everything. Expect to make messy mistakes at first. In the words of Phoenix-based trainer and life coach Quinn McDonald, “Practicing anything is frustrating. It’s not fun. But it works. What you don’t know makes you feel incompetent. But you’ll stay incompetent until you practice.”

Commit to daily action. Your daily practice doesn’t have to take mammoth amounts of time, but it does have to become baked into your schedule. See if you can break down larger skills into tiny bits you can practice in micro-moments (instead of social media sometimes?). Find a mentor. One of the keys that many people miss about practice is that it’s not enough to rehearse your actions over and over – you have to find ways to improve your actions. A coach/trainer/sensei/teacher can give you invaluable feedback on technique and specific skills. Practice smart, not just hard. One of the main benefits of learning from a skilled teacher is that they can give you pinpointed advice on what you need to focus on to improve. That way, you don’t spend hours over-rehearsing things that you have already mastered. Committing to a practice matters because the way we choose to live our lives matters. Blogger Leo Babauta, who runs a popular site called Zen Habits, puts it this way: “There is no perfect way of life, and you don’t need to strive to be perfect every moment of the day. … [Practice] is just about conscious action, which is a useful skill to have. Remember that we become good at what we repeatedly do, and what we do repeatedly can be done consciously. It’s when we’re conscious that we are truly alive.” Liz Massey has been involved in LGBTQ community-building activities in Kansas City and the Valley of the Sun, and is a former managing editor of Echo Magazine. She can be reached at lizmassey68@gmail.com. COMMUNITY

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Not That You Asked

The Year of The Purge By Buddy Early

he tiny home phenomenon is something that has caught my attention lately. While most people accumulate “things” as badges of their triumphs in the field of adulting, I have found myself wanting to have less ownership—in fact, I am often resentful of my possessions. Moving into one of these tiny homes would force me to purge my (for lack of a better term) stuff. I have too much g-d stuff! Once you take inventory of all your g-d stuff, it’s startling how much of it can be purged. • I’m going to start with all those t-shirts and jeans I’m never going to fit into again. No, seriously. I’m NOT going to fit into them again. Even with the aid of a cross fit regimen and a tapeworm, my waist and stomach have evolved beyond these clothing items. • Next I’ll go through that box that sits on my bedroom floor. The one that I have hauled from one apartment to another but never unpacked. I think there’s a commemorative shot glass from Sandals Resorts and some old checks among random other items so meaningful I can’t remember what they are. • I’ll purge those DVDs of “Gimme a Break,” “Mr. Belvedere” and “The Big Valley.” I’m not sure I could say how I came to own these, but they make funny gifts when you don’t care enough to spend $10 on a gift card. • Cassette tapes. Honestly. Clint Black and Boyz II Men, along with a dozen or so other artists who now tour at casinos as part of an “Acts of Yesteryear” show. • A smart idea might be to get rid of

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those expired condoms that fall out of my medicine cabinet every time I open it. It just seems best to not chance it. • The educational and/or historical programs saved on the DVR can go, too. I don’t know who I thought I would be impressing when I recorded the threepart series on rubber production in turnof-the-century Indochina. Furthermore, I need to make more room for old television series once I have purged myself of “Gimme a Break” and “The Big Valley”—but not “Mr. Belvedere” because he was pretty much a pompous ass, amirite? • Finally, it’s perhaps time to ditch those comedy sketches that were never produced. I’m probably not going to get back together with those various troupes, like Futons & Milk Crates (ugh), Twins With Benefits (what the hell?) or Fat Guy on a Bike (I still like that one). And that Joan of Arcadia parody is probably not relevant anymore. I expect to be able to complete this purge with ease, since it was more than decade ago I decided I would start purging people from my life. If I was able to purge that friend who wouldn’t stop saying “supposably” then how hard will it be to say adios forever to a pair of hiking boots? And ghosting that distant cousin who thinks Hillary runs a sex-trafficking ring out of a pizza joint was good practice for tossing the multiple pairs of outdated prescription eyeglasses. If, like me, you are tired of the g-d stuff you have accumulated, start purging. It’s OK for you to start with people, too. I know I’m supposed to say something like

“Open dialog is important. Keep those Trump-loving friends around for their perspective.” Well, in the words of a wise internet sage I once encountered—ain’t nobody got time for that! If someone’s only role in your life is playing that acquaintance from high school who rants about which bathroom people use, by all means feel free to purge that person. Part of aging and maturing is deciding how you want live and who you want around while you’re living. Tolerating individuals just because they’ve always been around is no way to go through life, especially since each passing year goes by quicker than the last. The next time you are faced with one of these individuals—whether in real life or on social media—and you start to consider whether or not you want to continue putting up with them, ask yourself the following questions: • “Do I enjoy this person’s company?” • “Do I really care what this person has to say?” • “Does this person share any of my beliefs and values?” • “Is this person a member of my family whom I am unable to extricate from my life no matter how much I would like to and/or a close friend who has more good qualities than annoying ones?” • “Who is this person?” Purge ‘em! And when others give you grief for doing so, instruct them to send their letter to Buddy Early, care of Echo Magazine. Buddy Early grew up in Tempe and has been involved in various communities across the Valley since. He is a former managing editor of both Echo Magazine and Compete Magazine. Community

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business cards For a complete listing of all Echo display advertisers, please see our Lambda Directory. Directory on page 66. To advertise your business here, call 602-266-0550.

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Did you know Echo Magazine offers FREE classified advertising online?

Looking for a job? Browse our classifieds for LGBTQ-friendly postings. Have a property to rent? Post a free classified with us to reach our readers! Visit echomag.com/classifieds for more information.

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San Diego’s LGBT News source

Salt Lake is America’s 7th gayest city. Come see why!

Volume 9 Issue 6 March 16-29, 2018

gay-sd.com

Candidate Malbrough speaks, Nordstrom drops out

BEATING THE ODDS

Dockless bikes in Hillcrest

INTERVIEW

By William E. Kelly Editor’s Note: This is the second in a three-part series. Read the first in the series online at bit.ly/2tGWqD9.

Liz Carmouche, a 125-pound bantamweight women's MMA fighter, is ranked No. (Courtesy of 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu) 6 in the world.

Former Christian rocker comes out

First openly lesbian fighter makes Albert H. Fulcher | Editor In 2010, when Liz Carmouche decided she wanted to compete in the MMA (mixed martial arts) professionally, she did so with a “head on” approach. She was

i THEATER

her way to the top of MMA rankings

told it would take a year or more of training before she ever saw the ring. But the veteran Marine Corps aviation electrician beat the odds, getting her first chance to fight professionally within four months of starting her training.

Now after 11 wins and six losses, Carmouche is currently the No. 6 ranked 125-pound bantamweight women’s MMA fighter in the world.

see MMA, pg 11

Homelessness in the LGBTQ commu

Mayor brings interfaith discussion Albert H. Fulcher | Editor

OnStage Playhouse's "Spike Heels"

DINING

Magic with cast iron

Index Opinion

Classifieds

–GALLUP

Vote for your favorites Page 16

2 NEWS

Calendar

Puzzle

The Interfaith Shelter Network (ISN) has been an effective program for the homeless throughout San Diego County, so far helping 8,000 homeless individuals gain access to resources and services to get their lives back on track. San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer joined the (ISN) in asking LGBT-friendly congregations to join the network and open their doors to homeless individuals at the ISN Summit on March 5 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral. “We know there are a number of LGBTQ individuals experiencing homelessness and they need our help. That’s why we are asking LGBTQ-friendly congregations, who understand their needs, to join our care network and provide a temporary place for them to begin turning their lives around,” said Faulconer in a press release.

nity

to LGBT–affirming congregations

On June 5, San Diego County will hold primary elections for the following seats: county board of supervisors; county assessor/ recorder/county clerk; county treasurer/tax collector; district attorney; county sheriff; county board of education members; community college district members; and superior court judges. In the first of this series, I spoke to Omar Passons and Lori Saldana, two of the six candidates I interviewed who wish to represent District 4 on the San Diego County board of supervisors. Each candidate I spoke to agreed to focus on the challenges facing seniors, and was offered the opportunity to state their priorities, objectives, goals and plans to address and achieve those priorities, as well as share their experience and qualifications. Following are the highlights of responses by candidates Ken Malbrough and Marcia Nordstrom.

Candidate Ken Malbrough

(l to r) ISN Summit panelists, The Very Rev. Penny Bridges, Trisha Brereton, Fernando Lopez, Gary Owen, and Jonathan Herrera (Photo by Albert H. Fulcher)

The ISN Summit discussion addressing the summit. “This panel consisted of The Very is a network that works and Rev. Penny Bridges, dean, with your help and participaSt. Paul’s Cathedral; Trisha tion, I think you will see the Brereton, ISN executive dibenefits in so many ways. That rector; Fernando Lopez, San is why I am optimistic about Diego LGBT Pride executive our opportunities to begin makdirector; Gary Owen, ISN voling a real difference.” unteer; and Jonathan Herrera, Faulconer said that combatsenior advisor on homelessness ting homelessness is about crecoordination for the city of San ating that safe space for those Diego. in need, regardless of someone’s “You all represent the fabrace, color, religion, gender, sexric of our city for wanting to ual orientation, national origin, do the right thing and helpage or disabilities. ing people get back on their feet,” Faulconer said when see ISN,

pg 15

Editorial/Letters

● Opening statement “The county has $2 billion in reserve tax dollars just floating in a cloud of unknown use by county supervisors,” Malbrough said. He said he pledges to “seek community input” on how these reserve tax dollars can best be utilized and would like to see them invested in “chronically neglected or underfunded areas,” such as housing and public safety in underserved communities. “My priority is reducing our homelessness epidemic and addressing this issue region-wide,” he said. “Providing access to health and human services is the primary and more affordable method to avoid the pathway to homelessness and incarceration.” see Candidates, pg 5

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Phoenix Bar Guide

18 10

5th

32nd St.

Bethany Home

24 20

e. Av

3 1 14

12 4 17 13

11 *Map is not drawn to scale

74 60 92

FEBRUARY JUNE 20182017 2018 | EchoMag.com EchoMag.com OCTOBER | |EchoMag.com

LOCAL BUSNESSES BAR GUIDE

ANVIL

2424 E. Thomas Road

602-334-1462

M, D, L

AQUA NIGHT CLUB

1730 E. McDowell Road

602-253-0682

F, N, E, D

BAR 1

3702 N. 16th St.

602-266-9001

M, N, E

BLISS REBAR

901 N. Fourth St.

602-795-1792

M, N, E

BOYCOTT BAR

4301 N. Seventh Ave.

602-515-3667

MF, D, E

BS WEST

7125 E. Fifth Ave.

480-945-9028

MF, D, E

BUNKHOUSE

4428 N. Seventh Ave.

602-200-9154

M, N, L

CHARLIE’S

727 W. Camelback Road

602-265-0224

M, C, E, D

CLUB VOLT

3108 E. McDowell Road

602-244-1465

MF, D, E

10 10

CRUISIN’ 7TH

3702 N. Seventh St.

602-212-9888

M, E

11 11

DICK’S CABARET

3432 E. Illini St.

602-274-3425

M, G

12 12

FEZ

105 W. Portland St.

602-287-8700

13 13

FLEX SPAS PHOENIX

1517 S. Black Canyon Hwy

602-271-9011

M, AO

14 14

KARAMBA NIGHTCLUB

1724 E. McDowell Road

602-254-0231

D, E

15 15

KOBALT

3110 N. Central Ave., Ste. 125

602-264-5307

MF, E, N

16 16

LOS DIABLOS

1028 E. Indian School Road

602-795-7881

MF, R, N

17 17

NU TOWNE SALOON

5002 E. Van Buren St.

602-267-9959

M, N, L

18 18

OFF CHUTE TOO

4115 N. Seventh Ave

602-274-1429

M, A

19 19

OZ BAR

1804 W. Bethany Home Road

602-242-5114

MF, N

20 20

PLAZMA

1560 E. Osborn Road

602-266-0477

MF, N, E

21 21

ROYAL VILLA INN

4312 N. 12th St.

602-266-6883

M, AO

22 23

STACY’S @ MELROSE

4343 N. Seventh Ave.

602-264-1700

MF, D, N

23 24

THE CASH NIGHTCLUB & LOUNGE

2140 E. McDowell Road

602-244-9943

F, C, D

25 24

THE CHUTE

1440 E. Indian School Road

602-234-1654

M, AO

26 25

THE ROCK

4129 N. Seventh Ave.

602-248-8559

M, N, E

MAP CODES: A M F MF

Adult Retail & Entertainment Mostly Males Mostly Females Mixed Male/Female

LOCAL BAR GUIDE BUSNESSES

N R D C

Neighborhood Bar Full Restaurant Dance Club Country Dancing

L E G AO

Leather/Bears Entertainment (Karaoke, Drag) Go-Go Dancers Accommodations/Other

EchoMag.com | JUNE 2018 EchoMag.com | | FEBRUARY EchoMag.com OCTOBER 2015

75 61 93

bar specials

OUT & ABOUT

BUNKHOUSE

Doggies and Drag Show

S $1 drafts & HH prices all day & night

April 21 at Kobalt, Phoenix.

M 7 p.m. Darts with Acxell

Photos by nightfuse.com.

T Latin Night with Diego W 9 p.m. Karaoke T Underwear night: $1 off all drinks if in

For more Echo photos visit echomag.com/2018-photos.

skivvies! GoGo dancers 9 p.m.

F 8 p.m.-close: $2.50 Miller family products. 4 & 6 p.m.: Free-to-join poker

S 8 p.m.-close: $2.50 Bud family products

CHARLIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S S Super HH 4-7 p.m., $3 pitchers; $3 Long Islands open to close

M 2-8 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; 8 p.m.-close, 1/2 off drinks for wearing underwear, $3 Jack Daniels

T 2-8 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; 2-4-1 cocktails & beer 8 p.m.close

W 2-8 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; $3 Three Olives vodka, 8 p.m.close

T 2-8 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestic bottles, $3 pitchers; 2-4-1 drinks open-close

F 2-7 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestics, $3 pitchers; HH 7-9 p.m.; $1 well & domestics, $1 drafts 10 p.m.- midnight

S Noon-7 p.m. 2-4-1 well & domestics; HH 7-9 p.m.; $1 well & domestics, $3 Absolut & Bacardi 10 p.m.-midnight

STACYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S @ MELROSE S $1.50 Rolling Rock & Wells, Open - 7p.m.; Showtime 7 p.m.-10 p.m.; $1 Rolling Rock & Wells; $2.50 Bud Light; $3 Fireball shots 7 p.m.-Close; Happy Hours 10 p.m.-Close

M Happy Hours; $2.50 Rolling Rock ALL DAY T Happy Hours; $5 Martinis & $2.50 Rolling Rock ALL DAY

W 2-4-1 all day*; *no shots T Happy Hours 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $1.50 Rolling Rock & Wells 8 p.m.-midnight

F Happy Hours 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $2.50 Rolling Rock all day; $2.50 Bud Light, $4.50 Pinnacle vodka & Fireball 8 p.m. - Close

S Happy Hours 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; $2.50 Rolling Rock all day; $2.50 Bud Light, $4.50 Pinnacle vodka & Fireball 8 p.m. - Close 76

JUNE MAY 2018 2018 | | EchoMag.com EchoMag.com

Community

M e M o r i a l D ay W e e k e n D @

Fri, May 25 Stacy’S

year anniversary

Sat, May 26

Military Party army, Navy, air Force, Marines, Reserves

Sun, May 27 Stacy’S MeMorial Day FollieS Rainbow crosswalk Party Phoenix Pride 1pm–5pm

Mon, May 28

MeMorial Day Remember Our Service Members Stacy’s Birthday 4343 North 7th Avenue Phoenix facebook.com/stacysatmelrose

602-361-6560

602-264-1700

CHEERS!

Bar Guide (Continued) Palm Springs BLACKBOOK BAR & KITCHEN

315 E. Arenas Road

760-832-8497

MF, R

BONGO JOHNNY’S PATIO BAR & GRILL

214 E. Arenas Road

760-866-19065

N, E

CASABLANCA LOUNGE AT MELVYN’S

200 W. Ramon Road

760-325-2323

N, E

CHILL BAR

217 E. Arenas Road

760-327-1079

N, E

EIGHT4NINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

849 N. Palm Canyon Road

760-325-8490

MF, R

GEORGIE’S ALIBI AZUL PATIO

369 N. Palm Canyon Drive

760-325-5533

MF, R

HUNTERS NIGHT CLUB

302 E. Arenas Road

760-323-0700

D, M

OSCAR’S CAFE & BAR

125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, #108

760-325-1188

MF, R, E

QUADZ

200 S. Indian Canyon Drive

760-778-4326

RETROROOM LOUNGE

125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, #102

760-656-8680

MF, E

SCORE, THE GAME BAR

301 E. Arenas Road

760-327-0753

STACY’S @ PALM SPRINGS

220 E. Arenas Road

760-620-5003

STREET BAR

24 E. Arenas Road

760-320-1266

M, E

THE TROPICAL RESTAURANT & CORAL SEAS LOUNGE

330 E. Amado Road

760-866-1952

MF, R

TOOL SHED

600 E. Sunny Dunes Road

760-320-3299

M, L

TOUCANS TIKI LOUNGE

2100 N. Palm Canyon Drive

760-416-7584

MF, E

TRIO AC RESTAURANT & BAR

707 N. Palm Canyon Drive

760-864-8746

MF, R

WANG’S IN THE DESERT

424 S. Indian Canyon Drive

760-325-9264

MF, R

ROOST LOUNGE

68718 E. Palm Canyon Drive

(Coming Soon)

STUDIO ONE 11

67-555 E Palm Canyon Drive

760-328-2900

THE BARRACKS BAR

67-625 E. Palm Canyon Drive, C7

760-321-9688

M, L

TRUNKS BAR

6736 Cathedral Canyon

760-321-0031

MF, E

Find out what’s going on at your favorite gayborhood bars at echomag.com/ community-calendar.

Cathedral City

Tucson

Join the conversation with #EchoMagAZ. facebook.com/echomagazine

AQUADEC/H20 DISCOTEC

61 E. Congress St.

520-623-5400

MF, D

BRODIE’S TAVERN

2449 N. Stone Ave.

520-622-0447

IBT’S

616 N. Fourth Ave.

520-882-3053

MF, E, R

THE HUT

305 N. Fourth Ave.

520-623-3200

MF, N, E

VENTURE-N

1239 N. Sixth Ave.

520-882-8224

twitter.com/@echomagaz Linkedin/Echo Magazine Instagram/@echomagazineaz

MAP CODES: A M F MF 78

Adult Retail & Entertainment Mostly Males Mostly Females Mixed Male/Female

N R D C

Neighborhood Bar Full Restaurant Dance Club Country Dancing

JUNE2018 MAY 2018 | | EchoMag.com EchoMag.com

L E G AO

Leather/Bears Entertainment (Karaoke, Drag) Go-Go Dancers Accommodations/Other Bar BAR Listing GUIDE

EchoMag.com

JUNE 2018

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57 80

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Jeremy Schachter, Pinnacle Capital Mortgage 3 Kim Chartier, Caliber Home Loans 57

81 80

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APARTMENTS Broadstone Arts District 69 Dolce Villagio Apartments 68 East and West Apartments 70

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RESTAURANTS China Chili 55 Hula’s Modern Tiki 55 Mother Road Brewing Co. 33 RETAIL Off Chute Too

RETIREMENT PLANNING Calvin Goetz, Strategy Financial Group

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Nicholas Yale, Brokers Hub Realty 3 Shawn Hertzog, West USA 3

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TRAVEL Gay San Diego Out Front Q Salt Lake QLife LAS The Seattle Lesbian The Rage Monthly

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WELLNESS CDC 13 FitPro, LLC 70 IGNITE 10 Illumina Helath 11 JWW Fitness 71 Mytesi 21 Southwest Center for HIV/ AIDS 28 TERROS Health-LGBTQ Consortium 36 Willo Medi Spa 71 lambda directory

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