I’m here. I’m queer. I’m used to it. Come out, be free and stand proud JUST JACK

This October 11 we celebrate National Coming Out Day. Coming out is the most liberating feeling I have ever experienced. I only wish I came out earlier but it’s never too late. Finally being true to yourself, to your family and friends will set you free. It’s a beautiful thing! Come out to one•n•ten’s Coming Out Day celebration (details on page 9.)

While the world celebrates Pride in June, Phoenix celebrates Pride in October. Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade returns October 21-22. This year promises to be bigger, better, and hopefully drier than last year. This year’s theme is “United Against Hate!” Check out the amazing lineup on pages 68-69. Don’t forget to get your tickets or better yet get VIP Experience access at PhoenixPride.org The VIP Experience is best way to experience Pride.

There are parties and events all weekend long throughout the valley. After the festival, head over to Walter Studios for the official after party featuring the international superstar club diva Ultra Naté.

This month concludes with the unofficial gay holiday: Halloween! This issue features Camp Charlie’s, their biggest Halloween party ever! Check Out the cover feature on page 32. BS West returns with their expanded Halloween party/ Check out “Slash Bash” on page 3. That’s just the beginning. There are amazing events, concerts, theatre and festivals throughout the state all here in this issue.

Come out. Get out and get involved. Make a difference. Be free and enjoy all our growing community has to offer. Use ION to discover your Arizona LGBTQ+ community!

Jack M Tesorero Out and Proud

APP | SOCIAL | VIDEO | MAGAZINE

Locally Owned and Operated!

Vernon Ave., Suite 3 Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-750-1164 (no solicitors) www.IONAZ.com ionarizona@me.com

PUBLISHER / APP DEVELOPER / SALES

Jack M. Tesorero ...................... jacktesorero@me.com

EDITOR / EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

Deon Brown ............................... ionazeditor@me.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR / MODEL SUBMISSIONS

Alex Campos ...................... ionazproduction@me.com

NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863

PHOTOGRAPHERS: LeakedGlass Production Rafalogie Studio

Fernando Hernandez

RSVP Photography

Alex Boutte

CONTRIBUTORS:

WEB: Zachary Cross / Custom Resumes

APP: Steve Sovacki / Biz Burst Mobile

DISTRIBUTION: Paul Sanchez Danny Silvani

Published monthly by

1995-2023: 28 Years of Design and Creative Excellence

© 2023 JMT Designs, Inc.

All rights reserved

All original artwork and photography for ION Arizona Magazine remain property of JMT Designs, Inc, and cannot be reproduced, altered, or sold without authorization and compensation. Limited usage rights can be purchased for a small fee.

NOTE: The views expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect the views of ION Arizona, its staff, or that of its parent company.

Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization within ION Arizona is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organization. To our knowledge, all people photographed and published in ION Arizona are over the age of 18. Some photos were submitted by our readers. To our knowledge, they own the copyrights, and they have given us permission to reproduce them. If you see a picture that you own, please call us immediately and we will remove it from future publications. All copy, text, display, photos, and illustrations in the ads are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized, have secured proper written consent for the use of names, pictures, and testimonials of any living person, and that ION Arizona is not responsible for unlawful use of such content.