It’s the Most Beautiful Time of the Year!
I’m writing this on Thanksgiving Day. I’m thankful for my loving friends and family, my gorgeous state, my fabulous magazine, my talented staff, our growing LGBTQ+ community and my amazing boyfriend. Life is good.
ION JUST JACK
Last month we featured big muscle daddies created entirely in AI to promote this year‘s Wax A Bear at Anvil raising money for Ripple Phoenix. Check out the photos on page 46. While some might think we are cheating it’s actually the opposite. Since we started 23 years ago, we have featured covers of local residents, local talent, national talent, cartoons, local artist’s artwork and now AI generated photoshoot. Whether you like it or not, it is the next digital frontier. We want to be a part of it!
Now that the election is behind us, we can get back to “normal” life and get ready for the holidays. As a kid, my life revolved around Christmas. I loved the decorations, the anticipation, the parties, getting gifts on Christmas morning. Today, Amazon is my Santa Claus. He doesn’t wait for December 25 to deliver my gifts. It still a fun time to get out and enjoy time with friends and family. As an adult, it gets more difficult to find the perfect gift for your friends and family. This year we asked the beautiful and talented Benaddiction to be our presenting gift guide queen. Check it out on page 26.
Happy Holidays from all of us at ION Arizona!
EDITOR / EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Deon Brown ............................... ionazeditor@me.com
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1995-2024: 29 Years of Design and Creative Excellence
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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.
Sealed with a Kiss
The USPS Honors Betty White with Forever Stamp
by Deon Brown
She was the devious, libidinous Sue Ann Nivens, the “Happy Homemaker” on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970) Elka Ostrovsky on the TV Land sitcom Hot in Cleveland (2010–2015), and also appeared in TV shows including Mama’s Family, The Practice, Boston Legal, The Bold and the Beautiful, Ugly Betty, plus game shows Match Game and Password. But for many fans she will live on as the darling ding-a-ling Rose Nylund from St. Olaf in The Golden Girls. Over her career, which spanned more than eight decades, she received eight Emmys, one Grammy, and three Screen Actors Guild awards. White’s sly wit and ribald sense of humor particularly endeared her to her LGBTQ fans. “I really don’t care with whom you sleep. I just care what kind of a decent human being you are,” she said.
Betty White delivered smiles and laughter to generations of fans. Now the U.S. Postal Service is making sure White will be delivering smiles on a postage stamp next year. The announcement comes nearly three years after her death in December of 2021, when White was just weeks away her 100th birthday.
The postage stamp features a digitally created portrait of White by artist Dale Stephanos based on a 2010 photograph by Kwaku Alston for her autobiography, If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t.) The image shows the cheerful White smiling against a violet background which the Postal Service said “befits her sparkling personality.” USPS described White as an “icon of American television” who was cherished and revered for her performances; however, she considered one of her greatest roles as an advocate for animal health and welfare. She worked closely with the Morris Animal Foundation and the LA Zoo.
The stamp will be sold in panels of 20. And just like Betty White herself, the stamp is “Forever.”
The USPS program is committed to providing a diverse range of subjects and designs for both philatelists and stamp enthusiasts. Gay American pop artist Keith Haring will also be honored in 2025 with his contribution to the art world with his own postage stamp in 2025 featuring his artwork, “LOVE.”
PHX ATTRACTIONS
APS Electric Light Parade
See where your electric bill payments are going in this dazzling mega-kilowatt holiday event! For over 30 years this incandescent parade has been a filament fun-filled part of the Phoenix holiday season. It all starts at Central Ave. at Bethany Home Rd. traveling south to Indian School Rd. It’s FREE!
December 7 from 7-9 p.m.
Phoenix Phoestivus
Join in the holiday fun at this vibrant outdoor market! Over 175 local vendors offer unique gifts, handmade crafts, treats, entertainment, and holiday-themed activities. Celebrate the season while supporting local businesses! 720 N. 5th St. For more info visit Phoestivus.com
December 12-14
Merriment in Melrose
This 9th annual event has become an uptown community favorite! Join your friends for a tree lighting, music, food, and a holiday market with arts & crafts with over 75 artists. On the corner of 7 th Avenue ad Glenrosa … you can’t miss it! Free fun! Saturday, December 14 from 2- 7 p.m.
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
Shining bigger and brighter than ever with nearly four million lights, dazzling displays, brand new Wildlife Lanterns and the return of the tallest floating tree in North America showcasing original music and a synchronized light show! 455 N. Galvin Pkwy. in Phoenix.
Now thru January 12, 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
DJ Matt Suave at Walter Studios
Make your thighs like butter, easy to spread, out there on the dance floor – and we can make sandwiches! Sexy DJ Matt Suave brings his pumpin’ bass, soulful vocals and house music to Walter Studios, 747 W. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix. A Dial-In Production.
December 31 • Doors open at 9 p.m.
Phoenix Symphony “Disco Inferno”
Le Freak! C’est Chic! It ain’t all concertos, mazurkas, and sonatas. Symphony Hall turns into Studio 54 on (minus the cocaine and Liza Minnelli, of course). Stuart Chafetz conducts and Grammy winner Tamika Lawrence take you to Funkytown at Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St. Get your tickets at PhoenixSymphony.org
December 31 • 7:30 p.m.
New Year’s Eve at Charlie’s
Say “¡Adios!” to 2024 and “Howdy!” to 2025 at that lil’ bitty ol’ pissant country place smack dab in metropolitan Phoenix. Adriana Galliano and Piper M’Shay host the evening with champagne, party favors and giveaways. 727 W. Camelback Rd. in Phoenix. #AlwaysAParty
“Midnight at the Moulin” NYE at Stacy’s
“Voulez-vous couchez avec moi, çe soir?” Party in the legendary, louche gay Paree nightclub complete with astounding cabaret performances, ! Enjoy a glass of bubbly at midnight and kiss everyone around you!
4343 N. 7th. Ave. in Phoenix.
December 31 • 7:30 p.m.
Model: Benaddiction
Photography: LeakedGlass
Ding Dong, Merrily On High! It’s that time of year … again! Bust open your purse and break out the credit cards because the holidays are here, and you know what that means: presents! ION Arizona asked the angelic Benaddiction, Miss Gay Western States 2024, to give her blessing and lend a little bit of sparkle and shine to our annual Holiday Gift Guide. Remember, it’s not the giving, it’s the getting that counts. Happy Holidays!
Follow @Benaddictionn who brings a little bit of her own special “Joy to the World” year ‘round.
Stevie Nicks Barbie Doll
She is like a cat in the dark, and then she is the darkness … Barbie’s Music Series honors the LGBTQ idol, “Queen of Rock and Roll” (and Phoenix native)
Stevie Nicks, with a collectible doll created with her spellbinding style inspired by the legendary 1977 album Rumours with a velvety wrap bodice and layered skirt. Plus, it includes her signature tambourine complete with cascading ribbons. $110 on Amazon
MONOPOLY®: RuPaul’s Drag Race
You better werk for the superstardom that awaits in this ultimate game for RPDR fans! Up to six players are put in the heels of the show’s contestants to buy, sell, and trade locations such as Winners’ Circle, Judges’ Panel, and more. Sissy that walk across the board with runway essential tokens such as duct tape or a lipstick tube, then place Badges and Crowns to rack up Ru Dollars. Be the last player to watch all the others sashay away to win!
$45 on Amazon
“Bleep bloop!” R2D2 Personal-size French Press is a perfect gift for an android friend or your family member who loves coffee or tea at the home, office or starship. 6.29”D x 6.69”W x 9.44”H • $49
The R2D2 Toaster lights up while toasting and chirps with authentic sounds from the Star Wars’ archives. Two slices, wide mouth. Gotta love that! 7.17”D x 10.04”W x 10.43”H • $70
Darth Vader Hot Air Popcorn
Popper “I am your father, Luke.” Easy operation, the Dark Lord pops kernels with a 98% success rate. One touch operation. 9.53”L x 9.53”W x 8.74”H • $70
Available on Amazon
Brick Road Coffee
“There’s no place like foam.” Grab a jolt of their java and you’ll make it to the Emerald City in record time – no Ruby Slippers needed. They offer a variety of whole bean coffees to grind at home. Their coffee house also has variety of non-caffeinated drinks, pastries, gift ideas, games, nightly events and more. LGBTQ owned. You’re not in Kansas anymore –you’re in Tempe! 4415 S. Rural Rd. Open daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. BrickRoadTempe.com
It’s About Time Watch Co.
Face it: your trusty Timex or even your Apple watch ain’t gonna impress anybody or ever be an investment piece. Make your wrist shine and turn heads with a Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega or other luxury wristwatches. Fair prices, fast transactions, and hassle free! This LGBTQ friendly watch dealer and trusted source for classic timepieces. They’re on Facebook and @AboutTimeWatchCompany
Grown-up Gifts from the Adult Shoppe
You wanna kiss Santa Claus under his mistletoe? If you’re looking for something to spice up the holiday season, make sure you hop your sleigh and head over to any one of the Adult Shoppe’s three convenient Phoenix locations.
The Male Rose
The number one male sex toy in the world with chargeable cyclonic BJ simulator made to enhance designed to improve solitary pleasure. An ideal adult toy for
Prowler Red
Bondage Puppies
Booted Up is the kinkiest pup in the pack! He comes with an eye mask, gagball, whip, harness, and boots on his back paws. Made out of real leather. 9.5” tall. $60 now half-off.
LUV Puppy Hood
Crafted from premium neoprene, this vegan puppy mask is soft, comfortable and fits snugly thanks to adjustable straps. Explore your creative canine fantasies. Fits most heads. Arf! $50
“I want a hippopotamus for Christmas!” These cute, pudgy animals are meanies, responsible for over 500 deaths a year, sure, but their population is vulnerable. Get this vase instead. This lustrous, white ceramic hippo opens its mouth wide to hold a bouquet and serve as a daily reminder of how much Mother Nature needs us. Measures 7” x 5.5” x 3.5”. Your purchase benefits the World
Tsrarey Sunset Lamp Projector
Enjoy a beautiful Arizona sunset any time of day, right in your own home! This compact lamp brilliantly displays over 21 vivid colors, using RGB+W mode which can be adjusted for more variable colors to meet the needs of users creating a stupendous atmosphere and impact. Color and brightness adjustment, rechargeable, timing function, multiple modes, music rhythm, 360º rotation, USB adapter, remote and app control. 4”L x 2.76”W x 9.72”H $15.99
KyeBentley
Our favorite local wizard and metaphysician, Morgan Pearce, created a place to provide information, guidance and answers for your questions in a community space for like-minded people to come together. They offer an array of crystals, gifts, jewelry, talismans and more. Services include psychic readings, energy healing, and spiritual counseling, meditation classes, plus individual and group reiki sessions. It’s the perfect time to get your holiday hairdo by Jay Foster in his
Selenite, hematite, malachite, opalite, keep it tight!
Seven Chakra Pendant - Balance your energy centers with this eye-catching pendant and keep the bad mojo at bay. • $20 Tiger’s Eye Triple Protection Bracelet - encourage energy, courage, dispel negativity, release emotional stress, gain healing and more with this stunning handmade bracelet. • $25
Harry Potter Grimoire Notebook - “Expelliarmus!” Keep a journal about your adventures, or record magical dreams and spells in this embossed, leatherbound notebook in a variety of color choices with handmade, recycled, acid-free, cotton/ linen paper, and metal clasp worthy of the Boy Who Lived! 8” x 5.5” x 1” • $38
Visit the boutique shop at 3612 N. 16th St. or online.
KyeBentley.com
They say nobody reads anymore … but here we are. You’re reading this, ain’t you? ION Arizona picked out a few new and recent books that will interest the most discriminating LGBTQ+ reader on your list. From movie stars, celebrities, a scientist and a slut and more, we’ve got the perfect read here.
Long Live
Queer Nightlife
How the Closing of Gay Bars Sparked a Revolution by Amin
Ghaziani
It’s closing time for an alarming number of gay bars – but it’s definitely not the last dance in this journey into underground parties and possibilities revitalizing urban nightlife in this dazzling scene of secret parties where queer, trans, and racial minorities culture creatives reclaim the night in a vision of a queer world shimmering with inventiveness, and joy. Also available as an audiobook. Hardcover. 288 pp.
$22 on Amazon
Gay Science
The Totally Scientific Examination of LGBTQ+ Culture, Myths, and Stereotypes
by Rob Anderson
Class is in session, babe! This hilarious book borrows from the science textbook format to skewer ridiculous queer stereotypes, like: Why can’t gays sit in a chair properly? Why don’t lesbians have electricity in their movies? Are colleges turning people bisexual? How does gaydar work? Will bottoms survive the apocalypse? Anderson presents these theories with totally evidence-based homosexual data. It’s all true. Sorta. Hardcover. 240 pp. SRP $25
$19 on Amazon
Disco: Music, Movies, and Mania under the Mirror Ball
By Frank DeCaro
Do the Hustle! This dazzling book shines new light on the songs, styles, and enduring impact of the 1970s musical genre that emerged from Black and Latin queer culture. Disco’s musical and fashion influences still live on. With photos from disco’s heyday through today, DeCaro examines disco’s influence over the last fifty years with interviews with artists and celebrities. A “must” for all lovers of music, style, and pop culture. Hardcover. 240 pp. SRP $55
$36 on Amazon
Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto
Sex and relationship columnist Zachary Zane bares it all in a series of essays – part memoir, part manifesto – exploring his coming out as a bisexual man embracing and celebrating sex without shame through the lens of his self-described sluttiness. From stories of drug-fueled threesomes and risqué Grindr hookups to insights on dealing with rejection Boyslut is reassuring and often painfully funny— a testimony that we can all learn to live healthier lives unburdened by stigma. 240 pp. Also available on Kindle and audiobook.
Hardcover: $18 • Paperback: $16 on Amazon
Starring Joan Crawford
The Films, the Fantasy, and the Modern Relevance of a Silver Screen Icon
Samuel Garza Bernstein, author, screenwriter, and Hollywood historian explores the hardbitten women who suffered in mink that Crawford brought to life in her films and the lasting impact she’s had on popular culture. Crawford played to win, becoming a lodestar to LGBT audiences, and an unforgettable icon for everyone. Well, except Christina. Quality paperback. 312 pp. SRP $45
$38.50 on Amazon
ION DECEMBER 24
Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)
Walter Studios Weekend Brunch (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Karaoke (W)
Karaoke (W) 8pm
Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)
Sazerac Karaoke (W) 8pm
Stacy’s @ Melrose Karaoke (W)
Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W) Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)
Charlie’s Undie Mundies (W)
Sazerac Karaoke (W)
Sazerac
Charlie’s Blackout Bingo / Karaoke (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Rising Star Drag Show (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Rising Star Drag Show (W)
Charlie’s WTF! Wednesdays (W)
Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Communion Goth Night (W)
Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)
WEDNESDAY 4 18 11 25 1
Sazerac
Stacy’s @ Melrose Milkshake Fetish Ball (M)
Sazerac
Thunderbird Lounge Loteria (W)
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025 THURSDAY
FRIDAY 5 19 12 26 2 7 21 14 28 4 6 20 13 27 3
Sazerac Throwback Thursdays (W)
Sazerac / Roosevelt Row First Friday (M)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Dance Party (W)
Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)
Charlie’s Pipin’ Hot Friday’s (W)
Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)
Charlie’s Pipin’ Hot Friday’s (W)
Sazerac/Roosevelt Row First Friday (M)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Dance Party (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Dance Party (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Dance Party (W)
Walter Studios Weekend Brunch (W)
ION PRISM DRAG BALL
ION STREAMING
Transmitzvah
After embracing her female identitity, Rubén rejected what would’ve been his Bar Mitzvah. Now, a famous pop superstar singing Yiddish and Hebrew classics, she returns back to her childhood neighborhood in Buenos Aires after a tragedy strikes years later as Mumy Singer to confront her family and her past. A unique coming of age story. Spanish with English subtitles.
My Old Ass
This comedy-drama tells a fresh bisexual comingof-age tale by asking the question, “What would you say to your younger self if you could give them advice? And would your younger self even listen?” Elliott (Aubrey Plaza) confronts her 39-year-old self who’s chock-full of warnings and opinions about, well, everything.
Get Millie Black
This five-episode series set in Kingston, Jamaica, begins as a missing persons case and evolves into a web of corruption and violence. After a childhood separation, Millie discovers her brother Orville, reported dead, is now Hibiscus. Millie’s partner, Curtis, a gay cop helps uncover more secrets.
GET MILLIE BLACK
“Glad Tidings”
Desert Overture, the Valley’s only LGBTQIA wind symphony orchestra, ushers in the holidays with Desert City Jazz. Get in the spirit with a lively concert featuring holiday favorites, and music magic. Betty Fairfax High School, 8225 S. 59th Ave. in Laveen Get tickets at DesertOverture.org
Sunday, December 8 at 3 p.m.
ION ARTS
Marilyn Maye
Keep your Beyoncé. One of the great talents and a true musical treasure, the Grammy Award nominated, legendary Miss Maye, now 96, brings her smooth jazz stylings of the Great American Songbook to the stage for the holidays at the Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. in Phoenix. Thursday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus
“Lights! Camera! Elves!” The hectic holiday season gets crazier with this musical journey. Naughty elves sneak into Santa’s workshop and tinker with movie projector bringing holiday movies to life. Yikes! Santa ain’t gonna like this! You’ll love it! Herberger Theatre, 222 E. Monroe St. in Phoenix. Get your tickets at PhxGMC.org
Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. & Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.
MARILYN MAYE
ION WAX A BEAR
Photography by: Robyn Haasch
BOYS OF LEATHER
Phoenix boys of Leather
The kinksters at Phoenix boys of Leather hosted their 16th annual Wax a Bear fundraiser at Anvil, benefitting RipplePHX. Attendees enjoyed vendors, bootblacks, a silent auction, raffle baskets and lucky winners of the live auction won the privilege of ripping wax strips off the sexy bears parting with their luxurious fur for charity.
Thank you to all the fabulous donors and volunteers who made the event possible and to the event’s title sponsor, Your Health and Wellness. The event raised over $8,800 to support the important programs RipplePHX provides for our community.
The Phoenix boys of Leather exists to serve, support, and enrich the Leather community. In celebration of their unique “boy” spirit, they gather in boyhood and brotherhood to support our members and to serve their community with respect and integrity, without regard to gender, orientation, or appearance. The boys get together every Thursday at 7 p.m. at RipplePHX at 1423 W. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. They host discussion, social and gear nights. Sing along with them on Karaoke Night every Thursday night around 9 p.m. at Anvil – membership not required.
Phoenix boys of Leather is here to help that boy in you to come out, to flourish, to serve, and to find a safe haven for expression and exploration.
If you’re interested in joining Phoenix boys of Leather or would like more information about membership, visit PBOL.org
ION STACY’S @ MELROSE
ION SAZERAC
Chandler Center for the Arts
NAVIGATION
Use the ION ARIZONA APP for Google Maps turn-by-turn directions with links to UBER & LYFT! DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!
ION FABULANCE
et ready to charge into 2025 with the power of a steam locomotive! The two New Moons (called “Black Moons”) on Dec. 1 & 30 point you in new directions – twice! ¶ Mars retrograde begins on Dec. 6 and this fills you with empowerment. ¶ Airy, flirty Venus enters Aquarius on Dec. 7, encouraging us to be spontaneous and creative with how we express our love. Use your imagination. Jupiter rules December and will be at opposition that same day; this inspires you to find the funny in everything. ¶ Dec. 21 is the Winter Solstice. Find your personal locomotive’s railroad track into 2025. All aboard!
ARIES Mar. 21 - Apr. 20
You can trick some of the people some of the time, but guess what? You can’t trick St. Nick. Look for new ways to connect. Mars gives you extra wiggle room. Just a little bit..
TAURUS April. 21 - May 20
Your holiday dance card is getting full, it’s a good time to check and make sure you’re not double-booked. Intimate details about your personal life are being talked about. You rascal!
GEMINI May 21 - June 21
With holiday parties you’re entitled to bring a “plus one.” This brings lots of advantages after drinking a gallon of spiked eggnog. Saturn warns you against overdoing it. Overdo it anyway.
CANCER June 22 - July 22
You have a reputation for keeping your home cozy. Your erogenous zones are working overtime. The asteroid Ceres gives you that extra push to find extra pleasure. Get it!
LEO July 23 - Aug. 22
We know what you love. You love attention. Admit it. You’re an attention whore. And that’s okay. We all love you. You’re also a little sneaky, but we all know about your foot fetish.
VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sep. 22
Your irresistible charm is, well, irresistible. Everything is magnified and thanks to Venus’s ripple effect, joy surrounds you. Prediction: you fool around with the caterer at the office holiday party.
LIBRA Sep. 23 - Oct. 22
You’re busy with work, parties, and Christmas shopping. Your energy is scattered all over the place. Focus. Concentrate. Avoid misunderstandings. Some are your fault. And an Aries’ fault, too.
SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov.23
You got some hot tea, girl! Do you keep it to yourself? Or tell everyone? The Full Moon in Gemini reminds you that there are two sides to every story. (Just don’t tell Santa Claus. He hates tattletales.)
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 23
Your chestnuts have been roasting on an open fire for quite a while; time to hop in that one horse open sleigh and party! If it’s your birthday, plan on crushing those 2025 goals. Start with a hot glue gun and lots of glitter on NYE.
CAPRICORN Dec. 23 - Jan. 20
It’s Cap season! The Sun heralds this event on December 21, the Winter Solstice. This spurs on your ambition and inspiration. Got a birthday? Bring on those natal day holly jollies and host a Christmas orgy. We mean, “dinner.”
AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 19
You’re experiencing some dynamic shifts choosing between career goals, love, travel plans, money management, and eating an entire Dutch apple pie all by yourself. Choose the pie.
PISCES Feb. 20 - Mar. 20
This is a good time to reflect on your values, beliefs and principles while Neptune ends its retrograde. Values, beliefs and principles can be so pesky. Nothing a shopping spree can’t cure.
