30 Years of Creative and Marketing Excellence!
Where we you in 1995? 30 Years ago, I started a graphic design business in Detroit. I ran it out of a small bedroom in my house with an Apple Mac and a dream. I would design anything from business cards to antique slot machine wheels to pay my bills.
I was then hired by my last two employers to handler their marketing campaigns. I evolved into a full service ad agency. Swiss Pretzel’s 300 restaurants nationwide and Aerodynamics Inc, who handled all of Kmart’s and Little Caesars’ airplanes. Then I acquired the Chrysler Aviation account who had 10 airplanes. Business was so good so I moved my agency to Phoenix, Arizona.
Then came the recession of 2001 and I lost all of my clients. So I evolved again into a publishing company and started ION Arizona Magazine.
Since our humble beginnings, we have evolved again into a full print and digital LGBTQ+ marketing company. Now we utilize social media, web, e-mail, app in addition to producing ION Arizona print & digital magazine.
I want to thank all of my current and past clients who believed in me and my vision. Also, I want to thank all of the current and past contributors. Without all of you, we wouldn’t be here today so thank you for supporting us for the last 30 years!
We have weathered three recessions, a housing crisis and a pandemic. As we start a new year with some political uncertainty, I feel confident that we will survive and thrive with your help. Please support our advertisers so we can keep ION free for years to come.
Enjoy this first issue of the year. Get out, play safe, support your community and have some fun!
Jack M. Tesorero Grateful Entrepreneur
WEB: Zachary Cross / Custom Resumes APP: Steve Sovacki / Biz Burst Mobile SOCIAL MEDIA: Exceed Multimedia
original artwork and photography for ION
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.
Movies Will Never Let You Down
The Desperado LGBTQ+ Film Festival returns.
Movies are like magic tricks. They can make you laugh, they can make you cry. They’re an entertaining and often emotional art form. The secret is that they’re all an illusion.
The Desperado LGBTQ+ Film Festival is a student/faculty club at Paradise Valley Community College dedicated to offering impactful, culturally relevant films. They will be screening independent feature length and thought provoking short films from around the world January 24-26, offering cinematic outreach with socially relevant as well as entertaining films about LGBTQ+ issues. We all need to believe in movies. The ones that make you feel, the ones that you still think about when they’re over.
Don’t miss this year’s festival. Here’s what they’ll be screening and information about tickets and attending the event.
Friday, January 24
7:30 p.m. , 9:35 pm
Director/Writer/Protagonist
Duino
An Argentinian filmmaker struggling to finish a movie about his unrequited first love receives an unexpected invitation to reconstruct his memories, revisit his past, and perhaps even find a new ending to his story.
Guest - Juan Pablo Di Pace,
Feature Films
Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story
A dazzling force who rivaled the likes of Etta James and Little Richard, trans soul sensation Jackie Shane defied convention with her dedication to living her truth. Her music, charisma, and courage shattered barriers. After disappearing from the public eye for over 40 years, this forgotten icon emerges for a long-overdue second act – her powerful story finally taking center stage.
1 p.m.
Bulletproof: A Lesbian’s Guide to Surviving the Plot
An insightful look at queer representation on television and the media’s power to shape how we see ourselves. Witty and fast-paced, filmmaker Regan Latimer journeys on a quest to understand the forces that influence the stories we see on TV. Original animation and personal anecdotes are interwoven with conversations with television insiders, LGBTQ+ community advocates, and people who just love to watch TV.
3 p.m.
SALLY!
Sally Gearhart was a trailblazer, a charismatic force who led the charge in the 1970s and ‘80s lesbian feminist movement, leaving an indelible mark on LGBTQ equality and women’s rights. She inspired thousands with her activism and leadership. Yet, by 2008, her contributions had been all but forgotten, her legacy notably absent from the film Milk. This is the story of a revolutionary figure who cannot be erased.
5:15 p.m. , 6:55 p.m. Guest: Jörg Fockele, SALLY! Co-Director
According to Otto
- US Premiere
Otto Brooks is 16 with a massive imagination and a big secret he’s ready to reveal: he’s gay. Otto has parents who love (and embarrass) him, a sister who wants to change the world, a pop culture-loving Nana, and a best friend, Max, who he’s secretly in love with. Add a school bully, and Otto has a lot to go through before he becomes what he really wants, to be: out, happy, and in love.
7:45 p.m.
Sunday, January 26, 2025
FEATURE FILM
Animal Pride: Nature’s Coming Out Story + Drag Fox (short) and Old Girl in a Tutu (short)
Queer naturalist Connel Bradwell challenges mainstream biology’s oversight of queer animal behavior embarking on a journey to unveil diverse expressions of gender and behavior in nature. He discovers the science behind same-sex parenting in seabirds, hermaphrodite slugs, and the hidden history of same-sex penguin behavior. This documentary challenges conventional wildlife assumptions, celebrates diversity, and demands a rethinking of heteronormative science.
12 noon
Shorts
Stan Behavior; ILY, Bye; Goodbye Tango; Dream Burger; Trans Heaven, Pennsylvania; RAT!; Safety State 1:30 pm
Gondola
A sublime and smoldering tale of love in mid-air. Chauffeuring gondolas that travel between altitude-defying villages — usually transporting cows, people, or even the occasional dead body, Iva and Nino begin their courtship with one another through gentle flirtation. When their burgeoning affair is threatened by their bilious boss, Iva and Nino find a way to exact a delicious revenge.
3:45 p.m.
Born For You
A true story about of Luca, a single Catholic gay man, who in 2017 adopted Alba, a Down’s syndrome child left in hospital shortly after being born. Luca was, in fact, the first case in Italy of a single, homosexual person succeeding in adopting a daughter. But this was not a charitable gesture: he simply wanted a family.
5:30 p.m.
How to
Buy Tickets:
Paradise Valley Community College Center for Performing Arts 18401 N. 32nd St. at Union Hills Dr. in Phoenix. Phone: 602-787-7738 For more info visit DesperadoFilmFestival.com
Bird All Access Pass: $40.00 (on sale until January 10)
Access Pass: $55
PHX ATTRACTIONS
ION EVENTS
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction
This international car auction often features famous automobiles like Hitler’s Duesenberg. Rub elbows with the rich and famous at WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Rd. in Scottsdale. For information and tickets visit: Barrett-Jackson.com
January 16-18
Charlie’s: Dancin’ Thru The Decades
Brush up on the Charleston, the Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Frug, and the Hustle. Claudia B is hosting a party of dance music from the last century. Pussy LeHoot remembers them all! (kidding!) Shimmy on down 727 W. Camelback Rd. in Phoenix. Saturday, January 14 at 9 p.m.
14th Annual Arizona Balloon Classic
Up! Up and away, in my beautiful balloon! The morning sky will be filled with colorful hot air balloons. Rides are available With the right wind you might end up in the Emerald City! Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way in Goodyear. Details & tix: ABCfest.com
January 24-26
9th Annual Doggie Street Festival
It’s an adopt-a-thon and dog party! Treats, vet tips, and resources for pooches ’n’ puppies! Friendly dogs from Affenpinschers to Zuchons and everything in between are welcome. Steele Indian School Park at Indian School Road and Central Avenue. Free! Visit DoggieStreetFestival.org
January 25 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Are You Ready to S.W.E.A.T. this New Year?
By Noah B. Ashner RN, BSN & NASM-CPT Photography by: LeakedGlass
People, especially those of us in the LGBTQ+ community, are connected in a variety of ways online, yet it still feels like the social aspect of social media is harder to find. Offline, people seem to only be growing more and more disconnected.
I decided to do something about it. I’m Noah, a Registered Nurse since 2014 and Personal Trainer since 2020 in Central Phoenix with my partner Preston and our fur baby, Bruno. Fitness has always been a part of my life. After suffering a major stroke in 2019, my active lifestyle came to a halt as I spent years recovering. Thankfully, my 20+ years of exercise experience played a major role in my ability to regain strength and get back to what I love doing.
Incorporating fitness and learning healthy eating habits shouldn’t be hard. Yet, from my years of clinical experience, I’ve seen just how prevalent barriers are. Access to resources, affordability and general knowledge make it hard for people to maintain these habits. Feeling comfortable in a gym or fitness environment can be challenging for people in the Queer community.
I thought, “What can I do to help empower those within it and give back the same courage and strength it gave me growing up, or once I came out, and especially after my stroke?” That’s what inspired S.W.E.A.T. (Saturday Workout Event at ThePark).
My mission is to build community and connection with LGBTQ+ individuals in Phoenix with an event that all people could enjoy at no cost, where we could come together, meet people, get in a great workout and feel comfortable.
I’ve struggled with healthy eating habits, weight, and blood pressure management. I enjoy educating my clients, especially gay men in their 30’s, 40’s. Let’s be honest, it’s also not the sexiest topic to cover, but hey! Someone has to, might as well be the gay nurse and personal trainer who’s dealt with them personally, right?
Here are some tips you can use heading into 2025 to help you feel your best, move a little more, and do what you love for longer in life:
• Want to improve weight, overall diet, and even the time it takes to get ready before a night out? Fiber is key, and most people don’t get enough. Add more vegetables, fruit, seeds, legumes, and whole grains to your diet before reaching for supplements.
• Talk to your provider about your blood pressure and heart. It’s not the sexiest conversation, but a healthy heart leads to better, longer and more satisfying sexual experiences due to the vasculature of our sexual organs. It’ll help to up your stamina in and out of the bedroom? Add a mix of anaerobic and aerobic exercises. Long runs or bike rides or trying a fast-paced workout class (I heard S.W.E.A.T. makes you.. well, sweat!)
• Hips getting tight on you in some “compromising positions”? Instead of stretching, work on exercises that build your groin and glute strength over time. Hip extensions, hip
abductors, and glute bridges are a great start.
• Trying to stay accountable? Go to the gym or fitness class with a friend, and push each other to stay focused.
• Trying dry January or sober-curious? Alcohol negatively impacts muscle production so try to keep it minimal or explore alcohol free options. Try keeping the sugar and calories low and make sure to have water in the mix too.
• New year, new physical! Stay up to date with your doctor visits like physicals, regular medication, cholesterol and blood level checks. Sexually active? Get your check-up for STIs.
• Men: follow PrEP appointments if necessary, regular prostate and testicular exams, plus anal pap smears. Women: annual mammograms, and well-woman exams are important!
• FF: Feeling Flexible … what did you think it was? Be sure you’re warming up and cooling down each workout with a mix of light stretching thrown in to prevent injuries. A brief 5-10 minutes is good for most.
• Want to eat out and save some money? Meal prep! Much like a drag queen doing a park and bark number, it’s classic, effective and we love to see it.
Most importantly, make it something you’ll enjoy and that matches the goals you have! If you truly hate something (burpees, spin class, etc.) then do them sparingly. I myself am not the best at yoga, but it kicks my butt in a great way, so about once a month or so to keep my body learning and growing in new ways.
Don’t Give Up, Keep Moving Forward!
If you’re ready to SWEAT in 2025, I’d love for you to join me Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. at Steele Indian School Park. (near the volleyball courts) No equipment needed, just you, some comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and a friendly attitude. I also work with clients, either in person or online, to discuss their health and fitness goals. My clientele is typically gay men, although everybody is welcome. To get in touch with me regarding individual training, nutrition coaching, or ways to manage your weight and blood pressure. Check out my website or email me directly.
ION JANUARY
Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)
Walter Studios Weekend Brunch (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Karaoke (W)
Sazerac Karaoke (W)
Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Karaoke (W)
Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)
Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)
Sazerac Karaoke (W)
Sazerac Karaoke (W)
Charlie’s Blackout Bingo / Karaoke (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Rising Star Drag Show (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Rising Star Drag Show (W)
Sazerac Karaoke (W)
Charlie’s Undie Mundies (W)
THURSDAY
Charlie’s WTF! Wednesdays (W)
Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)
Sazerac
Stacy’s @ Melrose Milkshake Fetish Ball (M)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Communion Goth Night (W)
Sazerac
Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)
WEDNESDAY 1 15 8 22 29
Stacy’s @ Melrose Communion Goth Night (W)
Thunderbird Lounge Loteria (W)
FRIDAY 2 16 9 23 30 4 18 11 25 1 3 17 10 24 31
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 STREAMING
No Good Deed
A dark comedy series following several couples competing to buy a dream house in Los Feliz, California. As they delve deeper into the property’s history and the lives of the sellers (Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano), they uncover shocking secrets and a twisted murder mystery tied to the home, with the plot revolving around who killed the sellers’ son. Lesbians galore!
Crushing It
This latest hour of comedy brings Fortune’s signature humor to her slice of life tales like recounting standing in as her mother’s husband, her marital experiences, her honeymoon gone wrong, personal growth, and the comedic aspects of daily life featuring interlinked stories with a beginning, middle, and end rather than just joke after joke.
Lady Like
When a lady falls down, she picks herself back up. The fairy-tale life of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 14 and RPDR UK Season 5 star Lady Camden shines in Luke Willis’ intimate and joyous documentary as one of the 5,492 queens Mama Ru has unleashed on the world. As she embraces fame, she’s forced to confront the dark past that drove her to seek the fantasy of the performing arts. Narrated by Nina West.
January 3
The Concert of Kings
Experience the legendary power of music’s greatest icon: no, not Beyoncé — it’s Elvis Presley, featuring three of the world’s finest Elvis tribute performers. You won’t believe your eyes and ears. Elvis has not left the building! That building is the Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix. Tickets are at CelebrityTheatre.com Saturday, January 11 at 7:30
ION ARTS
Phoenix Theatre Co. presents New American Theatre
See how a production goes from page to stage with events that allows artists see their work come alive onstage including: a play reading, two musical readings, two composer-lyricist cabarets, choreography lab, and the 24-hour Theatre Project. Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave. Tickets: PhoenixTheatre.com or call 602-254-2151
January 17-February 2
Ani DiFranco
As one of the most influential and inspirational artists today, DiFranco’s vocals and lyrics have earned her a loyal, dedicated fan base, especially with bisexuals and lesbians. She lends her voice to a wide range of social and cultural causes. She’ll be at the Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St. in Phoenix. Tickets: TheVanBurenPHX.com or call 480-659-1641
Tuesday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m.
ANI DIFRANCO
Chandler Center for the Arts
ION FESTIVAL OF TREES
ION KEN’S ONESIE BAR CRAWL
ION SAZERAC
Looking Good All Over
& All Under
Mounderwear, the innovative athletic wear brand, is kicking off 2025 with a bold new men’s underwear collection crafted by the gay reality TV star and pop sensation On Mekahel whose creations combine fashion, comfort, and functionality, offering men a fresh way to start the year with confidence.
This vibrant line showcases sleek designs, breathable fabrics, and body-positive cuts, catering to men of all shapes and sizes. The pieces feature moisture-wicking materials ideal for workouts, lounging, or everyday wear, seamlessly blending performance and style featuring he gear’s striking logo band and the collection’s matching socks.
For Mekahel, the new year’s offerings are personal. “I want every man to feel their best— inside and out. This collection isn’t just about underwear; it’s about building confidence and owning your power as you step into 2025.”
The gear arrives just in time to support New Year’s resolutions, offering the perfect foundation for men looking to elevate their wardrobes and their mindsets. The line is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a call to action for self-care and self-love. It’s time to redefine what it means to feel good from the inside out— one pair at a time.
Visit Mounderwear.com to order your new look for the New Year.
NAVIGATION
Use the ION ARIZONA APP for Google Maps turn-by-turn directions with links to UBER & LYFT! DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!
ION FABULANCE
s it a “Happy New Year”? That depends. Will 2025 start off like a big musical production with dancers and acrobats and Taylor Swift at Wembley Stadium? Well. Don’t get your hopes up. Here’s what you can expect: Venus sets your naughty parts all a-tingle and you’re on the prowl. Saturn tries to cockblock all that nekkie, salacious fun. Stupid Saturn. Such a wet blanket. Don’t invite her to parities. But seriously, folks, here’s what you need to focus on: spend the first month of the year embracing the experiences you’re having versus the ones you saw on TikTok. Real life is better. Usually. ¶ January 29 marks the Lunar New Year of the Snake. Shed your old skin and transform yourself. And use plenty of moisturizer. Now for those resolutions …
ARIES Mar. 21 - Apr. 20
Resolution: balance your needs with the needs of others. Don’t always put yourself first. Are you “giving” or just “getting”? Ask for what you want – don’t just “take” it. Unless it’s cookies. Take them.
TAURUS April. 21 - May 20
Resolution: Remember those corny posters saying, “Minds are like parachutes; they only work when open.” It’s true. So listen more. Keep your mouth closed more. Maybe your butthole, too.
GEMINI May 21 - June 21
Resolution: This is the year to cement your life’s legacy! That’s a pretty tall order – especially if you’re under, say, 30. It’s all about “choices.” Be careful what you choose. Spaghetti is usually a pretty safe choice.
CANCER June 22 - July 22
Resolution: Don’t take things so personally. It’s not your fault. Mars is in retrograde and your ego is delicate. This is a chance to prove yourself – you don’t even have to take your pants off.
LEO July 23 - Aug. 22
Resolution: Avoid fights, arguments, and altercations. It’s all because Mars opposes Pluto on January 2 and they both know how to stir the turd.
VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sep. 22
Resolution: Practice patience. It’s a Virgo virtue! It’s important to utilize your natural tact and diplomacy because that’s how you get what you want. And you always get what you want.
LIBRA Sep. 23 - Oct. 22
Resolution: Discipline, discipline, discipline! Jupiter opens doors. Dream those dreams! Trust your instincts. Oh! Add a little bondage with all that discipline. Just for fun.
SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov.23
Resolution: Take things to the next level. (What level is that, exactly?) Mars scrambles things up, but just flip your hair and laugh. The world loves it when you laugh. But when you fart? Not so much.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 23
Resolution: harness the transformational energy of Jupiter. You feel like an icky little worm now, but once you emerge from your cocoon you will be a butterfly. Or a moth.
CAPRICORN Dec. 23 - Jan. 20
Resolution: Re-evaluate your values. Jupiter, Venus and Uranus encourage personal reflection. Birthday Cappies manage surprises with aplomb. (Look it up in the dictionary. It’s good.)
AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 19
Resolution: Give in to pleasure. You’re fairly hedonistic anyway. Give in to more. Birthday Water Babies can look forward to being turned on. And on. And on … with others or even by yourself. So buy lots of batteries.
PISCES Feb. 20 - Mar. 20
Resolution: This month you discover your true purpose. You’ve had several of “true purposes” in the past. But this one sticks. And it’s pretty wild. And very “you.” You’re gonna love it! Hopefully.
