'N Touch News Magazine Issue #81, April 2011

FROM THE EDITOR

All Count, All Matter

P.O. Box 17674 • Phoenix, AZ 85011-7674 (602) 373-9490 • info@ntouchaz.com Editor

This will be the 5th year that I have written an article about the murder of Maurice Green in hopes that someone will come forward with information that will lead to his killer. Maurice is not the only murder ‘N Touch has covered, and sadly he won’t be the last. At the beginning of March another young person, Alexcia Salsberry, was shot to death while sitting in a car with her partner. So far, neither of these crimes have been classified as bias-motivated. Although when we get down to it any murder is bias motivated, but that is another column altogether.

So why keep Maurice Green’s memory alive?

It could be because I knew him when I volunteered with 1n10. He was a very upbeat and positive kid, which was remarkable given that he and his brothers and sister had been raised in different homes by relatives and/or foster parents. It could be that I keep his memory alive because in spite of his beginnings, he got himself through high school and into college, was active in Valley theatre and had the drive and talent to make it into the top 30 finalists on American Idol. Maybe it is because I feel he could have been one of the people

we have nominated as for ‘N Touch Man of the Year.

It could be so many things, but it comes down to one thing. Maurice, although he did not consider himself transgender, was dressed as a woman when he was shot in the back and left to bleed out on a Valley sidewalk. Many times the media doesn’t cover murders that involve situations that are hard to explain or that the general public might find “distasteful”. If we want to send a clear message that everyone matters, that no one is unimportant, then we must pursue with a vengeance justice for everyone whether they are a blue-eyed blonde high school student, a child of color, a wealthy patron or a homeless woman on the street. And yes, a young man with a bright future that was dressed as a woman.

Thank you to Councilman Tom Simplot, the City of Phoenix GLBT Citizen’s Advisory and the Phoenix Police Department for keeping Maurice’s case in the public eye.

One day whomever killed him will be brought to justice.

Gina Read

Creative & Technical Director

M. Shelby Blanton

Business Development Director

Tracey Stewart

Assistant Editor

Luis Garcia

Web Programming Assistant

Jason Walsh

Advertising Sales Joseph A Gaxiola, Danny Catt National Advertising Sales Rivendell Media - (212) 242-6863 Photographers Patrick Kelley, Jamie Saragosa, Joseph A. Gaxiola, Danny Catt Writers

Dr Damien L. Brandeis, Jarrod Dill, Dorian Kreiling, Kirk Matthews, Dr. Dina Evan, Jane O. Ross, Dr. Alicia Ruiz, Kyrsten Sinema, J. Ursone, John Thomas Lotardo

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To advertise in ‘N Touch News, call Tracey Stewart at (602) 373-9488.

Publisher

Gina Read

© 2011-15 WriteBrain Productions, LLC, Design & Layout by Lionwood Visual Design.

Published on the 15th of every month ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

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NOTE: The opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect the views of ‘N TOUCH NEWS, its staff, or that of its parent company.

Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization within ‘N TOUCH NEWS is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organization. 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 if 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 ‘N Touch News is not responsible for unlawful use of such content.

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Issue At A Glance ‘N Touch News Magazine Issue #81, April 2011

LOCAL NEWS 6

Maricopa County Community Colleges steps up & out

7

Five years later & still no leads on youth murder

8

Sam Holdren comes home to Equality AZ

9

LGBTQ youth summit in Pinal County

p 8 - Send them to college

YOUTH 15

Act like an adult

p 7 - Green case gone cold

FAITH 22

First Congregational United Church of Christ

BUSINESS 24

p 24 - At the dog wash

Pawzapalooza is much more than dog grooming

FEATURE ARTICLE 28

We made our nominations Now you choose who will be Man & Woman & Group of the year

HERE TO SERVE OUR p 28 - It’s time to vote

ETHICS 37

Dr. Dina turns 69 and explores the ethics of empathy

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 40

John Thomas Lotardo goes one-on-dozens with Divas Marino

725 West Indian School Road, Suite 125 p40 - Vegas Divas are here

Phoenix, AZ 85013 For more information visit www.1vcc.org or call (602)712-0111

FOCUS TUCSON 48

COMMUNITY!

The UofA will be offering a new housing option for students: the Pride Community p 48 - Gay student housing

LOCAL NEWS

Out and Up Scholarship

Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation targets disenfranchised LGBT youth

By Luis Garcia Disenfranchised lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/ questioning (LGBTQ) youth will get the opportunity to improve their lives, through Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation’s Out and Up Scholarship.

“The need for a scholarship like this became apparent a little over two years ago when the Chancellor’s Community Advisory Committee for the LGBT community answered Dr. Glasper’s call to action for Maricopa Community Colleges. He asked what can we do and the response was: ‘Create LGBTQ specific scholarships because we are losing too many of our young people,’” Kathie Gummere, Committee Chairperson and member of Chancellor Rufus Glasper’s Community Advisory Committee, told ‘N Touch News.

Those eligible are young adults under age 25 who have faced nega-

tive responses from caregivers because of their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression and are no longer welcome or living at home.

This includes youth who have run away from or been forced out of their homes and are now living elsewhere, as well as youth who have aged out of the foster care or juvenile correctional systems. For these youth, education is one of the best means for improvement and change. However, it often takes a back seat to finding a new, stable environment in which to thrive. Once established, they are

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frequently more prepared to further their education but lack the financial wherewithal to do so. A scholarship can reduce financial barriers and empower disenfranchised LGBTQ youth to pursue higher education.

The Maricopa Community Colleges provide the educational opportunity for these young adults to transition from being dependent to being independent; from needing to be supported by the community – to being able to contribute to it by obtaining an associate’s degree or certificate of completion and/or transfer to a four-year institution.

The OUT and UP Scholarship Fund will greatly improve their chances of becoming confident, selfsustaining adults, and active, contributing members of the community.

“Several of the Maricopa Community Colleges, including Chandler-Gilbert, Paradise Valley and Glendale, have scholarships that support LGBT students, usually at about $500-$1000 per year. The new Out and Up Scholarship is different in two ways. First, it is District wide, so that a student can attend any of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges. Second, the scholarship is for

$5000 which will, essentially, support the student through two full years—60 credit hours—enough for an Associate’s Degree and/or to be ready to transfer to the university,” says Dr. Steven Helfgot, President & CEO, Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation.

Working with and advocating for their LGBT students is not new to Maricopa Community Colleges, which has one of the most progressive non-discrimination policies and inclusive policy expression statements in the state of Arizona.

Maricopa Community Colleges has Gay-straight alliance clubs at nine of its ten campuses, which participate in community wide events such as Phoenix AIDS Walk, the Rainbow Festival and the Phoenix Pride Festival. All ten colleges offer an open and accepting atmosphere supporting such events as National Coming Out Day, Ally Week and the National Day of Silence as well as hosting many community LGBTQ events throughout the year. While Chancellor Glasper convenes a LGBT Community Advisory Committee to help Maricopa stay connected to the community at large.

Rainbow scholarship at their college. Other campuses produce community art events highlighting LGBTQ artists and their stories, specifically Dear Harvey and The Laramie Project.

Maricopa Community Colleges also offers “Equality Maricopa” a LGcontinued on page 53 >

news / politics / business / opinion

LOCAL NEWS Candlelight vigil for Maurice “Melissa” Green 5 year anniversary of murder

By Gina Read

PHOENIX – In the early hours of March 21, 2006 Maurice Dupree “Melissa” Green, a former member of the 1N10 youth group, was fatally shot as he walked northbound on 35th Avenue at Glenrosa.

To mark the occasion and renew interest in this unsolved murder, Councilman Tom Simplot, City of Phoenix LGBT Citizen’s Police Advisory, Off Chute Too and ‘N Touch News are sponsoring a vigil, March 21 at 6:30 p.m.

“The only way we can stop these crimes from happening is to show that Maurice’s murder is not forgotten, and that the killers will be brought to justice,” stated Simplot, who also donated a $2,000 of his own money as a reward for leads resulting in the arrest of the suspected killer. Another $1,000 was donated

by Off Chute Too, a local business.

Five years after Green was murdered friends and family still mourn the loss of the outgoing young man who always smiled.

“As a mother to my children, and as a mother to the youth of 1N10, the loss of Maurice cuts deeply. He was able to find a safe space with us and came to understand that we wanted to be a part of his family and we wanted him to be a part of ours.

No judgment or criticism, he found a space to just be and be in his own skin. His loss is a wound that will never heal,” Babe Caylor, former 1n10 coordinator, told ‘N Touch.

Green who was very active in

musical theater, performing in “The Wiz” at the Herberger Theater and in other shows at other venues around the Valley, made it to the top 30 finalists on the hit television show American Idol eight years ago.

He loved to dance, majoring in it at Phoenix College and South Mountain College.

Friends and family are baffled as to why Green was killed. Witnesses say the suspect and Green did not exchange words.

According to former Phoenix Police Detective Ira Williams who was assigned to the case, Green, who at the time was dressed as “Melissa”, was walking northbound on 35th Avenue shortly after midnight. Just before reaching Glenrosa, a male Hispanic, 18 to 20 years of age with a shaved head, approached on foot.

The suspect pulled out a gun and shot Green in the back. After the

incident a second Hispanic male aged 18-20 wearing “Dickie shorts” provided the first suspect with a bicycle to flee the scene. The second suspect left on foot eastbound. It is possible both suspects had prior contact with Green.

The candlelight vigil will be held at Cielito Park, 35th Ave and Campbell, just blocks from where Green was shot. Fliers will be distributed throughout the area in hopes of generating new leads. At this time Phoenix Police do not have a motive for the crime.

This is an on-going investigation. If you have any information regarding this case you may contact 602-568-8128, 602-262-6151 or 1-800-343-TIPS. You may remain anonymous. A cash reward of up to $3,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect.

- In remembrance of Green a transitional living space specifically for LGBT youth was named the GreenHouse Project by 1n10 youth.

A coalition led by Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development, Councilman Tom Simplot’s office and ‘N Touch News saw the GreenHouse open in May 2009.

To contact the GreenHouse call 602-264-6035 then dial 28 or 32.

news / politics / business / opinion

ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 7

LOCAL NEWS One-on-one with Equality AZ’s Sam Holdren

By Luis Garcia

Growing up in a small town in rural Central California, Sam Castañeda Holdren’s passion for justice began at a young age. In grade school, Holdren formed a group to advocate for environmental justice. In middle school, he stood up for the local tribal community, calling out the racial inequity he saw in his community through letters and editorials in the local papers. Holdren was never one to back down from a fight when he saw an injustice.

Holdren received his BA in Political Science from Arizona State University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from ASU. While an undergraduate student, Sam worked to build the LGBT equality movement on campus. He spearheaded a successful campaign to expand ASU’s nondiscrimination policy to include protections based on gender identity or expression, making ASU the first state agency in Arizona and fourth

public university nationwide to do so. Additionally, he helped to form Sigma Phi Beta Fraternity, a gaystraight allied brotherhood. Holdren went on to serve as the Fraternity’s first national president, adopting the first ever transgender-inclusive policy among college Fraternities and Sororities, which has become a model for Greek Life organizations nationally. In February 2007 he was hired as the public affairs director at Equality Arizona. He left in 2009. Since then he has been hired as the Public Policy Coordinator for Planned Parenthood and the youth and programs manager at the Wingspan Community Center. He now returns to Equality Arizona in a new role and he sat down with ‘N Touch to tell us all about it.

‘N Touch: Congratulations on your new role at EQAZ. How does it feel to be back?

Holdren: I’m excited to be in the position as Equality Arizona is ready to take its success to the next level.

It’s great to really be able to help build and strengthen our movement in this state. I am passionate about this work, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to serve the community in my new role.

‘N: Tell me about your plans for 2011 and your role as PR Director.

Holdren: Equality Arizona is on the move. Our top legislative priority is the Arizona Safe Schools Act, a bill that would ensure schools are doing whatever they can to combat bul-

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lying, including anti-LGBT bullying.

The Arizona Safe Schools Act would require every Arizona public school to enact a comprehensive anti-bullying policy that specifically indicates bullying based on a student’s real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity or expression will be addressed. All too often school officials ignore their responsibility to protect students from anti-gay bullying. We have seen some serious consequences as a result. Equality Arizona is working to make this issue a top priority for lawmakers, educational leaders and voters.

We are also excited to be hosting, for the first time ever, an LGBT-specific candidate forum for the 2011 Phoenix mayoral race. Equality Arizona is hosting the candidates in their first public forum of the election cycle. We hope the community will attend to make their voice heard on the issues that matter to them.

The forum is scheduled for Monday, April 4 at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. The event will take place at the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix Hotel.

In my role as Public Relations Director, I will be helping to manage our legislative efforts, coordinate the activities of our political action committee, educate the general public through the media, and connect with community members in every legislative district in Arizona to build relationships with elected officials back in their home districts and mobilize our base when necessary.

I’ve also made a personal com-

mitment to work outside of Maricopa County on an average of one day per week. Equality Arizona is a statewide organization working on statewide issues. I am committed to working in the field with the people who are supporting us and who need our support, and that means I need to be connecting with community members in places like Tucson, Yuma, Bisbee, Nogales, Flagstaff and Kingman.

‘N: How is EQAZ different now than when you left it.

Holdren: Equality Arizona is focused. The staff and board have a shared vision for the organization and its role in the movement for equality. As a political advocacy group, Equality Arizona will focus its energy on effecting change at the state and local levels, influencing laws and ordinances that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Arizona. The work of Equality Arizona, the Equality Arizona Education Institute and the Equality Arizona PAC is aligned in support of a comprehensive, cohesive plan to strengthen our movement and build political power for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Arizona.

‘N: How is the climate at the Legislature right now?

Holdren: Surprisingly, our issues have gone further this session than in recent previous sessions. For example, the very first bill this Legislature continued on page 35 >

news / politics / business / opinion

LOCAL NEWS

LGBTQ youth summit in Pinal County Local organizations unite to combat bullying

By Luis Garcia

C.A.R.E., the Central Arizona Rainbow Education, in cooperation with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN Phoenix), Arizona Human Rights Campaign Phoenix, 1n10, and the Trans Youth Family Allies (TYFA), have pulled together their resources to help fight homophonia in schools. Together the local organizations will lead a LGBTQ youth summit in Pinal County sheduled

for April 29.

The planning for the “Working Together for a Better Tomorrow: summit began after C.A.R.E. was contacted by a student at Maricopa High School wanting them to help address the problems of bullying.

“Students were being bullied by name-calling, being spit on, etc.,” said C.A.R.E. founder Christopher Jay Hall. “As many of you may know, teen drop out rates, depression and other issues are high among those who identify as LGBT and we must do what we can to address the issue.”

According to Hall, there are a total of five workshops set for the summit. Three of the workshops will work with local students and the other two are designed to help community leaders get a better under-

standing of bullying in schools. The student workshops will focus on bullying, resources for coming out, and helping them build their local GSA chapters.

“The adult portion of this conference will cover bullying and transgender youth,” said Hall. “What can we do if we know someone is being bullied, what resources could we provide. Often times, the transgender children are left out. Our sexual orientation is not the only thing that is of concern, but our gender identity/ expression is just as important and is often misunderstood.”

TYFA Executive Director Kim Pearson agrees with Hall.

“All children deserve to be respected and to receive a quality education.

We all want to ensure that they have

that opportunity,” said Pearson.

HRC Phoenix Board of Governors member and area representative Kathy Young told ‘N Touch that HRC was pleased to have the opportunity to work with all the great organizations and provide support for the event.”

“Chris contacted me and asked for HRC to lead the Coming Out workshop at the Pinal County LGBTQ Youth Summit,” said Young. “HRC has been involved in making schools welcoming and safe and this is a great opportunity for us to continue that work.”

The Summit will take place at Maricopa High School at 3 p.m.

More information can be found at careaz.org. The registration deadline is April 15.

Calling all high school students of color Conference to focus on student organizing

By J. Ursone GLSEN Phoenix, along with the support of the ACLU, the AntiDefamation Leage, and the Dream Act Coalition, is hosting a Student of Color Organizing Conference this Spring.

The goal is to empower students to be effective organizers and activists and give them the tools to be allies to one another, across identity lines, and build the strength of their actions through a common foundation as they continue to work within the safe schools movement.

news / politics / business / opinion

This full day conference will be held April 2, 2011 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Downtown Phoenix. Lunch and Dinner will be provided for students and the conference is free to attend.

The organizations involved aim to provide LGBT and allied students of color the opportunity to explore student organizing and activism within a framework of multiple and intersecting identities that speaks to the specific issues students face in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference will primar-

ily focus on LGBT and immigrant rights as safe schools issues.

“We are focusing on immigration and LGBT rights as safe schools issues in order to bring the crucial importance of allies and coaltion building to the forefront. It is our hope that this conference will enable students to continue their activist work from a strengthened position of knowledge, understanding, and cooperation,” says Angela Soliz, Program Coordinator, Peer Allies.

Additionally, this conference will

provide students an opportunity to get training from national GLSEN staff, understand the safe schools

continued on page 25 >

ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 9

JUNE 18-19, 2011

FRESH INGREDIENTS Spend the afternoon relaxing at a sidewalk café or exploring the spectacular Rocky Mountain playground.

From urban energy to outdoor adventure, a trip to Denver is two vacations in one. And on June 18 – 19, it’s also a chance to enjoy one of the nation’s largest pride events. PrideFest brings free live entertainment and a parade into the heart of downtown. Plan your trip and get great deals. VISITDENVER.COM/GLBT

AND FRESH AIR

LOCAL NEWS

Asbury United Methodist Church turns 15 Julian Rush 1st openly gay UMC pastor to attend event

By Rev. Jeff Procter-Murphy United Methodist gay icon Julian Rush will speak on the occasion of Asbury United Methodist Church’s 15th Reconciling Ministries Anniversary March 20 at the 9:30 a.m. service. Mr. Rush was the first openly gay pastor appointed to a United Methodist church in the early 80s, shortly after the UMC first adopted language prohibiting “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” from serving as clergy. That prohibition remains.

Mr. Rush served in several churches before being publicly outed by the senior minister with whom he worked at First UMC, Boulder, CO. Rush was then appointed by Bishop Melvin Wheatley to St. Paul’s UMC, Denver, setting off a firestorm in the general church. Rush was later appointed to the Colorado AIDS Project, where he served as executive director for 17 years. â I want the system to be different in the years to come,” says Rush.

“I want my grandchildren to live in a world that is more accepting and affirming than the world in which I grew up.”

Regarding the church’s longstanding statement that“homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching” Phoenix Area Resident Bishop Minerva

G. Carcaño recently wrote, “What violence do we promote in our churches and in society when we devalue our homosexual brothers and sisters?”

On March 23, 1996, having engaged the issues for months, the members of Asbury voted overwhelmingly (92% in favor) to become Phoenix’ first Reconciling Congregation. A Reconciling Congregation is a local UMC that makes a public statement welcoming all persons regardless of sexual orientation to participate fully in its church life. Asbury was only the second Reconciling Congregation in Arizona, and the 112th of the nation’s 36,000 UM churches.

‘As followers of Jesus Christ, we affirm the dignity and self-worth of all people. God calls us as the church to be a community of love, grace, and justice without reservation. In the sight of God we are all one, and in Christ there is no condemnation (Rom 8:1). We are called to be a church supporting each other in achieving our fullest potential, and striving to utilize the spiritual gifts of all persons in ministry, without regard to race, gender, age, national origin, mental or physical ability, economic status, or sexual orientation. “...As a congregation we promise to follow and serve Christ, in union with the church which has been opened to all people. In Christ, God was reconciling the world to God’s self (II Cor 5:19). Having been thus reconciled to God through Christ, we have become [a ministry of reconciliation]. We invite others to join us in our spiritual journey and in our efforts to work for a more just and caring society,” Asbury’s Reconciling Statement of March 23, 1996.

Today Asbury is one of the most diverse congregations in the Valley of the Sun. The church is located at 1601 W. Indian School Rd in Phoenix.

Need a BRAKE? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED FOR NEW TIRES, AUTO REPAIR, AND ALL YOUR OTHER SERVICE NEEDS

North & South Phoenix Glendale Prescott Valley Cottonwood www.communitytireaz.com

602.569.4930 We are proud supporters of the GLBT Community news / politics / business / opinion

ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 11

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS and staff from K-12 schools to come together to network and discuss topics related to the LGBT community.

Lenten announcement

PFLAG has scholarships

Phoenix - All are welcome. Join The

Church of the Holy Spirit for Lenten series on Wednesday evenings from 7-8 p.m. with a light supper at 6.30. March 16 - April 20.

Topic: Spiritual Practices - Recognizing God and the Sacred around us.

We are a community of faith, welcoming all people. We share an understanding of Christian faith that is grounded in hope and love. We care about ultimate issues and meaning in life, and we are committed to sharing our spiritual journeys with one another. We appreciate the beauty of our church, the richness of our liturgy, and the music of our service. We seek a relationship with Jesus Christ in God in which our choices matter and our actions make a difference.

Church of the Holy Spirit 2501 E Cactus Rd. Phx. 602-971-2721.

National Native American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Phoenix - Informational booths, free giveaways and free HIV testing March 18 from 1-4 p.m. at 4520 N. Central Ve., 6th Floor conference room. Guest Speaker: Jack Jackson Jr., State Senator LD2.

Take back the night Phoenix - Take Back the Night is a free community event that focuses on coming together as a community to raise awareness about domestic violence, sexual assault, bullying and all forms of interpersonal violence.

We come together to honor survivors, share stories and resources, and to let the community knowthat violence of any kind will not be tolerated.

Friday, April 1, from 5 - 8:30 p.m. during 1st Fridays at Conspire Cafe & Boutique, 901 N. 5th Street in Phoenix.

For more visit: facebook.com/TBTNEmpact

Teacher’s Lounge Phoenix - Teachers’ Lounge is a professional development opportunity for K-12 teachers seeking strategies that improve safety and inclusion in their teaching practice. Teachers’ Lounge also provides an opportunity for teachers

12 | Issue #81 | April 2011 | ntouchaz.com

Teachers’ Lounge meets at the One Voice Community Center at 5PM. Dates for this Spring are: March 23, April 27 and May 25.

1 Voice is located at: 725 West Indian School Road, Ste. #125, Phoenix, AZ 85013. (SE corner of Indian School and 7th Ave, Phoenix) For more information about Teachers’ Lounge, please contact us at teachers@glsenphoenix.org

Equality Arizona to host Phoenix mayoral candidates Phoenix - Equality Arizona will host Phoenix mayoral candidates for first forum of 2011 election cycle Monday, April 4 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, 340 N 3rd Street.

Candidates will participate in a moderated question-and-answer forum with questions submitted by audience members and pre-submitted by community members.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Audience members may submit questions at this time. Forum begins at 7 p.m.

In 2009, the Phoenix mayor and city council adopted Equality Arizona’s proposal to establish a citywide domestic partnership registry, recognizing the relationships of unmarried gay and straight couples and granting them the right to visit each other in the hospital as family members. An additional advantage of registration is that it could serve as proof to employers who recognize domestic partnerships for family health benefit purposes.

New LGBT caregiver support group Phoenix - Duet is offering a new monthly LGBT Caregiver Support Group. Community awareness is important in order to reach older members of the LGBT community who might not otherwise feel empowered or connected to the resources and services available to them.

Meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 4 -5 p.m. at Once Voice Community Center, 725 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix.

Call Donna at 602-274-5022 for information or visit duetaz.org The support group is free and open to the public.

Phoenix - Scholarship season is underway and now is the time for all students who are graduating high school this year or who are already in college to be applying for all the FREE MONEY that is available via scholarships. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students (and in some cases, our straight ally students) can apply for special scholarships just for them.

Each organization has their own application deadlines and submission requirements, so be sure to check for that information at each source!

PFLAG Phoenix has two (possibly more) scholarships available this year: The Boots & Ray Reed Scholarship ($1,000) The Dowers Family Scholarship (either a $1,500 scholarship, two $750 scholarships, or three $500 scholarships as determined by the Dowers family) The application submission deadline for PFLAG Phoenix is April 15. Go to pflagphoenix.org

Coming out over 40 Tucson - Coming out - and all the questions concerning sexuality and identity that often accompany it - can be scary and confusing at any age. For those who are middle age or older, it can seem like a nightmare.

Wingspan has started a support group for those coming out after 40. The next meeting is planned for 6 p.m. Monday, March 21, at Wingspan. The intent is to meet every two weeks.

Interested individuals can email Judy at jes. grg@gmail.com

Let It Shine rally!

Tucson - The Wingspan Anti-Violence and Youth and Family Programs will host the third annual Let It Shine! rally on Friday, April 8, at Wingspan, 430 E. Seventh St., to raise awareness on issues of violence affecting LGBTQ and allied youth.

The event includes a Resource Fair, from 6 to 7 p.m., where local organizations serving youth will be present to offer information and referral services, and a program, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., featuring guest speakers, youth stories, performances and music. It’s open to youth and community members interested in creating a safer environment for all youth.

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LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS For more information, or if you wish to participate in the Resource Fair, please contact Melissa Mathis at mmathis@wingspan.org.

Obama and LGBT Issues: Where do we go from here?

Tucson - Chicagoan Tracy Baim will discuss “Mid-term Report Card: Obama and LGBT Issues” Tuesday, April 5, at the Pima County Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave., in the Lower Level Room (LL1). A reception starts at 5:30 p.m.; the program, at 6 p.m.

The event is co-sponsored by Wingspan and the University of Arizona Institute of LGBT Studies.

Admission is free.

Baim is the author of the new book “Obama and the Gays: A Political Marriage,” the first thorough history of Barack Obama’s interaction with the LGBT community, from the mid-1990s onward.

“It is widely acknowledged,” Baim says, “that the role of gays” (a term she uses to represent all LGBT people) “in the United States, including their role in mainstream politics, has been left out of most history books - but the omission is particularly egregious for the 2008 election.”

Baim will also speak at 1 p.m., Monday, April 4, in the Copper Room, UA Student Union, on

news / politics / business / opinion

“LGBT Media: Out of the Closet and Into the Newsrooms.” For more information, visit the UA Institute for LGBT Studies website at www.lgbt. arizona.edu Baim is co-founder and publisher of Chicago’s Windy City Times, one of the oldest and most honored weekly LGBT newspapers in the U.S. She has covered a wide range of LGBT political issues for more than 25 years, including intensive reporting on Obama since his first run for office in Illinois. She was the producer of the lesbian feature film “Hannah Free,” starring Sharon Gless (2008, Ripe Fruit Films), which screened at The Loft last year as a Wingspan fundraiser.

Project ALLY Tucson - SAAF is pleased to announce that Project ALLY (Arizona’s Life Links for Youth) has joined the youth programming portion of SAAF’s Prevention Department. In collaboration with Wingspan’s Eon Youth Lounge, SAAF will utilize the Project ALLY grant for youth leadership development in the effort to reduce the rate of attempted and completed suicides among Arizona’s youth, mainly focusing on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, 14-24 years of age, in Pima and surrounding counties.

Project ALLY LGBTQ and allied youth leaders

will receive training to increase their awareness of risk and protective factors and the need to break codes of silence surrounding LGBTQ youth suicide, while not sensationalizing or memorializing youth suicide attempts and/or completions. Additionally, youth leaders will be encouraged to engage in conversations and provide support to their peers, utilizing the knowledge and skills they have cultivated with the support of Project ALLY. Project ALLY is funded by a sub-grant from Arizona Department of Health Services, Division of Behavioral Health Services (ADHS/BHS) as a part of Arizona’s Suicide Prevention Project, which is a collaborative effort between ADHS/ BHS, Arizona State University Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center receives funding through Garret Lee Smith Memorial Grant.

For more information go to saaf.org

ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 13

YOUTH

Act like an adult - speak with love

By Michael Weakley, Director of Programs, 1n10, Inc. Before I start my weekly rant on what I love about the youth community, I wanted to give props to my girl, Jen Workman. She is the author of last month’s article and she deserves proper recognition for the hard work and dedication she gives daily to all the youth a 1n10.

Jen is always the highlight of my week, she keeps all of us in check at 1n10 to ensure that we are always hearing the needs and the voice of our LGBTQ youth. Her article last month was quite amazing and I am thrilled everyday to get to work with her at 1n10.

Many times when the youth are pushed into a corner or have to defend themselves because of a mistake they made or because they said something that was out of line, I often hear the response “treat me like an adult” and more than often my response is “well, then act like an adult”. I have come to question in my own experience and through my own mistakes, what “being an adult” means. By no means am I trying to say I get it right, lord knows I count my mistakes at the end of the day before I count my accomplishments, but I wonder, what kind of example are we, the supposed “adults” of the LGBTQ community, setting?

It seems lately everywhere I turn lately there is gossip about so and so, or “that ED said this or that employeer said that”, or “can you believe how she acted” and “that organization is going under…” the list goes on and on. Some things are valid and some opinions are valuable, but more often than not, people are just spreading rumors, gossip and stories to fulfill some undermining ego. Now, I am the first to admit that certain things have needed to be said about certain actions in our community and there are proper channels for everything, including outlets that harbor respect for both the accused and the accuser, I am not talking about those issues, I am talking about the petty issues in our community that keep us from moving forward.

For example, I recently attended a poker game and noticed how a news / politics / business / opinion

quiet young man was being ignored by everyone at the table. No one would speak to him, look at him or interact with him in any way. They all knew each other and to my understanding, everyone was still on speaking terms. What I was to find out later is that a love triangle developed years ago and this young man sitting at the table (the gay tree doesn’t have many limbs) was one of the three. Someone else, not even involved in the long ago triangle voiced his disapproval for the young man, and the minions chose to obey this social master and followed through with the avoidance of the young man. My fury with the whole situation is that I too gave into it. I cared enough to think about it and wonder, why were these “adults” acting that way and what sort of role models is our community creating?

Is it even a fair statement when I say to my youth “act like an adult” because I can’t even pinpoint what that means anymore.

What I want for us to do, including myself, is to think before we act and speak with love when we react.

I want us as a community, to be a community. To understand that those of us will make mistakes, but mistakes are forgivable, that organizations will meet good times and we should celebrate those times but some will meet hard times and we should pull together when this happens as well. We should all work toward the same basic, civil rights for all of our people, and we should support those in our community who need support and celebrate those who need celebration.

Arizona LGBTQ is not a franchise or a corporation, we are a

community. We must show the next generation, our current youth generation how valuable of a partnership we want to create to continue to move our cause forward.

We must stop the petty arguments, insults and opinions behind each other’s backs, we must bring forward issues we have with people, agencies etc. move on, move forward and see what best fits the needs of OUR community. At the end of the day, each and every one of you

are my brothers and my sisters and I value our relationships, even if we don’t always see eye to eye. Show this power, this determination, this forgiveness to our next generation through your actions. Speak with love and love with be spoken to you.

1N10: Fun, safe, & free programs for LGBT Youth & Allies ages 1424. A place where LGBTQ & Allied youth can be themselves, be empowered, and build community. So come and meet friends, hang out, get support & resources. Just show up or call/TXT 602-754-1175.

For information on 1n10 and their services, go to 1n10.org, myspace.com/1n10youth or facebook. com/1n10.org ‘N Touch is happy to donate this space to 1n10, an organization that helps countless young people, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and straight.

ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 15

NATIONAL NEWS Flour Bluff High School Backers of CA gay acknowledges GSA marriage ban dismiss has right to meet Obama stand CORPUS CHRISTI, TX –

The Board of Trustees of Flour Bluff Independent School District in Corpus Christi, TX granted permission March 8 to students to form a GayStraight Alliance (GSA) club on the campus of Flour Bluff High School after the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Texas had intervened on behalf of Nikki Peet, a high school student who had been denied permission to start the club.

The school had previously threatened to prevent all extracurricular groups from meeting rather than allow the GSA to form.

GSAs are student-run extracurricular clubs that bring together lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight students to support each other and promote tolerance, and are common in public school districts throughout Texas and the nation.

“I’m so glad that the school board is doing the right thing and letting us meet just like any other club at school,” said Peet. “It shouldn’t have taken this long and this much struggle to start a club whose purpose is to make our school a safer space for all students.

We can’t wait for the first meeting.”

Peet first approached Principal James Crenshaw in November 2010 with a request to form a GSA. In response, Crenshaw asked her to change the club’s name and mission.

She submitted a revised proposal in January 2011, which the school again denied. The ACLU sent a notice letter which said that denying the GSA the ability to meet would violate the

First Amendment and the Equal Access Act, which requires schools to treat extracurricular clubs equally.

“Public schools should promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity, rather than discrimination,” said Christine P. Sun, senior counsel with the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project.

Students and activists from around the country have expressed support for Peet and for the GSA. A petition circulated by Change.org garnered over 54,000 signatures, and local activists held a rally outside of the school on March 4. Though the school district has yet to confirm the decision in writing, the school board voted to allow all extracurricular clubs, including the GSA, to meet on campus for at least the remainder of the school year following a four-hour closed session meeting on March 8.

“The outpouring of support for Nikki and for the GSA shows that there is a real need for clubs like this to help young people feel safe and secure about who they are,” said Lisa Graybill, Legal Director for the ACLU of Texas.

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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -

Lawyers for sponsors of California’s gay marriage ban said Monday the Obama administration’s refusal to defend a federal law prohibiting government recognition of same-sex marriages has no bearing on the state law.

As a result, the attorneys said they are urging a federal appeals court to keep blocking same-sex unions while it considers the constitutionality of the ballot measure known as Proposition 8.

In papers filed with the 9th Circuit panel handling the case, they argued that the administration’s decision to keep enforcing the Defense of Marriage Act until it is struck down by the courts or repealed by Congress actually bolsters their contention that the state ban should remain in effect during the appeals process.

“Far from undermining the stay, the Obama administration’s decision to maintain the status quo and not disrupt the operation of (the act), which has been duly enacted into law, confirms the soundness of this court’s conclusion that Proposition 8 likewise should not be precipitately suspended

prior to a final judicial interpretation that such action is constitutionally required,” lawyers Andrew Pugno and Charles Cooper wrote.

The March 7 filing comes in response to a move by lawyers for the two gay couples who sued to overturn Proposition 8 to persuade the appeals court to revisit the hold now that it is unlikely to render a decision in the case until next year.

California Attorney General Kamala Harris joined the couples March 4 in asking the panel to lift the hold on the lower court’s order. Citing Obama’s change of position among other factors, she argued that gay marriage should be allowed to resume in California because the coalition of conservative and religious groups that sponsored Proposition 8 were unlikely to prevail in their appeal.

The coalition’s lawyers derided that assessment, maintaining the rationale for keeping the voter-approved ban in effect is the same now as it was last summer, and calling the gay couple’s request “little more than a thinly disguised effort to re-litigate the stay.”

The 9th Circuit does not face a deadline for deciding the hold issue.

Its consideration of the broader constitutional case has been postponed until the California Supreme Court weighs in on whether state law gives ballot proposition sponsors the right to defend their measures in court, a process that could take until the end of the year.

news / politics / business / opinion

NATIONAL NEWS

Gay couples sue govt. for immigration descrimination

By Liz Goodwin WASHINGTON (The Look Out) - Emboldened by the Obama administration’s announcement they will no longer defend part of the Defense of Marriage Act in Court, an immigration rights group is trying to put together a case to sue the federal government for preventing married gay people from sponsoring their spouses for citizenship.

Heterosexual Americans can apply for their foreign-born spouses to become citizens, but gay Americans cannot, even in states where gay marriage is legal.

Erwin de Leon, a public policy PhD student originally from the Philippines, told The Lookout that even though he’s married to his partner of 13 years, he faces the prospect of having to leave the United States when his student visa runs out. In a bizarre twist, de Leon’s mother--who married a male U.S. citizen--is now trying to sponsor her son for a green card, since De Leon’s own husband cannot.

“She met my step-dad, fell in love, got married and since he happens to be an American citizen, she got sponsored and in three months got a green card,” de Leon said of his mother. “And now she’s sponsoring me but it could take about 12 to 15 years for her petition to come through.”

“If gay marriage were recognized federally, I’d be a citizen by now.”

According to the UCLA’s Williams Institute, there are 36,000 binational same-sex couples-where one person is a immigrant and the other a U.S. citizen--in the country.

The group Immigration Equality is now gathering plaintiffs such as de Leon to argue in federal court that the Defense of Marriage Act, which says the federal government only recognizes marriage between men and women, is discriminating against gay immigrants. Immigration Equality Executive Director Rachel Tiven said the plaintiffs will most likely file the case in the Second U.S. Circuit, which covers Vermont and Connecticut, where gay marriage is legal, and New York, where gay marriages performed in other states are recognized.

Tiven said the yet-to-be-chosen plaintiffs will most likely be binational couples who live in the United States, even though her organization also hears frequently from binational couples who are forced to live in other countries after their petitions for legal residency were denied.

In the meantime, the group is asking the Department of Homeland Security to stay deportations in cases where a person was denied residency because the federal government wouldn’t recognize his or her same-sex marriage. Once a person is deported from the United States, he or she may not return for 10 years. news / politics / business / opinion

Such is the problem facing Edwin Echegoyen and Rodrigo Martinez, another D.C. couple who married last year when gay marriage became legal in the district. Martinez came to the United States from El Salvador on a visitor’s visa eight years ago. He was issued an Order of Removal by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers several years ago, but Echegoyen was not allowed to attempt to sponsor Martinez. Martinez turned himself into ICE agents today, and will most likely be held in a detention center and then deported.

(Even for straight immigrants who marry U.S. citizens, it can be very difficult to get legal status if they overstayed a visa or are otherwise in the

country illegally.)

Martinez’s lawyer Lavi Soloway told the Lookout that because the Obama administration finds DOMA unconstitutional, federal officials should not use it as a reason to deport people. “Now all three branches of government are moving in a direction towards the elimination of this law, and it’s the only thing that stands between Rodrigo and being able to stay with his husband,” he said.

Challenges to DOMA are making their way through the federal court system and may soon be heard by the Supreme Court. Some Democratic politicians have endorsed ending DOMA, though it doesn’t seem likely to happen soon. Obama said he thinks civil unions, not marriage, is a more appropriate union for gay couples, though he also said that position is “evolving.”

Local news channel 9 News Now has a video report, below, on Echegoyen and Martinez. (Note: the reporter mistakenly says the Obama administration is no longer enforcing DOMA. That’s incorrect; the administration is still enforcing the law but no longer defending it in court, instead inviting Congress to take up the defense.)

ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 17

WORLD NEWS

New guidelines state rights for transgender prisoners LONDON - New Ministry of Justice guidelines set out rights for transgender prisoners, including what they may wear and how prison staff should treat them.

The rules, which came into force March 14, tell prison officers that they must allow trans prisoners to wear make-up, gender appropriate clothing and prostheses, such as bra inserts.

The document says: “An establishment must permit prisoners who consider themselves transsexual and wish to begin gender reassignment to live permanently in their acquired gender.

“Transsexual people, particularly those who have not undergone surgery or extended hormone therapy, may use various items to assist with their presentation in their acquired gender. These can range from sophisticated prostheses to padded bras.

“Regardless of their level of sophistication, access to them can only be restricted in exceptional circumstances.

“These items may only be prohibited when it can be demonstrated that they present a security risk which cannot be reasonably mitigated.”

Transgender people who are undergoing medical treatment to change sex are required to live in the sex they are changing to for a period

news / politics / business / opinion

of time. This is known as real life experience or real life test.

The guidelines say trans prisoners will be permitted to order appropriate clothes at their own expense and staff should address them by their chosen names and titles. Prison officers must currently address inmates as Mr, Miss or Ms. Trans women who are legally recognised in their new gender must be placed in female prisons unless there are security reasons not to do so, the document says.

Those who have not yet acquired a Gender Recognition Certificate will not automatically be placed in the appropriate prison. Instead, the document says, a meeting will be held to determine where they should be placed.

Rules say: “This is a legal issue rather than an anatomical one, and under no circumstances should a physical search or examination be conducted for this purpose.”

Trans campaigners estimate that there are between 20 and 30 trans individuals in UK prisons at any time.

Trans star Dana International returns to Eurovision

LONDON - Transgender singer Dana International is to represent Israel again in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

The 39-year-old star, real name Sharon Cohen, will perform her new song Ding Dong in the competition.

She won the contest for Israel in

1998 and since then, has released eight albums, making her one of the country’s most successful pop acts.

Israeli television viewers selected her to represent them this week.

After the results were announced, she told the Yediot Aharonot newspaper: “I’m crazy about this country.

I love everyone and I’m really happy to have been given another opportunity to bring the Eurovison back to Israel.”

Eurovision will be held in Germany this year.

In 2009, the final of the contest was held in Moscow.

Gay rights campaigners including Peter Tatchell were arrested after staging a march in the same week to highlight homophobia in the Russian capital.

ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 19

Charity Chili Cook-Off @ Woody’s Bar, Tucson

Sunday Afternoon Fun @ Kobalt Bar, Phoenix

H.E.R.O. Protests the Love Won Out Conference @ Church for the Nations, Phoenix

FILM

Queer Film Series Presents: Fabulous! The Story of Queer Cinema Presented by U of A Pride Alliance

Tucson - Join Pride Alliance as they bring a close to the Spring 2011 Queer Film Series, celebrating the history of queer cinema with Fabulous! The Story of Queer Cinema, Wednesday, March 30 at 7 p.m.

What better way to finish out

news / politics / business / opinion

this fabulous semester than with Fabulous! The Queer Film Series features films throughout the semester dealing with controversial themes pertaining to the LGBTQ Community.

Controversially considered to have begun in 1947 with Kenneth Anger’s Fireworks, Fabulous! The Story of Queer Cinema is a chronological look at films by, for, and about queer people in the US. Coined by B. Ruby, the New Queer Cinema is a close examination of the LGBTQ community’s various firsts, movements, and triumphs: experimental films, indie films, sex on screen, outlaw culture and bad guys, lesbian lovers, films about AIDS and dying, activism, emergence of romantic comedy, transgender films, films about diversity and various cultures, and then mainstream Hollywood

drama.

This film features close interviews with Todd Haynes, Gregg Araki, Gus Van Sant, those who were there when queer history manifested itself through cinema. There are also appearances from queer figures in Hollywood such as Jane Lynch, John Cameron Mitchell, John Waters, and more.

Along with the film, LGBTQ Affairs and ASUA Pride Alliance are proud to feature Professor and Associate Director of the School of Theatre, Film & Television at the

University of Arizona, Beverly Seckinger. She is also a founding member of the university’s Institute for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Studies, and since 1993 has served as director of the Lesbian Looks Film & Video Series. She is also known for her award winning documentary Laramie Inside Out. This film is brought to you by the University of Arizona’s LGBTQ Affairs and ASUA Pride Alliance.

For more information on the screening, please visit deanofstudents.arizona.edu/LGBTQaffairs

FABULOUS! The Story of Queer Cinema Wednesday, March 30th, 2011, 7:30pm, Free University of Ariona SUMC, Gallagher Theatre

ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 21

religion

A Journey of Faith

By George Burson When you are gay and looking for a spiritual home, it tends to be difficult to find a church that will accept you as you are. My partner David and I were cradle Catholics and over the years, we have been involved in various ministries. While the Catholic communities that we have belonged to have accepted us for the most part, the teachings of the Catholic Church does not accept active homosexuals and we are not about to live a celibate life to conform.

In 2003, we decided that the time had come for us to begin exploring other churches that were more accepting of gays and our journey began.

As we explored various denominations we found far greater acceptance, but there still very often seemed to be conditions and limitations or the worship structure was very different than what we enjoyed. Finally frustration set in and we decided to give up our search and spend Sunday mornings at home.

Recently we moved to central Phoenix from the west valley and decided to begin our search again. We had thought about trying some of the gay churches in town but opted to try some more mainstream churches where the congregation would offer a mix of backgrounds and sexual ori-

22 | Issue #81 | April 2011 | ntouchaz.com

Pictured L-R: David Samora, Rev. Dr. Stephen E. Wayles, Rev. Jarrett Maupin, George Burson. entations. We had tried a couple of churches that people had recommended to us and on Christmas Eve decided to try the First Congregational United Church of Christ. We didn’t know much about the church, however much to our surprise, we found exactly what we were looking for!

We walked into what looked like a very charming but traditional church and found anything but a traditional congregation.

We have never had so many people come over to us to greet and welcome us to a church. There was a very visible LGBT presence, but many of the people welcoming us included older heterosexual

couples who had been members for 40 or 50 years as well as young families. We even ran into several friends who we did not know attended the church.

We decided to return to the church the following Sunday and began doing some homework on this church that seemed too good to be true.

In looking into the history of the church, we discovered that the forebears of the UCC were the pilgrims arriving in America in 1620. In 1785, Lemuel Haynes was ordained the first African American minister in the United States by the Congregational Church. In 1853, Antoinette Brown was ordained the first female minister by the Congregational Church. In 1957 the Evangelical, Reformed and Congregational churches joined to form the United Church of Christ.

In 1972, The UCC ordained William R. Johnson, the first openly gay minister in a Christian Church in modern times.

The church has obviously had a long tradition in the fight for social justice, and is a welcoming home for the disenfranchised of all walks of life. For David and I, this is what “church” truly is about.

For the last 18 years, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Stephen E. Wayles, who is openly gay, the First Congregational UCC has been in the fight for gay rights, civil rights and immigration rights. It is a church that welcomes everyone equally. Groups meeting at the UCC include PFLAG, Hispanic PFLAG, 1n10, Desert Overtures, and Full Circle Women’s Choir. The church is involved with the Interfaith Cooperative Ministries and Habitat for Humanity.

Rev. Wayles feels that at UCC “we take the bible too seriously to take it literally” and that faith in God is demonstrated by how we treat others especially those that are different from ourselves.

The church with over 400 members is comprised of approximately 60% heterosexual and 40% from the LGBT community. The church was the first integrated church in Phoenix. The church also performs gay commitment services.

Services are held on Sunday morning at 10:30.

This is a service that incorporates traditional, contemporary and secular music sung by a great choir.

If you prefer non traditional services, the church has recently begun an alternative service under the leadership of Rev. Jarrett Maupin on Sunday evening at 6. This service was begun as an outreach to people who have been rejected from churches or don’t feel comfortable in a traditional church setting.

You can find out more about the First Congregational United Church Of Christ by going to phoenixucc.org and ucc.org.

The First Congregational United Church of Christ is located at 1407 North 2nd Street in Phoenix, AZ. news / politics / business / opinion

2011 AGRA Roadrunner Regional Rodeo @ Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, Chandler

1n10 2011 Fresh Spring Brunch @ Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel

Gay Chambers

Information

BUSINESS

Pawzapalooza

Grooming, unique pet food/accessories, and home to Sweetie Pawz ice cream

By J. Ursone

Phoenix Gay Chamber

Lunch Networking April 1 from 11a.m.-1 p.m. at the Point Hilton. .

You must RSVP by emailing lunch@phoenixgaychamber.com

Evening of Pride

April 8 from 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm at the Radisson.

RSVP to rsvp@phoenixgaychamber.com

Board of Directors Meeting The GPGLCC Board of Directors meets every month on the second Wednesday at 8 a.m.

Members are welcome to attend the meeting.

If you wish to address the board, you must do so in writing by emailing Tony Felice at development@gpglcc.org and by calling in advance 602-237-5572.

Tucson Gay Chamber

Breakfast Meeting

Breakfast Meetings will be held the third Thursday of the month at The Manning House, Lavender Ballroom, 450 W Paseo Redondo # 212 in Tucson.

Go to tucsonglbtchamber.org for more info and to rsvp.

24 | Issue #81 | April 2011 | ntouchaz.com

To compare Pawzapalooza to a dog grooming service is like comparing Baskin Robins 31 Flavors to a gallon of vanilla ice cream - there is just so much more to it.

Pawzapalooza offers a self-service dog wash, professional grooming, unique pet gear, premium pet foods as well as owner Rick Jackal’s homemade dog ice cream “Sweetie Pawz” and Sedona Natural Liver Treats.

Opened in November 2009, Jackal’s vision is to offer top quality pet products and services to help pet owners be the best parent possible.

“I’ve always loved animals and had pets growing up. In 2001, my Golden Retriever, Bailey was diagnosed with Valley Fever and that changed my approach to her health and nutrition. I started cooking her food and dehydrating beef liver for treats and making dog ice cream. I gave them to friends and co-workers for their pets and they were a hit with everyone.”

From there Jackal began attending pet trade shows and collecting product information and establishing vendor relationships. When his 15+ year career in corporate America ended he knew exactly what he wanted to do. As luck would have it, a former dog wash became available and with some minor repairs and fresh paint Pawzapalooza was open for business three weeks later.

Pawzapalooza offers spacious, spa style tubs that are at a comfortable height for bathing large or small dogs. All of the tubs use soft, oxygenated water and the staff does not set time limits for bathing, and don’t charge extra for specialty shampoos and conditioners, face wash or extra towels. With their “Frequent Bather Card,” the 11th bath is free.

Grooming prices are very competitive and are determined by breed of dog, the condition of coat and undercoat and the type of cut requested. The groomers will go over the cut and style and will be able to confirm pricing when they meet your pet.

“We’re different that other groomers too in that we only book one appointment at a time and the grooming is done at your dog’s pace. We do not use cage dryers and your dog receives the one on one attention they deserve and that you expect,

for no additional fee. Our groomer, Amanda has over 15 years of professional grooming experience and is a certified dog trainer which allows her to understand your pet’s behavior and another example that pets are her career.”

Besides Sweetie Pawz ice cream and Sedona Natural Liver Treats, products include Nature’s Variety Instinct dry & canned foods, Evo, Innova, Bowser Beer and much more. Pet gear includes MaxiPaws leads & collars, Yellow Dog leads & collars, FasTags (the identity tag that shrinks) BungeePupee super tough dog leads and Gems 4 Paws (jewelry handmade in AZ).

Dedicated to more than the bottom line, Jackal not only focuses on offering good pet care and products, he is a designated collection site for Feeding Pets of the Homeless and Lost Our Home Pet Foundation. In 2010, he collected and donated more than 1,200 lbs. of pet food to Lost Our Home Pet Foundation, MCACC and Phoenix Rescue Mission.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Jackal hopes to collect 2,000 lbs. of food this year. But collecting food for pets in need is not his only way of helping out. He advocates for pets and has hosted charity dog wash fundraisers for BARC (Beagles of AZ Rescue Club) and for a group of Vets & Vet Techs to do the Koman Race for the Cure (Breast in Show), and is looking to get involved with the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS to support their clients who have pets.

As one can guess, what with the shop and making his signature treats, Jackal doesn’t have much time to spare, but he does take time out to participate in the G.L.A.D. Tuesday night dart league on the Cherry Bombers team.

Pawzapalooza was named Best of Greater Cities 2010 award winner for Dog Grooming and is a proud member of Local First Arizona.

Jackal offers discounts to service dogs. They are also extending a 10 percent discount to anyone who mentions ‘N Touch News.

Pawzapalooza is located at 10953 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Ste 108, Scottsdale, AZ. Phone: 480-659-9933 Web: pawzapalooza.com news / politics / business / opinion

BUSINESS

Renowned sustainable architect to lead Cannon Design’s Phoenix Office

Cannon Design announced that Charles D. Knight, AIA, CID, LEED AP, has joined the firm as principal. Knight will serve as the leader of the Phoenix office with a focus on advancing the firm’s healthcare practice.

Knight brings over 25 years of experience and is an internationally recognized architect who has won numerous awards for his unique contributions to the sustainable and humanistic design of healthcare facilities. His vast portfolio of work includes creating and financing socially responsible sustainable medical campuses, children’s hospitals, hospice facilities and private sector communities. Knight’s passion to create sustainable and compassionate healthcare design is exemplified in the Sri Lanka Embassy Medical Center in Colombo. This first off the grid, LEED Platinum Living Building, large scale medical center was designed for catastrophic events such as tsunami’s, earthquakes and flooding and to create life saving triage facility that stimulates economic growth while sustaining the environment. Knight is also proud of his many community contributions, including Adopt a Room, a privately held foundation specializing in environmentally positive patient rooms for terminally ill children. This project received the 2008 International Healthcare Design FAB Grand award and the 2008 FAB Healthcare award.

Prior to joining Cannon Design, Knight was Principal and Managing Director of Perkins + Will’s Minneapolis office—guiding the region’s strategic initiatives, as well as serving on its Board of Directors. Knight’s professional affiliations include serving on the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Design/Research Committee, the AIA’s Competition Committee, and the Campus Architecture Landscape Architecture (CALA) Education Accreditation Committee. An Associate of the Historic Architecture Society, he has also served as a Design Critic at

the University of Illinois, University of Arizona, Oklahoma State University and the University of Minnesota.

A frequent featured worldwide speaker at architectural and sustainability forums, Knight has authored numerous books and articles for professional publications which include Architectural Record, Progressive Architecture, Building and Design, and Healthcare and Real Estate Review.

He holds both a Professional Bachelors of Architecture from Oklahoma State University and a Masters of Architecture from the University of Illinois.

Cannon Design is an Ideas Based Practice, ranked among the leading international firms in planning and design for healthcare, research, education, corporate, sports and government clients. At present, the firm employs a staff of over 1,000, delivering services in 17 offices throughout North America, as well as in Shanghai, China, and Mumbai, India.

Students of Color... < continued from page 9 movement within the context of LGBT and immigrant rights, and learn how to be organizers and activists on their campus.

“It’s particularly important for GLSEN to get young people involved since they’re primarly leaders in and supporters of our work. The SOCO conference helps us connect with young people in general and students of color in particular to work news / politics / business / opinion

collaboratively together. It provides training and support to develop activists who can tell a compelling story about what needs to change in our educational system,” said Matthew Heil, co-chair GLSEN Phoenix.

Applications are due no later than March 21.

Call 602-705-9780, or visit peerallies.org for additional information. ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 25

FITNESS

Health - not beauty - is the reward

By Kirk Matthews Happy spring, Arizona- style, to all you readers out there! Are you ready with your beach bodies?

Um, or not -- where are the beaches anyway?

Two readers recently sent questions with a similar nervous sort of tone, including: How can I be hot/cute/ripped enough for this event/person/ season? Dear readers, I hope you weren’t thinking that’s my cause here. Healthy fitness is not a temp position in the job pool of life!

Quoting a famous celebrity author: “Stop the insanity!” Yes, of course, you can aim toward a goal. Just be reasonable about the time in which you’re hoping to achieve this goal: Panic doesn’t help anyone.

Years ago, a millionaire client of mine who’d just been assigned his third heart surgery stated “Kirk, I’d give it all away for just one year of the great health that you have naturally.” As if it’s not work!

Here’s the thing: Health is its own reward.

Really, it is. Beauty could be thought of as a really fun side bonus. Fit and/or healthy plants, animals and people are beautiful. Your personal impression of what’s actually beautiful enough (botox, anyone?) is your own battle to win or lose.

And, as if the current advertising media weren’t enough to make the average American feel inadequate, take a dip in the gay media swimming pool and it seems twice as concentrated, doesn’t it. Let’s not drown in it -- let’s get on with enjoying life on its own terms and so much of this worrying on about what others think will just fall away. Do it for yourself! Repeat after me: No More Summer- Body Panic!

No lecture intended there, just a bit of a real- ity check. But you know where I’m coming from: you’re the smarter readers, since you’re reading ‘N Touch!

Now, to your questions...

Kirk, as I approach the age of 50, about 75 lbs. overweight, and many surgeries past my athletic days, I want to start focusing on my phys26 | Issue #81 | April 2011 | ntouchaz.com

ical well-being again. Is it too late for an old couch potato, as my girlfriend calls me, to start working out even just a little bit? What do you suggest I start with? My doctor says I am able to do aerobic exercises and strength training, but I don’t know how or where to start. Anonymous Reader How dare your girlfriend call you a couch potato -- unless she’s your spud-in-arms next to you on the sofa! Kidding, of course.

Well, this question: “Is it too late?” is actually a common one in the physical arts world. It’s often asked following major trauma in the form of heart attacks, accidents, sports injuries and major illnesses. Little known fact: a large portion of the clinical research involves the elderly just by necessity, as that population has to deal with so many of the physical challenges associated with aging.

And the message is clear: it’s never too late!

Benefits can be enjoyed at any age.

Now, without much detail about your “many surgeries”, it’s hard to say exactly what challenges you face. But assuming you’re not currently dealing with any major challenges just getting around and about, one of the easiest activities to begin and stay committed to: Walking. Simple and easy.

Go with friends and/or pets, or on your own with your favorite music to accompany you.

Start out slow, really. Give your body time to adjust to it. Around the block, through the park, across the field – whatever it is, make the initial

distances almost too easy. Then soon enough, you’re walking farther but within your limits and schedule. Then, parking just a bit farther from the door of the store or wherever just to fit in a bit more walking.

Then you add in some intelligent food supplementation and smart use of current dietary science – maybe from some of my past articles for pointers and reference (see the online ‘n touch archive).

And you’re getting proper rest and hydration.

You’re dealing with stress more easily than ever, because you have an outlet for it. Your whole outlook is changing.

Later on, since walking is fun and easy, you look into Pilates or gentle Yoga to add in some challenging and fun activities with your girlfriend and friends (who were with you on some of those walks, of course). And it’s still casual and easy, taking it all at a smart pace -- since it’s a lifechange, not a temporary goal.

Months later, you look into the benefits of focused individual guidance from a recommended Personal Trainer, and get yourself on that progressive resistance program you’ve heard about.

You learn that it was never about exhausting yourself to begin with – since you’ve hired a longevity-educated trainer. You leave workouts feeling refreshed and energized, not wiped out, because you learned the smart way to train.

Then, a year later, that casual step on the scale reveals that fifty pounds have simply melted away – was it really that simple? Yes, it can be that simple. And anyone who tries to overcomplicate it just might not have your best interests at heart.

Sometimes, those close to you don’t support your desire to change – they might have to change to keep up with you, after all. In your case however, it sounds like your girlfriend will be there for you through it all, and the potato jokes will be a cute memory you can laugh at later.

Here’s the focus: You want to make those gradual, easy, stress-free changes the type that you can get involved with and stick to because they fit into your life, not against it. And find the support you need – a network of support from family, friends, co-workers and more can’t be underestimated.

Best of Luck, and as always, Best in Health – and keep those questions coming!

Kirk Matthews is a Multiple Certified Personal Trainer and Professional Nutrition Consultant; answers may contain advice from either or both disciplines. Call at: 602-616- 9195. Questions: e-mail kirk.matthews@hotmail.com

news / politics / business / opinion

SPORTS

LGBT Sports

English rugby team shows support for LGBT people

Sports leagues of the Valley provide a safe, friendly, and fun social setting for the LGBT community. Whether a new comer, veteran, or a fan, everyone is welcome.

Sheffield, England - The Sheffield Eagles have joined forces with the Rugby Football League to show their support for the fight against homophobia.

The Eagles are dedicated their home game against Widnes Vikings at Bramall Lane, Sheffield on March 13 to the RFL’s ‘Hompphobia: Tackle It!’ campaign.

The Eagles showed their support by wearing a specially commissioned one-off playing shirt, which was sponsored by LGBT History Month and Pride Sports, and was emblazoned with the ‘Homophobia: Tackle It!’ slogan.

Sheffield Eagles are the first professional club in mainstream UK sport to display such a high level of support for the anti-homophobia campaign.

The Eagles efforts are part of the Rugby Football League’s celebrations of LGBT History Month, which began on February 1.

England cricketer Steven Davies, who recently announced his homosexuality to the world, was among the first to show his support for the event.

“Gareth Thomas was a real inspiration and made me believe it would be possible for me to do the same,” said Davies, “So anything that helps even one person should be applauded.

“There may be added pressures in sports as the number of people that have come out is so small, so it’s great that Rugby League is taking this step.”

One of the nation’s favourite broadcasters, Clare Balding, was also quick to show her support for the event.

“I am delighted that Rugby League has taken the positive, progressive step of publicly embracing diversity and condemning prejudice,” said Balding.

“Rugby League has always been a sport that seeks to involve rather than exclude and I applaud its stance

Basketball

Hellraisers Hoops Open Play Sundays from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Sports Club of City Square www. phoenix.ngba.us hellraiserhoops@yahoo.com

Flag Football

PHX Hellraisers Flag Football League against homophobia. I hope other sports will follow the outstanding example set by The RFL. Congratulations and, on a personal note - thank you.”

Balding’s sentiments have been echoed by Scott Haining, one of the stars from the popular television programme Waterloo Road which won the award for best drama at the 2011 National Television Awards, who will be attending the game on the day.

“As an actor, I work within an industry that already has a great awareness and acceptance of LGBT people. Hopefully today’s event will take another step towards raising public awareness of the LGBT community not just within Rugby League, but the whole sporting world.”

Sheffield Eagles decision to back LGBT History Month and Pride Sports’ anti-homophobia campaign follows a number of groundbreaking achievements by the sport of Rugby League.

The RFL was recently included in the Stonewall Top 100 Workplace Index, becoming the first sports organisation ever to be named as a leading LGBT friendly employer, an accolade that followed Super League player Gareth Thomas’s recognition as the 2010 Stonewall LGBT Hero of The Year.

The Life Time Fitness Run Wild 5k Phoenix - Head to the Phoenix Zoo and

participate in a healthy way of life by getting the entire family to take part in The Life Time Fitness Run Wild 5k run/walk and 1k kids race, March 26.

All race participants receive a free T-shirt and are encouraged to invite friends and family to enjoy the zoo free-of-charge during business hours. Event-goers can take a walk on the wild side by spending the afternoon learning about the animals.

5k run starts at 7:30 a.m., 5k walk starts at 7:40 a.m., Kids 1k starts at 8:30 a.m.

Registration is available online through March 24 at ltfrunwild.com. Participants can mail in registration by sending a completed brochure (available at any Life Time Fitness destination) news / politics / business / opinion

Leagues Spotlight

Saturdays 9:00 a.m. January – April Colter Park www.phoenixflagfootball.com info@phoenixflagfootball.com 602.284.9207

Rugby – Men Phoenix Storm

Tuesdays & Thursdays 7:00 p.m.

Longview Elementary School www.phoenixstorm.org info@rugbystorm.com

Softball

Cactus Cities Softball League

Sundays starting at 8:00 a.m.

Spring: Feb. – May; Fall: Oct. - Dec Ceasar Chavez Park www.cactuscities.com

Swimming

The Phoenix Sunfish

Year around schedule Mon, Tues, & Thurs - 6:30 - 8:00 pm Saturdays - 4:30-6:00 pm Three Locations throughout the valley www.phxsunfish.org

Volleyball – Indoor

Desert Volleyball Alliance February - May Saturdays 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Kingdom Courts www.desertvalleyalliance.org aaryck@hotmail.com

Volleyball – Sand

Arizona Gay Volleyball Association and payment to Life Time Fitness â Run Division, Chanhassen, MN 55317. Race day registration is open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:25 a.m. at the Phoenix Zoo entrance.

The Phoenix Zoo is located at 455 North Galvin Parkway in Phoenix. Phone: 602-617-4015

Three seasons to choose from Feb – May, June – Aug, Sept – Dec Indian Steele Park & Radisson City Center Mondays & Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. www.azgv.org commissioner@azgv.org

ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 27

By Gina Read

T

he purpose of the ‘N Touch Man & Woman of the Year is to acknowledge those individuals who have made contributions to community (not just LGBT) either through volunteering, or by going above and beyond in their position within a non-profit organization. The individuals this year, like last year, are all unsung heros who quietly and without fanfare work day in and day out to make Arizona a better place to live. With so much focus on the negative that happens in our state, these individuals are truly a treasure.

This year besides the Man & Woman awards we are adding a third category, Community Group of the Year. The community group purpose must be to assist other organizations or non-profits, or help improving the lives of LGBT people and their allies.

Woman of the Year Nominees Karen Bovard After 34 years in the Air Force, Karen Bovard did something she had always wanted to - she opened a bar, which gave her the ability to do fundraising to help the community. Rainbow Cactus Saloon and its welcoming neighborhood feel has been home to fundraisers for several cancer charities, Joshua Tree Feeding Program, IGRA, AGRA, the Imperial Court of Arizona, to name just a few. Karen has also supported all the contestants for the Phoenix Pride Pageant.

Although Karen didn’t feel she was deserv-

ing of the nomination for Woman of he Year, ‘N Touch Associate Joseph A. Gaxiola disagrees.

“Karen has opened up her bar to any group wanting to hold a fundraiser or benefit. She has been a huge supporter to the dart league and bowling league and takes an interest in what is going on with everyone. Rainbow Cactus isn’t just a place to drink or see a show. It is a safe and supportive environment where you are made to feel welcomed. I think it is just one of the reasons Karen has won the Pride Guide Award for Best Bar two years in a row.”

Erica Keppler As co-chair of Arizona Trans Alliance, Erica Keppler is a face and voice for the trans

community. She organized the AZTA entry in the pride parade, distribute political information to members of the trans community, and is present at many public and political events with her hand-made transgender flag to increase the visibility of the trans community.

As a Steering Committee member of Human and Equal Rights Organizers, Erica helped organize and participated in many LGBT political actions, including the HERO Leadership Summit, DADT Repeal rallys and protests, and events celebrating advances in marriage equality and veterans rights. She also participated in three GetEqual protest actions conducted in partnership with HERO, one protest in Las Vegas against Senator Harry Reid’s inaction on ENDA, a protest in a Senate Armed Services Committee meeting in Washington, DC against John McCain’s resistance to repealing DADT, and on a boat in Miami Bay against President Obama for his failure to take the lead in repealing DADT. But if that wasn’t enough, Erica is also the Chair of Arizona Stonewall Democrats, is an acting member of the City of Phoenix Police Department’s GLBT Citizen’s Advisory, and was on the organizing committee for the Mormon Temple Suicide Prevention Outreach event last November.

“2010 was an incredible year in the history of LGBT rights and equality, and I am honored to have had the privilege to have been a part of it,” said Erica.

Pat Merrell Having been born in a time when “LGBT” was not discussed, acknowledged or even an option, Pat Merrell realized as she grew older, how important it was to have an opportunity to be true to yourself. It had been her goal to offer a safe haven for performing artists, special events, fundraising, and social interaction within the LGBT community.

Coyote Moon Pub has became the place Pat envisioned.

“I welcome the interaction of everyone, gay/ straight or in between, to join together as “ONE” community--not divided. Respect, understanding, and an opportunity to be yourself is what everyone deserves. I hope to continue my involvement in these areas for many years to come.”

Fundraising efforts have included TIHAN, SAAF, Wingspan, American Red Cross, Tucson Tragedy Victims, children’s shelters/services, Our Family Services, Brain Cancer Research, Breast Cancer Research, Animal Rescue/Shelters, and many more. Pat has also provided Coyote Moon and staff for many organizations to hold their own fundraising events.

That is just the tip of the iceberg says ‘N Touch Associate Danny Catt. “Pat helps out whenever and whomever she can. All you have to do is ask.

She is a class act.”

Jen Workman Jen Workman goes above and beyond when it comes to our youth and community.

As Program Coordinator for 1n10 Inc., she has been described as the heart and soul of the mission of the organization. Her concept and approach to enabling young people to empower themselves is her greatest gift. She understand them, she relates to them and she is the best leader for the generation of LGBTQ youth.

Jen brings the youth’s voice and perspective to the table and holds all the adults accountable to ensure that they follow through with what they have promised our young people. She is the advocate always, the loyal house manager and the always popular dance and runway star. She is a firework of dedication, love and happiness that encourages every youth, volunteer and all of staff.

“Her energy and embracing presence lets each and every youth know that they are loved, they are accepted and that they are fabulous just the way they are. Jen’s genuine love for each of the youth is always evident. I could go on and on about Jen, but at the end of the day, she is what inspires me.

She is the one that I look to and talk about any decision we make for our youth and the programs that we provide. She is the most talent and honest person I have ever met in my life. I love Jen Workman and everything that she does for this community, for the youth and for me.” says Micheal Weakley Director of Programs, 1n10 Inc. (The reason only four women were nominated is because each staff member received a vote and several voted for the same individuals.)

Man of the Year Nominees Jeffrey Scott Brown Out since he was 16 years old, Jeffrey Scott Brown is passionate about being who he is am and not being ashamed of it. To say he stands up for his community is an understatement. When asked if Jeffrey would be a part of the “People you Know” campaign for the Wingspan project, he jumped at it. “Can you find the gay person in this photo” was the theme.

“We used our family Christmas card with 19 members. The message I wanted to get across was the there are gay members in almost all families,” says Jeffrey.

AIDS Ribbon Tucson is a labor of love that came about when Jeffrey returned from Los Angeles and was stunned to find nearly 85% of his friends had died of AIDS. “Being HiV positive myself and trying to fight the stigma of the disease, I thought about a way to bring attention to the disease through an interactive traveling pub-

lic memorial. I created AIDS Ribbon Tucson, which is a 130 foot long red ribbon with names and messages on both sides in memory of those we have lost to the disease.”

Jeffrey take AIDS Ribbon Tucson to memorial events, awareness days, fundraising events and other opportunities where an open dialogue about HIV/AIDS is possible. The Ribbon was invited to the 2010 AIDSWALK Phoenix to be a part of the opening ceremonies and lead off the walkers.

Not one to rest when there is work to be done, Jeffrey also volunteers for SAAF and TIHAN, producing special events such as Treasures for TIHAN, and participating on the first ever ““Night Thing, a New Years’s celebration,” which was a huge success. He also volunteers on the AIDSWALK committee for SAAF and is a committee member for the annual AIDS Candle Light Memorial.

Michael Gaffney Originally from Iowa, Michael Gaffney, has been living in Phoenix for over 16 years. He has raised countless funds for statewide non-profits over the past six years and for national non-profits the past two years.

Michael and his partner, Craig Van Deen ( Julie Craig) are well known around the LGBT community having raised money for nearly every non-profit organization in they Valley. Together for 16 years, Michael and Julie were the 2nd Emperor and Empress for the Imperial Court of Arizona. During their reign they raised thousands of dollars for Joshua Tree, Logan’s Playground, MCC, and a host of other organizations. Michael also established a scholarship fund for LGBT youth.

Since stepping down Michael became involved with the International Court Council and was selected by Nicole the Great, Queen Mother of the America’s, as Heir Apparent. The International Court Council is the governing council over the 67 Imperial Courts in Canada, United States and Mexico. The courts literally raise millions of dollars for cancer, AIDS, hunger, and other worthy charities. Recently Michael became the president of the International Court Council and is the National Campaign Director for the U.S. Harvey Milk Stamp Campaign.

“The amazing thing about Michael is that he never gets tired of volunteering and you always see him smiling. I don’t care how hot the water trailer get at Pride - he just has a great attitude,” says Shelby Blanton, ‘N Touch Creative & Technical Director.

Rick Meek Rick Meek has volunteered at Joshua Tree Feeding Program for six years. He has been continued on next page > >

indispensable as the organization’s pickup and delivery driver – if it weren’t for his dedication, we wouldn’t have food to distribute to our clients, says Scott R. Robinson, Vice-Chairman of Joshua Tree. Rick shops and picks up food from St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, United Food Bank, AZ Cold Storage, Sam’s Club, Costco Wholesale, and many other merchants and personal donations.

Rick also has taken the initiative to learn the responsibilities required for other services Joshua Tree provides clients, such as weekly congregate meal, office administration, volunteer recruitment, fundraising, and the organizations newest program – Pet Food, Supplies and Assistance Project. He is quick to fill-in in almost any capacity if there is staff out sick, on vacation, or a lack of volunteers.

“Rick has also been an excellent motivator and he keeps all of the staff and volunteers at Joshua Tree enthused about community service and how important it is to GLBT community in Greater Phoenix. Rick has brought us many, many new volunteers over the years. Rick has also been a valuable member of our board of directors for over 4 years.

“All in all, Rick has managed to turn his life around since he started at Joshua Tree and has been a great example of being able to surmount major personal obstacles to anyone in the GLBT community. He has mentored several other clients and volunteers in overcoming addictions, motivation, and confronting personal issues.

He is definitely an asset to Joshua Tree and the GLBT community in Phoenix,” said Robinson.

Richard Svendsen Richard Svendsen founded PEAKS Pride because he felt there was a need to help the residents of Flagstaff who were incapacitated due to an illness/surgery, or elderly or had gone through a local catastrophe (fires, floods, etc). But, he also envisioned something more- an outlet for LGBT people to be seen in a positive light helping their neighbots.

Formed in late 2008, PEAKS Pride has provided dedicated volunteers for service projects to the Flagstaff and Northern Arizona communities thus Promoting Equality through Acts of Kindness and Service.

In 2010, PEAKS Pride raised money for the Second Chance Center for Animals during the Shultz Fire disaster, collected over 900 pounds of food for Northern Arizona Food Bank Summer Food Drive, cleaned two miles of Adopt an Avenue roads three times, adopted a portion of the Museum of Northern AZ Colton Gardens to maintain for the seniors at the Peaks Senior Retirement Living Community, provided volunteers for Sun Sounds of AZ which provides services to people with hearing and visual impairments, and provided volunteers for sandbagging and flood

clean up for the Shultz Fire victims among other things. Richard participated in every event bringing enthusiasm and sometimes food treats!

Having spent over 25 years in the non-profit sector, Richard feels that giving back is the right thing to do.

“The PEAKS Pride volunteers should be proud of their efforts to bring the community together – to not be thinking of what you can do for me – rather, what can I do for you! Additionally, it is my hope that PEAKS Pride will inspire the residents and business community to be involved with helping their fellow neighbors!

We started with a very strong and committed board and continue to have the same. We are very fortunate,” stated Richard.

TC Taylor As 2009 Miss Gay Arizona America, TC Taylor, worked tirelessly for dozens of charitable organizations throughout Arizona raising over $16,000. But it wasn’t just the fundraising that earned TC love and respect. It was because of the dignity and class TC brought to every performance and appearance.

TC’s motto is the Golden Rule - to treat everyone he meets the way he wants to be treated, “... with dignity, respect and kindness. And for goodness sakes, don’t gossip or be evil. Ugly doesn’t wear nicely or look good on anyone,” laughed TC. After finishing a grueling year as Miss Gay AZ AMerica, TC never took a break. In 2010 he did fundraisers for 1n10, Joshua Tree, Project Hard Hat, Arizona Cancer Charities, Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, the Pride Scholarship Fund, the Imperial Court and the list goes on and on.

“I have had the honor of working with TC and it is not difficult to explain why TC is so admired by everyone. TC has always put the needs of the community ahead of TC. I have seen TC go on just a couple hours of sleep on a weekend because there were multiple people or organizations in differenent venues that needed help raising money or awareness and she would not say no to helping them. It’s just amazing what TC has done, especially in the past year,” says Luis Garcia, ‘N Touch News Assistant Editor.

Lee Walters He used to sit by and watch as my rights were taken away and no one seemed care, where was the outrage, where were the people demanding our rights? That’s when Lee Walters decided he wasn’t going to sit around any longer and let someone else make decisions for him.

“I wanted to speak up for other people like me who weren’t being heard, or worse ignored. I want to empower the individuals in our Commu-

nity to make a difference, creating a groundswell of people to challenge anti-LGBT organizations that hold sway over our elected officials, our governments and our society, holding not only our LGBT organizations accountable, but our elected officials reminding them that we are their constituents, and we are the people they answer to.”

To accomplish this daunting task, Lee writes, layouts, and produces most of the H.E.R.O. literature, brochures, banner, cards, handouts, and buttons. The back of his Escape has become a mobile activist/event/protest materials support on wheels where he makes sure that the H.E.R.O. has all the supplies they need such as water, poster board, markers, sign stakes, staple gun, tables, chairs, promotional materials, contact sign up sheets, pens, and whatever else he can cram into the vehicle.

Lee not only supports the events, he attends the rallies and marches, and as many meetings as he can reasonably fit into his schedule. Besides being the H.E.R.O. Treasurer, Lee recently took on the Education Committee which is responsible for the monthly H.E.R.O. town halls. He also tries to reach out to other organizations, not only within the LGBT Community, but the larger Arizona Community as a whole to find common ground with like minded individuals and organizations who we can stand with and who will stand with us, “making our goals their goals, because we can’t do it by ourselves.”

Community Group Nominees The Grand Canyon Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence All Love, All Joy, No Guilt. The Grand Canyon Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence strive to uphold these ideas in everything they do. A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Grand Canyon Sisters seek to enhance and assist our community through a unique combination of education, outreach, and fundraising.

The sisters lend a hand where needed and have teamed with organizations such as Aunt Rita’s Foundation, The American Lung Association, 1n10, Logan’s Playground, and many others to provide fundraising assistance and outreach to the underserved portions of our community.

The sisters are more than just a glamorous fund raising machine…the sisters are much more than that. As 21st-century nuns the sisters represent a voice for the community. A voice for those who are not heard. A voice for those who are heard but ignored. The sisters are a light in a world so often clouded and shrouded, darkened with bigotry, deceit, and ignorance. Much like our religious counterparts, our vows reflect a calling to serve the community in which we live – our global community.

For more information on the Grand Canyon Sisters, please visit azsisters.org.

H.E.R.O. The mission of H.E.R.O is a simple one -to create all-inclusive coalitions to secure equal rights through Service, Action, Visibility, and Education in local communities.

Guerrilla Gay Bar is when the LGBTQ community converges on a bar/club that caters predominantly to straight people. This is a form of activism and a way to make ourselves known, it is about being out and proud. We take over hot spots, cool digs, sports bars, and dingy dives.

H.E.R.O. has teamed up with the City of Phoenix to remove graffiti, providing a clean and safe place to live for all Phoenicians.

Last year five members of H.E.R.O. went to the office of Senator John McCain lead by Allen Howard. Howard was discharged from the United States Coast Guard under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Howard wanted to ask his Senator why he was standing in the way of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and tell his story of a job lost and life redirected. Senator McCain did not meet

with Howard and his friends, and after waiting for five hours the five were arrested.

Local Latino groups called for 30 days of protest and asked the LGBT community to host one of the nights in solidarity against SB1070.

H.E.R.O. took the lead on this action and planned the event on the 41st anniversary of Stone Wall.

The Right to Marry Campaign uses the framework of pilgrimage for its outreach. Each summer a group of core Equality Walkers walks a mile for every year Arizona has been a state without full legal recognition of its LGBT citizens. Many H.E.R.O. members participate while others help raise money for the walk.

H.E.R.O. also holds monthly town halls on the first Wednesday of each month. These are educational panels on different topics that affect the LGBT community on a local level, and the impact on the national scene.

For more information please visit herophx.org The Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona The Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona

is a non-profit organization striving to unite the Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, Bi-Sexual and Heterosexual communities through charitable fundraising events to meet the needs of the Arizona Community. The Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona is a part of The International Court System which has 68 Chapters/ Courts throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona has raised and presented $115,590.73 and has hosted over 33 different charities over the past 5 years. Reign V has alone raised $15,391 with 18 events at 11 different locations, some of our beneficiaries have been Arizona Cancer Charities, Aunt Rita’s Foundation, Gentle Shepherd MCC, Joshua Tree, Shanti, And YEP. We are very grateful to be able to contribute to our community. Our Membership consists of people from many segments in the community, AGRA, AML, Pbol, APEX, AWOL, PUGBA, GLAAD, Churches, Drag kings and Drag queens Whose efforts and dedication to our community surpasses none. We want and need people to join us in helping out our Community.

For more information on the Imperial Court visit imperialcourtaz.org Go to ntouchaz.com to vote for Man, Woman & Community Group of the Year.

Your attorney doesn’t have to be family. . . but it helps.

• Domestic Partnership & Divorce • Business & Corporate Contracts • DUI & Criminal • Wills & Probate • Real Estate • Landlord/Tenant

Jane O. Ross 668 N. 44th St., Suite 300 Phoenix, AZ 85008

602.685.1177

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HEALTH

Zinc, for the common cold!

By Dr. Damien Brandeis Everyone suffers from a common cold from time to time. There’s a new player in the treatment of the common cold. It’s zinc. When taken within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms, zinc reduces the duration and severity of the common cold in healthy people, according to results reported online on February 16 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. For many years, alternative health practitioners have used zinc supplements to treat all sorts of viral infections and medical issues.

Zinc is a metallic element we obtain from food. Oysters have the highest content. Red meat and chicken provide most of the zinc in most people’s diet. Vegetarians need to be mindful of zinc deficiency because phytates, which are present in many grains, block zinc absorption. Zinc deficiency results in depressed immune function.

Essentially, the body requires zinc to develop and activate T-lymphocytes used to fight many infections. Zinc also maintains the integrity of the skin and mucosal membranes, so it directly contributes to infection control. Zinc deficiency alters immune response in the GI tract. This increases susceptibility to infections.

Zinc is essential for eye health. Zinc coupled with antioxidants, delays the progression of agerelated macular degeneration, vision loss and prevents cellular damage to the retina.

Caution for those taking iron supplements!

Iron supplements decrease absorption of zinc. If you’re taking iron, you need to supplement with zinc as well. Moreover, high levels of zinc intake will produce copper deficiency, so take 2 milligrams of copper for every 30 milligrams of Zinc you consume.

Additionally, you can take too much zinc and it can interact with other medications. 150 to

450 mg of zinc a day have produced low copper status, altered iron function, reduced immunity and high levels of lipoproteins which carry cholesterol. Chronic (i.e., ongoing) urinary problems are also seen with high zinc consumption.

Zinc and certain antibiotics, specifically Cipro and tetracycline, each inhibit the absorption of the other. Thiazide diuretics increase the urinary excretion of zinc by as much as 50 percent. Prolonged use of thiazide causes depletion of zinc so supplementation is recommended. Interactions with zinc and the risk of ill effects from too high a dosage warrant caution, at the least, and preferably consulting your physician. Never exceed the dosage recommended on a zinc supplement or lozenge, an check your medication for interaction with zinc.

For common cold sufferers, add zinc to your treatment regimen. Remember, vitamin C, garlic, chicken soup, plenty of fluids and lots of sleep will also help you recover more quickly and relieve your symptoms. I treat my patients with an intravenous Meyer’s cocktail, which includes zinc as well as Vitamin C and all the B vitamins. Based on the recent study published by Cochrane’s, zinc may be a scientific reason that my patients recover so quickly. For non-invasive therapy, there are several supplements, particularly cold lozenges, which contain zinc. The typical recommended dose is up to 30 - 50 mg of elemental zinc per day when taken by mouth.

Ask you doctor if zinc is right for you! Keep your letters coming! I love to hear from you!

Dr. Damien Brandeis, NMD has a private practice located in Chandler. Dr. Brandeis is a new Cigna provider, so please give him consideration for your medical care. For more information, please visit drbrandeis.net or call 480-855-6560.

Holdren...

short-term.

< continued from page 8 adopted (unanimously, I might add) banned protesters from coming within 300 feet of a funeral.

Our united Legislature sent a strong message to extremely anti-gay Fred Phelps and his crew that their messages of hate are not acceptable, especially at a time when families and friends are mourning a loved one. That’s not to say there aren’t any challenges. In fact, there are many. However, we remain focused on the things we can change in the long-term and the things we can influence in the news / politics / business / opinion

‘N: Who in your mind are our biggest allies on the other side of the isle?

Holdren: Believe it or not, we have a lot of allies in both the Republican and Democratic parties.

Clearly, the Democrats have proven to be strong leaders on our issues, but we know we have the backing of several Republicans, and in a state like Arizona, we really have to leverage those relationships to advance our legislative priorities.

‘N: Can EQAZ really do anything to prevent Continued on page 46 > ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 35

ETHICS

The ethics of empathy

By Dr. Dina Evan This year I will be sixty-nine, an age not nearly as exciting as the numbers might imply. Emotionally I am forty-two. Spiritually I am forty-two.

I love like I am forty-two and I have the enthusiasm, zest for life and attitude of a forty-two year old. People are shocked when I tell them my age because I am told I look fifty-something. Yet, my body will be sixty-nine and I, who strive to be evolved, am genuinely pissed. Who designed the stupid idea that we should spend forty or more years trying to figure out how life works, and then when we finally get it, we start falling apart in increments and degrees? I want to talk to that jackass and trust me I will!

On some spiritual level, however, I actually feel like the sixties are the age of empathy. In my twenties and thirties, I was blessed with so many older people in my life, people who had an enormous impact and added such over whelming value that words of gratitude were inadequate and often replaced with the profound silence of awe. I would quizzically watch these men and women masters who seemed to greet aging with far more dignity than I, and their little idiosyncrasies were met with a musing and curiosity on my part. The acidic memory of my father, who berated my grandmother until the day she died of his contempt, prevented me from ever feeling condescension or impatience. I just loved being with them and learning from them.

During frequent dinners out, I remember seeing my dear 76-year-old friend Franci, roll food around in her mouth as if she was looking for the right port of entry. I walked her son, who had AIDS across to the other side, and for years, Franci and I remained friends after he died. Every meal with her was an experience. It never occurred to me that there was a reason for this masticating manipulation until recently when I lost a tooth. I nearly choked laughing at myself when I realized I was doing exactly the same thing while at dinner with a friend trying to avoid that little toothless pocket in my gum that was tender and awaiting it’s renews / politics / business / opinion

“Who designed the stupid idea that we should spend forty or more years trying to figure out how life works, and then when we finally get it, we start falling apart in increments and degrees?” placement tooth. I also realized I had for quite some time, had an inflated interest in where the restrooms were in most facilities that I was visiting, just like Franci.

Then, there are the shoes. Having worn the proverbial come pluck me pumps (typo mine), for the majority of my career, producing great calves I might add, I now pay dearly for that slice of vanity. The only shoes that I can wear comfortably at the Shoe Mill in Tempe, and there is nothing more adored in my home, aside from my puppies, than my Brookstone form fitting slippers. They get worn until they are frayed and insist on burial, albeit only after two more pairs are in the closet as back ups.

I find myself staying home more these days, understanding the need to limit my time to authentic friends and genuine conversation about meaningful things that refuse be texted by people who also want real connections, face to face. I love tights, big sweatshirts and little else that could be confining underneath. I love the fireplace, people who come to visit, my hand against the face of a friend and tender moments that make up for the lightening speed of a society that couldn’t give a damn and finds the elderly as invisible as children.

I’ve started some voluntary simplicity, lightening the load, knowing that time together is more important than time with the CNN stock ticker at the bottom of my TV screen.

I understand the joy in a phone call that says, let’s do a movie, have lunch or just hang out and “Let’s not rush home.”

When I look at my hands, I see my mother’s and I wonder what she needed that I didn’t give her, perhaps just holding them a bit longer at the hospital before she died. Things look different now. Not, in a bad or scary way, but rather, it’s as if what matters has more volume. It’s a decibel or two louder and the things that don’t mat-

ter are no longer clashing cymbals banging in my head.

I think the elderly, children and the disenfranchised, are often able to feel, offer and show more love than the people around them, which at times is a heavy load to bare. So today, I just want to remind us that this aging process is a blessing that befalls us all. It brings with it great lessons about empathy, in this our last stage, with which to begin our next adventure as a kinder and gentler soul. So, while you are still in this adventure, no matter what your age, remember that each developmental stage has its gifts and it’s challenges. Take the time to sit with someone in the age of empathy, it will open your heart,

tickle your funny bone and importantly, prepare you for the journey ahead.

Send questions to DrDBE@attglobal.net or to editor@ntouchaz. com.

Dr. Dina Evan is a licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Therapist in the State of California. She has offices in Phoenix, AZ and Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Evan has won national acclaim as a human rights advocate. She is a columnist for several newspapers and has written five best selling books. For more information you may go to DrDinaEvan.com.

ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 37

YOUR PETS

Pets in search

Your Pet Questions Answered

By Dr. Alicia Ruiz

of a Loving Home Located in Phoenix, Arizona Rescue is the last voice for dogs and wcats who, through no fault of their own, find themselves awaiting death at our county pounds.

Mandy Mandy is not only a beautiful gal but she also has a personality to match! She is always happy to see you, wiggling from head to toe, bowing her head and sometimes even giving you a a toothy smile! Mandy is an active girl who loves to run, romp, wrestle, play and explore! She’s looking for a home with active pet parents that will take her on daily runs or long walks.

Here’s the situation: Amos is now 7 ½. For the first 6 years, he was my regular running partner. As I noticed him slowing down, around 6, I cut back on his mileage. He was great for about 3 miles. Then I needed to cut him back to 2.

Now, even at a mile, his hind quarters suffer.

Walking, even short distances can make him sore. The problem is he’s so conditioned to going on runs/walks that any time I put my running shoes on he gets excited and wants to go.

When he realizes I won’t take him, he whimpers (depressed) or barks (angry) at me to show his dissatisfaction. I feel horribly. How I can keep my older dog healthy, happy and pain free?

Amos should be evaluated by your veterinarian with an examination to determine if this is a joint, muscular or neurological problem. The workup will probably require radiographs and or bloodwork. Once the source of pain or weakness is determined the veterinarian will make recommendations to help keep your pet mobile and healthy. The most likely causes could be arthritis, spinal disease or muscular weakness. There are medical remedies to help but the correct diagnosis should be made prior to treatment recommendations being made.

Who will care for your pets if you are unable to?

Many of us think of our pets as family members, and want to ensure that they are cared for if we become incapable of doing so. One way to do this is to set up a pet trust, which is a legal arrangement that provides for the care of one or more pets in the event of an owner’s disability or death.

To help “pet parents” learn more about pet trusts, the Arizona Animal Welfare League and Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (AAWL & SPCA) is offering a free presentation

by Joel Klinge, a local estate planning attorney on Sat., March 26, 10 – 11:30 a.m. at Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale.

There is no charge, but an RSVP is required.

Please RSVP to development@aawl.org or call 602-273-6852, ext. 106.

Topics will include: · Basic estate planning for your pets. · Special concerns, such as who will care for them? · Powers of Attorney - why you need them? · Appointing authorized agents for your pets.

Dr. Ruiz is a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine at Central Phoenix Animal Hospital, 602- 277-5155. Questions for Dr. Ruiz can be emailed to editor@ntouchaz.com news / politics / business / opinion

Marissa Marissa’s beautiful coloring and petite stature might give you the impression that she is a diva, disdainful of those who get their paws dirty. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Take a closer look at Marissa and you’ll see a mischievous glint sparkling in her lovely green eyes!

To learn more or about Mandy or Marissa, go to azrescue.org. ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 39

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Divas from Vegas at Celebrity April 1 John Thomas Lotardo goes one-on-one with Frank Marino

By John Thomas Lotardo

Divas from Vegas Come to Divas Live starring Frank Marino will be Friday April 1, 2011 at Celebrity Theater in Phoenix. This fab show starring Las Vegas’ longest running headliner Frank Marino as comic icon Joan Rivers features an all star cast of superstar female impersonators who not only recreate but al-

most uncannily duplicate the likenesses of stars we love.

Recently added was Pop’s newest sensation Lady Gaga as well as some of Sin City’s hottest male dancers which help make this show even hotter. From the moment he steps on stage you realize that there is no other entertainer like Frank Marino. It’s not just his campy voice, his smoothly electric performance, or even his impeccable selection of clever comedy material. It’s his energy, which of course is the key to putting on any live show. After 25 years as the star of “An Evening at La Cage”, and never at a loss for words, Marino is an accomplished author, newscaster, columnist, spokesperson, and America’s favorite male actress. His first book, His Majesty, the Queen, was an immediate bestseller. His movie debut in the film Miss Congeniality 2 where

he can be seen co-starring alongside Sandra Bullock was a blockbuster hit as well. Not to mention his award winning guest starring role in the hit Off-Broadway play “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding.”

In 2005, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman proclaimed February 1st, to be “Frank Marino Day.” Frank also received a Key to the City, has a street, Frank Marino Drive, named after him, and is forever immortalized in the sidewalks of the neon jungle with a star that bears his name on the Las Vegas Walk of Fame. In 2009, Marino was named Las Vegas’ “Entertainer of the Century” by Today Magazine and after performing to over 10 million people, he is Guinness Book worthy of having the most performances on any Las Vegas stage.

I caught up vie email with the famous headliner while he was trekking through Australia.

Lotardo: What brings you down under?

Marino: I’ve been down under quite a few times but I’ve never been to Australia. Actually, I was invited to Australia to be a featured guest star for Gay Mardi Gras 2011.

How long have you been performing in Divas? For 25 years I was the star of the world famous show La Cage at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas and for the past 2 years I opened my own show “Divas Las Vegas” at the Imperial Palace center Strip making it 27 years in total.

L: Have you or the show changed since it started?

M: Absolutely, the show is very MTV and constantly changing with the times. We had characters like Mariah Carry and Britney Spears and have since added Lady Gaga and just recently Rhianna while maintaining divas icons like Cher, Madonna, and Diana Ross.

L: What’s the best asset of the show?

M: I’d have to say the cast itself.

Not only do we have the world’s

40 | Issue #81 | April 2011 | ntouchaz.com

best celebrity female impersonators but we have 6 of the strips hottest male dancers that together make the combination of the biggest drag spectacular ever.

L: How long are you expecting the show to continue in Vegas?

M: As of today, I’m Las Vegas’ longest running headliner and just signed a brand new 2 year contract with Caesar’s Entertainment.

Hopefully, we’ll be able to see Divas last forever!

L: What should audiences expect when you come to Celebrity Theater?

M: To be prepared for something they have never seen before.

The saying is “Only in Las Vegas”.

Well we are bringing Las Vegas to Phoenix. We are pulling out all the stops. We are going to bring you 15 legendary Divas, my high energy topical monologue, lavish Las Vegas costumes, and the hottest choreography in exotic production numbers.

L: Who is coming to perform?

M: Shirley Bassey, Madonna, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Rhianna, Janet Jackson, Celine Dion, Cher, Dolly Parton, Mariah Carrey, Liza Minnelli, Tina Turner, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Britney Spears and of course myself as Joan Rivers and I can’t tell you how much we are all looking forward to this. This is not only going to be a treat for Phoenix but our entire cast as well!

Divas Live starring Frank Marino will be Friday April 1, 2011 at Celebrity Theater 440 N 32nd Street in Phoenix. Club Doors at 7 p.m., Theatre Doors at 7:30 p.m. and showtime is at Showtime: 8:30 p.m.

Tickets: Table for 4 = $300 Includes waiter service. Rows 1-8 = $40 each. Rows 9-13 = $30 each.

Rows 14-25 = N/A. Seating is in the Round. For more info: celebritytheatre.com news / politics / business / opinion

TRAVEL

La dolce vita, Ah the sweet life!

Part three: Rome Part Three of a three-part series

By John Thomas Lotardo As one of my friends once instructed me, “you must walk it. You will always find something special around every turn”. As I told you in last month’s article (Part two- Florence), walking is what you do in Italy, so you must embrace it. And we certainly embraced it by the time we started off for our final destination – Rome.

We started out Italy trip off by landing in Rome before touring Venice and Florence and now landed back in the Italy’s Capital to finish off our fabulous Italian adventure.

Rome is the epicenter of Italian life.

It is similar to the other places my husband and I visited – just more so- of everything. Especially people.

I must say, it was a bit daunting after making some leisurely tours of Venice and Florence to hit the buzz of Rome for our final leg of our trip. I would suggest diving into Rome first while you are revved up from anticipation and savor the other locations for later in your trip.

Our first night we stayed at an intown Hotel in the center of the art district at the aptly named, Hotel D’Art. Hotel d’Art was more dorm room and less art. Our inclination of less is more was certainly tested here. Admittedly, the entrance with its brilliant white crystals and tiled flooring was spectacular. The lobby of this former parish, with its painted blues and whites, was uplifting. And with its fabulous signature décor for its hallways (each level has a different color of orange, yellow, green and blue with corresponding lit floors) were certainly dynamic. But the rooms and service were lackluster at best. Spartan was more like it. And we’re in Italy – where Spartan just would not do! So after one night, we moved to the fabulous The View of Spanish Steps (www.atspanishsteps. com). As the name denotes, it literally overlooks the famous outdoor stairs.

Fabio, our hotel manager made our transition from the ho-hum to this newfound fab in his effortless fashion. The View, together with its adnews / politics / business / opinion

joining the Inn of the Spanish Steps, is right in the heart of Rome, making the frequent trips around the historic town perfect.

For one of our dinners, we went to the vegetarian restaurant, Il Margutta. It was dramatically lit with bright colorful walls and dynamic vegetarian items making a choice of wine the easy part. We were fortunate to be there when the restaurant was actually having an art display of beautifully photographed men in nude and seminude compositions. When we inquired about the pictorials and their homoeroticism, the cheerful waiter seemed confused. So much for no language barrier. But the dinner went well and we rested up for our next big day of sightseeing.

If you think it was tough to “see it all” in Florence and Venice, it was impossible in Rome. We did tour some of the most famous including the Coliseum- Tip for the Coliseum: Maneuver your way (aka push through the hoards of crowds) past the enormous lines to find the audio-guide counter – it is hard to find as it is stuck behind a huge column. The few Euros you spend on the self-guided audio guide will save you several hours of waiting in line- truly a life-saver for those not keen on wasting their precious vacation time stuck in a line that eclipse the lines at Disneyland at the height of Summer.

Of all the attractions abound, the Fountain d’ Trevi was by far the most magical- as long as we got there when it was not mobbed with tourists. We found it best in the evening- close to midnight- while not empty, was in-

deed more manageable. The famous fountain at night was indeed magical. The waters glowed a golden hue as it crashed down from its scuppers. Since it was only a few minutes away from The View, we made out way over to it each night we were in Rome as well at least once during the day for numerous photo-ops.

Alas, we had to make our way back

to the States, this time it was not a night flight. It did wear on us on the way back with switching planes and barely making the connection due to seemingly disorganized Customs causeing us to sprint in a literal run at full gallop. I would suggest adding some real time- 3 hours or more- if you need to connect after Customs. That said, do not be dissuaded. Prepare and you’ll find a trip worth repeating.

Italy is a famously alluring place.

With it centuries-old facades and even older history, you’ll find that the mystique of the place is both revered and ignored by its inhabitants. When you visit, try to embrace it for all it is, a bundle of contradictions, old and young, antique and contemporary. It is its contradictions that make it so vibrant. Until our next trip.

Ciao!

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ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 45

NIGHTLIFE

Kobalt - something a little different With it’s blend of neighborhood bar and trendy without the attitude, Kobalt has gilled a niche ling needed in the Valley. Kobalt has busy Sundays with poker at noon and a dart tournament 2 p.m. But not to worry, if you can’t make Sunday’s poker game they have one at 8 p.m.

Monday and Wednesday.

Tuesday nights are always happening with the GLAD Dart league teams competing against each other. Darts aren’t your thing? Karaoke at 9 p.m.

Thursdays offer Trivia Night with Gina and HRC’s Shaken and Stirred for Equality (Every third Thursday).

Friday Kobalt is the Happy Hour Hot Spot and from midnight till close The Groove Lounge!

Saturdays are always busy with special events, videos and spin. On the first Saturday of the month it’s Taylor Made hosted by TC Taylor.

March 26 don’t forget the Lady Gaga Pre-Pary, 2 p.m. (free admission).

Kobalt is located at 3110 North Central Avenue #125. Web: kobaltbarphoenix.com

Upcoming events at The Rock Comedy on the Rocks continues to bring some of the most amazing comedic talents the valley has to offer downtown while raising money for local charities! The Sic Sense Sketch Comedy Troupe is always a crowd pleaser!

March is gonna bring with it even more exciting new entertainment!

Mondays The Rock features Kick Ass Karaoke in The Showroom with special guest hosts every night. Plus The Return of Gong Karaoke with Barbra Seville on the Last Monday of Every Month Wednesdays it’s Comedy on the Rocks- A Night to Help Local Charities Get over the Financial Hump. Every Wednesday Night at 9pm the Rock welcomesa new act to take to the stage in order to lighten folks up during these tough financial times and help out local charities. Featuring Stand Up Comedy, Sketch Comedy and Campy Drag $3 Donation Every Saturday Night at 9pm the doors will open to welcome one of the Most Celebrated Female Impersonators in Town…Miss Barbra Seville! $3 Cover 46 | Issue #81 | April 2011 | ntouchaz.com

Sunday evenings ArizonaDrag.com and Pandora Productions present Showgirlz!

Special shows: Sunday March 20 A Special Birthday Celebration - Come and Celebrate the First Day of Spring as well as Mike and Pandora’s Birthday with a Special Show by The AZ Gender Outlaws and lots of Special Guests.

Friday March 25 at 10p.m. Genderfuct - The Arizona Gender Outlaws (the creative minds behind Snatch: An Act of Drag Terrorism and The Follies…NOT Your Typical Drag Show which won Best Drag Show in the Phoenix New Times 2010) will take to the stage with their unique style of drag, which includes live singing, sketch comedy and zany video clips. $3 Cover Friday April 1 at 9 p.m. The Million Hugs A National Celebration Tour - Cities across the nation are now hosting the largest project of this nature in LGBT History! Did you know that $8.82 of every $10 raised in a LGBT fundraiser, was influenced by the involvement of the female impersonators in your community? Think about that sum. No other group in the LGBT culture has that dedication. I’m asking all of us to take a moment on these tour nights to come out and thank these performers making a difference in our lives. Order your autographed book now at MillionHugs.com (and bring it to the local party to collect more autographs). The photos from these parties will be the content of both MillionHugs.com and next year’s edition. Todd Kachinski-Kottmeier aka The Infamous Todd will be in attendance as well as many of the queens that participated to autograph books and they will be filming for a Logo/Bravo Documentary about the tour and the creation of this book.

To reserve a table to any of the Rock’s upcoming shows or to book a party go to therockdmphoenix.com. The Rock is located at 4129 N. 7th Ave. in Phoenix.

Woody’s - time to enjoy the great outdoors Now that the weather is perfect, it’s a great time to spend outside on Woody’s fabulous patio.

Daily specials and events.

Sunday’s offer Happy Hour from 11a.m.

- 8p.m., Brunch and Bloody Mary Bar 11a.m. 1:30p.m., Drag Bingo(every other sunday)8p.m.

- 9p.m. and Karaoke 9p.m. - 2 a.m.

For more information go to mywoodysaz.com.

Woody’s is located at 3710 North Oracle Road, Tucson.

Ain’t Nobody’s Bizness (aka The Biz) Is a hot gay & lesbian nightclub.

Nightly specials including erotic dancers, Karaoke, Hip Hop, go-go dancing, and open mic night. Relax and light up a cigarette out in the back patio area, or enjoy the wii lounge. There’s a lot going on at The Biz. The Biz is located at 2900 E. Broadway Blvd. #118, Tucson.

Holdren... < continued from page 35 anti-LGBT bills this session? And, how?

Holdren: We are focused on building strong bi-partisan partnerships to support the signature piece of our legislative platform, the Arizona Safe Schools Act. Rather than playing defense, our approach is one of collaboration around an issue that has broad bi-partisan support from the public. In fact, a 2008 poll of 603 likely Arizona voters indicated that 79%, that’s eight out of every 10 voters in Arizona, supported legislation to protect kids from bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Not only is this issue one that the people of Arizona can unite behind, it is a critically-important issue, particularly for the youth who endure intense bullying day in and day out in our schools.

‘N: What can the people do to help?

Holdren: Grassroots advocacy is our strength.

With the involvement of committed community members, we can achieve great things. Right now, we need everyone to show their support by giving what they can. A financial contribution in even the smallest amount goes a long way, and larger contributions go further. But money isn’t the only way people can help. Donations of time and energy are critically important. People can volunteer at one of our events, host ‘friend raisers’ with their neighbors and colleagues to help spread the word about our cause, or take action on an issue when they receive one of our Call-to-Action email blasts.

‘N: Anything else you want to add?

Holdren: There will be a lot of movement in the coming months. Our new website should be coming online very soon, and it will contain great tools for community members to receive timely, pertinent information and interact. Website: equalityarizona.org; Facebook: facebook.com/equalityarizona; Twitter: twitter.com/equalityarizona news / politics / business / opinion

FOCUS TUCSON

Campus Corner: Pride Community

By Christina Bischoff, Wingspan Intern

Next fall, the University of Arizona will be offering a new housing option for students: the Pride Community. This new living-learning community is open to students who identify as LGBTQ or heterosexual allies, and residents will be able to more easily connect with groups on campus such as LGBTQ Affairs, Pride Alliance and Delta Lambda Phi. Another benefit of the Pride Community is that it serves a special role for transgender and gendervariant students. Currently, Residence Life works with students on a case-by-case basis when their legal gender may not match their gender identity.

The application for the Pride Community allows residents to explain their gender identity (rather

than rely on legal gender for roommate pairings) and choose whether they prefer to live with someone of the same gender or any gender.

Similarly, this wing will consider the issue of gender-inclusive versus sex-segregated restrooms.

This program has come after years of consideration by various members of the campus community. Last semester, students and staff came together to host several housing forums to discuss whether there was a need for such a living space and what it would look like. By the end of the discussion, the vote was unanimous that LGBTQA students needed the option to live together in a safe, accepting environment.

More colleges and universities around the country are offering similar living options, and at the UA support for the Pride Community remains strong as students begin to apply to live there next academic year.

Students looking to apply for the Pride Community must have an active housing application, then submit a short application available on the Pride Community site.

48 | Issue #81 | April 2011 | ntouchaz.com

Free Write-AWill workshops Less than 40% of the people who die in the U.S. each year have a will.

Find out how a will can benefit you and the people you care about. The Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN) and the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) are offering free workshops to encourage everyone to make your wishes known regarding how you want your assets to be distributed after your death.

The public is invited to attend a FREE Write-A-Will Workshops being sponsored by TIHAN and SAAF. The workshops will address the importance of writing a will, the legal aspects of a will, and the charitable giving opportunities available through wills.

Write-A-Will Workshop will be held Saturday, March 26, 1011:30a.m. at SAAF with Douglas J. Newman, Attorney at Law RSVP by March 18 to Imelda Rodriguez at 520-628-7223 or irodriguez@saaf.org If you do not have a will at the time of death, the state will make determinations about how your estate is distributed. In Arizona, if you are part of an unmarried couple, your surviving partner will receive nothing from your estate unless you have made specific legal arrangements.

Having an updated will can: —make provisions for the people who you love, and the causes that are most important to you, —help avoid the economic chaos that families often have to face at the time of a loved one’s death, and —create a legacy that will help you continue to make a difference, even after you are gone.

Who should come? Anyone interested in a “hands on” session about making or updating a will, how to protect even the most modest estate, and how to ensure that your wishes are known and re-

spected.

The workshop is a 60-90 minute interactive session that includes a question and answer component and a complementary workbook, “A Guide to Planning Your Will or Trust” for recording important information regarding the preparation of your will. Light refreshments will be provided.

Made possible by a collaboration between TIHAN, SAAF, and the participating presenters.

Dr. Cornel West: “Borders to Democracy” One of America’s most provocative public intellectuals, Cornel West has been a champion for racial justice since childhood. Dr. West will present “Borders to Democracy” April 1 at 7 p.m. at Centennial Hall.

Dr. West’s writing, speaking, and teaching weave together the traditions of black Baptist Church, progressive politics, and jazz. The New York Times has praised his “ferocious moral vision.” Dr. Cornel West is Professor in the Center for African American Studies at Princeton University. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and earned his Ph.D. from Princeton. His talk, “Borders to Democracy,” will critically examine diversity issues, offering Dr. West’s unique “bluesman” assessment of the broader implications surrounding race and immigration in the United States. Dr. West’s insights will provide a unique perspective

into highly contested, timely issues facing the State of Arizona.

This event is part of the Who Draws the Line? Social Justice Perspectives on Diversity Speaker Series. For more information call CHSA 520-621-5627.

LGBT Media: Out of the Closet and Into the Newsrooms A public lecture by Tracy Baim, co-founder of Chicago’s Windy City Times will take place Monday,

April 4, from 1-2:30pm in the Copper Room, UA Student Union.

The first documented “homosexual” publication in the U.S. was produced in Chicago the 1920s, but it lasted only a few issues due to harassment from the U.S. Postal Service. There were additional publications over the next decades, including by the Mattachine Society, but it wasn’t until the late 1960s and early 1970s that hundreds of media serving the LGBT community really began to flourish.

Why did the LGBT community create its own media outlets? How did this influence both the LGBT movement and the mainstream media? What were the challenges facing alternative media prior to the Internet, and has the Internet now made it easier or more difficult for alternative media to survive? Tracy Baim will address these and other questions.

For further information contact the UA Institute for LGBT Studies at 626-3431 or lgbs@email.arizona.edu or visit our website at lgbt. arizona.edu

Meet Maria Moore

By Christina Bischoff As Black History Month ends and Women’s Herstory Month begins, it seems fitting to profile Maria Moore as the embodiment of intersections. She is the program director for African American Student Affairs (AASA) at the University of Arizona and works to bridge the gap between identities.

“I think race and sexual orientation are interdependent and, as such, can really make for dynamic, inclusive discussion when the complexity of identity is intentionally engaged,” Moore says.

AASA has collaborated with LGBTQ Affairs many times in the past; most recently, the groups came together to host “Honoring Essex and Lorde,” an event for poets to speak about liberation of race and sexual orientation. Other events put on by AASA examine the intersection of other identities, from careers to gender. The resource center began 20 years ago after a student-run protest demanding more resources for black students, and Moore has

helped create a team that meets this need beautifully.

As someone who has worked with Wingspan’s Eon youth and who currently works at the university, Moore emphasizes the importance of education at all times in a person’s life. “For high school and elementary students, I would make it easier to explore identity and social justice. For adults, I would create neighborhood-based adult learning centers with a social-justice foundation,” she says when asked about a change she would make to the Tucson community.

Her activism and urge to help the community unite regardless of identities shines through: “I’m all for providing safe spaces - but I think that’s just a starting point.” news / politics / business / opinion

NIGHTLIFE - TUCSON

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ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 51

CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOR RENT/LEASE

Happy Birthday Luis! Enjoy SF!

Room for rent Quiet neighborhood near Dysart and Osborn $600.00 per month. Utilities included Washer Dryer, Kitchen, Wireless internet, Back yard with pool. Call Armando at 623 3987531. Must love dogs.

Happy Anniversary to my Boo! Love Bumble Happy Birthday to my bros Darin & Fritz! Love your sis Happy be-lated Big B-Day Michele! You don’t look a day over 45. Guess who?

Downtown Phoenix Public Market is now open on Wednesdays from 4-8pm. Not just on Saturdays anymore!

Support local farmers and artists while also supporting the local economy... and by the way, a little organic food won’t hurt you!

BUSINESS / SERVICE Having a bad hair day? John Krebs of Panache Salon can help you with all of your hair needs. 5533 N. 7th St, Suite 401, Phoenix. Call (602)678-5517.

Professional tax preparation for individuals and small businesses.

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Writing your biography? Let a professional edit and proof your manuscript for a reasonable price.

Call for rates. 602-957-1638.

Personal Fitness Training.

Blake Fitness is the name to know for all your fitness training needs.

15 years of experience and still having fun! Ron Blake 480-2415651 myblakefitness.com The GLBT Guide, Inc. The national gay business listings, personals and classifieds. Bringing America’s GLBT Community together. Listings for less than $3/mo. glbtguide.com.

Mobile bookkeeper for small business. I’ll crunch your numbers so that you can focus on what you do best. Contact Dave Connell at 602-400-5383.

Blake Housecleaning. Taking care of all your housecleaning needs. Serving all parts of the Valley. Ron Blake 480-241-5651 rblake5551@hotmail.com

COMMUNITY INFO

Remodeled Rental 7th St/ Maryland Small triplex, private end unit $695.00 per month, water included. 1 bed/1 bath, 850 sqft, travertine throughout, french doors, upgraded kitchen, lots of storage, walk in closet, mature landscaping. Move in Ready!

Contact Martha Zabala 602-2144083. Arizona Lifestyle Realty.

covered parking, washer dryer, wireless internet, cable tv, private backyard, no smoking in house, dog allowed (no cats). $600 plus 1/2 utilities. Call John at 602-5023313.

Room For Rent South Phoenix area, near South Mountain, ASU, Tempe, Downtown. Newer home, two levels, modern decor, over 2800 sqft, gated front courtyard, tile/carpet floors, granite counters, patio. Room is $500 per month, includes utilities & internet. Shared bath, prefer non smoker, no pets. Contact Ron Houston for more info 480-8618744.

FOR SALE

Free Social Group and Nonprofit listings. List your social group or non-profit organization for free at ntouchaz.com! Click on the community directory page and add your listing today!

COUNSELING

Now, Voyager Hypnotherapy/ Coaching- Let me help you improve many areas of your life.

Visit NowVoyagerHypnosis.com for some ideas or call 602-3016551. The Mind Is The Greatest Vessel!

Licensed Professional Counselor - Call Rene Broussard, LPC for a Caring Counselor who knows our community, from the inside out: 480-751-1020. Sliding Scale Fee and Free Initial Consultation Available.

Purchase Classified Advertising Online! ntoucha z.com

52 | Issue #81 | April 2011 | ntouchaz.com

South Phoenix Home for Rent 3 bed/ 2.5 bath, 1400 sqft, two levels, 2 car garage, split floor plan, washer/dryer, landscaping included in rent. $995 per month.

Pets ok w/ approval. Section 8 welcome, ready for move in!

Contact Martha Zabala 602-2144083. Arizona Lifestyle Realty.

Coronado Historic Rental 2 bed/2 bath home, over 950 sqft, gated front courtyard, fireplace, hardwood floors, kitchen island, full appliances. Great private backyard, ideal for gardening w/ lots of fruit trees. Hurry this won’t last long! $995.00 per month. Martha Zabala 602-2144083. Arizona Lifestyle Realty.

Roommate wanted to share nice house in quiet neighborhood near 36th St. and Indian School.

Available Feb. 1st. 2 bed/2bath,

WOW Bank Owned Bargain!

23rd St/ Indian School. Charming single level home, over 1000 sqft, 3 bed/2 bath, living room, open kitchen, dining area, family room, inside laundry, carport parking, RV gate & more. Listed at $46,900. Contact The Ron Houston Group 602-402-2459 www.RonHoustonGroup.com Arizona Lifestyle Realty.

McDowell Mountain Retreat - Bank Owned Guarded Community, amazing mountain views.

4 bedroom/2.5 bath home, 3749 sqft, single level, open floorplan, fireplace, large kitchen, gated front courtyard, pool/spa, built in bbq, firepit, 3 car garage. Offered at $569,900. For more infor contact The Ron Houston Group 602-402-2459. Arizona Lifestyle Realty.

news / politics / business / opinion

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE: LUXURY PENTHOUSE 207 W. Clarendon #22E Spacious, bright, views. 1566 sq.ft. 2 split Master BRs/2 full baths. Eat-in kitchen. LR/DR. Pool,spa,tennis,light-rail. 24/7 front desk. Move-in ready. Priced to sell. $395,000.00. Linda Pool Keller Williams - (480)600-7504 lindapool@cox.net

Not a Bank Owned or Short Sale! North Phoenix, Tatum/ Bell. Single level home, 3 bed/2 bath, 1400+ sqft, vaulted ceilings, skylights, open kitchen w/ breakfast bar, formal dining, 2 car garage & more! Listed at $172,500. Contact Sue Ligeros for more 602-628-2549. Arizona Lifestyle Realty.

Bank Owned 16th St/ Northern Spanish style home, over 2000 sqft, single level, 3 bed/3 baths, 2 car garage, large laundry room, pool, built in bbq area, mountain views. Remodel never completed, needs work. Offered at $144,000. The Ron Houston Group 602-402-2459 or www.

RonHoustonGroup.com Arizona Lifestyle Realty.

Vacant Land for Sale! Central Phoenix. 36th St/ Thomas. Ideal for seasoned investors & developers. Less than $1.78 per sqft of land. Potential for mutli family units or single family home.

Listed at $19,900. Seller may carryback up to $10k-. The Ron Houston Group 602-402-2459.

Arizona Lifestyle Realty.

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FOR SALE: Uptown Gem of a Home 1024 West Georgia Avenue, Pasadena Neighborhood, Walkability Score 67, Energy efficient 3 bedrms, 1.75 baths. 1900 sq. ft has home office entry. Spacious corner lot, walled privacy, paddle fans, skylights, A/C and evap.

Security doors thruout & alarm system. Detached 2+ car port with secure storage, Offered at $235,000. MLS # 4186597, 10 2 4 w g e o r g i a a v e . e p r o p e rtysites.com. Owner/agent John E. Hughes, Jr. (520) 907-6792.

HEALTH Are you experiencing any of the following? Hot flashes, mood swings, low sex drive, weight gain, depression, headaches, anxiety, foggy thinking, vaginal dryness, prolonged fatigue? Call 1-888-314-3413

HELP WANTED Bartenders/Cocktail Servers Wanted Looking for at least 2 years experience or customer service equivalent. Stop into the Rock for an application, 4129 N 7th Ave, Phoenix AZ 85013. 602-248-8559 Experienced Licensed Massage Therpist and Experienced Cosmetologist for upscale central Phoenix salon. Call George or David at 602277-8849 for more information.

VOX | Landscaping & Construction Complete landscaping design including walls, stucco, pavers, fireplaces, barbeques and metal work. Call Beth Rohlfs, Owner at 480538-8081 | ROC# 262709

Scholarship... < continued from page 6 BTQ employee constituent group, and, the District supports LGBTQ community organizations, receiving Equality Arizona’s Statewide Corporate Award in 2006 for its commitment to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.

“Every youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, deserves a safe, respectful and healthy learning environment.

Maricopa Community Colleges is a leader in community efforts to make this a reality,” Madelaine Adelman, Ph.D., Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Phoenix, Co-chair and GLSEN National Board Member, told ‘N Touch.

Each scholarship funded will cover full-time tuition, books and fees for up to sixty credit hours, up to $5,000 per student.

“So far, we have raised nearly $60,000 from 47 donors toward our goal of 200K by the end of 2011.

This endowment will put into place two scholarships a year for LGBTQ

Rainbow Massage Therapy.

Bring this ad in for $10.00 off your massage. Located near 7th Ave & Indian School. Swedish & Hot Stone. Call (602) 2651631 to make your appointment or e-mail rainbowmassagephx. com (MT-09329)

youth. Out of the nearly 2800 scholarships awarded by our Foundation in 2010, the average award was $678. Our award will be a maximum of $2500 per year for each student.

With this kind of commitment from the LGBT Community, we will help create a great future for these young people,” says Rachel Rabinovich, Senior Development Officer, MCC Foundation.

Every $2,500 donation will provide a student with one year of education. Every $1,250 provides a student one semester of classes. Every $250 donation provides a student one class.

And a $150 donation can provide a student with a book voucher.

The deadline for applications is May 1, 2011 for the fall semester. All applications are taken online. Each applicant needs to go to maricopa. edu/foundation and look for the “Out and Up” Logo on the opening page.

To donate online go to maricopa. edu/foundation/egive For more information, contact Rachel Rabinovich 480-731-8417, rachel.rabinovich@domail.maricopa. edu or Julie Roberts 602-509-4808, juliekayroberts@yahoo.com.

‘N Touch News is growing, and would like to add you to our Advertising Sales Team. E-mail traceystewart@ntouchaz.com if you are interested in a contract/ commission position located anywhere in Arizona.

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ntouchaz.com news / politics / business / opinion

ntouchaz.com | April 2011 | Issue #81 | 53

ADVERTISER DIRECTORY Building a great community starts with you!

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Night Life

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Linda’s on Osborn

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Coyote Moon Pub (TUC)

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Dave Connell

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Health Care Dr. Damien Brandeis, NMD

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54 | Issue #81 | April 2011 | ntouchaz.com

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