October 15, 2014
Issue 1551
YouGov Poll: Only Tucson sparkles with Pride 18 states oppose marriage equality OBSERVER STAFF Headlines about last week’s YouGov Poll focused mainly on congressional and gubernatorial races, but it also included a state-by-state breakdown of support for same-sex marriage. Many Arizonans may be shocked to know that Arizona comes in right about average, with 47 percent approving and 40 percent disapproving, or a net approval of 7 percent. (Virginia showed the same results.) Michigan,
where
pro-
Inside Arizona campaign ads ... always a fustercluck Page 4
Gay marriages begin in Las Vegas Page 5 October declared ‘TIHAN Appreciation Month’ Page 6
87-year-old nudist bared all for politics but lost in primary Page 13
Fun pix begin on page 7
equality respondents outnumbered opponents by 47 percent to 39 percent, and North Dakota at 48 percent to 39 percent, were other states with near-average approval rates. In only 18 states did opponents outnumber supporters, with the worst being Tennessee (29 to 58 percent) and Alabama (28 to 60 percent). New Mexico, to the east of Arizona, had a solidly progressive approval rate of 57 percent to 32 percent. Coninued on page 7
Major shift at the Vatican:
Bishops think we may be human after all
Photo: Bill Morrow
With two parades in two days, the downtown scene was colorful throughout the weekend. The parades helped ring in the start of Coming Out Week and Pride-related festivities that continue through to Tucson’s Pride in the Desert on Oct. 18. Our Pride coverage extravaganza begins on page 7.
Train wreck planned for Saturday:
The Absolute Worst Drag Show 3 -- Third Time is Not the Charm
By John Gallagher QUEERTY
By Mark Kerr SPECIAL TO THE OBSERVER
Is there such a thing as a kinder, gentler homophobia? It seems we’re about to fi nd out. After decades of saying that gayness was “a disordered sexual inclination which is essentially self-indulgent,” the Catholic Church seems poised to make a major change in its attitude toward homosexuality. In short, the Vatican may actually think we’re human.
Efforts continue for Tucson’s LGBT and straight supportive bowling tournament, Chuzapalooza (online at chuzapalooza.com), scheduled for Jan. 16-19, which is over Martin Luther King Weekend.
In an interim report released by the bishops attending the extraordinary synod in Rome, the church has started to sing from a new hymnal when it comes to LGBT people. The report says that “homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community” and asked, “Are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities?” Even as a rhetorical question, that’s a remarkable statement. Who would have imagined that the Church wanted to welcome us, let alone say we have something to offer? That’s not the kind of rhetoric that Pope Francis’ immediate predecessor would ever have used.
Chuzapalooza has been Continued on page 4
GOP’s shrinking umbrella still not small enough for some of its stars By R.D. Smith GUEST COLUMNIST
Except this time, where do the homophobes go?
anti-gay hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Some stars of the Republican Party are threatening to leave the GOP because it won’t fight hard enough against the will of U.S. voters.
“I am utterly exasperated with Republicans and the so-called leadership of the Republicans who have abdicated on this issue,” Huckabee said last week in an interview on American Family Radio’s “Today’s Issues.”
Huckabee and his ilk soiled their bloomers last week when most GOP leaders were silent after court decisions expanding same-sex marriage, potentially adding more than a dozen more states.
Put another way, if the GOP intends to keep winning elections, people like the Rev. Mike Huckabee, one of its recent presidential candidates, say they’ll be outta there. It’s the same strategy used by outraged segregationists when they bolted the Democratic Party after the Civil Rights Act and gave the GOP its “southern strategy” of the past 30 years.
“I’m gone,” Huckabee ranted. “I’ll become an independent. I’ll start finding people that have guts to stand. I’m tired of this.” American Family Radio, of course, is a broadcasting tentacle of the American Family Association, identified as an
With 53 percent of voters supporting marriage equality and 80 percent of 18- and 20-year-olds on board, Huckabee didn’t offer an explanation about how the GOP continues to oppose it and still remains a national power. Because there isn’t an explanation to give at this point.
Page 2
Help wanted: Check 10,000 anuses for ‘suspicious materials’ BEIJING, China -- Sometimes you have to word your ad very carefully to get any attention, and sometimes it just doesn’t matter. If you’re hiring people to check 10,000 anal cavities, you don’t need to be terribly creative in order to get people to notice -- in fact, specifying that this is strictly for purposes of “tight” security would just be gilding the lily. Chinese officials were so paranoid about security at their recent National Day celebration in Tienanmen Square that they endured the giggles of millions to inspect the anuses, legs and feathers of 10,000 pigeons before they were released during the festivities. Independent columnist Zhang Ping said in an editorial (circulated on social media under his pen name, Changping) that the indignities visited on the pigeons mirror the government’s attitude toward its human citizens. “They have to go through the pains and insults of the rude anal check and yet they must appear peaceful and happy on the screen of the state broadcaster,” he wrote. The government actually had a serious reason. Last year, separatists from China’s ethnic Uighur Muslim minority staged a suicide attack that left six people dead. Still, can you imagine emailing your boss that you completed your assignment? “10,000 anuses checked; they’re all clean.” You’d really be ready to stop for a cool one on the way home after a day like that.
Report: Dictator injured himself with high heels SEOUL, South Korea -- Plenty of guys have told us that for men, learning to be graceful in high heels is not for the faint-hearted. Now, one South Korean newspaper says that’s what’s behind the disappearance of North Korean dictator and Dennis Rodman bromance Kim Jong Un, who hasn’t been seen or heard for weeks and skipped another key public bow last week. Chosun Ilbo reported that for the past year, the tubby tyrant has gained weight faster than his equilibrium could adjust to it, and he fractured both ankles prancing around in his Cuban highheeled boots. Brought down, “Gangnam-style”? Other reports, of course, speculate that the dictator got “disappeared” by political enemies.
Beer promoted as brain developer -- with a caveat CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Probably every college town in the developed world has heard this by now.
OBSERVER Scientists at Oregon State University have discovered that beer is brain food. More specifically, a flavonoid found in hops -- and hence in beer -- seems to improve cognitive function in young mice. Scientists think xanthohumol could also be effective in treating obesity and high blood pressure as well as agerelated memory deficits. Flavonoids are the compounds that give deep color to blueberries, red wine, dark chocolate and the more brightly colored vegetables. But get back, Loretta! You’d have to drink 3,520 pints of beer a day to get the levels of xanthohumol tested on the mice. As of yet, no scientist is known to recommend that. Researchers hope to develop some type of food supplement to provide high levels. You’ll still have to drink your beer a pint at a time.
Delivery driver gets four months over Twitter rape threat LONDON, United Kingdom -- A delivery driver is spending four months in jail for sending Twitter messages threatening to rape a female member of Parliament. Labor MP Stella Creasy helped lead a campaign to get the face of novelist Jane Austen on 10-pound bank notes, only the fourth woman to be featured on British currency. For some misogynistic reason, Peter Nunn became incensed over the change. His tweets accused Creasy of being a watch and added, “You better watch your back, I’m going to rape your arse at 8pm (sic) and put the video all over.” Creasy said the sentence for the 33-year-old sweet talker shows that online stalking is finally being taken seriously.
Informed electorate, check! ... Oh wait, what was that again? Most people would agree that an informed electorate is among the biggest assets of any democracy. Given today’s political climate, most people “know” that the uninformed side is whichever side they disagree with. Most of those people don’t know what they’re talking about. The YouGov polls during this campaign season have covered more wide-ranging issues than just who’s leading in which race -- including the poll last week indicating that LGBT couples moving to some southern states should invest in bulletproof vests before they rent the moving van. But one earlier poll asked a simple question about the federal deficit, and pollsters swear they explained carefully the difference between annual deficits and the accumulated debt. When they asked whether the
WEEKLY
federal deficit has grown or shrunk since Obama took office, more than half said it had grown. Only 19 percent -- fewer than one in five -- knew that it had declined. As you tried to point out in the beginning, you can’t have an informed electorate until it’s willing to be informed.
Travolta’s wife may have ‘spy ring’ over gay rumors John Travolta’s wife reportedly is tired of all those years of allegations about his gay sex life and has had friends spying on him, but of course once again the sources are “anonymous.” Understandably, if Kelly Preston really is in the dark and her husband cavorts with pilots and masseurs and a fairly large portion of mankind, she has every right to know what’s there.
October 15, 2014 wingnut, whack job, crackpot.” Naturally, Smith would like for his more extreme political cronies to sound respectable. He misses (or pretends to miss) the point, though. Surely the word “conservative” still has enough of its original connotation that it still means “conservative” -someone opposed to radical change. Politically speaking, that wouldn’t include the crowd seeking to abolish the minimum wage and 40-hour week, gut Medicare, all but abolish Medicaid, privatize Social Security so their wealthy cohorts can pocket billions in “management fees” ... you get the idea. Sorry, Mr. Smith, but “conservative” still means “conservative.” And “wingnut” still means ... well ... “moon-howler.”
But the reports are that she was busted when she mentioned to Travolta some events that happened on a movie set before Travolta had told her about them. He then confronted a crew member, who admitted reporting back to Preston. He, in turn, was reported to be unhappy at being spied on. All reported anonymously. So the “spy scandal” is turning out to be as nebulous as all the sex rumors. Still and all, why would so many guys make up stuff about Travolta? He’s several years beyond the kind of hottie that usually inspires fruitcake fantasies.
Gila Bend area rich in unidentified human remains GILA BEND -- A Phoenix newspaper researching the Maricopa County medical examiner’s records on unidentified human remains discovered in the desert found that half of them since 2010 have been around Gila Bend, even though the town has only about 2,000 residents. Deputy Christopher Hegstrom of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office told Phoenix New Times that “we can only surmise the harsh weather, coupled with drug/human trafficking, is the reason.” Gila Bend is more than 100 miles from the Mexican border, but isolation could provide a good opportunity for smugglers to dump people in the middle of nowhere. The majority of the bodies are male (42 out of 45), young and Latino. Still, it’s spooky to think that some of the bodies may belong to people killed in the Phoenix area and hauled out to Gila Bend for dumping. Some of the remains are years old by the time they’re found.
NY Post writer: Don’t call us ‘wingnuts,’ ‘loons’ NEW YORK CITY -- New York Post writer Kyle Smith has demanded that progressives stop referring to conservatives as “loon, nut job, crank,
1830 E Broadway Blvd #124-215 Tucson, AZ 85719 www.observerweekly.com info@observerweekly.com Voice Mail 520-812-0909 Editor-In-Chief Bob Ellis Executive Editor Nicholas K. M. Pafford Senior Editor Greg Miller Assistant Editor Christine Beall Assistant Editor Christopher L. Pankratz Phoenix Area Distribution T-Media Promotion Send Classifieds, Inquiry Letters, etc to: info@observerweekly.com Publication of names or photos of any person or organization in the Observer Weekly is not to be construed as indication of the sexual orientation of such person, organization or advertisers or any employees thereof. Opinions expressed by contributors, advertisers or in PSA’s are not necessarily those of the Observer, its staff or advertisers. The Observer assumes responsibility for its own editorial policy only. © 2014 by Observer Publications Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted or archived in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of Observer Publications Inc.
October 15, 2014
OBSERVER
WEEKLY
Page 3
Commentary
To Pete from Somalia: If you’re out there, just know that you inspire me every day
By R.D. Smith GUEST COLUMNIST
Youssou N’Dour CDs, so I know about Wolof even if I don’t speak it.”
When you live where I live, you don’t usually use public transportation if you can help it -- you might celebrate a couple of birthdays just getting from Point A to Point B.
Then I asked him how he knew so many languages.
So they walked to Kenya, where almost immediately they joined some sort of refugee camp. Eventually, they were taken to Germany and from there to the U.S.
He flashed that smile again and hesitated, as if he didn’t know whether to “bore” me with the story or not.
Tracing the family’s path, relief workers told them they must have walked 600 miles.
“Well, when the boxes of donated books would come from America, nobody wanted the language books, so I got all of them.”
Speaking slower now, he told me: “I feel like I must be the luckiest person in the world. Of all the boys from my village, I am the only one with both parents still alive -- the ... ONLY ... ONE.
But there are places I can go directly on the bus, and sometimes the experience is amazing. Not that long ago, a kid got on the bus at our neighborhood high school and turned out to be one of the most inspirational people I’ve met in a life that’s covered the world. I don’t even know why we began talking, but because of his slightly accented English, I asked him what country he was from. “Somalia,” he said, and flashed a brilliant but split-second smile. “I had quite a trip to be here.” I commented that he seemed pretty fluent in English, since he was breezing right through his school enrollment form. “Oh yes, I know a lot of English, and also German, Russian and Swedish, as well as Wolof -- but nobody speaks that here,” he said, “and enough to get by in Spanish, Italian and Turkish.” “Wolof!” I said. “I have some
His whole village had been basically destroyed during Somalia’s civil war. During the time he studied languages, his family lived under a tree -- for seven years. “It was really nice for us because we had shade,” he said. “Everybody else lived in the sun.” One day while the whole family was gone to carry the relief food home, somebody cut down their tree for firewood.
“Now here I am in America, with both parents, and it’s a miracle -- every day in this country is a miracle. We don’t have to walk all day to carry food and water; we even have a room to live in,” his tears were starting by this time. “I’m always afraid I’ll wake up or somebody will take it away from me, but I’m really here -- I’m in America and I still can’t believe it ... “ And his voice trailed off because he actually began to cry softly.
“Since we had nothing left, my parents decided we’d walk to Ethiopia. They thought we’d be safer there,” he said.
I didn’t know what to say, and we soon reached his stop, and that was the end of it.
But they arrived in Ethiopia just as widespread violence was breaking out in that country; as foreigners, their situation was worse than it had been in Somalia.
I never even found out his real name (“Pete” is easy for Americans to pronounce and remember), but when I think about him, and I often do, I know America will be in good hands because
we’re attracting people of Pete’s caliber from around the world. The kid learned eight new languages studying thrown-away books and living under a tree! I get frustrated over spending too long in the checkout lane, while here’s someone who faced real problems while very young and turned them to his advantage. We’re getting the people from Mexico and Central America who have the initiative to walk for weeks or months to seek a better life in a strange country -- Mexico gets to keep the ones who lack that incredible drive. We need to remember: America still inspires inspirational people, and they’ll inspire Americans if we let them. If you have the slightest trace of anti-immigrant bigotry, I’m sorry for you. You should take a bus ride with Pete from Somalia.
Anti-Violence Project 1-800-553-9387
Commentary
Push back on school pushout of LGBT youth By Abram Bolanos THE ADVOCATE
started losing credits, I realized skipping school wasn’t a solution and that if I was to become something, I must attend even if it was torment. I started showing up again, my grades picked up, and I pushed myself through the days.
I used to think going to school was a given. I knew it would be hard sometimes, that I’d have difficult classes, and that I’d struggle with some of the work. But I never thought I would struggle so much just for the chance to go into a classroom and learn. Things were OK until my freshman year of high school, when the harassment started. Other kids would push me while calling me slurs, tell me that guys don’t dress like me, and yell at me to be normal and stop acting like a girl. I told my administration, and they just asked why I thought I was being
But it wasn’t enough. My school said I was too far behind, and transferred me to another school to make up the credits. After blaming me for my own harassment, my school told me this move was for my own good.
harassed, and what I could have done to stop it. I already felt alone and ashamed because of the bullying. My school made me feel like I had done something wrong
just for being the person that I am. To avoid the harassment, I felt like I had no choice but to avoid school. After I
The school they sent me to wasn’t really a school, at least the way I think of it. I only attended and got to see a teacher once a week. The rest of the Continued on page 4
OBSERVER
Page 4
Arizona campaign ads ... always a fustercluck OBSERVER STAFF There’s a rule of thumb: If it’s campaign season, Arizona must be supplying the nation with lessons on dumbassness. Blaming the Arizona congressional delegation for anything ISIS does in the Mideast ranks right up there with saying Ebola could be wading the Rio Grande with Central American children as we speak, but two Republicans challenging incumbent Democrats are trying it. Former state Senate President Andy “Born-in-NYC-But-I-Likes-the-Hat” Tobin is trying to smear District 1’s Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, while Wendy Rogers, R-Tea Bagger, works on District 9’s out bisexual Rep. Kyrsten Sinema. Kirkpatrick’s district stretches south to the Oro Valley area and includes a big chunk of Pinal County; Sinema’s is strictly Maricopa County, but she’s of special interest to the LGBT community nationally. In Tobin’s case, he appears set to beat Kirkpatrick anyway, so there’s even less reason to run ads at a third-grade level. As it is, he attracted Time magazine’s attention for his ad claiming that ISIS threatens to invade the U.S. through “Arizona’s backyard.” So he got big-time publicity, just not in a way that enhances Arizona’s reputation for rational thought. Both the head of Homeland Security and a former head of the Border Patrol have expressed their opinions of these allegations: NO. Tobin’s ad refers to a story that ran in the wingnut/dipshit Washington Free Beacon, which reported that a Homeland Security official told Congress that ISIS supporters are “known to be plotting ways” to infiltrate the U.S. via the border. What Homeland Security’s undersecretary for intelligence and analysis actually said was “there have been Twitter, social media exchanges among [ISIS] adherents across the globe speaking about that as a possibility.” Well, that settles it for Tobin: Anything spoken about on Twitter or “social media” -- Grindr, for God’s sake! -- is not to be taken as less than a certainty. With the Rogers ad, aside from the ridiculous content, dumbassness amounts to simply not paying attention to what you’re tossing out in public.
WEEKLY
October 15, 2014
Train wreck planned for Saturday
The video features the prelude to the beheading of an American journalist while the voice of doom tells us that Sinema let her “liberal agenda” (of which there seems to be no reported evidence) get in the way of national security. In the first place, Sinema’s activities in the arena of national security are pretty scarce (she’s still a “newbie” in Congress), but notably include supporting efforts to get court trials for Guantanamo Bay detainees -- which arguably would be required under the U.S. Constitution anyway. Congressman Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, was among the Republicans voting the same way Sinema did. The ad alleges that Sinema’s position on trials for Guantanamo inmates “seeks to give terrorists constitutional rights.” Meanwhile, out here in reality, the only reason why anyone at Guantanamo might not already have constitutional rights is that they’re at Guantanamo, and nobody has established whether it’s legal to keep them offshore in the first place! So the ad is aimed at people who are clueless. On top of that, it’s a sloppy piece of work. In fact, in this case maybe lack of truthfulness is not the biggest issue with Rogers’ ad. No less than The New York Times’ Gail Collins pointed out that this ad way out in Arizona misspells the word “safety” on the screen, adding, “Really, when you’re warning people that we have to be very, very careful, you ought to check the details.” That misspelling was the reason given why the ad is no longer available to the public because of the media attention it was getting. But basic spelling apparently wasn’t the half of details left unchecked by Rogers’ crew. The video concerned the beheading of James Foley, and it just happens that before Foley was a journalist in the Mideast, he apparently was a teacher -reportedly in Rogers’ own district. Some of Rogers’ potential constituents weren’t amused to see her trying to make political points off the gruesome death of someone they knew in their hometown. Oopsie.
Continued from page 1 held since 2007. The tournament consisted of three events: singles, doubles and team. Members of the committee are primarily from the Welcome to Oz Bowling League that bowls Thursday nights, 7 p.m., at Tucson Bowl, 7020 E. 21st St., which is the host bowling alley for the Chuzapalooza tournament. An all volunteer committee organizes and runs the event, which is the first tournament on the schedule for the International Gay Bowling Organization’s Rocky Mountain Region (consisting of Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico). For Chuzapalooza though, funding is needed to cover the expenses of hosting a bowling tournament. A series of fund raisers are held to raise money. The first major fund raiser to take place will be on Oct. 18, 7 p.m., at The Junxion, 63 E. Congress St., as the Absolute Worst Drag Show 3 – Third Time’s Not the Charm, will careen onto the stage for night of fun, frocks and mangling of songs. Members of the Chuzapalooza
committee will get gussied-up to hit the boards to sing, lip sync, numbers to raise funds for the 2015 tournament. In addition, Jell-O shots will also be sold with proceeds going toward the tournament. As of press time, signed, committed or coerced into performing for this hot mess will be none other than: Legendary Dame Maxi Paddles, the infamous and sultry Amberr Alertt, making her Tucson debut the fabulous Heather!, Phoenix inferno herself Anita Togoboxx, and Tina Tuna – that tempestuous, name changing ingénue who has graced the stage in the two renditions prior and only went through one stage wall so far! Bad numbers, questionable outfits are not the only aspect of AWDSE 3. A canned food and toiletry drive will also be taking place to benefit the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation as well. So mark your calendars for Oct. 18 and be ready for AWDSE 3 – Third Time’s Not the Charm! There is a $2 cover going toward Chuzapalooza. We will see you at the Junxion!
Push back on school pushout of LGBT youth Continued from page 3 time they just gave me a packet to read and to fill out on my own, without any feedback. That was it. I wasn’t able to learn like that, without a teacher and with material I didn’t understand by myself. Making up credits was important, but so was an education. I left that school in search of a new school near my home in San Diego where I would be able to go to a classroom and learn. When I found nothing, I moved to L.A. and lived with my aunt to see if there was a school I could go to there. Again, I found nothing. All of the schools were full and wouldn’t take me. My entire experience with high school has felt like one person after another, from classmates to school officials, telling me I’m not wanted and I’m not worthy of an education. And I am not the only LGBTQ student of color being told that. This week, GSA Network and Crossroads Collaborative released a study that backs up what I’ve been seeing: gender nonconforming youth and LGBTQ youth of color like me are being blamed for our own victimization, targeted for harassment and punishment, treated like criminals, and ultimately pushed out of school. I’m now back in San Diego, and I’ve enrolled myself in the one program I finally found that would let me go to class and learn from a teacher – a
county community school for students on probation. I am constantly under surveillance at this new school, not allowed to participate in activities, eat lunch with other students, or even go to the bathroom without being monitored. The students here have been labeled criminals, and almost all of us are youth of color. I’m one of the only students who’s not on probation, but I’ve found that the other students’ stories are not so different from mine. They were pushed out of the schools they used to go to, where, instead of supporting them, their administration would blame them for any trouble that started. The only difference is that my school never even bothered trying to find me guilty of anything – except for being myself. No young person should have to go through torment, move cities, or be treated like a criminal just to get an education. There’s a movement building to push back against school pushout, and the LGBTQ community needs to be a big part of it. This week is the Dignity In Schools Campaign’s National Week of Action Against School Pushout, and the Advancement Project and GSA Network put out a set of recommendations to end this. There are recommended actions for everyone who cares about giving LGBTQ youth a chance, from young people themselves to school staff and policymakers. Let’s spread the word and push back.
October 15, 2014
OBSERVER
Gay marriages begin in Las Vegas
WEEKLY
Wingspan answers some FAQs
TUCSON -- On Sept. 25, the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation held a Wingspan Cocktail party. Over 200 of us gathered at the University Marriott for the reception. We came together to hear about what is happening with our beloved community center under SAAF’s stewardship.
Sherwood Howard (left) kisses partner Nevada state Sen. Kelvin Atkinson after they got a marriage license at the Marriage License Bureau Oct. 9.
LAS VEGAS -- Gay couples have started to get married in Las Vegas, a city filled with chapels that for them had been off-limits until the evening of Oct. 9.
“It’s amazing. This is it,” said Theo Small as he stood next to his partner, Antioco Carillo, and looked down at their marriage license, the first issued in Las Vegas.
Thomas Topovski cried as the Clark County clerk announced to cheers that gay marriage licenses would be issued, bringing same-sex unions to the marriage capital of the world amid a flurry of court decisions this week that tore down legal barriers nationwide.
“We’re walking on clouds,” Carillo said. “This is unreal.”
Topovski and Jefferson Ruck, his partner of 14 years, returned to the marriage bureau in Las Vegas on Thursday after standing in line for hours the day before. About 10 same-sex couples were waiting as the announcement came shortly after 5 p.m.
For gay couples in Nevada, the licenses ended long-felt frustration that increased by the day as they watched legal wrangling go in favor of others elsewhere, while they could do nothing but wait.
Page 5
It was a cheerful and curious crowd eager to support the difficult and extensive work of the Wingspan board and staff and the SAAF board and staff. We heard from Wingspan board president, Paul Guerrero that community center’s financial losses and increased expenses were the greatest influences in the decision to negotiate with SAAF. Preserving the two, funded programs, Wingspan Youth Program/EON and Wingspan Anti-Violence Project was a huge priority. Both programs have successfully transitioned to SAAF at 375 S. Euclid Ave., and continue to serve our community. Staff from both programs gave a short presentation at the reception. Wendell Hicks, executive director of SAAF also spoke. He gave a strong, sincere, and trust building talk. His enthusiasm over and vision for Wingspan encouraged us to have hope, patience, support and resilience. Life is change. Although we have suffered a great loss, the potential for the future is promising. Tucson’s LGBTQ
community remains vibrant, invested and visible. With SAAF’s leadership and commitment and LGBTQ leadership and commitment we will redefine and rebuild the center of our community. Here are some answers frequently asked questions:
to
What will happen to Wingspan’s name, mission, phone number, website, and social media accounts? • Wingspan’s name remains. We are still the Wingspan Anti-Violence Project, Wingspan Youth Program, etc. • Wingspan’s mission respected and honored.
is
• Our phone number, 520624-1779, is intact and has a helpful message. The phone is answered or messages are returned. • The website and facebook page are “up.” Soon they will be incorporated into SAAF’s website and accounts with specific pages for Wingspan programs. If I am already a Wingspan volunteer do I need to attend a SAAF volunteer orientation? • No, you do not have to immediately attend SAAF’s volunteer orientation in order to continue Continued on page 12
A Supreme Court decision Oct. 6 that denied appeals from five states seeking to retain their bans on samesex unions effectively made gay marriage legal in about 30 states.
OW
To volunteer, call Mark Rosenbaum For support services, call a Link Specialist For more information, events, or to donate, visit www.tihan.org
OBSERVER
Page 6
WEEKLY
October 15, 2014
Community Voices
Pima County Board of Supervisors commemorates TIHAN’s 20 year anniversary -- Declares October to be ‘TIHAN Appreciation Month’
Supervisor Richard Elias presenting the proclamation to TIHAN's board president and executive director. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Pima County, Arizona WHEREAS, the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN) was formed in 1994 as faith communities joined together for a compassionate interfaith response to the HIV crisis; and TIHAN's staff presenting the proclamation to the community.
By Scott Blades Executive Director TIHAN We are excited to share that the Pima County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation acknowledging TIHAN’s 20 years of service and naming October to be “Tucson Interfaith HIV/ AIDS Network Appreciation Month.”
Fortunately, treatments for HIV are keeping people alive, and TIHAN’s mission is now to support people in living as well as possible with HIV. Yes, living with HIV, focusing on life and potential as much as we can.
The Board of Supervisors’ proclamation also applauds “the caring faith in action carried out by local faith communities, partners, and volunteers, and encourages all Pima County residents and to talk about HIV and be part of its solution.”
The attention we’re receiving this month from community leaders is a memorial to the honorable lives of those we’ve lost to this disease, as well as a testament to the caring volunteers and compassionate faith communities that make a difference and provide hope and healing, comfort and care in the midst of this terrible disease.
The board, led by supervisor Richard Elias, presented the proclamation at their public hearing on Oct. 7 to TIHAN board president Cathy Davis and executive director Scott Blades. “Our county is better because of the compassionate care, support, and advocacy for people living with HIV accomplished by all of TIHAN’s many congregations and volunteers,” the proclamation reads. We are honored and humbled to be recognized for 20 years of amazing volunteers and staff serving the needs of our community. It truly is a milestone. When we started two decades ago at St. Francis United Methodist Church basically as a hospice program providing end-of-life care as people were dying so quickly, we never imagined that we’d still be needed 20 years later. We were sure there would be a cure for AIDS soon -- That cure is coming, but it remains elusive still.
The need for advocacy continues, and we give thanks to a community that supports people, and that supports TIHAN to carry out life-affirming work. Despite the fear and stigma and apathy, generous people have given their time, talents, and treasures for two decades so that TIHAN can be a means of making a difference in the lives of people living with HIV. Thanks to the Pima County Board of Supervisors for presenting this proclamation to TIHAN. Our board and staff offer this acknowledgement to all of the people of TIHAN — our network of faith communities, volunteers, staff, partner agencies, and supporters in our generous community that cares so much, and cares so well.
WHEREAS, for 20 years, TIHAN’s caring faith communities have offered awareness and education to prevent the spread of HIV infection and to decrease the level of fear and stigma, have provided care and support for all of us infected and affected by HIV so that we can live well, and have catalyzed people of faith towards a compassionate response to HIV/AIDS; and WHEREAS, TIHAN has grown to become the largest privately-funded provider of support services for people living with HIV in the state of Arizona; and WHEREAS, the organization has adapted and adjusted over the past two decades to meet the changing needs of people living with HIV and remains on the leading edge of compassionate support and volunteer-based responses to this disease; and WHEREAS, TIHAN has served our county as a steward for thousands of volunteers and donors who have invested in TIHAN as a means of building a healthier, more compassionate community; and WHEREAS, this month TIHAN will serve its 20,000th meal at its Poz Café lunch program for people living with HIV, and TIHAN’s CareTeams, Link Specialists, and other support services, including the “Living Well with HIV” program, continue to support people living with HIV; and WHEREAS, TIHAN and their supporting faith communities have touched the lives of thousands of people throughout Pima County – people living with HIV, volunteers, and donors seeking to be part of a compassionate response to HIV; and WHEREAS, there is still no cure for HIV, but education and loving care from volunteers can address the stigma and help to improve the quality of life of people living with and affected by HIV; and WHEREAS, our county is better because of the compassionate care, support, and advocacy for people living with HIV accomplished by all of TIHAN’s many congregations and volunteers; and WHEREAS, Pima County is stronger with faith communities joined in partnership, working collaboratively with healthcare providers and community-based organizations for a common cause, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Pima County Board of Supervisors congratulates the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network for 20 years of service, and hereby declares October 2014 to be: “TUCSON INTERFAITH HIV/AIDS NETWORK APPRECIATION MONTH” and applauds the caring faith in action carried out by local faith communities, partners, and volunteers, and encourages all Pima County residents and to talk about HIV and be part of its solution. Passed and adopted this 7th day of October, 2014. The Honorable Sharon Bronson, Chair Pima County Board of Supervisors Attest: Robin Brigode, Clerk Pima County Board of Supervisors
QUALITY THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Relaxing~Invigorating true tantric experience of sensuality Creating an inspiring safe space for men Call Marc at 881-4582 By appointment 7 AM-7 PM, Tue - Sat
October 15, 2014
OBSERVER
WEEKLY
Page 7
Like everything else, Asheville’s YouGov Poll: Only equality path was different 18 states oppose “We celebrate knowing that this shameful chapter in North Carolina’s history has passed,” said the Rev. Jasmine BeachFerrara, executive director of the Campaign for Southern Equality.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. -Depend on artsy, progressive, pro-gay Asheville to do things a little differently. That even applies to the local same-sex marriage case decided last week by U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr.
“At the same time,” she added, “we know that you can still be fired simply for being gay in North Carolina. Protection from discrimination in the workplace is the next step in our push for full equality.”
The case that prompted Cogburn to declare North Carolina’s ban unconstitutional wasn’t filed by couples seeking marriage, but by clergy seeking to marry them. The plaintiffs made the argument that by preventing them from marrying samesex couples, the state unconstitutionally abridged their freedom of religion.
The Southern Equality Movement's We Do campaign supporters rally in a downtown Asheville park before marching to the Buncombe County Register of Deeds Office to try and obtain marriage licenses, on Oct. 14, 2011.
State House Speaker Thom Tillis, recently falling behind in a challenge to Democratic U.S. Sen Kay Hagan that had been close for months, vowed after Cogburn’s decision to keep fighting against allowing civil rights for his LGBT constituents.
marriage equality Continued from page 1 Nevada, Arizona’s neighbor to the northwest, had the highest approval rate of any state that didn’t previously allow same-sex marriages -- 55 percent approving to 31 percent opposing. Nevada had a particularly notable week on same-sex marriage. On Tuesday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals declined to overturn the state’s ban (along with one in Idaho), which seemed to allow marriage equality to proceed. But on Wednesday, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy granted a stay preventing marriages from
Photo: Bill Morrow
going ahead in the two states. That came two days after the Supreme Court allowed marriages to proceed in five other states. Then by Wednesday night, Kennedy lifted his stay on the Nevada case; it was only supposed to apply to Idaho, which had asked for it. Well, that certainly didn’t add to the confusion over the issue . . . States showing the highest approval rates continue to be Massachusetts (71 to 19 percent) and Vermont (71 to 20 percent), but Rhode Island was right behind at 68 to 20 percent.
Page 8
OBSERVER
WEEKLY
October 15, 2014
Tucson’s streets run rainbow rampant
October 15, 2014
OBSERVER WEEKLY
Page 9
AIDSWALK Tucson brings tears, love
Reveille Men’s Chorus and Desert Voices sing the national anthem and a selection of empowering songs. SAAF’s Ethan Smith Cox gets a Flu Shot onstage.
MAC AIDS Fund presents SAAF executive director Wendell Hicks with a whopper of a check to fight HIV/AIDS.
AIDS memorial quilts from the NAMES project are unfolded and put on display.
Page 10
OBSERVER
WEEKLY
October 15, 2014
Tucson sparkles with Pride OBSERVER STAFF According to God we should love our neighbors as we love ourselves. And there’s been a lot of neighbor-loving already this month. From the UA Pride Alliance’s Rainbow Family Reception on Oct. 10 to the Multifaith Pride service at Temple Emanu-El on Tuesday night Tucson has celebrated and come together to support its LGBTQA neighbors. If you want to join in on the love attend some or all of the wonderful Pride events yet to come. Following is the rest of October’s gay agenda. A Campus Conversation -Marriage Equality and People of Faith: Oct. 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Campus Christian Center 715 N. Park Ave. This is an update on marriage equality in Arizona and nationally with Why Marriage Matters Arizona’s faith director, Reverend Debra Peevey. This will be an evening of food, conversation, collaboration and on a topic that impacts us all. Dinner will be provided. This event is sponsored by ASUA Pride Alliance, Campus Christian Center, Lutheran Campus Ministry, Episcopal Campus Ministry, Why Marriage Matters Arizona, and LGBTQ Affairs. Made For Flight Workshop: Oct. 16, from 3 p.m.to 5 p.m. at the LGBTQ Resource Center, Room 404-O of the Student Union. Made for Flight is a transgender youth and LGBTQ ally empowerment workshop series which focuses on building kites to commemorate the lives of the transgender individuals who have been murdered in the past year. These hand-made kites and poetry zines will be publicly displayed during the Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20. This event is organized by ASUA Pride Alliance and LGBTQ Affairs. “The Normal Heart” film: Oct. 16, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.mm in the Gallagher Theater, Student Union.
Come see a screening of “The Normal Heart,” the story of a gay activist who attempts to raise HIV/AIDS awareness in the ‘80s. This is followed by a talkback by Dr. Francisco Galarte. This event is sponsored by Gallagher Theater, Student Union, ASUA Pride Alliance and LGBTQ Affairs. Coming Out Week Open Mic: Oct: 17, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at ManzanitaMohave Residence Hall, 1000 N. Park Ave.
Open Mic is a night of music, poetry, talents, and storytelling sponsored by ASUA Pride Alliance and Residence Life’s Social Justice Wing. Whether you’re a singer, writer, poet, storyteller, comedian, play an instrument, or just want to support others, this will be a safe space for LGBTQA+ and allied students to share coming out stories, meet new people, and express ourselves. This event is for anyone and everyone who appreciates and celebrates expression through different forms of art.
Pride in the Desert: Oct. 18, from Noon to 9 p.m. at Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way. There will be a wide variety of local and national entertainers for you to enjoy at Tucson’s annual Pride in the Desert celebration. This year’s grand marshal is Daniel Hernandez Jr. Tickets are $10 with free admission for those 12 and under.
OW
October 15, 2014
OBSERVER WEEKLY
Page 11
Madame LaQueer talks terracotta, virgin sacrifice OBSERVER STAFF TUCSON – In celebration of OUTFEST, Oct. 18, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season Four contestant Madame LaQueer, A.K.A. Carlos Melendez is touching down at IBT’s on Fourth Ave. To prepare our readers for LaQueer’s arrival we sat down with the diva over facebook for a short interview in which Madame spills the beans on the love of her fans, OBSERVER WEEKLY: As a self-described “monumental curved living sculpture” how do you like your fans to admire you? From a velvet rope distance or up close and personal at the bar? MADAME LAQUEER: Ha! I didn’t expect to be quoted on that so quick! As any piece of art would live, I like to be admired. Period. I think to get the full LaQueer experience you should be able to admire both. OW: Tucson’s Pride weekend is in October, what are some of your favorite things about the fall season? ML: Personally I’ve always loved terracotta. It’s not summer and it’s not winter. It’s the smooth transition in between. It warns me that X-Mas is on its way. OW: We forecast a hot night at IBT’s upon your arrival. Will you be packing a Desert friendly wardrobe? ML: The only desert friendly wardrobe that I can think of right now as in clothes is no clothes. But I got my sissy-that-walk-tank-top for Carlos and a mumu from Ross for Madame. I hope that works. OW: For those who are virgin to a live La Queer performance, what can they expect from your act? ML: When I see the word Virgin it usually comes before the word “sacrifice”. So you’ll be expecting an awesome time, lots of drama, energy and FUN! That’s what it’s all about. Unless you’re sad and grumpy. To catch LaQueer and sassy antics, head to IBT’s Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. VIP tickets run $10 and include show cover, seating, meet and greet as well as no-wait reentry. LaQueer competed in the fourth season of Drag Race and was eliminated in episode four but continues to perform live and in priceless internet GIFs.
Page 12
As Clark Saw It
Zoe’s World
WEEKLY
October 15, 2014
Brunch might just have to be the gayest meal there is, so it seems appropriate that there be an all-you-caneat breakfast with “bottomless” mimosas to cap off pride week in Tucson. This Sunday, Bodega Kitchen+Wine at St. Philips Plaza will be the setting for just such an occasion.
the buffet is rolled out featuring multiple egg, meat and potato selections, fresh fruits, baked goods, breakfast entrees and vegetables, and sweets. All that for just $19.95, including tax. Plus there is also a fully loaded bar with bottomless mimosas and bloody marys for just $15 more.
If you haven’t been to Bodega Kitchen+Wine you should check it out. It is one of Tucson’s loveliest eateries. Done up in a soft white motif that is both contemporary and whimsically romantic, it reminds one of southern Spain or perhaps even Morocco. Your inner drag queen will love it! Plus this Sunday the Farmers Market is making way for the annual “Arts in the Plaza” fine art and jazz festival so there will be lots of extra pretty things to look at and listen to.
Back in June, the first brunch proved to be so popular you couldn’t get a seat inside and, according to the event’s organizer Pete King, reservations are already ahead of last time so the entire restaurant has been set aside (including the gorgeous courtyard patio as well). Walk-ups are welcome on a first-come/first-served basis but reservations are strongly encouraged. You can obtain further Information and make a reservation online at the G3 website; www.TucsonG3.com. Bodega Kitchen+Wine is located on the courtyard of St. Philips Plaza which is at the corner of River and Campbell. A detailed map is on the G3 website.
OBSERVER By Gary Clark
By Zoe
‘The Big Gay Brunch’ returns to Bodega Kitchen+Wine this Sunday
“The Big Gay Brunch” will start with a 10 a.m. social hour with complimentary passed hors d’ouvres and coffee and juices. Then at 11 a.m.
Wingspan answers some FAQs Continued from page 5 volunteering for Wingspan. However all current Wingspan volunteers must complete SAAF’s volunteer orientation
by June 2015. All new volunteers are required to attend the SAAF orientation as soon as possible. Visit to www.saaf. org for details. What happened to the Wingspan library? • Wingspan’s outstanding library of approxiametly1500 books has been donated to the Arizona Queer Archives at the University of Arizona. They will process all of them and eventually make the library available to the community for research and on-site reading. Visit www. arizonaqueerarchives.org for updates. Will there be a Wingspan dinner? • Yes. The dinner will take place on Feb. 14, 2015 at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. Tickets go on sale Nov. 1 at www.saaf.org. After this year’s Wingspan dinner SAAF will decide how to move forward with this event.
Send your photos, cartoons, and story ideas to us at: info@observerweekly.com
October 15, 2014
Page 13 OBSERVER WEEKLY 87-year-old nudist bared all No extra tip needed if there’s for politics but lost in primary a little poop in your coffee OBSERVER STAFF CHIANG RAI, Thailand -- Even a journalist won’t often come across a headline like “No. 1 most expensive coffee comes from elephant’s No. 2.” You might need to re-read that in order to be sure you read what you thought you read, but yes -- that’s what you read. Black Ivory Coffee comes from beans picked out of elephant manure -- and, of course, that means the beans went through the elephant first or they wouldn’t end up in deep do-do. According to entrepreneur Blake Dinkin, that’s what gives the coffee it’s unique taste. OBSERVER STAFF WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. -When Dave Olinger found out that a Republican was running unopposed for county sheriff, he was so outraged that he announced himself as a write-in candidate. The 87-year-old nudist got a lot of publicity, but as a last-minute candidate he didn’t get the required 180 write-in votes in the primary, so he isn’t on the November general election ballot. The World War II veteran isn’t without some qualifications. He was a marksman in the military, and is a retired teacher with a political science degree from the University of CaliforniaBerkeley. His wife, Kay, said she thinks he has reasons other than public service for getting into the race.
“I think he watches too much of that Jon Stewart,” she said. The campaign included a lot of jokes about where Olinger would pin his star if he got elected. His wife said he probably wouldn’t be nude on the job. Or not that much, anyway. “Well, it’s not as if he walks around everywhere naked,” she told UPI.com. “But he does like to lay out in the sun naked.” If Olinger had been elected, maybe his oath of office should have included a promise not to scare the women and horse. Still, it’s always good to see senior citizens stay active . . .
He says he’s heard all the gags -“Crappucino” ... “Brew No. 2” ... “Good to the last dropping.” Don’t expect to order Black Ivory at your neighborhood Starbucks. For now, it’s the world’s most expensive coffee and available only at a few fivestar resorts in Asia and the Middle East,
plus one tiny shop called The Elephant Story in Comfort, Texas, whose profits go toward elephant conservation. Dinkin’s good with that -- he doesn’t expect to be rolling in piles of ... cash. “I’m not looking to produce a lot of this,” Dinkin says. “I just want to keep it as a small, niche business. I get to work with people I really enjoy being with, I can make a decent living from it, and everyone’s happy. That’s what I want.” John Roberts of the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation is familiar with Dinkin’s business (er ... sorry) and says he doesn’t think there’s any danger of the elephants absorbing enough caffeine to harm them. “It’s not necessarily elephants getting buzzed that I’m too worried about, it’s elephants missing their caffeine fix and having headaches and being bad-tempered. ... The last thing you want is a cranky elephant,” Roberts said. No shit.
OW
OBSERVER WEEKLY
Page 14
Monday BRODIES TAVERN - Service Industry Night 7 p.m.- 2 a.m. $2.50 House Well, Long Islands, Margaritas on Tap, $3 16 oz. BudBud Light-Mic Ultra Cans, Fireball Shots. IBT’s 11a.m.-2a.m. Taking Back Mondays hosted by Diva featuring *3-4-1 Well Vodkas (Regular, Grape & Cherry) 9 - Close. Karaoke Inside or Lounge on the Patio 9 p.m. VENTURE-N Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.
Friday BRODIES TAVERN - Get the Party Started Friday 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $3 Malibu Rum Black-House Long Islands-Pucker Vodka, Margaritas on tap-XX Pints IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., Flawless Fridays featuring “Absolutely Flawless” Drag Show hosted by China Collins @ 9 p.m. DJ Import Inside after the show, Million$DJ on the Patio 9pm. GoGo Boys @11p.m. LOOKS - 6 p.m. to Close, Karaoke 8-12, $3.50 Absolute Lemon Drops, $5 Jamesons VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
BRODIES TAVERN - Two Buck Tuesday 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $ 2 House Well, Fire Eater Shots, $2 Margaritas on Tap, $2 Long Islands IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m.; Taco Tuesdays. $1 Tacos. Drink Specials 9-Close: Mix-n-Match Mexican Beer Special, Tequila Specials (Patron $6, Milagro $4.50, Hornitos $4, Cuervo $3.50), Million$DJ Inside 9 p.m. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.
BRODIES TAVERN - Whiskey Wednesday 7-2 a.m. $3.25 Jack-Jim Beam-JamesonFireball-Makers Mark-Johnny Walker Red IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., “Viva La Diva” Drag Show Hosted by Diva at 9. “Whiskey Breath” Drink Special Every Wednesday 9-Close. $2 Well, $3 Call, $4 Select Top Shelf Whiskey and Scotch Blend Whiskies. Million$DJ Inside after the drag show. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 22 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.Dave’s $3.50 Margaritas and Long Island Iced Teas
BRODIES TAVERN - Customer Appreciation 7-2 a.m. Two-for-One Well-Domestic Bottles, Margaritas on Tap House Kasiz Shots IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m. Therapy every Thursday. All Day *2-4-1 Drink Specials (excludes top shelf, wine & draft). Million$DJ Inside at 9 p.m., DJ Sid the Kid on the Patio 9 p.m. GoGo Boys @11 p.m. LOOKS - 6 p.m. to Close, Happy Hour 6-8, $3 Southern Comforts, $5 Long Islands VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 22 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm. 4.00 Titos/ Absolut, Cosmos/Martis from Dan G
Saturday BRODIES TAVERN - Back Pocket Sabado Latino 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $3 Magaritas on tap-Corona Bottles, $3.25 Latin Beers-XX Micheladas, $1 Tequila Shots-Corona Ritas IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., Karaoke on the Patio 5 - 8 p.m., “Saturday Night Starlettes” drag show Hosted by Janee Starr 9pm, Million$DJ on the Patio 9 p.m., DJ Import Inside after the drag show. LOOKS - 6 p.m. to Close, $3 Flaming Shots From Hell, $5 Bombay Saphires VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2.50 Well Day/Night
Monday 12-3 p.m. 4-5:30 p.m.
4:30-6:30 p.m.
6:30-7:30 p.m.
7-9 p.m.
7-10 p.m.
7-8:30 p.m. 7-9 p.m. 6 p.m.
sources
Mah Jongg Mondays Himmel Park Library. Ages 50+, 1035 N. Treat. In Our Own Voices, Women’s therapy group for survivors of sexual trauma, SACSA, 1600 N. Country Club, 520.327.1171 Cancer Support Group for LGBT People, Arizona Cancer Center at UMC-North, Rm 1127, 3838 N. Campbell Ave. 520.694.0347 Regardless of… NA LGBT Meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd. SAGA General for trans forlks and allies 1st Monday SAGA Desert Girlz for trans Femanine folks 2nd Monday Reveille Men’s Chorus Open Rehearsal, Rincon Congregational Church, 122 N. Craycroft Tucson Women’s Chorus rehearsal.Call for details: 520.743.0991 Desert Girlz meeting at Wingspan PFLAG en Español Meets the 1st Monday of each month at Fortin de las Flores: 243 W. 33rd St.
4 p.m.
LGBTQA Support Group. LGBTQ Affairs Office, UA Student Union level four. SAGA Desert Boyz for trans masculine folks 3rd Tuesdays
7-9 p.m.
Wednesday 3-8 p.m.
SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health resources
12-1 p.m.
Pink Triangle AA Meeting, 439 N. Sixth Ave. Everyday. Gender Spectrum support Group. UA Campus Health Service Building Room C312. $5 TMC Hospice LGBTQ Grief Support Group. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, Peppi’s House Chapel, 2715 N. Wyatt Drive. RSVP at: 520-324-2438. Wednesday Night Christian Bible Study, Cornerstone Fellowship Social Hall, 2902 N. Geronimo Ave. Weekly Bears Coffee at Crave, 4530 E. Broadway Blvd.
3-4:30 p.m.
4:30-6 p.m.
6:30-7:30 p.m.
7-9 p.m.
BRODIES TAVERN - Funday 7 p.m. - 2 p.m. $2.50 House Well, $3 House Long Islands, Tap Magaritas, $1 House Kasiz Shots, $1.75 Domestic Pints IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., Karaoke 4-8:30 p.m. “Cheap Ass Sunday’s” 9-Close feat. 2-4-1 Drinks and Bottle Beer (exclude top shelf, wine & draft), Karaoke Inside 9pm; DJ Sid the Kid on the patio 9 p.m. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2.50 Well Day/Night
Two Spirit support group. African American Student Affairs MLK Center, 1322 E. 1st Street. 6 p.m. Write Now! a writer’s group open to all at Revolutionary Grounds 606 N. 4th 6:30-7:30 p.m. Regardless of… NA LGBT Meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd. 7 p.m. Weekly Meditation Classes in Central Tucson, cost: $10, Kadam Meditation Center Arizona 1701 E. Miles St. 7-9 p.m. SAGA Desert Partnerz for cis-gendered 4th Thursday 7-10 p.m. Triangle Tribe, Men’s Support Group. Call 520-398-6826
3-8 p.m.
SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health resources
4-5:30 p.m.
Support Group for Transgender Survivors of Sexual Trauma, SACSA, 1600 N. Country Club Queer People of Color &
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Ajia Simone, Owner 426 E. Ninth St. 520.624.8400
10-11.30 a.m.
10-12 p.m.
2-5 p.m. 2:45 p.m.
Friday 4 p.m.
5:30-6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Wingspan’s Eon Youth Program New Youth Orientation Fridays at 4p.m. Youth Center Open M-F Oasis LGBT Social Group. Email oasis.wingspan@gmail.com Bingo at MCC Every Friday call 207-9354 for info.
2nd Saturdays
Bears of the Old Pueblo Potluch 2nd Saturdays 520.444.2275 Transparents For parents of trans kids. RSVP SAGA to attend.
Sunday 9-11 a.m.
Co-ed Softball, all abilities welcome. Oury Park, 600 W.St. Mary’s
Advice For Life & Prayers for World Peace. Bud dha’s teachings, Kadampa Meditation Cen ter Arizona 1701 E. Miles St. LGBT Buddhist Medita tion Group meets every Sunday at The Three Jewels, 314 E. 6th St. in Tucson. Meditation sessions with readings, recordings, and discussion. Welcoming to all.For info call Jim at 520-884-4218. Mamasitas! Men’s Sports club at Menlo Park The New Men’s Massage Group. Sept 21 at 4 pm. Call Marc at 881-4582 to sign up. Or email bleu55@gmail. com in advance. It’s a great place to meet men. Safe, non-sexual but very sensual and a little erotic. Donation.
3-5p.m.
Men’s Social Network “H” Club open to entire LGBTQ community. This is a fun discussion, learning and participation group meeting for discussions on major words beginning with the letter “H.” Doesn’t meet the 1st Sunday of the month.
5:30 p.m.
Puertas Abiertas Latin/ Hispanic LBGTQ/Ally support group meeting at Wingspan 430 E 7th St – every 3rd Sunday of the month at 5:30pm.
Saturday
Thursday
SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health re-
Sunday
2:30-4:30p.m.
Tuesday 3-8 p.m.
October 15, 2014
October 15, 2014
OBSERVER
WEEKLY
Page 15
Classifieds
Employment
For Sale
Romance
Hair Stylist
VINTAGE VANITY/DESK
SEEKING ANIME BUDDY
Ahead of Style has two of nine stations available for any experienced stylist/ barbers in the heart of downtown. We are one block east of Fourth Ave., near the street car. More than 230 students are housed less than a block from our location. STUDENTS WILL BE BACK SOON! Chairs are available now.
Fun upcycled antique vanity with five drawers and sassy eclectic knobs. In shabby-chic but sturdy condition, recently repainted in periwinkle gray. Ideal for TV stand or statement piece. $40 O.B.O. madpropsdesigns@yahoo.com
The rains have been wonderful, but they would be better with one or more friends to watch Howl’s Moving Castle with. Looking for a friend or group to share weekly movie nights. Meet me at Venture-N Fridays at 3:30 to discuss.
Call 520.624.8400 for more information and ask for Ajia. Ahead Of Style, 426 E. Ninth St.
1557
For Rent Roommate wanted Looking for one mature person working or retired to share a two bedroom one bath house -- 800 sqft. $350/month plus 1/2 utilities. Call JR @ 520-461-6698
1557
1555
Medical equipment and household goods
FYI Popular blog Not getting enough biting, satirical political analysis? Check out my popular blog at dailykos.com/ wolfbane in az! 1549
Like new Epson printer $25 Two new 1”vinyl blinds, 46x64, 51x48 $25 each Brand new Lumex commode $40 Used Helping hand bed rail $25 $100 takes all Call 520-623-7406 1557
Aslan is a beautiful, two year old Flame Point Siamese who loves attention! He loves it so much, that he’ll grab your hands and bring them to his chin and ears, if he doesn’t think you’re “doing it right”. He’s a talker, too, especially if you’re cuddling another kitty, and he wants to cut in; he doesn’t mind other kitties — but when he wants his affection, he wants it right now — and does not want to share!
If you can read this
Thank our advertisers
Classifieds rate: $30 for up to 30 words for 30 days. Contact Observer Weekly at: 520-812-0909 or 1830 E. Broadway Blvd, #124-215 Tucson, AZ 85719 or www.info@observerweekly.com
Aslan
Remember to send in your wedding announcements and photos to info@observerweekly.com so we can print them here for all the world to see. Donations accepted.
1550
Page 16
OBSERVER WEEKLY
October 15, 2014