More Gay-Friendly Businesses In Tucson

Rainbow Connection

Rainbow connection over a rainbow background Tucson’s Rising Phoenix Self-Defense & Fitness is a unique, queer-friendly martial arts and self-defense gym open to all ages, skill levels, and fitness levels. Rising Phoenix has named this branch of their program The Rainbow Connection.

Our Approach

Founded in 2014, Rising Phoenix takes a different approach to self-defense training by using therapeutic martial arts instruction to promote healthy human connection, emotional control, and the importance of consent. Each class focuses on street-smart self-defense skills and concepts designed to be immediately applicable to real-world situations. The self-defense we teach is based on Israeli Krav Maga, specifically intended to be practical, functional, and quick to learn. In 2021, the Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Fame named Rising Phoenix the Best Krav Maga School in Tucson.

The Rainbow Connection

Weapon tactics at the Rainbow ConnectionRising Phoenix provides a welcoming environment for people in the LGBTQIA+ community to be themselves, gain confidence, and learn valuable skills. Rainbow Connection is our weekly donations-based self-defense class for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. Rainbow Connection was established as part of Rising Phoenix in 2016. The program was created by former gym member James Cook, who saw the need for self-defense training among his fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our Rainbow Connection classes provide training specifically designed to address concerns in the queer community. We practice trauma-aware instruction, focused on helping students take ownership of their minds and bodies to challenge their comfort zones and discover what they’re capable of. Rainbow Connection is a safe place. Its dedication is to helping participants effectively learn and use assertiveness and self-defense skills in uncomfortable, intimidating, and scary situations. Our instructors and students use their strengths to help, support, and encourage each other to succeed.

Our Classes

Judo with the Rainbow ConnectionTucson’s Rising Phoenix offers a variety of self-defense, martial arts, and fitness classes, ranging from Krav Maga, Yoga, and Group Fitness, to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Weapons Tactics, and more! We have two donations-based classes that are open to the public: Our Rainbow Connection LGBTQIA+ self-defense classes every Saturday from noon – 1:00 p.m., and our women’s self-defense classes every Friday from 6:00 p.m. –7:30 p.m. and every Saturday from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. One-on-one private lessons, small-group private lessons, customized group workshops, and corporate training sessions are also available.

Our Owner

The founder and owner of Rising Phoenix, Jesse James Tucker, has been teaching self-defense and Krav Maga for over 15 years. He holds black belts in four different Krav Maga systems. He is also a certified Krav Maga instructor with the Federation of Israeli Martial Arts (FIMA). Jesse has been inducted into both the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He was named Defense Master Instructor of the Year in 2021 by the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Reviews

Rainbow Connection classMatt S.

“Stepping into a martial arts gym can be really scary, especially when you’re not a “Tough Guy,” but summoning my courage and walking through the doors at Rising Phoenix is the best thing I’ve done since relocating to Tucson three years ago. Jesse and his fellow instructors go out of their way to make people of every age, body type, culture, and orientation feel welcome and empowered with the best in modern martial arts training. Rising Phoenix’s Krav Maga isn’t static: It’s constantly evolving and incorporating techniques from kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and catch wrestling, alongside the tried and true martial education in Israeli Krav Maga you’d expect. Rising Phoenix also offers more stuff than Krav Maga, too: specialized instruction in Judo, BJJ, and Muay Thai, weapons, and you can take as much as you want for one price. I look back at the years I’ve spent training here and see a totally changed me. I’m tougher physically and psychologically, and my day-to-day life is better for it. Thanks, Jesse!”

Kristina S.

“I can honestly say training at Rising Phoenix is one of the best decisions I have EVER made. Whether you are at a beginner or advanced level in Krav Maga, BJJ, etc, this place makes you feel right at home. I have never met any instructors who are as passionate about teaching self-defense. Jesse, Chance, and Alicia are three of the most amazing people I have met in Tucson. I can ask endless questions, pose endless scenarios, and someone is ALWAYS ready to help and answer my questions. Instructors will stay after class with you for more than an hour to discuss your personal training plan, answer any questions you might have, or just to talk about your experiences and what brought you to Rising Phoenix. They care about your personal experience and want to help you get what kind of training you’re looking for.… I have learned so much from Rising Phoenix, and I cannot wait to continue my training. I have gone to other gyms in Tucson, but there is no place better to train than Rising Phoenix. The atmosphere and the instructors are unbeatable.”

Jeremiah Thomas

“The people here are amazing. The instructors are professional, helpful, willing to show techniques that meet your fitness level, and very supportive. The training here is awesome. From real-life situations to multiple scenarios per technique, the instructors here are on top of their game. The group fitness class is great. It will work you into fighting shape pretty effectively. If you come, just say hi to anyone, and you will find a friend at this gym. I have been coming here for a couple of years now. Every new person is immediately treated as someone you’ve known for a lifetime. It really does make this such an inviting place to learn how to defend yourself and others.” Womens self defence taught at the Rainbow ConnectionCompany Name: Tucson’s Rising Phoenix Fitness & Defense Office Address: 4500 E Speedway Blvd, Suite 4, Tucson, AZ 85712 Contact Name (s): Jesse James Tucker Phone (s): (520) 838-1592 Email: tucsonrisingphoenix@gmail.com Pricing: sliding scale Website: https://tucsonselfdefenseandfitness.com/ Office hours: (Please check our website for class times)  

Arte Bella on 4th

Arte Bella on 4th Ave.
Arte Bella on 4th Ave.
340 N. 4th Avenue Tucson, AZ 85705 520-526-2588 www.artebellaon4th.com

Art, Entertainment, and Inclusivity at Arte Bella on 4th + Bella’s on 4th

Arte Bella on 4th began as an inclusive art space for Tucsonans Arte Bella on 4th began as an inclusive art space for Tucsonans. It has blossomed into a one-of-a-kind bar, restaurant, live music venue, painting studio, and 420-friendly haven. That’s right, Arte Bella on 4th is not your mother’s paint and sip! It’s the only venue in the country that rounds up live music, art-inspired cocktails, painting classes, drop-in-and-paint options in a 420-friendly atmosphere. Enter the Arte Bella on 4th door and walk through the art gallery back to the event space, or come in through the Bella’s on 4th restaurant after ordering a bite to eat. Arte Bella on 4th has somehow encapsulated all that is awesome about Tucson’s 4th Avenue and put it under one roof!

Offerings

Arte Bella on 4th aims to be a safe gathering place for all 21+ patrons. As allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community, Arte Bella on 4th is truly a “come as you are” establishment, and a “choose your own adventure” experience. Schedule a fun, guided art class or drop-in to freestyle a canvas or decorate a wine glass— whether your skill level is Van Gogh or color-by-numbers. Popular classes include Puff + Paint Date Night, Blacklight Puff + Paint, and Acrylic Pour. Those who don’t have time to paint can stop by for a puff on the patio or a drink from the bar and enjoy live music. Arte Bella on 4th hosts local musicians throughout the week and is always adding special events to their calendar. Bella’s on 4th will serve up an array of munchies, including delicious vegan options. Puff, paint, party time!
Customers keen to partake in legally purchased cannabis products can smoke on the patio
Customers keen to partake in legally purchased cannabis products can smoke on the patio
Customers keen to partake in legally purchased cannabis products can smoke on the patio while vaping and dabbing are allowed inside. Ordering a cocktail at Arte Bella on 4th is an art show in itself! Bella’s bartenders’ craft signature cocktails inspired by art pieces and artist bios. The result is delightful drinks that are sure to color you impressed. Try the spicy Frida Rita made with mango jalapeño tequila or the Starry Night vodka cocktail that *shimmers* with edible glitter! You’ll also find an extensive list of wine, craft beers, ciders, meads, and seltzers as well as non-alcoholic CBD seltzers and mocktails.

Arte Bellas Colorful Backstory

Artist, Air Force veteran, LGBTQ advocate, and cannabis activist Jen Christiansen opened the 4th Avenue location in April 2021. Jen saw an opportunity to fuse some of her favorite worlds together when Prop 207 passed. Further nudging her mission to go mainstream with her ‘Puff and Paint’ concept. Jen shakes her fist at the cannabis stigma. She opens her doors to all 21+ customers with the liberating reminder that “Moms smoke weed, too!”
  • Arte Bella on 4th Ave (21 + 420 friendly bar, live music venue, puff and paint art studio) &
  • Bella’s on 4th Ave (new restaurant expected to open within a few weeks)

Phaedra Wilson – Altitude Home Loans

Phaedra Wilson with Altitude Home Loans
Phaedra Wilson with Altitude Home Loans

Phaedra Wilson – Altitude Home Loans

Phaedra Wilson
Senior Loan Officer
Altitude Home Loans
1885 N Kolb Rd
Tucson, AZ 85715
BK# 0907366

Direct: (520) 617-2925

Email phaedra@altitudehomeloans.com
Toll Free: 888-634-6399

After graduating from the University of Arizona in 1992, Phaedra Wilson dove full-time into the mortgage industry and never looked back.  Since then, she’s consistently ranked as a top producer in Tucson – earning the respect of customers and peers alike.  To this day, she is passionate about going the extra mile to help families achieve their homeownership dreams.

A born and raised Tucsonan, Phaedra has spent almost 30 years working with more than 2,000 people to achieve their home loan goals.  Customers choose to work with Phaedra for her excellent communication, ethics, experience, and expertise.

Phaedra and her team have created a stress-free experience by designing efficient systems that provide weeks updates and produce quick response times.  Their ultimate goal is to have everything in place to fund loans on time, or even early when needed.  Phaedra’s strong base of loyal repeat customers and lasting relationships with excellent local real estate agents is the cornerstone of her success in Tucson’s incredibly competitive mortgage environment.

Phaedra is an enthusiastic member of the community, volunteering on the board of Kids of Steele and serving with the hostesses of Silver and Sequitur, supporting the restoration efforts at Mission San Xavier del Bac.  She enjoys traveling, hiking, yoga, and staying active with her husband, Gred, their two wonderful daughters, Addy and Avery, and their sweet Golden Retriever, Sunny.

Weddings by John

 
Rainbow heart with
Just Married phrase on the bright watercolor rainbow heart.
Lesbian Weddings by John Are you planning on getting married soon? Make sure you hire a caring, certified, charismatic wedding officiant like Weddings by John. As your wedding celebrant, I will dedicate myself to working with you to create the perfect ceremony. I will meet with both of you either in person or virtually and together we will build a plan for your dream wedding ceremony. I have vast experience in crafting the perfect celebration that fits your needs exactly, for an elopement, huge event, or anywhere in between. It can be non-religious, semi-religious, traditional, unique, or something totally different. Gay Weddings by JohnI am especially thrilled to officiate LGBTQ+ couples having been with my husband for almost 30 years. As a licensed wedding celebrant, I will guide you through the process. Informing you and letting you know all the options available to you. It is my desire to individually craft your wedding ceremony to reflect your love for each other and your personal style… Anywhere you choose. I am located in Tucson Arizona. And, I love guiding couples to plan and execute one of the most important events of their lives together.  

Testimonials for Weddings by John

Rainbow sole sneakers“As a gay couple, we had a difficult time finding an officiant who understood who we really were and what we wanted… then we found John and couldn’t have been happier.  He made our wedding beautiful, personal, poignant, magical, and perfect. Thanks, John –  Jennifer & Roo

     
 

“Not only did John create a ceremony that represented all of our wishes and hopes, but his caring, guidance and welcoming presence made our wedding ceremony perfect.”

Robbie Sanchez

 
“We wanted something special for our wedding ceremony and could not have found a better person than John to make our wedding ceremony MORE amazing than we could have ever expected. Highly recommend his services.” – Janice Mitchell Weddings by John certified officiant   Weddings By John Website –  https://theatrixx.wixsite.com/website-1 Email – jmuszynski386@gmail.com Phone number – 312-576-3383  

Pampered Skin Studio

Pampered Skin Studio Logo
Pampered Skin Studio
Pampered Skin Studio offers a complete schedule of skin rejuvenating services.  While they specialize in anti-aging skin repair, including re-texturizing treatments, Doctor Suzie also provides Acne Treatments for Teens and Adults! Pampered Skin Studio is conveniently located in Central Tucson, inside the Glenn Medical Village.  The cutting-edge studio features state-of-the treatments, procedures, and equipment, all dedicated to eliminating minor skin imperfections and giving you the skin you’ve always wanted! Wait until you check out the Botox®, “Liquid Face Lifts” with injectable Fillers as well as the latest rejuvenation treatment with NovaThreads – the “Lunch-Time Face-Lyft”. Pampered Skin Studio has injectable treatments, offering a speedy and secure method of achieving dramatic results that take years off your appearance!

Acne Treatment

Doctor Suzie offers amazing Acne Treatments for Teens and Adults.  These services emphasize targeted products, procedures and client education to clear up the causes and remedies for this complex condition.
Patient receiving Light Therapy treatment from a Holistic Esthetician
Patient receiving Light Therapy treatment from a Holistic Esthetician

Service Menu

  • Acne Treatment
  • Anti-Aging Modalities
  • Ethnic Skin Enhancement
  • Health-Challenged Skin® Repair
  • Customized Facials
  • Dermaplaning
  • Holistic Energy Balancing Facials
  • Microdermabrasion & Peels
  • Botox & Dermal Fillers
  • Body Skin Refinement
  • Skin Lesion & Spider Vein Treatment
  • Electrolysis
  • Microneedling/Collagen Induction Therapy
  • LED Light Treatments
  • NovaThread Lifting Treatments
  • Pampered Skin Studio offers many luxurious facial & skin rejuvenation treatments at an affordable price.
Meet Dr. Suzie Pear
Meet Dr. Suzie Pear

Meet Doctor Suzie

Dr. Suzanne Pear (Dr. Suzie) is a registered nurse aesthetician specializing in corrective skin care. She has a doctorate in epidemiology (the study of diseases/epidemics) and spent many years as a hospital epidemiologist dedicated to prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections. Now Dr. Suzie, as a licensed aesthetician, is focusing her clinical passion on helping her clients achieve their skin care goals, whether that be acne treatment, repairing the effects of sun damage or the ravages of time. Additionally, Dr. Suzie is certified in Oncology Esthetics and is qualified to treat Health Challenged Skin™. Another focus of Dr. Suzie’s clinical aesthetics practice is the special skin refinement challenges faced by people of color. She incorporates protocols and products created especially to treat hyperpigmentation and the remnants of acne scarring in darker skin. Dr. Suzie’s skin rejuvenation expertise also extends to the use of Botox and injectable fillers, NovaThread Facial Lifts, dermal leveling, chemical peels, as well as permanent hair and skin growths removals. 5160 E. Glenn Street, Suite 150 Tucson, AZ 85712 (520) 400-8109 PamperedSkinStudio.com Have a great day! Tony Ray 🙂

P.S. Look At These Incredible Results!

Candid Sol Wedding Photography

Candid Sol Wedding Photography
Owner: Angie Roberts
(520) 302-5338
www.candidsol.net
Google Reviews

Wedding photography that is true to the couple and unique to each story isn’t always easy to find. Candid Sol makes sure that the story of your love and the story of your wedding day is what’s most important and captures the moments as they unfold on your wedding day. Your crazy aunt, your wild best friend, your beautiful love – Candid Sol will work tirelessly to capture as many moments as possible so you can relive them over and over with your love and your future generations can experience them with you too.

Capturing the real you and the true story of the relationships of those you have invited to experience your wedding is a true honor. Emotion and stories at weddings are what keeps me inspired to continue wedding photography year after year. This is why candid moments are the main focus. I find details to be just a small part of the day. Of course these details will be captured, and beautifully, but I want you to feel the moment your love smashed a piece of cake in your face when you look back at the photos. I want you to look through your wedding album every year on your anniversary and laugh when you see your flower man crying all the way down the aisle. I want you to be nervous when you see the photos of your first look and remember how sweaty your hands were waiting to see your love before your wedding. All of your favorite moments, and even the ones you never saw happen, will be immortalized forever.

Serving the LGBTQ+ community is an act I take very seriously. Your comfort on your wedding day, and throughout your planning process, is of the utmost importance. Candid Sol proudly and respectfully serves all genders, races, disabilities, sexual orientations, nationalities, skin colors, and lovers.

RoadRunner Theatre Company

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RoadRunner Theatre Company
RoadRunner Theatre Company

RoadRunner Theatre Company

This group has an assortment of people who commit to engaging the imaginations of viewers, and while doing so, simultaneously, expanding the creative skills of pupils/performers. This is a safe and supportive environment for all of the participants involved.

Located in Northeast Tucson, the RoadRunner Theatre Company is a proud resident of the Alliance Performance Center Of Tucson (APCOT).  Additionally, they have a traveling troupe that presents musicals and revue performances throughout the Tucson area.

They provide the community with engaging performing arts experiences through classes, showcases and performances in a comfortable environment.

God of Carnage
View the Full RoadRunner Theatre Schedule at GayTucson

Get The Full RoadRunner Theatre Company Schedule!

Roadrunner is busy adding the entire RoadRunner Theatre Schedule of events to the GayTucson Events Calendar for you.  We update regularly, so be sure to check back often, and you will always know about the newest shows!

Learn more the RoadRunner Theatre Company on their website: http://www.roadrunnertheatrecompany.org/

Southern Arizona Psychology

Southern Arizona Psychology
Southern Arizona Psychology
Bryce Paradis, MA, started Southern Arizona Psychology after years of professional experience working with children, young adults, and adults in diverse settings. Ranging from private practice consultations to community mental health and professional athletics. Bryce, a South Dakota native, has resided in Southern Arizona since 2015. Bryce’s background in Freudian psychotherapy has been integrated into the treatment of protocols in private practice, community mental health, professional athletic organizations, and family medical practices and training programs.
Southern AZ Psych
Bryce Paradis, MA
Bryce has received extensive training in improving the lives of individuals experiencing various areas of mental and emotional discomfort or distress. As a master’s level professional Bryce has years of professional experience working with individuals who experience moderate to severe mental health issues struggle with addiction and life/functional difficulties in response to personal trauma. As a member of the LGBTQ community, Bryce provides first-hand knowledge and understanding of the struggles that the community faces in his clinical practice and interventions.

The Mission

Southern Arizona Psychology operates with the mission and goal of providing patients with top-of-the-line mental health services. Your well-being is the number one priority. Southern Arizona Psychology goes above and beyond to cater to the needs of every client with gold standard personalized services. Services provided by Southern Arizona Psychology include couples coaching, individual coaching, family coaching, and athletic performance/mental health coaching. Emotional and behavioral issues are addressed by guiding patients every step of the way and implementing various methods to help individuals develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters. The goal of the process is to solve current problems and improve positive thinking and behavior. I will help you “re-frame” your reactions and provide you with valuable tools to cope with life’s obstacles.
Southern AZ Psych exterior
Southern AZ Psych exterior
Personal growth and the cultivation of self (self-discovery, self-worth, and self-esteem) is paramount to Southern Arizona Psychology’s practice. It is our mission to provide our clients with tools, emotional regulation, and positive self-worth to lead healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.

Contact

Southern AZ Psych Logo
Company Name: Southern Arizona Psychology, LLC Office Address: 183 W. Broadway, Tucson AZ 85701 (Downtown Tucson & Via Zoom) Contact Name (s): Bryce Paradis, MA Phone: (424) 234-9591 Pricing: $80 – $100 per session (sliding scale available based on income and/or economic hardship). Website: www.southernAZpsych.com Office hours: 7 Days a week based on appointment availability
Southern AZ Pych Services Graphic
Southern AZ Pychology Services

Therapy For All

Therapy-For-All.Square.Site
(360) 784-4050
4021 E Grant Rd. Suite 145
Tucson, Arizona 85712
Nina Bingham’s Work on Amazon

Nina Bingham, MS
Nina Bingham, MS

Nina Bingham is an award-winning Author and life voyager who strives to inspire conscious living and conscious dialogue. She writes books that are electric with honesty and passion, causing readers to explore topics such as the soul. Nina earned an AA in Psychology, a BA in Applied Psychology, and completed her MS in Mental Health Counseling program. She is a master-level Clinical Hypnotherapist, a Certified Sound Therapist using tuning forks for painless acupuncture, a Reiki Master who was initiated and taught by a Peruvian shaman, and an Intuitive who channels books about the Archangels. Nina is a member of the International Alliance of Holistic Therapists and has been in private practice for 19 years. 

Nina lives with her wife and dog in Tucson, Arizona, and can be found paddling her kayak on Arizona lakes. Before moving to Tucson, she and her wife lived in Portland, Oregon where Nina had a mental health counseling private practice. Personally, she is a practicing Hindu who received the honorary name Devi from her guru in India (but you can call her Nina). She enjoys growing and smoking her own brand of CBD flower, Devi’s Dream (it doesn’t make you high, just happy). Her wife Rachael sells CBD products such as CBD flower, oil, and pain relief products. Her greatest joy in life is to engage with the LGBTQ community, and she has written her difficult coming-out story in her autobiography, Once The Storm Is Over (you can find her books on Amazon).She also writes a self-help blog: ninabingham.blogspot.com

Clients describe Nina as professional, caring and insightful, and she is a 5-star Groupon merchant. Jeanne left this comment on Groupon about her first Hypnosis session: “Very nice and relaxing experience! This is my first Hypnosis experience but definitely won’t be my last!”