LOCAL NEWS - N Touch Magazine

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FROM THE EDITOR 

And the winners are... 

Each year ‘N Touch News tries to recognize some 

of the individuals and groups that go above and beyond 

in their efforts for the community. Without 

further adieu… 

Woman of the Year: 

linda ThoMas 

It was a fortunate day, indeed, 

when Linda Thomas 

and her partner, Holly Lyons, 

stopped by the Wingspan 

office and offered to 

host a golf tournament. 

It began a relationship 

that continues today. The 

Wingspan Golf Classic has become a signature 

event for Wingspan, Tucson’s LGBT community 

center. The Wingspan Golf Classic is in its fourth 

year and is a major fundraiser for the non-profit. 

Founding and hosting the Golf Classic was just a 

start for Linda. She was asked to serve on the board 

of directors and became a member of the board in 

2009. When the position of Program Director became 

vacant in 2010, Linda applied and was hired 

to fill the position. Linda states that “she was not 

looking for a second career, but she saw a need and 

filled that need.” Linda and Holly, both military 

commanders, retired to the Tucson area to soak up 

the sun and play more golf, not to run a non-profit. 

When notified of her nomination, Linda’s first 

inclination was to decline. According to Linda, 

“Wingspan’s success had little to do with me. It took 

a team effort.” She went on to list every person on 

her staff and the all of the volunteers at Wingspan 

as people who deserved the award more. All those 

who know Linda will agree that would be her response. 

Linda was nominated because of her dedication 

and commitment to help Wingspan go through a 

rough period of shrinking grants and donations. 

Because of her work, Wingspan is able to offer many 

services to the southern Arizona area, including, 

but not limited to, the Anti-Violence program, the 

Southern Arizona Gender Alliance, the Eon Youth 

Lounge, the Homeless Teen program and many 

other programs. 

Man of the Year: 

riChie BlaCk 

(aka Celia PuTTy) 

Celia Putty (aka Richie 

Black) is the reigning Miss 

Gay Arizona America and 

most recently placed top 

ten for the second time 

at Miss Gay America. 

Richie has made the art 

of female impersonation his personal pipeline for 

smuggling his particular brand of comedy, but 

he is no stranger to jumping the shark. This 

year he played the role of “Maddie Van Buren” 

in Nearly Naked Theatre’s “Devil Boys From 

Beyond,” a production that was nominated for 

and received several AriZoni awards. He hosts 

a weekly show, “Celia Putty’s Freaky Friday” at 

Friends in Phoenix; he also hosts (out of drag) 

a weekly event he calls “Meatgrinder” which is 

a hodgepodge of “love” games including Post 

Office, the Dating Game, and the “Cruellywed 

Game.” 

Richie is co-promoter of the Miss Gay Metropolis 

Pageant, which will be held Sunday 

Feb. 12 at BS West, and has been involved in a 

slew of fundraisers from AIDS Walk Arizona 

to Phoenix Pride. He is enjoying a terrific run 

back in the spotlight after ending his long sabbatical 

two years ago. 

Lastly, Richie has embraced sobriety for 

more than seven years and will be celebrating 

12 years with his partner Bill. 

“I am tickled to have been nominated for 

‘N Touch News Magazine’s ‘Man of the Year.’ 

Does this mean I haven’t convinced you that I 

am a lady? Was it my five o’clock shadow that 

gave me away? Thank you, nonetheless, I am a 

bit embarrassed but very truly flattered.” 

Group of the Year: 

The Men of Charlie’s 

The Men of Charlie’s, Phoenix, was started 

in January of 1987, and is a non-profit organization 

committed to fundraising for local LGBT 

organizations in the Phoenix area. 

The Men of Charlie’s have raised over a hundred 

thousand dollars for organizations such as; 

Joshua Tree Feeding Program, One Voice Community 

Center, Project Hard Hat, and PFLAG. 

The group hosts a “Man of the Month” 

contest at Charlie’s on the first Friday of every 

month. Any male who is over 21 years of age 

can compete for the title. The Men of Charlie’s 

also sell Jell-O shots on the Friday nights the 

rest of the month to raise funds for non-profits. 

The Men of Charlie’s has a bowling fundraiser 

on the second Saturday of the month, and is actively 

involved in events such as AGRA Rodeo, 

Phoenix Pride and Rainbows Festival. 

Please follow ‘N Touch News as we highlight 

and partner with Linda Thomas, Richie Black 

(aka Celia Putty), and The Men of Charlie’s to 

raise funds for non-profits in Arizona. 

P.O. Box 17674 • Phoenix, AZ 85011-7674 

(602) 373-9490 • info@ntouchaz.com 

Editor Gina Read 

Creative & Technical Director M. Shelby Blanton 

Assistant Editor Luis Garcia 

Advertising Sales 

Joseph A Gaxiola, Danny Catt, 

Han Nguyen, Michael Smith 

National Advertising Sales 

Rivendell Media - (212) 242-6863 

Photographers 

Patrick Kelley, Jamie Saragosa, 

Joseph A. Gaxiola, Danny Catt 

Writers 

Dr Damien L. Brandeis, Dorian Kreiling, 

Kirk Matthews, Dr. Dina Evan, Jane O. Ross, 

Dr. Alicia Ruiz, Kyrsten Sinema, J. Ursone, 

John Thomas Lotardo, Edward Pulley 

Joseph Gaxiola 

Additional Distribution Support 

Ted Kirby, Paul Sanchez 

To advertise in ‘N Touch News, contact 

Joseph Gaxiola at (602) 410-9825 

Danny Catt at (520) 429-5905 

Publisher Gina Read 

© 2012-15 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. 

All original artwork for ‘N TOUCH NEWS remains 

property of LIONWOOD VISUAL DESIGN and cannot 

be reproduced, altered, or sold without authorization 

and compensation. Limited usage rights can be purchased 

for a small fee. 

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, 

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‘N Touch News 

is a member of... 

4 | Issue #93 | April 2012 | ntouchaz.com news / politics / business / opinion

Spectate. Donate. Educate. 

Look for our float in the Visit our beverage booth 

16th Annual Phoenix 

near the Pride Metro stage 

Pride Parade on Saturday 

where a portion of all sales 

April 21st starting at 11am! go to benefit One Voice 

Community Center! 

One Voice Community Center serves as 

a cultural focal point, uniting LGBT individuals and 

organizations, and reinvests in the community 

by providing vital educational, social, and wellness 

Stop by our booth at the 

Pride Festival and learn all 

about the great programs 

and services One Voice 

offers the community. 

4442 N. 7th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85013 

602.712.0111 | www.1vcc.org | info@1vcc.org 

programs in the Metro Phoenix area. Living without fear, shame or isolation. 

Graphic design services donated by Dave McQueen | 602.653.7760

LOCAL NEWS 

GLSEN Phx to co-sponsor 

"Bullied to Silence" 

The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education 

Network (GLSEN) Phoenix, 

an organization that works 

with educators, policy makers, community 

leaders and students on the 

urgent need to address anti-LGBT 

behavior and bias in schools, has 

announced they are working closely 

with “Bullied to Silence” director 

Tami Pivnick and producer Susan 

Broude to co-sponsor an Arizona 

premier of the picture. 

GLSEN Phoenix Co-Chair 

Madelaine Adelman told ‘N Touch 

News she is excited that Arizona 

could be one of the first cities to 

view the film. 

“I have seen the film, been moved 

by the film, and am glad that our 

community will have such early and 

easy access to the film,” said Adelman. 

“The filmmakers approached 

us because their documentary fits 

perfectly with the national scope of 

our mission to create safe, respectful 

and healthy K-12 schools for all. We 

address all forms of bias and bullying 

but pay particular attention to 

bias-based school climate issues 

related to actual or perceived sexual 

orientation and gender identity/ 

expression because no other organization 

does this work at all levels 

in public schools. This film, which 

reveals the painful consequences of 

being targeted by peer harassment, 

complements GLSEN’s efforts to 

help raise public awareness about 

the critical need to address anti- 

LGBT bias. 

“Bullied to Silence includes a 

significant number of Arizona participants, 

further emphasizing both 

our local need and our local resources. 

I encourage ‘N Touch readers to 

take advantage of this exclusive engagement.” 

According to Broude, the cast 

By Luis Garcia 

members traveled from around the 

world, as far away as Hong Kong, to 

be at the World Premiere of “Bullied 

to Silence” at the Boston Int’l 

Film Festival in April. 

Both Pivnick and Broude were 

joined on the Red Carpet of the 

BIFF opening on April 16 with 

American Idol Semi-Finalist Brett 

Loewenstern and Tyler’s Clementi’s 

cousin, Jennifer Ehrentraut. 

Clementi was the eighteen-yearold 

student at Rutgers University in 

Piscataway, New Jersey, who ended 

his life on September 22, 2010 by 

jumping off the George Washington 

Bridge, after learning his roommate 

had secretly spied on his sexual 

encounters with another man 

through a webcam. 

“We had just released the ‘Bullied 

to Silence’ posters and banners, 

which were hung proudly at the 

AMC/Loew’s Theater. The general 

manager of the AMC/Loew’s 

Boston was so excited about the 

premiere of B2S that he personally 

hung the banner next to the banner 

for The Hunger Games for maximum 

visibility,” said Broude. 

A new report released earlier this 

year by GLSEN based on national 

surveys of 1,065 elementary school 

students in 3rd to 6th grade and 

1,099 elementary school teachers of 

K-6th grade shows the need for elementary 

schools to do more to address 

issues of homophobia, gender 

expression and family diversity, said 

GLSEN Executive Director Eliza 

LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST 

520.906.7048 Phone 

520.296.8157 Fax 

Byard. 

Discussions, tool kits, advocacy 

opportunities, and other assets will 

be provided with the film, through 

the Bullied to Silence website and 

in cooperation with other partners. 

“There is a larger need to provide 

educational tools and resources 

that enhance their understanding 

of gender nonconforming students 

and families with LGBT parents,” 

said Byard. “Providing this kind of 

support to teachers and school staff 

serving our nation’s youngest students 

will build a lasting foundation 

of learning and development for all 

elementary school students.” 

According to Adelman, the 

Phoenix premier should occur in 

early May. 

For more information on 

GLSEN visit glsenphoenix.org To 

find out about the Bullied to Silence 

film and its premiers visit bulliedtosilence.com 

5956 E. Pima, Suite 130 

Tucson, AZ 85712 



Reigning monarchs bid adieu 

One-on-one with Empress Lady Christian & Emperor Jerry Heitman 

The Imperial Court of Arizona 

will host their annual Coronation 

the weekend of May 4-6, 2012 at 

the Phoenix Hilton Airport. This is 

the time when the Imperial Court 

of Arizona’s Reigning Monarchs; 

Emperor VI Jerry Heitman and Empress 

VI Lady Christian step down 

and the new Monarchs are elected. 

People from all over the country are 

expected to join in the fun. 

The festivities start on Friday May 

4, 2012 with a hospitality room at 

the host hotel from 12 – 4 p.m. Later 

that evening festivities include the 

Out of Town Show and Bar Tour. 

The Out of Town show is from 6:30 

to 9 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom of 

the Phoenix Hilton Airport. The 

performers at this show will be the 

out of town guest from across the 

country. The Bar Tour buses will 

leave the hotel at 9 p.m. and will 

come back to the hotel between 2:15 

a.m. and 2:30 a.m. Ticket prices for 

both events are $25 per person. 

On Saturday May 5th, 2012 the 

hospitality room will be open from 

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then that evening 

is the big event – Coronation VII 

at the Grand Ballroom of the Phoenix 

Hilton Airport. Doors open at 

6 p.m. and Coronation begins at 7 

p.m. Tickets for this event are $40 

per person. Immediately following 

news / politics / business / opinion 

Coronation the hospitality will reopen 

until 2 a.m. to welcome the new 

Monarchs. 

On Sunday May 6, 2012 the Victory 

Brunch will be at the Grand 

Ballroom at the Phoenix Hilton 

Airport starting at 11 a.m. with a 

price of $25. The Victory party will 

be from 3 to 7 p.m. at Pat O’s Bunkhouse 

and this event is free. The Victory 

Show will be held at The Rock 

beginning at 7 p.m. 

‘N Touch sat down with the 

Reign VI emperor and empress who 

will be stepping down. 

‘N Touch – “How much money 

did you raise during your reign and 

which groups did you raise money 

for?” 

Emperor VI Jerry Heitman – “I 

spoke with Bill Mitchell, our treasure; 

we still have 4 events left to 

do so an exact total is impossible 

but our reign total should be between 

$25,000 and $30,000 by the 

time we step down. We have raised 

money for the following organizations 

this year; Aunt Rita’s, Trevor 

Project, One Voice Community 

Center, Gentle Shepherd Community 

Church, Youth Empowerment, 

AASK, H.O.P.E. House, Paws for 

Patriots, and 1 in 10.” 

By Joseph A. Gaxiola 

‘N Touch – “One of the things 

that a reigning monarch is supposed 

to do is to travel to other 

Imperial Court events around the 

country. Where did you travel during 

your reign?” 

Empress VI Lady Christian – “I 

went to Omaha, Des Moines, Dallas, 

Las Vegas, San Francisco, Tulsa, and 

Denver.” 

Emperor VI Jerry Heitman – “I 

went to 2 coronations in San Francisco 

(Ducal and Imperial), Omaha, 

NE Dallas, TX. and Las Vegas, NV.” 

‘N Touch – “What are you the 

most proud of for your reign?” 

Emperor VI Jerry Heitman – 

“There are a couple of things I would 

like to mention that I am proud 

of this year. Lady Christian and I 

chose to have no board members 

on our lines this year. This decision 

was made not to exclude the board 

but to engage more members of the 

court. We also paired our line members 

and asked each line couple to 

be fully responsible for a fundraiser. 

We thought this would be a good 

experience for the line and help 

prepare them for future Monarchs. 

The fundraiser I am most proud of 

is Paws for Patriots. We sponsored 

a disabled Veteran with a combination 

of therapy/service dog. He is 24 

years old, has 3 children and just returned 

home after being discharged 

for medical reasons due to injuries 

received in battle. The event raised 

nearly $5000.” 


am certianly most proud of the rebuilding 

of our community support 

for our organization that Jerry and I 

have done together this year.” 

‘N Touch – “What will you miss 

being a reigning monarch?” 


will just miss being Empress. Its an 

amazing experience and I certainly 

would tell any queen, If you wanna 

run for a title that truly makes a 

difference in your community and 

across the country with over 45 years 

of history, join the court and run for 

Empress.” 

Emperor VI Jerry Heitman – “As 

far as what I will miss as a reigning 

Monarch I plan on remaining active 

in the community and being here to 

support our new Monarchs. I still 

plan on traveling to coronations and 

being involved in fund raising. I feel I 

have always been a leader in the community 

and have every intention of 

remaining involved and supporting 

our LGBT organizations and community. 

I don’t have to give any of 

that up just because I am stepping 

down.” 

Coronation VII will be held at 

Phoenix Hilton Airport – 2435 

S 47th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 

85034. 

For more information check out 

ntouchaz.com and imperialcourtaz. 

org. 

ntouchaz.com | April 2012 | Issue #93 | 7


Who will reign supreme? 

The Imperial Sovereign Empire of Arizona 

will be hosting their annual coronation celebration 

the weekend of May 4-6 at various locations 

around the Valley. The official coronation, entitled 

“Angels & Demons”, will take place at the 

Hilton Phoenix Airport on May 5. 

According to Empress VI of the Imperial 

Court of Arizona Lady Christian, the coronation 

is the organization’s annual gala. Lady Christian 

was crowned at last year’s coronation along with 

Emperor VI Jerry Heitman. During their reign 

over $30,000 was raised for various non-profit 

organizations in Arizona. 

This year there will be three candidates who 

will attempt to succeed them. 

For Empress VII: 

angelique 

ChanTez duBois 

Angelique is the drag 

daughter of Empress 5, 

Zsa Zsa Dubois. She has 

been a member of the Arizona 

Imperial Court for 

almost three years; and has held a line title for 

two; serving with Zsa Zsa and now as Princess 

to Rein 6 under Lady Christian. Angelique is 

the alter-ego of Phoenix resident, Jim Ward. As 

a member of the court, Angelique quickly found 

her niche, performing in shows and events. In 

her first year with the court she organized and 

co-hosted the STUFF-A- STOCKING show 

QTalk launches national "Pride in Living Pictures Photowalk" 

QTalk America is excited to announce a joint 

project with Lytro, the company that has re-invented 

point-and-shoot photography as we know it, to 

capture the diverse rainbow of imagery that makes 

up gay pride celebrations in the United States 

through “living pictures” technology. The Lytro 

camera is the world’s first consumer light field camera, 

which allows you to shoot first and focus later. 

QTalk America is the first locally focused, nationally 

connected network of online talk shows and 

programming for the LGBT community. 

The local affiliate of QTalk America, QTalk 

Arizona, is giving away a Lytro camera to one 

lucky winner who enters the giveaway at our exhibitor 

space at Phoenix Pride, April 21-22, 2012. 

Registering an email address with them during 

that weekend is all that is required to be eligible to 

win. Additional chances to win are available by recording 

a short video at the QTalk Arizona booth 

(why you really want the camera) and also receiving 

the most “likes” on your video once uploaded to 

the QTalk Arizona YouTube channel. The winner 

will be announced Saturday, May 5 on-air during 


in December 2010, raising money for AGAPE 

feeding program and Joshua Tree. In November, 

Angelique worked with Kenneth Anthony on 

the Fall Frenzy event where together they raised 

$1000 for Youth Empowerment Project. 

Angelique is also the Court’s elected representative 

to Her Majesty’s Parliament. Angelique’s 

goal in Rein 7 is to see community organizations 

grow as they continue to pull together, so events 

dove-tail to reach common goals. She desires to 

foster the image of the Imperial Court in the larger 

community as well, hoping to reach out with 

fundraising events for several non-GLBT charities 

in addition to building on the foundation the 

court has established in our community. 

Paula sha 

Robert Tencate aka 

Paula Sha has been involved 

in female illusion 

for over 20 years. She has 

the distinct honor of being 

the only Female illusionist 

to have won Miss Phoenix Gay Pride twice. She 

was born in Chicago and Robert moved to Arizona 

in 1985 and has worked in the gay community 

since then. Some of Paulas accomplishments include 

Miss Gay West Coast, Grand Dutchess of 

The Imperial Court of Arizona Reign V, Princess 

Royale of reign VI. 

One of Paulas favorite things to do is raise 

money for her favorite charities. Some of her favorites 

include LADS, Heart Foundation, Ari- 

the “Joe and Babe” on QTalk Arizona. 

“QTalk America chose Lytro initially to help 

make our big splash at Phoenix Pride this year, but 

also because we believed it’s such an amazing new 

camera and would be a total hit with festival attendees. 

Introducing the concept of imagery into 

QTalk America is a deliberate foreshadowing 

of our eventual move to a video platform for our 

shows within the next year,” says QTalk founder 

Joe Dugandzic. 

During initial discussions, Lytro introduced the 

idea of a photowalk, which eventually blossomed 

into a 20-city tour. QTalk America worked to create 

the list of Pride festivals for where the cameras 

would travel, while Lytro would supply the camer- 

zona Cancer Charities and many others. She has 

been a friend of the court since the beginning of 

Reign I and joined the court during Reign III. She 

is honored to be the Princess Royale to Reign VI. 

For Emperor VII: 

kenneTh anThony 

Kenneth Anthony has 

been involved in the Imperial 

Court of Arizona since 

the middle of reign III, and 

has served as Ball Coordinator 

for Coronations IV, 

V, and VI. He has also served on the board of 

directors or leadership team for several community 

organizations including the Arizona Power 

Exchange, the Arizona Men of Leather, Mr. 

Phoenix Leather, Masters And slaves Together 

Phoenix, and Arizona Pups and Handlers. 

As a volunteer resident stage manager for 

Nearly Naked Theatre he learned organizational 

and theatrical skills, which he has transferred 

to his work in the community producing events 

and fundraisers for various charities. Kenneth 

is proud to be Prince Royale to Reign VI, and 

is honored to be a candidate for the position of 

Emperor VII. 

Elections will be held Saturday, April 28 from 

10a.m.-6p.m. at the One Voice Community Center. 

Absentee Ballots can be cast online between 

April 25-27. 

as along with physical and marketing logistics. The 

local Pride organizers are selecting photographers 

to use the Lytro cameras to capture the festivities, 

and the pictures will be uploaded to pictures.lytro. 

com/pride. With the Lytro technology, the pictures 

can be re-focused on any point in the image 

right on the camera, but also through the Lytro 

website and through software. The “living pictures” 

can also be shared across the usual services, including 

Facebook and Twitter, from the Lytro website. 

The 2012 Pride in Living Pictures Photowalk, 

sponsored by QTalk America and powered by Lytro, 

kicks off in the West at Phoenix Pride, April 

21-22. 

For the full list of cities and dates, please visit 

qtalkamerica.com/photowalk. The Pride “living 

pictures” will be available at pictures.lytro.com/ 

pride 

QTalk America is the first locally-focused, nationally-connected 

network of online talk shows 

and programming for the LGBT community in 

the United States and beyond. 



Phoenix Pride's gem - Melissa Ferrick 

Phoenix Pride has lined up a 

number of entertainers for this 

year’s event, country singer Chely 

Wright, 70s pop group The Village 

People and songstress Vanessa Carlton. 

But, if your musical tastes tend 

toward gritty vocals and gut wrenching 

lyrics catch Melissa Ferrick who 

performs on Sunday, April 22. 

This singer/songwriter has a 

great deal to show for two decades in 

the music industry. There is the expansive 

body of work, mapped out 

over the sixteen albums that comprise 

her career to date, nearly all of 

which she distributed herself. There 

are the stories of the crisscrossed 

world and the things she has both 

gained and lost in her wake. There is 

the fervent fan-base that has grown 

with Ferrick, Above all there is the 

sound, a voice burnished by breakdowns 

and breakthroughs, refined 

over the twenty years she has been 

doing this. 

Ferrick has been putting out impressive 

albums since 1993. Her 

last, Still Right Here, features guest 

spots from Ani DiFranco and Kaki 

King. Ferrick’s 17th album, showcases 

the signature guitar sound that 

Ferrick is revered for, blending seamlessly 

with her flawless gritty vocals. 

Many feel that this is her best work 

to date. 

“This is the record I’ve wanted to 

make for a long time,” Ferrick says. 

“The sound of it — the songwriting 

is definitely a step above where I was 

a few years ago.” 

The growth reflected on Still 

Right Here is a direct result of the 

emotional topography of Ferrick’s 


life, shaped by the events of the past 

few years. In addition to falling in 

and out of love with her partner, she 

made the difficult decision to end 

the business relationship she’d built 

with her best friend over the course 

of her career. At the same time, Ferrick 

decided to sign to MPress Records 

after years of self-distributing 

her albums, which at first proved a 

difficult to decision to make. 

Given the self-scrutiny it was of 

chief importance that the record 

sound alive. “I really tried to sing my 

ass off,” Ferrick says. “I wanted it to 

sound like it was all happening in the 

room at the same time.” And Ferrick 

succeeds, there’s a living, breathing 

quality to the songs comprising Still 

Right Here. 

Album namesake “Still Right 

Here” serves as the record’s mission 

statement, inspired by a friend who 

walked away from a terrible car accident. 

“That song is really important 

to me, because no matter how 

By Staff 

hard you try to run away from your 

stuff, it doesn’t matter. It’s always going 

to knock on the door for you to 

deal with.” “Weightless And Slow” 

showcases two of Ferrick’s strengths; 

the incredible guitar work that she’s 

known for which perfectly complements 

her soulful vocals as she spins 

a tale of love and hope. Another of 

Ferrick’s strengths lies in her ability 

to mine the contents of her life and 

set them to music – “You Let Me 

Be” is lo-fi balladry at its best, going 

deep into the romantic territory of 

Ferrick’s life with guest vocals from 

friend and tour mate Ani DiFranco. 

Ferrick brings the energy of a 

twenty-something to her live performances. 

With her youthful good 

looks it is hard to believe that she has 

been performing for two decades. 

The Pride Festival runs April 

21-22 at Steele Indian School Park. 

Single day tickets are $20. A twoday 

pass is $30. Purchase at phoenixpride.org 

When Rock & Politics Mix! 

Meet singer, song-writer Melissa Ferrick in a more 

intimate setting! Join her and Congressional Candidate 

Kyrsten Sinema for a ‘mix and mingle’ to raise funds & 

awareness about Sinema’s campaign for Congress. 

saturday, april 21st, 7 - 9 p.m. at o.h.s.o. eatery 

+nanoBrewery, 4900 e. indian school rd. 

RSVPs required. Call 602-770-3077 or 

email devin@rankinconsultingllc.com 



Do you know your community center? 

One Voice Community Center 

is for everyone in the LGBTQ and 

Allied communities to use and be a 

part of. The center was founded in 

2005, and incorporated as a 501(c) 

(3) in the state of Arizona. The 

name “One Voice” was chosen for 

its direct simplicity in encapsulating 

a specific purpose. It was launched 

with a dedicated social commitment 

to unify and empower the LGBT 

Community in Phoenix. 

In 2007, One Voice established 

its first physical space – a small office 

inside the Melrose Center on 

7th Avenue. In August 2009, One 

Voice expended into a 2700 square 

foot space at 725 West Indian 

School Road. In 2011, One Voice 

moved to 4442 North 7th avenue. 

The One Voice Community Center 

has a variety of different programs, 

services and events that happen on 

a daily, weekly, and monthly base. 

On Mondays One Voice offers 

free HIV rapid testing provided by 

Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS. 

This takes place from 4 – 7 p.m. in 

the Board Office. Also on Mondays 

the Men’s Discussion Group meets 

at 7– 9 p.m. in the purple room. 

This group is a male-oriented discussion 

and social group. The discussion 

group has a wide range of 

topics from health to politics and 

much more. 

On Tuesdays the Coming Out 

Discussion Group meets from 7– 

8 p.m. in the yellow room. This 

group helps individuals come out 

and gives them a better understanding 

of themselves. Even people who 

have come out are welcome to join 

in the discussion to help give support. 

Hospice of the Valley 

a Culture of Caring 

Bringing comfort and dignity 

as life nears its end. 

602.530.6900 | hov.org 

Not for profit. For Comfort. 


On Thursdays the Older Gay 

Men’s Support Group meets from 

9 – 10:30 a.m. in the purple room. 

This group helps gay and bisexual 

men over the age of 50 with issues 

of loneliness, libido, relationships, 

as well as other topics. 

Thursdays One Voice also offers 

free HIV rapid testing provided 

by Southwest Center for HIV/ 

AIDS. This takes place from 4 – 7 

p.m. in the Board Office. Then the 

Bipolar, Depression and Anxiety 

Group meets from 7 pm – 9 pm in 

the yellow room. This group helps 

people in our community who are 

bipolar, suffer from depression or 

anxiety. Members can discuss what 

is going on in their lives with other 

members who are going through the 

same thing. 

The Lesbian Social Network 

holds their events at One Voice every 

Friday from 7:30-10 p.m. 

On Saturdays One Voice hosts 

A2Z Social Network from 7– 10 

p.m. in the Rainbow Room. This 

is a social event for everyone. A2Z 

Social Network is a safe alternative 

to the bar scene. You can watch 

a movie, play board games, as well 

other special events. Refreshments 

are avail and there is an asking price 

of $5 donation to help pay for the 

refreshments. 

The Writer’s Collective Group 

meets on the first and third Tuesdays 

every month from 7– 9 p.m. in 

the orange room. This group offers 

an ongoing workshop for local writers. 

If you have an idea, an outline, 

or a rough draft members of this 

group can help you achieve a better 

work for you script, poem, short 

story, and novels. 

Yoga classes will be coming back 

to One Voice. These classes will be 

held on the second and fourth Sundays 

of each month at 2 p.m. Yoga 

classes are available for anyone and 

will be held in the purple room. 

One Voice contains also hosts 

the BJ Bud Memorial Library. The 

library has books about the gay, 

lesbian, bisexual, transgender and 

queer. The books in the library can 

be check out like a public library or 

read at the Center. 

BJ Bud was a pioneer in the 

GLBT and women’s communities. 

Bud was also the founder of the first 

Pride event in Phoenix in 1981. She 

was one of the founders of the Arizona 

Lesbian Gay Task Force. She 

passed away in 1996. 

The Cyber Center is available for 

anyone to use for looking a place to 

live, looking for a job or check your 

email. The Cyber Center is free of 

charge. 

Michele De Lafreniere Community 

Resource Center is the 

first room that everyone sees when 

they enter One Voice Community 

Center. The Michele De Lafreniere 

Resource Center provides the community 

with the only single location 

to pick up all the community magazines, 

information on community 

events, brochures about health and 

wellness, social events and everything 

in between. 

Michele was a very prominent 

and visible member of the Phoenix 

area transgender community. Originally 

from New York, she owned a 

Scottsdale bicycle shop when she 

started transition, but negative 

community reaction forced her to 

sell her business in 2005. Michele 

became involved in a very public 

fight with a Scottsdale night club 

over claims of anti-transgender discrimination. 

Michele was appointed 

to a seat on the Scottsdale Human 

Relations Commission in 2002. She 

passed away October 30, 2009. 

Aside from these programs, 

events, and resources available at 

One Voice Community Center 

they also host other groups to meet 

within the center. Arizona Men of 

Leather, This is H.O.W., Imperial 

Court of Arizona, Grand Canyon 

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 

H.E.R.O., and many others. 

For more information, check out 

One Voice’s website at 1vcc.org. 

Find more news & information online! 

www.ntouchaz.com 


Title Sponsors 

Jell-O Photography by Creatista 

1980s 

25th 25th 25th Anniversary 

Reno Gannon 

Memorial 

Benefit Auction and Extravaganza 

Saturday 

May 12th, 2012 

Kennedy Fiesta Park 

$20/Advance 

Tickets: 

$25/Door 

Pre-Party at 3:00pm • Wrestling at 4:00pm 

1990s 2000s 2010s 

Tickets/Info: www.jello-wrestling.org • 520-628-7223 

All proceeds benefit the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation 

$1 Raffle 

Madonna 

Live in Phoenix! 

Includes: 

Two Concert Tickets for 

October 16, 2012;Two Night Stay 

in Phoenix; $100 Visa card!

LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS 

Save the date – 

Flagstaff Pride 

FLAGSTAFF - Pride in the Pines scheduled 

for June 16, 2012, in downtown Wheeler 

Park. This past June Northern Arizona Pride 

Association Celebrated its 15th year in Flagstaff. 

For additional information as it becomes available 

to Flagstaffpride.org 

Champagne & 

Gloryholes Glass 

Blowing Class 

PHOENIX - Create a fabulous work of glass 

art for your mom or anyone, with expert direction 

from Circle 6 Studios. Enjoy champagne and 

sweets during the affair and learn all about blowing 

and shaping glass April 28 at 2p.m. or on May 

6 at 2 p.m. 

The Price is $60 per person, or $100 per couple 

and all proceeds benefit One Voice Community 

Center. 

A glory hole is an equipment of glass blowers 

for re-heating glass to soften it so it can be 

worked further or to keep it hot enough to avoid 

cracking during other work like adding handles, 

feet, etc. 

Register at 1vcc.org 

Gleek’ed out 

PHOENIX - The Grand Canyon Performing 

Arts and its flagship group, the Phoenix Metropolitan 

Men’s Chorus, are proud to present their 

annual spring concert, Gleek’ed Out, May 4-6. 

This concert benefits The Trevor Project. The 

Trevor Project is the leading national organization 

focused on crisis intervention and suicide 

prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth. 

The Gleek’ed Out concert features original 

music and arrangements from Fox’s hit TV series 

Glee. With musical selections including Journey, 

Fleetwood Mac, Adele, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, and 

Madonna, the Phoenix Metropolitan Men’s Chorus 

will continue their tradition of entertainment 

and quality music for the community. 

Individual tickets may be purchased online at 

grandcanyonperformingarts.org, with senior and 

child discounts. The Gleek’ed Out concert will be 

hosted May 4, 5, and 6 at the John Paul Theatre 

at Phoenix College. 

For more information about the Chorus and 

the Grand Canyon Performing Arts, visit phoenixmetropolitanmenschorus.org 

Mother’s Day 

Remembrance 

Hospice of the Valley is holding a free Mother’s 

Day remembrance 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. May 12 

at Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St. in 

Phoenix. Participants are invited to bring photos 

and personal mementos to display on a remembrance 

table, and also reflect on what mothers 

have taught us about the art of living. Light refreshments 

will be served. 

Reservations are requested by April 30. Call 

602-636-5390. 

OUTdoors! Camp 

PHOENIX - Save the date for the 5th annual 

OUTdoors! Camp hosted by one n ten. Over labor 

day weekend, Friday August 31 to Monday 

September 3. 

OUTdoors! Camp will bring together 250 

LGBTQ youth, volunteers and community leaders 

to attend “Gay Camp” in Prescott, Arizona. 

OUTdoors! Camp is dedicated to helping LG- 

BTQ youth, ages 12-24, develop leadership skills, 

work in collaborative ways, and develop a strong 

sense of self and community! 

Applications for both in state and out of state 

youth will be released on May 1, 2012. Applications 

for community members interested in leading 

workshops or becoming a volunteer will be 

released on May 15, 2012. To learn more about 

OUTdoors! Camp please visit outdoorsgaycamp. 

com or contact Camp Director, Kado Stewart, by 

e-mailing kado@onenten.org 

ADL to honor trio 

PHOENIX - The Arizona Region of the 

Anti-Defamation League (ADL) announced 

that it will bestow its highest honor, the Torch 

of Liberty Award, to two recipients this year, 

Gene D’Adamo, Vice President of Community 

Relations for The Arizona Republic/azcentral. 

com/12 News, and Sue Glawe, Vice President of 

Community Relations for BlueCross BlueShield 

of Arizona. 

Additionally, the civil rights organization will 

recognize Nicole Stanton, of Quarles & Brady, 

and the “First Lady of Phoenix,” with the “Al” 

Brooks Community Leadership Award for her 

leadership in fighting the nationwide epidemic of 

bullying in the schools. The awards will be presented 

at the Jerry J. Wisotsky Torch of Liberty 

dinner on Thursday, November 1, 2012. 

Bill Straus, Arizona Regional Director of 

ADL and Miriam Weisman, Regional Board 

Chair, stated, “Gene and Sue are two of the ADL’s 

most valued friends and have been unwavering in 

their support for ADL’s work. We are truly honored 

to be able to give this year’s Torch of Liberty 

Award to two such outstanding community partners. 

With Nicole, ADL has found a tremendous 

ally in the ongoing fight against bullying. She has 

used her ‘anti-bully pulpit’ in exemplary fashion. 

Together, these three honorees embody what is 

best about Phoenix and all of Arizona.” 

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 

1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting 

anti-Semitism through programs and services 

that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. 

“Heart Luck” Variety 

Show raises 4K 

PHOENIX - The GLAD Dart League’s 

Have A Heart Project’s 4th Annual “Heart Luck” 

Variety Show and Underwear Auction March 

10 raised $4062 with all proceeds to benefit 

G.L.A.D. members’ three chosen charities – Bryon 

Wiley Memorial Scholarship Fund, Green- 

House Project of Tumbleweed and Joshua Tree. 

Organizers wish to thank the Bunkhouse, 

Miss Gay Phoenix America - Olivia Gardens, 

Imperial Court Princess Royal 2012/Miss Kobalt 

2011 – Paula Sha, Miss Rainbow Cactus 

2012 - Nikki Starr, Lady Godiva, our volunteers, 

the seventeen underwear models, and all those 

that attended. Special thanks to Off Chute Too 

for donating the underwear. 

Mamasitas! 

TUCSON - Mamasitas is a group of cool 

and down to earth women that get together to 

play sports such as soccer, softball, and basketball 

gather the 2nd Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. 


and the 3rd Saturday at 10 a.m. at 

Menlo Park 427 N. Grande. 

The group can be found on 

Myspace and Facebook or email 

mamasitas2009@live.com. 

If you are down to hang out with respectful 

and interesting women to play 

some sports come out and join in! 

Rainbow Build II 

continues 

TUCSON - Rainbow Build II, 

a new home being built by Habitat 

for Humanity and the Tucson 

LGBTQ community, is currently 

underway. 

To build such a home, LGBTQ 

groups and individuals (of any persuasion) 

contribute money for materials 

and then work together to 

construct it. 

The 2005 Tucson Rainbow Build 

was the first LGBT build in the nation 

and was featured in the July 19, 

2005, issue of The Advocate. Some 

35 Tucson organizations joined together 

in that effort. 

The second house will be targeted 

for an eligible LGBT family. 

As of mid-March, Habitat of 

Humanity had reached $67,000 of 

its $85,000 goal for the project and 

still needs additional funds. 

Please contact Joseph Howell to 

donate and for more information, 

josephh@habitattucson.org, 520- 

326-1217 x223, or visit habitattucson.org/about_habitat_homes/ 

rainbowbuild 

Community work days are 

scheduled for the first Saturday of 

each month, and people can sign up 

at the above website. 

MSHAPE lounge 

TUCSON - Come hang out in 

our community lounge for gay, bisexual, 

queer, questioning and trans 

men of Tucson! The Men’s Sexual 

Health and Personal Empowerment 

Lounge (MSHAPE) is a program 

of the Southern Arizona AIDS 

Foundation (SAAF) that aims to 

promote a greater awareness of men’s 

health issues and build a stronger 

more supportive community. 

The Lounge comes complete 

with Computer access, FREE Wifii, 

and a DVD/Book lending library. 

Mondays: PATH Meeting, Postive 

Attitude Toward Health and 

HIV, 4 p.m. 

Tuesdays: Q TV (Gay-themed 

TV series), 6 p.m. 

Wednesdays: Movie nights - every 

other Wednesday at 6 p.m. 

Phone 520-628-7223 or email 

mshape@saaf.org for additional information. 

SAAF is located at 375 S Euclid 

Ave, Tucson. 

DragVision 

at La Cocina 

TUCSON - Powhaus Productions 

is proud to present their TV 

show, DragVision, at La Cocina 

(201 N. Court Avenue, Downtown 

Tucson) on April 27 with the first 

screening at 10:30p.m sharp until 

closing (2a.m.). 

Powhaus will play DragVision 

on a loop. Come by anytime and 

enjoy twhat has been called “like the 

daytime television show The View, 

only with drag queens and kings.” 

There is no cover for the evening. 

Expect performances, and of 

course, dancing. The friendly staff at 

La Cocina will be there to provide 

libations. 

DragVision will appear online at 

Powhaus.com after the live debut 

and will play on Access Tucson. 

This is the debut, and Powhaus 

Productions, with a budget of zero 

dollars, some tortillas and a few 

bottles of vodka, have pulled it all 

together. There will be new episodes 

appearing at least once a month. 

For more information about the 

show contact Kitty Katt McKinley 

520-870-8020.

MEET THE SISTERS 

All love, all joy - no guilt 

Over the next few months you will get to meet 

the individual members of the Grand Canyon 

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and take a look 

into the motivation and dedication that drives the 

make-up-n-habit-wearing nuns. 

The GCSPI is a missionary house of the Sisters 

of Perpetual Indulgence, a worldwide non-profit 

organization that raises money and awareness for 

causes within their individual communities. It all 

started in San Francisco in 1979 with five men. 

Upset with the way gays were being treated they 

decided shake things up. They wore nun’s habits 

and marched from the Castro down to the beach 

trying to raise money and awareness for different 

causes and organization. 

According to GCSPI member Sister Odora, 

during the fall of 2006, she along with Sisters 

3M, Mischief, Atopa, Bend, Frankly, B’neatha, 

May, Levia, Isis, Fistus and Novice Guard Lyx 

began forming what was known as the Missionary 

Order of the Grand Canyon Sisters. 

In 2007 the order of the Grand Canyon Sis- 

By Luis Garcia and Abbess Odora Flatulotta D'Pew 

ters of Perpetual Indulgence came into being. It 

was an exciting year for the “first class” earning 

missionary work of nuns, fundraising, and how 

to attend to the community with the promise of 

getting rid of stigmatic guilt and promulgate universal 

joy. 

“Being a Sister is a calling a person must feel,” 

says Sister Marie Elle E’Phant. “Much like it is 

for any person who helps the community. It is 

the person’s own path and they are the one who 

determines what they want to do and who they 

want to help. It is so much more than just putting 

on a dress and painting a pretty face.” 

Those are an important part of being a Sister 

but I think the most important part is the empowerment 

of the LGBTQIA community. Our 

mantra is “All Love, All Joy, No Guilt.’” 

According to GCSPI President/Abbess Sister 

Odora Flatulotta D’Pew, the Sisters had a great 

connection to other SPI. 

“Sisters from LASPI had been visiting and 

blessing Arizona Central Pride, now known as 

Phoenix Pride for years,” said Sister Odora. “In 

April 2005, the Manager of Prevention (soon to 

be Sister Odora) while working at Body Positive, 

Inc. hosted Father Diesel Dogma in that year’s 

pride parade float. Throughout this year Father 

hosted several bucket runs raising money for 

HIV/AIDS in the Phoenix community.” 

Sister Marie told ‘N Touch that even though 

the Sisters started in San Francisco the organization 

has let every house develop on their own. 

“This is because the issues that are happening 

in San Francisco are not necessarily the same issues 

we are having here in Phoenix. That being 

said, I believe that we continue the work that 

the Sisters in San Francisco started by working 

closely with the HIV organizations. We promote 

smart sexual practices by handing out condoms. 

The Sisters were one of the first organizations to 

publish a brochure on safer sex and it is important 

not to forget that history,” said Sister Marie. 

Today, the Grand Canyon Sisters of Perpetual 

Indulgence House has grown to be a powerful 

and connected force throughout Arizona. There 

is a fully professed member who lives in Tucson 

as well as another member who calls Casa 

Grande their home. Events take place throughout 

Arizona from Bisbee, a glitters blow from the 

Mexico border to Sedona and the Navajo Nation. 

Currently, there are twenty-nine active fully 

professed members with six Emeritus members 

who are scattered around the United States. 

In Arizona the GCSPI recognizes Sister personas, 

Father personas and Guard personas. 

They currently have nine Saints connected with 

their house and five Angles. Sister Wisteria 

Wisenhymer is their Nun of the Above and is 

honored as their team lead for AIDS Walk each 

year. Sister Wisteria was a dedicated volunteer 

for AIDS Services in Phoenix for many years and 

was an avid advocate for Agape and Joshua Tree 

Feeding Programs. 

“The GCSPI have had their challenges working 

with more conservative organizations in the 

community,” says Sister Marie. “The strength 

of GCSPI is that we are very diverse and have 

connections that cross many divides in our community. 

The biggest changes within GCSPI are 

reflective of the changes that GCSPI has influenced 

in the community. As the Sisters work 

though challenges faced both as individuals and 

as a group, there have been change in GCSPI that 

allows for members to process and be a community 

leaders promoting diversity. As for myself 

I continue to grow to embrace these challenges 

and each day I feel that my calling as a Sister is 

strengthened with each and every experience.” 

Sister Marie also told ‘N Touch that there is an 

important need for the Sister in Phoenix. 

“Who do you know that can walk into a room 

and the room brightens up instantly. Part of our 

mission statement is to ‘expiate stigmatic guilt 

and promulgate universal joy’. The sisters have 

become a fixture in the LGBT community because 

of the work the San Francisco Sisters have 

done and continue to do. 

“We are gender benders. Dresses, makeup, and 

beards are a common part of the Sisters. We challenge 

the norms. We are there to comfort those 

who are hurting and wounded, and be a voice for 

those who have none. We are also there to challenge 

those who ignore the rights of the minority.” 

For more information about the Grand Canyon 

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence please visit 

azsisters.org 


UNSUNG HEROES 

Unsung Hero: Bill Soroka 

This month’s ‘N Touch News Magazine’s unsung 

hero is Bill Soroka. He is a serial entrepreneur 

working hard to create a dream life of 

love, contribution, travel, and legacy. He’s currently 

a managing partner in two major Arizona 

ventures, Alternative Poker Tour and Scottsdale 

Rental By Owner (scottsdalerbo.com), and has 

begun the re-launch of his true passion, The Billion 

Acts of Kindness Project. He’s also a recent 

addition to the board of One Voice Community 

Center and serves as their Fundraising Chair. 

How did you first get involved with the community? 

How did I get involved with the community? 

Well, when I first came out, like a lot of young 

gay guys (and girls too, I am sure), I threw my 

whole support to making sure the bars could stay 

in business. They got a donation from me every 

night. And then, as I grew older, the community 

grew, and ridiculous things like prop 8 happened 

and it kindled a fire inside me. I was so blessed to 

be in the middle of some of the most passionate 

leaders of the community at the time (and many 

still are). I was so inspired, so pissed off, and it 

felt amazing. 

That’s when H.E.R.O. was born. Having a 

voice in the start of a grassroots movement like 

that, being part of that Equal Rights Rally downtown, 

is one of the most cherished memories of 

my life. More important than anything though, 

is that being a part of it caused a paradigm shift 

for me. I realized that the people that made 

stuff happen weren’t the ones “somewhere else”. 

They’re right here within us. I try not over use 

cheesy quotes, but this period of my life was defined 

by Margaret Mead, “Never underestimate 

the power of a small group of people to change 

the world. In fact, it is the only way it ever has.” I 

look back and see a tiny role that I played. And, 

itchanged my life forever. 

What made you want to be part of the One 

Voice Community Center? 

Unity has always been a goal for me. I am often 

told it’s a Utopic one. Regardless, I got involved 

with One Voice Community Center because it’s 

well positioned to be an incredible hub for the 

Arizona Community and could therefore serve 

to unify and bridge the gaps. Many times, our 

greatest gifts are our greatest foe, so as Fundraising 

Chair, I aim to bring unique and rewarding 

events that create long term sustainability to the 

Center, and also bring together the different sublayers 

within our community. The current Board 

is absolutely incredible and on board with creating 

beneficial programming, educational opportunities 

and win/win relationships to the whole 



community and beyond. 

Tell me about the Alternative Poker Tour 

league you helped start. 

Alternative Poker Tour is another venture I 

have with four other amazing partners. Poker’s 

popularity within the gay community in Phoenix 

is the strongest we’ve been able to find in the 

whole world. 

We play at six different venues, seven days 

a week! Not only do I love to play the game, I 

love the partners, I love the players. I have more 

friends that I have met around these tables then 

anywhere else in my life. They’re fun, diverse, 

smart, talented,and filled with personality. What 

I really love though, is that it’s easy to integrate 

a poker company like this into my life and plan. 

Our slogan is, “Open Tables, open Minds”. All are 

welcome. Everyone is equal at the poker table- I’ll 

take your chips just as surely as I will take anyone’s 

chips! 

You seem like the Energizer Bunny. What 

keeps you going? 

This is the question of questions, Luis. It may 

look like I am the Energizer Bunny, and in a lot of 

ways I am (except I can’t pull off pink). The reality 

is, there are lots of times when I “don’t wanna”, 

and sometimes I don’t. But most of the time, I 

hold the vision of what I want my life to be and 

the legacy I want to leave behind, and that gets 

me fired up and going. Man, this stuff sounds so 

More News Online! 

NTOUCHAz.COm 

cheesy! And, it’s also the truth. I work hard on 

my brain. To have the thoughts that serve me. To 

do the actions that serve the vision. I have more 

flaws and “failures” then attributes and “successes”, 

and the key for me is not making that mean anything. 

It is what it is. 

So what are you up to know? 

Speaking of unique opportunities, I am excited 

about our Champagne & Gloryholes event coming 

up at the end of April and beginning of May. 

Champagne speaks for itself, and the Gloryhole 

is an actual term used by glass artists as they 

create. We’ve partnered up with the guys over at 

Circle 6 Studios, a local glass blowing group, and 

we’ve created an event to teach beginners some 

of the basics of glass blowing while they create 

a gift for their mom, or anyone, really. We’ve designed 

it so there is plenty of time to ship your 

masterpiece! Guests can also indulge in sweets 

baked right here in Phoenix, and enjoy some 

champagne on the afternoon of Saturday, April 

28 or Sunday, May 6. 

Contact One Voice, myself, or find our event 

on Facebook. 


NATIONAL NEWS 

Gay rights activits decry Obama's 

discrimination inaction 

Gay rights activists say they feel betrayed by President 

Obama’s decision not to sign an executive order 

banning workplace discrimination of gay, lesbian 

and transgender federal contractors. 

“I believe this is a political calculation,” said Tico 

Almeida, president of Freedom to Work, who 

learned about the decision during a meeting with 

White House officials, including senior adviser Valerie 

Jarrett, Wednesday. “It’s not about the substance.” 

White House spokesperson Jay Carney said the 

decision was “absolutely not” steeped in election-year 

politics. 

“We’re deeply committed to working hand-inhand 

with partners in the LGBT community on a 

number of fronts to build the case for employment 

non-discrimination policies,” Carney said. 

However, a prominent gay-rights proponent involved 

in pressing the White House to move forward 

with an Executive Order said he thinks the president 

is “risk adverse” as the general election nears. 

“I assume the contraception issue got him a little 

nervous in the social issues,” he told Hotsheet. 

The proposed Executive Order to be issued by 

the president would have prohibited federal contractors 

to discriminate against its employees based on 

sexual orientation. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson 

signed an Executive Order banning federal contractors 

from discrimination based on race, religion 

and gender. This would have been an expansion of 

Executive Order 11246. 

LGBT activists say ending workplace discrimination 

has popular support. They point to several 

polls, including one by the liberal-leaning Center 

for American Progress, that shows three-fourths of 

voters support workplace nondiscrimination protections 

for gay and transgender people. 

This is “the low hanging fruit,” Almeida told Hotsheet. 

As a candidate, Mr. Obama promised to ban employee 

discrimination. 

And in an interview with The Advocate in 2010, 

the president said he could circumvent Congress. 

“There still a lot of things we can do administratively 

even if we don’t pass things legislatively. So my 

By Leigh Ann Caldwell 

ability to make sure that the federal government is 

an employer that treats gays and lesbians fairly, that’s 

something I can do, and sets a model for folks across 

the board,” Mr. Obama said. 

The Executive Order represented one possible 

way to bypass Congress. A bill in Congress that 

would have had the same impact called the the Employment 

Non-Discrimination Act has been stalled 

in the Republican-led House of Representatives. 

During the daily press briefing, Carney told reporters 

that the White House will “build support for 

passage of this legislation, a comprehensive approach 

to legislate on the issue of non-discrimination.” 

Told of the administration’s decision on Wednesday, 

Joe Solmonese, president of the LGBT rights 

group the Human Rights Campaign, said he is “extremely 

disappointed.” 

“The unfortunate truth is that hard-working 

Americans can be fired simply for being gay or trans- 

gender,” Solmonese wrote. “No similar executive order 

has ever had this kind of extensive research or 

factual basis established.” 

Both the Department of Labor and the Department 

of Justice signed off on the measure, clearing 

the way for the White House to act. 

In a heated exchange with reporters Thursday, 

Carney pointed to LGBT achievements championed 

by the president, including the repeal of the 

military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy as proof of 

the president’s “commitment” to the LGBT community. 

“I think the president’s record on LGBT issues 

speaks volumes about his commitment to securing 

equal rights for LGBT Americans,” Carney said. 

Sympathetic donors are not being asked not to 

contribute to the president’s reelection campaign, 

but instead to donate at least as much to the nondiscrimination 

effort. 

Report shows Hispanics more likely 

to support LGBT community 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Countering popular 

assumptions that Hispanics are more anti-gay 

than other segments of society, a new report coreleased 

by NCLR (National Council of La Raza) 

and Social Science Research Solutions (SSRS) 

finds that Latinos are, in fact, as open and tolerant, 

if not more tolerant, than the general population 

in the U.S. toward gays and lesbians. The report, 

LGBT Acceptance and Support: The Hispanic 

Perspective, offers an in-depth look at how Latinos 

view gays and lesbians within their own community 

and their level of support for LGBT issues. 

The report, funded by the Arcus Foundation, 

notes that Hispanics are actually slightly more inclined 

to support legal same-sex marriage and to 

be more accepting of gays and lesbians in society 

than most Americans. Also, Latinos are just as 

likely as any other group in the U.S. today to identify 

as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender. 

“There is a clear misperception among the general 

population about where Latinos stand on 

LGBT issues, partly because the media pushes 

this narrative that the culture and values of Latinos 

and LGBT progress are simply incompatible,” 

said David Dutwin, Vice President of SSRS and 

author of the report. “Such misperceptions manifest 

in story after story about a particular Hispanic 

group opposing a gay rights bill, even though this 

anti-gay sentiment is not reflective of all Latinos. 

In reality, as society is evolving on LGBT issues 

and becoming more accepting of this community, 

so too are Hispanics.” 

However, Dutwin points out that Latinos also 

mirror the general population in that there are 

groups within the Hispanic community that are 

more intolerant than others. The highly religious 

and those less familiar with American cultural values 

in particular tend to hold less accepting views 

of LGBTs. Dutwin notes that religious communities 

that insulate themselves are particularly rigid 

in their attitudes concerning gays and lesbians. 

“Still, across the board, we’re seeing that exposure 

to the LGBT community is really the key to 

acceptance and tolerance for Latinos,” added Dutwin. 

“Many Hispanics come from countries where 

gays and lesbians are less upfront about their sexuality, 

so that enables this discomfort toward LG- 

BTs to persist. But the longer these Hispanics live 

in the U.S. and the more they come into contact 

with gays and lesbians, the more likely they are to 

accept them and support pro-LGBT policies such 

as same-sex marriage.” 


NATIONAL NEWS 

1000s demand cancellation 

of "blasphemous" play 

SAN FRANCISCO - A new production of 

Corpus Christi, Terrence McNally’s controversial 

play which depicts Jesus as a gay man in 1950s 

Texas, has drawn an angry response from some 

Catholics, as has a documentary following the 

company on tour. An online petition, based on 

a series of previous anti-Corpus Christi petitions 

by the right-wing Catholic site America Needs 

Fatima, has drawn over 7,000 signatures to date. 

The petition denounces 108 Productions’ version 

of the play - along with the documentary Corpus 

Christi: Playing with Redemption - as “unspeakable 

blasphemy” and “prejudicial outrage.” It also 

calls on the Castro Theatre, where the film is set 

to premiere on April 29, to “immediately cancel 

the showing of this movie and play, and to offer 

a public apology to Our Lord Jesus Christ 

and to all God fearing Americans.” In addition, 

108 Productions’ crew has received similar comments, 

in the form of personal emails, YouTube 

comments, and even harassment of director Nic 

Arnzen’s mother in Iowa. Accordingly, a protest 

outside the April 29 event is now expected, as 

protests have followed similar petitions for previous 

108 Productions performances. 

Corpus Christi has a long history of controversy. 

When newspapers drew attention to the 

play’s 1998 debut at the Manhattan Theatre 

Club, the theater, playwright, and cast became 

the target of heated rhetoric, protests, and even 

worse. William Donohue of the Catholic League 

called the play “a piece of filth,” and McNally 

“the David Duke and the Khalil [sic] Muhammad 

of Broadway.” Anonymous telephone callers 

reportedly threatened to destroy the theater 

and “exterminate” McNally. Citing security risks 

including bomb threats, the theater claimed it 

had been forced to remove from its fall schedule, 

before reinstating the play due to pressure from 

much of New York’s artistic community. On 


opening night, around 2,000 protesters waved 

signs outside the theater. 

Nonetheless, 108 is standing by Corpus 

Christi and its message of religious tolerance, 

Said James Brandon, actor and co-founder of 

108 Productions: “Controversy and protest has 

followed this play from the beginning, but it has 

never stopped it from being performed, reaching 

thousands of audiences with its beautiful and 

positive message of inclusive love for all people. 

Their words of protest have only made us more 

empowered to love ourselves and have actually 

deepened our own conviction that the LGBT 

community absolutely has a right to a seat at the 

table of their chosen faith. In fact, we welcome 

any protester to please see the play or film as our 

guest so they can experience firsthand the Love 

He really stood for.” 

Beginning in 2006, 108 Productions launched 

a resoundingly successful revival production, di- 

rected by Nic Arnzen which was lauded by critics, 

continued to sell out for months at Los Angeles’ 

Zephyr Theatre, and went on to tour across 

America. In Europe, the play was an Amnesty 

International Freedom of Expression nominee 

at the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and was 

awarded the Intercultural Dialogue Award at 

the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in 

2008. After, the company celebrated the show’s 

10th anniversary Off-Broadway at the Rattlestick 

Theatre, benefiting the Matthew Shepard 

Foundation and New York’s Gay Community 

Center. The show continued to tour through 

2011 nationally and internationally, while a documentary 

crew followed their travels to less tolerant 

communities. 

Now, six years later, Corpus Christi: Playing 

With Redemption will host its first sneak preview 

screening, launching the I AM Love Campaign. 

The Religious Right meets the ‘gay Jesus 

play’ in this documentary film inspired by the 

play, which continues to face censorship, protests, 

bomb threats and religious condemnation. Mirroring 

the reflections of change in society today 

in regards to freedom of speech, civil rights, marriage 

equality and separation of church and state, 

this production has become a vehicle for a community 

struggling to find its voice. Meanwhile, 

the company of actors finds itself on a journey 

that would forever change their lives. 

The I AM Love Campaign’s mission is to 

change the story on religious bullying and homophobia, 

in all ages and walks of life, by first 

learning to love the self. Beyond screenings of 

Playing With Redemption, which will be combined 

with performances of the play in select 

cities, the 108 Productions company will also 

conduct educational and arts-based workshops 

alongside gay and religious leaders in conservative 

communities around the country. 


APRIL 21 - 22, 2012 

phoenixpride.org | facebook.com/phoenixprideaz 

Saturday, April 21st 

Chely Wright 

Vanessa Carlton

Cazwell & Amanda Lepore 

Sunday, April 22nd 

BISTRO STAGE HEADLINER 

Melissa Ferrick 

METRO STAGE HEADLINER 

Born Loser and the Hangers 

Village People

WORLD NEWS 

Mayoral candidates 

campaign on gay 

issues 

LONDON - London’s mayoral 

candidates have canvassed for the 

gay vote a day after the incumbent, 

Boris Johnson, intervened to block 

the capital’s buses from carrying 

adverts from a Christian group that 

claimed therapy can ‘cure’ homosexuality. 

Johnson was joined by his four 

main challengers – Jenny Jones 

(Green), Ken Livingstone (Labor) 

and Brian Paddick (Liberal Democrat) 

– at the event, hosted by Stonewall. 

All wore T-shirts featuring the 

gay rights group’s campaign slogan 

‘Some people are gay. Get over it’. 

The advert blocked by Johnson 

after a storm of protest on Twitter 

was due to say: “Not gay! Post-gay, 

ex-gay and proud. Get over it!” 

Johnson was criticized at the 

hustings for refusing to co-operate 

with Stonewall in its survey of London 

employers and their treatment 

of gay staff. But the mayor said he 

would be happy to allow the Greater 

London Authority to be considered 

for Stonewall’s list of London’s top 

100 employers as long as there was 

no fee. 

Johnson responded to further 

criticism by promising to address 

remarks in his manifesto specifically 

at the needs of the gay community. 

Livingstone said the Tory 

mayor could borrow the section in 

his own manifesto that is directed at 

the gay community. Livingstone has 

pledged to appoint a lesbian, gay, bisexual 

and transgender advisor if he 

is elected mayor. 

The Labor candidate and former 

mayor was asked to explain his remarks 

about wanting London to be 

a “beacon” for the philosophy of the 

Prophet Muhammad. Livingstone 

explained that there was nothing 

in the sermons of Muhammad that 

could be construed as a justification 

for discrimination. 

Livingstone told the crowd at the 

South Bank Centre that Muslims 

were now the target of prejudice, 

which had previously been reserved 

for the gay community. “In 1906 

the front page of the Daily Mail’s 

headline was ‘Jews bring crime and 

disease to Britain’. 

“Then it was the blacks, then it 

was the Irish, then it was the lesbians 

and gays – there has always got 

to be an enemy. Rightwing politicians 

pander to bigotry.” 

Paddick, the Lib Dem candidate 

and former deputy commissioner of 

the Metropolitan police, said there 

needed to be a “culture of change” 

at Scotland Yard to eradicate prejudice. 

He said: “A poll the other week 

showed that 20% of Londoners do 

not believe that the police are on 

their side and I think that proportion 

may even be higher because of 

the history that the LGBT [lesbian, 

gay, bisexual and transgender] community 

has had, particularly with 

laws which specifically discriminated 

against men and the enthusiasm 

with which the police enforced 

those laws. 

“What I promise you is if I become 

the mayor and the crime commissioner 

on 3 May, I will put that 

pressure on to deal with racism and 

homophobia within the police.” 

Johnson ordered his transport 

chiefs to pull the adverts booked by 

two conservative Anglican groups 

following outrage among gay campaigners 

and politicians saying 

that they were homophobic. The 

adverts, pulled just days before the 

posters were due to appear on buses 

in the capital, were booked on behalf 

of the Core Issues Trust whose 

leader, Mike Davidson, believes 

“homoerotic behavior is sinful”. 


GAy CHAmBERS 

INFORmATION 

Phoenix Gay Chamber 

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 

Net Breakfast 

Breakfast Meetings will be held the third 

Thursday of the month at the The Manning 

House, Lavender Ballroom, 450 W Paseo Redondo 

# 212 in Tucson. Go to tucsonglbtchamber.org 

for more info and to rsvp. 

BUSINESS PROFILE 

ReAwaken, Inc. 

Reclaim, overcome, thrive 

ReAwaken, a tax-exempt organization, believes 

that every woman deserves to have the ability, 

resources, supportive network and emotional 

care necessary to overcome the challenges of life’s 

obstacles and episodes. 

“All women, regardless of age, have the tools 

and right to become the vibrant and empowered 

woman inside of themselves that may have once 

been disrupted during a crisis,” says founder Jarrett 

Ransom. 

Establishing a network of women who can 

empathize with life’s challenges of being divorced, 

becoming a single parent, sexual harassment or 

any form of abuse. 

ReAwaken was born in 2011 with the help of 

women in Phoenix who had a desire to connect 

and become a part of their community. 

“Our vision is to provide an annual retreat in 

a natural setting that allows women to reconnect 

with their own inner woman. This is the woman 

that lives inside of you but often gets little time 

for herself ”, says Ransom. 

This newly formed organization is designed to 

empower women of all ages, sexual orientations, 

to provide a spiritual retreat annually to slough 

off the dead skin of their life and begin refreshed 

and new upon returning to the Valley. Additionally, 

ReAwaken will provide monthly workshops. 

Ransom, a nonprofit professional with a Master’s 

degree in Business Administration and a 

passion for empowering women, was inspired 

By J. Ursone 

to from her own life’s obstacles 

and successes. As a single mom 

of a toddler, Ransom has experienced her own 

personal challenges and professional struggles 

and wants to provide a spiritual environment to 

enable other women, just like her, to reclaim their 

inner self and reignite their inner strength. With 

an understanding of pain, emotional instability 

and financial struggles, she has dedicated her own 

path to providing a resource to other women who 

also find themselves in challenges and being met 

with obstacles throughout their life. “Starting this 

women’s retreat just felt right. It was the right 

place and right time.” 

ReAwaken For Women is designed to be a 

three-day “Festival of the spirit” for women who 

are interested in personal growth. At this weekend 

retreat, held in the Northern Arizona Mountains 

August 24-26, women are exposed to an 

array of activities allowing them to explore their 

inner talents while forming bonds with other caring 

females. 

Each activity is created with the unique needs 

of the participating population. The number of 

women invited to this three-day event ranges 

from 20 to over 100 depending on the location, 

financial backing and structure. Organizers are in 

the process of securing facilitators and speakers. 

To register for the retreat in Whispering Pines, 

Prescott, or to learn more about ReAwaken go to 

reawakenforwomen.org, or call 480-251-4108. 

More News Online! www.ntouchaz.com 


BUSINESS NEWS 

Help for homeowners 

PHOENIX - Wells Fargo & 

Company (NYSE: WFC) is hosting 

a free Home Preservation 

Workshop in Phoenix for Wells 

Fargo Home Mortgage, Wells Fargo 

Financial, and Wells Fargo Home 

Equity customers facing financial 

hardships. Wells Fargo has invited 

more than 4,500 mortgage customers 

in the Phoenix area to the free 

State 

conference for 

counselors to 

include LGBTQ 

competency 

workshop 

Stonewall Institute has been invited 

by the Arizona Counselor’s 

Association to present on LGBTQ 

Cultural Competency at the association’s 

annual state conference 

to be held on Friday May 4, 2012. 

This year’s conference is dedicated 

to increasing clinical knowledge in 

the area of cultural competency for 

counselors practicing in the state of 

Arizona. 

The LGBTQ competency workshop 

will be facilitated by Kyle Penniman 

and Julian Melson of Stonewall 

Institute from 1 to 3p.m. on the 

date of the conference. In addition 

to Stonewall Institute, Debra Rinaudo 

of the Arizona Board of Behavioral 

Health Examiners and Dr. 

Courtland Lee former President of 

the American Counselor’s Association 

will also be presenting. 

The Arizona Counselor’s Association 

represents professional 

counselors in the state of Arizona. 

This year’s conference will be held at 

Ottawa University in Phoenix from 


workshop, which will be held on 

Wednesday, April 25 from 9 a.m. – 

7 p.m., at the Phoenix Convention 

Center, West Hall 1, 100 North 3rd 

St., in Phoenix. Parking and attendance 

are free. 

“Although less than 2 percent of 

homeowner-occupied loans in our 

servicing portfolio have resulted in 

foreclosure sale over the past year, 

we understand that some of our customers 

are going through difficult 

times during this economic recovery,” 

said Pam Conboy, Wells Fargo 

Arizona Regional President. “During 

this free workshop Wells Fargo 

home mortgage customers, who 

are faced with payment challenges, 

will have the opportunity to meet 

face-to-face with our home preservation 

specialists to explore the 

8am to 5:30pm on Friday May 4, 

2012. For more information about 

the conference including registration 

information visit: azca.org/ 

conference 

Hospice of 

the Valley wins 

IMPACT award 

PHOENIX - Hospice of the 

Valley has been awarded the IM- 

PACT award for “Community 

Champion” by the Greater Phoenix 

Chamber of Commerce. 

“We feel grateful and very honored 

for the Chamber’s recognition 

of our commitment to the community,” 

said Susan Levine, executive 

director/CEO of Hospice of the 

options available to them. Our goal 

with this event is to help as many 

people as possible preserve their 

homes.” This is the fourth Home 

Preservation Workshop Wells Fargo 

has hosted in Arizona, and the third 

in Phoenix over the last three years. 

More than 100 Wells Fargo home 

retention team members – including 

bilingual specialists – will be on 

hand at the upcoming workshop to 

assist customers. Where possible, 

borrowers will receive a decision 

on a workout, loan modification, or 

other options, on site or shortly following 

the workshop. 

Options include Wells Fargo’s 

own loan modification program 

and the federal government’s Home 

Affordable Modification Program 

(HAMP). This will be the eleventh 

Valley. “All of us feel privileged to 

have the opportunity to work with 

multiple partners in pursuit of our 

mission.” 

Established in 1977, Hospice of 

the Valley serves more than 4,000 

patients a day throughout central 

Arizona, including metro Phoenix. 

It is one of the oldest and largest 

not-for-profit hospices in the nation. 

The “Community Champion” 

award honors those that “meaningfully 

give back to the local community; 

foster employee growth and 

development; promote a positive 

work environment or high performance 

among employees; and 

(maintain) community investment 

and employee engagement in charitable 

activities.” 

Hospice of the Valley won “Community 

Champion” in the large 

business category of more than 250 

employees. The small business winner 

is Goodmans Interior Structures. 

Other winners, in large and small 

categories respectively, are: Economic 

Driver (Mayo Clinic, DMB 

Associates); Entrepreneurial Excellence 

(Trident Security Services 

and Maddy’s Pool Supply and Service; 

Response to Adversity (Macayo’s 

Mexican Kitchen, Phoenix 

scheduled workshop Wells Fargo 

will host in 2012. Wells Fargo has 

met with more than 33,500 customers 

at 59 Home Preservation 

Workshops since Sept. 2009 nationwide. 

To register for Wells Fargo’s 

Phoenix Home Preservation Workshop 

walk-ins are welcome, but registration 

is strongly recommended 

in order to guarantee the ability to 

meet one-on-one with a representative. 

Sign up by Monday, April 23, 

at wfhmevents.com/leadingthewayhome. 

For more information call 

1-800-405-8067. 

Customers across the country 

facing mortgage payment difficulties 

can also call 1-800-678-7986 

for more information about potential 

options to avoid foreclosure. 

Collegiate Academy). 

The 25th annual IMPACT 

Awards luncheon will take place 

May 17 at 11:30 a.m. at the Arizona 

Biltmore Resort & Spa. An 

overall IMPACT Business of the 

Year will be announced then. 

Congrats to 

Community Tire 

PHOENIX - Congratulations 

to Community Tire Pros & Auto 

Repair the Arizona Small Business 

Development Center Network recently 

announced the company as 

one of the winners of its Success 

Awards. 

The Success Award winners were 

among more than 3,000 businesses 

that worked with the network in 

2011 to achieve their goals. They 

were chosen based on their accomplishments 

in the past year. 

For more information about 

Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair 

go to communitytireaz.com 

Find more news online! 



FITNESS 

Core training 

When we talk about our core, we need to understand 

what our core does. In virtually every 

movement performed, the core muscles stabilize 

the rest of the body. The core or trunk muscles are 

the center of power in the body and the origin of 

our movements. 

The core performs several functions including 

stabilizing the spine and assisting in transferring 

power from the lower to the upper extremities. 

You can think of the core muscles as the muscles 

connecting the lower body muscles to the upper 

body muscles. 

Core stability is the ability to stay balanced 

when moving the body from its center of gravity 

and shifting weight from one extremity to another. 

De-conditioned people or those with lower 

back pain have trouble stabilizing the core muscles. 

In many cases back pain is caused by an imbalance 

in the individual muscles of the core. Core muscles 

consist of the erector spinae group, the internal & 

external obliques and the rectus abdominus. 

The most superficial muscle is the rectus abdominals, 

commonly referred to as the six-pack. 

This muscle shows its segments handsomely on 

some and is the pride of those who have such definition. 

The rectus abdominals acts to flex the spine 

and aids in rotation of the torso. The inner most 

muscle is the transverse abdominals. This muscle 

compresses the abdominal cavity. We use this 

muscle for sucking in our gut. 

The internal and external obliques rotate the 

torso and aid in flexion of the spine. 

The obliques differ from the rectus abdominals 

and transverse abdominals because the muscle fibers 

run diagonally across the torso and perpendicular 

to one another. 

The erector spinae group consists of three 

muscles that run the length of the spine. They are 

the principal movers of the back and perform back 

extension, and lateral flexion. 

When training the core it is important all of 

these muscles groups are worked accordingly. Doing 

crunches primarily only works the rectus abdominus. 

You need to perform several different 

movements in order to completely train the core. 

Many abdominal exercises use a stability ball. 

When using one, it is important to select the right 

size. When seated on the ball your hips and knees 

By Robert Scimeca, NSCA CPT 

should be at a 90-degree angle. Also, be sure the 

stability ball is properly inflated. 

Core Exercises 

Crunches are the most common core exercise. 

They can be done several ways. The most beneficial 

crunches are performed on a stability ball. 

This is because your range of motion is larger. 

As you curl your torso off of the ball and return 

back to the starting position, you actually go from 

spinal extension to spinal flexion. The same exercise 

can also be performed on a mat or bench but 

with a smaller range of motion. It is important to 

remember not everyone should start out using a 

stability ball. It may take time to gradually advance 

to this level. 

In order to train the oblique’s we need to incorporate 

torso rotation. This can be done in more 

ways than possible to list. The most common 

oblique exercise incorporates a twisting action as 

you crunch up or perform a full sit up. This requires 

twisting your torso in alternating directions 

as you flex your spine. Other common oblique exercises 

would use a lateral side bend. These side 

bends, whether performed with a weight or not, 

target the muscles of the oblique’s as well as the 

erector spinae group. 

Of equal importance to core strength are the 

muscles of the erector spinae. These muscles are 

difficult to exercise. The movement is the opposite 

of the sit up. To work these we need to perform 

spinal extension. In order to perform spinal extension, 

back extension equipment is the most utilized. 

This equipment is easy to use and does the 

job. This equipment can also be used for sit ups. 

In addition, there is the back extension machine 

requiring the user to forcefully extend their spine 

against a padded resistance. 

We must not forget about Leg Lifts. They gently 

exercise you lower back as well as the abs. Leg 

lifting exercises can be performed at several levels 

of difficultly. Some people may suffer from back 

pain which can be aggravated when performing 

leg lifts. One modification would be to simply 

bend your knees up to your chest while lifting. 

Many people support the lower back by putting 

the hands under the small of their back while performing 

the exercise. 

In conclusion, we can see the core encompasses 

many muscle groups. To maintain core strength 

and stability we need to train all of these groups. 

This involves flexion and extension of the spine, 

as well as torso rotation and flexion of the hips 

through various leg lifting exercises. To help you 

further, there are many smart phone app’s available 

strictly for strengthening and stabilizing the core. 

And most of them are free! 

You may contact Robert at robertscimeca@cox.net 


SPORTS LGBT SPORTS 

LEAGUES SPOTLIGHT 

Bombshells vs. Brutal 

Beauties and Schoolyard 

Scrappers vs. Coffin Draggers 

PHOENIX - Feeling fresh and spunky from 

their second place victory and $2,000 prize at the 

Pro Roller Derby national banked track invitational 

tournament, the Arizona Derby Dames are 

ready to roll into their next regular season bout. 

The Bombshells take on the Brutal Beauties in 

their last chance to rank high for best position in 

the playoffs. Top-ranked Coffin Draggers face the 

Schoolyard Scrappers in an attempt to grab the 

first place ranking. 

Banked track roller derby girls skate around the 

track at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour, while 

shoving one another around. Each team tries to 

gain the best formation to allow their jammer, 

or point-scorer to pass the opposing team easily 

and to prevent the opposing jammer from passing. 

Playing offense and defense at the same time 

creates a challenge unseen in other sports. These 

traits increase the importance of following a regimen 

for safety. 

“I like the challenge of maintaining my body 

well enough to continue competing,” said Kiki 

UrHaz, team trainer and skater for the Brutal 

Beauties, “my team is going to win, because we win 

at life!” 

The sport of roller derby is shifting away from 

the WWF feel the sport had back in the 1980s 

to truly competitive and athletic event. Now the 

only thing fake that you can find at the game is the 

costume blood that the Coffin Draggers wear as 

part of their uniform. The falls, the hits, and the 

competition are one-of-a-kind real action! Fans 

now travel across the valley to see skaters throw a 

backwards blocking hit to the chest, or the pointscoring 

jammer glide around the track on one foot 

to score the winning point. 

“That means harder hits, harder spills, and 

more strategic plays,” said Kat Von Double D’s of 

the Schoolyard Scrappers. 

Rainbow Riders Cycling Group 

TUCSON - Rainbow Riders is a group of 

LGTBA cyclists dedicated to the enjoyment of 

all types of bicycling. We seek to promote the 

health benefits, environmental benefits, and so- 


Members of the Bombshells, Brutal Beauties, 

Coffin Draggers, and the Schoolyard Scrappers 

as well as the non-bouting team, the Runaway 

Brides, are also preparing for Relay for Life in May. 

The The event supports research to find a cure for 

cancer. Arizona Derby Dames participate annually 

and earn thousands of dollars each year. The April 

21st bout will include options on how to donate to 

Relay for Life as part of team AZDD! 

Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum is located 

at 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix. Phone: 

602-252-6771). Doors will open at 5 p.m. with the 

bouts starting at 7 p.m. General admission tickets 

for the stadium seats in the Coliseum will be $12, 

children under 12 are free. Two hundred general 

admission tickets are available for standing room 

on the floor around the track for $12. General 

admission for children 12 and under is free. VIP 

tiered seating right off the floor (with access to a 

nearby VIP only bar and restrooms) will be $20 

for adults and children. Parking will be $7. Tickets 

will be on sale the day of the event at the Coliseum 

box office starting at 4 p.m. Advance tickets may 

be purchased until 2 p.m. on April 21 through 

www.arizonaderbydames.com. Group discounts 

are also available by contacting the coliseum phone 

number. 

Follow the Derby Dames to Chopper John’s at 

2547 E Indian School Road for their 21 and older 

after party immediately following the bouts. 

cial aspects of cycling within the LGTBA community. 

The next ride will take place May 13 

from 8-11 a.m. 

All levels of riders are welcome and the rides 

are non-drop. Rainbow Riders has group mountain, 

road, and cross terrain rides every couple of 

weeks. Even if you cannot make the rides, members 

often ride or do other outdoor activities at 

other times, you are welcome to contact us for 

other opportunities. 

They post rides on the Wingspan Health 

& Wellness Yahoo group: yahoogroups.com/ 

group/wingspan_fun2bhealthy 

Or, you can email kikapukaren@yahoo.com 

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. 

Basketball 

Hellraisers Hoops 

Open Play Sundays from 2 – 4 p.m. 

Sports Club of City Square 

www. phoenix.ngba.us 

hellraiserhoops@yahoo.com 

Flag Football 

PHX Hellraisers Flag Football League 

Saturdays 9 a.m. January – April 

Colter Park 

www.phoenixflagfootball.com 

info@phoenixflagfootball.com 

602.284.9207 

Rugby – men 

Phoenix Storm 

Tuesdays & Thursdays 7 p.m. 

Longview Elementary School 

www.phoenixstorm.org 

info@rugbystorm.com 

Softball 

Cactus Cities Softball League 

Sundays starting at 8 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 pm 

Saturdays - 4:30-6 pm 

Three Locations throughout the valley 

www.phxsunfish.org 

Volleyball – Indoor 

Desert Volleyball Alliance 

February - May 

Saturdays 12 – 3 p.m. 

Kingdom Courts 

www.desertvalleyalliance.org 

aaryck@hotmail.com 

Volleyball – Sand 

Arizona Gay Volleyball Association 

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 


Community Grand Marshal 

Rich Zavala AKA Afeelya Bunz 

Pride Gala Grand Marshals 

(c) Burns Photography Celebrity 

Empress VI Lady Christian & Emperor VI Jerry Heitman 

Like us ! 

www.facebook.com/PhoenixPrideAZ 

Community Grand Marshal 

Jamie Henderson-Mays 

Celebrity Grand Marshal 

Beth McDonald 

LGBTQ Youth Grand Marshal 

Max Janssen 

Grand Marshal 

Chely Wright 

APRIL 21 , 2012 | Step Off: 11am 

www. phoenixpride.org

Proud Families 

Wanted! 

Single? 

Partnered? 

When you choose Devereux Foster Care Program, you will be working with professionals who have 

completed extensive training and are experienced Foster Care and Adoption Specialists. 

 

Recognized by the HRC, Devereux is the only organization in Arizona to receive the “all children-all families ” 

seal, assuring you that the staff is caring, supportive, and culturally competent from the moment you inquire 

about foster care until you become a licensed foster care parent. 

Once you’re licensed, Devereux continues to provide one-on-one & group support, training, and we are 

always there when you need us. 

Phoenix 

602.283.7104 

Tucson 

520.296.5551, x132 

Arizona children are waiting for you...

Doing good was never this much fun! 

The 25th Anniversary of the Reno Gannon 

Memorial Jell-O Wrestling Extravaganza 


TUCSON - On May 12 a group of individuals 

will lace up their boots and pull on their singlet 

(or put on their tights) to become champions of 

charity. The 25th Anniversary of the Reno Gannon 

Memorial Jell-O Wrestling Extravaganza and 

Benefit Auction is one of Southern Arizona AIDS 

Foundation (SAAF) signature fundraising events. 

It started 25 years ago by the late Reno Gannon, 

who was a bartender at the former Rumor 

Has It bar. The Jell-O was green, and was made by 

a 70-year-old woman on a single hot plate. It took 

her a week to make the gelatin. Less then a dozen 

good-natured individuals wrestled that first year, 

raising a couple hundred dollars. 

These days, teams of wrestlers raise funds, often 

with extraordinary costumes and out of this world 

characters. This year’s program will also include a 

pre-event party with activities, food, music, and silent 

auction. Last year’s event raised over $50,000. 

In cooperation with Firstgiving.com, wrestlers 

can set up their own Jell-O Wrestling fundraising 

web page to get sponsors. Your sponsors can donate 

securely online (firstgiving.com/SAAF), so there’s 

less money for you to collect. 

According to Ethan Smith Cox, Development 

Director of SAAF, this year’s event promises to be 

bigger and better than ever. 

“With this being the 25th year, we wanted to 

truly celebrate how far we have come since those 

early days when there were little to no services for 

those infected/affected with HIV/AIDS. But also 

as a community, it is amazing to see that one man’s 

idea can be embraced and built upon year after year. 

Don’t let anyone ever tell you that one person can’t 

make a difference, Reno truly did!” 

Although wrestling is a huge part of the event, 

it’s not all about Jell-O. Between wrestling matches 

the event hostesses run a live auction with a variety 

of unique items selected to please the crowd. This 

year’s hostesses include Tempest DuJour, Jasmine 

White, Diva, Janee Starr, and Lucinda Holliday. 

There is also a silent auction open during the 

course of the event. The live and silent auctions feature 

more than 60 one-of-a-kind works of art, gift 

certificates, gift baskets, and much more. 

Don’t miss your chance to win big in this year’s 

Jell-O Wrestling Raffle! This year’s prize is two 

tickets to the Madonna concert in Phoenix on 

October 16, at US Airways Center. Tickets are in 

section #110, Row #15, Seats # 9 & 10. The prize 

also incudes a two-night hotel stay (October 15 & 

16) at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort and 

a $100 Visa gift card. Tickets are $1 each and can 

be purchased online, by calling 520-628-SAAF 

(7223) or at one of the following locations SAAF, 

375 S Euclid Ave or Speedway Veterinary Hospital, 

3736 E Speedway Blvd in Tucson. Winner will 

be announced at this year’s event. You do not need 

to be present to win. 

All proceeds go to benefit the programs and services 

of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation. 

Each year SAAF provides services to nearly 

1,200 people and delivers targeted prevention 

outreach and education programs to over 20,000 

people who are at risk for infection. This number 

includes men, women and children of all ethnic and 

social backgrounds. 

For more information about the programs and 

services of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation 

or to schedule a tour of SAAF, please visit saaf. 

org or call 520- 628-7223. 

The Reno Gannon Memorial Jell-O Wrestling 

Extravaganza and Benefit Auction will take place 

at Kennedy Fiesta Park, located at 3700 South La 

Cholla in Tucson, AZ. Doors for the event open at 

3 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 

To purchase tickets, sign up as a wrestler or for 

more information, call 520-628-7223 or visit jello- 

wrestling.org.

Jell-O History 

One man can make a difference 

In 1987 Reno Gannon, a bartender at Tucson bar Rumor Hazzit, 

returned from a vacation in Mexico with an exciting new idea for a 

fundraising event. The concept? Jell-O Wrestling! 

Reno spoke with Rumor Hazzitt owner Bruce Peg and his management 

staff of Peter Sitig and Michael Bennett about putting 

on the event as a fundraiser to help people living with HIV/AIDS. 

Bruce, Peter, and Michael liked the idea and organized the first Jell- 

O Wrestling Extravaganza in 1987. Shanti, one of the three local 

AIDS Service Organizations that would later merge to form the 

Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF), was the recipient of 

event proceeds. 

Reno was an energetic, fun-loving, intelligent man in his early 

20s when he brought this idea to the community. Committed to 

doing something to help, he and the owners and management of 

Rumor Hazzit made the event a reality. 

At age 23, Reno died from AIDS. The year following his death, 

the event became a memorial to him. 

Reno’s legacy of hope and dedication to raising public awareness 

about HIV/AIDS continues through this wonderful event. In 

the past nine years alone, Jell-O Wrestling has raised more than 

$260,000 for the programs and services of SAAF. 

What does SAAF do? 

The mission of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation is to create and 

sustain a healthier community through a compassionate, comprehensive response 

to HIV/AIDS. The non-profit does this through Care Services which 

include case management, housing services, nutritional needs, clinical services, 

support groups, and through its Prevention Programs. 

SAAF’s Care Services ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS have access 

to the services they need to maintain optimal health and live as independently 

and safely as possible. Client Services are grouped into three areas: 

Clinical Services, Support Services, and Housing Services but all are located 

under one roof. 

SAAF’s Care Services staff and volunteers maintain a dual focus on the 

strengths of the individual and the coordination of systems of care available 

to that individual, and strive to support people with appropriate resources. 

Prevention Programs target populations at increased risk of HIV infection 

or transmission by offering specially-designed interventions that provide a 

supportive, educational environment in which harm reduction can be effective. 

Some of SAAF’s targeted populations include: youth, men who have sex 

with men (MSM), lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth, people living 

with HIV/AIDS, women, jail/prison re-entry men, and communities of color. 

HIV, sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse, and hepatitis prevention 

strategies include individual risk-reduction counseling, health education 

and empowerment workshops, risk-reduction support groups, peer 

education training, social activities, drop-in lounge, referrals, and distribution 

of free condoms and safer-sex materials.

MORE GEEK THAN GAY 

Award Season 

By Edward Pulley 

Welcome to my inaugural award column. 

For a long time I was wondering 

what to call this award and 

then it hit me - I’ll call it the “Pretend You Won 

Something Award”! We can nickname them the 

“Pretendies”. This seems most appropriate I’m not 

going to hand anyone an award. Maybe if I get 

around to it, I might send something in the mail. 

Holding our breath not advised. 

How does someone win a Pretendie, other than 

I just declare it so? First the winner has to fall 

arguably within the realm of geekery. Next, entertainment 

value is taken into consideration. Finally, 

there should be a sense of helping present a world 

where everyone is different but equal. Here are the 

categories: 

Sci-fi/fantaSy - This was a difficult one, 

since there were no obvious winners. I know many 

might be thinking Torchwood, since the main 

character is openly bi-sexual (actual, I think he is 

just any darn type of sexual that appeals to him 

at the moment), but when sexuality comes up, the 

show seems to become more sexual than worrying 

about plot or character. Warehouse 13 came 

up with a great character who happened to be gay 

(a compared to a “gay character”) with Steve Jinks, 

only to (spoiler alert) kill him off after tossing him 

around for a few episodes. Until they decide to 

bring him back from the dead, he is just a wasted 

opportunity. 

Of course there are some other stuff out there, 

but for effect the award goes to Doctor Who. 

Characters of all types are being treated as any 

other, and to large audiences around the world. 

My personal favorite would be the lesbian interspecies 

couple. How “normal” were they? So normal 

that the story wasn’t even about them, but instead 

about the battle they are brought in to fight. 

And they live! Bravo. 

Horror - I want to give a quick honorary 

mention…no, that isn’t right…dis-honorary mention…no, 

still not right…I would like to mention 

the campy tasteless fun of Chillerama. This movie 

is a quartet of horror/comedy tales bookended 

with the story of a Zombie STD infection. The 

second tale in this movie is called “I Was a Teenage 

WereBear,” and is about a closeted teenager in 

the 50’s who is brought out by a gay rebel gang of 

werebears. Directed and written by openly gay 

Tim Sullivan with a lead played by a gay porn 

star. This movie is definitely not for all audiences 

or ages, but it was perversely fun and available at 

some very mainstream stores. 

The actual award will be somewhat unconventional 

as it is not going to a movie, book or anything 

like that. Instead, the winner this year is 

Sharon Needles, currently seen on RuPaul’s Drag 

Race. That queen is scary! Her first catwalk in- 


volved bursting a blood capsule in her mouth! She 

also shows that fabulous comes in many different 

forms, not just beauty queen shades. 

comicS - This is an easy one. Yes, there are 

some gay kids running around the Marvel Universe, 

over at DC Batwoman is a lesbian and has 

her own comic book (as well as there being at least 

four female characters in continuing series, one 

Hispanic and one African, marking quite a bit of 

lovely diversity), and there are LGBT characters 

wandering around the other companies of course. 

This is all nice, but there really can be only one 

winner this year and that is – Kevin Keller from 

Archie Comics. He ran for four issues in Veronica 

Comics before they decided to launch him into his 

own series in which he is the class president. Then 

in issue 17 of the magazine series Life With Archie 

which features grown up cast centered around 

a married Archie Andrews, Army Lt. Keller marries 

his African-American boyfriend Clay. The 

All-American town of Riverdale became the most 

integrated place in the world, not because of the 

acceptance of Kevin Keller (and his future interracial 

marriage), but on how they treated it like it 

was no different than anything else that happens 

there. 

GaminG - This may not seem like the obvious 

category for this type of award. Very few 

play Angry Birds wondering about the social implications. 

Usually the only note that is taken is 

for negative portrayals. And the hubbub over the 

disappointing ending to Mass Effect 3 somewhat 

over-rides the ability to choose gay and lesbian interactions 

for the characters. 

This year’s award is different; it isn’t quite about 

equality or something like that, but instead about 

advancing knowledge that can help us all. It goes 

to the University of Washington’s Center for 

Game Science and their Department of Biochemistry 

who developed a game called Foldit, which 

is a puzzle game about untangling virus proteins; 

as you play the game, you actually solve science 

problems that can help develop better treatments 

and possibly even cures to many diseases, including 

HIV. Already a group of players have solved a 

problem that had stumped scientists for 15 years. 

(If you’re curious, fold.it/portal is where you can 

start puzzling for humanity.) 

interweBS - The Internet is massive, so for 

this first award I am going to focus on podcasts. 

This is not necessarily making anything any easier 

because of the multitude of podcasts out there. 

Heck, if I can figure it out, you will hear my lovely 

voice on a podcast someday. And I can list dozens 

of good ones without effort – QTalk, Girl On 

Guy, Nerdist, Star Talk Radio, Afterbuzz. Really, 

the list is almost endless. But for me, this year’s 

winner is ScreamQueenz with Patrick, the Angri- 

est Red-head in New York City. Not entirely safe 

for work because of language, the show covers his 

personal exploits before digging into his thoughts 

on whichever horror subject he tackles that day. 

While there is no doubt about his sexuality, his 

analysis is pure geeky goodness. 

SpeciaL awardS - Three individuals deserve 

special attention – Gail Simone – a writer 

for DC comics with a very entertaining Twitter account 

(as does Phil Jimenez.) It is amazing how 

outspoken she is. She has not only wittily and 

intelligently integrated race, sexuality and gender 

into her comics, stood with crowds rallying against 

the Westboro Baptist Church protesters, but she 

also has had the guts to very publicly speak out 

about the lack of female creators currently working 

at DC – directing her words straight to the 

very people who are writing her checks every week. 

Not only does she believe in a more equal world, 

she is more than willing to speak up whenever 

needed. 

George Takei – If you aren’t following him on 

Facebook or his blog, start doing so now. His updates 

are mostly tongue-in-cheek, but add to this 

that he has developed a musical about the Japanese 

Internment, his whole pro-pride “It’s Okay to be 

Takei”, and his attempt at unifying the Star Trekkers 

and the Jedis against the true foe – Twilight 

– he is meaningful and witty without becoming 

preachy and boring. 

Todd Glass – This is a comedian with a podcast 

on the aforementioned Nerdist family of podcasts. 

In general his humor is offbeat and unfortunately 

not safe for work because of language. But it is one 

specific podcast that wins him an award – episode 

37 with Paul F. Thompkins (a fellow comedian) – 

in which the offbeat takes a backseat to answering 

mail about recently coming out and speaking out 

about the derogatory use of the word gay. Touching 

without leading to tears, he doesn’t ask you to 

agree with everything he says, but at least to listen 

and be open to discussion. 

So, here are the inaugural winners – Doctor 

Who, Kevin Keller at Archie Comics, Drag 

Queen Sharon Needles, University of Washington’s 

Foldit, Scream Queenz, Gail Simone, George 

Takei, and Todd Glass. 

Enjoy your Pretendies! 


REAL ESTATE 

Improvements 

and resale 

By Dorian Kreiling 

When you purchase a new home, you want 

to personalize or imprint it with your own style. 

This usually takes the form of decorating, such 

as painting, wallpapering, and installing new window 

treatments. 

You may want to remodel your new home as 

well as decorate it. Many home improvements 

may enhance your lifestyle, but they may not necessarily 

add resale value. 

Although this may not seem important right 

now, it will certainly make a difference when the 

time comes to sell. You won’t get your money 

back with some improvements, yet others can 

help make you money. 

The return on investment differs from region 

to region, but here are some general rules: 

* Enhancing a home’s “curb appeal” will help 

sell it for top dollar. Painting the exterior is a relatively 

inexpensive way to add curb appeal. 

* Remodeling the kitchen and/or baths is one 

of the best ways to add value. 

* Adding a room or garage is an expensive 

improvement, but it can pay off if it is carefully 

designed. 

* Decks and patios can add value in some parts 

of the country. 

* Landscaping often adds appeal, but not necessarily 

value. 

So ask a realtor what improvements will make 

a return on investment, and which will add curb 

appeal so that your house doesn’t sit on the market 

for too long. 

Dorian R. Kreiling is a Realtor with her partner, 

Melinda Murphy, GRI with Keller Williams Lifestyle 

Realty. She can be reached at 623-694- 

4737 or NTouch@MelindaMurphy.com 

More News Online! 



HEALTH 

Depression & 

orthotics 

Hi Doc! I have suffered from 

clinical depression for years. I have 

tried herbal remedies, but they 

haven’t been strong enough. Antidepressants 

make me very tired. 

Is there any other alternative you 

can suggest, or is there something 

I can take that will not make me 

feel so exhausted when I am on 

the anti-depressant. Ann 

My first recommendation is to 

get another opinion regarding your 

diagnosis. There are anti-depressant 

medications that work and do 

not create fatigue in patients. There 

are patients who are fatigued and 

are treated for depression and are 

fatigued. An appropriate diagnosis 

is as essential as treatment. I have 

seen many patients with your identical 

complaint. After a comprehensive 

workup, in many cases, there 

were other factors that caused the 

fatigue and contributed to the depression 

as well. 

One of the diagnostic tests I order 

is an assessment of the brain’s 

neurotransmitters. This looks for 

the exact chemical imbalance(s), 

and the testing leads to supplement 

recommendations for treatment. 

The treatment consists of amino 

acid supplements and herbs that 

balance the transmitters and help 

to produce deficient hormones and 

balance those hormones that may 

By Dr. Damien Brandeis 

be in excess. Herbs and supplements 

work, they just need to be 

used in the correct dose for the 

appropriate reason. Get a second 

opinion and try an approach that 

may help you heal. 

I am a waiter and have stood on 

my feet for 30 years. They hurt so 

badly when I get off my shift that I 

don’t know how much longer I can 

keep this up. I wear good shoes. 

What do you suggest? 

You need an assessment for orthotics. 

An impression of your feet 

is made after an assessment of spinal, 

hip and foot health. Foam impressions 

of your feet are sent away 

and a few weeks later, shoe inserts 

are returned to you. These inserts or 

Orthotics are placed in your shoes 

to provide support to your feet so 

that you can withstand rigorous 

activity on your feet. Orthotics are 

superior to mass produced shoe inserts 

because they support the exact 

structure of the bones in your feet. 

This therapy also helps to prevent 

future low back pain that will ultimately 

result. 

In the meantime, try some alternating 

hydrotherapy for your feet. 

This is a simple low-tech solution 

to sore aching feet. Get two buckets 

or pans large enough to hold both 

feet flat and side-by-side. Place very 

warm water in one and chilled if not 

icy water in the other. Dissolve one 

cup of Epsom salts per gallon of water 

in the hot pan. Soak your feet for 

10 minutes in the hot pan and then 

plunge into the cold water for two 

to three minutes. Return your feet 

to the hot tub for another 10 minutes. 

Perform several cycles of this 

therapy and your feet will feel great 

and you body will be totally relaxed 

as well. 

Dr. Damien Brandeis, NMD has a private practice located in northwest 

Chandler. For more information about Dr. Brandeis and his practice, 

visit drbrandeis.net. 

More News Online! www.ntouchaz.com 


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ETHICS 

The numbers that matter 

By Dr. Dina Evan 

On March 12th, I turned seventy. 

Turned seventy is such an odd 

phrase because there were no yellow 

caution lights, hand signals or 

blinking arrows. There was simply 

an easing into a number for which 

I have no affinity, and with which I 

am not engaged. Numbers, however, 

are funny things and I am irrefutably 


engaged with life and the other numbers 

in mine. 

For Instance, I feel forty-five inside 

and people tell me I look fiftyfive 

outside. I can’t sign up on Match. 

com which promises to help me meet 

hundreds of potential life-mates, 

because if I tell my true age, which 

seems pretty basic to the process, the 

Matches I am sent are in their eighties. 

They are people who live in retirement 

communities, many no longer 

vibrating at warp speed like me. 

I left home at thirteen, and have 

worked every day since and no doubt 

will until I drop simply because I 

love it. That is fifty-seven years, or 

seventeen thousand, seven hundred 

and eighty-four days. In that time, I 

have had zero real vacations, mostly 

because I never felt I had anything 

from which I needed to escape. 

I have had one true love who, 

gratefully, broke my heart open and 

although gone, still hangs out in it 

now and then. I have five precious 

true friends who stayed throughout 

my life and continue to be inextricably 

woven into my soul. I have four 

amazing children I am passionately 

in love with, six grandchildren who 

keep me in awe and two miniature 

poodles who keep me in line. 

I put myself through college and 

have married more than one thousand 

and two hundred people, ten 

thousand of whom I married on the 

steps of the IRS in 1987, during the 

March on Washington. 

In 1982, I fasted longer than Gandhi…thirty-seven 

days on water on 

behalf of Equal Rights. I have taught 

thousands of people about an energy 

they can’t see called love, and hundreds 

more about character issues 

they cant see either…things like ethics, 

honesty, impeccability, integrity 

and personal character. 

I have written five books, created 

one meditation CD, composed twenty-seven 

songs, created one perpetual 

calendar and one website and a partridge 

in a pear tree…no wait that one 

wasn’t me. I have, however, written 

over five hundred and sixty thousand 

words, or eight hundred columns for 

several magazines, and taught more 

than three hundred classes or more 

than 10,000 students. 

I have no doubt pissed off countless 

numbers of people in my life just 

by telling the truth and being who I 

am. I have pushed at a million edges 

and invited hundreds of people to 

step into their true purpose and 

greatness, some kicking and screaming 

and gratefully flipping me off. 

I have also made a million mistakes, 

some that took my breath 

away, and brought me to my knees 

in humiliation and pain, and others 

that gave me gifts too profound to be 

contained by words. Every mistake 

and every person who hated me, 

loved me, hurt me or cared for me 

became a master teacher. I cannot 

imagine having traded any of them 

or any challenging circumstance, for 

anything. The numbers of our years 

are so less meaningful than the numbers 

of our lessons learned. 

So, here I am looking back over the 

years from 1942 to 2012, wondering 

what the next few years will bring and 

feeling as if I have that Board in the 

movie, Mission Impossible in front of 

me and I get to pick the numbers that 

matter. Okay, let’s do it. 

The numbers that matter are the 

million moments that made me cry 

and caught my breath during this 

life. They are the two handfuls of 

people who have journeyed through 

life with me, each one knowing we 

had a contract with each other that 

was more important than any circumstance 

or words that might have 

broken it. 

They are the seven principles that 

were often painstakingly earned and 

frequently took too long to own. (1) 

Stay present to everything. (2) Take 

personal responsibility. (3) Judge 

nothing. (4) Love to the point of letting 

your heart break open. (5) Tell 

impeccable truth, and (6) remember 

that nothing real is ever lost and (7) 

there is no end to this journey. Life 

just simply is evolving beautifully. 

And maybe there is one more… to 

learn to stand back with a huge grin 

on your face as life happens and you 

ease into seventy, with a big ”Ahhh 

so.” 

Dr. Dina Evan is an author and licensed MFT in California and a 

Spiritual and Executive coach in Arizona. She has won national 

acclaim as a human rights advocate and motivational speaker. 

You can reach her at DrDBE@attglobal.net, DrDinaEvan.com, 

602-997-1200 or here at ‘N Touch (editor@ntouchaz.com) and 

on her weekly podcast The Doctor Dina Hour at QTalkAZ.com 


YOUR PETS 

What pet dangers lurk in 

and around your home? 

Both known and unknown toxins can be 

found hiding in our houses and yards. According 

to the ASPCA In 2011, prescription human 

medication is the biggest culprit. Pets, especially 

dogs, are notorious for ingesting any dropped 

pill. Cardiac and ADHD medications make up a 

large percentage of these calls. Always make sure 

to take these medications in a safe place away 

from your pets. 

Insecticides were the subject of 11% of calls 

to the ASPCA in 2011. These include products 

used on the lawn, in the house and on the pet. 

The most important thing to do is read the label 

before you use any insecticide, and never use a 

product labeled for dogs on cats. 

Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen 

and acetaminophen can kill your pet. Never 

give any medication to your pet without consult- 


By Dr. Alicia Ruiz 

ing with your veterinarian first. 

Too much chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, 

high heart rate and seizures. The second 

most common food is xylitol (the sugar substitute). 

Xylitol can cause seizures and liver failure 

in dogs. 

It is amazing what animals can find to chew up 

around the house from fire logs to paint. Some 

household items may just cause stomach upset, 

while others can be deadly. 

Fertilizers, which can be made of dried blood, 

poultry manure and bone meal, are very attractive 

to pets, so it is not surprising that many calls are 

from lawn and garden items. 

If you have any reason to suspect your pet has 

ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian 

or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 

24-hour hotline at 888-426-4435. 

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 

Pets in search 

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. 

Bobby 

Bobby is an excellent walking companion which 

is perfect since daily walks and/or runs are 

in order for our cute little guy. Playtime with 

toys, other dogs, dog parks and hiking are all 

favorites for Bobby too. And boy can this boy 

go! So if you’re looking for an active, small dog 

that can join you on your adventures, please fill 

out an application for his handsome boy today! 

He’s looking forward to hearing from you soon! 

Twinkle 

Twinkle is a gem of a kitty. First, let’s face it 

- she’s adorable; unbelievably cute and very 

photogenic to boot! Twinkle loves a good play 

session! She enjoys chasing balls and loves 

being taunted by wand toys! She’ll duck in and 

out of her condo cubbyholes, jump high into 

the air, and roll around on the floor - anything 

that will help her capture that wand! And when 

she is successful, and trust us - she is always 

successful - she will carry that wand away in 

her mouth to explain to it who is boss! 

To learn more or about 

Bobby or Twinkle, 

go to azrescue.org. 


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 

ASU Gammage just announced their 2012- 

2013 Broadway season. This upcoming season is 

proving to be one of the biggest seasons coming 

to Gammage. The 2012-2013 Broadway season 

will have seven productions coming to the ASU 

Gammage plus three special engagement productions 

that will be coming to town. The 2012-2013 

Broadway season will include: 

“Anything Goes” - The passengers on this luxury 

cruise include an evangelist turned nightclub 

singer, a gangster disguised as a minister, hopeless 

romantics and stowaways. The sparkling Cole Porter 

songs include “I Get a Kick” “You’re the Top,” 

“Friendship” and “Easy to Love.” “Anything Goes” 

will be at ASU Gammage from November 13-18, 

2012. 

“The Addams Family” – Concerns teenage 

daughter Wednesday falling in love with the normal 

boy next door, Lucas Beineke. In this original 

story, the famously macabre Addams Family is put 

to the test when outsiders come to dinner that will 

change the family forever. “The Addams Family” 

will be ASU Gammage from December 11-16, 

2012. 

“Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan” - Cathy Rigby takes 

flight in an all new production of PETER PAN. 

The New York Times says “Rigby still carries off 

the flights, fights and acrobatics that make PE- 

TER PAN audiences mesmerized. “PETER 

PAN is filled with timeless magical moments and 

a captivating hook. The legend you thought you 

know, is now the adventure you never dreamed 

Gammage presents... 

AZ Opera & MIM team up 

PHOENIX - Arizona Opera and the Musical 

Instrument Museum (MIM) will present a 

brand-new music series, “Arizona Opera Presents,” 

which will kick off with a performance on Sunday, 

May 6, 2012, at 2 p.m. at the MIM Music Theater. 

“Arizona Opera Presents” will feature breathtaking 

performances by featured artists from Arizona 

Opera productions as well as the company’s Marion 

Roose Pullin Resident Artists. 

“Arizona Opera is thrilled to be collaborating 

with MIM on this series,” said Scott Altman, 

General Director of Arizona Opera. “Through this 

partnership, Arizona Opera and MIM will bring 

dynamic live performances to the Phoenix area, 

celebrating opera and phenomenal vocal talent in 

one of the most acoustically stunning buildings in 

the Southwest.” 

Founded in 1971, Arizona Opera is a professional 

opera company that produces fully-staged 

opera performances, concerts, in-school touring 

productions, and educational and outreach pro- 


possible. “Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan” will be at ASU 

Gammage from January 8-13, 2013. 

“War Horse” - The drama recounts the adventures 

of a horse as he moves from life on a farm 

into the battles of World War 1. It’s also the story 

of a friendship put through the toughest tests. 

Through the eyes of the war horse, Joey, Michael 

Morpurgo tells this moving and powerful story of 

survival on the Western Front. Utilizing puppetry, 

scenic elements, music and movement, the epic 

comes to life in a breathtakingly original production. 

“War Horse” will be at ASU Gammage from 

February 5-10, 2013. 

“Memphis” - What happens when a 1950’s 

Memphis DJ with white listeners decides to play 

African-American music? Is Memphis ready for it? 

Is America? The story was inspired by the legendary 

DJ Dewey Phillips and the music that became 

known as “rock ’n’ roll.” A music-loving mixed-race 

By J. Ursone 

grams that reach over 55,000 schoolchildren and 

adults annually. It is one of the few companies in 

the United States to serve multiple cities (Phoenix 

& Tucson). 

“MIM is committed to developing productive 

partnerships with organizations that bring many 

different genres of music to life in our intimate, 

acoustically superb Music Theater,” said Bill De- 

Walt, MIM President and Director. “Partnering 

with Arizona Opera is a natural step for MIM 

because of the organization’s long, rich history in 

bringing great opera to our state.” 

MIM enriches the world community by collecting, 

preserving, and making accessible high-quality 

musical instruments, images, and music from 

every country in the world. MIM celebrates our 

world’s diverse musical cultures and fosters global 

understanding by offering guests an incomparable 

interactive experience, a welcome and fun environment, 

dynamic programming, and exceptional 

musical performances. 

couple struggles to survive during the early Civil 

Rights era in Memphis. “Memphis” will be at ASU 

Gammage from March 5-10, 2013. 

“Flashdance – The Musical” - Set in Pittsburgh, 

USA, Flashdance The Musical tells the story of 

18-year old Alex, a welder by day and “flashdancer” 

by night, whose dream is to obtain a place at the 

prestigious Shipley Dance Academy. According to 

press materials, this musical about holding on to 

your dreams and love against all the odds features 

a score that includes “Maniac,” “Manhunt,” “Gloria,” 

“I Love Rock and Roll” and the Academy Awardwinning 

title track “Flashdance -What a Feeling.” 

“Flashback – The Musical” will be at ASU Gammage 

from April 30, 2013 – May 5, 2013. 

“Sister Act” - When disco singer Deloris Van 

Cartier is placed in protective custody in a dying 

convent, her unique brand of funk comes face-toface 

with the traditions of the church. Based on the 

Touchstone Pictures motion picture Sister Act, 

written by Joseph Howard and features a disco-inspired 

score by Alan Menken with lyrics by Glenn 

Slater. “Sister Act” will be ASU Gammage from 

June 25-30, 2013. 

The three special engagements coming to ASU 

Gammage will be; “Les Miserables” - September 

11-16, 2012 , “Donnie and Marie Christmas in 

Arizona” – November 27 2012 – December 2, 

2012, and “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” – April 

9-14, 2013. 

Tickets for all seven ASU Gammage Broadway 

Season start at $118. 

The first performance on May 6 will feature 

Arizona Opera’s Marion Roose Pullin Resident 

Artists performing Act III from Werther, a oneact 

Menotti opera, and arias and ensembles by 

Donizetti, 

Contact: Matt Erikson Public Relations Manager 

Arizona Opera, (602) 218-7321 merikson@ 

azopera.org 

Rossini and Verdi. Tickets for this performance 

range from $15-$35, and are available by phone at 

602-266-7464 or online at azopera.org. 

Performances for the 2012/13 season will take 

place on the following dates (programs to be determined): 

September 30, 2012; October 17, 2012; 

December 2, 2012; January 10, 2013; March 14, 

2013; and April 11, 2013. 

Tickets will be available through both Arizona 

Opera and MIM. Arizona Opera’s box office can 

be reached at 602-266-7464 or online at azopera. 

org. MIM’s box office can be reached at 480-478- 

6000 or online at theMIM.org. 


The Q Line is a 24-hour crisis hotline & information referral for LGBTQ youth and allies. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis please call the Q Line at: 

“ 

“My name is Sister Navi Ho. My sources of 

strength are family, friends, and community. 

These groups of people and inspire me 

because they allow me to be who I am as a 

Sister of Perpetual Indulgence and they 

encourage me to do the best I can for my 

community and be that beacon of support.

Dodge Hunger Dodgeball PHOENIX 

mr./miss Phoenix Pride 2012 PHOENIX 

NTOUCHAz.COm

NIGHTLIFE - PHOENIX 

After 

5 

1. AMStErdAM/MIAMI 

718 n. Central Ave., PHX 

2. AnVIl, tHE 

2303 E. Indian School rd, PHX 

3. APollo’S 

5749 n. 7th Street, PHX 

4. BAr 1 


5. biTZ-ee MaMas 

7023 n. 58th Ave, glEn | 623-931-0562 

6. BS WESt 

7125 E. 5th Ave, SCottS 

7. BunKHouSE SAloon 

4428 n. 7th Ave., PHX 

8. CASH Inn 

2140 E. Mcdowell rd., PHX 

9. CHArlIE’S 

727 W. Camelback rd., PHX 


Union Hills 

Bell 

Greenway 

Thunderbird 

Cactus 

Bethany Home 

Peoria www.chuteaz.com 

Shea 

Dunlap 

Northern 

Glendale 

Camelback 

43rd Ave 

35th Ave 

27th Ave 

bitz-eemamas.com 

Indian School 

Thomas 

McDowell 

602-248-8559 

Van Buren 

10. The ChuTe 

1440 E. Indian School, PHX | 602-234-1654 

11. CruISIn 7tH 


602-971-1086 

19th Ave 

7th Ave 

17 

12. frIEndS AgAIn 

1028 E. Indian School rd., PHX 

13. ICEPICS VIdEo BAr 


14. KArAMBA 


15. KoBAlt BAr 

3110 n. Central Ave., PHX 

16. Linda’s on osborn 

2333 E. osborn rd., PHX | 602-956-4420 

17. oz 

1804 W. Bethany Home rd., PHX 

18. PlAzMA 

1560 E. osborn rd., PHX 

Central Ave 

9 24 

7 

15 

1 

7th St 

Cave Creek 

3 

16th St 

12 

11 

18 4 

21 

14 

24th St 

8 

2 

23 

32th St 

13 

44th St 

602-667-3331 

Cactus 

Tatum Blvd 

17 

Scottsdale Rd 

Lincoln 

19. rainbow CaCTus 

15615 n. Cave Creek rd., PHX | 602-971-1086 

20. roCk, The 

4129 n. 7th Ave., PHX | 602-248-8559 

21. roSCoE’S 


22. sLiCe oF siCiLY PiZZa 

3724 E. Indian School, PHX | 602-667-3331 

23. 24 - tWEntY four 

2424 E. thomas rd., PHX 

24. zoAn 

4301 n. 7th Ave., PHX 

6 

Hayden Rd 

26 

602-956-4420 


NIGHTLIFE 

PHOENIx 

May marks the celebration of 

The Rock’s 3 year anniversary and 

they are going do it up in style. 

The festivities start Friday May 

Font: Eras 18 at 8p.m. with two of our favorite 

bands Rockin’ the House! The 

Pubes and Whiskey Rodeo will 

be taking over the Show Room to 

start our celebration on a high note. 

If you haven’t gotten a chance to 

see these enigmatic bands do their 

thing, then do yourself a favor and 

stop on by. You won’t be disappointed! 

If Rock & Roll is not your 

thing, then stop on by The Barbra 

Seville Show on Saturday Night 

for one of the best drag shows in 

town featuring a wide array of local 

and national talent. They wrap up 

their anniversary celebration with 

a dance and barbeque featuring DJ 

Stiletto Shank. 

Start the month off right May 

3 with Edward Castro’s Birthday 

Bash! The King of Queens is gonna 

be celebrating in style this year and 

is bringing lots of Special Guests 

along for the ride including Delta 

Work from RuPaul’s Drag Race 

Season 3, Catia Lee Love, Barbra 

Seville, Saellah Vi, Khloe V Monroe 

and others. Show starts at 9p.m. 

Tickets available through www.arizonadrag.com 

On Friday May 11, Pandora Productions 

will be premiering their 

new show Juke Joint, an All Live 

Singing New York Style Cabaret. 

Pandora DeStrange, Lady Chris- 

tian and Tatum Michelle will weave 

a web of fond memories through 

the songs they sing and the banter 

they sling! Looking for something 

fresh, new and truly entertaining, 

then this is the show for you! 

Saturday May 12 the hottest 

Bearcentric Dance Party in the 

world returns to Phoenix to Celebrate 

Phurfest with The Bears of 

the West. 

In response to the tough financial 

times, The Rock has decided to 

make every hour “Happy Hour”! 

Drink Specials: $3 Wells & Domestics; 

$3.50 Long Islands, Margaritas 

& Bloody Marys; $4.50 Stoli 

Drinks; and $5 Pinnacle Martinis 

For more information, or to 

make a reservation, go to therockdmphoenix.com 

The Rock is located at 4129 N 

7th Ave., in Phoenix. Phone: 602- 

614-4154 

TUCSON 

Colors restaurant and nightclub 

hosts Retro Game Show Night, the 

hit monthly show that engages the 

audience in hilarious versions of 

vintage television games shows. It’s 

also hosted by a gigantic drag queen, 

so what’s not to love? Mistress of 

ceremonies Tempest Du Jour and 

her extra-special guests will hold 

their own hilarious version of the 

classic game show the 2nd Saturday 

of the month from 7-10 p.m. 

All admission proceeds to Retro 

Game Show Night benefit local 

nonprofit organizations. Admission: 

$3 per person. Ages 21 and 

over only. 

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 

it’s the vocal stylings of Melody 

Louise from 6-9p.m. 

Fridays at 9p.m. it’s Honeybaked 

Glam with Janeé Starr and Jasmine 

White. 

Colors is located at 5305 East 

Speedway Blvd., Tucson. Call 520- 

323-1840 or go to colorstucson. 

com for more information. 

Come party in the entertainment 

district of Tucson, N. 4th 

Ave., and enjoy all of the offerings of 

IBT’s. IBT’s has been the center of 

LGBTQA fun for 25 years. Every 

night is something different. 

On Mondays, celebrate reverse 

happy hour. If you haven’t had the 

tacos on Taco Tuesday, you must 

make a point of trying them. James 

Espino and Joe Villegas are the 

chefs for this night. They make fantastic 

tacos for only $1 each. 

On Wednesdays, the ever-popular 

Janee Starr and special guests 

put on Viva La Diva. It is always 

a large and fun crowd. Therapy 

Thursdays follow with go go dancers 

and 2 for 1 drinks and all the fun 

begins at 10p.m. 

On Friday’s, China Collins hosts 

Flawless Fridays. Friday also starts 

the three day-long karaoke sessions. 

Yes, karaoke is on Friday’s, Saturdays 

and Sundays. 

The weekend continues with the 

award winning Saturday Night Starlets 

with Janee Starr and finish off 

the weekend with Cheap Ass Sundays. 

IBT’s is open Mon - Sun, noon 

until 2 a.m. 

To see what’s happening go to 

ibtstucson.com 

IBT’s is located at 616 N 4th 

Ave., Tucson. Phone: 520-882- 

3053. 

Exciting things are happening 

at Woody’s in Tucson - Mike 

Kramkowski of IBT’s is proud to 

announce that he has purchased 

Woody’s from Dave Huff and Frank 

Shepis and is looking forward to injecting 

new energy into one of Tucson’s 

long-time night spots. Mike 

intends to keep some of the popular 

events and improve both the property 

and the offerings. Look here for 

more information as it evolves. 

Enjoy 2 for 1Tuesdays and Karaoke 

on Sunday Nights. 

Woody’s is the neighborhood 

bar where you can relax with your 

friends and enjoy the new dart 

boards, video games, and indoor 

pool table. 

For more information go to mywoodysaz.com. 

Woody’s is located at 3710 North 

Oracle Road, Tucson. Phone: 520- 

292-6702. 


NIGHTLIFE 

When I first moved to The Valley of 

the Sun and started going to the 

gay clubs, I was a little disturbed 

when I overheard people saying stuff like, ”Not another 

drag show!” My initial reaction was to stand 

up for my sisters! After all, without drag queens 

we would not be where we are today in our fight 

for equal rights. It was the Drag Queens that got 

fed up at Stonewall and pulled parking meters out 

of the ground and fought for the right to be who 

we are. Remember this occurred during a time 

when you could not wear more than three articles 

of clothing that were of another gender without 

possibly getting brutalized and sent to jail. The police 

would post people’s pictures on the front page 

of the local paper and ruin their lives for such an 

act of civil disobedience. 

So, I was not going to sit back and listen to people 

disrespect our elders! These people fought for 

us to have a better life. Deeper still, many of those 

people have passed on and this generation will be 

the last generation to hear their stories from their 

lips. I have friends who are Stonewall Survivors 

and it breaks my heart to think that there are so 

many people in our community who don’t know 

their stories and have no desire to learn about 

them. My way of dealing with this was to open 

a theater/performance art space where their stories 

could be told in a way that made their stories 

accessible to all who had ears to hear. Initially, it 

was a struggle to get my community to come and 


Drag is ART! 

By Pandora DeStrange 

support us in our quest. When we did shows that 

were fun, frivolous and hip or involved full frontal 

nudity then people flocked to see them and helped 

us to make a name for ourselves in this town. 

However, when I invited our elders to come and 

tell their stories often times you could hear crickets 

in the audience. Why is that? I have racked my 

brain about this for years! Will Drag Queens always 

be pigeon holed to simply being the Divine 

Clowns of our Community? I personally think 

that would be a Huge Mistake on our part for 

several different reasons. Number one- DRAG 

is an art form that I happen to love. It embodies 

everything I love about art! Our bodies become 

the canvases that we use to bring our visions to life. 

We use paint, clothing, hair, jewels, duct tape and 

a whole array of tools to transform ourselves into 

these otherworldly creatures who go out into the 

world and bring a smile to people’s faces. That is a 

selfless act that has an enormous impact on people’s 

lives whether you realize it or not. Number 

two- Once the “war paint” is applied, we then take 

to the stages all over the Valley to raise money for 

countless causes that help hundreds of thousands 

of people in our communities all over the world. 

Also, something that I think is remarkable 

about the amazing individuals that have committed 

themselves to living this life. It’s not all glitz 

and glamour. It is much more than that! Number 

Three- Drag is EXPENSIVE! My friend Olivia 

Gardens likes to say that Drag is the first step towards 

FINANCIAL RUIN. Although it was said 

in jest, there is some truth to that statement. Many 

of us are barely getting by while we are living our 

dream, but we get up everyday and put ourselves 

out there and do everything we can to spread love 

with a fierce outfit, an outrageous personality and 

a catchy tune. Number Four- Many of us have had 

hard lives and often times don’t have a whole lot to 

smile about, but you would never know that because 

we are good at what we do! We create an illusion! 

If you took the time to get to know our stories, 

you may have a different outlook. So, for those 

of you out there who have caught yourselves being 

a Negative Nancy when it comes to the thriving 

drag scene here in the Valley of the Sun…Check 

Yourself before you Wreck Yourself! If you open 

your heart and mind, you might find that there 

are angels among you who are doing the work that 

needs to be done to make the world a better place. 


FOCUS TUCSON 

Celebrate Cinco de May with a "Treasure" 

12th Annual Treasures for TIHAN 

TUCSON - Currently, it is estimated 

that there are 2,500 persons 

in Pima County who are living with 

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. 

Since 1994 the Tucson Interfaith 

HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN) 

has offered unconditional love and 

non-medical support to those living 

with HIV/AIDS, as well as to their 

loved ones. 

The “Treasures for TIHAN” 

(Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS 

Network) benefit auction, the nonprofit’s 

signature event, is scheduled 

for May 5 at the Doubletree Hotel 

Reid Park. The event promises to be 

a fun-filled evening with entertainment, 

festive food, cocktails and a 

live and silent auction. 

According to co-chairs Lisa Fogle 

and Beth Daum, the “Treasures for 

TIHAN” event promises to be a 

sparkling evening of festive entertainment, 

fantastic food, a no-host 

cantina, and wonderful auction 

items to raise funds to support the 

non-profit’s programs and services. 

The event will be emceed by 

Chuck George First Alert Chief Meteorologist 

for KOLD News 13, and 

Marcela Gomez de Ell actress, journalist, 

producer, and former news 

anchor for Telemundo. 

Mariachi Azteca Del Sol, one the 

nation’s premier mariachi groups, 

will be performing at the event. The 

group, based in Tucson, Arizona, 

has performed with many renowned 

artists, including Pedro Fernandez, 

Vicky Carr, Celia Cruz, Aida Cuevas, 

Charlie Zaa, Beatriz Adriana, 

Emilio, Lucero, Rosenda Bernal, 

Maria de Lourdes, and Linda Ronstadt. 

Mariachi Azteca Del Sol is very 

proud of its tradition in keeping the 

art of mariachi music alive, performing 

and filling people’s hearts with 

By Gina Read 

the festive sounds of mariachi music. 

The Director and Musical Arranger 

for the group is Rueben M. 

Loya, who is responsible for the versatile 

and authentic sound of Mariachi 

Azteca Del Sol. Rueben studied 

music at the University of Arizona 

and at Dick Groves School of Music 

in Hollywood, California. 

Mariachi Azteca Del Sol is made 

up of 10 musicians: Rueben M. Loya 

(vihuela), Orlando Quiroga (trumpet), 

Monica Trevino (violin), Carlos 

Torrejon (guitarron), Jose Orosco 

(guitar), Rebecca Leon (violin), Joaquin 

Tellez, (violin), Rigo Pedrosa 

(trumpet) Esteban Gonzales (violin) 

and Charlie Martinez (trumpet). 

TIHAN is the largest privatelyfunded 

provider of support services 

for people living with HIV/AIDS 

in the state of Arizona, but receives 

no public monies. 

TIHAN Care Teams provide a 

wide range of needed services depending 

upon the health status of 

the person living with HIV/AIDS. 

Over the years, their Care Team volunteers 

have provided over 15,000 

hours of extensive Care Team support 

services including transportation, 

meals, opportunities to socialize, 

emotional support. This support 

ranges from end-of-life care to assisting 

people to regain their independence. 

The TIHAN Poz Café lunch 

program is the largest regular gathering 

place for people 

living with HIV/AIDS in Southern 

Arizona. Poz Café has served 

over 9,900 meals to more than 500 

people living with HIV/AIDS. 

“Poz Café is alive. It literally 

brought me back to life. It got me 

out of seclusion and I was able to feel 

like a worthwhile person again, just 

from seeing and feeling the love and 

compassion at Poz Café that first 

time. No one was afraid of me. All 

those smiles and hugs. Do they really 

want to hug me? They did. I felt 

emotions that I hadn’t felt for a long 

time because of the shame, sadness, 

and rejection I was carrying within 

me. Spiritu- ally, my heart felt very 

welcomed. I was able to experience 

inner peace. I had attempted suicide 

before, and was considering it again. 

I didn’t see a future for myself, until 

Poz Café,” stated Georgeannie, a 

woman living with HIV/AIDS. 

All TIHAN services are offered 

free of prejudice and proselytism. 

“Please come out and support 

the event, have a great time, and be 

the winning bidder on some great 

items!” exclaimed Blades. 

This benefit has continued to be a 

huge success in large part because of 

the many businesses and groups who 

invest in TIHAN through sponsorships 

and donations of auction items. 

There is still time if you want to 

donate items for the auction, or to 

join other compassionate businesses 

and groups to become an event sponsor. 

Tickets for the event are $65 in 

advance, $75 at the door. Tickets can 

be purchased by phone or online at 

the number and website below. 

More information regarding TI- 

HAN you may call Blades at 520- 

299-6647, email him at scott@tihan. 

org or visit the tihan.org. 

Find more news & information online! 



The Return of JaGi REDWING BAR, SAN DIEGO, CA 

View these galleries and more at 

NTOUCHAz.COm

NIGHTLIFE - TUCSON 

After 

5 

1. BRODIE’S TAVERN 

2449 N Stone Ave, TUC 

2. COLORs 

5305 E Speedway, TUC | 520-323-1840 

3. HOLIDAY INN TUCsON AIRPORT 

4950 S Palo Verde, TUC | 520-746-1161 


Wells Rd 

6 

Fairview 

Miracle Mile 

Oracle Rd 

520- 

12th Ave 

Fort Lowell Rd 

1 

Stone Ave 

Congress 

882-3053 

Glenn Street 

Ajo Way 

520-292-6702 

Grant Rd 

7 Speedway Blvd 

6th Ave 

Prince Rd 

Euclid Ave 

Euclid Ave 

29th Street 

36th Street 

Mountain Ave 

6th Street 

Kino Parkway 

Campbell Ave 

4. IBT’s 

616 N 4th Ave, TUC | 520-882-3053 

5. LOFT CINEMA, THE 

3233 E Speedway, TUC | 520-795-7777 

6. NEW MOON 

915 W Prince Rd, TUC 

Tucson Blvd 

Broadway Blvd 

HOTEL & SUITES 

520 -746-1161 

TUCSON AIRPORT NORTH 

Benson Hwy 

Fairland Street 

Ajo Way 

Country Rd Country Rd 

Country Club Rd 

Elm Street 

22nd Street 

Palo Verde Rd 

Alvernon Way 

Alvernon Way 

520-323-1840 

Columbus Blvd 

Swan Ave 

5th Street 

Pima Street 

Rosemont Blvd 

loftcinema.com 

Craycroft Rd 

7. VENTURE–N 

1239 N 6th Ave, TUC 

Sahuara Ave 

Wilmot Rd 

Golf Links Road 

8. WOODY’s 

3710 N Oracle Rd, TUC | 520-292-6702 


CLASSIFIEDS 

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

If you have ever been abused 

by anyone in our support community, 

please come forward. Your 

disclosure will remain anonymous. 

editor@ntouchaz.com 

BUSINESS / SERVICE 

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. 

HAVE GIN − WILL TRAVEL 

Professional Bartending Services. 

Weddings • Holiday Celebrations 

• Private Parties • Corporate 

& Special Events • Arizona 

Title 4 Certified. Michael Woodward 

@ 520.977.4714 or haveginwilltravel@gmail.com. 

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. 

COMMUNITY INFO 

Gay & Lesbian Swing Dancing 

and lessons in Old town Scottsdale 

at Dancing! Arizona 7077 

East Main Street Ste. 11-12. 

Swing dance 1st Friday of the 

month 8 PM Swings lessons. 

Open dancing 9 - 11 PM All are 

welcome! http://www.meetup. 

com/Swingin-Out-Gay-and- 

Lesbian-Swing-Dancingin/ 

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 

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. 

Now, Voyager Hypnotherapy/ 

Coaching- Let me help you 

improve many areas of your life. 

Visit NowVoyagerHypnosis.com 

for some ideas or call 602-301- 

6551. The Mind Is The Greatest 

Vessel! 

FOR RENT/LEASE 

Studio, 1 & 2 br apts $500 

& up. Swimming pool, Sauna, 

Covered Parking, Granite countertops, 

Hardwood floors, Pets 

allowed. Specials plus $300.00 

move-in bonus with this ad. Gay 

owned and managed. Woodside 

apts: 2930 N.52nd St. Phoenix.602-840-3053 

Studio Apartment for Rent. 

Completely Remodeled. Walk to 

Light Rail, stores & Restaurants. 

$450 monthly. 19th & Camelback. 

602-242-8812. 

RENT TO OWN a Home!!! 

Mobile Homes & Park Models in 

Mobile Home Community. Rates 

start at $460 monthly. Walk to 


19th & Camelback. 602-242- 

8812. 

RV Site with adjacent newly 

remodeled Studio Apartment. 

$450 monthly. Long Term Lease 

preferred. Walk to Light Rail, 

stores & Restaurants. 19th & 

Camelback. 602-242-8812. 

FOR SALE 

MOBILE HOMES & PARK MOD- 

ELS FOR SALE in Mobile Home 

Community. Starting at $7,000 

- Financing any credit. Walk to 


19th & Camelback. 602-242- 

8812. 

LUXURY PENTHOUSE 207 W. Clarendon 

#22E 1566 sq.ft. 2 split Master 

BRs/2 full baths. Eat-in kitchen. LR/ 

DR. Pool,spa,tennis,light-rail. 24/7 

front desk. $395,000.00. Linda Pool 

- Keller Williams - (480)600-7504 

lindapool@cox.net 

FOR SALE: 1024 W Georgia Ave, 

Pasadena Neighborhood, Energy 

efficient 3 bedrms, 1.75 baths. 

1900 sq. ft, home office entry. 

Corner lot, walled privacy, paddle 

fans, skylights, A/C & evap. 

Security doors & alarm system. 

Detached 2+ car port with secure 

storage, Offered at $235,000. 

MLS # 4186597, 1024wgeorgiaave.epropertysites.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 

Purchase Classified 

Ads Online! 

HELP WANTED 

Experienced Licensed Massage 

Therpist and Experienced Cosmetologist 

for upscale central Phoenix 

salon. Call George or David at 602- 

277-8849 for more information. 

‘N Touch News is growing, 

and would like to add you to our 

Advertising Sales Team. E-mail 

sales@ntouchaz.com if you are 

interested in a contract/commission 

position. 

HOUSEHOLD 

ALL THINGS ELECTRICAL Residential 

& Commercial licenses. 

More than 20 years experience. 

Insured & bonded. ROL 214308 

K-11 Phoenix: 602-778-9191, 

Flagstaff: 928-600-1303 Email: 

TwoSparksElectricInc@yahoo. 

com 

PETS 

2 akc registered English bulldogs 

(male and female), for a 

giveaway to a good and loving 

home, vet checked and very 

friendly, if interested contact 

James Miller millerj135@gmail. 

com 

NTOUCHAz.COm 


ADVERTISER DIRECTORY 

Building a great community starts with you! 

Support these businesses that advertise in ‘N Touch News! 

Adult 

Chute 602-234-1654 

Chute Store chutestore.com 

Off Chute Too 602-274-1429 

Accomodations 

Courtyard Marriott (FLAG) 928-774-5800 

Holiday Inn Tucson Airport (TUC) 520-746-1161 

Hotel Aspen (FLAG) 928-774-7358 

Quality Inn Flamingo (TUC) 520-770-1910 

Radisson Hotel (FLAG) 928-773-8888 

Sedona Rouge (SED) 928-340-5354 

Starlight Pines B&B (FLAG) 800-752-1912 

Zazu Pannee (PHX) 877-249-2456 

Automotive 

Community Tire North Phx 602-992-2830 

Community Tire Glendale 602-978-0251 

Community Tire Airport 602-231-9090 

Community Tire 40th St/Univ 602-470-0677 

Community Tire Cottonwood 928-634-0705 

Beauty 

Salon Georvid 602-277-8849 

Bookkeeping & Taxes 

Dave Connell 602-400-5383 

Chiropractic 

In Touch Chiropractic 602-548-1998 

Counseling / Addiction 

Man 2 Man 602-307-5330 

Richard Muszynski 520-906-7048 

Design & Web Services 

Lionwood Visual Design 602-413-0954 

Event Services 

Celebrate Your Life 623-463-3470 

Financial Services 

Debt Erasers, LLC (TUC) 520-884-7400 

Health Care 

Dr. Damien Brandeis, NMD 480-855-6560 

Dr. Lindsay Pearson (TUC) 520-302-4033 

The Medicine Shoppe (TUC) 520-461-1125 

Southern AZ AIDS Foundation 520-628-7223 

Home Services 

PartyLite 602-410-9825 

Information / Support 

One Voice Community Cntr 602-712-0111 

NAU Office of LGBTQ Affairs 928-523-8511 

PFLAG of Payson 928-476-2358 

PRISM @ NAU facebook.com/prism.nau 

UA Office of LGBTQ Affairs 520-626-1996 

Insurance 

Ken Leombruno 602-971-5799 

Landscaping 

VOX 480-538-8081 

Law Firms 

J. Ross Firm 602-685-1177 

Lee Horner (TUC) 520-979-5176 

Ronda Kelso 602-954-9313 

Tyler Allen Law Firm, PLLC 602-456-0545 

massage 

Marc Anthony Massage 480-777-8366 

Night Life 

Ain’t Nobody’s Biz (TUC) 520-318-4838 

Chute 602-234-1654 

Colors Restaurant (TUC) 520-323-1840 

IBT’s (TUC) 520-882-3053 

Loft Cinema, The (TUC) loftcinema.com 

New Moon (TUC) 520-293-7339 

Rainbow Cactus 602-971-1086 

Rock, The 602-248-8559 

Woody’s (TUC) 520-292-6702 

Pets 

Central Phx Animal 602-277-5155 

Photography 

Danton Photography 480-287-3780 

Marric Studios (FLAG) 928-864-7680 

Real Estate Services 

Tony Ray Baker/Tierra Ant. GayTucson.com 

Ron Houston/AZ Lifestyle 602-402-2459 

Dorian Kreiling/ReMax 623-694-4737 

Melinda Murphy/ReMax 602-695-2900 

Religious 

Community Church of Hope 602-234-2180 

Gentle Shepherd 602-864-6404 

TIHAN 520-299-6647 

Restaurants 

Bitz-ee Mamas 623-931-0562 

Linda’s on Osborn 602-956-4420 

Slice of Sicily Pizza 602-667-3331 

Retail Shopping 

Chute Store chutestore.com 

Off Chute Too 602-274-1429

LOCAL NEWS - N Touch Magazine

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