FROM THE EDITOR And the winners are... Each year ‘N <strong>Touch</strong> 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 <strong>Touch</strong> News <strong>Magazine</strong>’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 <strong>Touch</strong> 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 <strong>Touch</strong> 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 <strong>NEWS</strong> 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 <strong>NEWS</strong>, its staff, or that of its parent company. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization within ‘N TOUCH <strong>NEWS</strong> is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organization. Some photos were submitted by our readers. To our knowledge, they own the copyrights, and they have given us permission to reproduce them. If you see a picture that you own, please call us immediately and we will remove if from future publications. All copy, text, display, photos and illustrations in the ads are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized, have secured proper written consent for the use of names, pictures, and testimonials of any living person, and that ‘N TOUCH <strong>NEWS</strong> is not responsible for unlawful use of such content. ‘N <strong>Touch</strong> 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
Change language