February is LGBTQ history month. Since 2013, February has been recognized as a month to celebrate and appreciate LGBTQ history and culture. Tucson is home to a vibrant LGBTQ community with resources available for people of all backgrounds, ages, and demographics. At La Suprema, we support the LGBTQ community in Tucson. Below is a list of resources available in Tucson to members and allies of the community here in Tucson.
Tucson Pride
The Tucson Lesbian and Gay Alliance, commonly known as Tucson Pride, was founded in 1977 as a volunteer-based, non-profit that hosts educational and recreational events for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community in Arizona. The organization was formed in the aftermath of the unfortunate passing of Richard Heakin, who was murdered one night in 1976 while leaving Stonewall Tavern in Tucson. According to their official website, their vision is, "To unify, celebrate and strengthen the LGBTQA+ Community of Southern Arizona through advocacy, education, leadership, and support”. Past events put on by the organization include the Annual Pride in the Desert event, Pride Parade, and Pride in the Park. Check out their website to find out more ways to get involved and support Tucson Pride.
Southern Arizona Gender Alliance
The Southern Arizona Gender Alliance, or SAGA, is a non-profit that supports and advocates for Arizona’s transgender, non-binary, gender-creative community. Their services include support groups, which are currently being held via Zoom to abide by Covid-19 precautions. They have a variety of different support groups for different identities, as well as allies and family and friends of people in the community. SAGA has also hosted Trans Comprehension Trainings since 1998 to provide education to community leaders, schools, non-profits, and more. To learn more about SAGA, visit their website.
Southern Arizona Senior Pride
Southern Arizona Senior Pride is an organization dedicated to supporting the community of older adults who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as younger allies. They offer a variety of resources, including support groups, book clubs, AA groups, and end of life planning information. They also host a speaker series on the second Tuesday of each month. All the events and meetings are currently being held via Zoom due to Covid-19. They offer information about resources, including arts, culture, education, aging, health, and well-being. Check out more information and resources on their website.
Southern Arizona Aids Foundation
Southern Arizona Aids Foundation (SAAF) is the only community-based organization in Southern Arizona providing case management and ancillary support services for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families, culturally appropriate prevention, education programs to reduce the rate of infection, and extensive training and opportunities for community members to fill critical support roles. The organization offers appointment-only testing Monday-Friday for anyone in the community. The organization is constantly partnering with other groups and organizations around town to spread education and awareness for HIV/AIDS in the Tucson community. Visit their website to learn more about everything the organization offers.
GayTucson
GayTucson is Tucson’s online LBGT community resource. Tony Ray, realtor, started the page after hearing multiple concerns from LGBTQ home buyers that they were hesitant to move to Tucson because they thought it lacked an active LGBTQ community. The page was originally intended to help people in the community connect and find resources around town. The GayTucson mission is to be a constant source of local, up-to-date, reliable information. They aim to help strengthen and support the LGBTQ community through these resources. The page consists of friends and allies finding trusted resources and promoting the community within Tucson. Check out their website for more resources, news, and information.
PFLAG
PFLAG, or Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays is an organization for allies to unite with the LGBTQ community in hopes of promoting and supporting equality. The organization promotes the health and wellbeing of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals and their families and friends through support, education, and advocacy. In addition to monthly meetings, they attend and support other events in the community. They also raise money for scholarships that support continued education. If you’re interested in attending a support meeting or learning more about PFLAG, click here.