What a milestone! For nearly sixteen years, Pride Guide® has been working diligently to showcase LGBTQ+ friendly businesses, organizations & events from all corners of Arizona. Through the years, we’ve prided ourselves on connecting our community with the best of the best. Whether you’re looking for a realtor to help you find your dream home, a new doctor or a wonderful spot for a weekend getaway, Pride Guide® is here to point you in the right direction.
What a milestone! For nearly sixteen years, Pride Guide® has been working diligently to showcase LGBTQ+ friendly businesses, organizations & events from all corners of Arizona. Through the years, we’ve prided ourselves on connecting our community with the best of the best. Whether you’re looking for a realtor to help you find your dream home, a new doctor or a wonderful spot for a weekend getaway, Pride Guide® is here to point you in the right direction.
Now more than ever, it is crucial to show support to those businesses who are inclusive and welcoming to everyone. If you’re a LGBTQ+ friendly business or organization, we’d love to feature you in Arizona’s Statewide LGBTQ+ Friendly Travel, Business, Wedding & Relocation Resource Guide.
Pride Guide® is available in print, web and mobile app. We offer marketing options for nearly every budget. Reach out to learn more. 602.466.2501 | Arizona@ThePrideGuides.com
Jeremy Jordan, Lea Salonga and Javier Muñoz. Collage by Scottsdale Arts.
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is excited to welcome fresh faces and veteran Broadway talents during its 2021–22 season. Scottsdale Arts ONE Members have a chance to grab their favorite seats before tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, April 2, 2021.
As the Great Bright Way in Manhattan’s lights were dim most of last year, the Center was able to present two Broadway concerts featuring performers on hiatus from national and international stages. Musical lovers in Scottsdale and throughout the Valley can rejoice as Broadway takes the stage in their own backyard in an intimate venue.
Below is the schedule of six upcoming Broadway performances at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (subject to change):
Seth Rudetsky Concert Series Eva Noblezada with Seth Rudetsky Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, 8 p.m. Eva Noblezada originated the lead role of Eurydice in “Hadestown” on Broadway, receiving a Tony® nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical. Additionally, “Hadestown” won the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Noblezada starred in the revival of “Miss Saigon,” receiving a Tony® nomination and played Eponine in the West End revival of “Les Misérables.” Seth Rudetsky is the afternoon host on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio’s “On Broadway” and the host of “Seth Speaks” on Sirius/XM Stars. Rudetsky has also worked as musical director/pianist for many theatre productions.
Hitting New Heights Mandy Gonzalez and Javier Muñoz Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, 8 p.m. The Broadway stars of “Hamilton” and “In the Heights” join voices to celebrate Broadway’s hottest composers, from Stephen Schwartz to Lin-Manuel Miranda. Mandy Gonzalez turned author with her debut novel, “Fearless.” Javier Muñoz recently joined the cast of “Eureka!,” an upcoming Disney Junior animated series. Additionally, he was recently heard on “Romeo y Julieta” — a new bilingual podcast — as Paris.
Seth Rudetsky Concert Series Jeremy Jordan with Seth Rudetsky Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, 8 p.m. Jeremy Jordan, a film, television, cabaret, and Broadway star has earned the Theater World Award for “Bonnie and Clyde.” Jordan received a Tony® nomination for his role in “Newsies” and Grammy® nomination for the “Newsies” cast album. He is widely known for his role on the CW drama “Supergirl.” Seth Rudetsky is the afternoon host on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio’s “On Broadway” and the host of “Seth Speaks” on Sirius/XM Stars. Rudetsky has also worked as musical director/pianist for many theatre productions.
Broadway Perspectives 2022: Women of Broadway Saturday, March 12, 2022, 8 p.m. Join us for “Broadway Perspectives 2022: Women of Broadway,” where four of Broadway’s finest female vocalists celebrate the roles and musical selections that underscore the leading lady’s influence on The Great Bright Way. Produced and hosted by New York casting director Stephen DeAngelis.
Shoshana Bean Saturday, April 9, 2022, 8 p.m. Independent Music award-winner and veteran of the Broadway stage, Shoshana Bean recently starred as Jenna in “Waitress.” Her latest release, “SPECTRUM,” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Jazz charts.
Lea Salonga Thursday, May 5, 2022, 7:30 p.m. A “Disney Legend” with a powerful voice and perfect pitch, Lea Salonga is a performer best known for her Tony®-winning role in “Miss Saigon.” Recently seen on the annual “Broadway Backwards” concert on March 30 and available on demand through April 3.
SCOTTSDALE ARTS Through its partnership with the city of Scottsdale, the nonprofit Scottsdale Arts (formerly known as Scottsdale Cultural Council) creates diverse, inspired arts experiences and educational opportunities that foster active, lifelong community engagement with the arts. Since its founding in 1987, Scottsdale Arts has grown into a regionally and nationally significant, multi-disciplinary arts organization offering an exceptional variety of programs through four acclaimed branches — Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), Scottsdale Public Art and Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation — serving more than 600,000 participants annually. In conjunction with the city of Scottsdale, we also host more than 200,000 people annually on our campus through a robust rentals program.
SCOTTSDALE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Since 1975, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts has provided a stage for a wide range of artists and genres, creating shared, inspiring experiences for the community that celebrate artistic excellence and cultural awareness. Today one of the premier performing arts halls in the western United States, the Center presents a diverse season of music, dance, theater, comedy and film from around the world.
LOCATION AND PARKING
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is located at 7380 E. 2nd St. in downtown Scottsdale. Free parking is available in the public parking garage located to the west of Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on Wells Fargo Avenue. Additional free parking is available at the Old Town Parking Corral at East Second Street and Brown Avenue and at the Civic Center Library parking garage located on Drinkwater Boulevard at East Second Street.
ACCESSIBILITY
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts offers performance accommodations to enhance audience members’ experience, including: American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation or live audio description with two weeks advance notice. Assistive-listening devices and wheelchair seating are also available. Visit www.ScottsdalePerformingArts.org/visit/accessibility/ or contact the Member and Patron Services Box Office at 480-499-TKTS (8587) [TDD: 480-874-4694] for further details. Please inquire about services when ordering tickets.
TICKET DISCOUNTS
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts offers a variety of ticket discounts for Scottsdale Arts members at the Friends level and above, groups of 10 or more and those purchasing packages to four or more events in one order. The Center provides free tickets to selected events for eligible teachers and active-duty military and veterans. Visit www.ScottsdalePerformingArts.org/visit/tickets-discounts/ or call 480-499-TKTS (8587) for more information.
THE STORE The award-winning Store at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts supports the mission and diverse programs of the nonprofit Scottsdale Arts. The Store’s unique selection of merchandise includes artist-made jewelry, stylish furnishings for home and office, unique creations by Arizona artists, fair-trade and upcycled/recycled global crafts, music, books, greeting cards and imaginative toys. Purchases are tax free, and members receive a 15 percent discount. Gift wrapping and shipping are also available. The Store is open Wed. – Sat., 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun., noon 5 p.m., and throughout most evening events. Phone: 480-874-4644.
HOW TO REACH US
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 7380 E. 2nd St. Scottsdale, AZ 85251 www.ScottsdalePerformingArts.org 480-499-TKTS (8587)
Chandler Public Library – Downtown 22 S Delaware, Downtown Chandler
Grab & Go: Trans Day of Visibility March 31, 2021 9 am – 7 pm March 31 is International Day of Trans Visibility. It aims to bring attention to the accomplishments of trans people around the globe. To recognize the contributions and lived experiences of trans and non-binary people, check out the Downtown Branch’s display of library materials. There will also be fun items to take while supplies last.
Grab & Go: Show Your Pride June 28, 2021 9 am – 7 pm June 28, 1969 was the beginning of an event known as the Stonewall Uprising, a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community in New York City. In the decades following Stonewall, June has become a month of events and parades commemorating Stonewall and acknowledging the LGBTQ+ community’s accomplishments. This Grab & Go has the materials to make a rainbow pennant banner based on the Philadelphia 2017 8 stripe flag. It will also contain an enamel pin. Limited quantities, available while supplies last. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Chandler Public Library – Online
Read the Rainbow – Teen Books March 24 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Online – Register at chandlerlibrary.org Join Chandler Public Library’s new book club focused on books by, for, and about the LGBTQ+ community. Each month will feature a librarian curated selection of titles based on a theme, genre, or collection. Pick a title from the monthly list and arrive ready to rate your title on a scale from 1 to 5 stars and discuss what you liked and didn’t like about it. This month we will be reading: TEEN / YOUNG ADULT Pick ONE title from the list below. All titles are available from Chandler Public Library. ● Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender ● The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee ● Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan ● I Wish You the Best by Mason Deaver ● Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli ● Odd One Out by Nic Stone ● Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
Read the Rainbow – Picture Books April 28 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Online – Register at chandlerlibrary.org Join Chandler Public Library’s new book club focused on books by, for, and about the LGBTQ+ community. Each month will feature a librarian curated selection of titles based on a theme, genre, or collection. Pick a title from the monthly list and arrive ready to rate your title on a scale from 1 to 5 stars and discuss what you liked and didn’t like about it. This month we will be reading: PICTURE BOOKS Pick ONE title from the list below. All titles are available from Chandler Public Library.. ● A Plan for Pops by Heather Smith ● Boy and the Bindi by Vivek Shraya ● It Feels Good to Be Yourself: a book about gender identity by Theresa Thorn ● Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love ● Maid and Maiden by Daniel Haack ● Pride: the story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders ● Red: a crayon story by Michael Hall ● When Aidan became a brother by Kyle Lukoff
Read the Rainbow – In the Shadow of the Expressway May 26, 2021 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Onlline – Register at chandlerlibrary.org Join Chandler Public Library’s book club focused on books by, for, and about the LGBTQ+ community. This month we will all be reading Lydia R. Otero’s In The Shadows of the Freeway: Growing up Brown and Queer. Born in 1955, Lydia R. Otero knew they were queer the moment their consciousness had evolved enough to formulate thoughts. Nicknamed La Butch by their family, Otero shares a unique perspective: displaced by their queerness, but rooted in place through their relationship with Tucson, Arizona. In this book, which combines personal memoir and the historical archive, Otero takes readers to a world that existed on the physical and social margins and describes how a new freeway created a barrier that greatly influenced formative aspects of Otero’s childhood. The author examines the multiple effects of environmental racism, while the lack of services and low expectations of the schools Otero attended are further examples of the discrimination directed at brown people. This book offers more self-disclosure than Otero’s previous works, as the author’s memories and experiences of childhood take center stage. Otero reveals the day-to-day survival mechanisms they depended upon, the exhilaration of first love, and the support they received from key family members. We welcome James Burns, Executive Director of the Arizona Historical Society, who will lead the book discussion.
Graphic Novel Book Club – Fun Home June 16, 2021 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Online – Register at chandlerlibrary.org Do you love comics, graphic novels, and sequential art? Join us for our new Graphic Novel Book Club! This month we will be reading and discussing Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic. In this Eisner and Stonewall Award winning work (which was adapted into an award-winning Broadway Musical), In this graphic memoir, Alison Bechdel charts her fraught relationship with her late father. Distant and exacting, Bruce Bechdel was an English teacher and director of the town funeral home, which Alison and her family referred to as the Fun Home. It was not until college that Alison, who had recently come out as a lesbian, discovered that her father was also gay. A few weeks after this revelation, he was dead, leaving a legacy of mystery for his daughter to resolve.
Read the Rainbow – Biographies and Memoirs June 23, 2021 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Online – Register at chandlerlibrary.org Join Chandler Public Library’s new book club focused on books by, for, and about the LGBTQ+ community. Each month will feature a librarian curated selection of titles based on a theme, genre, or collection. Pick a title from the monthly list and arrive ready to rate your title on a scale from 1 to 5 stars and discuss what you liked and didn’t like about it. This month we will be reading: BIOGRAPHIES AND MEMOIRS. All titles are available at Chandler Public Library Pick ONE title from the list below. ● Confess: the autobiography by Rob Halford ● Officer Clemmons: a memoir by Francois Clemmons ● One Life by Megan Rapinoe ● Over the Top: a raw journey to self-love by Jonathan Van Ness ● Shortest way home: one mayor’s challenge and a model for America’s future by Pete Buttigieg ● The Velvet Mafia: the gay men who ran the swinging sixties by Darryl W Bullock
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It may surprise many that more than 11,000 residents of Maricopa County live with HIV and many more who are unaware of their status. For Valleywise Health, the numbers are a daily reality and in a continued effort to prevent the spread of HIV throughout our county, the public health safety net system recently completed expansion of opt-out HIV screenings at all 11 federally qualified health centers and emergency rooms at their main Roosevelt campus and Maryvale location.
Focus on early diagnosis of HIV infection to improve treatment and prevention
PHOENIX (March 9, 2021) – It may surprise many that more than 11,000 residents of Maricopa County live with HIV and many more who are unaware of their status. For Valleywise Health, the numbers are a daily reality and in a continued effort to prevent the spread of HIV throughout our county, the public health safety net system recently completed expansion of opt-out HIV screenings at all 11 federally qualified health centers and emergency rooms at their main Roosevelt campus and Maryvale location.
In addition to the opt-out screenings, Valleywise Community Health Center – McDowell, the states’ leading provider of primary health care and HIV specialty treatment, also launched the availability of free home test kits shipped directly to your residence. These kits are available to any Maricopa County resident over the age of 18 and can be requested at valleywisehealth.org/HIVhometest. The test will be mailed in discreet packaging and includes detailed instructions of how to complete the test.
Patients who test negative either at a facility or through the home test, but may be considered high-risk can request consultation from Valleywise Health with prescription of the preventative medication, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), available at all locations. PrEP is a once daily medication that can be used in combination with other methods, such as condoms, to reduce risk of HIV infection by up to 99%. For those who test positive, a confirmatory test will be conducted and further assessment and treatment plans will be determined between patient and physician.
“Our goal is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn if they are infected with HIV,” said Dr. Ann Khalsa, Medical Director of Valleywise Community Health Center – McDowell. “When individuals know their HIV status and either take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or quickly start HIV treatment, we can help stop transmission and support the goal of getting to no new infections by 2030.”
The testing expansion is possible in part thanks to a $582,000 grant from the Arizona Department of Health Services. In 2011 Valleywise Health Medical Center became the first hospital in Arizona to provide routine HIV screening in its emergency department, and since then has administered nearly 100,000 tests.
“Unfortunately, HIV still has a stigma attached to it that it somehow only effects certain populations, but like all viruses knows no boundaries,” says Dr. Khalsa. “The way in which these voluntary tests and at home tests can be conducted can be done easily, quickly and bring peace of mind to anyone who feels they are at-risk or potentially infected and I applaud those who take initiative to know their status.”
Located in Phoenix, Arizona and named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the nation by IBM Watson Health in 2020, Valleywise Health (formerly Maricopa Integrated Health System) has a proud tradition of being the community safety net health care system with a mission and commitment to serving the underserved. Valleywise Health consists of Valleywise Health Medical Center, Arizona’s only public teaching hospital, the only trauma center in Maricopa County verified by the American College of Surgeons to treat adults and children and Arizona’s only nationally verified Burn Center serving the entire Southwestern United States. Other services include the McDowell Healthcare Center, the largest provider of HIV primary care in Arizona, the Refugee Women’s Health Clinic, three behavioral health centers and 11 federally qualified community health centers. To learn more, please visit www.ValleywiseHealth.org.
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PHOENIX — Phoenix Pride has announced newly rescheduled dates for the 40th Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade, with the Festival now set to run Saturday and Sunday, November 6-7, 2021, and the Parade moving to Saturday, November 6, 2021.
The Festival will remain at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix, and Festival hours will be unchanged, at noon-9 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The Parade will begin on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Third St. and Thomas Rd., running northbound up Third St. to Indian School Rd.
The Festival had previously been scheduled for April 10-11, 2021 and is being rescheduled amid continuing concerns over public health and safety in the current environment.
In addition to the new dates, Pride has confirmed that the headlining performers previously announced for the Circle K Festival Main Stage and the Latin Stage Presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Club Papí will remain unchanged, and all have reconfirmed for the new dates, save for April Carrion and Lineysha Sparx in the RuPaul Drag Race Puerto Rican Invasion Show, who will be replaced by performer Alexis Mateo. The Festival is presented by Bud Light Seltzer.
Existing Festival ticket holders will be receiving an email message in the coming days from Phoenix Pride’s ticketing partner, See Tickets, to the email address associated with their order, explaining the policies and procedures regarding ticket conversions for the new dates. Tickets for the rescheduled dates are now available at http://www.PhoenixPride.org.
“While we are all looking forward to reuniting as a community, Phoenix Pride always puts the health and safety of our community first, and while the decision was not easy, we know that shifting our dates to November is the right thing to do for the organization and for all who attend the Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade to celebrate with us,” Phoenix Pride Executive Director Mike Fornelli stated. “We are eager to bring our family and friends back together, and with the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines and improving forecasts for infection rates heading into the fall, we are confident that we will be able to gather in November to celebrate the incredible milestone of our 40th year of serving the Greater Phoenix community.”
“The Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade are more than just a weekend-long event,” President of the Phoenix Pride Board of Directors Landen Smith added. “For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Pride represents the one moment in time during the year when they can be fully themselves, and openly – and safely – express their identity and culture. The absence of that moment over the past year has been felt sharply by many in our community, and even as we prepare for an amazing celebration in November, I want to remind everyone among our LGBTQ+ community and our allies that you are not alone, and we are all still connected as a community. If you need resources, help or just a friendly contact, please reach out to any member of the Phoenix Pride staff or board of directors, and we will do our very best to connect you with whatever you need during this difficult moment.”
Additional information regarding the 40th Annual Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade is available online at http://www.PhoenixPride.org.
ABOUT PHOENIX PRIDE
Phoenix Pride is the producer of the two largest annual public LGBTQ+ community events in Arizona: the Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade, and the Rainbows Festival. Founded in 1981, the organization engages year-round in its mission to unite, educate and engage people to support and empower the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Additional information regarding Phoenix Pride is available online at the agency’s website, http://www.PhoenixPride.org.
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In Partnership with The Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library, The Long-Standing Tradition in Phoenix Won’t Be Stopped by the COVID-19 Pandemic with Goal of Raising $50,000!
PHOENIX (February 10, 2021) – Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Phoenix community will still have the opportunity to support the annual Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire with a virtual event on March 13. This telethon-type party is being made possible by partnering with the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library in Downtown Phoenix.
On March 13 from noon to 8 p.m. folks can login to the event at the virtual event website and enjoy live performances from some of your favorite Irish bands, interviews with local celebrities and more. Hosted by this year’s Arizona Colleen and other Irish community members, it’s a party you won’t want to miss. And, you can enjoy things right from the comfort of your own home! You can even record your own video to be aired during the festivities.
“The Parade and Irish Faire is a staple here in the Valley, and it’s also an important fundraiser for our community,” said Jeffrey Aspland, President, St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Irish Faire Committee. “We are grateful for the partnership with the Irish Cultural Center and are excited to make this year’s event something fun for everyone, until we can get back to our normal celebrations in the years to come.”
The event is free to join, just log in and enjoy. Once you “enter” the event, you will have the opportunity to donate if you would like. The event fundraising goal is $50,000 and, while people can watch for free, any donation amount will help to secure the future of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire and Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library as well as other initiatives to support the #AZIrish Community in the Phoenix area.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire Committee,” said Ciara Archer, Operations Director for the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library. “We know this is not how we thought we would be celebrating our favorite holiday of the year – BUT, if we have learned anything in the last year it is to pivot and make due with what you can! We thank the various Celtic groups in the community for their support and partnership and look forward to celebrating with the global Irish diaspora (born or adopted for the day) on this St. Patrick’s Day! We encourage everyone to donate if they can to ensure our organizations’ futures, and hope you will sit back, relax and enjoy the show!”
About The Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library; The Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library, the heart of the Celtic Community, are divisions of the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit corporation and are owned and maintained by the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.
About the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire; The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire Committee is composed of a group of hard-working, volunteer, elected individuals that make the Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire a reality. For nearly 40 years they have spent hours meeting and planning the events to make sure each year is better than the last.
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GLENDALE, Ariz. – It is all about the love between friends as Historic Downtown Glendale presents Galentine’s Day on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a fun day of activities to gather your best girlfriends together to celebrate the value of friendships.
The locally owned businesses in the Catlin Court and Old Towne shopping districts have created this fun-filled day to celebrate the treasured love between women and have planned a perfect day for you and your best friends. There will be fun things to do along the way including make and take activities, fun photo ops, lovely gift ideas at the unique boutiques and specialty shops and sweet treats to satisfy your sweet tooth at the iconic eateries. You can also follow the Historic Downtown Glendale Charm Trail to fill a bracelet with beautiful charms. New this year, follow the “Joy Journey” to pick up joyful message cards. After visiting all the participating businesses, the ladies will have a bag filled with happy and heartfelt messages. The Joy Journey will be available for the first 100 gals.
Start your Galentine’s Day journey at the Arizona Information Center located at Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures (5836 W. Palmaire Ave.) to pick up the activity list and walking map. Galentine’s Day is presented by the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association, a merchant driven organization which stimulates, enhances, and sustains the economic vitality and customer experience of the Historic Downtown Glendale Shopping and Dining District. For more information, check out www.VisitDowntownGlendale.com or follow at www.Facebook.com/HistoricGlendale.
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PHOENIX — Phoenix Pride issued the following statement today in response to President Joe Biden’s executive order reversing the previous administration’s ban on transgender Americans serving in the U.S. Armed Forces:
“Today marks a critical return to decency, respect and honor in America, as President Biden lifts the previous administration’s ban on service in the U.S. Armed Forces by brave transgender Americans who step forward and volunteer to undertake the bold and dangerous missions that define the American military.
“In his inauguration address last week, President Biden reasserted his commitment that America ‘will lead not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.’ The executive order he issued today, allowing transgender men and women to once again openly don the uniforms of our armed services, is in itself a powerful example of the values of inclusion and commitment to those who serve, that have now returned to American leadership.
“Since the 45th President first floated the idea of denying the right to serve to transgender Americans, Phoenix Pride has stood in solid opposition to that toxic, unwarranted and spiteful policy. Today, we join our trans family and friends, neighbors and co-workers in celebrating this national return to decency and renewal of our nation’s commitment to honor, respect and care for all who choose to undertake the ultimate show of commitment to defending our nation and the ideals for which it stands.
“Since mere hours after his inauguration, President Biden began to make good on his commitment to restore the rights and freedoms that are the blessings of all Americans, including those in our LGBTQ community. This president’s first day reversal of his predecessor’s policies to discriminate against LGBTQ, and particularly transgender, individuals in federal employment and elsewhere set a hopeful tone for policies to come, and today’s executive order further bolsters that hope.
“Phoenix Pride will continue to support policies that promote inclusion and equity for all Americans. We welcome today’s announcement by the White House and applaud President Biden for this meaningful, and critical, action.”
ABOUT PHOENIX PRIDE
Phoenix Pride is the producer of the two largest annual public LGBTQ community events in Arizona: the Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade held each spring in April, and the Rainbows Festival, held every fall in October. Founded in 1981, the organization engages year-round in its mission to unite, educate and engage people to support and empower the LGBTQ community and its allies. Additional information regarding Phoenix Pride is available online at the agency’s website, http://www.PhoenixPride.org.
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Tempe’s dining scene is on the rise, with new and notable restaurants that are adding new flavors to this college town. The newest eateries in Tempe feature everything from plant-based cuisine to delicious sweet treats, so you’ll find exactly what you’re craving. Alter Ego, the lobby level restaurant at Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown, was recently named Best Hotel Restaurant by the Phoenix New Times. That’s quite an honor, considering that it just opened in June.
Tempe’s dining scene is on the rise, with new and notable restaurants that are adding new flavors to this college town. The newest eateries in Tempe feature everything from plant-based cuisine to delicious sweet treats, so you’ll find exactly what you’re craving. Alter Ego, the lobby level restaurant at Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown, was recently named Best Hotel Restaurant by the Phoenix New Times. That’s quite an honor, considering that it just opened in June.
Check out Tempe’s newest restaurants and find even more at www.tempetourism.com.
Alter Ego
GuacStar Kitchen and Cantina GuacStar Kitchen and Cantina is an unpretentious dining destination where the experience counts as much as the food. The eatery offers mouth-watering plant-based versions of Mexican food, margaritas and new takes on cocktails made popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Standout menu items include the Baja Pescado Street Tacos, made with beer battered royal trumpet mushrooms, and the Enchiladas Calabacitas, made with roasted squash and zucchini, house-made roja and verde sauce and cashew crema.
Sweet Republic One of Arizona’s favorite local ice cream shops, Sweet Republic, recently opened their newest location in Tempe. This new destination for ice cream lovers is located at the Watermark development, on the north side of Tempe Town Lake. Their artisan ice cream is made in small batches, with natural ingredients such as milk from Arizona dairy farms, fresh fruit and handmade marshmallows. You’ll find standard flavors that you know and love, but you’ll be tempted by some of their unique combos such as Peaberry Espresso and Church Music, a collaboration with The Shop Beer Co.
CoreLife Eatery Looking for healthy food that tastes delicious? CoreLife Eatery is Tempe’s newest fast-casual restaurant serving salads, rice bowls and tacos made with ingredients free of GMOs, artificial colors or additives. Patrons can choose from suggested options, such as Southwest Grilled Chicken with Purple Rice, Sriracha Ginger Tofu and Ancient Grains and Korean Pulled Pork Tacos.
Drink Me! Tea Room A twist on the British tradition, Drink Me! Tea Room is a charming place for afternoon tea in South Tempe. Their whimsical décor is reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. They offer several options for tea service and reservations are required in advance. The Wonderland Afternoon Tea is a mix of savory bites, scones and sweet treats and the Petite Tea offers a selection of scones served with coconut cream and lemon curd. You can choose from a list of organic teas to accompany your treats, all of which are plant-based, gluten free and absolutely delicious. Check their website for seasonal offerings.
Alter Ego Alter Ego is the signature restaurant at the Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown. With a gorgeous interior space and a patio open to views of Arizona State University, Alter Ego serves elevated fusion cuisine expertly executed by Executive Chef Ken Arneson, such as the Katsu Chicken Sandwich and Brick Oven Calabrian Shrimp. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and also offer inventive hand-crafted cocktails. They have also recently added weekend brunch with not so typical dishes like “FRO,”with breakfast pork fried rice, a teppanyaki-style omelet, Asian pear salad and Thai vinaigrette, and the Banana Fritter Pancakewith bruleed bananas, cinnamon whipped cream and warm syrup.
Alibi Change your point of view and visit Alibi on the 14th floor of the Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown. This poolside rooftop bar offers a menu inspired by street food from around the world, with options including an ahi tuna Poki Sampler and Filipino Style Empanadas. Here you can nosh with friends, sip on a cocktail, wine or beer and catch the sunset all at once.
Alibi
Postino South Tempe Postino South Tempe opened in September. Postino, a metro area favorite, is beloved for its menu of bruschetta boards, sharable snacks, salads, paninis, Arizona craft brews, and nearly 30 wines by the glass. Join them for daily happy hour, $5 ’til 5 p.m., when all wines by the glass and pitchers of beer are $5 from open-5 p.m. After 8 p.m. on Mon. and Tues. evenings, partake in their $25 Bottle & Board, a bottle of wine and a board of bruschetta for $25 after 8 p.m. Funky décor including mid-century modern furnishings, vintage Tempe concert posters, and a 300-foot art wall covered in skateboard ads makes this location a standout from the rest.
Postino South Tempe Photo: Shelby Moore
Deadline for 2021 Pride Guide® Friday, December 18th
If you’re a current Pride Guide® advertiser or would like to be one, please note our deadline for your ad / listing reservation is quickly approaching. We’d love to have you in the 2021 edition and we’re thrilled to offer advertising options to fit nearly every budget.
Please contact us today to ensure Arizona’s LGBTQ+ community knows your business is welcoming, friendly and supportive.
Pride Guide® is Arizona’s Total LGBTQ+ Resource Guide available in PRINT • DIGITAL • MOBILE APP
Click the image above to easily reach the ticketing page for this year’s Festival of Trees
How do you take an annual highly anticipated event and make it virtual during a pandemic? This is what we tasked our Festival of Trees committee with and look what they have done! Although we expect to have almost as much fun as when we got to hoop and holler together in person, we are looking forward to getting back to seeing you in person next year!
For this year, we encourage you to take full advantage of our Preview Nights for this year’s Festival of Trees:
December 1st and 2nd, 5 pm – 8 pm
Since this is a virtual event, our trees will be part of the silent auction, raffle and a select few will be live auctioned… yes live!!
And don’t worry, your favorite Travel Tree Raffle has been conceptualized into a more travel safe experience; AND still one for the books!
VIP? Why yes…. Our VIP Tickets will include a pre-show entertainment piece just for you and a special preview night of the trees just for VIP’s, including appetizers and cocktails.
Have your own bubble of friends and family? Be a one of our Tree’s elves and host your own happy hour. With special catering and cocktailing options available.
Safety first so this event is capped. Get your tickets now!
These are unprecedented times. Your support for the chamber and our LGBTQ+ businesses and allies is as important as ever.
Donate now to make sure these businesses are here for you when you need them.