Volume 12 Issue 8 September 2016

375 S. Euclid Avenue • Tucson, AZ 85719

SASP celebrates, supports and unites , , Bisexual, and Seniors in Southern Tucson Pride Celebrates Unity And the history of the Richard Heakin Memorial Picnic by Dea Brasgalla

This year, Tucson Pride will walk down Phoenix’ mark its 39th consecutive year of Please join us to celebrate our Pride in main streets to the Pride. On Sept 30, Tucson Pride Tucson’s LGBTQ community on Sept 30 Capital building. will celebrate with a parade down with the parade and block party on The joint protest in- 4th Avenue followed by a free block cluded gays and their party afterward at the Sky Bar on 4th Ave and on Oct 1 for Pride in the allies from Phoenix, 4th Avenue. The theme for the Desert at Reid Park. Tucson, other Arizo- parade is “Taking Pride Back”. na gay communities, The Grand Marshalls for the Tuc- at end of this article). On Feb 7, and gays from other son are as follows: 1977, the Tucson Mayor and City States. Gay Christian Outreach Ser- Narda Rivera representing Puertas Council unanimously voted to ap- vices provided support and security Albertas; Joseph Howell, repre- prove an ordinance passage of a along the route. The LGBTQ com- senting the LGBT Chamber of Com- Tucson ordinance (Ordinance No. munity continues to hold protest merce; Chad Mosher representing 4616, amending Chapter 17, Article rallies and marches for our causes. Living Out Loud Wellness Center, II of the Tucson Code)” to eliminate Article continues on page 2 and Abby Jensen representing the and due to Southern Arizona Gender Alliance in places of public (SAGA). In addition, Mayor Roth- accomodation, in employment, and Senior Pride Monthly schild will also be a Grand Marshall. in housing”. It was the first such Meeting: On Oct 1, Pride in the Desert will ordinance in Arizona and one of the The Senior Pride meetings are open to be held at Reid Park, 900 S, Ran- first of its kind in the United States. everyone and always feature interesting dolf Way. Please visit the website In 1977, the Tucson Lesbian Gay speakers. Senior Pride meets from 2-3 pm at the Himmel Park Library, tucsonpride.org for information Alliance (TLGA—now Tucson Pride) about the events. 1035 Treat Ave on the second Tuesday was formed. TLGA organized Tuc- of most months. Tucson has the legacy of holding son’s first /Richard Heakin On Tuesday, Sept 13: Catherine one of the oldest Pride events in Memorial Picnic, held on National Tornbom, Manager, Center for the nation and being one of the first Gay Pride Day, June 26, 1977. On Community Dialogue. Topic – Elder LGBT organization in the State of June 26, 1983, the Tucson Gay Circles Arizona. Festival was not held. Instead, in On Tuesday, Oct 11: Tara Bruce: Wellness Outreach Program Coordinator After the murder of Richard J. response to the nationwide call to for TMC at The CORE Health and Well- (Dickie) Heakin on June 6, 1976, fight oppression of gay people, the ness Center at La Encantada. by a group of teen-agers who were, Pride Week’s main event was a 130 On Tuesday, Nov 15: Sally Krommes, according to their testimony, “out to mile Civil Rights March from Tucson program director for “Medication Misuse and Abuse!” for Pima Council on Aging. hassle ,” the newly formed to Phoenix . The March involved Tucson Gay Coalition led protests, camping overnight along the seven [email protected] especially against the results of the day route, then ended in a two mile (520) 312-8923 trial of the killers.* (see “of note” or visit http://soazseniorpride.org History of the Tucson Pride Celebration 2016 Bisbee Pride Parade (continued)

In 1983, the event was held in October to beat the heat of summer. In 2002, the Tucson Lesbian and Gay Alliance changed its name to Tucson Pride to better reflect the mission of the organiza- tion. Pride Week was expanded to include 10 days of non-stop events. Of Note: On Sept 15, 2003, the Tucson Mayor and City Council unanimously approved the first Domestic Partner Registry in the State of Arizona, at the recommendation of the city’s Commission on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender issues. Effective Dec 2003, this ordinance provides a registry for Domestic Partners. This is a means by which unmarried couples who share a relation- ship of mutual support and caring, may document their relationship. The Registry provides two priv- ileges that are enforceable within the city limits of Tucson: hospital visitation rights for Partners (with patient consent), and extending use of and access to city facilities to a registered partner as if the domestic partner were a spouse. We can be thankful that historically Tucson’s Mayor and City Council are progressive in their efforts to protect the LGBT community and promote our equality. Please join us to celebrate our pride in Tucson’s LGBTQ community Sept 30 with the parade and block party on 4th Ave and on Oct 1 for Pride in the Desert at Reid Park. * Of Note: The 15-17 year old killers received only probation for what was termed a . In 1977, Tucson’s gay-oriented newspaper, the Pride festival and Pride picnic were creat- ed. Heakin’s death was also one of the events that led to the creation of Wingspan, the LGBT community center, in 1988. In 2002, a memorial Photos by Stephanie Donoghue plaque honoring Richard Heakin was placed at Sunset Park in front of Tucson’s City Hall. Senior Forum Joyce Bolinger, Editor Rick Jorgensen, Editor Emeritus Join the Pride festivites this year! Dea Brasgalla, Roving Reporter Show Tucson how out and proud our Connie Rose, Graphic Designer • High Desert Rose https://highdesertrose.carbonmade.com community continues to be! Susan Taunton, Webmaster • Wild Blue Pixel http://wildbluepixel.com P.2 Both of my parents were active in the civil rights Community Profile movement in the 1960’s, and have been wonderful Each month our roving reporter, Dea Brasgal- friends to many in their lives, especially to those who la, selects a community member to interview. needed a hand up. Dea welcomes nominations. To be profiled your- Dea: If you could wave a magic wand, self or to propose a person to be profiled, email what would the LGBTQ community look like in Dea at [email protected] 5 years? Bennett: The LGBTQ community would, in five A Chat years, face significantly less stigma, enjoy greater with Bennett health in all possible ways, and be welcomed by everyone based on the content of their character Burke rather than their sexual or . Dea Brasgalla: Who is Bennett Burke? Tell me In Memoriam: Dr. Noel Matkin, our about yourself. Community Profile individual in the Bennett Burke: I’m July/August issue of this newsletter, currently the Volunteer passed away on July 4, 2016. Coordinator for Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN). Prior to that, He was an active and I spent two years as Director of the Volunteer Center respected member of at United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, and our community. He will before that 31 years at Southwest Gas Corporation, be missed. retiring in 2012 as Director of Administration for the For more about the Southern Arizona Division, headquartered in Tucson. life and I have also worked as a firefighter and emergency accomplishments of medical technician, a backpacking guide and out- Dr. Matkin, go to the door instructor, and am currently the Presiding Bish- Community Foundation op for the Liberal Catholic Church International. for Southern Arizona News at Dea: What inspires you, where does your http://cfsaz.org/news/news/ passion lie? Bennett: I find myself inspired by connecting people to each other and to new ideas, by the search for personal growth for myself, and by supporting personal growth in others. I enjoy working Donate to Southern Arizona for equality and opportunity for all, as well as Senior Pride. cooking, entertaining, and cycling. Right now, I’m Make your tax deductible donations training to ride the entire El Tour de Tucson for the to our Fiscal Agent: SAAF first time this November, which will happen soon 375 South Euclid Avenue • Tucson AZ 85719 By Check: please write “Senior Pride”in Memo Line after my 62nd birthday. On Line: WWW.SAAF.ORG Click “ABOUT SAAF”, Dea: Who are your heroes? Click on Wingspan Programs at SAAF, “Southern Arizona Senior Pride” Bennett: My heroes are, quite simply, my parents. Both raised in very poor and broken homes in the By Telephone: Call Lauren. (520) 547-6099 SPECIFY SOUTHERN ARIZONA SENIOR PRIDE 1930’s and 40’s, with few if any positive role models Thanks for helping us to thrive! in their lives, they became wonderful parents on their own. Myself, my sister, and my brother were always lovingly supported, encouraged to work hard, to edu- cate ourselves, and to love and welcome others.

P.3 Out and About . . . Here are the rest of the Tucson Pride with our Roving Reporter, Dea Board Members: Brasgalla Larry Moore, Entertainment Director, Patrick Holt, Entertainment Director, New Board for Tucson Pride Dave Fredericks, Board member, and With the resignation of President April Stephen Myers-Fulgham, Board Member. Moss, the Board of Directors of Tucson Please visit the website Pride has been reorganized and the follow- www.tucsonpride.org ing are the new officers: John Foley, Presi- for information about the events. dent; Tim Franco, Secretary, and CPA Cindy Intergenerational Ice Cream Social Conforti, Bookkeeper. In addition, Kevin Wheeler is a new Board member and Dea Basgal- Senior Pride sponsored an intergenerational ice la will remain as a Board member. We will have an cream social on July 29 at SAAF’s EON lounge open door policy and transparency in every transac- for LGBTQ youth. It was attended by 44 people tion. If you are interested in joining the Board, please that included 14 youth. Gallons of ice cream were contact President John Foley at 602-793-2337. consumed and a good time was had by all!

Announcements LGBTQ Elder Circles /Trans People of Color FEST Oct 14 & 15, 2016 Beginning Oct 15, 2016 Southern Arizona Senior Pride and The Center for Community Dialogue will Location and Time TBA sponsor ongoing, monthly LGBTQ Elder Circles. QTPOCFEST (Queer and/or Trans People of Color Elder Circles are discussion groups that meet once Festival) is a free festival that celebrates LGBTQIA+ a month to discuss important topics that cultivate the People of Color. It was created to foster a safe value of Elders as mentors and wise counsel in our and loving/affirming space for People of Color with community. Our skilled, compassionate, and culturally varying expressions of Gender, Sex, Sexuality and responsive facilitators create a safe and respectful Culture. QTPOCFest features local artists, instal- place to share our stories, learn from each other, and lations, galleries, vendors, community workshops, gain a renewed sense of our contributions to others. light food and a mix and mingle. In bringing together Date: Third Sat of each month beginning our identities and cultural herstories, histories, and Oct 15, 2016 • Time: 1-2 pm their stories, we reclaim our narratives against the systems that marginalize our experiences. Updated Location: Cornerstone Fellowship; information can be found at: 2902 N.Geronimo (and Laguna….near First Ave. and Glenn) www.qtpocfest.wordpress.com For more information contact www.gofundme.com/qtpocfest Leslie Bosch 323-1708 x 122 On FB: QTPOCFEST Tucson or [email protected] No registration required and More announcements pg. 5 there is NO CHARGE for participating.

Join us at the Tucson pride parade on 4th Avenue (fri. sept. 30) - and the PRIDE PARTY at Reid Park the next day! LIFE IS SHORT, SO BE OUT • BE PROUD • AND HAVE FUN!!! P.4 Here, too, are relatively obscure heroes and hero- BOOK REVIEW ines: people such as Henry Gerber who, in Chicago in 1924, founded the first same-sex advocacy group The Right Side of in the United States, and, for his courage, was arrest- History ed as a “degenerate” three times and lost his job. 100 Years of Better known, perhaps, is Frank Kameny, who, de- spite holding a Ph.D. in astronomy from Harvard, was LGBTQI history fired from the U.S. Army Map Service for being gay. Adrian Brooks (editor), CLEiS PRESS, This was at a time when a 1950 Senate investigation 2015 anthology of federal employees declared: “One homosexual by Joyce Bolinger can pollute a Government Office.” Kameny went on With public polls showing increasing public accep- to become a pioneering gay activist. tance of LGBTQI people and major advances in civil There are portraits of Harry Hay, founder of the rights, the struggles of past activists to achieve this Mattachine Society, and Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, progress is of stirring relevance. founder of the Daughters of Bilitis (named of a book This anthology of of lesbian poetry written by a lover of essays by diverse au- One homosexual can pollute a Sappho) who published the first widely distributed lesbian magazine, The Ladder. thors portrays celebrat- Government Office.1950 Senate ed figures like Bayard investigation of federal employees. There are many more verbal snapshots of Rustin, Harvey Milk, Jill key figures in LGBT history Johnston, and Barney This anthology is a moving tribute to the Frank as well as lesser known individuals who write brave men and women who, at huge personal costs, first hand accounts of the of 1969, made possible strides towards justice. ACT UP, the NAMES PROJECT (organized to create the AIDS Memorial Quilt), the fight for Same-sex mar- riage, and Trans and activism.

Announcements continued Water of Life Movie Night September 16 and October 21 • 6:30 PM Cost is $5 suggested donation and includes FREE popcorn and soft drinks. Please come and join in the fun! 6:30PM; 3269 N. Mountain Ave. After hearing a desire for a mix of totally family friendly movies to more adult appropriate, the Council decided to schedule movies across that divide in groups of three. So, after E.T. in August, we will show Chicago on September 16, and Kinky Boots on October 21. As these come up we will offer descriptions for each movie’s content. For more information: 520-292-9151 or [email protected] P.5 Announcements continued Southern Arizona Senior Pride PCOA Caregiver Support Groups and Variety Show Medicare Workshops Sunday Nov. 13, 2016 Open to anyone caring for a person 60 or older, 1:30 - 4:30PM or for someone of any age who has Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Groups meet Local Musicians, Comedy, Raffles. monthly in Tucson and Marana. Fundraiser for Senior Pride Water of Life Metropolitan Community Church Call for information or to register (520) 609-1271. 3269 N Mountain Ave PCOA offers workshops on Medicare for those Community Interactive: Stories new beneficiaries on the first and third Wednesday from the Border of each month. To register, call (520) 546-2011. September 29, 2016 6:30-8 pm LIVING THROUGH THE Fox Tucson Theater, 17 W Congress St Arizona Public Media and the Community Foundation END OF LIFE for Southern Arizona present Community Interactive: End of Life Care Planning Workshop Stories from the Border, a live interactive event featur- Sponsored by Southern Arizona Senior ing a panel of respected and accomplished journalists Pride and brought to you by from Mexico and the U.S. Sponsored by the Community Interfaith Community Services Investment Corporation. and partners Community Interactive: Stories from the Border will be Date: Saturday, September 17, 2016 streamed live on azpm.org. The full program will also be Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. available online after the event and will be broadcast on FREE AZPM’s WORLD and UA Channel. Excerpts of the dis- Place: Cornerstone Fellowship, cussion will be broadcast on PBS 6 and NPR 89.1. 2902 N. Geronimo, Tucson Tickets will be available through Eventbrite starting Tucson, AZ 85705 September 1. What do you value in life? For more information, call the AZPM Front Desk at How would you wish to live as your life draws 520-621-5828. to a close? Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) What legacy, material and spiritual, would you We have in-house Specialists in like to leave your loved ones and the world? LGBTQ Elder Care: What plans can you put in place now to help • Intake Specialist John Barnes honor your values and wishes and legacy? • Neighbors Care Alliance Outreach Coordinator Bridget Roads All are invited to a FREE workshop on planning for our end-of-life care,and • Elder Rights and Benefits Specialist expressing our wishes to loved ones. Jennifer Walker Documents will be provided. • Caregiver Specialist Sandy Davenport Please RSVP to Karen MacDonald • Advocate John Myers at Interfaith Community Services: • Caregiver Support Group Facilitator Kim Rosenfeld [email protected] Help Line: 520.790.7262 or 520-297-6049 x221 Business Line: 520.790.0504 (M—F 8:30 - 5 pm) P.6 More announcements - page 7 SASP Contact Information mail: 375 South Euclid Avenue • Tucson AZ 85719 Announcements continued phone number: (520) 312-8923 email: [email protected] Tucson Pride Parade website: soazseniorpride.org Friday, September 30 Facebook page: Parade will be on Fourth Ave; kickoff at 7 pm soazseniorpride For information visit www.tucsonpride.org Please Like US !! Pride in the Desert Saturday, October 1 Reid Park, 100 Country Club Rd, 12-9 pm For information visit www.tucsonpride.org Words of Wisdom: Poetry by LGBTQ Elders, Sunday October 8 at 2 pm Go to , www.soazseniorpride.org University of Arizona Poetry Center, 1508 E Helen St, Presented by Southern Arizona Senior Pride. Our website is frequently updated with current announcements, including news AIDS Walk Tucson Sunday, Oct 9 occurring after the deadline for this Event starts at 8 am at the Joel D Valdez Main newsletter. It’s a one-stop source for in- Library, 101 N Stone Ave teresting events, meeting notices, timely To register visit http://aidswalktucson.saaf.org articles for LGBT seniors, and links to other LGBT organizations. Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation Check it out! Housing Security for LGBTQ Elders “Welcome Home: Housing Security for LGBT Older Adults” is a new guide covering legal and policy initiatives by the Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) available at SAGEHousingStrtgy_Brief_web.pdf Out Loud and Proud on KXCI “Mini” Program on 91.3 KXCI Community Radio, Out Loud and Proud, invites the Community (520) 312-8923 to share and related personal stories. Each contributor tells their story for a five minute email: soazseniorpride piece broadcast on KXCI. @gmail.com Contact Rick Small: [email protected] website: or (520) 834-7342 soazseniorpride.org

FACEBOOK: soazseniorpride Please Like US !!

Please avoid wearing scented products to meetings, events and gatherings so that everyone may attend. Thanks P.7 Ongoing Events September Important Note: Meetings may be cancelled or may deviate from previously announced schedules. Please check with organizations in advance of attending to be certain that the meeting will take place as scheduled.

Wednesday,September 7 Saturday, September17 from 7-8:30 pm at 9:30-11 am (every 3rd Saturday) Tucson PFLAG support meeting First 40s and Better Breakfast Group Wednesday of the month at the Ward 6 office, A welcoming network of • Royal Sun Best Western 3202 E. First St. http://www.pflagtucson.org Restaurant (SW corner of Speedway and Stone) Contact: PFLAG=Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Irene Read (520) 360-4744 Saturday, September 3 at 7 pm Tuesday, September 20 Men’s Social Network (MSN) monthly potluck/ Tucson Commission on social Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues First Saturday of the month (every third Tuesday of each month) in the Ward One Casas Adobes Congregational Church • 6801 N. Oracle Rd. offices, 940 W Alameda St. Must be MSN member or male guest. The meetings are open to the public and the agenda is posted Lee Roden (520) 398-6826 on the Commission’s website or Thom Goodrich (520) 305-6976 https://www.tucsonaz.gov/clerks/boards?board=40 website: www.menssocialnetwork.org Monday, September 5 • from 7-9 pm Saturday, September 24 from noon - 2 pm Southern Arizona Gender Alliance (SAGA) general meeting Senior Pride Monthly Potluck - *WCA First Monday of the month • NEW Fluxx Studios, 690 Every 4th Saturday of the month. E.19th Street, #130, Tucson. http://sagatucson.org/wp/ Cornerstone Fellowship - Fellowship Hall. 2902 North (520)477-7096 Geronimo (and Laguna.....near First Ave. and Glenn). Phone contact: Lee Roden (520) 398-6826, or info at soazseniorpride.org Tuesday, September 13 • from 2-3 pm Senior Pride general meeting - *WCA POZ CAFE (2nd Tuesday monthly) third Thursday of each month at Himmel Park Library • 1035 N. Treat Avenue (off Speedway) Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN) Contact: (520) 312-8923 Volunteers from local Tucson congregations provide a delicious or email: [email protected] and nutritious lunch for people living with HIV. This is followed or visit http://soazseniorpride.org. by time to “hang out”, chat, participate in a game or two of BINGO, enjoy a raffle of fun and useful gifts or even”shop” in Tuesday, September 13 • from 6-8 pm the Poz Marketplace. Two Spirit Support Group (2nd Tuesday monthly) PCOA Medicare Workshops Tucson Indian Center—2 Spirit of Tucson First and third Wednesdays 97 E. Congress St, Suite 101. Contact: Marlene F. Jose (520) 884-7131, ext 234, or email [email protected] or For new beneficiaries. To register, call (520) 546-2011. visit website at http://www.ticenter.org Mah Jong Mondays - Noon to 3 PM *WCA * WCA = Wheel Chair Accessible Every Monday (except holidays) at Himmel Park Library, 1035 North Treat Ave.

Please avoid wearing scented products Meander in Tucson Meetup Group List of events for lesbians to meetings, events and gatherings www.meetup.com/MeanderinTucson

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