Volume 13 Issue 8 September 2017

375 S. Euclid Avenue • Tucson, AZ 85719 SASP celebrates, supports and unites , , Bisexual, and Seniors in Southern Parade and Pride in the Park: 40th Anniversary! Tucson Pride celebrates its 40th Anniversary this month with the “Pride on Parade” on 4th Avenue, Friday, September 29. An after party is to follow with live music and entertainment.

“Pride in the Park” is on Saturday, September 30. The park event takes place in Reid Park, 100 Country Club Road, from noon to 9 pm.

Entertainment in the park includes Berlin, featuring Terri Nunn, DJ Kash, David Hernandez and Fly by Midnight, hosted by Bunny Fufu and Tori Steele. Hosts of PRIDE in the PARK entertainment “Pride in the Park” attracts more than 4,000 partic- ipants each year. Highlights of the festival are local, Tucson Pride has a new slate of officers this year: regional, and national entertainers performing live Current Board of Directors: on the main stage as well as several small stages James West - President and dance areas featuring drag shows and other live Sam Cloud - Vice President entertainment. In addition to the multitude of enter- Sean Saunders - Director tainment venues, “Pride in the Park” features com- Chris Flores - Director mercial and non-profit exhibitors, a food court and Aviry Christy - Director interactive displays and activities. An open letter from the President (on the website) Tucson Pride https://www.tucsonpride.org acknowledges past financial problems and discusses Tickets online and at the gate are $15 efforts to remedy them. for general admission. Senior Pride Monthly Meeting: Students, seniors and military $12 entrance. The Senior Pride meetings are open to everyone Groups may be discounted 10%. and always feature interesting speakers. Senior Pride meets from 2-3 pm at the Himmel Park Library, 1035 N. Treat Ave on the second Tuesday of the month. Tuesday, Sept. 12—Betty Delano, Senior Outreach Coordinator, Office of the Arizona Attorney General Presentation: Scams Tuesday, October 10 – Roger Forrester, Back To Work 50+ Program Coordinator, Pima Community College. Presentation: Elder Workforce [email protected] • 520-312-8923 or visit http://soazseniorpride.org Rainbow Crosswalks: A Colorful Day for Tucson! by Roger Osgood

Tuesday, August 8th was the ceremony to dedicate Please take a moment and travel downtown to the rainbow crosswalks at 4th Avenue and 6th Street. enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the fine restaurants Thanks to the efforts of the Fourth Avenue Merchants and view the intersection. It honors all of us in the Association and other community leaders, this two year LGBTQ community. project finally came to fruition this week. The ceremo- Note: The Rainbow Crosswalk Project is a ny, hosted by Adam Ragan of SAAF, brought several collaboration between Ward 3 Council Member hundred members of our city together in celebration of Karin Uhlich, the Southern Arizona AIDS Foun- the Pride and Diversity reflecting our Tucson Commu- dation, Speedy Striping and the Fourth Avenue nity. Merchants Association. The design and construction City council member Karin City council member Karin of the four crosswalks were the Uhlich said she hoped the inter- Uhlich said she hoped the inter- work of Speedy Striping, Inc. section would be a place to turn They donated their time and section would be a place to turn to when she and others “need a materials to create these glit- to when she and others “need a little dose of courage or pride… tering rainbows of color. First, I’m so proud to be a member of an epoxy was laid down on the little dose of courage or pride… the LGBTQ community and I’m asphalt then, crushed glass, I’m so proud to be a member of so proud of this city, our city.” with colors specifically mixed to Earlier, vandals splattered white create the desired color effect, the LGBTQ community and I’m paint over the crosswalks. Work- was embedded. The result is a so proud of this city, our city.” ers cleaned it off before the official unveiling ceremony. dazzling rainbow which sparkles in the noon day sun. Senior Pride Steering Committee Senior Pride officers are Lavina Tomer, Chairperson; Dea Brasgalla, Vice-Chairperson; Roger Osgood, Treasurer, and James Richardson, Secretary. They serve on the Steering Committee with Robert Bell, Joyce Bolinger, Rick Jorgenson, Dan Russo, Curt Stubbs and Annette Vaughan. This group meets monthly to set the agenda for the general meeting, discuss policy and plan events. P.2 Contact: [email protected] or Telephone 520-312-8923. SASP Community Cares Program- Tucson An Open Letter to Community Members About SASP Community Cares

Dear Friend: If you are aware of someone who would enjoy Senior Pride, in conjunction with the Pima Coun- friendly visits and phone calls, have them contact Kay cil on Aging (PCOA) Neighbors Care Alliance has Smith for more information, an application and a home launched a new program to help LGBTQI elders who evaluation at above phone and e-mail. This part of the are feeling lonely, isolated and in need of informa- process will not begin until November 2017. tion about services and resources that are safe and With Warm Regards, welcoming. Kay Smith, Thom Goodrich, Lavina Tomer, Our Program name is SASP Community Cares CCP-T Core Committee Program- Tucson. Our mission is to end isolation for LGBTQI community members who are 55 and older Volunteer Training and people with disabilities of any age and, to provide Saturday, October 21 from 3-5:30 pm, LGBTQI welcoming resources as needed. CornerstoneFellowship, 2902 N Geronimo. The core Senior Pride committee has been working presented by Bridget Roads, diligently to create policies, procedures and appli- the Coordinator of Pima Council on Aging, cation forms, to apply for insurance and to establish Neighbors Care Alliance, and ourselves with a company for background checks. the Community Cares Core Committee We will be ready for our first Volunteer Training on Saturday Oct. 21, 2017. More information is below. To register for the volunteer training program, We hope you are interested in volunteering to help to learn how to sign up for visits and phone calls end isolation in our community by visiting and/or or to obtain more information, please call SASP phoning our recipients. If you would like an applica- tion and to register for the Volunteer Training, please Community Cares Program-Tucson at contact Kay Smith, MSW, Program Coordinator at 520-351-2724 or email [email protected]. 520-351-2724 or [email protected] Leave your name and contact information. Kay All volunteers are required to submit an applica- tion, agree to and apply for a background check (at Smith, MSW, Program Coordinator, will respond. no charge to you), attend an initial training, provide references, and be interviewed. Volunteers will be required to attend a monthly meeting for a monthly review, support and continued training, submit a vol- Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) unteer hours log, and be willing to commit to volun- We have in-house Specialists in teering for six months to one year. LGBTQ Elder Care: • Community Services System Director Elizabeth Reeves Senior Forum • Neighbors Care Alliance Outreach Joyce Bolinger, Editor Coordinator Bridget Roads Rick Jorgenson, Editor Emeritus • Caregiver Specialist Sandy Davenport Dea Brasgalla, Roving Reporter • Caregiver Support Group Facilitator James Richardson, Contributor Kim Rosenfeld Connie Rose, Graphic Designer • High Desert Rose https://highdesertrose.carbonmade.com • Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Susan Taunton, Webmaster • Wild Blue Pixel Maddy Bynes http://wildbluepixel.com Help Line: 520.790.7262 The deadline for receiving copy for Senior Forum is the 15th of each month (except August). Business Line: 520.790.0504 (M—F 8:30 - 5 pm) P.3 SASP Intergenerational Ice Cream Social Thanks to Party Carousel For Rainbow with EON Youth of Balloons by Annette Vaughan by Dea Brasgalla Despite a sudden afternoon downpour, the annual Southern Arizona Senior Pride wishes to give a EON ice cream social on July 28, sponsored by South- heartfelt thank you to Danita Miller for her generous ern Arizona Senior Pride, took place without a hitch. donation of a bag of 100 balloons plus purple ones, With SASP volunteers scooping out a variety of flavors which will be used for a rainbow assortment in Tuc- -vanilla, chocolate, rocky road and strawberry and son Pride’s Parade on September 29. cherry , EON youth added their favorite condiments of For 40 years, Danita and her husband Bob have bananas, marshmallows, nuts, marachino cherries as owned Party Carousel located at 903 N. Swan well as caramel, hot fudge sauces and whipped cream. between Speedway and Fifth. They are open Tues- For those so inclined, there was root beer to make day through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and on mouth watering floats. Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, About 30 children, teens and adults attended the call 520-327-1945. As Danita says, “Party Carousel festivities at SAAF. A special thanks to Edwin Holliday, is your one stop for all your party needs”. Do drop Jr., who coordinated the event, and Roger Osgood who by, browse, buy, and come away with some special solicited Fry’s Supermarket to donate gallons of ice delights for whatever you are celebrating. cream and toppings. As we say, “a good time was had by all.” AND ice cream was left for EON youth to enjoy Equality Arizona Honors Miki Odawa in the future. THANKS to Fry’s! Equality Arizona celebrates its 25th anniversary in Tucson on Friday, Nov. 4, from 6-8 pm at the Arizona Inn, 2200 E Elm St, by honoring Miki Odawa, St Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church, and Raytheon. For information, go to http://equalityarizona.org New Report: LGBT Older Adults Face Unique Challenges to Successful Aging Southern Arizona Senior Pride As referenced in the July/August Senior Forum, is now a member of The this report details important findings about issues GLBT Chamber of facing older LGBT adults.To read the report, go to Commerce http://www.lgbtmap.org/policy-and-issue-analysis/ understanding-issues-facing--older-adults

Para información en español sobre https://outinaz.org “Southern Arizona Senior Pride” OutInAZ is a welcoming home to Arizona’s por favor llama al 520-312-8923 LGBTQ community, providing a safe place to y deja su nombre y el número access information relevant to the community. de teléfono. Uno de nuestros miembros hispano- SASP Contact Information mail: 375 South Euclid Avenue • Tucson AZ 85719 hablantes responderá a su llamada. phone number: (520) 312-8923 email: [email protected] Call our phone number to request website: soazseniorpride.org information in Spanish and leave a message. A Spanish-speaker Facebook page: will return the call. soazseniorpride Please Like US !! P.4 Announcements , Contacts & Thank Yous! (We YOU!) Alliance Fund Grant to SASP October is At its June 27 Reception, the LGBT&S Alliance Fund honored its 2017-2018 grant LGBT History Month awardees. Senior Pride was honored to receive http://lgbthistorymonth.com a significant grant for operating expenses and to develop strategic plans. Thank you, Alliance Fund. Sat., Oct. 14, 1-3PM Save at the UA Poetry Center This 1508 E Helen Street Rainbow Women of Green Valley (between Mountain and Cherry) Welcome to the RainbowWomenofGreenValley Date! group at Yahoo! Groups, a free, easy-to-use email Southern Arizona Senior Pride presents group service. Please take a moment to review “WORDS OF WISDOM” POETRY READINGS this message. FEATURING Tucson’s Poet Laureate: To learn more about the RainbowWomenofGreen TC Tolbert Valley group, please visit plus 10 wonderful older poets! Don’t Miss it!! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RainbowWomenof- GreenValley AIDS Walk October 15 2017 marks the 29th Annual AIDSWALK Tucson, a fundraiser for the care services, prevention programs, and LGBTQ initiatives of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation. We can’t do any of this without the generous support of our walkers, their furry friends, our sponsors, and donors. And of course, the dedication of 300 volunteers! Please join us for this year’s event on Sunday Oct.15 and help make a BIG difference in the lives of many. http://aidswalktucson.saaf.org/registra- tion-and-fundraising/ New Director for Desert Voices and Reveille Desert Voices and Reveille’s Men’s Chorus welcome their newest Artistic Director, Brayton Bollenbacher! While working as a social worker in Seattle, in Senior Forum is printed in house by the 2011, Brayton became the Director of Seattle’s Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF). Diverse Harmony, the country’s oldest gay-straight Southern Arizona Senior Pride appreciates this alliance youth chorus. Visit our websites: invaluable donation from SAAF, • http://www.desertvoices.org our fiscal sponsor. • https://reveillemenschorus.org P.5 Announcements BOOK CLUB FORMING - We’re starting a Senior Pride Book Club. Our initial get together will explore what genres (or even specific books) we would like to read; how often we should meet and the optimal size of each group. Time and location: 3-4 pm, Wednesday, Sept 13, at Antigone Books, 411 N 4th Ave. Antigone will offer ten percent discount on book selections if several members choose to purchase books through Antigone. JOIN US! To confirm participation, EMAIL ROBERT BELL • [email protected]

Phoenix Business Refuses September 14th & 28th Same-Sex Wedding Invitations (2nd and 4th Thursdays monthly) Southern Arizona Senior Pride supports the Amer- LGBTQ Caregivers Support Group ican Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Arizona, and 10 other groups working for the equal treatment of Sponsored by The Desert Southwest LGBTQ people. The ACLU filed a brief in July in the Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in review of the case of Brush & Nib Studio v. City of partnership with Southern Arizona Senior Phoenix. Pride and Southern Arizona AIDS They argue that businesses open to the public Foundation (SAAF) cannot deny service to same-sex couples because of Trained facilitators meet with small groups the business owners’ freedom of speech or religion. of caregivers who care for people with The amicus brief was filed with Division One of dementia to share information and the Arizona Court of Appeals, which is reviewing the experiences, build new skills and offer case. peer support and ideas. In addition to the ACLU and ACLU of Arizona and Participation is free of charge and there is SASP, the brief was supported by Arizona Trans no obligation to attend. Youth & Parent Organization (AZTYPO), Equality TIME: 5:30-6:30 pm Arizona, GLSEN Phoenix, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), One n Ten, , the Southern Ari- AT: Cornerstone Fellowship Social Hall zona AIDS Foundation (SAAF), the Southern Arizona 2902 N. Geronimo (parking lot is east of Gender Alliance (SAGA), Trans Pueblo, and Geronimo on Laguna, north side. Social hall is Trans Spectrum of Arizona. building to the back of the lot) The owners of Brush & Nib Studio, a Phoenix-based calligraphy business, sued the City of Phoenix in Donate to Southern Arizona Senior Pride. Make your tax deductible donations 2016 arguing that they should be able to turn away to our Fiscal Agent: SAAF same-sex couples. 375 South Euclid Avenue • Tucson AZ 85719 The calligraphers, who lost at the trial court, claimed By Check: please write “Senior Pride”in Memo Line their freedoms of speech and religion should allow Online: WWW.SAAF.ORG them to circumvent Phoenix’s nondiscrimination law. 1—click on “About SAAF” 2—scroll to bottom menu under “News and Events” The ACLU brief argues forcefully against the 3— scroll to “LGBTQ Programs at SAAF” notion that freedom of speech authorizes a business 4—select Southern Arizona Senior Pride on right menu to circumvent non- laws. 5—scroll to bottom of page and select “Donate” button 6—follow directions to make donation—Thanks! For more information, go to this link: Or by Telephone: (520) 547-6119 https://www.acluaz.org SPECIFY SOUTHERN ARIZONA SENIOR PRIDE Thanks for helping us to thrive! P.6 Announcements POZ Breakfast Program A NEW LGBT WELCOMING Wednesday, September 6 CAREGIVERS GROUP POZ Breakfast Program (1st Wednesday month- Offered by Pima Council On Aging ly) TIHAN offers vouchers to individuals living with Tuesday, September 19th HIV/AIDS for a free breakfast, courtesy of Mother Hubbard’s, Grant and Stone. To request a free Third Tuesday of the month breakfast voucher, contact [email protected] 1:00 PM-2:30 PM or 520-299-6647 (ext. 205). The restaurant does PCOA family caregiver support groups are not distribute vouchers. open to anyone providing care for a person 60 and older, or for someone who has Alzheimer’s Suit Challenges “Tweets” About disease or a related dementia of any age. Transgender Servicemembers There is no charge. Two LGBT-rights organizations have filed a law- Preregistration is required; suit in federal court challenging President Donald please call (520) 609-1271. Trump’s tweets declaring he wants a ban on trans- Location: Pima Council on Aging, Board Room gender people serving in the military. 8467 E Broadway, 85710 The suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Wash- ington on behalf of five transgender service mem- bers with nearly 60 years of combined military Tucson Frontrunners service. Tucson FrontRunners is a walking/running group Transgender people have been allowed to serve comprised of LGBT folks, their family, friends, and openly in the military since June 2016. Trump, in straight allies. For a monthly calendar:http://www. a series of tweets on July 26, announced that he tucsonfrontrunners.org planned to end that policy. The lawsuit, filed by GLBTQ Legal Advocates Tucson Prime Timers & Defenders (GLAD) and the National Center for Serving older gay and bi men, Tucson Prime Timers Lesbian Rights, says such a ban is unconstitution- offers a number of events each month. Phone 520- al, denying transgender service members equal 743-9514 or http://www.tucsonprimetimers.org protection and due process. Protests are joined by the ACLU Arizona whose website features a statement by a Transgender veteran (https://www.acluaz.org) and by the Hu- Join Senior Pride Volunteers man Rights Campaign (http://www.hrc.org), the Want to make new friends? National Center for Transgender Equality (http:// Serve your community? www.transequality.org), the Task Force (http://www. thetaskforce.org) and others. Our local organiza- Learn and have fun? tion is Southern Arizona Gender Alliance (http:// Advocate for equality for our community? sagatucson.org/wp/) Volunteer: Plan community events... Offer more social events... Make friendly calls and GAYTUCSON— visits to LGBTQI elders... Help with programs and online guide to LGBTQ Tucson the newsletter... Improve Outreach and publicity... https://www.gaytucson.com Senior Pride is an all-volunteer service group. Join Us! FACEBOOK: soazseniorpride Please Like US !! Contact: 520-312-8923 or email [email protected] P.7 Important Note: Meetings may be cancelled Ongoing Events or may deviate from previously announced schedules. Please check with organizations September 2017 in advance of attending to be certain that the meeting will take place as scheduled. Thursdays in September • 1:30 to 3pm Thurs., Sept. 21• 11:30 am - 1:30 pm LBTQ Women’s Grief Group *WCA POZ CAFÉ (3rd Thursday monthly) sponsored by Thurs. September 7, 14, 21, 28 • Weekly support group Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN) (free) for Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer women The café is at St. Francis in the Foothills Church, located at 18 years of age and older who are looking for an accepting the corner of Swan and River roads. Volunteers from Tucson space to share about loss. Facilitated by the Director of the congregations provide lunch for people living with HIV. This is YWCA’s Counseling Network at the YWCA Frances McClel- followed by time to socialize and play games or “shop” in the land Community Center, 525 N Bonita Ave. Co-sponsored Poz Marketplace. For more info: TIHAN (520) 299-6647 or by the YWCA of Southern Arizona, the Women’s Counseling email [email protected] *WCA Network and Southern Arizona Senior Pride. POZ Breakfast Program - see pg. 7 Monday, September 4• 7-9 pm Saturday, September 16• 1-2:30 pm Southern Arizona Gender Alliance (SAGA) LGBTQI Elder Circle (3rd Saturday monthly) *WCA general meeting at Cornerstone Fellowship, 2902 N.Geronimo (and Laguna, (First Monday monthly) • Studio One, 197 E. Toole Ave near First Ave. and Glenn) For further information: Contact (Corner of 6th Ave) Tucson. http://sagatucson.org/wp/ Christina Medvescek at cmedvescek@ourfamilyservices. (520)477-7096 org. Registration not needed – just show up! There is no fee. Wednesday, September 6• 7-8:30 pm Sat., September 16 • 9:30 - 11 am Tucson PFLAG* support meeting (3rd Saturday monthly) (First Wednesday monthly) at the Ward 6 office, 40s and Better Breakfast Group 3202 E. First St. http://www.pflagtucson.org A welcoming network of • Royal Sun Best Western PFLAG=Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Restaurant (SW corner of Speedway and Stone) Contact: Irene Read (520) 360-4744 Saturday, September 2• 7-9:30 pm Tuesday, September 19 at 6:30 pm Men’s Social Network (MSN) monthly Potluck Dinner/Social (First Saturday monthly) Tucson Commission on

Casas Adobes Congregational Church • 6801 N. Oracle Rd. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues Must be MSN member or male guest. (3rd Tuesday monthly) in the Ward One offices, Lee Roden (520)398-6826 or Thom Goodrich (520) 305-6976 940 W Alameda St. The meetings are open to the public and the website: www.menssocialnetwork.org agenda is posted on the Commission’s website https://www.tucsonaz.gov/clerks/boards?board=40 Tuesday, September 12• 2-3 pm Saturday, September 23 noon-2 pm Senior Pride general meeting *WCA

(2nd Tuesday monthly, except August) at Himmel Park Senior Pride Intergenerational Monthly Potluck Library - 1035 N. Treat Ave (off Speedway). For information on (Every 4th Saturday monthly ) *WCA speakers see Pg. 1. Contact: (520) 312-8923 or email: soazse- Our potluck is at: Cornerstone Fellowship - Social Hall. [email protected] or visit http://soazseniorpride.org. 2902 North Geronimo (and Laguna.....near First Ave. and Glenn). Phone contact: Lee Roden (520) 398-6826, or Tues., September 12• 3:30-5:30 pm (new http://soazseniorpride.org time) *WCA Tucson Lesbian and Gay Alliance Two Spirit of Tucson board meetings (2nd Tuesday monthly) Tucson Lesbian and Gay Alliance board meetings are held Tucson Indian Center—2 Spirit of Tucson every month and are open to the public. For more information, 160 N Stone Ave. Contact: Marlene F. Jose (520) 884-7131, please call Tucson Pride at 520-989-0235 ext 234, or email [email protected] Mah Jong Mondays - Noon to 3 PM Every Monday (except holidays) at Himmel Park Library, 1035 North Treat Ave. *WCA Please avoid wearing scented products Meander in Tucson Meetup Group to meetings, events and gatherings List of events for lesbians www.meetup.com/MeanderinTucson * WCA = Wheel Chair Accessible Tucson Prime Timers - see pg. 7 P.8