Tucson Gay and Lesbian Scene

(Tucson, Arizona - AZ, USA)

Being a fairly large city and seat of Pima County does mean that Tucson comes with a fairly established gay scene and community, although it is fair to say that this is relatively understated at present. In fact, in 2008, Pima County was actually the sole county to vote in favor of Arizona's gay marriage proposal, with all others voting against at this time.

The LGBT scene in the city consists of just a handful of gay bars, since several outlets have closed in recent years following the recession period. However, there are many further bars and nightclubs, where a mixed crowd of punters is always welcomed.

Located on North 4th Avenue is the It's Bout Time (IBT) bar and nightclub, which serves the city of Tucson seven days a week and comes with live DJs, popular drag shows and dancing, an outdoor patio area for smokers and two dance floors (inside and on the patio).

Ranking itself as the premier gay bar in Tucson, It's Bout Time also comes with regular karaoke nights and special themed nights, such as Reverse Happy Hour on Mondays (with all-request music), Taco Tuesdays, Whiskey Wednesdays, Therapy Thursdays and Absolutely Flawless Fridays. Brodie's Tavern on North Stone Avenue is also popular with the local gay crowd and is to be found on the corner of West Grand Road, just down the road from the Grant Stone Shopping Center.

Tucson Pride Gay Festivals

Dating back to the year of 1976, the city's Gay Pride Week is now a real crowd-puller and is usually held annually in the middle of October, although in the past, pride celebrations have taken place during June and also in August. Many of the events are staged around the Kino Sports Complex on East Ajo Way, within the Sam Lena Recreation Area, with crowds currently exceeding 15,000 festival-goers.

There is also a popular Mr. and Mrs. Gay Pride Pageant ceremony at the Leo Rich Theater, which stands on South Church Avenue, within the Tucson Convention Center and close to the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Held each year in October, the OutoberFest sees thousands of visitors heading to Reid Park for a series of further celebrations. These include a multi-faith Pride Service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on East Adams Street, a pre-pride pool party at the Arizona Riverpark Inn on the South Freeway (Interstate I-10) and a themed 'Pride on Parade' on the Saturday morning, which begins on 6th Avenue (in between 12th Street and 18th Street). Live entertainment takes place at Armory Park, while the 'Pride After Party' is held at the Hotel Congress on East Congress Street.

Useful addresses and contact details:

Tucson Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered Chamber of Commerce (TGLBTCC)
Postal address: P.O. Box 14312, Tucson, Arizona (AZ), 85732-4312, USA
Tel: +1 520 615 6436

Tucson Pride Inc.
Postal address: P.O. Box 57478, Tucson, Arizona (AZ), 85732, USA
Tel: +1 520 622 3200