ION Arizona #265

Happy Birthday to Me Welcome to Spring in Arizona

There are two things that are certain in life: taxes and birthdays. Unfortunately, my birthday falls around tax day so it’s bittersweet. I will be celebrating my 57th Birthday at Stacy’s during the Equality Chamber of Commerce Net Mix on Thursday, April 18 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Free food, contest and more. After the net mix, the party continues with live band karaoke.

One thing I have learned when I meet people is everybody has their own kink. This issue focuses on a growing community called “pups.” Check out the feature on page 30. They will be hosting Pup Weekend May 3-5 at bars through the Valley. Woof!

On April 6, ION Arizona and Priscilla Queen of the Desert RV will be at the 2024 AIDS Walk at Tempe Beach Park. Stop by and say hi. Sign up to walk with us. It’s a great event for a great cause. AIDSWalkAZ.org

That’s it for me. Enjoy the this Pup issue and all our community has to offer. Play safe, be good to each other and take ION along on your journey.

Jack M Tesorero Pup Fan

melroseon7thavenue

PHX ATTRACTIONS

ION EVENTS

Phoenix Film Festival

Grab your popcorn! This movie festival includes seven feature films plus five short films that spotlight stories by, experiences from, and life as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Screenings at the Scottsdale Harkins 101, 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. For details and a full schedule visit PhoenixFilmFestival.com/Pride

April 4-14

Kristin Key

If the haircut and guitar didn’t give it away, this very funny, queer standup comedian tells stories, and sings songs about gals in cargo shorts and ugly shoes. Desert Ridge Improv, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. in Phoenix. A portion of the proceeds benefit one•n•ten. Tix & more info at KristinKey.com Friday, April 5 & Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m.

Exposed Gallery Erotic Art Show

This Melrose Curve mainstay is hosting their 16th Annual Erotic Art Show with original work from 14 artists. First Friday, April 5: Artist meet & Greet. April 6 & 7: Live models, body painting, and surprises at this free event. Because of the artistic and erotic nature of the event (like peenies & butts) guests must be 18+. 4225 N. 7th Ave. in Phoenix.

April 5-27

Saguaro Cup Sports Festival

An entire all-gender sports festival dedicated to everything balls! Well, and a puck. Softball, Kickball, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, plus a charity cornhole tournament. After the games Charlie’s is the place to be to grab some not-so-foul balls for yourself. PrEP up to the plate, boys! Venues and details at SaguaroCup.com

April 12-14

Breaking the Binary

This insightful exhibit features a variety of self-portraits by the talented youth associated with the one•n•ten, exploring what being queer means to them, their identity, and their exploration showing who they are. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts theatre lobby, 7380 E. 2nd St. in Scottsdale. through April 15

Circuit Overload

Don’t get fancy, just get dancy! International DJ Eliad Cohen, a well-known activist for LGBT rights who has entertained crowds with his electrifying beats for over a decade spins the tunes all night long. This ain’t no square dance, boys!

Walter Studios, 747 W. Roosevelt St. in Phoenix. 21+.

See ad on p. 11

Saturday, April 20 9 p.m-2 a.m.

Arizona Puppy Weekend

Arf! Arf! What’ll you do for a nice, big bone? Calling all pups ’n’ pooches! It’s a weekend long canine carnival with a “Best Puppy” contest, dancing, and a lot more at Stacy’s @ Melrose, Kobalt, The Rock, and Anvil! No biting! Good dog!

Bow wow wow!! See ad on p. 25

Do Better Comedy

May 3-5

Get plenty of laffs without offending others. Get your giggles with this anti-racist, anti-misogynist, LGBTQIA+ friendly, standup shows creating safe spaces for all genders. Free at a variety of locations around the Valley. Find them on Facebook or visit DoBetterComedy.com for a complete schedule.

DJ ELIAD COHEN

Models: Pup Zeus, Pup Lexxi, Pup Myah, Pup Falsy, Pup Sterling and Gizmo

Special Thanks to Ronnie Whitworth

By Pup Myah & Pup Lexxi

Photography by: LeakedGlass

Production Assistant: Rafael Santana

The human “puppy play” community used to be found only at leather bars or online, but now … these pups are everywhere! Where did they come from? And just to be clear: “pups” only ever refers to consenting, adult humans in this case.

Human puppy play started in the queer BDSM and leather subculture. In post-WWII American cities, gay men sought companionship and safer sex in leather clubs. Dominant men would parade their consenting submissive partners around on leashes like dogs as a show of dominance and humiliation. “Bratty” submissive men said that if they must be a dog, they’d be an untrained “puppy.”

And it was fun! In pup “headspace” the pup can let go and be silly, carefree, goofy, and mischievous. Being a pup is imaginative! Some pups create a “pupsona” for their pup, defining positive traits, including aspirational traits for the human under the hood – like confidence, extroversion, or different gender expressions. The BDSM and sexual side of puppy play was shed by many in favor of a purely social experience.

The community grew, gaining popularity through social media. During the pandemic, people of all backgrounds found renewed interest in kink while also yearning for shared community experiences, and they found one – or both – in pup play.

Zeus and Myah became pups in late 2022 and began planning events for Phoenix pups in early 2023. At the time, there was only one monthly pup event at a Levi/ Leather “kink” bar.

“We read that ‘Pup play is for everyone’ and we needed to create events that kept that promise,” said Pup Myah.

“We wanted to make comfortable, safe spaces, especially for our straight, bi, trans, and asexual pups. Why not have an event at a park?” said Pup Zeus, recalling planning the first of the now monthly Pups “Out and About” events.

That picnic was just a start. A pup hood loaner program started to make it easier for the curious to try out pup play. A weekly pup karaoke night gave them a weekly place to socialize. More events were created and the community doubled in size in just one year.

Last October, Zeus and Myah, joined by Lexxi, one of their “packmates,” started ‘Bark! After Dark,’ a monthly pup dance party with over 200 pups ’n’ pals attending. “Everyone is dancing and hanging out while we’re wearing these animal hoods. It’s kind of surreal to see, but it’s a great time!”

Practice Proper Pup Pettiquette

When seeing Pups in Public, consider these Do’s and Don’ts:

- Do: Ask before you pet; gear is not consent

- Don’t: Grab collars, leashes, harnesses, or tails

- Do: Praise them, try “Good Pup!”

- Don’t: Ask Pups to take off their hood, or imply you think their human face is cute

-Do: Keep conversation friendly, save sexual topics for the bedroom

“If you see a pup in public, come ‘bark’ at us! We’ll ‘bark’ back!” laughs Pup Lexxi. “Just ask before you pet!”

The best is yet to come for local pups: Arizona Puppy Weekend and Contest, a tail-wagging 5-event weekend-long celebration to be held May 3-5 at various Phoenix bars. They’ll bestow the first-ever “AZ Puppy” award at the contest. All events are open to everyone: pups, their handlers, the curious, and their friends. Arf!

Find out more our local pups, group chats, activities, events, parties and more at AZPuppyWeekend.com

MAR

Stacy’s @ Melrose Trey Cabaret (W)

Walter Studios Weekend Brunch (W)

APR

Thunderbird Lounge Happy Hour Specials (W)

Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Sazerac

Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)

Stacy’s @ Melrose Karaoke (W)

Thunderbird Lounge Trivia (W)

Charlie’s Blackout Bingo / Karaoke (W)

Walter Studios Weekend Brunch (W)

Charlie’s Undie Mundies (W)

Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)

Stacy’s @ Melrose Rising Star Drag Show (W)

Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Charlie’s Blackout Bingo / Karaoke (W)

WEDNESDAY

Charlie’s WTF! Wednesdays (W)

Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)

Thunderbird Lounge Loteria (W)

Sazerac Weekly DJ’s (W)

Sazerac / Roosevelt Row

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Stacy’s @ Melrose Communion Goth Night (W)

Thunderbird Lounge Loteria (W)

Charlie’s Pipin’ Hot Friday’s (W)

Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W)

Sazerac Weekly DJ’s (W)

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Stacy’s @ Melrose Communion Goth Night (W)

Sazerac Weekly DJ’s (W)

Sazerac / Roosevelt Row First Friday (M)

Arizona Pup Weekend

Stacy’s @ Melrose

Tempe Beach Park AIDS Walk

Stacy’s @ Melrose Dance Party (W)

Stacy’s @ Melrose Flavor Dance Party (W)

Walter Studios Circut Overload

Stacy’s @ Melrose Dance Party (W)

Walter Studios Weekend Brunch (W)

Arizona Pup Weekend Kobalt / The Rock

ION fabian presents SUPERNOVA

ION STREAMING

Palm Royale

Discover the high price of high society. In 1969, an ambitious woman (Kristen Wiig) aspires to cross the line between the haves and have-nots to secure her seat at America’s most exclusive, fashionable and treacherous table: Palm Beach high society. The comedy series features an all-star cast includes Allison Janney, Ricky Martin, Carol Burnett, Laura Dern, Josh Lucas and more.

Frida

This documentary adapts the surrealist Mexican painter’s life with Kahlo telling the events of her life through the words of her journals. The artist famously had affairs with both men and women throughout her life. Kahlo was unabashedly bisexual and sexpositive, declaring that “it’s good to have sex even if it’s not for love.”

Ripley

Out actor Andrew Scott (All Us Strangers) stars as the (possibly queer?) con man based on lesbian author Patricia Highsmith’s “Be Gay Do Time” subgenre of Ripley novels — beginning with 1955’s The Talented Mr. Ripley. The eight-episode series opens with Ripley living as “a grifter scraping by in early 1960s New York.” How gay will Ripley be?

April 4

PALM ROYALE

Don Giovanni

The Original F-Boy. Mozart’s exhilarating retelling of the legendary libertine Don Juan, filled with some of Wolfie’s most famous and much-loved music. Combining comedy and tragedy, the opera follows the notorious womanizer as he lusts his way towards his dramatic downfall. Phx Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St. Tix & info: AZOpera.org or call 602.262.6225

April 20-21

ION ARTS

Mad Hatter: the musical

The turbulent musical tale of sad, young Franklin Magellan, aka “Mad Hatter” and how he finds his to way Wonderland, long before Alice. After he’s accidentally sent back to his bleak life in London he does whatever it takes to return back to the fantastic territory. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe in Phoenix.For info and tickets: 602-252-8497 or visit MadHatterTheMusical com

PRIDE NIGHT: Thursday, May 9 May 1-19

Sleeping Giant

Ryan’s firework-filled marriage proposal accidentally awakens an ancient creature sleeping in a nearby lake. Locals become consumed by stories about the ‘thing’ and the dark effects it has on those who touch it, descending into obsession where mob mentality, and blind faith beat common sense. Stray Cat Theatre at Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy. Info: StrayCatTheatre.org or call 480-350-2822

May 3-18

ION FRESH BRUNCH

ION STACY’S @ MELROSE

stacysatmelrose

stacysatmelrose

Richard Bolinski

DRINK & EVENT GUIDE

PHOENIX FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

NAVIGATION

Use the ION ARIZONA APP for Google Maps turn-by-turn directions with links to UBER & LYFT!

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!

karambanightclub.com

kingpingrill.com

kobaltbarphoenix.com

mipatioaz.com

nutownebar.com

ozbarphx.com

rewinedphx.square

therockdmphoenix

sazeracphoenix.com

stacysatmelrose.com

thunderbirdloungephx

walterstudios.com

walterwherehouse.com

ION FABULANCE

A giant in LGBTQ activism and a man of peace, David Mixner was best known for his work in anti-war and gay rights advocacy. He enrolled in Arizona State University in 1964 where he became involved in civil rights here in the Valley in addition to lending his voice as an anti-war dissenter.

DEDICAT ION

Mixner continued his activism throughout his life, focusing on issues like nuclear disarmament, expanding his mission to include AIDS awareness, and LGBTQ rights. He played a key role in defeating Proposition 6 in California, which sought to ban gays and lesbians from being schoolteachers. He also helped defeat Proposition 64, a California ballot initiative proposed by Lyndon LaRouche in 1986 that would’ve required quarantining people with AIDS.

The United States and the world lost the influential human being and activist on March 11, 2024. The Honorable Neil Giuliano, former mayor of Tempe, Arizona, former president of GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), President/CEO of Greater Phoenix Leadership among other key distinctions in addition to being a leader and LGBTQ rights activist in his own right, locally and nationally. He was a protégé, confidant, ally, and perhaps most importantly, a friend of Mixner’s.

Giuliano was asked to be an usher at Mixner’s funeral service held on Sunday, March 24 at the church of St. Paul the Apostle, in New York City with ambassadors, members of the US Congress and New York City Council present. Presidents Joe Biden and Bill Clinton offered letters of tribute and recognition.

“We all felt David charging us to carry on the work, build bridges, and remember, ‘The only sin is not to do anything.’” Giuliano said. He remembered his friend, offering his thoughts on their friendship with his own heartfelt tribute.

We said, “Goodbye” in New York City on February 19, knowing time was short. David Mixner, my dear friend, confidant, and father figure for the last 28 years (though only 11 years my senior) has passed on from his earthly presence with us. He will absolutely “rest in power, for the cause of peace.”

David contributed to my 1994 campaign for mayor of Tempe even before we met. When I asked a local gay activist why this monumental LGBT figure was interested in donating to the closeted candidate in Arizona – because I hadn’t done anything for gay rights – I was told, “He knows you will.”

And boy, I don’t know how, but he knew me better than I knew myself; back then, and to this day.

For every major life decision, challenge, joy and fear, whether personal, professional or political, he was the go-to north star, with super close – but not in the weeds – perspective, guidance, questions and advice. We’d laugh, cry, conspire, engage and act.

I will miss him terribly in-person for my remaining years, but I know and feel deeply we are forever connected. I am so incredibly grateful he came into my life and added beyond measure to the person and man I have become these last 28 years.

The two and half hours we shared on February 19 will forever remain among the most profound and powerful of my life, we covered it all. While preparing for death, David, one final time, taught and inspired me forward in life.

— Neil Giuliano

It’s back! Mercury retrograde is April 1-25. It can bring challenging news and confusion, especially following last month’s Lunar Eclipse and this month’s Solar Eclipse on April 8. Arizonans will observe approximately 64% of the sun being obscured by the Moon. This eclipse brings energy, vitality, and enthusiasm plus confidence to help you reach at that unreachable star. This helps you make a good impression on those people who can make a difference in your life. Emotions are running high, so the cosmos encourage you to find peaceful settlements to disputes. ¶ Life-changing news shakes up your world on April 20, when Jupiter and Uranus meet in Taurus for the first time since 1941. So be aware!

ARIES Mar. 21 - Apr. 20

ION HOMOSCOPES

You’re pulled in different directions and feel a bit sensitive – as usual. A birthday means you’ll get new information, only if you stay openminded. You bring people together.

TAURUS April. 21 - May 20

Look for everything to bloom around you! This may include love, too. Life at the workplace includes advancement. Got a birthday? Look for a whole new era, all about “YOU!” It’s a whirlwind year ahead!

GEMINI May 21 - June 21

It’s all about finding the right balance. You can’t do it all, you know. This is a good time to follow your instincts. You have a broad circle of “friends.” Ferret out who the true friends are.

CANCER June 22 - July 22

Your nurturing instincts are in overdrive. You might find yourself rearranging your friends’ underwear drawers. Take a break from all that TLC and indulge in some self-care.

LEO July 23 - Aug. 22

Nobody can say that you lack selfesteem. Make sure your ambition doesn’t take over. Opportunities push aside disappointments.

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sep. 22

You’re all deep in your “feels” by the time the eclipse rolls around. All those inner-complexities and entanglements come to the surface. Stand up, face them and you’ll be free! (Well, for a while, anyway.)

LIBRA Sep. 23 - Oct. 22

Ready for an emotional rollercoaster? Well, get ready. A loop-de-loop of the past catapults you into a more harmonious present. Embrace the kooky surprises along the way. They’re coming!

SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov.23

You can put any “self sacrifice” on the back burner. Secure your own foundation and doors open up for you, but hold them open for others. It’s the polite thing to do. You turn into the babe you want to be by the Full Moon.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 23

Have courage! Be brave! Embrace the passion! But cut back on the bossy, impulsive impatience. Try a little give and take; it’ll make you super popular at parties. (The stars know a little trick that’ll make you really popular!)

CAPRICORN Dec. 23 - Jan. 20

It’s a big month for decision making. Venus and Mercury give you new ideas. Make a point of learning something new and talking about your feelings. Hey, we all have ‘em!

AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 19

Express your feelings and desires. Communication is key. So is pulling down your pants. You’re energized, thanks to Mars entering Aries. With Mercury in retrograde t’s all about action. And pulling down your pants.

PISCES Feb. 20 - Mar. 20

You’re making progress achieving personal goals. Plus, you have a great idea – shhh! Don’t tell anybody what it is or you’ll be sorry. Follow your natural curiosity, it could lead to something juicy! Like, really juicy. Venus knows.