ION Arizona June 2023 Issue 255

Explore Your Pride!

Welcome to Pride Month in Arizona

BARTLETT LAKE

While we take pride in ourselves, our community and how far we have come over the last decades, obviously with the recent political set backs, we still have work to do.

Last month, one•n•ten made a bold decision to discontinue their Twitter account. If you follow what has been happening, you would agree with them. In solidarity, ION Arizona is canceling our Twitter account effective immediately. You can still follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, weekly e-mail blast and our website IONAZ.com

If you can’t stand the heat, get our of the kitchen! It’s time for our annual “Explore Arizona” feature. Last month I was fortunate to fly over our great state in a private aircraft. We flew from Cave Creek to Bartlett Lake, Sedona and then Flagstaff. Our home is one of the most beautiful states in the country from the ground and from the air. Whether it’s our diverse residents, visitors, weather, entertainment and terrain, Arizona is the place to be.

This month ION features a scandalous photoshoot at the clothing optional Sycamore Creek Trail northeast of the Valley. Thank you to everyone who submitted their photos of their excellent adventures throughout Arizona. Catch the highlight about the new documentary about the legendary Diva of Disco and a true gay icon, “Love to Love You, Donna Summmer” on MAX, and “Drag Me to Dinner” on Hulu hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, plus Spectrum Medical’s growing team and the introduction of the new Equality Arizona license plate from the Motor Vehicle Division.

That’s it for me. Pricilla and I are headed to Bisbee Pride June 16-18, our team will be at Flagstaff Pride the same weekend. Don’t miss all the concerts, theatre and local events throughout the valley.

Jack M. Tesorero AZ Proud Explorer

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Drag Me To Dinner

Serving up suppertime realness

How do you throw a gay dinner party? «Fork on the left, knife in the back, spoon in the nose, and dish, dish, dish.”

Before you dig in, Hulu is combining two beloved reality genres to create the ultimate competition show. In Drag Me to Dinner, 40 drag queens — many of which you know and love from RuPaul’s Drag Race and from across the internet — will pair off going wig head to wig head to see who can throw the most fabulous, awe-inspiring, drag-tastical dinner parties of all time. Competing hostesses will be judged by Neil Patrick Harris, RuPaul’s Drag Race season six champ Bianca del Rio, and actor Haneefah Wood. NPH’s husband, David Burtka, will introduce a unique theme each week. Hulu describes the 10-episode unscripted series as a “riotous, format-busting, fourth-wall-breaking, unapologetic sendup of traditional reality competition shows” hosted by the hardest working middle-aged drag king in show business, Murray Hill (from Somebody Somewhere on MAX). Each episode features two teams of drag artists competing against each other with its own theme focusing on the criteria: Food & Drink, Design & Decor, and Entertainment and Overall Vibe, all for the ultimate prize: the Glorious Golden Grater. (Why a grater? Because one team may be great … but the other is GRATER!)

Competing banquet bitches are Alaska, Alexis Mateo, BeBe Zahara Benet, BenDeLaCreme, Biqtch Puddin’, Chelsea Piers, Darienne Lake, Detox, Gigi Goode, Ginger Minj, Heidi N Closet, Heklina, Jackie Beat, Jaida Essence Hall, Jasmine Rice LaBeija, Jinkx Monsoon, Kiki Ball-Change, Kim Chi, Latrice Royale, Manila Luzon, Marti Gould

Cummings, Mayhem Miller, Meatball, Merrie Cherry, Morgan McMichaels, Mrs. Kasha Davis, Naomi Smalls, Nina West, Peaches Christ, Peachez Iman Cummings, Pixie Aventura, Raja, Rhea Litré, Selma Nilla, Sherry Vine, Symone, Thorgy Thor, Trinity the Tuck, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, and Willam.

Now on Hulu

PHX ATTRACTIONS

Janet Jackson

Her first name ain’t “Baby.” It’s “Janet … Miss Jackson, if ya nasty. Janet brings her “Together Again” tour to town featuring a whopping 34 of her newest and biggest hits. Discover the Principle of Pleasure at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave. in Phoenix. Get your tickets at TicketMaster.com

Wednesday, June 7

GLOW Neon Party at Charlie’s

Pride at Night AZ presents a night of eye-popping fun with RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars queen Kahanna Montrese. VIP tix available. This non-profit event benefits Your Big Break, Inc., inspiring performing arts individuals. Charlie’s, 727 W. Camelback Rd.

Saturday, June 10 at 8 p.m.

Hairspray

The 1988 hit comedy returns to theaters for its 35TH anniversary. A ‘pleasantly plump’ teenager teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration as she fights against racial discrimination. Introductions by director John Waters and film historian Leonard Maltin. Tickets at FathomEvents.com

June 11 & 14

Bisbee Pride

Get a little freaky and funky in Bisbee … it’s like “Mayberry on Acid.” There’s a Pride Parade, Lingerie Pub Crawl, Karaoke, a Street Dance, Drag Brunch, Twisted Sister Bingo, and all kinds of wild & crazy good times in Arizona’s most magical town. Find out more at BisbeePrideAZ.com

Thursday, June 16 - Sunday, June 19

Out ’n’ Loud

Phoenix’s hottest gear party for everybody! On the decks is international DJ Isis Muretech with her infectious signature circuit/tribal house sound that won’t let you leave the dance floor. The Hot Beefy Gogo Crew keeping things sexy all night. Search EventBrite.com for tickets. Cash Nightclub 1730 E. McDowell Rd. in Phoenix.

Saturday, June 17, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Flagstaff Pride in the Pines

Celebrate 27 years of Pride in northern Arizona the Lumberjacks & Lumberjills. March in the parade for the first time ever with more Pride than ever! The festival is at Thorpe Park Softball Fields at noon with an after party at the Orpheum Theatre at 10 p.m. More info and tickets at FlagstaffPride.org

Saturday, June 19

The Drag Bus

Get ready for some Big Drag Energy! Chow down at Pride Drag Brunch with Whitney Rose, from “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” at Almost Famous, 7419 E. Indian Plaza in Scottsdale, & get ready for the showgirls to bust! Search EventBrite.com for tickets. More info about Drag Bus at TheDragBusAZ.com

Sunday, June 18, 11:30 a.m.

Zedd

Waves of sound, waves of light, and most of all, waves of good energy. Multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning artist/ DJ/producer Zedd boosts the mood at The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way in Scottsdale. All the cool kids will be there. For info & tix visit TalkingStickResort.com

Sunday, June 18, 1 p.m.-8 p.m.

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Photography By: LeakedGlass Productions

Models: Casey and Ryan

Text By: Deon Brown

Photographed on location at Sycamore Creek Trail

Arizona! Where do you start? Where do you go? Where do you finish? Can you ever finish? So much to see and do. There’s something for everyone. Relax near a creek, boat in one of the lakes, tube down a river. Arizona has sun-dappled forests, old mining towns gone bust and rediscovered, hidden hot mineral water springs, buttes, mesas, ravines, and a canyon that’s pretty grand, if we say so ourselves.

We picked out a few places across the state for you to visit. Maybe for a day trip, maybe longer. Some you’ve heard of, but there might be a surprise or two. We’ve even picked out some modern dude ranches for gay men, and an LGBTQ ranch near Kitt Peak Observatory. We’ve also added a brief guide for LGBTQ and inclusive outdoor groups with Facebook pages about Arizona’s great outdoors for you to check out. Find yourself … because you fit in. It’s Arizona!

Remember, wherever you go, leave no trace. Please clean up after yourself.

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Sycamore Creek Trail

Discover this 1.8-mile out-and-back trail near Rio Verde, about 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 37 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and running, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime in the Tonto National Forest. Take the Beeline Highway (SR87) past Ft. McDowell & Fountain Hills. Search AllTrails.com for maps and more.

Aspen Corner Loop & Trail

Alpine meadows and Aspen trees define this beautiful out and back 7 mile hike along the 800-mile Arizona Trail, a section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. The altitude is 8800 feet, but most of the trail is relatively flat. The trail junctions are well marked and continue through aspen, meadows, and pine trees. After about 3.5 miles you reach a trail junction with the Bismark Lake Trail. The Arizona Trail continues to the north until you reach Utah.

The trail is about 11 miles from downtown Flagstaff. Take US-180/Fort Valley Road for about 7 miles. Turn right on Snowbowl Road and go 5½ miles to the signed parking area for Aspen Corner.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Just one hour from Phoenix on 372 stunning acres of scenic upland Sonoran Desert with nearly five miles of trails, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden with desert plants from the USA and all over the world — 4,025 plant species and 20,000 specimens.

Good dogs are welcome! Summer hours: 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $19

Verde Hot Springs

About three hours from Phoenix, the Verde Hot Springs is 30 miles southeast of Camp Verde. It’s the perfect spot to relax after hiking. The dirt road leading to the trail can be rough, you may require a high clearance vehicle. Cross the river to reach the hot springs. “Nudity Not Prohibited” and you don’t need a permit. Leashed dogs are welcome. Directions vary, so do your homework and determine your route before you go.

Search HotSpringers.net for more information or search VisitArizona.com for “hot springs.” You’ll be surprised how many there are.

37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ. • 520-689-2723 • BTArboretum.org

ryanthomsen1

Copper Cactus Ranch Men’s Retreat

Owners Bobby Cook and partner, Rich Homan, have put everything into this desert dude ranch for an allmale experience, clothing optional, bed & breakfast retreat catering to gay, bi, and straight men, 21 years and older. Stay overnight in the Ranch House room, bunking with with other greenhorns and city slickers, or take advantage of camping spots. Day and evening passes are available with membership purchase. A variety of activities, parties, and events are their specialty.

The CCR is located about an hour east of Phoenix, hidden in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains.

Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays, and the month of August.

Phone: 520-231-5034 • 4516 N. Elephant Butte Rd., Queen Valley, AZ • CopperCactusRanch.com

Happy Endings Ranch & Retreat

Wanna getaway? Just up the around Wickenberg is a 100 acre property, just eight miles from Lake Pleasant. It’s a great place for hiking, biking, rockhounding, gold panning, and communing with Nature au naturel, if you like. Dry camping available with access to water, laundry, and electricity for a minimal fee of $15 per day. If you’d like to rough it they’ve got camping equipment for $10 per night. You can always put in some “sweat equity” in exchange for payment, too. The fab Scott Stowe is your host.

For the fastest response, e-mail ScottSicepic@gmail.com Visit HappyEndingsRanchAndRetreat.com

Sabino Canyon

Traveling south to the Old Pueblo? This is one of the premier natural areas in southern Arizona, located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Check out refreshing water hiking to Seven Falls between rock cliffs. You can bicycle into the canyon, too. Times are limited to after 5 p.m. The recreation area has over 30 miles of trails. You can tour in an open-air Crawler or Shuttle. Along the 1-hour round trip route you get off at one of the nine shuttle stops. Times, pricing, and tickets are available online. Information available at the Visitor Center.

J & J Ranch AZ

Check out this new secluded ranch catering to LGBTQ campers. They currently offer tent camping, RV Boondocking, and very soon, Glamping Cabins. Over 18.5 acres and surrounded by over 750 acres of state and BLM lands perfect for biking and hiking. Southwest of Tucson near Three Points, they share the same stunning skies as Kitt Peak, sitting at 3900 feet altitude. Fun fact: they support the Southwest Animal Rescue. Check them out at Facebook.com/JandJranchaz

Phone: 224-522-1107 • 19219 Montezuma Mine Road, Tucson, AZ JJRanchAZ.com

Find ‘em on Facebook

Cactus 4 Wheelers

Explore the Grand Canyon state with this group of off road enthusiasts from all walks of life: Straight, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, Closeted, Questioning, or otherwise—everyone’s welcome. Find them on Facebook and be part of the adventure.

Arizona Gay Camping

This is a Facebook Group for gay men in Arizona who enjoy, or are interested in, camping. Plan trips, discuss favorite campsites, gear, and other related topics. Feel free to setup events in the Calendar, if you wish to open them up to the group. Introduce yourself with a pic, location and interests.

AZ Hiking Group #hikerAZ

Serious and amateur hikers alike are welcome! Check out this for this inclusive group on Facebook for a tremendous variety of planned events, places to hike, the degree of difficulty, what you’ll need, how to get there, and more.

5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson • Search the database of the U.S. Forest Service by state at FS.USDA.gov for more information and lots of ideas.

Thunderbird Lounge Happy Hour Specials (W)

Charlie’s Kinky Tuesdays (W)

Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Thunderbird Lounge Trivia (W)

Thunderbird Lounge Happy Hour Specials (W)

Charlie’s Kinky Tuesdays (W)

Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Bisbee, AZ Bisbee Pride Weekend Tempe Center for the Arts PHX Pride Awards

Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Thunderbird Lounge Trivia (W)

Charlie’s Kinky Tuesdays (W)

Southwest Center Community Fair

Roosevelt Row First Friday (M)

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Sazerac Weekly DJ’s (W)

Location TBD PHX Takeover (M)

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Dick’s Cabaret Dick’s Pride Festival

The Egyptian Hotel LIFTOFF Party

Thunderbird Lounge Throwback Party Jam (M)

Phoenix Rising Stadium Pride Night

Charlie’s Glow Party

Thorpe Park Softball Fields Flagstaff Pride

Bisbee, AZ Bisbee Pride Weekend

Thunderbird Lounge Loteria (W)

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Sojourner Center Donation Sorting

Charlie’s Rainbow Bash

Sazerac Weekly DJ’s (W)

Arizona Theatre Company Georgia McBride

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Kobalt Bar Scandal Independence

ION ANIMAY PARTY

New Equality License Plates!

Show your support while raising scholarships

Equality Maricopa, an LGBTQIA+ affinity group for Maricopa Community Colleges, is close to launching Arizona’s first LGBTQIA+ specialty license plate. An LGBTQIA+ license plate will fund scholarships for students attending a Maricopa Community College.The group is seeking to become the fourth license plate of its kind in the entire United States. The initiative will align with the organization’s mission to raise awareness, promote inclusivity, and provide funding for LGBTQIA+ students in an effort to reduce barriers making education more accessible.

“We know that resources for our students are more critical than ever before,” said Franzen, president-elect of Equality Maricopa. “Many of our students have to choose between going to school or finding their next meal, and many are left without family support. Our group has been tirelessly trying to fill that void.” With the potential launch of the license plate, Equality Maricopa would receive $17 of the $25 specialty license plate fee, with funds going directly into its PRISM scholarship fund, serving as a permanent funding source for decades to come.

“In the fight for equality, visibility is our greatest resource,” said Lindsey Wilson, the group’s communications and marketing officer. “Nearly one in five of our students identify as part of the LGBQIA+ community. Equality Maricopa wants to ensure that every one of them is welcomed with open arms and feels safe on our campuses.”

The group needs to raise approximately $10,000 more in funds to cover the fee required to launch a new specialty plate. The group will be hosting fundraisers throughout June during Pride Month as a way to help raise additional awareness and hopefully cross the finish line.

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company will host a fundraiser for the group on Saturday, June 10, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will launch a special PRISM Bru for the occasion. A portion of the proceeds from the event, and sales of the special brew, will go directly to help launch the license plate. The PRISM Bru is available for purchase during the month of June.

Individuals can also contribute to the group by visiting the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation website and donating directly to the PRISM scholarship fund at mcccdf.org/prism-scholarship-fund/.

ION STREAMING

Queenmaker: The Making of an It Girl

The early 2000s exploded with and exploited the lifestyles of the rich & blameless like the Hilton sisters, the Oleson twins, and Tinsley Mortimer. Gawker, Perez Hilton, and other gossips all joined in the feeding frenzy. James Kurisunkal, an awkward college student, blogged with his Park Avenue Peerage. This fascinating documentary about belonging and identity reveals what happens to star fuckers and more. TikTokers beware!

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

They finally gay things up in this soapy, sappy spinoff. This time it’s all about the royals. Dreamy Corey Mylchreest shows his royal derrière as young King George III (before that pesky Revolution business.) Reynolds is the King’s loyal butler, and Brimsley is the Queen’s loyal butler. And, boy, do they know how to buttle! It’s nothing like The Crown

Transatlantic

Loosely based on the true story of WWII resistance fighters who helped artists and other persecuted individuals escape from Nazi-occupied France, this is a spin on screwball comedies and the suspensethrillers of the 1930s and 1940s. The show also features a host of humpy hunks, as well as a most refreshing gay romance with openly queer actors.

Love to Love You, Donna Summer

There was a time when Donna Summer’s music was everywhere. The 20 minute long erotic moaning of “Love to Love You, Baby” ushered in the Disco Era, shocked the world and turned it on. Hits like “Hard For The Money,” “Hot Stuff,” and her duet, “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” with another gay idol, Barbra Streisand, were standards in gay bars, who often ended the night of dancing and drinking with with “Last Dance.”

Love to Love You, Donna Summer is an in-depth look at the artist as her voice and artistry takes her from the avant-garde music scene in Germany to the hedonistic discotheque’s in New York. A deeply personal portrait of Summer on and off stage, the film features a wealth of photographs and never-before-seen home video footage, exploring the highs and lows of a life lived on the global stage.

The documentary, directed by Oscar and Emmy-winning filmmaker Roger Ross Williams and Brooklyn Sudano, daughter of Donna Summer, examines the disco diva’s life and offers an intimate portrait of a private, secretive woman whose relationship to fame, the people who knew her, and even her own self remain complicated.

Summer’s influence is so pervasive that even Queen Bee Beyoncé herself sampled Summer’s “I Feel Love” for her own “Summer Renaissance,” the closing track to her disco opus, Renaissance, (2022) an exploration of the history of dance music.

The documentary also addresses Born Again Christian Summer’s (real and rumored) inflammatory remarks about AIDS and about gay men, her biggest fan base.

Summer died of lung cancer on May 17, 2012 at age 63 She has yet to be inaugurated into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame..

Available to stream now on HBO and HBO Max. 1 hour, 47 minutes

The Prom

When Emma wants to take her girlfriend to the prom, the PTA cancels the dance and her story goes viral. Four eccentric Broadway performers arrive to transform her town and throw her the prom of her dreams in an attempt to improve their own PR. What begins as selfish insincerity results in a story of growth.You will cheer for love in this hilarious musical comedy. Phoenix Theatre Co., 1825 N. Central Ave. Tix: PhoenixTheatre.com or call 602-254-2151

June 7-July 9

Desert Overtures “Composed with Pride”

Phoenix’s Premiere LGBT and Ally Wind Ensemble with more than 50 musicians takes a listen to some of the most distinguished LGTBQ+ composers from the past to the present. Can you “Handel” it? Tempe Center For The Arts, 700 W Rio Salado Pkwy. in Tempe. For tickets visit DesertOverture.org

Sunday, June 11, 3-5 p.m.

Legend of Georgia McBride

Casey, an Elvis impersonator, loses his gig, his rent is overdue, and his wife is pregnant. So, when Elvis leaves the building and a drag show moves in “The King” transforms into an all-out queen. This story challenges assumptions with extraordinary humor and depth. Arizona Theatre Company at Herberger Theatre, 222 E. Monroe St. in Phoenix. Tickets & info: ATC.org or call 800-833-SEAT

June 29-July

The Prom

DRINK & EVENT GUIDE

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NAVIGATION

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

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!

Spectrum Medical Expands!

Provider and Leadership Teams

Spectrum Medical Care Center is poised for expanded patient services with the recent addition of key staff to its Phoenix clinic: Medical Director, Jose Rodriguez-Garcia, M.D.; Family Nurse Practitioner, Ari Kravitz; Director of Community Relations, Victor E. Avila; and Customer Service Director, Alecia Alfredson. The move is a testament to their whole person approach to healthcare services including primary care, preventative care, HIV care, PrEP, PEP and STI testing.

“We could not provide compassionate and comprehensive care for our patients without an outstanding team,” said Brandi Garlutzo, Interim Executive Director. “We’re excited to add these members to our team. Each embodies Spectrum’s passion and dedication to serving our LGBTQ+ community.”

AAHIVM Specialist Dr. Rodriguez-Garcia attended medical school at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara in Mexico and completed his Family Medicine Residency at Riverside University Health System. He was previously the HIV Medical Director of a Bakersfield, California FQHC, where he implemented numerous programs, including long-injectable treatment for HIV, rapid linkage to care for newly diagnosed HIV patients, and increasing PrEP services throughout California’s Central Valley.

“It’s a true honor to join this team,” said Rodriguez-Garcia. “I was drawn to Spectrum because of their dedication to serving

and improving access to competent medical care among the LGBTQ+ community and our shared goal of improving HIV care and prevention for all Arizonans.”

Kravitz, an AAHIVM Specialist, received his Master of Science in Nursing from Ohio State University. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Public Health, he was motivated to enter the nursing field by his own experiences with gender transition and community advocacy. He previously worked as an RN on a surgical/trauma progressive care unit in Columbus, Ohio. Kravtiz specializes in gender affirming care, PrEP, PEP, and general medicine.

“I came out as a queer trans man during undergrad and wanted to become a provider to support other LGBTQ+ people live authentic, healthy lives,” said Kravitz. “I think there is something mutually healing for both patient and provider about being from the same community. I’m excited to be part of an organization that’s meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ people.”

Avila found his passion to serve the Phoenix community during his tenure at Bank of America. Realizing his passion to serve, he made the transition into the nonprofit sector in 2016, working for Phoenix Pride producing Valley LGBTQ+ cultural celebration events. Avila also worked for Aunt Rita’s Foundation, utilizing his passion and skills to educate the community about the importance of HIV treatment, U=U, and prevention to help eliminate the stigma around HIV.

“Having worked in both the HIV field and LGBTQ+ community, I viewed this position as an opportunity to work with two communities that mean so much to me,” said Avila. “Being able to bring my skill set to this team is exciting because it means I can advocate for the uniqueness of LGBTQ+ healthcare and let our community know Spectrum is prepared to meet their needs.

Alfredson brings a broad experiential background in customer service and healthcare to Spectrum. Hailing from northern Minnesota, Alfredson earned her Master’s Degree in Management from Duluth, Minnesota’s College of Saint Scholastica. In her new role, Alfredson will strive to provide premier patient experiences by hiring and training empathetic, patient and compassionate team members. Under her leadership, Spectrum’s customer service team, familiar with the distinctive needs of LGBTQ+ patients, will help build trustworthy relationships with patients and ensure continued visits for needed care.

“It’s Spectrum’s mission that attracted me to the position,” said Alfredson. “When I met team members during the interview process, their genuine care for others was evident.”

ION FABULANCE

This month is all about desire! Dreams! Liberation! Special dates: 16 • Moon & Mercury conjunction — These two are natural troublemakers. “Frenemies.” You’ll search for emotional adaptability, explore different options, but also look for validation. ¶ 17 • Saturn retrograde begins. Often restrictive and limiting, it’s a good time to focus on your belief systems, self-discipline, and creativity. Address karma and release bad mojo. Focus, it lasts until November 4. ¶ 21 • Summer Solstice begins at 7:56 a.m. The longest day of the year will last 14 hours, 22 minutes, 21 seconds. Make it count, darlings.

ARIES Mar. 21 - Apr. 20

Mars challenges you to make a bold decision. And this isn’t just for your own sake; help someone who needs a push when it comes to taking a risk. Pick someone who deserves it.

ION HOMOSCOPES

TAURUS April. 21 - May 20

Mars loves to stir up trouble causing arguments. But the good news is this: you might get a puppy! Or a kitten! Or a fire breathing dragon! (But probably a puppy or a kitten.)

GEMINI May 21 - June 21

Let the good times roll! Mercury and Venus say, “Put on some lipstick and pour yourself a drink!” Birthday Gems enjoy plenty of diversions since Jupiter gives you a Diana Ross Costume Change for the next year!

CANCER June 22 - July 22

Mercury says this a good time to recharge your batteries. You’re feeling more confident at work and with friends, but don’t be a bossy bitch. Birthday Crabs can look for mo’ money and mo’ emotions.

LEO July 23 - Aug. 22

Mars is in overdrive. You’ve got charisma. You have a way of seducing others around you. As a matter of fact, I want to go to bed with you. Now. Right now. Let’s go.

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sep. 22

The Full Moon puts you to work. Are you up for it? But get ready for The Big Moment – the New Moon on the 18th has you sharing your story with a big audience. Everything is changing. It seems scary, but it isn’t. That’s good!

LIBRA Sep. 23 - Oct. 22

Looking to meet influential people? Mars will guide you. Look at the big panoramic picture. It’s all about meeting VIPs. Mercury says, “Goals.” And watch your mouth.

SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov.23

You’re thinking about doing something unconventional. Not anything weird. Don’t be impulsive. Frustrated? Mars says, “Exercise. Or have sex.” Sex is more fun. Trust the stars on this one.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 23

Big, fat Jupiter (we’re not planetary body shaming) brings clarity to dayto-day stuff. Everything is on the level with lots o’ lunar love on the 19th. Venus sees you experimenting in the sack. Just be choosey who you experiement with.

CAPRICORN Dec. 23 - Jan. 20

Expect a cosmic martini – shaken, not stirred. Just chillax with your bestie or someone special while Saturn plays therapist and wants you to do some introspection. Wrap up the Past because guess what? The Future is now, baby.

AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 19

Want the good news? Okay. The Sun has you feeling flirty. Even a little slutty. (The cosmos r3efuse to slut shame!)

The bad news? Well, Venus and Pluto duke it out and you’ll be facing a full personality revolution. You’ll survive.

PISCES Feb. 20 - Mar. 20

You’re good at maintaining control. But something’s fishy. Saturn and Neptune are doing some weird retrograde crap. Focus. Choose reality over fantasy and delusion; it’ll be just as fun.