ION Arizona #280 by ION Arizona

Beat the Heat

It’s a dry heat my ass!

You all signed up for this. The gloating to our friends and family out of state is over. Now we suffer the consequences. Welcome to hell. Phoenix style.

ION JUST JACK

For those of us who are “stuck” in the furnace, there are many things to do to beat the heat other than hibernating indoors binge watching “Mid Century Modern” (don’t waste your time) or “Squid Games” the final season (if you like death and destruction). If you’re on a budget, go ahead and explore the Light Rail, always air conditioned and can take your to places east and west and now thanks to the new Central Ave rail you can take it south to Baseline. I like to go to my local grocery store for a few hours since they are always cold. For the winter midwest lovers, go to Costco Business and stay in the frozen meat cooler. Bring a winter jacket.

Of course, Phoenix has more pools per capita than any other city. Whether it’s small get together with good friends, Flex Spas pool or an epic house sex party, pools are the best way to beat the heat. This month we feature our sexy model cooling down in the valley of the sun.

Last month, Fenders & Friends LGBTQ+ car club took their annual boat cruise on Lake Pleasant (pictured above). They are planning an epic car show in Cave Creek October 4th. Stay tuned for details.

But the cheapest way to beat the heat is to take this issue of ION Arizona or view it on a tablet, computer or on the ION app and enjoy it cover to cover. Always fun. Always sexy. Always free.

Jack M. Tesorero

WEB: Zachary Cross / Custom Resumes APP: Steve Sovacki / Biz Burst Mobile SOCIAL MEDIA: Exceed Multimedia

PHOTOGRAPHERS: LeakedGlass Production Rafalogie Studio RSVP Photography CONTRIBUTORS: DISTRIBUTION: Danny Silvani

All original artwork and photography for ION Arizona Magazine remain property of JMT Designs, Inc, and cannot be reproduced, altered, or sold without authorization and compensation. Limited usage rights can be purchased for a small fee.

NOTE: The views expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect the views of ION Arizona, its staff, or that of its parent company.

Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization within ION Arizona is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organization. To our knowledge, all people photographed and published in ION Arizona are over the age of 18. Some photos were submitted by our readers. To our knowledge, they own the copyrights, and they have given us permission to reproduce them. If you see a picture that you own, please call us immediately and we will remove it from future publications. All copy, text, display, photos, and illustrations in the ads are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized, have secured proper written consent for the use of names, pictures, and testimonials of any living person, and that ION Arizona is not responsible for unlawful use of such content.

ION STACY’S @ MELROSE

PHX ATTRACTIONS

H2-Whoa Waterpark

Head up to Lake Pleasant to visit Arizona’s premier (only?) “waterpark adventure” featuring the tallest, floating waterslide in the world! Upside: sun & water! Downside: Kids. Lots of kids. Ugh. Night Flights from 8-10 p.m. 40202 N. 87th Ave, Peoria.

Tix: H2Whoa.com or call 480-466-2904

thru’ August 25

Desert Hearts Festival

72 hours of non-stop House, Techno, & Love in the mountains. One stage … one vibe. Theme camps, cozy lounges, interactive and immersive installations. The Playa Ponderosa, 4535 Forest Service Road 9410, about 13 miles north of downtown. Go to DesertHeartsFestival.us for tickets and info.

July 3-7, 24-hours a day

Kesha & Scissor Sisters

Originally it was announced as “The Gag Order Tour.” Then renamed “The Only Love Tour.” Now it’s the “The Tits Out Tour.” Let’s make the most of the night like we’re gonna die young! Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave. in Phoenix. Tickets at LiveNation.com or call 800-653-8000

July 6 at 7 p.m.

Royale Tea Dance: Soakin’ Wet!

Cool off at a dunk tank plus water games at this benefit for FeedPHX. Get ready to boogie-oogie-oogie ’til you just can’t boogie no more. DJ B spins you right ‘round, baby at the Royale, 635 W. Glenrosa Ave. Tickets at RoyaleTicketLeap.com

Saturday, July 12 from 3-7 p.m.

PHXGMC Lube Wrestling at Charlie’s

The Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus brings the messy, hilarious, and entertaining Lube Wrestling fundraiser to Charlie’s. Slippery showdowns, over-the-top antics, and non-stop laughs! Charlie’s, 727 W. Camelback Rd. in Phoenix. (Note: these guys pictured will not be there. Sorry!)

Saturday, July 19 from 7–10 p.m.

Taylor Swift Dance Night

Are you ready for it? Did you do something bad? Join all the other Swifties and twirl while you listen to T-Swift sing about all of her ex-boyfriends. Look what you made me do! Thunderbird Lounge, 710 W. Montecito Ave. in the Melrose neighborhood of Phoenix.

Friday, July 25 at 7 p.m.

One Night with Queen

“Scaramouche! Scaramouche! Can you do the fandango?” (What does that even mean?) Gary Mullen and the Works deliver a show-stopping performance of Queen’s music at Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Ave. in Phoenix. Tickets at CelebrityTheatre.com

Friday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m.

LuluPalooza

Lulu Lovebottom presents the Valley’s fiercest cabaret with spellbinding burlesque, wild circus acts, and drag performances. Feathers fly and sequins sparkle in a whirlwind of artistry, sensuality, and self-expression. StandUp Live, 30 W. Jefferson St. in Phoenix. Tickets at StandUpLive.com

Sunday, July 13 at 1 p.m.

Oh honey, July in Arizona isn’t just hot — it’s drag queen wearing four pair of pantyhose performing under stage lights during the day hot! This month we’re featuring the delicious Mike Schwitter who’s reminding us all that the best way to survive a sweltering heat wave is to look impossibly good while doing it. (Seriously now, the sweat just makes him glisten. And gleam.)

When those temps start soaring past your standards to find yourself a good time with a hot man, you better get creative: crank up that a/c, indulge in scandalously long cool showers, or finally befriend that sexy neighbor with a pool — we promise your best Speedo is a great icebreaker. Better yet, why not host a cheeky BYOP (Bring Your Own Pool) party? Kiddie pools, giant flamingo floats, and a rainbow of icy cocktails are all fair game. Just remember, hydration is key — so keep that water bottle handy, and maybe a cute misting fan, too.

Stay cool, stay flirty, and if all else fails, just strip down – we’re talkin’ waaay down! – and blame it on the heat!

Photography by: LeakedGlass

Model: Mike Schwitter

JUN

ION JULY 25

Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)

Royale Kitchen & Cocktails FLAMBOYANCE! Drag Brunch (W)

Charlie’s Sunday Funday (W)

Royale Kitchen & Cocktails FLAMBOYANCE! Drag Brunch (W)

Stacy’s @ Melrose Sunday Service Drag Brunch (W)

Royale Kitchen & Cocktails FLAMBOYANCE! Drag Brunch (W)

@ Melrose Karaoke (W)

JUL

Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Charlie’s Undie Mundies (W)

OZ Bar Trivia night (W)

Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Charlie’s Blackout Bingo / Karaoke (W)

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

Sazerac Karaoke (W)

Stacy’s

Charlie’s WTF! Wednesdays (W)

RORO Dogs

Half off Wieners (W)

Stacy’s @ Melrose Communion Goth Night (W)

RORO Dogs Half off Wieners (W)

WEDNESDAY 2 16 9 23 30

Sazerac Whiskey Flights / Cigars (W) THURSDAY

80’s Throwback Thursdays (W) OZ Bar Dart Tournament (W)

FRIDAY 3 17 10 24 31 5 19 12 26 2 4 18 11

Bar Dart Tournament (W) Sazerac 80’s Throwback Thursdays (W)

Sazerac / Roosevelt Row First Friday (M)

The Mint Mint Cannabis Free Tacos

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Charlie’s WET Fridays (W)

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Sazerac / Roosevelt Row First Friday (M)

OZ Bar Trivia & Karaoke (W)

Stacy’s @ Melrose Dance Party (W)

OZ Bar Trivia & Karaoke (W)

“I Wanna Dance with “Dancing for one•n•ten” takes

by Deon Brown

Along-standing LGBTQ+ fan favorite event in Phoenix is “Dancing for one•n•ten” held every summer at the Tempe Center for the Arts. The competition began in 2008 as a lark with a few of Phoenix’s gay bar staff called “Dancing with the Bars” at the long gone Forbidden nightclub in Scottsdale. Eventually, SWAY Events took hold of the reins and turned the dance contest a fundraising blockbuster benefiting a different charity every year. About ten years ago they passed the tap dancing torch over to one•n•ten, a non-profit organization working to help improve the lives of LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, ages 11-24 by providing empowering social and service programs that promote self‐expression, self‐acceptance, leadership development, and healthy life choices.

with Somebody” takes the spotlight once again

And this season the dance competition is fierce! Eleven contestants of the Valley’s crème-de-la-crème from all walks of life trip the light fantastic to raise valuable funds for one•n•ten. This year’s event theme is “Anthems.” Dancers are picking an uplifting song representing a group or cause that they can identify with. Each contestant is responsible for raising at least $10,000.

Nathan Rhoton, the CEO (and a former contestant and the winner of the 2012 Dancing with the Bars competition) is enthusiastic, explaining, “Dancing for one•n•ten is a critical piece of our annual fundraising for the programs we provide,” he said. “Not only do our contestants work incredible hard to raise money, but they help get the word out to so

many different networks as our ambassadors. We receive so many inquires about our programs from youth and their families who never heard of us until someone they know s the epitome of community fundraising,” Rhoton cheered.

Frank Castillo, co-owner of the Adult Shoppe is ready to shake his tail feathers on stage. “I joined dancing for one•n•ten because I’ve always wanted to help; now that I have a platform I want to take that opportunity. From safe spaces to life-changing programs, one•n•ten uplifts and empowers queer youth to thrive,” he believes. “Growing up we didn’t have these types of non-profits and outlets. s so important to have these for our LGBTQ youth. The world is a crazy place and support is crucial now more than ever.”

Castillo continued about his own experience on the dance floor. “The rehearsals are going great! I picked a hard song with a dance that takes lots of skill and focus – the tango. I adore my instructor, Antonio Lomeli. He knows what he’s doing and we mesh together well,” he enthused. “I’m excited for the performance and being able to use dance to help an amazing organization. Every dollar you donate supports LGBTQ youth in Arizona. It also helps me not fall off the stage in sequins!” he kidded.

Entertainer non-pareil and Phoenix favorite Mia Adams is the resident diva at Stacy’s @ Melrose. She created and hosts the annual “Rising Star” and “All Stars” competition at Stacy’s, now in its third year. Mia’s polishing up her dancing shoes and ready to twirl and tear up the stage with a rhythm busting rhumba with her partner, Alexander Patrick-Rolando. “My reason for competing is to meet people outside of the drag scene, but also it’s also mostly for representation for the Black, elder, and trans communities. If I had an organization like this to turn to when I was a youth it would’ve made such a difference. Today, thanks to one•n•ten, they can decide who they are.”

Mia wants her choreography to be very organic. She’s the most senior contestant to enter the competition. “We’re working on some stunts and surprises, but I’m at a particular age where if he drops me something could break!” she jibed.

Stacy’s @ Melrose co-owner (and past Dancing for one•n•ten contestant representing ION Arizona) Christopher Tong shared his enthusiasm. “Seeing Mia’s dedication, larger than life personality, rhythm, and outstanding stage presence every week at Stacy’s @ Melrose, we know she is going to create a number that will wow the audience and be talked about for years to come,” he said. “Mia always has her eyes on the community.”

“Let’s raise money, make magic, and shake a little booty for a good cause!” Frank Castillo encouraged.

Don’t miss “Dancing for one•n•ten” at the Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy on Sunday, August 17 at 12 noon. This year’s event is focused on raising critical funds for their Identity Specific Programs for BIPOC and Trans, Gender Non-Conforming, and Gender Expansive Youth. This event is always sold out. Don’t wait! Get your tickets early at OneNTen.org

ION STREAMING

Pee-wee Herman as Himself

This insightful, two part documentary about Paul Reubens and his beloved character explores his life, career, the creation and impact of the guileless man-child, Pee-wee Herman including interviews with Reubens and colleagues. It also addresses the challenges Reubens faced in separating his public and private personas, including addressing being gay and the arrest in an adult bookstore. Presented in two parts.

Pee-wee’s Playhouse

Paul Reubens’ bratty, lovable Pee-wee Herman shirked responsibility by escaping to his magical playhouse every Saturday morning from 1986 to 1991. His pals Globey, Chairy, Cowboy Curtis, Miss Yvonne, the hunky lifeguard, Tito, and others joined in the fun. Created for kids, the children’s show was a hit with adults, too. You might want to nibble on an edible from The Mint dispensary while you watch it again.

Pee-wee Herman Show

Wickedly funny, we meet Pee-wee in his Puppetland playhouse as he entertains his audience of “boys and girls” in a homage to low-budget 1950s’ TV kiddieshows like Howdy Doody. The humor is much more adult than the Saturday morning kids’ show, but still wickedly clever. The midnight show was filmed live in the Roxy Theatre in 1981 by Home Box Office.

Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Big Top Pee-wee, Pee-wee’s Big Holiday are also available on various streaming platforms.

PEE-WEE HERMAN

MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL

Prescott Film Festival

If you love movies (and who doesn’t?) get out of the Valley and catch fantastic indie films at this cinematic festival! Don’t miss The Wizard of Oz sing-along plus a silent film with live accompaniment. Screenings at the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center at Yavapai College, 1100 E. Sheldon St. in Prescott. Tickets at PrescottFilmFestival.com or call 928-776-2000

July 16-20

ION ARTS

The Moth: Phoenix StorySLAM

Got the gift of gab? This is for you! The theme is “Dirt.” Prepare a five-minute true story about what lies beneath. Squalor, smut, muck and mire. Air out your dirty laundry and don’t leave out the filthy details. Your time spent in flowerbeds, quicksand, or the pig pen. Talk dirty to us! Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. 2nd St. in Phoenix. Tix: CrescentPHX.com

Thursday, July 17. Doors at 7:00 / Show at 8:00

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Pop the champagne, chéries! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new jukebox musical mash-up extravaganza. It’s an eye-popping theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love. It’s more than a musical — it’s a state of mind. Ooh, là là! ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave. in Tempe. Tix: ASUgammage.com or call 480-965-3434

July 22-August

ION SPLASH BASH WEEKEND

NAVIGATION

Use the ION ARIZONA APP for Google Maps turn-by-turn directions with links to UBER & LYFT! DON’T DRINK & DRIVE!

Parker Woods Mouths Off

Arizona’s solosexual creator wins BateOff 2025!

Congratulations to Arizona’s own Master Bator 2025, Parker Woods! With a whopping 47,072 points, this autoerotic creator his way to the BateOff crown—using only his mouth. His very, very talented mouth. And that’s not just “lip service.” So to speak.

ION Arizona interviewed Parker in our May, 2025 issue (you can read it in our online archives at IONAZ.com) about the competition to be proclaimed as MASTER Bator in the BateWorld BateOff 2025 at BateWorld.com where the competition was – uhhh –“stiff.” To say the least. Parker will add this accolade to one he received from Pornhub as “Top Male BJ Performer 2024.”

ION Arizona followed up about Parker’s achievement.

“My biggest reason was to dive deeper into BateWorld,” he told ION. “This is the first year that they did it on an audition basis with video submissions, and everything was pushing me in that direction saying, “Do it!” he said.

“Content creation is an outlet for me; I’m not chasing fame, looking attention or looking for any kind of validation besides just having a space to express my sexuality and to show off,” Parker added. “My sexuality is a major part of who I am, and I’m proud to play a part in helping end the stigma around sex work.”

Each of the contestants’ videos were submitted before the season began, five minutes each. These inspiring video challenges are available for viewing when you sign up for free at BateWorld.com

In a thoughtful interview, Parker told BatorBlog.com, “Don’t ever feel embarrassed for exploring your own body. It’s okay to own your body, your pleasure, and your ‘weird.’ Especially within the queer community, we need to have each other’s backs now more than ever. The only community we truly have is each other. At the end of the day, we all want to feel seen, loved, and supported.”

Parker continued, “People might think the idea of a masturbation competition sounds silly, but for me, my content is my art. It’s a way to explore and express my sexuality as a solosexual. To showcase what I can do with my body—for others to enjoy and – hopefully – be inspired by. I genuinely love what I do and the fact that others are willing to watch me is such an honor” he added. “I put so much thought and effort into each of these videos. Pushing my creative boundaries in a way that felt authentic to who I am as a creator. To feel all that love – and now be named the fourth BateOff Master Bator – truly means so much.”

Follow Parker Woods on X, Pornhub, OnlyFans and JustForFans. Search ParkerWoodsX

ION FABULANCE

Welcome to July! Cancer season has everyone sobbing into their iced lattes and Leo season is waiting in the wings with a feather boa. Emotional depth? Yes. Dramatic entrances? Also yes. The vibes are intense, the Sun is hot, but your decisions are questionable. Whether you’re dancing at rooftop parties or crying to SZA in your car, July brings a chaotic mix of heart, heat, and character building moments. ¶ Let’s see how the stars are making your life a beautifully dramatic mess, thanks to Saturn entering its introspective retrograde on July 13 through November 27. Cosmic forecast? A little weepy, a little wild, and very you. Hydrate, wear sunscreen, and remember: messy is better than boring. Kinda like Britney Spears.

ION HOMOSCOPES

ARIES Mar. 21 - Apr. 20

July wants you to feel. Scary, right? You’d rather run a marathon (like that’s gonna happen) than talk about your emotions or listen to other people’s. Still, maybe crack open your heart. Share and share alike.

TAURUS April. 21 - May 20

Your comfort zone is cute, but July is tossing you into situations that smell like change. Embrace it. Growth can be sexy – even if it’s mildly inconvenient and requires pants. And underwear. Maybe a bra, too.

GEMINI May 21 - June 21

You’re in full social butterfly mode, but even butterflies need a break. July’s here to remind you that naps, boundaries, and blocking toxic exes are all self-care. Breathe, my little Western Tiger Swallowtail.

CANCER June 22 - July 22

You’re the emotional ringleader of the zodiac this month, and we love you for it. Is it your birthday, you tender little menace? Cry, dance, scream—just don’t text your ex at midnight. It’s all about you.

LEO July 23 - Aug. 22

Leo season arrives late July and you’re already practicing your entrance. We love the drama, but try not to make every event about you. Just kidding— yes, you can. Curtain up!

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sep. 22

You’re spiraling through the cosmos about things no one else is watching. But they are. July wants you to loosen that grip and live a little. It’s summer –go get a little reckless (safely).

LIBRA Sep. 23 - Oct. 22

You’re serving flirty fun, and just emotionally available enough to keep things interesting. July’s bringing sparks – but try not to fall for someone just because they like your playlist.

SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov.23

You’re feeling intense and mysterious –so, pretty much normal. But July wants you to laugh a little more and brood a little less. Try joy! It’s weird, but kind of fabulous.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 23

Adventure calls and you’ve already packed a bag (and probably lost your charger). July says: live loud, love messy, and take a break from ghosting people. Just for one month.

CAPRICORN Dec. 23 - Jan. 20

You’re being weirdly sentimental, and honestly? We love this for you. July is softening your edges. Go ahead – cry at that sappy dog video and tell your friends that you love them.

AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 19

You’re on your “don’t catch feelings” journey but the Universe is, like, LOL, good luck, sucker! July wants connection. Let someone in, or at least share your snacks. Baby steps.

PISCES Feb. 20 - Mar. 20

You’re in full romantic dream mode, writing love stories in your head and misinterpreting emojis. It’s cute. Just remember: not everyone who compliments you is your soulmate.