ION Arizona #287

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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.

WIam an eternal optimist, but I’m also a realist—and sometimes those concepts conflict.

e are living in some of the most challenging and frightening times in our country’s 250 year history. Constitutional norms are being tested—if not outright broken. What better way to push back against our new reality than getting out and supporting the events and causes that hold our community together?

ION JUST JACK Saddle up Phoenix! 40th Anniversary of AGRA

We’ve been told all our lives that the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. As a kid, it was! No school, tons of delicious food, family, friends and unexpected moments of kindness. Fast forward to our adulthood, we work through the holidays, still enjoy food, see some of our family and friends-- but thanks to instant delivery and shopping on demand, some of the holiday magic of ‘giving’ has lost its spark.

“Take a chance on me.” Join ION Arizona as we celebrate the music of ABBA at the Arrival from Sweden at the Celebrity Theatre February 12th. Congratulations to the contest winners. Look for more free ticket contests every month by signing up for our weekly email blast and download our App.

If you’re looking to reignite unique and thoughtful gift-giving, this month our beautiful queen Wilma Carstart from Stacy’s at Melrose showcases some of the hottest gift ideas for the person that has everything. Check it out on page 24.

So will this holiday season be the most wonderful time of the year for you? In these rapidly changing times, sometimes it’s hard to ensure our happiness in the face of the unknown. Financial insecurity, federal budget cuts, global warming — it’s a lot. Are you optimistic about the future?

One of my favorite events every year is the annual AGRA Rodeo, February 13-15. ION Arizona has sponsored every rodeo since 2002. This year, we’ll have Priscilla Queen of the Desert RV front and center, along with a booth on the lawn. If you’ve never been, you owe it to yourself to attend. For the best experience, take the Charlie’s party bus running to and from the rodeo and Charlie’s. You party, they drive—safe and fun for everyone. Get all the info at AGRA.org and be sure to check out this issue of ION.

Truth be told, I think we live in one of the best places in the country — and I’ve loved watching Arizona grow and flourish. Sure, we have problems, but look around and see what other states are facing right now. Our challenges here in Arizona are minuscule by comparison to some of the insurmountable challenges ahead of other states.

This month also brings the always-popular Melrose Street Fair on February 28th from 10am–6pm. Don’t miss the car show hosted by our own Fender’s and Friends Car Club. There are tons of vendors, entertainment, food, and most Melrose bars will be hosting big parties all day and night.

So… as we enter the most capitalistic and chaotic season of the year, how will you celebrate? Will you go out with friends and family? Attend dinner parties and events? Indulge in shopping and gluttony? I definitely know I will.

Next month adds Aunt Rita’s AIDS Walk, one•n•ten’s Fresh Brunch, the Rainbows Festival, and more—events that remind us why community still matters.

So fight for our freedom and the future of our country. But also get out, have fun, and enjoy the community around you.

Thank you for being there for the last 24 holiday seasons, and for supporting our growing community at ION Arizona. My best gift from all of you is that you keep reading, supporting your community, playing safe, getting tested and being good to each other.

Enjoy this issue—play, be safe and have fun!

Happy holidays from all of us at ION Arizona, and to all a good month! I’ll see you in 2026!

PHX ATTRACTIONS

W.O.R.K. Events

Clock in, hotties—W.O.R.K. Events debuts with a Valentine’s overtime special on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 9 PM–2 AM. Featuring DJ Cesar Hernandez and DJ Crums, this after-hours fantasy turns passion into power with thumping beats, red-lit vibes, and kink-forward couture encouraged. Presented by The Adult Shoppe, early arrivals score free goodie bags and free coat check from 9–11 PM. The location drops hours before 9 PM near Midtown Phoenix—no parking, rideshare required. Punch in. Fall into temptation. Tickets at eventbrite. com/e/work-events-tickets-1975645199976

CHROME

Leather up and level up! CHROME’s 1-Year Anniversary hits Pat O’s Bunkhouse Saloon (4428 N 7th Ave, Phoenix) on Saturday, February 7 at 9 PM for a night of dark beats, bold energy, and unapologetic self-expression. Celebrating a year in its new home, CHROME brings interactive demos, gear-friendly vibes, and a space built for connection and community. With DJs Emerson, Hi-Sir, and Moody driving the soundtrack, expect a deeper, darker dance floor where individuality reigns. Curious or seasoned, this is your invite to explore the edge—respectfully and safely.

The Music of ABBA

You can dance, you can jive, ARRIVAL from Sweden: The Music of ABBA brings disco magic to Celebrity Theatre (440 N 32nd St, Phoenix) on Thursday, February 12 at 7 PM. This world-renowned tribute show has toured 70 countries, delivering pitch-perfect versions of ABBA’s greatest hits—from “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” to “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” and “Waterloo.” With costumes, harmonies, and stage energy that feel straight out of the ‘70s, it’s as close as you’ll get to the real deal. Tickets at celebritytheatre.com.

OBSESSED

Love is in the air… or at least on the dance floor. OBSESSED takes over Kobalt (3110 N Central Ave #175, Phoenix) on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 9:30 PM–2 AM for a flirty Valentine’s weekend bash presented by The Factory and Jarick White. It’s a full-blown Stop Light Dance Party—wear green if you’re single, yellow if it’s complicated, and red if you’re taken (or just dramatic). DJ B and St. Libertine keep the beats hot while the crowd keeps the signals loud. Come ready to mingle, dance, and maybe leave less single than you arrived. Tickets available: eventbrite.com/e/obsessed-atkobalt-tickets-1980149775282

GAY RODEO

Saddle up, partner—the 40th Anniversary Arizona Gay Rodeo rides into Corona Ranch & Rodeo Grounds (7811 S 29th Ave, Laveen/Phoenix) February 13–15, 2026 for a weekend of dust, denim, and dazzling queer cowboy energy. Hosted by AGRA, this IGRA-sanctioned rodeo features bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, wild drag race, goat dressing, and more. Gates open at 8 AM, rodeo starts at 10 AM Saturday and Sunday, with awards Sunday night. Enjoy the pavilion bar, “Games on the Green,” and nonstop community vibes. Tickets at https://agra-phx.com/productcategory/admission/

Melrose Street Fair

Mark your calendars and grab your sunnies—the 23rd Annual M7 (Melrose on 7th Avenue) Street Fair takes over 7th Avenue between Indian School and Campbell on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 11 AM–5 PM. This free, one-day celebration is a love letter to the Melrose District, featuring 200+ local artisans, food trucks, live music, a beer garden, and a Kids Zone. Car lovers, don’t miss the iconic classic and custom car show—always a crowd fave. Shop local, snack often, and soak up the neighborhood vibes. It’s Melrose magic at its finest.

ION NEON JUNGLE

Phoenix is getting ready to say “Thank You for the Music” when Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA brings a full-scale tribute to Celebrity Theatre on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. The international touring show is set to turn the historic theater-in-the-round into a shimmering slice of 1970s Stockholm, complete with soaring harmonies, lush arrangements, and the kind of disco sparkle that begs you to sing along.

A global ABBA phenomenon

Formed in 1995 in Gothenburg, Sweden, Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA has grown into one of the world’s most in-demand ABBA tributes, touring across more than 70 countries with a production that pairs note-perfect recreations of the originals with full-band power and theatrical flair. Their show leans into era‑specific costumes, choreography, and lush arrangements that mirror ABBA’s studio sound, often in collaboration with major symphony orchestras.

Critics and audiences alike consistently praise the group for capturing both the glitter and the heart of ABBA’s catalog, turning classics like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and “The Winner Takes It All” into full-venue sing-alongs that feel less like a tribute and more like a time-traveling pop celebration.

Celebrity Theatre’s in-the-round magic

The show lands at one of Phoenix’s most distinctive venues, Celebrity Theatre, located just east of downtown at 440 N 32nd Street. Opened in 1963 and famous for its revolving circular stage, the theater seats roughly 2,650 people, with no seat more than about 70 feet from the performers, creating an unusually intimate concert experience. The central stage can rotate slowly during the performance, allowing every section of the audience a front-row moment while the music unfolds under sweeping lights and a 360-degree soundscape.

What to expect from the show

Arrival From Sweden’s production leans into the drama and glamour of ABBA’s original tours: expect period-inspired costumes, choreographed moments, and a band that treats every chorus like an anthem. The set typically functions as a greatest hits journey, weaving dance floor classics with sweeping ballads so the energy rises and falls like a carefully sequenced album rather than a simple jukebox run-through. For longtime fans, the show offers a chance to relive the soundtrack of their youth; for newer listeners, it’s an entry point into one of pop’s most enduring catalogs, experienced live rather than through a movie screen or playlist.

Critical and audience reviews

Professional and fan reviews are consistently strong, often highlighting both accuracy and showmanship.

• A Utah Concert Review piece praised the vocalists and band as “exceptional,” calling out “The Winner Takes It All” as a major highlight that visibly moved the audience.

• Press quotes compiled on the band’s site describe Arrival From Sweden as “top-shelf,” “the greatest ABBA tribute you will ever see,” and note that “they looked like ABBA, they sounded like ABBA… for all intents and purposes, they were ABBA.”

• Reviews from orchestras that have collaborated with them (e.g., Atlanta Symphony) remark that “everything sounded exactly like the sound recordings” and that the show was “incredible.”

• Audience testimonials emphasize that “just about every ABBA hit song was performed,” with multiple comments about people “dancing in the aisles” and putting the group on their “concert bucket list.”

• A TripAdvisor review of a performance with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic simply summarized the experience as “OUTSTANDING!” while noting the overall quality of the musicians and vocalists.

• Even more casual chatter (like Reddit) tends to rate them among the top ABBA tributes, though some fans note that high ticket prices can be a factor depending on venue.

A night out in Phoenix

With tickets starting around the mid-$70s to $90 range through major outlets, this is positioned as a premium tribute-night experience rather than a casual bar-band gig. The combination of an internationally recognized touring act and a beloved local venue means the February date is likely to draw both dedicated ABBA devotees and casual concertgoers looking for a high-energy winter night out. Parking is available on-site at Celebrity Theatre, with attendants typically directing cars into the surrounding lots for an easier arrival and exit.

How to be part of it

Tickets for Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA at Celebrity Theatre on February 12, 2026, are available through the venue’s official site and major ticket platforms, with showtime set for 7 p.m. Whether you come in full ‘70s regalia or just bring your best singing voice, the promise is simple: a night of timeless pop songs in one of Phoenix’s most unique rooms, where every seat feels close enough to dance like a true “Dancing Queen.”

40 Years of AGRA

A look back at past Rodeo ION covers

This month, as we celebrate AGRA’s 40th Anniversary with a look back in 25 years of ION Arizona rodeo covers. For many of the past issues of ION, go to the ION App or www.ionaz.com past issues. Enjoy!

40th Anniversary

Step right up, cowboys and cowgirls — and a special howdy to our cover model this month, Lucas Verissimo — because the Arizona Gay Rodeo Association (AGRA) is about to bring its beloved brand of high-octane queer culture to the arena once again. Founded in 1984, AGRA is a volunteer-driven organization that produces the Arizona Gay Rodeo each year as an IGRA-sanctioned event where traditional Western sports meet big-hearted community spirit. What began as a fundraiser has blossomed into one of Phoenix’s most unforgettable celebrations of heritage, athleticism, and LGBTQ+ pride, with profits benefiting local nonprofits and charitable causes throughout the Valley.

AGRA’s impact in Phoenix extends well beyond bull riding and barrel racing — it’s a cultural touchstone that brings people together across identities and interests. Over the years, the organization has donated significant funds to local LGBTQ+ organizations, reinforcing its role not just as entertainment, but as a powerful force for community support and connection. Riders and spectators alike talk about the camaraderie, inclusivity, and friendship that grow each year under the wide Arizona sky, and events like “Games on the Green” and pavilion entertainment ensure there’s something fun for everyone. With AGRA’s commitment to diversity and celebration, the rodeo weekend becomes

a safe space where queer rodeo athletes, fans, allies, and families can laugh, compete, and cheer side by side.

And let’s not forget the sheer joy of attending! Over three action-packed days, the rodeo grounds at Corona Ranch burst with energy: classic rodeo competitions like bull riding, steer riding, and barrel racing keep your heart pounding, while crowdfavorite quirky contests — like Wild Drag Races and Goat Dressing — have spectators roaring with laughter. Add live entertainment, dancing, full-service bars, kids’ activities, and award ceremonies, and you’ve got a weekend that blends athletic grit with pure fairgrounds fun. Don’t miss Lucas Verissimo and the ION Arizona booth on site — they’ll be part of the crew soaking up every second of this Phoenix tradition.

Sunday Funday (W)

Royale Kitchen & Cocktails FLAMBOYANCE! Drag Brunch (W)

Royale Kitchen & Cocktails FLAMBOYANCE! Drag Brunch (W)

Sunday Funday (W)

Undie

Karaoke (W)

Charlie’s
Corona Ranch
Charlie’s
Charlie’s Blackout Bingo / Karaoke (W)
Charlie’s Blackout Bingo / Karaoke (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Rising Star Drag Show (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Rising Star Drag Show (W)
Sazerac
Stacy’s @ Melrose Karaoke (W)
Charlie’s Undie Mundies (W)
Sazerac Karaoke (W)
Charlie’s
Mundies (W)
Sazerac

THURSDAY

Charlie’s Mile High Industry Night (W)

RORO Dogs

Half off Wieners (W)

Stacy’s @ Melrose Communion Goth Night (W)

RORO Dogs

Half off Wieners (W)

WEDNESDAY 4 18 11 25 4

Charlie’s Mile High Industry Night (W)

FRIDAY 5 19 12 26 5 7 21 14 28 7 6 20 13 27 6

Sazerac

Celebrity Theatre The Music of ABBA

Sazerac

80’s Throwback Thursdays (W)

Sazerac / RooseveltRow First Friday (M)

Sazerac

80’s Throwback Thursdays (W)

Sazerac

80’s Throwback Thursdays (W)

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Charlie’s WET Fridays (W)

Flex Spa’s Phoenix Blackout Night (W)

Sazerac / RooseveltRow First Friday (M) The Mint Mint Cannabis Free Tacos The Mint Mint Cannabis Free Tacos

Ranch

District Melrose Street Fair

@ Melrose Dance Party (W)

Stacy’s @ Melrose Dance Party (W)
Stacy’s @ Melrose Dance Party (W)
Corona
Melrose
Stacy’s

ION MOBILE CAM

Lookout for LOOKOUT News Briefs In ION Arizona

Phoenix Ordinance Could Curb Park-Based Medical Aid, Advocates Warn

In February 2025, volunteers with R.I.O.T. Phoenix were setting up a harmreduction table near University Park in Tempe when a bicyclist rushed over seeking naloxone for a man who had overdosed behind locked gates.

Organizer Lee-Ann Dunton says the quick response saved a life — but fears future emergencies could end differently under a new Phoenix ordinance taking effect in March 2026.

The measure makes providing medical care in city parks without a permit a Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious misdemeanor level in Arizona. It affects groups that distribute clean needles, HIV-testing kits, naloxone, and other supplies to unhoused residents. Many providers say the city inconsistently issues permits or ignores requests, effectively shutting down outreach programs.

City offcials say the ordinance addresses safety concerns and prevents “unsanctioned medical activities” in public recreation spaces. Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien said it ensures “compassion is paired with coordination.” Advocates counter that coordination never occurred — the city confirmed no public‑ health organizations or harm-reduction groups were consulted while drafting the rule.

The ordinance, first introduced in November 2025, originally banned all forms of medical care and information distribution in parks. After public backlash, the language was narrowed to care involving the diagnosis or treatment of illness or wounds. The revision also added criminal penalties, replacing earlier civil fines. Despite hours of warnings from medical professionals and mutual‑ aid workers, the council approved the measure with only Councilwoman Anna Hernandez dissenting.

Health organizations say the ordinance will hinder Phoenix’s goal of ensuring 95 percent of residents with HIV know their status and receive treatment by 2030. About 13 percent of Arizona’s unhoused residents are living with HIV, and one-quarter of recent HIV-related deaths in Maricopa County have involved people experiencing homelessness.

Groups including Aunt Rita’s Foundation, Spectrum, and Urban Front say it remains unclear how the new restrictions will affect park-based HIV testing and harm-reduction events, including Phoenix Pride.

“This ordinance will cost lives,” said local advocate Stacy Champion. “People will lose access to basic care that keeps them alive.”

What the Ordinance Does

Starting March 2026, providing medical care in public parks without a permit becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious misdemeanor in Arizona.

The rule targets “unsanctioned” care, meaning groups like R.I.O.T. Phoenix, which distribute naloxone, clean needles, and HIV testing kits, would need permits to continue.

The city says it aims to keep parks from turning into “unsanctioned clinics.”

However, Phoenix advocacy groups note that permits are rarely granted or inconsistently issued, especially to groups that serve unhoused populations.

Why Advocates Are Concerned

Harm reduction and HIV prevention depend on accessibility. Parks are often the only consistent locations where unhoused residents can find immediate help.

Outreach groups were excluded from the drafting process — city departments admitted they did not consult external public health experts or service providers.

Public health risks: Blocking these services in public parks could lead to more overdoses, infections, and deaths

— particularly when 13% of the unhoused population in Arizona is living with HIV.

Existing data show that nearly half of all heat-related deaths in Maricopa County in 2024 involved unhoused people, revealing how access to basic care often means the difference between life and death.

Political Divide and Reaction

The vote passed overwhelmingly, with only Councilwoman Anna Hernandez dissenting, citing that the measure would “give police another tool to criminalize homelessness.”

Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien defended it as necessary to keep parks family-friendly and said it would ensure that compassion is “paired with coordination.”

Advocates counter that what’s missing is precisely coordination — not compassion — saying the city ignored existing programs that could have formalized partnerships instead of imposing penalties.

Broader Implications

HIV care could suffer: needle exchange programs and mobile testing efforts may lose access to the very spaces where they reach the highest-risk populations.

Unclear consequences for events such as Phoenix Pride or community markets, where groups like Aunt Rita’s Foundation, Spectrum, and Urban Front provide free HIV testing and prevention resources.

Public health experts warn the ordinance conflicts with Phoenix’s stated goal of having 95% of HIV-positive residents diagnosed, treated, and virally suppressed by 2030.

The Core Tension

The heart of the conflict is philosophical as much as practical:

Should compassion-driven care remain decentralized and accessible — “meeting people where they’re at” — or should it be regulated and confined to offcially sanctioned spaces?

Advocates fear regulation will mean restriction, while the city argues it ensures safety and order.

Glutes, Growth, and a Little Healthy Competition

et’s be honest. Every now and then, a TV show gives us more than drama. It gives us inspiration. And in this case: glutes worth training for.

Watching a heated rivalry unfold on screen, I could not stop staring at one character: Ilya . His confidence. His energy. And yes, his glutes. That man walks into every scene like he owns it. I paused the episode, grabbed my gym bag, and made it my mission to train like Ilya was my competition.

At Rafalogie Fit, we believe in training with intention. So if you want glutes that command attention on and off screen, here is your plan:

The Scene Stealer

Glute Circuit

3 sets each, resting 45 to 90 seconds between sets and 120 seconds between exercises:

• Hip Thrusts machine – 12 to 15 reps

Superset:

• Cable Pull Through – 12 reps

• Landmine Single Leg Hip Thrust –15 reps each side

• Cable Single Leg Glute Kickback –15 reps each side

• Banded Lateral Walks –20 steps total

• Optional finisher: Stairmaster walk, 10 minutes with resistance

8 Week Program Before & After

But here is the real secret. It is not just about your body. It is about your mindset.

As a life coach, I teach that comparison is not the enemy, it is a mirror. When someone inspires you, do not shrink. Get curious. That spark you feel is usually pointing toward a version of yourself you are ready to grow into.

Ask yourself: What do I admire in others that I want to claim for myself? Am I ready to train for that version of me?

You do not need to be famous to be powerful. You just need to show up like you belong in the room.

At Rafalogie Fit, we combine personalized training with mindset coaching to help you build both the glutes and the confidence to take up space.

Ready to train like you are the main character? Book your free discovery call at rafalogiefit.com

Whistle

(Theatrical Release – February 6)

You blew it, literally. Whistle is the spine-tingling new horror flick where Aztec curses meet queer cuteness and pure chaos. When a ragtag group of high schoolers finds a creepy ancient death whistle, they do what teens do best: mess around and find out. The sound summons each person’s future death, yes, it’s giving Final Destination meets The Mummy. Starring Dafne Keen and Sophie Nélisse as a sapphic couple worth screaming for, this thriller goes from kissy to cursed real quick. Pack popcorn and sage.

ION STREAMING

Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model

(Netflix – Struts onto screens February 16)

Tyra said “smize,” but this doc is all about side-eyes. Reality Check is a no-holds-barred, three-part docuseries pulling back the rhinestone-studded curtain on America’s Next Top Model. Queen Tyra herself faces the music, admitting she “went too far” and honey, we remember. From blackface shoots to weave meltdowns and body shaming disguised as “high fashion,” the series finally confronts the show’s toxic moments, with interviews from Jay Manuel, Miss J, Nigel Barker, and shaken former contestants like Dani Evans and Whitney Thompson.

While it celebrates the show’s early steps toward diverse representation, it doesn’t shy away from the messy, problematic runway it walked to get there. One notably absent voice? OG winner Adrianne Curry, who called the whole retrospective “absurd.” Still, if you grew up whispering “you wanna be on top?” into a hairbrush, this doc is required viewing.

THE MELROSE VALENTINE:

The “Paint & Press” Lamb

Forget fighting for a reservation on 7th Ave this Valentine’s. The real power move is a private table for two at home. This herb-crusted rack of lamb is my favorite “closer”—it looks like culinary high art, but it’s actually a low-stress roast that leaves you time to focus on your date. The chef secret here is the “Paint & Press” technique. You simply sear the meat, “paint” it with Dijon mustard (your glue), and “press” it into the herb mixture. Paired with a lean celery root purée and antioxidant-rich pomegranates, it’s a high-protein, Melrose-approved Valentine’s dinner.

The Chef of Melrose 602-540-9401

JoshuaPreston@ChefOfMelrose.com Chefofmelrose.com

Instagram: @joshuapreston21

Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with Pomegranate Gremolata

Serves 2 | Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 20 mins

THE MEAT

1 rack of lamb (approx. 1.5 lbs, 8 bones), frenched

2 tbsp avocado oil

3 tbsp Dijon mustard

Sea salt & black pepper

THE CRUST

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond meal)

½ cup fresh parsley, packed

¼ cup fresh mint

2 cloves garlic, peeled

1 tsp lemon zest

2 tbsp olive oil

THE GREMOLATA

½ cup pomegranate arils

2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

1 tbsp lemon zest

1 tsp flaky sea salt

THE BASE (Low-Carb Puree)

1 large celery root, peeled & cubed

2 tbsp olive oil

Splash of almond milk

DIRECTIONS:

Sear: Heat oven to 400°F. Season dry lamb heavily. Sear fat-side down in hot avocado oil until golden (3 4 mins). Flip briefly to sear bottom, then remove.

Blitz: Pulse all crust ingredients in a processor (add olive oil last) until it resembles damp green sand.

Crust: Brush seared fat liberally with Dijon. Press meat firmly into the crumb mixture to coat evenly.

Roast: Bake bone-side down (crust up) for 15–20 mins. Pull at 125°F for perfect medium-rare.

Puree: While roasting, boil celery root until tender (15 mins). Drain and blend with olive oil, almond milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Serve: Rest lamb 10 mins (crucial). Slice into double-chops. Serve over puree and top with combined Gremolata ingredients.

ION best of AZ GAY RODEO

Behind the Glow: Why Your Derrière Deserves Laser Love

Let’s be honest, boys. You moisturize your face, sculpt your jawline, and curate your gym shorts like a museum exhibit, so why is the backstage area still living in the dark ages? If confidence is king, then a smooth, bright, hairfree derriere is the crown jewel.

Laser Hair Removal: Because Stubble Is Not a Personality

Laser hair removal for the anal and perianal region is one of the most requested treatments in my practice, and for good reason. It’s precise, fast, and dramatically reduces hair growth over a series of treatments. Less hair means less friction, less odor, easier hygiene, and let’s be real, a cleaner look from every angle.

Most clients need 6–8 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Modern lasers are designed for comfort (yes, really), and treatments are over before you can finish a playlist. Pro tip: consistency is everything.

Anal Bleaching: Brighten Up the View

Discoloration happens: friction, hormones, genetics, you name it. Medical-grade anal bleaching uses safe, physician-formulated agents (think kojic acid, azelaic acid, and gentle brighteners) to even tone without harsh damage. No sketchy DIY creams. No drama. Just a more uniform, confident glow

Results are gradual and natural, because nobody wants a sudden “spotlight” situation.

When performed by trained medical professionals using appropriate lasers and protocols: absolutely. This is not the time for Groupon roulette or your friend’s “hookup hookup.”

Final Thought

Should all gay boys have a bright, hairless derriere? I’ll let you decide, but confidence starts where you least

Want to know which laser or brightening protocol is right skin tone? Come see us. Your future self (and admirers) will thank you.

NAVIGATION

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

flexspas.com

hulasmoderntiki.com

karambanightclub.com

kingpingrill.com

kobaltbarphoenix.com

mipatioaz.com

nutownebar.com

ozbarphx.com

rewinedphx.square

therockdmphoenix

rorodogs.com

sazeracphoenix.com

stacysatmelrose.com

titleninesportsgrill.com

thunderbirdloungephx

walterstudios.com

walterwherehouse.com

ION FABULANCE

February arrives with flirty chaos, emotional whiplash, and Valentine drama everywhere. Aquarius weirdness meets Pisces feelings, delivering mixed signals, bold crushes, and resolutions already being ignored. The vibe is “rom-com montage” one minute and “therapy appointment” the next. Expect surprise confessions, thirst traps doing the absolute most, and at least one person crawling back with a “hey stranger” text. Your assignment: flirt responsibly, communicate clearly, and don’t let a heart-shaped box of chocolates become your entire personality.

♈ ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

February pushes your patience, Aries, especially in love. Slow down, stop texting impulsively, and remember not every challenge needs flames, speeches, or dramatic exits today.

ION HOMOSCOPES

♉ TAURUS (Apr 20 – May 20)

February spoils you with romance temptations and comfort cravings. Enjoy it, Taurus, but don’t avoid real conversations by hiding behind snacks, naps, and perfectly curated vibes.

♊ GEMINI (May 21 – Jun 20)

Your mouth moves faster than your heart this month, Gemini. February asks for honesty over flirting, fewer mixed signals, and maybe thinking once before hitting send.

♋ CANCER (Jun 21 – Jul 22)

February turns emotions up loud, Cancer, but love feels close. Nurture yourself, avoid spiraling assumptions, and remember not every delayed text is a personal attack.

♌ LEO (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Romance wants attention, Leo, and so do you. February says share the spotlight, flirt responsibly, and stop treating Valentine plans like an award ceremony again.

♍ VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

February tests your expectations, Virgo, especially around love logistics. Not everything needs fixing. Let moments be messy, emotional, and imperfect without rewriting the entire plan.

♎ LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 22)

Love feels cinematic this month, Libra, but reality still exists. February encourages balance—romance plus boundaries—so you don’t lose yourself chasing vibes and validation everywhere now.

♏ SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

February intensifies attraction, Scorpio, making everything feel deeper. Use passion wisely, communicate intentions clearly, and resist testing people just to confirm your power this month.

♐ SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

February brings wanderlust and flirtation, Sagittarius, even if travel is imaginary. Say yes to fun, but don’t run from conversations requiring depth, honesty, or follow-through.

♑ CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Romance interrupts your productivity, Capricorn, and that’s uncomfortable. February asks you to soften, express affection, and stop scheduling feelings like meetings with strict agendas daily.

♒ AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Your season sparks reinvention, Aquarius, and February highlights connection. Be yourself loudly, but remember relationships need warmth, presence, and follow-up—not just brilliant concepts right now.

♓ PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Pisces season arrives, soft and romantic, heightening intuition. February encourages dreaming with intention—enjoy fantasy, but anchor feelings in reality to avoid disappointment later this month.

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