Saturday, June 27, 2009

Show Pride in Tucson’s LGBT Community by Helping the Observer

TUCSON (Observer Update) - Despite the economic downturn and troubles, the Observer, Tucson’s LGBT newsweekly is still producing a print edition, albeit in reduced numbers.

On Sunday, June 28, IBT’s (616 N. Fourth Avenue), starting at 2:00 p.m., will be holding a fund raiser for the Observer in which all of the proceeds will go help the Observer continue serving Tucson and Southern Arizona’s LGBT community.

Natalie Perry, a long time advocate and resident of Tucson, penned the following:

“ ... As an active member of the Tucson Gay community for over 28 years. If you've been around as long as some of us, I would like to solicit your help for about 15 minutes. It will take your physical presence on June 28.

“The Weekly Observer's owners/publishers, Bob Ellis and Gary Clark are "hanging on by their fingernails" to continue to publish the oldest, weekly Gay publication in Arizona. I am challenging and beseeching each of you to make a physical appearance in the "Parade of History", to donate $1.00 (or more), with many other representatives of Tucson's Gay community who have benefitted in their businesses/ adventures/ fundraisers from the exposure through the Observer over the past 30+ years.

“I'd like former Miss Gay Tucsons and ALL other performers, Sisters of Sonora, TKO, TALL, T-Squares, Wingspan, MCC church, TIHAN, SAAF, Pride, Inc., TLGA members, current and former bar owners and bartenders, Desert Voices, Reveille, Bears of the Old Pueblo, TGSA, Saguaro Regional Rodeo Assn, Gay Chamber, Bowling league, Cinco de Mayo kings and queens and many, many more to show up at IBT's on Sunday, June 28th . The festivities begin at 2pm, with a show at 3pm. I would like the parade of clubs, organizations, etc. to march at the end of the show (approx. 4:30 p.m.) Bring your banners and we'll announce your participation as you walk through and hand Bob a $1.00.

“Please come to show your appreciation, respect and support by joining the "Parade of History". You are a part of the history of Gay Tucson and the Observer needs our help.”

These events are happening during Pride week to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and the modern rights movement as well as the 33rd year of the existence of the country’s oldest LGBT weekly newspaper, still proud, still free and still going!

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