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SEARCHING FOR GAY COMMUNITY IN PHOENIX
I recently came across your Najera Nites article titled 'Go out gay' (Latino Perspectives Magazine, June 2006).
Along with the Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, I have also asked ‘Where is gay Phoenix?’ I am a new resident living in Chandler since March of this year and have not been able to find any info about the Valley’s gay and lesbian community.
I am a proud, gay Mexican-American male born and raised in southern Arizona, near Tucson. I left Arizona in 1985 after graduating from high school to get away from small town life. The past 21 years were split being in the military and (for the last 9 years) living in San Diego. I loved San Diego for having a strong gay community and resources, especially several organizations that catered to the Latino GLBT. I was never into the whole “circuit party” or weekly pachanga scenes, but at least I knew where to meet other gay Latinos who where interested in friendship or just kicking it.
I decided to move back to Arizona (with the help of my brother, with whom I am staying in Chandler), and also to get a fresh start.
So, here I am...still trying to find some connection with the Valley’s gay Latino community. I have checked out the local GLBT magazines to try to get some info, but the only info that appears to be in abundance is where all the gay bars and dance clubs are. I am hoping that there has to be more than just finding out where the next party is. I had spoken to someone at the Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce to see if there was at least a gay community center or a gay Latino organization out there, but was informed that neither existed. I have read several of your articles before and found them to be informative.
I was pleased when I came across June’s article. I really want to make the Valley my home and not convince myself that I made a mistake by moving back. But right now, I feel like a stranger in a strange land.
David Mariscal
Chandler
