Tucson Queerstory

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

Statement Regarding Venture-N Shooting

Candlelight Vigil

For Immediate Release

Due to the overwhelming number of media requests for interviews, Tucson Queerstory is issuing the following statement:

The impact of the shooting at Venture-N on Tucson’s q***r community is profound.

At Tucson Queerstory, we research, document, and analyze the events of our community’s past. We know the intimate details surrounding two of the hate crimes that have previously rattled Tucson’s q***r community: the murders of Richard Heakin and Philip Walsted. They occurred decades apart, yet both left lasting scars on our community.

Tucson has long been known for its welcoming environment and strong q***r community. To now add another hate crime to that history is heartbreaking and infuriating. Living through it in real time makes the history we study all too real.

For decades, Venture-N has been a steadfast safe space for Tucson’s q***r community. We hope our community will come together to support Venture-N through this tragedy—as they clean up, recover, and prepare to reopen their doors.

Bringing our community together tomorrow to honor the lives of Vinny Sinqueiors and Cameron Davis Capara is important. It is an opportunity to begin healing and, perhaps most importantly, to remind ourselves that we are part of a community that cares.

We are supported by one another, in person, in real time, and when it matters most.

Our community has experienced setbacks and challenges recently, and those pressures have sometimes tugged at the seams of the community we have built.

Now is the time to set those differences aside and come together around a common purpose: to remind ourselves that we need one another, and to remind the larger community that we are united in our right to exist.

Vigil for Vinny Sinqueiors and Cameron Davis Capara
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
6:30 PM
Catalina Park — 4th Avenue, Tucson

Security will be provided by the Tucson Police Department, with support from the City of Tucson and Mayor Regina Romero’s Office.

We will not be divided. We will be together.

Tucson Queerstory has partnered with the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation and Southern Arizona Senior Pride to produce this event.

09/01/2026

TQS wants to remind you If your feeling overwhelmed, fearful, or in need of support, please reach out to a friend, loved one, or a one of the local community organizations.
You are not alone.

• 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime
• LGBTQ+ National Hotline: 888-843-4564 for confidential peer support
• The Trevor Project: LGBTQ+ young adults aged 13–24 can call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678

Please check on one another and take care of yourselves. 💕

09/01/2026

Candlelight Vigil to honor Vinny and Cameron Wednesday 9.2.26 6:30pm Catalina Park 4th Ave Tucson

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gk2nHSZpe/

08/31/2026

TQS is hosting a candlelight vigil for Vinny and Cameron on Wednesday - Please see the event on this page for information.

TQS is profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of members of our community. Our hearts are with those who were taken from us, their loved ones, and everyone who is grieving this unimaginable loss.

In this difficult time, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant, courageous, and supportive of one another. Please take care of yourselves and those around you, and be ready to come together as a community when we are needed most.

We are stronger when we stand together. ❤️

08/22/2026

August 15, 2026, Tucson, AZ – Rainbow Rotary Club of Tucson recently volunteered to help with distribution at a monthly food bank put on by IRC: International Rescue Committee. IRC provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America.

Rainbow Rotary Club of Tucson is LGBTQ+ people, and allies united in service for the Tucson community and beyond. Rainbow Rotary is one of only 7 LGBTQ+ clubs chartered in Rotary International worldwide.

So far, RRCT members have helped provide harm reduction kits at SAAF, facility enhancements for Intermountain Centers’ housing at the Casitas, Holiday packages for LGBTQ young people in the foster care system, lunches at POZ Cafe run by TIHAN, PRIDE crosswalks on the YOTO campus, Financial support and facilitation of youth focus group discussions around peace and security through the Tucson Youth and Peace Initiative, Food Bank Distributions for refugee communities through a partnership with International Rescue Committee and the Tucson Police Department. And we are eager to find even more ways to Create Positive Lasting Impact.

Pictured LtoR: Dave Lenox, President, Rainbow Rotary Club Tucson, AmyDiana Rogers, Secretary, Dalila Bathwell, Philanthropy Chair, Autumn Holder, Elder Concerns Chair. www.rainbowrotarytucson.org

08/13/2026

Here are a couple of examples from a recent donation of memorabilia from Richard Gerardi from the Saguaro Regional Rodeo. We're so thankful for such a wonderful addition to the TQS archive. Do you recognize yourself or anyone else in the photos? Tell us the stories!

07/19/2026

07/10/2026

Help Us Find Jekyll & Hyde's Photos!

Jekyll & Hyde's was one of Tucson's most iconic gay discos in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Because being seen in a gay bar could cost someone their job, family, or safety, very few photos were taken.

But we're hoping some memories survived.

Please check your old albums, boxes, and slides. We'd especially love photos of the drag shows, performers, and the people who made Jekyll & Hyde's unforgettable.

📷 Post photos in the comments or email them to calendar@tucsonq***rstory.com.

Help us preserve Tucson's LGBTQ+ history—one photo at a time. 🏳️‍🌈

07/09/2026

Did you train the trainers in the 90s. Reach out we need to hear from you!