Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation

02/24/2026

Huge congratulations to our 2026 Miss Gay Tucson America, Ezmerelda Felix! 👑✨

And an extra special shoutout to SAAF’s very own Melon for an incredible showing as 1st Alternate and for going on to represent Tucson at Miss Gay Arizona America 2026! 🌟

We are so proud of the talent, heart, and dedication you both bring to our community. Sending you all our love and best wishes as you step into this next chapter—Tucson is cheering you on every step of the way! 💜

02/16/2026

Join Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation as we celebrate 40 fabulous years of the Miss Gay Tucson America Pageant! ✨

The pageant takes place Saturday, February 21st at The Leo Rich Theater— doors open at 4 PM, and the show begins at 5 PM. Come sparkle with us, stop by the SAAF table, and learn more about the vital resources we provide to our community.

Let’s honor reigning titleholder Vendetta Vixen, Miss Gay Tucson America 2025, and cheer on the next queen as she’s crowned! 👑

It’s going to be an evening of glamour, legacy, and community love — we can’t wait to see you there! 💖

Stop by the TCC box office or use the link below to grab your tickets!

https://www.ticketmaster.com/miss-gay-tucson-america-tucson-arizona-02-21-2026/event/1900643DB7416FE4

02/11/2026

✨ You’re Invited to OUTBRUNCH 2026 ✨
Southern Arizona’s most joyful celebration of community, leadership, and LGBTQ+ pride.

Hosted by the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, OUTBRUNCH brings together advocates, allies, and changemakers for an uplifting brunch honoring leaders who embody courage, compassion, and commitment to justice.

💥 Thanks to a generous supporter, every dollar raised will be matched up to $100,000.
Your ticket, table, or gift will go twice as far to support housing assistance, healthcare access, prevention services, and community support for people living with or affected by HIV.

This year, your attendance matters even more.

🌟 Honoring Our 2026 Award Recipients:

• Dr. Jamie Lee – The Godat Award
• Dr. Sudha Nagalingam – The Dr. Jean Baker Community Ally Award
• Susan Delaney – The Steve Hall Award
• Representative Adelita Grijalva – The Richard Elías Public Servant Award

Join us. Celebrate bold leadership. Help us unlock the full $100,000 match.

🎟️ Reserve your seat today.
Can’t attend? You can still double your impact — donate to the match at the link below.

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/outbrunch2026/

01/30/2026

A message from SAAF: Tucson Pride

The news of Tucson Pride closing has been heartbreaking and heavy for so many in our community. Pride events have always been more than celebrations—they are spaces of visibility, connection, and belonging, and it’s understandable that people are feeling hurt, frustrated, and caught off guard right now.

We want our LGBTQ+ community to know that the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation remains here as a trusted, affirming presence. Our commitment to providing care, safety, and support has not changed, and we will continue to stand with our community during this time.

You are not alone. We see you, we value you, and we will continue showing up for our community—today and moving forward.

Carlos A. Hernández
Chief Executive Officer

01/13/2026

Join us January 14 at the Tubac Center of the Arts for a gallery talk in partnership with SAAF. Featured artwork on display will later be available through a benefit auction, with proceeds supporting SAAF’s work.

Art with purpose — see you there. 💜

Spark! Regenerative Talk
January 14, 2026 | 5pm
Regenerative capitalism is an economic system that promotes long-term prosperity and resilience by prioritizing the well-being of people and the planet alongside profits. Join Jaye January 14th to learn about the 8 Key Principles of Regernative Capitalism.
Free to come! https://square.link/u/K83L1zzt

12/31/2025

Join us for an afternoon of reflection, connection, and community as we honor the National Day of Racial Healing. Together, we'll engage in circle dialogue and shared storytelling to celebrate our common humanity and explore from the effects of racism.

Saturday, January 17, 2026
YWCA Southern Arizona
525 Bonita Avenue

Bring a friend! Let's heal, connect, and grow--together!

12/18/2025

Thank you to Doug Levy and the amazing team at Feast for sponsoring our VIP area at the 37th Annual AIDSWALK December 6th at Reid Park.

The amazing creation of food and holiday🥂🍹 made for some very happy walkers!

Without community partners like Doug and the folx at Feast, we couldn't provide the critical programs and services that keep our community healthy.

We're so very grateful! 🙌🙏
Now go get a wonderful holiday meal at Feast Tucson. 🎄🎉

12/07/2025

💖 Thank You, Tucson 💖

As we look back on yesterday’s 37th Annual AIDSWALK Tucson, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make the day so meaningful.

To every participant who joined us in walking, remembering, and coming together in community — thank you for showing up with compassion, strength, and purpose.

To our dedicated Staff and Volunteers, whose early mornings, preparation, and steadfast commitment brought every part of the day to life — we are deeply grateful for you.

Deep appreciation to our amazing sponsors, whose support helps make AIDSWALK possible each year:

Desert Diamond Casinos, Farhang & Medcoff Attorneys, Gilead Health, Care Access, Crest Insurance, Centra Realty, Ravin Consultants, IBT’s Bar & Food, Community Medical Services, Trico Electric Cooperative, Handcrafted by Care, and Libra & Thorn.

A special shoutout to our food partners:
🌮 Taco Vibe, for keeping our celebration delicious, and
🍽️ Doug Levy and Feast Restaurant, for generously providing food

Big ups 🙌👍to all our community and healthcare partners who tabled and provided the community with resource information.

And to our incredible performers —
✨ Melon
✨ Iona Hoya
✨ Curt Beall
✨ Desert Voices Choir

To our guest speakers Heather from Gilead Sciences and Tom Hernandez, our SAAF client-- thank you for sharing your talent, energy, heart and story with all of us.

Yesterday reminded us why we walk: to honor those we’ve lost, uplift those living with HIV, and continue building a future grounded in love, dignity, and community resilience.

Walk for Love. Walk for Life. Walk for All.

12/07/2025

12/06/2025

🌟 Happy AIDSWALK Tucson! 🌟

As we finalize preparations for today’s event, we want to share a beautiful feature from KXCI Tucson Voices highlighting the heart of AIDSWALK Tucson—the AIDS Memorial Quilt Ceremony.

Each year, SAAF brings out quilt panels made by families and friends of loved ones lost to HIV/AIDS. Today, we will display ten quilts, unfolding each one and reading every name aloud in a tradition that began with the Quilt’s national debut in 1987.

Our Donor Development Coordinator, Tris Fowler, shared her connection to this moment in the KXCI article:

“The quilt holds a very personal place in my heart… and it’s powerful to see families and return each year to witness their loved ones remembered.”

For 37 years, AIDSWALK Tucson has brought our community together to honor those we’ve lost, support those living with HIV, and uplift the life-saving work happening right here in Southern Arizona.

Join us today at Gene C. Reid Park as we walk, remember, and celebrate.

Walk for Love. Walk for Life. Walk All.

AIDS Memorial Quilts / KXCI https://share.google/cQpgzcd3xg4aG1Rtu

12/05/2025

📣 As we prepare for AIDSWALK Tucson tomorrow, Saturday, December 6th at Reid Park…
we’re excited to share just how much magic is waiting for you after the walk!

🎉 Stick around—because the show is JUST getting started!
Right after the moving presentation of the AIDS Memorial Quilts, our after-walk ceremony comes alive with entertainment you won’t forget.

🔥 Fabulous drag performances by Melon and Iona Hoya
🎶 Special musical moments from Curt Beall
🎤 The powerful voices of the Desert Voices Choir
🎵🎛 And spectacular spins from DJ Shorty!

Plus — Taco Vibe, our featured food truck, will be serving up delicious eats to fuel the celebration!

It’s a full-on festival of joy, resilience, community, and Tucson talent.

Bring your friends, bring your pride, and Join us as we Walk for Love. Walk for Life. Walk for All. 🌟

Join us as we Walk for Love. Walk for Life. Walk for All.