Jerry Gardner
The Quail Creek Rainbow Club kicked off June Pride Month with a barbecue at the Madera Clubhouse on June 6. More than 50 members and guests attended the celebration, the first major event for the club since being approved by the board of directors last September. It was a very diverse group of attendees, all coming together to show solidarity and support for the LGBTQ community in Quail Creek.
June Pride Month is an important time for LGBTQ people world-wide. While its roots began to commemorate the Stonewall riots that occurred in New York in June 1969, it is also a time to reflect on the struggles and challenges LGBTQ people have experienced with discrimination, hate crimes, AIDS, and inequality. However, it’s also a time to recognize and celebrate the significant achievements and impact the LGBTQ have made in our society, and continue to make.
“We’ve been faced with many challenges over the years but have also made significant strides to get where we are today,” says Jeff Marshall, co-founder of the club. “We are fortunate to live in a community like Quail Creek to have so many great friends and neighbors that are supportive of us.”
The Rainbow Club is an LGBTQ social network open to all residents of Quail Creek. The club’s goal is to provide opportunities for members to meet/greet, and celebrate living in Quail Creek, Tucson, and Arizona. The club meets monthly to discuss and plan other events, activities, and community involvement. As an example, this year the club joined the City of Sahuarita to Adopt-a-Roadway along Old Nogales Highway and Continental Road.
Since the club was formed, there has been a lot of interest in membership, not just from current residents, but also from new and prospective homeowners, a reflection of the changing demographic of our community. It’s an exciting time to live in Quail Creek!
While there are no membership dues, the club does encourage and promote a safe and respectful environment for all members, where diversity and diverse perspectives are respected. If you are interested in becoming a member or would like to attend an upcoming event, please email [email protected].