Jerry Gardner
On Sunday, June 5, the Quail Creek Rainbow Club kicked off June Pride Month with their second annual celebratory barbecue at the Madera Clubhouse. More than 70 club members and their guests from the Green Valley Recreational LGBTQ+ Group were in attendance to show solidarity and support for the LGBTQ+ community in Quail Creek and Green Valley.
June Pride Month is an important time for LGBTQ+ people worldwide. While its roots were started 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+ have experienced with discrimination, hate crimes, and inequality, and continue to experience over 50 years later. However, it’s also a time to recognize and celebrate the significant achievements and impacts LGBTQ+ have made in our society and continue to make.
“We are fortunate to live in a community like Quail Creek and Green Valley, to have so many supportive friends and neighbors,” says Jerry Gardner, co-founder of the club. Since the club was formed in 2019, there has been a lot of interest in membership, not just from current residents, but new and prospective homeowners. “It’s not uncommon for us to receive inquiries from LGBTQ+ people interested in moving to Arizona and Green Valley,” says Jerry, “and ultimately choosing Quail Creek as their new home over other communities because of our diversity. Word is out: Quail Creek is simply the best place to live!”
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 and community involvement, such as Adopt-a-Roadway along Old Nogales Highway/Continental Road, food drives, and other activities. For more information about the club, please email [email protected].