Arizona Illustrated

Finding Hope at Sister José Women’s Center Sister José Women’s Center, a Tucson-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is committed to the mission of aiding and uplifting women experiencing homelessness. At their low-barrier day center, they offer unaccompanied women stability and safety, providing them with a refuge to heal from the harsh realities of life in the United States. Lino Arruda: Monstrans Lino Arruda is a Brazilian, transmasculine artist, graphic novelist, illustrator and activist. He has a PhD. in Literature (Fulbright) and is a 2024 Arizona Commission on the Arts Research and Development Grant recipient. His work depicts trans/queer culture through monstrous embodiments that stretch beyond the highly gendered notion of Human. His 2021 graphic novel, Monstrans, is inhabited by characters that are part-human, part-monster. In it he shares autobiographical stories that explore identity at the intersection of disabled, lesbian and transmasculine experience. His newest graphic novel, Cisphoria, is a trans-futuristic graphic trilogy and a collaboration with Brazilian, transmasculine artist and friend Lui Castanho (co-writer). Cisphoria sold-out 5 months after it was released in Brazil last year and can be accessed through Patreon in English and Portuguese languages. Monstrans won the Mix Literario 2021 trophy. Lino loves illustrating books, developing games and collaborating with other LGBTQ+ artists. Desert Plants – Desert Hackberry The Desert Hackberry, Celtis pallida, is ideal for creating habitat for wildlife while helping pollinators. This drought-tolerant Sonoran Desert native plant also has thorns and can be used as an effective security hedge on your property. Thousands of native or drought-tolerant plants can be grown in the Sonoran Desert, providing a colorful and intriguing options for the garden. Some plants can provide amazing color or food for pollinators, nesting sites for birds and other wildlife, and visual and textural appeal to homeowners. Floozy Flea Floozy Flea is an ongoing artisan’s market that features work from queer, women, BIPOC, and disabled own businesses. Started by University of Arizona Student, May Luna, Floozy Flea highlights, celebrates, and inspires young artists in Tucson.