Diversity Rules Magazine

3 Diversity Rules Magazine May 2019 Joey Amato is the publisher of Pride Journeys, the premier source for LGBT travel. Joey publishes des na on reviews in addi on to lifestyle content that is both insigh ul and engaging to LGBT readers. Joey has spent the majority of his career dedicated to the LGBT community, having contrib- uted to numerous publica ons around North America. In ad- di on, he owns Agency33 Public Rela ons, a full-service firm spe- cializing in LGBT outreach. The last me I was in the Phoenix area was 2005, so when I was of- fered a chance to visit the city again, I jumped at the opportunity, espe- cially since this trip would coincide with Phoenix Pride. The tempera- ture in the spring and fall is quite tolerable and enjoyable so I would plan your vaca on during those seasons, unless you are an avid heat seeker. I really didn't recognize any part of the city, so jump- ing on a pedal cab for a quick tour of downtown was the best way to orient myself. I met up with my friend Josh Rimer aka Mr. Gay Canada, and we were on our way! Our wonderful tour guide Billy was a hoot. He knew everything about every nook and cranny of the city from the history of buildings to the meaning of some of city's most icon- ic murals. He knew we were in town for gay pride, so he included some informa on about the city's LGBT his- tory and culture. Before checking in to our hotel, we stopped for lunch at The Churchill, a locally owned community-driven gathering spot in the heart of the Roosevelt Row neighborhood. Ten small businesses surround an open-air courtyard intended for dining, drinking and socializing. The space hosts a variety of speakers, art events, and fitness classes throughout the year. If you're craving a bit of luxury, check in to the magnificent Fairmont Sco sdale Princess. It's one of the most LGBT-friend- ly resorts in the region and is set against the picturesque McDowell Mountain range. The sprawling Southwestern-style complex features 750 guest rooms, six heated pools, and a 44,000 square-foot Well & Being Spa. Spa culture is big in Sco sdale, with many proper es offering unique treatments highligh ng their natu- ral surroundings. The Phoenician offers a wonderful Body & Soul treatment that is not to be missed. Speaking of spas, we ventured off the beaten path to explore another renowned spa resort called CIVANA. Traveling can be fun, but also stressful, so I chose a relaxing treatment combining 10 different aromatherapy blends. While at CIVANA, take part in a sound bath class, where an instructor creates vibra ons using singing bowls made from various healing crystals. All you need to do is relax while the sounds melt your worries away. For the adventurous type, try aerial yoga. This is not your run of the mill yoga. In fact, it wasn't relaxing at all. It was more like a Cirque du Soleil training camp. I tried my hardest to keep myself balanced while suspended in mid air by nothing but cloth. Of course, my fearless instructor made me go upside down and swing from side to side while a flimsy sheet was supposed to support me. A er I got over Journeys - Con't on page 7 Pride Journeys Phoenix/Tempe By Joey Amato

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