Southern Arizona Gender Alliance SAGA

Mission

The Southern Arizona Gender Alliance (SAGA) envisions a society in which transgender and transsexual people are ensured of their basic rights and can be open, honest, and safe at home, at work, and in the community. To achieve this goal, SAGA organizes educational, social, and advocacy programs for gender-diverse people and their significant others, friends, families, and allies.

Support, Resources, Advocacy and Education

SAGA offers support, social, and discussion groups that reflect the various aspects of gender and society. We also provide speakers, educational forums, and trainings for businesses, service providers, and the public to learn more about the issues facing transgender people and how our allies can be supportive and inclusive.

Kevin Maxey's Thanksgiving

Be sure to visit our web site at www.sagatucson.org

We also host a variety of Yahoo groups to help people stay connected. For a complete listing of our groups and to subscribe, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/saga-az

See our Facebook page for upcoming events. Members go to SAGA on Facebook. To join SAGA on Facebook, send an email to SAGAgroup@groups.facebook.com  

For More Information about SAGA call 520-624-1779 ext 120 or email info@sagatucson.org or eruss@wingspan.org.

Support Groups

Unless otherwise noted, all meeting are held at Wingspan
430 East 7th Steet
Tucson, AZ  85705
Phone 520-624-1779 for directions

Be yourself and dress however you like — there’s no pressure. You don’t need to be trans-identified to attend a meeting or get involved. We welcome allies of all kinds!

General Meeting

Jennifer Hoefle and Alison Davison, Coordinators - Trans Awareness Week

Monthly support and social meeting, events and news announcements,  guest speakers, and general check-in. This meeting is open to all – allies, friends, and family members.

The SAGA monthly meeting is a great starting place for first-timers and visitors!

First Mondays (including holidays)
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Questions? Contact eruss@wingspan.org or call 520-624-1779 ext 120

Dezert Girlz

Support Group

Support and social group for all kinds of people who were assigned male gender at birth, but who do not feel that is an accurate description or complete expression of their identity. Membership includes all people on the Male-to-Female (MTF) continuum AND their significant others, friends, family, and allies. You do not have to identify as transsexual or be in the transition process. We are open to anyone who is interested in the concept of gender and who is supportive of the purpose of the group.

Second Mondays
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Questions? Contact eruss@wingspan.org

Coffee Night

4th Thursdays as arranged.  Contact SAGA coordinator.

Dezert Boyz

Support Group

Support and social group for all kinds of people who were assigned female gender at birth, but who do not feel that is an accurate description or complete expression of their identity. Membership includes all people on the Female-to-Male (FTM) continuum AND their significant others, friends, family, and allies. You do not have to identify as transsexual or be in the transition process. We are open to anyone who is interested in the concept of gender and who is supportive of the purpose of the group.

Third Tuesdays
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Questions? Contact kevin@sagatucson.org

Social Activities

Local transmen have organized monthly social events for FTMs and friends, including Guys Night Out and weekly football games. Not sponsored by Wingspan/SAGA, but we encourage your participation! For more information and schedule, contact scorpionmudd@yahoo.com.

Dezert Partnerz

One person’s transition is a transition for everyone. As the partner, spouse, or close friend of a transgender or transsexual person, you may feel betrayed, angry, confused – or delighted – by the all-consuming nature of transition and the complexities of life, love, and intimacy that accompany the journey. For many of us, this is uncharted territory, and the sometimes desperate attempts to make sense of the “whys” can be overwhelming. Join this group to gain a better understanding of the ways gender diversity can impact a relationship. Share your feelings, concerns, and experiences. You do not need to be currently partnered with someone to attend this group, nor do couples need to be of a trans/non-trans pairing. Meetings are confidential.

Third Thursdays
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Questions? Contact sharon@sagatucson.org

Resources, Education and Advocacy

SAGA Advisory Committee

Amanda Simpson and Erin Russ at Transgender Day of Remembrance

Help guide the future of SAGA and our programs and services. Find a volunteer role within SAGA that excites you! Individual volunteers and project leaders are encouraged to participate.

Fourth Mondays
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Questions? Contact eruss@wingspan.org

Trans Advocacy & Education

SAGA’s second primary role is advocating for equal treatment and equal opportunity for all transgender people through educating the community at large. SAGA is the primary resource on transgender issues in Tucson, southern Arizona, and the greater Southwest region.

SAGA Speakers Bureau

The SAGA Speakers Bureau provides speakers and panelists for your class, event, business, or training. We can provide general education or discuss specific topics. This is a free service; donations are always welcome.

To schedule a speaker or training, please call the program coordinator at 520-624-1779 ext 120 or email speakers@sagatucson.org with your event details.

Arizona Transgender Workplace (ATWORK) Project

The ATWORK Project creates and fosters open, inclusive and safe working environments for transgender applicants and employees by promoting an understanding of gender expression and gender identity among managers and other supervisory-level personnel. The ATWORK Project brings together representatives from companies all over Arizona for an enlightening, informative presentation on transgender issues and how they impact the workplace.

For more information or to schedule a workplace training or consultation, contact the SAGA Program Coordinator at 520-624-1779 ext 120 or email eruss@wingspan.org.

TRANSforming Community Workshop

The TRANSforming Community program works to meet a critical need to educate public- and private-sector decision makers, students and educators, attorneys and judges, religious leaders, business owners, and legislators. Our work towards this goal includes conferences, workshops, in-service trainings, luncheons, and other forums.

For more information about the TRANSforming Community Project, contact the SAGA Program Coordinator at 520-624-1779 ext 120 or email eruss@wingspan.org

SAGA welcomes everyone!

To request program materials in an alternate format or to request reasonable accommodations please contact: Erin at (520)624-1779 x120  or eruss@wingspan.org