Tucson’s Fluxx Productions Remains Steadfast in a Time of Flux
Dante Celeiro had to do something recently that doesn’t come easily to him: ask for donations.
As executive director of Tucson’s Fluxx Productions — the longest-running nonprofit LGBTQ+ cultural organization in the Southwest — he made the request during the organization’s free, community-loved School of Drag showcase in late May.
“School of Drag is such a big program for us. We’re just essentially losing those funds,” he said. “It’s a program that has saved people’s lives.”
Fluxx, like many grassroots organizations across the country, has been hit hard by recent cuts and rollbacks in federal funding. As larger organizations with historically steady resources tighten their belts, the small, community-rooted groups that often fill in the gaps are left scrambling for increasingly competitive grants. “Anything we lose has a massive impact on us,” Celeiro said.
Dante Celeiro of Fluxx Productions
Fluxx Productions began in 2002 as what Celeiro describes as “a little gender performance troupe.” Since then, it has evolved into a full-fledged cultural hub, driving change through arts, advocacy and community-based programs. Its work includes hosting wellness events like Yogay, offering peer-led support groups, leading workshops like School of Drag and stepping in where public systems often fall short — on everything from mental health services to food assistance.
“Throughout COVID, we fed people,” he said. “We rehoused people. We spent money on mental health services. We know we’ve had an impact on this community. If we see something and we know we can do something about it, we’re going to do it.”
That philosophy also guided Fluxx’s recent integration of the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance (SAGA), after years of collaboration. With that move, the organization expanded its reach and deepened its commitment to trans communities, offering even more focused support and programming.
But those same commitments make current financial decisions even harder.
“We have people coming to events who are close to being on the streets,” Celeiro said. “They’re navigating discrimination, job instability and housing barriers. I don’t know how I’m going to freaking do it, but I’m not going to let any of this go.”
In fact, Celeiro is planning to do more.
Quietly, he’s been working with an architect to bring a longtime dream to life: building a true LGBTQ+ cultural center in Tucson. It’s part of a five-year vision that also includes launching a grief group to support the “heaviness” so many in the LGBTQ+ community are carrying.
“They’re taking the vision I’ve had in my head and piecing it together,” he said.
Fluxx, after all, was named for a reason. “We chose ‘Fluxx’ because change is constant,” Celeiro explained. “People change. Times change. And change starts with you.”
Even in uncertainty, he’s committed to creating joy, connection and spaces where people can be fully themselves.
“We’re not going anywhere,” he said. “We’re going to keep throwing these events, doing the things we’re told we shouldn’t be doing. Right now, we’re just holding space — for safety, for celebration, for people to know they’re not alone.”
Show Your Pride and Support Fluxx at Pride Dance 2025 – Still Here. Still Queer.
The legendary Pride Dance is back — and this year, your presence means more than ever. Join Fluxx on June 28 at 191 Toole for a night of resistance, joy and unapologetic queer power, with high-energy beats from DJs, GoGo dancers and a community that shows up for one another. All proceeds help sustain Fluxx’s vital work year-round.
Related Information:
Visit the Fluxx website for information on their programming, services and upcoming events
Fluxx offers professional event production services to help fund their mission. Learn more here
