Founded and facilitated by trans, queer folx and women, BOSS is creating a skill-building community that is anti-racist, feminist, and safer (physically and mentally) for Women, Queer, Trans, and Femme of Center (WQTF) folx.
Our Programs
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Each year, BOSS opens its space to an artist and provides the tools, guidance, and resources needed to empower them in their craft.
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Courses, events, and learning opportunities from BOSS’s network of queer and femme tradespeople.
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BOSS works with LGBTQ+ nonprofits to organize building and renovation days in support of housing LGBTQ+ folx in Tucson.
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BOSS partners with industry leaders to bring the community opportunities to learn more about trades.
How to be a BOSS
Become an Artist in Residence
Shop & equipment access
Mentorships
Solo exhibition
Donate
Fund shop rent
Provide materials & tools
Access to safety equipment
Volunteer & Participate
Community builds & workshops
Event operations
Business & grant writing
For Tradespeople
Collaborate
Jobs & mutual aid projects
Become a mentor
Referral & networking opportunities
Our People
It all started with two trans makers and one shared vision: To create an inclusive, equitable, and diverse trades community in Tucson.
Meet the folx behind BOSS:
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Co-Founder | Co-DirectorHey y’all! My name is TC Tolbert (he/him/hey grrrl!) and here are some snippets of my world:
I like walking up a mountain more than walking down; on the Enneagram, I'm a 1; I'm also a Capricorn; when I started testosterone, I chose Oct 21 so I could become a Libra – that was almost 20 years ago and I’m still searching for balance; learning is infinitely more interesting to me than knowing (and scarier, too); along with my partner, I am wildly blessed to get to care for a pit bull who is willing to cuddle any time day or night; I am white and I was born and raised a girl in Hixson, TN as a speaking-in-tongues Pentecostal and I eventually came out as queer, feminist, anti-racist, and trans-masc; I have lived in Tucson since 2003, which occupies the traditional territories of the Tohono O’odham and Pascua Yaqui peoples; I’m honored to work alongside Victor and y’all on Building Out – prior to the pandemic, my collaborations were through writing, movement, and social activism and this practice of building is a true transition and joy; I’ve been following my younger sister around and learning from her since she was born – she’s the real builder/home renovation genius and I’m forever her mentee; I never cease to experience a simultaneous grief and deep love any time I pay attention to the world.
I’ve published several books and chapbooks of poetry, including Gephyromania (Ahsahta Press, 2014/Nightboat Books, 2022) and The Quiet Practices, winner of the 2023 Chad Walsh Chapbook Prize at Beloit. I’m the co-editor (along with Trace Peterson) of Troubling the Line: Trans and Genderqueer Poetry and Poetics (Nightboat Books 2013). In 2019, I was awarded an Academy of American Poets’ Laureate Fellowship for my work with trans, non-binary, and queer folks.
I’m so excited to BUILD OUT WITH YOU. <3
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Co-Founder | Co-Directorhe/him/his
Victor Valencia is a trans man, builder, and self-taught furniture maker and artist whose work reflects his love of geometry and lines, wood and metal. Raised in a small town, Victor carries the grounding values of community and simplicity into his adventurous spirit. He loves traveling to new places and learning new skills, continually expanding his horizons.
Victor’s passion, curiosity, and resilience shine through every piece he creates. Now, he shares his knowledge through mentoring, workshops, and his role as a boss, empowering others to explore their own creative paths. Honored to be recognized as a 2024 Voqal Fellow, he is proud to contribute alongside brilliant WQTF (Women, Queer, Trans, and Femme) changemakers, using his artistry and dedication to build more beautiful, inclusive futures.
