Fab Las Vegas Magazine - Volume 22 - #6 by Gay Vegas

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VOL 22, #6

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LAS VEGAS MAGAZINE

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GayVegas.com celebrates 25 years announcing future development of GayHenderson.com and GaySummerlin.com

Father’s Day - #UsToo - UNLV Spectrum - Moana’s Auli’i Cravalho - Vegoss - Pride

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

By: Chris Azzopardi

Photo Credit: Raul Romo

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More than

Auli’i Cravalho on her new bisexual role, her first Pride and coming out on TikTok

t’s still open to interpretation whether Moana is on the queer spectrum, but Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced the Disney princess, can assure you of one thing — she’s a proud bisexual. The 21-yearold actress portrays her first openly LGBTQ+ character in

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“Crush,” a Hulu Original Film with lesbian love at its center. Cravalho, as track-team runner AJ, plays an instrumental part — saying anything else would give too much away — in the teen rom-com about the unexpected twists and turns in high school romance.

Donning a plaid Coach coat, which she was wearing “proudly for the rest of the day on this couch” since it wasn’t hers, Cravalho talked on video about inspiring LGBTQ+ youth to be themselves, her

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------message to major corporations like Disney when it comes to queer issues, and what about her first Pride event she’s most looking forward to. As somebody older than you, I can say how proud it makes me to see people in the queer community be part of these movies. These movies did not exist when I was a teenager, so I can only imagine what it means to queer youth when they see not only themselves in these characters but people who are queer playing them.

Thank you. It felt really important to me, as well. I remember reading the script, and I was, for one, honored because I haven’t really played a queer role before. I do identify as bisexual, so it felt important, also, that my character was written in that way. It was really nice to have a rom-com that focused on teens that was positive and sex-positive. And also, not being focused on a coming out story, because we are so much more than just sexuality. It felt really refreshing. I was very happy to play AJ.

You’ve answered my next question, which was: What appealed to you most about this movie when you got the script? I was just happy that it was a good script, first and foremost. But also, then I learned that the writers, Kirsten King and Casey Rackham, are also queer. And then, to top it off, our director, Sammi Cohen, is also queer. It felt so good, and after reading the script, it made sense. I was, like, “Oh, see, this is why the jokes land. And this is why the Gen

Photo Credit: Hulu

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Facebook.com/FreeZoneLV

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------Z humor is so on the nose, because we’re making fun of ourselves, and it’s funny!” Working with so many people from the LGBTQ+ community, did you feel at home? Yeah. It’s really fun. I mean, just to know that we are making something that I’ve learned affects how people are treated in real life. So, to show films that are more diverse, inclusive, sex-positive — it broadens our audience’s minds, and I think we all knew that. But then, also, we’re all young.

Photo Credit: Hulu

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It’s a young cast, and we all got to, somewhat, [hang out] during a pandemic, because this is a pandemic film. I was skateboarding with some people because that’s what my character does, and I fell down a lot. It was just fun to be included in a cast that knew the importance of the film. AJ is into girls, but do we know how she identifies? Yes, we do. AJ is a proud bisexual just like me. How do you relate to her? I, for this role, practiced running, which is strange to say, but I did have to practice

how to run. [Laughs.] I also took a few skateboarding lessons and drove myself to the skate park, and I fell down a lot. Like, truthfully, that really bruised my pride. It was important for me to do that, because that connected me more so to AJ, as someone who is a perfectionist. She wants to be on her A-game, always, in school, as far as grades are concerned, as well as with the track team. She is co-head of the track team. Then what we come to find out is she has this really strong inclination to art, and she draws. To be a perfectionist in your art is so common, but

Photo Credit: HBO

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------also so damaging because, at least for myself, when I make art, I’m like, “It’s not ready yet. It’s not ready to be seen.” Sometimes I wonder if it will ever be ready to be seen. These were traits that, suddenly, I understood, because I am also a perfectionist. In 2020, you came out on TikTok as bisexual. Did you expect that news to make the splash that it did? It was crazy! It was in the beginning of the pandemic, when no one had anything else to talk about. And I was like, “I’m gonna lip sync this Eminem song on TikTok at 3 a.m. with my mom literally snoring in the background.” It blew up. So, that was strange [laughs]. But I never felt the need to come out. Like, you don’t have to make a really big announcement to know who you are. And, for me, that’s how it was. I’ve always known that I like girls. Girls smell good, and they are soft, and I know how to talk to girls; that’s just something that comes naturally to me. So, if anyone relates to that, that’s your coming out story to yourself. When you have that conversation with yourself, that’s all it has to be. Do your queer fans still come up to you or reach out to you on Twitter and talk about it, and what do they say? Yeah! They said they’re impacted that I did that. I didn’t realize the impact, but now I do. Because it’s representation, and that’s what it comes down to. It’s seeing 10 Fab Vegas

yourself on screen and more than it was important for myself, it was important for others to know that it was OK. Sometimes we’re just in our bubbles. For me, I’m surrounded by queer people all the time. But we have to keep in mind that some 12-year-old boy in smalltown Kansas City might not have any queer friends, so the only people he has is someone like you. Yeah, well said. And it truly is that, and I forget. I forget I’m 21, you know what I mean? To have an impact like that, it makes my heart swell. I’m truly so grateful. What did you make of the “Moana is bisexual” headlines after you came out? I also find that amusing. What is written and how it is portrayed, and then how the public takes it or how one person interprets it, is entirely their own. That’s what’s super special about it. A lot of movies are queer coded. A lot of characters are camp. Representation has changed so much in the last few years, and what I love about “Crush” is that it is just casually queer. Are those the sort of queer characters that appeal to you? I think this ties back into: I am bisexual. I identify as queer. And every character that I play, moving forward, is an extension of me. And so my vibrancy and my experiences shape how I play a certain character. So, in the future, I absolutely want to play

characters that are outwardly queer. But, even if they aren’t, I think the way that I interpret scripts will always be my own. And all my characters are gonna be a little bit like this, because I’m a little bit like this. I don’t know how to say it in words. That all your roles get filtered through a queer lens? Yes! I think filtered through a queer lens is such a better way of putting it. Beautiful words. There’s been talk about Disney for years and LGBTQ+ representation within Disney films, about them falling behind and not keeping up with the times. What’s your take on that as somebody who has worked for Disney? I think it’s really important to stand on the right side of history, now. It’s important to support people, regardless of sexuality. And support people for their sexuality, as well. And, in times such as these, when corporations are tied so directly to bills and laws, I think it is imperative that people speak up. And I applaud individuals for standing up for what is right — for walking out, for striking when it’s necessary. Because it is. Because, sometimes, we need to take matters into our own hands in order to be listened to. So, I believe representation is very important, but also the work on the ground is just as important, and staying upto-date and staying informed. This is the world that we live in now. And if we’re fighting

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------for our diverse and inclusive future, then be inclusive. Put your money where your mouth is. We’re nearing Pride, and I don’t know if you’ve ever gone to a Pride event, but, this year, how do you plan on celebrating? I’m so excited. I’ve never been to a Pride event. But I lived in Hell’s Kitchen for a while.

Photo Credit: Hulu

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Always Pride there. Always Pride! [Laughs.] I suppose my first Pride event… I live in Los Angeles, so I’ll be there. I’ll be taking to the streets. I will find someone to give a little gay flag. One of the great things about wearing a mask is nobody knows who you are. So, I’ll be there. I don’t know if you’ll see me, but I will be there. It’s so joyful to walk around and to scream Lady Gaga at

the top of your lungs and to know that your community is surrounding you. And to watch “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on a TV in West Hollywood because it’s Pride. Like, everyone’s just playing things that are gay. How fun to exist in that world for a period of time. And then to take that energy and throw it everywhere that you can, for the rest of the year. I feel like that’s Pride.

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VeGoss

THE

VEGAS GOSSIP

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40-year-old Virgin

Television personality and actor Justin Brescia a.k.a. Justin Bobby from ‘The Hills’ celebrated his 40th birthday in Vegas. Brescia was accompanied by friends and family at Kassi Beach House inside Virgin Hotel Las Vegas enjoying delicious favorites such as the Mezze platter, mozzarella sticks and vodka pasta.

Local Garden Center Lady

Birthday!!

Las Vegas local (@tandylott on Instagram) had an epic birthday party you probably weren’t invited to. Photos by @ noahcastrophoto were epic!

Magic Mike Wives

It’s no bachelorette party! These married girls just want to have fun! American model and television personality Chrissy Teigen was seen on her feet cheering and dancing along to the Magic Mike LIVE show before heading over to catch the tail end of her husband John Legend’s concert residency. Also in attendance was Emma Hunton, best known for her role on Freeform’s “Good Trouble” and many Broadway credits. All eyes were on Emma when brought on stage. Emma is married to Chef Ryan Duval. 14 Fab Vegas

Las Vegas local (@damianish on Instagram) found this cactus at a local garden center. The conversation with the local garden center lady brought the LOL’s. Garden Center Lady: Are you sure this is the cactus you want? Damianish: Yes. GCL: It looks like a penis. Damianish: Yes, I love it. GCL: Is that why you chose it? Damianish: Yes. GCL: Then I also love it!

More coming to TheVegoss.com

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LGBTQ+ VEGAS NEWS -----------------------------------------------------------------------Photo Credit: Instagram.com

UNLV Spectrum organization to be archived with final meeting held in May of 2022 According to the UNLV Spectrum instagram page, the organization will be archived. The post states, “For the foreseeable future, the UNLV Spectrum organization will be archived. Our final good-bye meeting will be held on May 10th on the 2nd floor of the SU from 6pm to 8pm. Thank you to everyone who has supported us and enjoyed our events. We appreciate you all so much!” According to the website, “UNLV Spectrum is an undergraduate student organization dedicated to the queer/LGBTQ community and its allies.” The website continues, “We focus on activism, education, outreach, and creating a safe place for LGBTQ+ students on campus where they can be who they are and find likeminded people.”

LGBTQ & gender services / programs that remain include: QTPOC MeetUps - Monthly programs to build community with queer and trans people of color. Topics range from game days to conversations about racism in queer and trans communities. LGBTQ Financial Aid Night - In collaboration with UNLV Financial Aid, this event is usually held in the fall to support queer and trans students. The goal is to increase students’ understanding of the financial aid process and address the needs of LGBTQ communities. Lavender Graduation - An annual event to celebrate LGBTQ students who have completed their program of study. “In 1995, the first Lavender Graduation ceremony was coordinated at the University of Michigan by

then LGBT Campus Resource Center director Ronni Sanlo. Dr. Sanlo realized that LGBT students needed to be recognized for “not only their achievements but for surviving their college years” - LGBT Resource Center, USC Ace Week - Formerly Asexual Awareness Week, is an international campaign dedicated to raising awareness and expanding education of asexuality. Learn more about Ace Week at their source page. Trans @ UNLV - Includes information on Changing Your Name in MyUNLV, Changing Your Name on GMail, Sample Template to Send to Faculty about Name and Gender Pronouns, and more. Fore more information visit the Student Diversity & Social Justice page at: unlv.edu/sdsj

TMRWZ MUZIC INTERVIEW

By: Lawrence Ferber

TMRWZ MUZIC

Photo: Lenny Emson, KyivPride executive director, via Zoom

Cavetown talks new projects, musical evolution and war on trans people As YouTube, social media, and self-released music platform Bandcamp grew in popularity, musicians could create music and garner followings from their own bedrooms: hence “bedroom pop” was born, and so was the career of UK-born, 23-year-old singer/songwriter/ producer Robin Skinner (he/ they), aka Cavetown. Currently embarked on a dense, largely sold out U.S. tour through late spring with international dates to follow, the openly transgender Cavetown — who also falls 18 Fab Vegas

somewhere on the aromantic and asexual spectrum — recently followed up his 2021 EP, “Man’s Best Friend,” with the single “Fall In Love With A Girl.” The song is a collaboration with FilipinoBritish next gen guitar hero beabadoobee, about “someone who’s struggling with their sexuality and how that affects their happiness,” Skinner explained in a press release. “This person is scared to take the leap to make themselves happy and tries to make things work in a hetero relationship. When they finally take the

step to be in a same-sex relationship, they realize how happy it makes them and that it’s OK to trust yourself.” Cavetown’s journey began at age 14, when Skinner uploaded his first original song, “Haunted Lullaby,” to YouTube, which, seemingly on brand for bedroom pop, boasts a ukulele (he’s swiveled more to guitars lately, plus gorgeous, richly melodic hooks and well-produced harmonies on even his most lilting tracks). A 2015 self-titled, self-released full length album scored acclaim and a quickly

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TMRWZ MUZIC INTERVIEW growing audience — which, today, includes eight million monthly Spotify listeners, over two million YouTube subscribers, and more than a billion global streams. At the same time, Skinner also kept busy dropping covers of songs by Twenty One Pilots, Elvis Presley, Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber between subsequent singles, EP and LP releases (most can be found on Cavetown’s Bandcamp), including his 2020 major label debut on Sire Records, “Sleepyhead.” Taking a break from tour rehearsals, Skinner fielded email questions about his new single, his musical evolution, touring, insect wars, other awesome non-binary/trans bedroom pop artists and the GOP’s war against trans people. To get it out of the way, where did the stage name Cavetown come from? I wish I had an interesting answer, but I came up with it when I was like 12 or 13, just because it sounded cool! I’m very grateful that it still sounds cool to me and didn’t end up being something cringey.

[musician] Jacob Bugden’s synths and drums. I pretty much just work in Logic and haven’t really explored any cool plugins or hardware, so it was sick to watch Jacob do his thing with the synths he brought. There’s so much unique stuff you can do with external hardware, but finding where to start seems so overwhelming. You don’t shy away from being vulnerable and intimate in your lyrics. For example, in 2020, you told Billboard, “I write songs about things that I find hard to talk about in person with people.” Which song from your most recent EP, “Man’s Best Friend,” is the most personal for you? “Sharpener” is definitely the most personal and one that I’m really proud of. Sonically, I started by taking inspiration from one of my really old songs, “I Promise I’m Trying” [from the EP Nervous Friends: Pt. 1], which has maintained a special place in my heart since I wrote it in 2015. They both come from a similar subject matter of struggling with your mental health and looking for a way to ask for help while also finding it hard to leave behind the coping mechanisms you’ve relied on for a while.

Was there an opportunity to do something new on “Fall In How would you describe Love With A Girl” that you your musical evolution since haven’t before? 2015? Working with beabadoobee It’s hard for me to identify how was something new, which my songwriting has changed, I was super stoked to get to but my production has do! Her voice works so well definitely improved a lot, and in the KyivPride song, andprotest I had in a great Photo: Kyiv, Ukraine I just hope that it continues to Photo Credit: Facebook time recording with her and do so. mixing her vocals, as well as

Have you recorded some songs over the years that you’re saving for a future release, or, like Prince and Paddy McAloon of Prefab Sprout, will keep in a vault forever? No full songs that I can think of, but I have a ton of halffinished project files that I forgot about or got bored of. They’re great to keep for inspiration when I’m feeling stuck. Quite a few of my songs, like “Guilty” and “Boys Will Be Bugs,” came from unfinished projects that I originally got stuck with or thought I would be scrapping. And what other projects are in the works that you can say something about? I don’t know if I can share much, but I’m working on dipping my toesies into some film scoring. There seems to be a proliferation of fantastic non-binary and transidentified bedroom pop artists lately, including Kali, Khai Dreams and Addision Grace, your opening act on your current tour. What is it about that genre that’s so perfect for you, and did I miss any artists you’d add to that list? I feel like I just fit so comfortably into bedroom pop as someone who’s always felt so protective over my production. I’ve always produced everything myself from home and plan on keeping it that way forever. And my friend Allie Cuva, aka allie, makes some stunning music, and an artist I played

Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures

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TMRWZ MUZIC INTERVIEW a show with a long time ago called NoSo has some of the most mesmerizing guitar skills I’ve seen in person. Highly recommend. You performed at Lollapalooza in 2021. How was that experience? It was cool! Definitely quite nerve-racking, as it felt very foreign to be around so many people after the pandemic, but we managed to stay as isolated as possible. The most memorable moment for me was watching a cicada and a bee falling from a tree while fighting. The cicada was screaming and I witnessed it die on the ground. [sad emoticon] What separates touring the USA from touring your native UK and other countries? The crowd is pretty consistent all over the world, which

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is really nice! Ninety-nine percent of the time everyone is super sweet and respectful, which is really comforting because it feels like I’m just going out into a room full of my buddies no matter where in the world I am. The biggest difference is definitely the travel time. The USA is huge. I’m very privileged to be able to travel in a bus and sleep through most of the long drives. Any cities you love the most, or can’t wait to visit on this current tour? I’m really excited to spend more time in San Diego, Seattle and Toronto. Republicans and GOP leaders are attacking trans people through hateful state bills right now and plan to make this a culture war point for the 2022 election. Are you aware of it, and any thoughts

or words of inspiration to share with people who live in those states? I hate to say that it’s not a surprising thing to see happening. I try not to read too much on stuff like this because I just end up feeling so powerless as an individual, but it’s important to remember how enormous, loving and active our community is. Just keep sticking by your friends and being unapologetically yourself. Things will always be OK in the end, and if they aren’t OK, then it’s not the end.

™

To secure equal rights and protections for LGBTQ Nevadans and their families.

info@EQNV.org www.EqualityNevada.org ™

Early voting has already started ahead of the June 14 2022 primary! Use this guide which includes approved organization endorsements.

info@VoterGuideNV.com www.VoterGuideNV.com

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Father’s Day Pride - An Interview with Daddy-Artist Michael Turchin Pop artist Michael Turchin – and his husband, NSYNC’s Lance Bass – welcomed fraternal twins to the world in October 2021, which makes this June a milestone month for the proud papas: Not only are they celebrating Pride, but also their first Father’s Day. In a recent interview, Turchin details his newfound daddyhood, plus how you can pick up his Pride-inspired prints to benefit The Trevor Project. When did you and Lance know you were ready for kids? 26 Fab Vegas

Independently from each other, we both grew up wanting a family, and so when we first started our relationship, the prospect of children was always on the table. We’ve been with each other now for almost 12 years, so a few years back we decided it was finally time to start that journey – and I’m beyond thrilled that we did. This is your first Father’s Day as parents. How will you celebrate? It sure is! We’re so excited to finally be able to celebrate this day. I think we’ll probably

spend a nice day at home with the kids since it’s really all about them. It’s Pride Month! What’s a proud papa moment you’ve recently had? It doesn’t seem like much but our twins finally started sitting up and playing with each other and it’s been such a joy watching them explore each other and their surroundings. It seems like they accomplish something new every week, and every time my heart expands more and more. What are you most looking

Photo Credit: HBO

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------Michael Turchin Headshots

Burning Love by Michael Turchin

forward to as a new dad? The thing I’m most excited about is celebrating the holidays and experiencing it all again through their eyes. The older you get, holidays seem to lose their magic and so I can’t wait to see their excitement and joy. What’s been the most unexpected challenge? I think the biggest – although not very unexpected – challenge is the lack of sleep. I’m still trying to get used to it. Luckily I love my babies more than I love my sleep because it sure is exhausting… in the best way possible. How do busy parents like yourselves co-parent? What tips do you have for other new LGBTQ+ parents? My husband and I are usually on the same page so we don’t butt heads too much, but we definitely have our moments. I think the best way

to co-parent is to keep the communication flowing and always support one another. We take turns with the kids most days so the other can nap, and we’ve built a great support system of friends and family that can always be there when we need a helping hand – which has been a lifesaver on many occasions. Do you find time to relax, decompress? What does that look like these days? As busy as we are with our jobs and kids, we do make a point to take time for ourselves. We’ve taken several staycations in the city where we live so we can get away and recharge without being far from home. Periodic spa days have also been a real treat. The more relaxed and uplifted we feel the better we are as parents, so taking the time whenever you can to help yourself is so important.

Sunset Boulevard by Michael Turchin

Finally, does Lance sing lullabye-bye-byes at night? (Sorry, we had to…) He does! Both Lance and I always sing around the house to each other, and now with children the singing seems to never end. In celebration of Pride Month, pop artist Michael Turchin has partnered exclusively with ArtSugar, the cutting-edge, charity-driven contemporary art retailer offering an assortment of striking framed prints and decor from the most popular global artists on social media. ArtSugar and Turchin have launched readyto-hang framed art prints of two of his rainbow-themed original artworks. Proceeds from each sale will benefit The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth. FabLasVegas.com

Visit www.HawksGym.com

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LGBTQIA+ BOOK CLUB

By: Terri Schlichenmeyer

-----------------------------------------------------------------------“Burn the Page: A True Story of Torching Doubts, Blacing Trails, and Igniting Change”

herself until she did it first. “I had to commit to being who I was...” she said. “It was time to transition.” If you ever need proof of the concept that little things make big differences, you’ll want “Burn the Page.” Same goes if you want to read a memoir that bounces with energy.

by Danica Roem. $27.00 / 320 pages c.2022, Viking

Sometimes, the smallest things make you hot under the collar. It doesn’t take much: an idiot on the road, a disrespectful eye-roll, something muttered under someone’s breath and that’s it, you’re torched. Sometimes, conversely, the smallest things can change your bad mood. In “Burn the Page” by Danica Roem, it was an email. It seemed like Danica Roems was always crying. To be fair, she had good reason: she was working two jobs and they weren’t enough to pay the bills. Her car was a piece of junk, it was 2016, and her states’ Republican delegates had just filed several anti-LGBTQ bills. For a trans woman like Roem, tears were perfectly appropriate until someone emailed her, asking why she didn’t run for office herself. Actually, why not? So, in preparation, Roem hired a team to do “opposition research” to suss out any past behavior that her homophobic opponent might try to use 30 Fab Vegas

against her. Born in the fall of 1984, Roem was three years old when her father committed suicide in their back yard; soon after, her mother’s parents needed care and moved into the Roem household. This, Roem admits, was stressful all around. Even in fifth grade, Roem knew that she wasn’t a “cis-het straight kid” but since she had no “positive representation of LGBTQ people,” she stayed closeted. By 13, though, she knew she was trans but didn’t want anybody to know; to help hide it, she participated in sports; fell in love with baseball and heavy metal music; and admired girls, albeit in ways different than did her male peers. Eventually, she made a community for herself. But when she began to think about maybe having a relationship, Roem soon realized that she had some work to do. She couldn’t expect someone to see her for

Indeed, this book is a bit like taking a small kid into a toy store: they run amok, touching and examining everything. That’s not unappealing; author Danica Roem careens about, but she always lands on the heart of this book – being honest, open, and authentic – which is likewise what she encourages readers to do. Her passion for this is contagious, and she sweeps readers along with her enthusiasm on other aspects of her life, whether it’s heavy metal music, travel, or politics. Be aware that, because of her excitement over her career and her heavy coverage of it, the latter might slam shut the eyelids of readers who are not politically-minded. On that, this book is like no other political memoir, ever. It’s fun, wildly entertaining, and it aims to mean more than just one woman’s story. For readers who want a good activist tale with a smile, “Burn the Page” is on fire.

Photo Credit: Gary Lonesborough

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LGBTQ+ websites for Summerlin and Henderson

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GayVegas.com celebrates 25 years announcing future development of GaySummerlin.com and GayHenderson.com GayVegas.com announces website development plans for GaySummerlin.com and GayHenderson.com. The news comes during pride as GayVegas.com celebrates its Silver Jubilee marking 25 years since its original registration in 1997. Plans for the websites include a focus on tourism marketing and local information for current and new LGBTQ+ residents in these cities. “We continue to see rapid growth in our subscribers in Summerlin and Henderson. These cities are not only home to a growing LGBTQ+ community, but we are also seeing data showing increased demand from tourists visiting these cities,” says BMG Inc founder John Bacon.” According to data, more community members are looking for LGBTQ+ or LGBTQ+ friendly businesses and information in these areas. 31 Fab Vegas

These cities are experiencing rapid LGBTQ+ community growth from people who have decided to make Summerlin and/or Henderson home. Studies also show that LGBTQ+ identification has doubled for Generation Z since 2017. Bacon continued, “We need to continue to evolve into the future. We are deeply invested in the LGBTQ+ community and want to make sure resources are easily accessible.” It’s also personal for John, “We grew up here. My sister Carrie Bacon, aka Carrie Rad on YouTube.com, and I, received our precollege educations in Henderson, NV attending Gibson Elementary, Greenspun Junior High, Coronado High School, and Green Valley High School.” “It has been incredible to see how much these cities have grown over the years, including tourism. Our father was VP of Information Systems for National Airlines, Las Vegas’ original hometown

airline and now to see how far we’ve come years later with the amazing Allegiant Stadium and all the professional sports teams that have made Las Vegas home. We need to make sure our LGBTQ+ community has the representation and resources it deserves.”

John Bacon

John Bacon - Green Valley High School Senior Picture

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VEGAS PRIDE FOR A CAUSE

Paid Sponsorship

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Shake Shack Introduces New Limited-Edition Shakes for Pride Shake Shack is launching three limited edition shakes for Pride. This year, 3 percent of sales from the shakes, with a minimum donation of $75,000, will support The Trevor Project - an ongoing partner since 2017.

This year’s Shake Shack theme for Pride is “Together is Sweeter,” a nod to the trio of shakes, but also underscoring the joy of gathering together to celebrate at Pride parades after the last two years. Pricing starts at $5.99:

The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ young people, providing free and confidential crisis intervention programs via a 24/7 phone lifeline, chat, and text. This year, Shake Shack’s donation is supporting The Trevor Project’s Stories of Pride campaign to make sure every single LGBTQ young person is able to live their story of pride authentically.

Chocolate Churro Shake Hand-spun cinnamon churro frozen custard, topped with spiced dark chocolate sauce, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon waffle cone crumbles OREO Funnel Cake Shake OREO cookies and funnel cake crunch hand spun with vanilla frozen custard, topped withchocolate whipped cream Sprinkle Cookie Shake Cookie butter frozen custard

hand spun with rainbow crispies and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles Visit a local Shake Shack: Shake Shack - Summerlin 10975 Oval Park Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89135 Shake Shack - Henderson 2225 Village Walk Drive Henderson, NV 89052 Shake Shack - Downtown 905 South Grand Central Pkwy Las Vegas, NV 89106 Shake Shack - The Strip 3790 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109 Shake Shack - LAS Airport Terminal 1 / A & B Rotunda

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COMMUNITY HEALING & HOPE

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The LGBTQ+ #UsToo movement and the local organization committed to all survivors The #MeToo movement has been revolutionary. The testimonies of countless courageous survivors mark a major turning point in the national conversation around sexual assault. While this epidemic is finally getting the long overdue attention it needs, the experiences of LGBTQ+ survivors are often left out of the narrative. The growing #UsToo movement intends to increase awareness of Sexual Assault and Rape of (and by) LGBTQ+ People. One local organization, Signs of HOPE, a nonprofit organization formerly known as The Rape Crisis Center, continues to serve all diverse individuals impacted by sexual violence in the community.

The organization has recently posted to their Facebook a list of ways you can support LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual violence and recently held an inclusive Denim and Drag fundraiser. The event featured over 200 guests with delicious food, cocktails, and fabulous performances from Las Vegas drag entertainers, Alexis Mateo, CoCo Montrese and Des’ree D. St. James, and an inspirational denim-themed runway show featuring survivors ranging in age from 12-54 years old. The event raised over $50,000 to support Signs of HOPE’s mission to offer hope, help and healing to those affected

by sexual violence and exploitation. Sponsors included Zappos for Good, The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, United Healthcare, and The Venetian Resort and Casino. If you are a victim of sexual assault you can report it to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sexual Assault Detail at 702-828-3421 or call the Signs of Hope 24/7 Rape Crisis Hotline at 702-366-1640. Learn more about Signs of HOPE at SOHLV.org

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Information for Teens: Staying Healthy and Preventing STDs If you choose to have sex, know how to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? STDs are diseases that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, and HIV. Many of these STDs do not show symptoms for a long time. Even without symptoms, they can still be harmful and passed on during sex.

consider before having sex. It’s okay to say “no” if you don’t want to have sex. •

If you do decide to have sex, you and your partner should get tested for STDs beforehand. Make sure that you and your partner use a condom from start to finish every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Know where to get condoms and how to use them correctly. It is not safe to stop using condoms unless you’ve both been tested for STDs, know your results, and are in a mutually monogamous relationship.

•

Mutual monogamy means that you and your partner both agree to only have sexual contact with each other. This can help protect against STDs, as long as you’ve both been tested and know you’re STD-free.

•

Before you have sex, talk with your partner about how you will prevent STDs and pregnancy. If you think you’re ready to have sex, you need to be ready to protect your body. You should also talk to your partner ahead of time about what you will and will not do sexually. Your partner should always respect your right to say no to anything that doesn’t feel right.

•

Make sure you get the health care you need. Ask a doctor or nurse about STD testing and about vaccines against HPV and hepatitis B.

•

Girls and young women may have extra needs to protect their reproductive health. Talk to your doctor or nurse about regular cervical cancer screening, and chlamydia and gonorrhea testing. You may also want to discuss unintended pregnancy and birth control.

•

Avoid mixing alcohol and/or recreational drugs with sex. If you use alcohol and drugs, you are more likely to take risks, like not using a condom or having sex with someone you normally wouldn’t have sex with.

How are STDs spread? You can get an STD by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has an STD. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD. You don’t even have to “go all the way” (have anal or vaginal sex) to get an STD. This is because some STDs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skinto-skin contact. How common are STDs? STDs are common, especially among young people. There are about 20 million new cases of STDs each year in the United States. About half of these infections are in people between the ages of 15 and 24. Young people are at greater risk of getting an STD for several reasons: •

Young women’s bodies are biologically more prone to STDs.

•

Some young people do not get the recommended STD tests.

•

Many young people are hesitant to talk openly and honestly with a doctor or nurse about their sex lives.

•

Not having insurance or transportation can make it more difficult for young people to access STD testing.

•

Some young people have more than one sex partner.

What can I do to protect myself? •

The surest way to protect yourself against STDs is to not have sex. That means not having any vaginal, anal, or oral sex (“abstinence”). There are many things to

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against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

If Iare getsexually an STD, how will Idiseases know? (STDs)? What transmitted STDs are diseases that are passed from one person to another Many STDs don’t cause any symptoms that you through sexual contact. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, would notice. only way(HPV), to know for sure genital herpes, humanThe papillomavirus syphilis, and HIV. if you haveSTDs an STD to get tested.forYou can get an Many of these do notis show symptoms a long time. Even without they can stillwith be harmful and passed STDsymptoms, from having sex someone whoonhas no during sex. symptoms. Just like you, that person might not

even he or she has an STD. How are know STDs spread?

You can get an STD by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with Where can I get tested? someone who has an STD. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD.There You don’t have that to “gooffer all theteen-friendly, way” (have anal or vaginal areeven places sex) to get an STD. This is because some STDs, like herpes and HPV, confidential, and free STD tests. This means that are spread by skin-to-skin contact.

no one has to find out you’ve been tested. Visit

How common to arefind STDs? GetTested an STD testing location near

STDs are common, especially among young people. There are you. about 20 million new cases of STDs each year in the United States. About halfSTDs of thesebe infections are in people between the ages of Can treated? 15 and 24. Young people are at greater risk of getting an STD for Your doctor can prescribe medicine to cure several reasons:

some STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea.

• Young women’s bodies are biologically more prone Other STDs, like herpes, can’t be cured, but you to STDs.

can take medicine to help with the symptoms.

• Some young people do not get the recommended If STD youtests. are ever treated for an STD, be sure to

•finish Manyall young peoplemedicine, are hesitanteven to talkifopenly and better of your you feel honestly with a doctor or nurse about their sex before you finish it all. Ask the doctor orlives. nurse

testing and treatment for your partner, •about Not having insurance or transportation can make it more difficult young people to access STD avoid testing.having too. Youfor and your partner should until you’ve both been •sex Some young people have moretreated. than one Otherwise, sex partner you may continue to pass the STD back and forth. It is possible to get an STD again (after

What can I do to protect myself?

• The surest way to protect yourself against STDs is to not you’ve been you have sex with have sex. Thattreated), means notifhaving any vaginal, anal, or someone who has anThere STD. oral sex (“abstinence”). are many things to consider before having sex. It’s okay to say “no” if you don’t want to What happens if I don’t treat an STD? have sex.

Some curable STDs can be dangerous if they aren’t treated. For example, if left untreated, CS287360A chlamydia and gonorrhea can make it difficult— or even impossible—for a woman to get pregnant. You also increase your chances of getting HIV if you have an untreated STD. Some STDs, like HIV, can be fatal if left untreated. What if my partner or I have an incurable STD? Some STDs, like herpes and HIV, aren’t curable, but a doctor can prescribe medicine to treat the symptoms. If you are living with an STD, it’s important to

tell partner before youyouhave sex. partner Although • Ifyour you do decide to have sex, and your should get tested for STDs beforehand. Make sure that you and it may be uncomfortable to talk about your your partner usehonest a condom from start to finish every STD, open and conversation can help time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Know where to your partner make informed decisions to get condoms and how to use them correctly. It is not protect his or her health. safe to stop using condoms unless you’ve both been STDs, knowwho your results, and are them? in a mutually If Itested havefor questions, can answer monogamous relationship.

If• you have questions, talk to a parent or other Mutual monogamy means that you and your partner both trusted be afraid be each openother. andThis agreeadult. to only Don’t have sexual contactto with honest with themagainst aboutSTDs, yourasconcerns. If both you’re can help protect long as you’ve been and know evertested confused or you’re need STD-free. advice, they’re the first place to start. After were young once, • Before you have sex, all, talk they with your partner about how too.you will prevent STDs and pregnancy. If you think you’re ready to have sex, you need to be ready to protect your

Talking about sexalso with parent or another body. You should talkato your partner ahead of time adult doesn’t need bewill a one-time about what you willto and not do sexually. Your partner conversation. bestyour to leave the forthat should alwaysIt’s respect right to saydoor no to open anything doesn’t feel right. conversations in the future. • Make sure you get the health care you need. Ask a doctor It’s also important to talk honestly with a doctor or nurse about STD testing and about vaccines against or nurse. Ask which STD tests and vaccines HPV and hepatitis B. they recommend for you. • Girls and young women may have extra needs to protect

their reproductive health.information? Talk to your doctor or nurse Where can I get more

about regular cervical cancer screening, and chlamydia

CDC and gonorrhea testing. You may also want to discuss

unintended birth control. How You Canpregnancy Preventand Sexually Transmitted • Avoid mixing alcohol and/or recreational drugs with sex. Diseases If you use alcohol and drugs, you are more likely to take www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/

risks, like not using a condom or having sex with someone

Teen youPregnancy normally wouldn’t have sex with. https://www.cdc.gov/ teenpregnancy/teens/ index.htm

CDC-INFO Contact Center 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) Contact wwwn.cdc.gov/dcs/ ContactUs/Form HealthFinder.gov STD Testing: Conversation Starters https://healthfinder.gov/ HealthTopics/ Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/ hiv-and-other-stds/std-testing-conversationstarters American Sexual Health Association Sexual Health and You http://www.iwannaknow.org/ teens/ sexualhealth.html FabLasVegas.com

STD (SEXUALLY TRASMITTED DISEASES) INFO SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES INFO, TESTING & RESOURCES WHAT IS A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that are commonly spread by sexual activity, especially vaginal intercourse, anal sex and oral sex.

WHAT IS HIV? HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system.It is usually spread by anal or vaginal sex or sharing syringes with a person who has HIV. The only way to know you have HIV is to be tested. Everyone aged 13-64 should be tested at least once, and people at high risk should be tested at least once a year. Ask your doctor, or visit gettested.cdc.gov to find a testing site. Without treatment, HIV can make a person very sick or may even cause death. If you have HIV, start treatment as soon as possible to stay healthy and help protect your partners.

Nevada is the fifth highest state in the United States for rates of new HIV diagnoses and is #1 in Syphillis *According to CDC HIV Surveillance Report, 2017 and the CDC Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report, 2017 released in 2018

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STD TESTING RESOURCE SOUTHERN NEVADA HEALTH DISTRICT ADDRESS 1: 280 S. Decatur Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89107 HOURS: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed 12 – 1 p.m.) ADDRESS 2: 4201 W. Washington Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89107 HOURS: Monday – Wednesday 9 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The following services are offered at the Sexual Health Clinic: 1.

Diagnosis and treatment of active or suspected cases of:

•

Chlamydia

•

Gonorrhea

•

Syphilis

•

HIV

•

Trichomonas (females only)

•

Bacterial Vaginosis (females only)

Free condoms and instruction on how to safely use them (both male and female condom)

Follow-up bloodwork

Hepatitis screening, diagnosis and treatment

High-risk behavior counseling

HIV Nursing Case Management

Injection series for syphilis medication

Partner notification

Referrals by private physicians

10. Sexual assault follow-up 11. Test results and couseling Clients seeking treatment at the Sexual Health Clinic should know that the Health District is required to report cases involving assault or abuse to appropriate agencies. HIV Testing: HIV antibody testing is a simple blood test performed by a trained professional. This procedure is strictly confidential. Counseling regarding the meaning of the test and its result take place before the actual testing to ensure you understand HIV infection and the testing procedure. HIV testing procedure: Blood Test – Blood drawn from a vein is tested for HIV antibodies. This test is available at the Sexual Health Clinic (280 S. Decatur Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89107 ), Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call (702) 759-0702 for more information. If you have questions, contact the clinic by phone at (702) 759-0702 or by email at SexualHealth@snhd.org. FabLasVegas.com

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WWW.IRSCDEI.ORG

www.afanlv.org Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) provides support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. AFAN works to reduce HIV infection through prevention and education to eliminate fear, prejudice and the stigma associated with the disease.