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SEPT-OCT 2015 FREE
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GAY POKER S, MILLIONS OF PLAYER DOLLARS & SECRETS
VEGOSS
INE, NEW GAY CLUB, CÉL RE CLINTON VISIT & MO
QUEERCON GAY VEGAS HACKERS
GAY RUT? T
7 POSITIVE WAYS OU
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR From our cover page alone, I bet you can tell we have another great issue this month. And indeed, trust me, the inside pages don’t disappoint! This month we’re thrilled to shine the local spotlight on Picnic by Design, hosted in partnership with the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) and The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center). If you get the chance, check it out on Sept. 12 at Symphony Park. All proceeds benefit DIFFA and The Center. We also have a new piece from the awesome Mikey Rox, who’s looking out for those feeling a bit down with “7 Positive Ways to Get Out of Your Big Gay Rut”. I really enjoyed letting my inner geek out for my story on Queercon, a social network of LGBT hackers that took part in this year’s Defcon in Vegas. Pssst – they tried to hack Grindr! We’d love to know your take on our piece about the Oregon bakers (infamous for refusing to make a cake for a lesbian wedding) who sent out cakes to 10 LGBT organizations, including Vegas’ own The Center. Apparently they love gay people. Do you believe them? We here at Gay Vegas also decided to get in on all this presidential race talk with a story on Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. While in Vegas recently, Clinton said she would enforce the marriage equality decision and touched on other issues facing the LGBT community. Finally there’s the piece that probably got your attention in the first place – our cover story on out actor Zachary Quinto. Without giving away too much, I will tell you that he talks marriage, “being bad”, and the need for more gay action stars. You’re going to want to see what he has to say. So what are you waiting for? Get reading! As always, we’re proud to bring you another issue of Gay Vegas for your certain entertainment. AUDITED BY
DANIELA COSTA EDITOR
GayVegas.com
PUBLISHER JOHN LAWRENCE EDITOR DANIELA COSTA ART DIRECTOR NATI DELGADO CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DANIELA COSTA MIKEY ROX CORY BURGESS CHRIS AZZOPARDI SOPHIE JACKSON NICK RICHIE ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES ALICIA WADINGTON ALEX GUEVARA
COMMENTS? QUESTIONS? ADVERTISING INQUIRIES? We would love to hear from you. Please drop us a line at info@gayvegas. com or call us at (702) 907-0605. NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE RIVENDELL MEDIA 1248 Route 22 West Mountainside NJ, 07092 / Phone: 212-242-6863 GAY VEGAS MAGAZINE info@gayvegas.com phone: (702) 907-0605 www.GayVegas.com Copyright © 2015 Gay Vegas. All Rights Reserved.
We reserve the right to edit columns for style, grammar, length, taste, libel and general readability, although our goal is to preserve the writer’s voice. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Gay Vegas, the publisher, its staff or advertisers. The image or name use of any individual or organization in this publication is not necessarily indicative of their respective sexual orientation. Gay Vegas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we value the benefits of diversity in our workplace. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS QUEERCON - PAGE 11 GAY VEGAS EN ESPAﾃ前L - PAGE 12 BIG GAY RUT (7 WAYS TO GET OUT) - PAGE 14 CARLY RAE JEPSEN - PAGE 16
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THE HIDDEN WORLD OF GAY POKER PLAYERS - PAGE 20 INFAMOUS ANTI-GAY BAKERY SHIPS CAKE TO THE CENTRE - PAGE 22 VEGOSS - PAGE 23
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HILLARY CLINTON - PAGE 24 CELINE DION - PAGE 26 ZACHARY QUINTO - PAGE 28 XAVIER DOLAN - PAGE 34 SURVIVING WITH PRIDE- PAGE 38 PICNIC BY DESIGN - PAGE 40 NIGHTCLUB AND BAR SCHEDULE - PAGE 42 COMMUNITY RESOURCES - PAGE 50 34
GAY VEGAS TECH
BY DANIELA COSTA
TALKS TECH AND HACKS GRINDR IN VEGAS Early August saw some very interesting characters visit Las Vegas. Thousands attended Queercon, the self-described “largest social network of LGBT hackers from around the world.” For the 12th year in a row, Queercon was a standout highlight of Defcon, one of the world’s largest annual hacker conventions. Although Queercon owes its beginnings to Seattle where its founders are from, today it’s a San Francisco-based nonprofit that has expanded to become much more than just an LGBT meet-up group. Queercon is on a mission to increase LGBT visibility in the tech industry. That mission has really gained momentum as of recently. Pride-themed convention T-shirts sold out at Defcon this year, and you could see hundreds sporting rainbows and Queercon badges at Bally’s Hotel and Casino, which hosted the conference. But the pièce de résistance was something else entirely: hacking gay hookup app Grindr. The point was to expose Grindr’s security flaws, and all of Defcon’s 16,000 or so attendees could take part. There were boundaries in place to protect those who use the app, and, according to
Queercon co-founder Robert Walker, the group will send the reports to Grindr once completed. Queercon has certainly grown leaps and bounds. This year attendance nearly tripled at all their events (including close to 2,000 at their pool party and hundreds squished into their lounge), exposing a need for more space and the opportunity to expand into other tech niches. It’s a far cry from the environment the group established itself in more than 10 years ago, which was known to be homophobic at times. Homophobic slurs in the computer community were common and the possibility of losing your job if you were out or someone outed you was very real. Many, including LGBT individuals, simply preferred to not address LGBT issues in general, which only served to increase the perception of intolerance. The group’s well-promoted events hope to draw out those who still feel hesitant to come out and join the wider LGBT computer community. Queercon recently expanded into other cyber security conferences, such as RSA and BSides, and the sense is that the sky really is the limit. Or, to use computer lingo, the cloud.
GAY VEGAS EN ESPAÑOL
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY: TOÑO ESTRADA
PREMIOS
TU MUNDO American Airlines Arena en la ciudad de Miami fue donde se dió cita multiples estrellas para llevar acabo Premios Tu Mundo, donde se reconoce a lo mejor de la televisión y música por la cadena Telemundo. Aquí en Gay Vegas, no podíamos faltar para estar al pendiente de todo lo que paso enfrente y atrás del show! La alfombra azul estuvo llena de alegria y jovial. Se presentaron muchos talentos nuevos y reconocidos de Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico y Puerto Rico! Cabe destacar que Telemundo a invertido en talento nuevo y poco a poco, con la entrega de estos premios, van creciendo año tras año, dándose a conocer. Yuri, Alejandra Guzman, Lucero, Paulina Rubio , Olga Tañon, Litzy, Fanny Lu nos deleitaron esa noche con sus presentaciones. J Balvin, Farruko, Yandel, Daddy Yankee, Regulo Caro, Victor Manuelle también dijeron presente en el escenario de Premios tu Mundo. La conducción estuvo a cargo de Angelica Vale y Raul Gonzalez. Al final del show, nos fuimos al “after party” oficial de Telemundo en el Ivy Night Club, un famosísimo lugar en Ocean Drive. Muchas estrellas llegaron y al pasar de las horas se notaba la alegría y lo contentos que estaban. Angelica Vale fue una que encontre mega “happy” haciendonos bromas y posando para la obligada “selfie” que le pedian. También en el after nos encontramos a Litzy, Jose Maria Torre, Olga Tañon y el famosísimo señor de los cielos, Rafael Amaya.
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En Español
Text LATINO to 68398 for FREE STUFF!
TOÑO ESTRADA Y AGELICA VALE
TOÑO ESTRADA YOLGA TAÑON
EVENTOS SEMANALES LGBT MARTES / PIRANHA NIGHTCLUB LA NOCHE EN EL TROPICO LATINO. $2 tragos de casa. 11PM-1AM al mardar un texto. 4633 Paradise Rd. piranhavegas.com, 702-379-9500. 10pm, entrada gratis (excluye eventos especiales y dias festivos).
SABADOS / GOODTIMES NIGHTCLUB AND BAR 2 por 1 3pm7pm. LATIN NIGHT Latin Hip Hop R&B Top 40. Precio de entrada varía. 1755 E. Tropicana Ave, goodtimesbarlv.com, 702-736-9494. 24 horas. DOMINGOS / PIRANHA NIGHTCLUB EL DESEO NOCHE LATINA 2 cuartos - Banda y Duranguense con DJ Virus. House, Top 40 & R&B w/ DJ Vago. 4633 Paradise Rd. piranhavegas.com, 702-379-9500. 10pm, entrada gratis (excluye eventos especiales y dias festivos).
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GAY VEGAS ADVICE
BY MIKEY ROX
7 POSITIVE WAYS TO GET OUT OF YOUR
BIG
Feeling more Marilyn Manson than Marilyn Monroe lately? Trade in that rut for swagger and strut with these seven positive ways to shake things up when your spirits are down.
1
Diversify Your Group of Friends
I’ve never been keen to surround myself by mostly gay friends, yet I see it all time within the gay community, especially those in urban areas – which, of all places, offers the most diversity. The inherent problem with this practice, as you might image (or experience, if you’ve fallen into this trap), is that when everyone has similar interests and tastes and personalities, it makes it hard to feel like an individual who brings value to the group. If I’m talking about you, maybe it’s time to take a break from the Broken Hearts Club and spend an evening or two with a few folks who are vastly different from yourself. You don’t have to give up your gay besties for good, of course, but enjoying conversation and activity with equally fantastic friends who don’t want to yammer on about last night’s Grindr conquest might help put your friendships in better perspective.
2
GAY RUT
Self-Impose a Hook-Up App Hiatus
I have a love/hate relationship with Grindr and other hook-up apps, as I’m confident most LGBT people do. On one hand, they help you satisfy those cravings for instant gratification when all goes according to plan, but on the other, they’re a catalyst for feelings of loneliness, self-loathing, and sadness when nothing pans out. Especially when someone in whom you’re interested is being way harsh (no need to be rude, gentlemen!) – and who the hell needs that? If your constant presence on these apps is keeping your head hung low – for reasons that aren’t physically satisfying – take a break and roll your dice in the real world for a while.
3
Ditch the Toxic Bang Buddies
We’ve all had that bedroom buddy, at some point in our lives, who’s always down, always GayVegas.com
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has something negative to say, and, as a result, always tries to bring you to their very unhappy level. If there’s a person in your life currently that fits these characteristics – and it’s adversely affecting your own attitude – you’ve got to cut your losses. Talk to the person first and explain how they’re coming off – maybe they just don’t realize it. But if this is a chronic issue that doesn’t improve, make a clean break and move on with your life. Pessimism begets pessimism, and that’s no way to wake up every day.
4
Give Yourself a Mini Getaway
When I’m at my breaking point, fed up, had enough, I know it’s time for a vacation. It doesn’t have to be a grand getaway or an expensive escape, but a change of scenery is sometimes required. In some cases I like to check into a nearby hotel to veg out and relax while other times I’ll head back to my old stomping grounds to kick it with my homies. If you don’t have that much time to spare, at least set aside a few hours to treat yourself, like with a massage or just silent time at home, for instance. Either way, a mini-getaway helps me put the pressures of life aside for a minute, de-stress, and think of healthy solutions on how to addresses whatever issues I’m experiencing.
5
Reevaluate Your Adult Priorities
What do you want in life – and are you pursuing those goals in a way that doesn’t compromise your integrity, morals, finances or future? It’s easy to get caught up in all the noise of the world – like relationships and careers that are going nowhere, binge drinking and drugs, and lamenting missed
opportunities – but, trust me when I tell you, in hindsight it’s all a waste of energy. Considering that, then, why not just skip the BS and focus on what actually matters – your own wellbeing. Learn to love yourself and you’ll be less susceptible to making poor decisions, both personally and professionally.
6
Step Up Your Fitness Game
7
Present Your Best Self in Every Way
It’s scientifically proven that exercise makes you feel better, think more positively, and enhances your own body image – the latter of which, whether we like it or not, is helpful in the gay community. Over the past year, I’ve completely transformed my body from a sedentary lump into a tight-and-fit powerhouse with confidence to spare. It’s quite incredible, actually, how your perspective on life changes when you commit to your own health. Winks from sweaty, built boys don’t hurt either.
Aside from your physical and mental fitness, there are other ways you can boost your self-confidence, including how you dress and how well you keep up your personal hygiene. A fresh haircut can go a long way to help you stand taller, as can a great outfit. Further improve your appearance by keeping facial and body hair trimmed (if that’s what makes you happy), clipping nails, splashing on cologne and tanning safely (I prefer professional sprayon versions). When you greet the world feeling awesome, everyone around you will notice. Play on, playah. GayVegas.com
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FEATURED CELEBRITY Carly Rae Jepsen on being an LGBT ally, the sly gayness of ‘Call Me Maybe’ and how Justin Bieber changed her life
N E P S E J E A R C AR LY all Me Gay-Be Ca
Carly Rae Jepsen is calling – and no, not maybe. This is a real-life phone date (pegged, of course, to the release of her latest synth-pop concoction, E•MO•TION) wherein the 29-year-old is bubbly over, well, just about everything: Her career. The gays. Marriage equality. Being “the little mermaid.” And that time Justin Bieber changed her life.
actually. He thought he was gonna have to make it on his own and move out – it was heartbreaking for all of us. We didn’t really understand it, and that’s probably when I began to really get angry about the pain that was caused for what I thought was no reason. Moving to the U.S. and seeing how big of an issue it is made me to want to help and bring awareness to the subject.
Growing up in Mission, British Columbia, in Canada, what was your introduction to the gay community? In Canada, I had tons of friends who I grew up with who are gay or lesbian. I had one friend in particular, and I saw just how hard it was for him when his family found out he was gay – they shunned him,
As a steadfast ally, that’s exactly what you’ve done. Though the group has since adjusted its policies on both fronts, you famously canceled a Boy Scouts of America gig due to the fact that gay members and leaders could not work and volunteer. You know what, I’ve had a couple “I think I’m
16 Gay Vegas Magazine
gonna tell my kids about this” moments. When we got marriage equality and there was a celebration for that in New York City (hosted by Freedom to Marry on July 9), it was an honor to be a part of that. I can’t explain it. There are some performances that you do and you’re like, “That was cool, that was fun.” That one was different fun. It was so memorable and an incredible thing to be a part of. The band and I had a moment backstage where we all kind of were like, “Wow, this is really cool. This is a different kind of cool, to be a part of this.” As an artist, when did you first feel the support from the gay community? We were performing during a lot of different events like the White Party, which is an amazing celebration. That’s probably one of the best times we’ve had. Everyone’s in the best mood ever! But I’ve always felt, when we go to wherever it might be – a festival or something along the lines – it’s just a different kind of energy. Everyone is so joyful and you feel all of that as a performer. There’s just a mutual lovefest going on for me anytime I can get in front of a crowd like that. You immediately established yourself as an ally when you ended your “Call Me Maybe” video with a gay twist. The influence of the song’s video on the mainstream cannot be denied. In a 2012 Huffington Post article, you were called “a poster child for the post-gay pop generation.” How aware are you of the influence the video’s nonchalant approach to homosexuality had on mainstream culture? It was a very innocent video… because I am nonchalant about it! (Laughs) It wasn’t meant to have a huge impact – it actually shocked me that it did. I think there was so much going on with that video and with that song that my life was sort of being flipped upside down. I moved to LA for the first time and I was meeting all these people, so it was just a
nice thing to hear that it was making a positive impact, but there was no intentional motive. It ended up being a beautiful outcome, though. Is the gay guy you fell for in the video available? Can he call me maybe? (Laughs) I’m sorry to inform you that I think he’s actually straight, but you can see what you can do, at least. Go for it! Have you ever fallen for a gay man? Oh, I’m completely in love with one of my best friends, but he’s very gay, so yeah. I’m very in love with him, but it’s more of a brother / sister love. Whatever man actually does land him will be a very lucky man, indeed. He’s everything I’d want and more. Have you ever gone on a date with a guy where he’s like, “Here’s my number, so call me maybe”? (Laughs) I haven’t. But I actually experienced a pretty comical thing after Call Me Maybe. When I had written that song I had a boyfriend, and throughout the whole process of promoting it and touring with it, I was a taken lady. It wasn’t until I was single I had realized what a flub up I had made... because who’s ever gonna ask me for my number now?! It’s such an awkward situation. “Soooo. Here’s my number.” We’re gonna have to exchange emails or something. Text me maybe? Text me maybe – yeah! Eh, I’m kind of screwed. How does it feel knowing you’ll have to sing that song for the rest of your life? When I was very little, actually, my grandmother would say, “Be careful what songs you put out there because you might have to sing them for GayVegas.com
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FEATURED CELEBRITY the rest of your life.” I bring that up to her now and again and I’m like, “Did you know? You knew!” And yeah, it is one of those songs where I’ll be 89 and I’ll still be singing it. The thing with a song like that is, yeah, it has its moments where we’re like, “Really? ‘Call Me Maybe’ again? – butting our heads against the wall – but you see all the joy that happens when we play it and it’s worth it. Plus, I never have to sing it alone. For the new album, you were inspired after seeing a Cyndi Lauper concert in Japan. What about seeing her live influenced the direction you took on E•MO•TION? This last year I had one of those “pinch me moments” when Cyndi Lauper was inaugurated into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and she actually allowed me to be the person to give the inauguration speech and sing (“Time After Time”). My parents were in town, and I don’t think I’d ever been more nervous about something. To have (Cyndi) kind of beside me, watching me, was like, “Oh god.” I think that there’s just a timelessness to her songs. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” is so epic; it’s one of those songs that has stood the test of time. I feel like it’s an intimidating endeavor, but I wanted to at least aim at trying to make songs that weren’t just for the moment but that could be lasting. There’s something about ’80s music that I really hooked into. Old-school Madonna, Prince – it all jives. I didn’t necessarily want to make a complete period piece – where I’m taking you back to the ’80s – but I wanted to incorporate something ’80s into what I naturally do. What facets of your own life did you tap into to make this album a more personal experience? Well, it depends on the song. I think there are lighter songs, where there’s not much of me to read into. “I Really Like You” is one of those; it’s just, 18 Gay Vegas Magazine
like, a hook up and it’s clearly just that. (Laughs) But I do think there are songs that speak to my more personal side. “Warm Blood” is that for me; it’s a very intimate song. The verse came to me in the middle of the night actually, and it’s about that longing for intimacy. Justin Bieber tweeted “Call Me Maybe” out when the single was released in 2012, you’ve toured together, and then he recently made a cameo in the video for “I Really Like You.” What’s your relationship with Justin like? I can’t describe Justin any other way than by saying he has been a life-changer for me. He obviously was the first person to shed light on my project in Canada, and I don’t know how you thank somebody for that. I don’t know how you say, “Thank you for making all of my dreams come true.” It’s been a really great professional relationship. He also invited me to be a part of his world tour,
which was just such an experience for me and the band boys. Before Justin the biggest tour we had done was opening for Hanson in Canada; that was fun in a different way. But getting to play stadiums – there’s nothing quite like that feeling. And yeah, forever I am indebted to him. It was very fun to have him be a part of “I Really Like You.” We did a song called “Beautiful” on Kiss (in 2012) – that was a very strange day for me too. I remember flying into LA and immediately after I arrived I went to the studio to see what he was working on and he showed me “Beautiful” and asked me if I would sing on it with him. So literally a half hour after meeting Justin I was in the studio recording his song. Again, it was one of those moments. I’ve had a few of them in my life where you’re just wondering if you’re dreaming or not. It’s almost too weird to be true. I’m really happy with how the whole thing came out. It was a nice moment and memory for me. Speaking of dreams come true: How much did getting to sing “Part of Your World” for The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition DVD change your life?!
I got a few phone calls – weird phone calls, again! – and that was one of those: “We’re getting different musicians to play the part of the princess of the decade – right now it’s gonna be Ariel – and we were wondering if you would sing ‘Part of Your World’ and there should be a video and you’ll play Ariel.” I was like, “Ummmm. You’re giving me an excuse to dye my hair red, which I’ve wanted to do for a while!” Has fame made you feel like a Disney princess? I’m definitely not a Disney princess by any means! (Laughs) But it’s fun to play the part of it every once in a while. If you didn’t have feet, would you trade your voice for them? I think the singing aspect would be too important, so I’d keep my voice. For true love, though – that’s a different thing. You trade anything for true love. If you had a prince as hot as Eric… Yeah, now you’re talking! You also played Cinderella last year during Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella on Broadway. What would you like your happily ever after to be? I have always admired people who’ve been able to make music for life and who have an audience that just follows the ebbs and flows of their career, and also hopefully helps other people with the music they’re making. I know he’s not a pop artist, but James Taylor is someone I’ve always looked up to because he has such a strong core fanbase that will follow him everywhere. He can take two years off and come back with an album and be No. 1 with it. If I could be anything close to that career-wise, where you’re able to spend your life making music and have people – whether it’s a big group or a small mighty group – come and see my shows, that would be the dream. GayVegas.com
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GAY-MING SPOTLIGHT
BY SOPHIE JACKSON
The Hidden World of Gay Poker Players MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, MILLIONS OF PLAYERS, MILLIONS OF SECRETS Jason Somerville has taken the gaming community by storm. The poker whiz, who has cashed in more than $3.5 million in live tournament earnings, now boasts five million viewers on his Twitch channel and grows his Twitter following by the day. He is also the first - and only - openly gay male poker player. On Valentine’s Day 2012 in an elaborate and heartfelt blog post, the high stake player published his long-kept secret in a brave act of emotional exposure. It wasn’t a decision the poker player took lightly. The mere thought of publicly coming out didn’t enter Somerville’s head until his boyfriend asked if he could join him on a tournament in the Caribbean. Somerville didn’t want to simply introduce his partner as a ‘friend’. “I didn’t want to disrespect the relationship we had”, he explains in an interview. I was alone and upset. I simply accepted that I was unhappy…I told myself that I had had enough.”
straight men in poker seems bad. Archaic. Reflective of a community that isn’t open to all... it’s just a relic of the old-school mentality when the world’s default mindset was at best ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’.” In light of this hetero-centric environment, it is interesting to hear Vanessa Selbst’s opinion on gay discrimination in professional poker. The openly gay poker legend is famous for her intelligence and androgynous looks, but claims her sexual orientation never presented problems in her career. “I’ve never encountered prejudice for being gay but I have for being a woman.” Selbst says. Perhaps the poker pro’s boyish looks and butch demeanor allows her to feel more at home amongst the men against whom she plays, but that doesn’t make her immune to sexism. “...sometimes I still don’t get invited to games because they want them to be men only – and it’s explicit, rather than implied.”
To many, Somerville’s coming-out story is just that - a heartwarming story. But what makes it significant is the context in which it happened, as anyone familiar with the world of professional poker will understand. “...no man who is a well-known pro in poker is open about it...for there to be zero high-profile openlynot 20 Gay Vegas Magazine
SELBST
Selbst refers to perpetuation of the idea that poker is a game played in the gentlemen’s cigar lounge, where there are ‘no women allowed’. Poker is, in other words, seen as a traditional man’s game, with all that this
PHOTO CREDIT: POKERLISTINGS.COM
entails - drinking whiskey, talking about women and having the occasional bit of banter. In the case of players Dan Bilzerian and Jeff Gross, that ‘bit of banter’ once included a ‘prop bet’ whereby Bilzerian paid Gross $550,000 to get a LGBT rainbow tattoo on his back. In other words, Bilzerian considers the ‘punishment’ of a gay rainbow tattoo so humiliating that it is worthy of a $550,000 wager. Though no doubt meant as some harmless fun, the message this forfeit sends is indisputably offensive; Bilzerian and Gross couldn’t care less about gay rights. The LGBT movement is nothing but a subject of ridicule between them. Individuals such as Bilzerian and Gross will make gay players think twice about
revealing their sexual identity. Ridiculed or not, Somerville doesn’t regret his decision of publicly coming out as gay. Somerville speaks of the freedom he felt in doing so, and reveals he “received a lot of positive feedback from the poker world as well as the gay world.” He describes people’s reaction as ‘kind and helpful’ and goes as far as to say it was the best day of his life. “I took the decision because I thought it was the best thing to do for myself, but if my ‘come-out-ofthe-closet process’ can help others, I feel honored.” Somerville says. Somerville has become a spokesfigure for gay players in professional poker, and the overwhelmingly positive response he received upon coming out can only be interpreted as a promising sign that the poker community is headed in the right direction.
ORGANlC CAFFElNE FROM ORGANlC GREEN COFFEE BEANS. REFRESHING ISLAND FRUIT FLAVOR.
MADE WlTH ORGANlC CANE SUGAR. NO PRESERVATlVES. NO ARTlFlClAL FLAVORS. NO ARTlFlClAL COLORS.
GAY VEGAS COMMUNITY
infamous anti-gay bakery ships cake to
BY DANIELA COSTA
We want you to know that our actions were not motivated by hatred, and we personally baked this cake as a small token of our love.” The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center) had no idea of the stunt when the cake arrived on Aug. 20, and they simply sliced into it. “I looked at it as a good gesture when they said it was loving, but I also looked at it with skepticism, as propaganda,” the group’s CEO Michael Dimengo told New York Daily News. The Klein’s refused the wedding cake request citing religious-based objections. They closed up their bakery at the end of 2013, but the couple continued taking private orders, such as one from known anti-gay ministry Restored Hope Network, New York Daily News reports.
The Oregon bakers infamous for refusing to make a cake for a lesbian wedding seem to be trying to build bridges with the LGBT community. Melissa and Aaron Klein sent out cakes and a movie about Christianity and gay issues to 10 LGBT organizations in late August, including The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center) in Las Vegas. The couple appears to want to make it clear that they don’t hate gay people, inscribing the message “We do really love you” onto the cakes. The film that accompanied the cakes is Audacity, from New Zealand evangelist Ray Comfort. Released in June, critics have called the movie homophobic. Each recipient also received a note that read, “Hello, we are Aaron and Melissa Klein. We’re the bakers who declined to create a cake for a samesex wedding and were ordered to pay $135,000. 22 Gay Vegas Magazine
It remains unclear how all the LGBT organizations involved have taken the news, or what the next steps for the Klein’s might be.
Ve G o s s by Nick Richie
“Ex-Lesbian” Makeover Madness PHOTO VIA GOFUNDME
VEGAS GOSSIP
New Gay Nightclub
RENDEZVOUS INSTAGRAM
An Instagram post from rendezvouzs.lv confirms rumors of a new gay nightclub in Vegas. The Rendevous LV Nightclub Facebook page lists an address of 1111 Las Vegas Blvd, which is the Desert Memorial Cremation and Burial Mortuary. The Rendezvous Instagram states, “There is power in having a secret. Has anyone ever asked you to keep one ? They Will. Welcome To Rendezvous.” Perhaps the address being used is to keep the location a secret, they say dead people are pretty good at keeping those. Visit rendezvouslasvegas.com
Celine Dion CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT
After a year long hiatus Céline Dion returned August 27th to her Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace. She has been caring for her husband, René Angélil, 73, who is battling throat cancer. He insisted that she return to singing despite his critical state. His only request was to “die in her arms,” according to USA TODAY who quoted Céline, 47, saying,“I didn’t want to be here at first, I don’t need it. Don’t get me wrong, I love singing for people, but I have priorities.” “But Réne really gave me a gift.” “All my grieving, it was during this last year. I think I’ve got this. For now. When it hits me, it’s going to hit me. But my biggest job is to tell my husband, we’re fine. I’ll take care of our kids. You’ll watch us from another spot.”
Chelsie René from Las Vegas started a GoFundMe campaign titled - “She loved her, chose Him,” asking individuals for money stating “The straight journey is nowhere near cheap.” René reached nearly half of her $1,000 goal and the page was full of comments including: ‘Everyone knows it takes $$ to be beautiful!!’ ‘And God wants you to feel confident as a woman just as u would like to feel comfortable in some beautiful clothes that make u feel pretty.’ Other comments were less supportive: ‘You were never gay in the first place. I’m a lesbian and I’m very girly. I’ve never worn cargos or plaid in my life or any other ‘gay clothes’ if you want to label it that way,’ wrote one individual. ‘Money and clothes will not make you straight. Nothing can make a gay person straight just like nothing can make a straight person gay.’ ‘Being a woman is not about embracing vanity. Please consider studying Proverbs for the next three months, then after prayer and fasting, consider the ramifications of this particular action.’ The GoFundMe page has since been deleted. GayVegas.com
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Hillary Clinton talks Gay Vegas During a recent stop in Las Vegas, Hillary Clinton made some important promises to the LGBT community. On Aug. 18, the Democratic presidential front-runner said she would enforce the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage across the country, as well as support the LGBT community in other crucial ways. “As president, I will do everything I can to make sure that marriage equality is enforced. It’s the law of the land and it needs to be enforced across our country,” said Clinton. Clinton’s comments on same-sex marriage come after continued media reports of clerks refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples. Her statements were in answer to a question from someone who identified as a “local LGBT business owner and founding president of the Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in Nevada”, this according to the Washington Blade. The posed question was: “How are you going to support the LGBT community in our country?” After making the aforementioned comments on equal marriage, – but not addressing how she would enforce it – she moved on to tackle the topic of discrimination. She recalled that as a member of the U.S. Senate she co-sponsored the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). “We have a lot of work to do there. There’s just so much continuing discrimination and bias.” ENDA focused solely on prohibiting discrimination against LGBT in the workplace. It was not introduced in this Congress, and in any case it is now deemed by many LGBT advocates as doing too little. Clinton made no mention of the new Equality Act, legislation 24 Gay Vegas Magazine
HILLARY CLINTON AND DEREK WASHINGTON
Local Las Vegas Community Member Derek Washington on Hillary Clinton: “I was very impressed by secretary Clinton. I’ve been ready for Hillary for years and she didn’t disappoint!”
currently pending before Congress that would prohibit discrimination against LGBT in all areas of civil rights law. She has, however, endorsed the act on Twitter. Clinton also specifically mentioned Las Vegas, noting that in the city and across the country there is a high rate of LGBT youth homelessness. “I particularly worry about young people because there is a lot of misunderstanding and even mistreatment still today by families of young people who are LGBT, and they’re hoping to be accepted and they are not, and they find themselves on the street,” she said. “I know you’ve got people in Las Vegas who are homeless on the streets, who are young LGBT people who have had to leave home.” On this issue she had answers. “We need more services, we need more support, and we all need to be speaking out in favor of treating these young people with respect and dignity and giving them a chance. And I hope that as president, I will not only be able to speak to that, but demonstrate how we do it, and then support laws that will make it easier for a lot of our people, particularly young people.”
PHOTO CREDIT CHRIS MILLER
BY DANIELA COSTA
GayVegas.com
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BY JOHN LAWRENCE | PHOTO CREDIT: DENISE TRUSCELLO
The truth is my cousins were able to see her for what she is – a legend. Her talent is incomparable and tourists have traveled from all over the world to see her perform at Caesars Palace. Fast forward 12 years and today she sits in front of me, opening her heart.
In 2003, being a fan of Celine Dion as a teenage American boy meant you were either really weird or gay, according to a society that emphasized masculinity. As I think back, it strikes me how long Celine has been a part of my Las Vegas life. I remember my cousins flying to Las Vegas from Caracas, Venezuela to see her show when it first opened. They were so excited to see Celine and I remember thinking how different our cultures were. They are the epitome of masculinity – heterosexual Italian soccer players from Venezuela. 26 Gay Vegas Magazine
At a press conference in The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, members of the media, including Gay Vegas, listened to Celine Dion as she opened up about her personal life and her return to the stage. The 47-year-old singer looked absolutely stunning wearing a black and white polka dot shirt dress with a slit up the side, revealing her porcelain stems. With a motherly strength reminiscent of a lioness, Celine talked about the struggles her family had gone through during her year of hiatus. There is a genuineness about Celine that strikes deep in an upclose and personal experience with the singer. Celine graciously answered questions to both the English and French media. She expressed her love for her family and how proud she is of
her children. Celine spoke candidly of Caesars Entertainment and AEG, like an old friend who had always been there for her in her darkest times during the struggles of her husband’s health. She opened up about her first visit to Las Vegas: René Angélil pointing out the airplane window at, “a little diamond.” “That’s Las Vegas,” he said. Celine smiled, “The diamond has gotten a lot bigger over the years. I don’t know how they do it, Caesars and AEG.” “It takes me six months to paint my house,” she laughed, in reference to rapid construction in Las Vegas. Celine struck some very serious chords as she spoke of her husband’s throat cancer and her difficult decision to return to the stage. Her husband insisted that she return to doing what she loved, so he could continue doing what he loved – watching her be happy. That is one thing she definitely was on stage, happy. You could tell that Celine uses her performances as a cathartic release. She said of her songs, “I used to sing them. Now I mean them.” She was like a songbird newly reintroduced into her natural environment. The show was incredibly visual, with several video screens all over the stage giving intimate looks into Celine’s life, including clips of home videos with Celine and family playing in the pool alongside a giant inflatable alligator – her husband René enjoying the experience, smiling on camera. They look like any other Vegas family trying to stay cool in the desert heat. Celine said, “It’s not a new day. It’s not a new show. It’s a new beginning.” We should describe her show as a new beginning, as the technology behind her return show brought some of Las Vegas’ most beloved characters back to life. Celine
sings duets with Frank Sinatra in “You’re Nobody ’Til Somebody Loves You”, and with Elvis Presley in “If I Can Dream”. Or at least holographic versions of the late legendary singers. The unison of her performance with the legends was eerily realistic, and every note from Celine’s mouth is a gift to your ears. She hits those cosmic notes that made me feel as if I were a character in the film The Fifth Element, watching the Diva Plavalaguna aboard Fhloston Paradise. In non-nerd speak: Celine was out of this world. She covers classics like “Kiss” by Prince and takes it a step further by completely drowning the audience with “Purple Rain”, her transcending voice complemented by incredible purple holographic water drop projections. The Bee Gees join her on video for “Immortality” and she dishes out an amazing performance of Queen’s “The Show Must Go On”, a truly fitting title. She owns Tina Turner’s “River Deep, Mountain High”, wearing a shimmery green fringe dress that could have been taken right off a Vegas drag super star. Forget the city of Atlantis – it’s Las Vegas that’s the underwater city in this show. During “My Heart Will Go On”, Celine floats in the air as water dances around her, looking like a modern day Cinderella transformation. She doesn’t close her show with that number – that would be too predictable. Instead, Celine sings a version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” that brought tears to my eyes and would have made Judy Garland very proud. During her acoustic set, one of her guitarists left the stage to tune his guitar and Celine began improvising by singing. “We’re gonna tune a guitar! We’re gonna tune a guitar!” Further proof, if anything, that Celine Dion is not one to lip-sync. In a city of smoke and mirrors, she is a breath of fresh air. Las Vegas can breathe a little easier now that the Heart of Las Vegas is back home. GayVegas.com
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FEATURED CELEBRITY
BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI | PHOTOS BY REINER BAJO
Zachary Quinto calls upon LGBT actors to ‘be who they are,’ talks marriage, James Franco and lack of gay action stars
The Name’s Quinto…
28 Gay Vegas Magazine
“Oh, Jesus.” Zachary Quinto is aptly responding to the fact that, yes, despite establishing himself as an Emmy-nominated actor with versatility, out-ofthis-world talent and some of the best eyebrows in the biz, he once starred on an episode of Touched by an Angel. He isn’t reacting to being on the show, per se – he just can’t believe it’s been nearly 15 years. Since then, Quinto has made major shifts beyond his transformation to leading man. After matter-of-factly coming out to the masses in 2011, he became an outspoken advocate for the LGBT community and has notably taken on subjects such as PReP and gay teen suicide. The 38-year-old’s sexuality is a non-issue when it comes to his meandering career on TV, in film and on Broadway, as his varied typecastdefying roles demonstrate: Sylar on NBC’s Heroes, Quinto’s breakout role; the infamous American Horror Story killer Bloody Face; James Franco’s lover in I Am Michael; and, of course, Spock, the Star Trek icon he brought back to the big screen, ears and all. (He’s currently shooting Star Trek Beyond, the reboot franchise’s third installment.) Quinto’s latest big-screen endeavor is the video game-inspired Hitman: Agent 47, wherein he dials up the badassery as a CIA agent you definitely do not want to cross. A major studioproduced action movie featuring… an out gay actor? You better believe it. As he swings open the door on a traditionally gay-less genre by breaking down Hollywood
stereotypes, Quinto spoke to us about recognizing his unique place as the go-to gay when it comes to action flicks and how he “definitely” thinks the world is ready for a gay James Bond. Plus, why he believes, despite the recent Supreme Court ruling on marriage, our fight for equality is far from over. Hitman centers on an assassin who’s genetically engineered as the perfect killing machine. If you could be engineered to do anything you wanted, what would that be? If I could just travel anywhere at any time and somehow my genetic modification allowed me to transport somewhere, I imagine that would be a pretty useful genetic modification that I would get a lot of pleasure out of. No jet lag! Heroes, American Horror Story, Hitman: You like being bad, don’t you? Well, it’s just sort of the way it falls out sometimes. It was never something I set out to accomplish specifically, but I think Heroes set a certain tone, and that was the first time that people on a wider platform became aware of my work. Because of that association, other opportunities in that vein have presented themselves. I’m playing an antagonist again in this film. I think, for me, I really consider it a really nice bookend actually, because I’m very interested in cultivating other experiences for myself creatively, so I feel maybe like I can actively hang up the villain hat for a little while and do some other stuff. I really am open to things as they present themselves. It’s a balance, you know? Making decisions every time an opportunity arises – I’m grateful and fortunate to be in a position to be able to do that. You were bullied as a kid, so I find it interesting that you take on all these villain roles. Do you draw upon those experiences when acting as
the bad guy? I’ve never drawn on those experiences creatively in that way. It’s a lot about imagination. When you’re in a world like this, which is stylized and heightened and has a sleekness to it, then it becomes about filling that world with the character that you’re playing and, for me, that’s all about rooting it in the imaginary circumstances – one definition of acting is truthful behavior in imaginary circumstances. So, for me, it’s a lot about connecting to that and connecting to the people that I’m playing and that’s a different process depending on what the style and the tone of the piece is. This one was so driven by physicality and by actual conflict and combat, and that kind of drove the character a little bit. I didn’t really have to dive back into my uncomfortable moments of childhood to connect with that necessarily. How strategic have you been with the projects you’ve chosen in order to avoid the typecasting some LGBT actors have said they’ve experienced? I played gay characters, but I was never part of a gay-themed story until I did I Am Michael last year with James Franco. That was a specific decision; I felt really drawn to the story (of an ex-gay) and the nature of the story. My whole take on the potential perceived limitations is just to not engage them and not allow them to exist – to me that is a choice. I know what I am capable of and I know what my range is, and I know that’s not limited by or even affected by my sexual orientation. So, for me, it was just a matter of doing what I do and opening myself up to the roles that present themselves, whether they’re gay or straight, with a kind of creative integrity. That’s all I really feel is in my control and that’s the place I work from in terms of both pursuing work and engaging work. Do you think today – in 2015, post marriage equality – typecasting on the basis of an actor’s GayVegas.com
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FEATURED CELEBRITY sexuality even exists at this point? I don’t know. I mean, I don’t think it has anything to do with marriage equality – that victory has been won and has been a really profound advancement to the LGBT community. I think our real fights for equality aren’t legal; it’s about humanity and compassion and inclusion. Even in the wake of marriage equality you’re seeing all these county clerks who are refusing to issue marriage licenses, which is despicable and illegal. Just a few blocks from my house, these two guys – the first gay couple to be married out of West Point – were harassed in the bodega (in SoHo). It’s not behind us. The movement toward equality is bigger than just one legal issue, and that’s amazing that the highest law of the land has supported our struggle for civil rights, but civil rights is only one aspect of being a minority of any kind. It’s much more about human connection and respect in the long run and in a very broader sense, and I think that’s the fight that continues. Seeing as though I Am Michael is your first gay-themed film, would you have taken on that movie earlier in your career before you became such an established actor? It was a different time. I don’t know if that movie would’ve been made. It’s hard to say. I mean, it
30 Gay Vegas Magazine
came to me at the right time and it was the right thing for me to choose in that moment, but I don’t know the answer to that question. What was the process of developing your onscreen chemistry with James Franco for I Am Michael? For me it was just about relating to the guy. Franco has so much attention and he’s sort of this ubiquitous figure. A lot of people have opinions of him and a perspective on who he might be. For me it was just about cutting through all of that and getting to know him. I really enjoyed our time together and I respect what he was doing by putting that movie together and wanting to tell that story, so I was happy to be a part of it. I’m sure that kind of set the connection that we had in our work together. There is definitely a sense of intrigue regarding Franco’s persona. Yeah, and that seems like that’s his public persona, that’s his relationship with the public. There’s no clarity, really, as an actor, as a writer, as a director, as an artist; I think he’s just trying to do as much as he can and put as much out there as he can, and I respect that. He’s a really hard working, ambitious guy and I thought that his
FEATURED CELEBRITY energy behind this movie was interesting and part of what compelled me to do it. With the exception of yourself, there are not any big-name out gay actors getting lead roles in action movies. Not Matt Bomer, not Andrew Rannells, not Neil Patrick Harris. Why do you think there aren’t any major LGBT actors besides you getting top billing in major Hollywood action films? I mean, why can’t we have a gay James Bond? I mean, we can, right? I’d like to think so. Sure. I definitely think that we can. Matt Bomer is one of my favorite friends. I’ve known him for 15 years – longer. I know Andrew. These are friends of mine. The fact that so many of my friends who are openly gay have flourishing, thriving careers is really exciting. That in and of itself is progress if you consider that 15 years ago, when I started acting professionally out of college, you couldn’t even count on both of your hands the number of openly gay actors in any form, television or film. It was a totally different issue 15 years ago, and that’s not a very long amount of time to have made such progress. So, I do not disagree with you; I do feel like I occupy – not in any self-aggrandizing way – a space where I have looked to my peers and looked around me and said, “Well, who else can I look to?” And there isn’t anybody else. That to me is significant and personally gratifying as I consider my own journey to self-acceptance, but again, I just think, “Don’t let it slow me down.” And I don’t. I don’t create an issue where there isn’t one, and I think the more that we’re all able to do that then the more diversity will present itself. What do you think of the LGBT community’s evolution since your coming out in 2011?
Look at the transgender movement: of course Laverne (Cox), and before Laverne, Candis Cayne, who was amazing on Dirty Sexy Money. And now with the emergence of Caitlyn Jenner, everything is changing. We’re rapidly evolving as a society, and I think there’s a lot of celebration in that. I think there’s a lot to be grateful for. The more that people from diverse backgrounds can stand up with integrity and integrate who they are in an authentic way to their creative process then everybody benefits and we all move forward together as a result. So I see myself as one of many, many people who have had their own journey that has defined them and contributed to the larger goals of advancement and equality, and that’s something that I’m proud of. But we can’t stop, and so I do invite any gay actor to be who they are and to stand up and fight for their capacity to play different roles and to do different things. The more people can do that and stand by it, the more we’ll see it continue as we already have. In 2010, before you came out, you told The New York Times, “Let’s talk about something that matters.” Do you think celebrities do enough to speak out about and act on issues that can make positive change? Yeah – think about Leonardo DiCaprio’s commitment to the environment. Think about Amy Poehler’s commitment to the Worldwide Orphans Foundation. Think about Angelina Jolie’s work that she did in Cambodia to completely transform the landscape of that country. I do think there are socially responsible and conscientious members of the Hollywood community who stand up and fight for things they believe in. I think it’s important if you’re in a position to have a public platform that you at least, in some way, utilize it for the betterment of other people and the benefit of those who are less fortunate.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS EVENTS & CONCERTS
AUG 30 SEPT 7
Burning Man burningman.org
SEPT 8 - 13
Gay Days Las Vegas gaydays.com
SEPT 12
Picnic by Design thecenterlv.org/picnic
SEPT 12
LGBT “Senior” Prom thecenterlv.org
SEPT 13
Las Vegas OUTside Hike Meet at the trail head at 10am - Mary Jane Falls lasvegaspride.org
SEPT 18 -19
I Heart Radio Music Festival at MGM Grand
SEPT 18
Las Vegas Pride Parade lasvegaspride.org
SEPT 19
Las Vegas Pride Festival lasvegaspride.org
SEPT 20
Pajama Brunch DW Bistro 10am-2pm lasvegaspride.org
SEPT 20
True Colors PRIDE Concert The Flamingo Library 6pm lasvegaspride.org
SEPT 25-27
Life Is Beautiful Festival lifeisbeautiful.com
OCT 9-11
World Gay Rodeo Finals South Point Casino & Equestrian Arena IGRA-WGRF.com
OCT 17
Kaleidoscope: The Center’s 21st Annual Honorarium thecenterlv.org/honorarium
BEST COMEDY SHOW
THE PERFECT SHADE OF STAND UP
JOY BEHAR
SEPTEMBER 12
WHITNEY CUMMINGS SEPTEMBER 19
LISA LAMPANELLI SEPTEMBER 26
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PRIDE CONNECTIONS
BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI | PHOTO CREDIT: AMPLIFY RELEASING
THE DE-GAYING OF
XAVIER DOLAN Out director talks hot farm boys, directing Kathy Bates and Susan Sarandon, and dropping the ‘gay film’ label Xavier Dolan is fulminating against the gay tag that typically accompanies his revered art films. Though indies such as Laurence Anyways, I Killed My Mother and Mommy have earned Dolan substantial queer cred, sexuality-based pigeonholing has been irksome for the 26-year-old cinema prodigy. Surely, however, it hasn’t stopped him from moving beyond those perceived barriers. 34 Gay Vegas Magazine
His big break is just around the corner: Dolan has two projects in the hopper featuring Hollywood notables. Marion Cotillard is taking on the role of Catherine in Dolan’s It’s Only the End of the World, while The Death and Life of John F. Donovan, which he’s also directing, attracted Oscar winners Kathy Bates and Susan Sarandon. But first he’s making his press rounds for Tom at the
Farm, an eerie drama centered on a young man (Dolan) asked to keep his sexuality on the DL while staying at his dead lover’s mother’s farm. Tom at the Farm mingles grief with sexual desire. Why do you think sometimes these two emotions converge, and what drew you to explore that hybrid on screen? I’m glad you’re bringing that up because I remember on set saying it’s gonna be an extreme mixture of violence and emotion. I feel like when you watch a thriller you are not emotionally stirred – you are anxious or you are scared – and then when you watch an emotional movie, you are rarely scared or freaked out. I saw that it could be an interesting way of approaching a thriller, to combine these emotions, not that I think this film is especially emotionally stirring, but it’s a little morose, a little blue, in the beginning. Characters are indeed grieving, and there are moments of sincere emotions toward the end with the mother. It was all about finding a balance. I think that happened quite organically on set, and it was pretty clear to me when was the right time for which emotion. There’s a real sexual intensity between Tom and the brother in this film, and this lingering feeling that they’ll get it on. You know what? It was originally planned as such. We shot a scene, but I feel like in the end it wasn’t what the movie was about. It wasn’t about romance; it was about something else. It was about a theme that is larger than sexual desire, even though it’s cool and, you know, sort of a nice supporting narrative to add tension, but it wasn’t something that needed closure or needed to actually happen for real. It’s the big tease of the movie. Was that gay / pseudo-straight attraction influenced by any
real-life desirability of your own? (Laughs) I wish! My life is not that exciting. I honestly wish that I had known that sort of barbaric, savage, brutal tension... with such a man... on a farm. But, unfortunately, no; I’m afraid my romances are much more urbane. Why were you drawn to Tom at the Farm? I saw the play and the cinematic potential was just very, very obvious. I immediately saw that this could be a very exciting thriller and a very exciting endeavor for me. The story itself was fascinating and very interesting, but then I was excited to explore something new – the newness in everything was what was most appealing. And it strays from your typical style. It’s sort of an outcast in the rest of the ensemble. But you know what? I’ve been dreaming about doing another thriller. I really am looking right now. One of your next projects is The Death and Life of John F. Donovan, starring Kathy Bates, Susan Sarandon and Jessica Chastain. Isn’t that like the ultimate gay filmmaker’s dream? I mean, Kathy Bates, Jessica Chastain, Susan Sarandon – it’s a dream come true. Kathy Bates is just, honestly… who doesn’t love her? She’s an icon. She’s so, so good. Same goes for Susan Sarandon. Both were part of my childhood. And Jessica is literally the first actress who reached out to me and said, “I want to work with you,” and who showed me kindness and generosity in a very surprising and rare way. She is an infinitely kind person and a truly compassionate woman. She is GayVegas.com
35
PRIDE CONNECTIONS socially engaged. She’s just eloquent and beautiful and, over the past year, a true friend. I’m excited to get to know the other actors I’m about to work with as well as her because obviously I don’t have a relationship with all of them. I don’t know them that well. I know Kit (Harington of Game of Thrones). We’ve hung out a couple of times and he’s a sweetheart, and I’m extremely excited to work with him. You have two projects with big names on the horizon; aside from John Donovan, you’re directing It’s Only the End of the World with Marion Cotillard. How are you feeling about what lies ahead when it comes to your film career? I’m very excited. I’m just hoping I can shoot John Donovan like I wish to shoot it in that we’ll be able to bring that movie to life, see it take shape and then share it with the world. The movie speaks again about diversity, and as much as I want to think of it as very commercial and appealing to a broader audience, I’m having a hard time convincing people of that. You have said that your hope is that the line between “gay” films and non-gay films disappears. With that in mind, how do you feel about Tom at the Farm being touted as a “gay thriller”? I’m not infinitely pleased. Let’s just try to fathom how a community would react if we’d call it a Jewish trailer or a black thriller. Tags and ghettos are not exactly my speciality. How do we overcome these labels? We just drop the word “queer” or “gay” and call it a thriller, that’s basically how we do it. It’s a very, very simple thing to do and we are extremely reluctant 36 Gay Vegas Magazine
to do so. To stress the ghettos and labels and tags to which movies belong – I can hardly imagine what the positive impacts of those gestures of marginalization are. I can hardly imagine how those impacts can be positive. I’m trying to understand what exactly it’s doing to give a movie an award – a queer award – like the queer Palmes. In Cannes you can win a normal Palme and then you can win a gay Palme. The problem with ghettoization is that there are ghettos and we don’t blend in and people are taught to see others as outcasts. The place that queer themes and queer characters should be occupying is not a marginal or an independent place. It seems that those intrigues can only unfold on the independent scene, but the rest of the world is ready to see gay characters and gay themes on the commercial scene without stressing that they are gay or queer. You know, every once in a
while (including) a gay character who isn’t some sort of sassy boss in fashion or annoying first AD on a set or other unimportant gay best friend to the bridesmaid. These tropes stem from a very contrived perception of homosexuality and diversity. With that being said, the problem is obviously much larger than just for LGBT or queer culture – it’s for anything that’s not generally white and anglophone. There is a place out there for difference, but the problem is that there is no place for difference – there is a place. There shouldn’t be a place. There should just be more place.
I’m glad you’re taking such a passionate stand on this issue. You know, this sort of speech is perceived as homophobic by many, many people, and it’s just exasperating. (People think) you are ashamed about your sexuality and you’re coy about it, and it’s so not what it’s about – it’s that I’m striving for a greater understanding and welcoming and acceptance of new standards of new ways of living. Not only by a community of people who are already convinced – this is about bringing one culture into another one.
GayVegas.com
37
POSITIVE THOUGHTS
BY JEFF BERRY
SURVIVING WITH
pride This month is typically jam-packed with parades, events and festivities that bring many of us in the LGBTQ community together to revel in our uniqueness, pay tribute to our leaders and honor achievements in our ongoing fight for equality. For those like me who are long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS, there is even more to celebrate – the fact that we have survived long enough to be able to continue to achieve our own personal goals, have a career, or even start a family. But surviving HIV/AIDS can often come with its own set of issues, such as isolation, depression, substance abuse, stigma, and early aging and mortality. Over the last 30-plus years I’ve lost hundreds of 38 Gay Vegas Magazine
friends, acquaintances and colleagues to HIV and AIDS. In the 25 years since I first tested positive and began treatment, I’ve developed strange conditions such as thrush, kidney sludge and shingles. I’ve been poked, prodded and bled, and made out living wills and medical powers of attorney. I’ve stood in protest lines and marched on Washington, walked marathons and participated in a bike ride. I’ve fallen in love, and broken hearts. I’ve probably been on 10 different drug regimens during that time, which most likely saved my life but definitely have taken their toll. My viral load is undetectable, and my CD4 T-cells and CD4 percentage are near what a normal, healthy HIV-negative person my age might be expected to have. But as the population of people living with HIV and AIDS ages (approximately 50 percent of those living with HIV are now over age 50), we’re beginning to understand that there is much more to the story than simply numbers and percentages. Underneath the surface of the syndrome we know as AIDS lies a
darker and much more sinister enemy. Those of us who have come through the fight know that enemy intimately, and we have the battle scars to prove it – but we need new tools and weapons to fight it. I was first diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) shortly after I tested HIV-positive in 1989 and went into psychotherapy. PTSD, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event – either experiencing or witnessing it. Not everyone who experiences the event will develop PTSD. Some may just have difficulty coping for a while, but eventually they’ll adjust and get back to their “normal” life. It’s only when symptoms (which can manifest as intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking or mood, or changes in emotional reactions) start to cause significant problems in social or work situations and relationships, that it becomes a more serious issue. While my PTSD was related to childhood sexual abuse, it was triggered by living in the midst of a holocaust and ending up testing positive myself. The disorder was no less real to me, however, and I still struggle with the effects to this day. Just as veterans who return from war and who may have difficulty re-assimilating, long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS can often feel out of place and useless. In a perfect world we would pay proper respect to our own soldiers, and let them know we appreciate all that they’ve been through. Programs and services designed and tailored specific to our own unique needs as AIDS veterans are desperately needed. It’s time for us to create the structures and support systems that will help our veterans financially, mentally and physically, well into their golden years. They – we – deserve no less. In June, Positively Aware magazine and its publisher, the Chicago-based HIV service
organization TPAN, launched The Reunion Project (TRP), to help long-term survivors of HIV and AIDS honor our past, examine resilience, and identify and develop successful strategies for living – today and into the future. The Reunion Project will be a series of summits and activities happening across the country, the next one being held in Palm Springs in November. Those now coming into young adulthood never knew a time when HIV didn’t exist, and for their entire life effective treatments for HIV/AIDS have always been available – in other words, for them it’s always been a manageable chronic illness, such as diabetes or hypertension. While fear motivated us to fight to survive early on in the epidemic, it’s no longer an effective deterrent or motivator for those who aren’t experiencing the same sense of loss on a day-to-day basis. The fear of death from HIV/AIDS is now a distant memory, an abstract concept. They say that with age comes wisdom – I’m not sure if I’m the best example of that, but I do think there’s another exciting opportunity for long-term survivors of HIV and AIDS, and that is to engage the next generation to talk about some of the experiences we’ve been through, challenges we’ve overcome, and triumphs we’ve achieved, to try to start to bridge the gap that currently exists between us. And I’m sure we could learn a thing or two from those who are, or will soon be, leaders in their own right. It’s necessary to hear and share our stories with one another, for they define us. It’s where we come from; it’s who we are. We have the opportunity to learn from our past, and to mentor and guide an entirely new group – while honoring our history, and the fallen. GayVegas.com
39
GAY VEGAS COMMUNITY
BY CORY BURGESS
Picnic by Design AN EVENING OF DINING AND COCKTAILS UNDER THE STARS Proceeds benefiting The Center and DIFFA
(Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids) In partnership with Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA), The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center) will host Picnic by Design at Symphony Park on Saturday, Sept. 12. Local designers are creating over-the-top picnic baskets and tables to be purchased online at www.thecenterlv.org/picnic and then enjoyed with delicious food and fine wine in the shadow of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts (361 Symphony Park Ave.). Las Vegas Men’s Chorus, Laura Taylor Mulkey and others will provide live entertainment throughout the evening. Dinner begins at 6 p.m., and a cocktails and dessert party follows at 8 p.m. All proceeds will benefit The Center and DIFFA. Event chairperson and architect/designer Cray Bauxmont-Flynn says, “Picnicking is a lost art, and what better way to boost the joy of being outdoors than with a picnic under the stars? Something unique about Las Vegas is that our immense local talent always comes together for a purpose and charity. Picnic by Design is an exciting summer event that highlights the phenomenal local design talent that Las Vegas has to offer along with toprated food and fun for a good cause and redefines the concept of a traditional picnic.” 40 Gay Vegas Magazine
“The AIDS issue is far from over, and DIFFA continues to create innovative events to raise awareness and much-needed funding,” says Honorary Chairperson Roger Thomas, well-known for designing the interiors of Wynn Las Vegas. “Picnic by Design will bring Las Vegas together to celebrate creativity and community and to support The Center in its programs that directly address HIV/AIDS with education, diagnosis and support.” The Roger Thomas Collection and Wynn Las Vegas serve as Presenting Sponsors of Picnic by Design. Las Vegas Design Center is a Gold Sponsor. Silver Sponsors are Christopher Guy, Destinations by Design, M+M Creative Studio and Robert Allen. Inkind donors include downtown restaurants Eat and Rock’N’oodles. For more information about Picnic by Design or to purchase tickets to the event, please visit www. thecenterlv.org/picnic. Designer picnic baskets that serve two are $300 each, and designer picnic tables that seat and serve eight are $1,500 each. Dinner will be served from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are also available to attend just the cocktails and dessert portion of the evening, from 8 to 10 p.m., for $75 per person. All guests must be 21 and older.
NIGHTCLUB & BAR SCHEDULE MONDAY
BASTILLE Any drink 2-for-1 daily 11am-2pm, 4pm-8pm. MARTINI MONDAYS 1/2 price 8pm-2am. 1402 S. 3rd St, bastillelv.com, 702-385-9298. Open 10am-2am, gaming, free entry. CHARLIES LAS VEGAS 2-for-1 3pm-8pm & 3am-8am. $1 well & domestic 8pm-10pm. SING-A-LONG MUSICAL MONDAYS 9pm. 5012 Arville St, charlieslasvegas.com, 702876-1844. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. THE GARAGE 2-for-1 drinks 11am-7pm. Beer bust 1am-4am & 9pm 12am $5 domestic $8 import. $4 Absolut cocktails 8pm-4am. MAN CAVE MONDAYS free appetizers 5pm8pm, wiskey specials after happy hour and weekley prizes giveaways. 1487 E. Flamingo, thegaragelv.com, 702-440-6333 24 hours, gaming, free entry. GOODTIMES NIGHTCLUB AND BAR 2-for-1 drinks 3pm7pm. Flavored Vodka $140 a bottle. Daily lunch special 1pm-8pm 100oz $20 beer tower. 1755 E. Tropicana Ave, goodtimesbarlv.com, 702-736-9494. 24 Hours, gaming, free entry. THE PHOENIX 2-for-1 4pm-7pm everyday. BURNER MONDAYS 6-9pm Weekly Burning Man Meetup Group. DRAG RACE w/host Keyska Diva 8:30pm 4213 W. Sahara Ave, facebook.com/thephoenixlv, 702-826-2422. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. PIRANHA NIGHTCLUB HOTT MESS MONDAYS 2 for 1 on all liquor & Draft Beer 12pm-9pm. Hosted by Des’ree D St James. Open talent showcase. INDUSTRY MONDAYS 50% off drinks 4pm-9pm with industry card. 4633 Paradise Rd, piranhavegas.com, 702-379-9500. 24 hours, gaming, free entry (excluding special events and holidays). QUADZ VIDEO BAR 2-for-1 12pm-8pm. KARAOKE MONDAY. 4640 Paradise Rd, quadzbar.com, 702-733-0383. 24 hours, gaming, free entry.
THE GARAGE 2-for-1 drinks 11am-7pm. LIQUOR BUST $10 well $20 call 9pm-12am. $3 Fireball shots 8pm-4am. 1487 E. Flamingo, thegaragelv.com, 702-440-6333. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. GOODTIMES NIGHTCLUB AND BAR 2-for-1 3pm-7pm. KARAOKE w/ E’stefano 8pm. Flavored Vodka $140 a bottle. Daily lunch special 1pm-8pm 100oz $20 beer tower. goodtimesbarlv.com, 1755 E. Tropicana Ave, 702-7369494. 24 Hours, gaming, free entry. THE PHOENIX 2-for-1 4pm-7pm. FUNDERWEAR NIGHT 9pm.-1am. Party in your Underwear for $5 liquor bust, $2 beer specials 4213 W. Sahara Ave, facebook.com/ thephoenixlv, 702-826-2422. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. PIRANHA NIGHTCLUB LA NOCHE AT THE TROPICS LATINO. 2-for-1 liquor and draft 12pm-11pm. KARAOKE WITH SHIELA 7pm-11pm. 4633 Paradise Rd. piranhavegas.com, 702-379-9500. 24 hours, gaming, free entry (excluding special events and holidays). QUADZ VIDEO BAR 2-for-1 12pm-8pm. BEER AND LIQUOR BUST 8pm - 11pm $5 beer $10 well liquor bust. TRIVIA TUESDAY quadzbar.com, 4640 Paradise Rd, 702-733-0383. 24 hours, gaming, free entry.
WEDNESDAY
BASTILLE Any drink 2-for-1 daily 11am-2pm, 4pm-8pm. $3.50 Patron Silver Shot 8pm-2am. 1402 S. 3rd St, bastillelv.com, 702-385-9298. Open 10am-2am, gaming, free entry. CHARLIES LAS VEGAS 2-for-1 3pm-8pm & 3am-8am. 8am-3pm $2 well & domestic. SKIN UNDERWEAR NIGHT 10pm Men and Boyz in underwear drink free well & draft beer. Go-Go dancers at 10:30pm. 5012 Arville St, charlieslasvegas.com, 702-876-1844. 24 hours, gaming, free entry.
TUESDAY
THE GARAGE 2-for-1 drinks 11am-7pm. BEER BUST 1am-4am and 9pm-12am $5 domestic $8 import. $4 Jack Daniels 8am-4am. MUSIC VIDEOS 9pm-12am. 702-4406333, thegaragelv.com, 1487 E. Flamingo. 24 hours, gaming, free entry.
CHARLIES LAS VEGAS 2-for-1 3pm-8pm & 3am-8am. 8am-3pm $2 well & domestic DRAG QUEEN GAME NIGHT. 9:30PM WIN PRIZES. 5012 Arville St, charlieslasvegas.com, 702-876-1844. 24 hours, gaming, free entry.
GOODTIMES NIGHTCLUB AND BAR 2-for-1 3pm-7pm. Flavored Vodka $140 a bottle. Daily lunch special 1pm8pm 100oz $20 beer tower. goodtimesbarlv.com, 702736-9494, 1755 E. Tropicana Ave, 24 Hours, gaming, free entry.
BASTILLE Any drink 2-for-1 daily 11am-2pm, 4pm-8pm. TOP SHELF TUESDAYS $3 off 8pm-2am. Beer Bust 9pm-12am 1402 S. 3rd St, bastillelv.com, 702-385-9298. Open 10am2am, gaming, free entry.
42 Gay Vegas Magazine
NIGHTCLUB & BAR SCHEDULE THE PHOENIX 2-for-1 4pm-7pm. HUMP DAY LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR 2-for-1 drinks if you check in on facebook or other social media, 9-1; play $20, get $10 free match play when logged in. 4213 W. Sahara Ave, facebook.com/ thephoenixlv, 702-826-2422. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. PIRANHA NIGHTCLUB BOYLESQUE cabaret and burlesque performers. 2-for-1 drinks 12pm-9pm. piranhavegas.com, 4633 Paradise Rd. 702-379-9500. 24 hours, gaming, free entry (excluding special events and holidays). QUADZ VIDEO BAR 2-for-1 12pm-8pm LIVE VJ $7 mini pitcher beer Video Jockey 10pm. 4640 Paradise Rd, quadzbar.com, 702-733-0383. 24 hours, gaming, free entry.
THURSDAY
BASTILLE Any drink 2-for-1 daily 11am-2pm, 4pm-8pm. LIQUOR BUST $10/$20 9pm-12am. THURSDAY TRIVIA! win prizes. $3 Fireball or Jager shots 8pm-2am. 1402 S. 3rd St, bastillelv.com, 702-385-9298. Open 10am-2am, gaming, free entry. CHARLIES LAS VEGAS 2-for-1 3pm-8pm & 3am-8am. 8am-3pm $2 well & domestic. 8pm-10pm $1 well & domestic. FREE COUNTRY DANCE LESSON w/ Joe 8pm. 5012 Arville St, charlieslasvegas.com, 702-876-1844. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. THE GARAGE 2-for-1 drinks 11am-7pm. $3 off top shelf 8pm-4am. 1/2 price martinis 8pm-11pm. 1487 E. Flamingo, thegaragelv.com, 702-440-6333. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. GOODTIMES NIGHTCLUB AND BAR 2-for 1 3pm-7pm. INSURGENCE NIGHT Flavored Vodka $140 a bottle. Daily lunch special 1pm-8pm 100oz $20 beer tower. 1755 E. Tropicana Ave, goodtimesbarlv.com, 702-736-9494. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. THE PHOENIX 2-for-1 4pm-7pm. THERAPY THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Shiela Del Monte 9pm - 1am. 4213 W. Sahara Ave, facebook.com/thephoenixlv, 702-826-2422. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. PIRANHA NIGHTCLUB DRAG QUEEN BINGO NIGHT 7pm-11pm Hosted by Michelle Holliday. 2-for-1 drinks 12pm11pm. piranhavegas.com, 4633 Paradise Rd. 702-379-9500. 24 hours, gaming, free entry (excluding special events and holidays). QUADZ VIDEO BAR 2-for-1 12pm-8pm. FREE POOL ALL DAY. BEER AND LIQUOR BUST 8pm - 11pm. $4 Three NEWLY UPDATED PROMOTIONS INDICATED IN PINK
Olives drinks. POKER LEAGUE 6pm. 4640 Paradise Rd, quadzbar.com, 702-733-0383. 24 hours, gaming, free entry.
FRIDAY
BASTILLE Any drink 2-for-1 daily 11am-2pm, 4pm-8pm. BEER BUST $5 9pm-12am. $4 Absolut 8pm-11pm. Video on request 8pm-11pm. 1402 S. 3rd St, bastillelv.com 702385-9298. Open 10am-2am, gaming, free entry. CHARLIES LAS VEGAS 2-for-1 3pm-8pm & 3am-8am. 8am-3pm $2 well & domestic. LIQUOR BUST $10 well $20 premium 9pm-12am. 5012 Arville St, charlieslasvegas.com, 702-876-1844. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. THE GARAGE 2-for-1 drinks 11am-7pm. $3 Cherry/Jager bombs 8pm-4am. 1487 E. Flamingo, thegaragelv.com, 702-440-6333. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. GOODTIMES NIGHTCLUB AND BAR 2 for 1 3pm7pm. VARIETY FRIDAY NIGHT Liquor Bust 10pm-1am. GLO-NIGHT EVERY FIRST FRIDAY - wear neon colors. Deception Show 1am. Flavored Vodka $140 a bottle. Daily lunch special 1pm-8pm 100oz $20 beer tower. 1755 E. Tropicana Ave, goodtimesbarlv.com, 702-736-9494. gaming, 24 hours, free entry. THE PHOENIX 2-for-1 4pm-7pm. PHIRED UP PHRIDAYS w/ Tyler Caiden 9pm - 1am. Drag show starring Keyska Diva 11:30pm. BEER BUST10pm-1am $10. 4213 W. Sahara Ave, facebook.com/thephoenixlv, 702-826-2422. 24 hours, PIRANHA NIGHTCLUB F*CK IT FRIDAYS All you can drink for $25 11pm-4am. Fierce Drag Show w/ India Ferrah & Desree St. James 12am. 4633 Paradise Rd. piranhavegas. com, 702-379-9500. 24 hours, gaming, free entry (excluding special events and holidays). QUADZ VIDEO BAR 2-for-1 12pm-8pm. SHOWTUNES NIGHT Video Jockey 10pm. Beer / Liquor Bust 8pm - 11pm. $5 beer $10 well liquor. 4640 Paradise Rd, quadzbar.com, 702-733-0383. 24 hours, gaming, free entry.
SATURDAY
BASTILLE Any drink 2-for-1 daily 11am-2pm, 4pm-8pm. MUSIC VIDEOS BY REQUEST and Drink Pitcher Specials 8pm-11pm LIQUOR BUST $10/$20 9pm-12am. $4 Jack Daniels or any Bacardi Rum 8pm-11pm. 1402 S. 3rd St, bastillelv.com, 702-385-9298. Open 10am-2am, gaming, free entry. CHARLIES LAS VEGAS 2-for-1 3pm-8pm & 3am-8am. 8am-3pm $2 well & domestic. BEER BUST $5 domestic and $8 premium from 9pm-12am. 5012 Arville St, charlieslasvegas.com, 702-876-1844. 24 hours, gaming, free entry.
NIGHTCLUB & BAR SCHEDULE THE GARAGE 2-for-1 drinks 11am-7pm. Beer bust 8pm11pm $5 domestic $8 import & $1 off well cocktails. 1/2 price Long Islands 8pm-4am. 1487 E. Flamingo, thegaragelv.com, 702-440-6333. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. GOODTIMES NIGHTCLUB AND BAR 2 for 1 3pm-7pm. LATIN NIGHT with Barbara de la O - Latin Hip Hop R&B Top 40. Flavored Vodka $140 a bottle. Daily lunch special 1pm-8pm 100oz $20 beer tower. Entry charge varies nightly depending on special events and holidays. 1755 E. Tropicana Ave, goodtimesbarlv.com, 702-736-9494. 24 hours, gaming. THE PHOENIX 2-for-1 4pm-7pm. 4213 W. Sahara Ave, facebook.com/thephoenixlv, 702-826-2422. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. PIRANHA NIGHTCLUB SELFIE SATURDAYS Goddess Show w / India Ferrah & guests. 2-for-1 drinks 12pm-9pm. 4633 Paradise Rd. piranhavegas. com, 702-379-9500. 24 hours, gaming, free entry (excluding special events and holidays). QUADZ VIDEO BAR 2-for-1 12pm-8pm. LIVE VJ Video Jockey 10pm. $1 schnapps shots. $3 fireball shots. 4640 Paradise Rd, quadzbar.com, 702-733-0383. 24 hours, gaming, free entry.
SUNDAY
BASTILLE Any drink 2-for-1 daily 11am-2pm, 4pm-8pm. TIKI SUNDAYS Music Videos 4pm-7pm. BEER BUST $5 9pm-12am. $2 wells and $2 off signature cocktails 8pm11pm. 1402 S. 3rd St, bastillelv.com, 702-385-9298. Open 10am-2am, gaming, free entry.
*Venue responsible for submitting updated information. Promotions are not guaranteed. Please call venue to verify.
CHARLIES LAS VEGAS 2-for-1 3pm-8pm & 3am8am. 8am-3pm $2 well & domestic. 4pm-8pm beer bust $5 domestic $8 premium. LINE DANCING & DRAG REVUE Line dance lessons 5-9pm. 10pm Drag Revue. $2 Long Islands 8pm-12am. 5012 Arville St, charlieslasvegas.com, 702-876-1844. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. THE GARAGE 2-for-1 drinks 11am-7pm. Beer bust 5pm9pm $5 domestic $8 import. $3.50 Patron Silver shots 8pm-4am. MUSIC VIDEOS & LIQUOR BUST 9pm-12am $10 well $20 call. RED ZONE FOOTBALL free appetizers 2pm-7pm. 1487 E. Flamingo, thegaragelv.com 702-4406333. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. GOODTIMES NIGHTCLUB AND BAR 2 for 1 3pm-7pm. FOOTBALL PARTY SUNDAYS 4pm. VIP SUNDAYS / RISE LGBT No Cover 10pm-4am Hip-Hop, R&B, Top 40 and Reggae. 1755 E. Tropicana Ave, goodtimesbarlv.com, 702-736-9494. 24 hours, gaming. THE PHOENIX LIVE MUSIC - AMPED! w/ Jeff St. Germain 4pm - 6pm SUPERSTAR KARAOKE w/ Shiela Del Monte 9PM-1AM. 4213 W. Sahara Ave, facebook.com thephoenixlv, 702-826-2422. 24 hours, gaming, free entry. PIRANHA NIGHTCLUB EL DESEO LATIN NIGHT 2 rooms - Banda and Duranguense w/ DJ Virus. House, Top 40 & R&B w/ DJ Vago. Latin Show 1am. 2-for-1 drinks 12pm9pm. 4633 Paradise Rd. piranhavegas.com, 702-379-9500. 24 hours, gaming, free entry (excluding special events and holidays). QUADZ VIDEO BAR 2-for-1 12pm-8pm. $3 Seagrams Sweet Tea vodka. 4640 Paradise Rd, quadzbar.com, 702733-0383. 24 hours, gaming, free entry.
DOWNLOAD OUR APP GAY VEGAS FROM YOUR APPLE OR ANDROID DEVICE. 46 Gay Vegas Magazine
NIGHTLIFE GAY NIGHTCLUBS FLEX LAS VEGAS 4347 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89102 (702) 878-3355. flexlasvegas.com Open 24/7. Gaming. NO COVER. FREEZONE NIGHTCLUB & BAR 610 E. Naples Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89119 (702) 794-2300. freezonelv.com Open 24/7. Gaming. NO COVER. GOODTIMES NIGHTCLUB & BAR 1775 E. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89119 (702) 736-9494. facebook.com/goodtimesbarlv Open 24/7. Gaming. COVER VARIES NIGHTLY. PIRANHA NIGHTCLUB 4633 Paradise Road. Las Vegas, NV 89169 (702) 791-0100. piranhavegas.com Open 24/7. Gaming. NO COVER. SHARE NIGHTCLUB 4636 Wynn Road Las Vegas, NV 89103 (702) 258-2681. sharenightclub.com Open Thur - Sat 10pm. NO COVER.
GAY BARS BADLANDS SALOON 953 E. Sahara Ave. #22 Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 792-9262. facebook.com/badlandssaloonlv Open 24/7. Gaming. NO COVER. BASTILLE ON 3RD 1402 S. 3rd St. Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 385-9298. bastillelv.com Open 10am-2am. Gaming. NO COVER.
CHARLIE’S LAS VEGAS 5012 S Arville Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89118 (702) 876-1844. charlieslasvegas.com Open 24/7. Gaming. NO COVER. THE EAGLE 3430 E. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89121 (702) 458-8662. facebook.com/thelasvegaseagle Open 24/7. Gaming. NO COVER. FUN HOG RANCH 495 E Twain Las Vegas, NV 89169 (702) 791-7001. funhogranchlv.com Open 24/7. Gaming. NO COVER. THE GARAGE 1487 E. Flamingo Rd., Ste. C Las Vegas, NV 89119 (702) 440-6333. thegaragelv.com Open 24/7. Gaming. NO COVER. THE PHOENIX 4213 W. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89102 (702) 826-2422. facebook.com/thephoenixlv Open Noon - 4am daily. Gaming. NO COVER. QUADZ VIDEO BAR 4640 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89169 (702) 733-0383. quadzbar.com Open 24/7. Gaming. NO COVER. SPOTLIGHT LOUNGE 975 E. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 431-9775. spotlightlounge.com Open 24/7. Gaming. NO COVER. LAS VEGAS LOUNGE 900 Karen Ave C101, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 737-9350 Open 24/7. NO COVER.
PROMOTIONAL GLOSSARY:
LIQUOR BUST OR BEER BUST - a promotion involving a one time fee for an all-you-can-drink time frame.
GAMING - this establishment has a gaming license, and you can expect gambling machines such as video poker, etc.
GAY VEGAS FUN
Everyone diggs Him
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ACROSS
1 Loads 5 Nancy McKeon’s _ ___ of Life_ 10 Cold feet 14 When quadrupled, a song by Bikini Kill 15 Finish off 16 Foam at the mouth 17 Grace ___ 18 First name in cosmetics 19 East of Eden son 20 Start of a quote by 23 Abe Lincoln’s boy 24 Disencumber 25 Not potent 28 More of the quote 31 Pluck ‘em 35 Arnaz, whose inlaws had Balls 36 Muscular strength 38 Young stud? 39 Sobriquet for 68-Across 42 Inventor Otis 43 Examine the testes again, e.g.? 44 Take a crack at 48 Enjoy a hot tub 51 Tooth care org. 52 Sex, crudely 56 End of the quote 59 Emphatic affirmative, to Frida 60 Opportunity for Glenn Burke 61 “So ___, Farewell” 63 Went down 64 2014 film about a voter-registration drive 65 A girl named Frank 66 High place with a flat top 67 Kilmer poem 68 Diggs *See answers in next issue.
DOWN
1 Atlas Shrugged author Rand 2 Fifth-century pope 3 Scout’s recitation 4 Hissy fits and such 5 Did a slow burn 6 On an Atlantis cruise 7 Publisher and friend of Moss Hart 8 Jethro of rock 9 Weapon of Caesar’s day 10 A real pussy? 11 Bring home the bacon 12 With mouth wide open 13 Kevin Bacon in Footloose 21 Winery container 22 Thousandth of an angry inch? 25 “Why, ___ delighted!” 26 Title role for Jodie Foster 27 Morales of La Bamba 28 Bellows of Ally McBeal 29 Collection suffix 30 “___ out!” (Pallone cry) 32 Frat toga, e.g. 33 Julia Morgan wings 34 Keep in 36 “Beat it!” 37 Sitcom radio station 40 Uniform material 41 Piss off 45 Wine expert, maybe 46 Safe to swallow 47 Title for Colette 48 Word from Bruce Weber, perhaps 49 Wet spot on a blanket of sand 50 West Side Story girl 53 Black key for Elton John 54 “___ roll!” 55 Dustin Hoffman biopic 57 Cartoonist Thomas 58 Sappho’s H’s 59 American Beauty director Mendes 62 Head-scratcher’s comment
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across ANSWERS FROM LAST ISSUE
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES Welcome to our community resources section. This community resources section has been created for our LGBT community and is made possible by the following community sponsors. These sponsors allow us to provide our readers with the resources they need and highlight the non-profit organizations that make a positive impact on our LGBT community.
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yellow SPONSORs Country Club Towers
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SOCIAL AND SUPPORT GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES ACT III Senior Drop-in Monday–Friday 10:30AM–2PM Gay Men’s Forum Every Wednesday 6–7:30PM Identi-T* FLUX TRANS* YOUTH GROUP Wednesdays 3PM. OUT OF THE (GENDER) BOX Tuesdays 7–8PM. SWITCH TRANS* CLOTHING SWAP Thursdays 5–6PM and Fridays 5–5:30PM. T*GETHER July 15 on Wednesdays at 6:30pm. TRANS.LATION Fridays 5:30–7AM. TRANSMASCULINE GROUP A Third Saturday of every month 10:30–11:30AM. The L Group RAP N’ MORE social group meets each Friday at 7pm. The group features a rap/chat group the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month, crafts on the 2nd Friday and lesbian movie night the 4th Friday. Many Loves: Polyamory/Non-monogamy Group Second Tuesday of Every Month 8PM. PFLAG Second Saturday of Every Month 10AM Prime Timers Third Saturday of Every Month 12–2PM QVolution Youth Program Every Tuesday and Thursday 6–10PM Social CirKish FALL: Tues./Thurs. 5:30–7:30PM (9/10–11/14) Southern Nevada Bisexuals Second Monday of Every Month 5–6PM Vegas Mpowerment Project Every Monday and Friday 7:30PM
HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS Addiction Recovery Groups The following peer-led recovery programs meet at The Center every week: ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA) Monday–Friday 6:30–7:30PM AA EN ESPAÑOL Every Saturday 10:00AM–NOON GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS (GA) Every Wednesday 8:15PM NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS (NA) Every Saturday 2–3PM SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS (SAA) Every Tuesday 6–7PM SMART RECOVERY Every Monday 7–8:30PM Free HIV and Syphilis Testing and Counseling Monday–Thursday 10:30AM–5PM and the first Saturday of each month 10:00AM-3PM Free Vaccinations Monday and Wednesday 10:30AM–4PM Living Well Every Tuesday 6–7PM
ADDITIONAL SERVICES Community Information & Referrals Our information and referral desk staff and volunteers happily provide information on topics such as LGBTQ activities, support groups and organizations throughout the Las Vegas Valley as well as referrals to public assistance, counselors, doctors, attorneys, churches and more. Cultural Competency Training The Center’s knowledgeable program staff can lead a variety of cultural competency trainings for companies and organizations, on topics such as HIV, gender identity and the LGBTQ community. A complete menu of trainings is under development. David Bohnett CyberCenter Our CyberCenter, recently refreshed by the David Bohnett Foundation with internet service proudly powered by Cox Communications, provides individuals with two free hours of computer and internet usage Monday through Saturday during Center business hours. Many users enjoy access to social media, games and streaming video while others take advantage of the Microsoft Office suite for resumé-building and other tasks. David R. Parks Lending Library Named by the community in honor of Nevada State Senator David Parks, our lending library offers more than 4,000 fiction and non-fiction books and hundreds of DVDs to borrow at no charge for a two-week period. While the majority are of an LGBTQ nature, we also offer a wide variety of mainstream works. Multipurpose Event Spaces Perfect for meetings, social events, banquets and much more, our Event Hall provides 3,000 sq. ft. of versatile space. Through the use of movable walls, the space can be divided into six smaller meeting rooms or opened to accommodate 200 individuals for dinner or 300 for a live performance. A stage, dance floor and projector with screen are all available to use. In addition, we have 18-seat and 12-seat conference rooms with marker-boards and 42” televisions for smaller meetings. Room usage prices and other details may be found online at www.thecenterlv.org/rooms. Outdoor Sports Court & Courtyard A half-court, outdoor basketball court to the east of our main entrance is available for public use. Observers may enjoy the game from nearby benches and picnic tables. To the west of our entrance, a lushly landscaped courtyard with five picnic tables may be used for simply enjoying the weather or sharing a meal with friends.
the center
Serving the LGBTQ Community of Nevada
THE CENTER 401 S. MARYLAND PKWY. LAS VEGAS, NV 89101
702-733-9800 • THECENTERLV.ORG
The Center Looks Toward the Future This October, The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (known to most simply as The Center) will celebrate 22 years of serving the LGBTQ community of Las Vegas. As one committee of board and staff has been preparing to honor this anniversary at the annual Honorarium event, another has been actively polling the community to compile demographics and learn of current needs and desires. The data collected through three short in-person surveys and one longer online survey is being used to craft a three-year strategic plan for The Center’s expansion of programs and services. Among those working tirelessly to take The Center to the next level are CEO Michael Dimengo, Director of Operations AndrÊ Wade and Director of Development Walter Reed, all of whom have joined
PHOTO BY MICHAEL MITCHELL
the staff within the past year and offer a fresh perspective on the organization with new goals and new ideas. Each has been eager to listen to our community and learn what they want and need from The Center.
“There have been key learnings that I have acquired since becoming a part of The Center.,” Dimengo says. “First, I am grateful to have learned the needs and desires of many members of the transgender community. Members of the transgender community are some of the most misunderstood persons. In meeting with many of them and learning their stories, they have commanded my respect. I also believe that the misunderstandings of the transgender community emanate right from others in our LGBTQ community. All of us need to take time to learn about each other. We are part of this rich rainbow of diversity. It is mutual respect and appreciation that binds us together. We need to take time to learn from one another. “One clear demonstration of this is how a variety of lesbian leaders talked to me about their experiences of primary healthcare and preventive healthcare services. One woman after the next told me discouraging stories of discrimination and disrespect as they encountered medical professionals in the community where they were obtaining assistance. It’s sad. Healthcare for the lesbian community is an acute need. It has motivated me to seek additional resources and do additional planning to address the healthcare needs of our lesbian community first, while addressing the needs of healthcare among our other constituent populations. “Another key learning for me among the many things that I have learned is centered around our youth. I’m particularly delighted every time I meet with the members of our QVolution youth program or meet with members of our Vegas MPowerment Project. I’m energized by our young people’s energy and ideas. I see so much hope and promise for them. But, at the same time,
not until I came here to The Center did I learn about the challenges that these young people are experiencing in the lack of acceptance that some endure, in the bullying that they have to contend with, in the disenfranchisement that many experience from their families and close relatives. Not until I came to The Center did I learn of the gravity of youth homelessness—that LGBTQ youth homelessness is a significant piece of all youth homelessness in our community. Something has to be done to address that.” As director of operations, Wade oversees the program managers who work closely every day with the hundreds of LGBTQ individuals who attend regular group meetings at The Center. Many come in at other times seeking help with housing, clothing, financial assistance, connection to medical care and often life-saving advice. He has learned through his team the challenges the community faces and the obstacles his own staff have to overcome to adequately serve this population. “Something I intrinsically knew [prior to joining the staff], but now better understand, is how much The Center means to the community at-large. And that The Center is the ‘go-to’ for all things LGBTQ; therefore, we have to be nimble in our ability to respond to the various and diverse needs of the community. I’ve definitely come to understand that we are a small and mighty bunch who need a few more hours in the day to accomplish more. But we do what we can!” Wade says. As The Center develops goals and courses of action for the future, Wade says, “We have a lot of great things happening, but we recognize that there are a lot of people in need. We’d like to be able to provide more services in house, and refer
out less, so that we can decrease the time frame from referring someone to a particular service to them accessing the service. We believe that moving in the space of health care is one road we may travel down. We’d like to ensure that more LGBTQ (with an emphasis on the T and the L) have access to culturally competent and sensitive healthcare services by us providing those services ourselves. Additionally, we believe addressing the youth homelessness issue by way of a shelter or housing component will position us to serve more people in emergency need, especially when other shelter and/or housing are full or people are unwilling to access particular shelter and/or housing due to lack of LGBTQ competency. “Additionally, we want to ensure that we can provide well-rounded services such as mental health, those that support economic wellbeing, family-centered services and services that continuously focus on the needs of the transgender and gender non-conforming population. Lastly, we want to make sure that all of our programs and services are accessible to communities of color. We hope to, through collaboration with others, build programs and services for the African-American, Latino and other people of color communities.” A non-profit organization like The Center — which serves the public six days a week — relies on a variety of grants to sustain its individual programs and, in large part, personal donations both large and small to cover day-to-day operating costs. Reed knows firsthand that raising such funds is an ongoing challenge. His goal is to convert the financial support for the Opening New Doors capital campaign into The Rainbow Circle, a
sustaining fundraising program that would support all of the activities of The Center. “I believe the new three-year plan will identify areas, like the transgender community, that need more services. I think it will also show that to sustain the current and expanding level of services offered at The Center, we must develop new revenue streams around the programs and continue to develop a sustaining gifts program that ensures the stability of The Center,” Reed says. “We have to be grateful because it was a strategic plan of some of our past leaders that put The Center on the trajectory of opening up its new home and its new building in March 2013,” Dimengo says. “As they did so, I believe one ‘unintended consequence’ was the enormous programmatic growth that we have experienced since opening our doors here. Last year alone, we saw a 62 percent increase in program participants over 2013. For continuity sake, we need to set operational goals that will harness that growth and manage it appropriately. We need to continue to develop our programing in service to the community.” The Center invites any and all residents of and visitors to Southern Nevada to visit its facility at 401 S. Maryland Pkwy. in downtown Las Vegas and get involved in its ongoing programs and help further its goals. More information about meetings, activities, volunteer opportunities and ways to contribute can be found online at www.thecenterlv.org.
aging communities together
men’s mondays
transgender tuesdays
inclusive thursdays
women’s wednesdays
free-for-all fridays
IT’S TIME FOR A
COMPREHENSIVE
FEDERAL LGBT NON-DISCRIMINATION LAW
IT’S TIME FOR THE
EQUALITY ACT HRC.ORG/EQUALITYFORWARD #EQUALITYFORWARD
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.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
AID FOR AIDS OF NEVADA
PARENTS, FAMILIES FRIENDS OF LESBIANS & GAYS (PFLAG) LAS VEGAS
North: 702-639-8110 South: 702-862-8075 aidshealth.org
1120 Almond Tree Ln. Las Vegas, NV 89104 702-382-2326 AFANLV.org THE CENTER
401 S. Maryland Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV 89101 702-733-9800 TheCenterLV.com COMMUNITY COUNSELING CENTER OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
714 E Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89104 702-369-8700 CCCofNV.org
GOLDEN RAINBOW
801 S. Rancho Dr., Ste. B-1B Las Vegas, NV 89106 702-384-2899 GoldenRainbow.org HRC LAS VEGAS
HRC.org/LasVegas info@hrclv.org
IMPERIAL ROYAL SOVEREIGN COURT OF THE DESERT EMPIRE
P.O. Box 46481 Las Vegas, NV 89114 DesertEmpire.org
1-800-SUICIDE suicidepreventionlifeline.org
P.O. Box 20145 Las Vegas, NV 89112 702-738-7838 PFLAG.org
SAFY SPECIALIZED ALTERNATIVES FOR FAMILY & YOUTH
4285 N. Rancho Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89109 702-385-5331 SAFY.org
SAINT THERESE CENTER HIV OUTREACH CENTER
100 E. Lake Mead Pkwy. Henderson, NV 89015 702-564-4224 SaintThereseCenter.org
SIN SITY SISTERS SADAP
P.O. Box 60005 Las Vegas, NV 89160 702-592-6969 SinSitySisters.org
SUICIDE HOTLINE
LGBT Youth 1-866-488-7386 thetrevorproject.org
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