Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017

Page 1



Welcome By James Healey, President, Las Vegas PRIDE On behalf of the Las Vegas PRIDE Board of Directors, I am honored to welcome you to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017! The Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc., has been serving the Las Vegas community for the past 34 years and we are excited to share our Las Vegas PRIDE with you! The theme for Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 is, “UNITED TOGETHER”. Having selected our theme more than one year ago, we could not have imagined how important this message would be for our community. Our brothers and sisters at Pulse Nightclub were fresh in our minds at the 2016 festivities and this October, we find our own city touched directly by tragedy. We have been witness to great loss and tragedy, but when things get dark, the light always shines bright in Las Vegas! The Las Vegas community at-large has responded with such strength! #VegasStrong has been alive and well in the city and we invite you to stand strong with us - #VegasStrong, #UnitedTogether In light of recent actions taken by the current Administration, it is clear that our rights are under attack. We must all stand together and make our message heard loud and clear: We are all Americans and should be treated equally under the law. After all, our Pledge of Allegiance clearly states “With Liberty and Justice for ALL!” Coming out and participating and supporting PRIDE Parades/Festivals is one way that we can gather and show solidarity in strength as we bring all walks of life together. The Rainbow is a symbol that truly represents what the LGBTQ and Ally community is all about. It shows when you bring all colors together, you make something beautiful.

I would like to thank our many sponsors who stand with and support our LGBTQ community and we ask you to support those business and organizations. Without these sponsors, we could not produce PRIDE in Las Vegas. I would also like to thank each member of the Las Vegas PRIDE Governing Board, Associate Board and our 2017 Royalty for their commitment to our community. It takes many volunteers throughout the year to make all of our events happen and we would like to extend our deepest gratitude for all you do! Most of all, we would like to thank you for uniting with us for this amazing celebration of diversity and inclusion, HAPPY PRIDE 2017 Las Vegas!!! “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.” - J.K. Rowling James Healey President, Las Vegas PRIDE Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 3


4 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017


EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAS VEGAS PRIDE 2017 EVENT SCHEDULE

October 15, 2017 43 PRIDE Pool Party

October 18, 2017

13 Ladies Speed Dating 14 Comedy Night 15 Ladies Dance Party

October 19, 2017

67 HRC Third Thursday 18 Queen of Sin City Pageant 23 Queen of Sin City After Party

October 20, 2017 24 26 27 28 59

Night Parade Pre Party PRIDE Night Parade Night Parade After Party Drag Kings Unite Parade Broadcast Schedule

October 21, 2017 36 42 43 45 54 52 53

PRIDE Festival Festival DJ Schedule Festival Food Court Selections Festival Entertainment Festival Starbucks Menu After Festival Party Latin After Festival Party

October 22, 2017 36 42 43 45 54 63

PRIDE Festival Festival DJ Schedule Festival Food Court Selections Festival Entertainment Festival Starbucks Menu PRIDE Finale Party

October 24, 2017

51 Cause an Effect: Chipotle Fundraiser to Support Las Vegas PRIDE

CONTENTS 3 4 10 17 19 32 36 38 39 42 43 45 48 51 54 55 60 64

Welcome 2017 PRIDE Sponsors Gilbert Baker Las Vegas PRIDE Royalty Queen of Sin City PRIDE Board & Committees PRIDE Festival Map Festival Pet Safety Rules Retractable Dog Leashes PRIDE Festival DJ Schedule Festival Food Court Menu Festival Entertainment PRIDE 101: Flags, Colors & Symbols Explained Festival Bar Menu Las Vegas Guide Map LGBT Bars & Clubs Three Reasons Everyone Should Know LGBT History Patrick Masse

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. (SNAPI). No part of this publication, including stories, artwork, advertising or photos, may be reproduced without written permission from SNAPI. For information regarding Las Vegas PRIDE events, visit www.lasvegaspride.org. The appearance of any person, business or organization in this publication, by name, advertisement or photograph, is not an indication of sexual orientation. SNAPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 5






GILBERT BAKER

Designer of Rainbow Flag, Enduring Symbol for Gay Rights, Has Died ORIGINAL POST FROM THE TWO-WAY - BREAKING NEWS FROM NPR

At the time, the pink triangle, designed after the schema Nazi’s used to target homosexuals for extermination, was commonly appropriated by activists. Baker found himself dismayed by the appropriation. Gilbert Baker, creator of the rainbow flag, which would endure as the symbol of gay activism and solidarity for 40 years, has died. Cleve Jones, a longtime friend and noted gay rights activist, announced the death on Twitter. Baker designed his first flag during the 1970s while an active member of San Francisco’s gay community. An Army veteran and drag performer, Baker found himself sought after for his deftness at costuming to make signs and banners for the burgeoning gay rights movement. 10 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017

“It came from such a horrible place of murder and holocaust and Hitler,” said Baker during a 2015 interview with the Museum of Modern Art. “We needed something beautiful, something from us. The rainbow is so perfect because it really fits our diversity in terms of race, gender, ages, all of those things. Plus, it’s a natural flag, it’s from the sky.” The first rainbow flags debuted at San Francisco’s Gay Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978. The parade committee fronted $1,000 for its design and con-


struction and enlisted about 30 volunteers for the project, built at a gay community center.

In 2015, the Museum of Modern Art acquired the flag for its design collection.

“I wanted to make it at the center, with my friends, it needed to have a real connection to nature and community, “ Baker said in the same interview.

Baker was born in Kansas in 1951, and served in the U.S. Army from 1970-72. The Army brought him to San Francisco where he found a place among the increasingly accepted and visible gay community there.

His original design included eight colored bars running horizontally, corresponding to values he believed represented the diversity of the gay community. Two colors, turquoise and pink, had to be dropped to due to the difficulty at that time of mass producing flags of that color. This compromise, however, allowed for an easily reproducible flag.

During his years in San Francisco, he crossed paths with Harvey Milk, who became the first openly gay men to hold public office in 1978. When Milk’s life was turned into a biopic, Baker was tapped to design versions of his original flag for the film. Baker was 65 and died in his sleep at his New York City home. Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 11


’ ODY BANGIN B R U O Y T E G AS PRIDE! G E V S A L R FO

@XCYCLELV | XCYCLELV.COM 750 S. RAMPART BLVD. LAS VEGAS, NV 89145 - (702) 489-6099


Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 13


ShaCowmendiaPne, lAcotfressks y www.lasvegaspride.org


Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 15



INTRODUCING THE LAS VEGAS PRIDE 2017

Royalty

Andrew Ryan

Roberto Valdez

Miss Las Vegas PRIDE 2017

Miss Orgullo Las Vegas 2017

Jesus Nanci

Miguel Hernandez

Mr. Las Vegas PRIDE 2017

Mr. Orgullo Las Vegas 2017

Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 17


18 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017


BY CALVIN MARQUEZ JR.

After a year of planning, the Queen of Sin City Pageant is finally here! Eight contestants from opposite ends of the Continental US, as well as from here in Las Vegas, will strut, pose, charm, and entertain in 5 different categories; Interview, Showgirl Costume, Evening Gown, Talent, and Q&A. All in hopes of being crowned the very first winner on October 19, 2017 at Texas Station Hotel and Casino. Drag as an artform is all about exaggeration and being over the top, producers have guaranteed that this pageant will not disappoint. Expect to see elaborate costumes adorned by thousands of feathers and jaw dropping eve-

ning gowns that were encrusted with tens of thousands of rhinestones and beads. In addition to the competition, former and reigning national title holders from across the country will be in attendance to keep the energy up throughout the pageant. The Queen of Sin City Pageant is definitely turning up the heat in Las Vegas and you will definitely want to be there to witness the full fantasy of this drag competition at its finest. For more information or to purchase your tickets please visit our website at: lasvegaspride.org/ queen-of-sin-city

Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 19


Contestants

2017 Queen of Sin City Pageant

BIONKA SIMONE San Francisco, California

CHEVELLE BROOKS Orlando, Florida

DESREE D ST. JAMES Las Vegas, Nevada

DULCEY TABATHA FERRAH Las Vegas, Nevada

ELEKTRA DEL RIO Las Vegas, Nevada

LUPITA AMPARO Hollywood, California

MELISSA PRIME Los Angeles, California

20 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017

VANITY ST. JAMES Tucson, Arizona


2017 Queen of Sin City Pageant

ANDREW RYAN

Performers

Miss Las Vegas PRIDE 2017

JENNIFER WARNER

KAINA JACOBS

SASHA COLBY

Miss United States Icon 2012

Miss Universal Showqueen 2001

Miss Continental 2012

COCOA CHANDELIER

SHAESHAE LAREESE

ANYE GOTTI

Miss Universal Showqueen 2008

Miss United States 2017

Miss PIFA 2017

LAWANDA JACKSON

JESUS NANCI

LACHERRY

Miss Gay USofA 2012

Mr. Las Vegas PRIDE 2017

Miss Piranha Buscando mi Sueno 2016

Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 21



Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 23


24 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017


ONGS S W N E D TO A D D E E B OX ! UK THE J

FOR TICKETS VISIT ANY VENETIAN BOX OFFICE


26 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017


Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 27


HOSTS

Photo by Frankie Sanchez

ANNUAL PRIDE NIGHT PARADE

GREG CHASE

CLAUDIA B

ANDREW RYAN

BRANDON MICHAEL

JENNIFER WARNER

RUSTY WATERS

JUDGES

ADRIENNE ALEXANDER

28 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017

AFEELYA BUNS


Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 29



Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 31


Directors

PRIDE BOARD & COMMITTEE MEMBERS LIST

The Board of Directors of the Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. (SNAPI) is both proud and honored to be able to direct the growth of this outstanding organization. Each of the non-compensated board members volunteers countless hours to help ensure a successful and enjoyable PRIDE Celebration for all.

BOARD MEMBERS

EXECUTIVE BOARD James Healey, President Jorge Solorio, Vice President Brady McGill, Secretary Bob Napierala, Treasurer Kawika Oliveira, Parliamentarian DIRECTORS Clair Koetitz Lyndon Marquez Craig Olivera Nakia Matthews-Rollins

PRIDE STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ernie Yuen

COMMITTEES

ENTERTAINMENT James Healey Brady McGill FINANCE Bob Napierala Jorge Solorio FOOD & BEVERAGE Brady McGill Kawika Oliveira Ernie Yuen HOLIDAY WREATH & ORNAMENT AUCTION Ernie Yuen MAGAZINE Ernie Yuen Jake Naylor Chuck Spady 32 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017

LOGISTICS Dan Shoaff Brady McGill James Healey Bob Napierala MARKETING Ernie Yuen Jake Naylor Chuck Spady PARADE Clair Koetitz Ernie Yuen Lyndon Marquez Jeff Renaud Javi Michael PRIDE FAMILY BINGO Ernie Yuen VOLUNTEERS Jorge Solorio Craig Oliveira Michael Khamveuy Mahavong ROYALTY COMMITTEE Ernie Yuen Jorge Solorio “SAFER SEX” OUTREACH PROGRAM Brady McGill Ernie Yuen SPONSORSHIP Ernie Yuen James Healey Lucas Rangel EXHIBITORS Jorge Solorio Kawika Oliveira





36 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017




Retractable Dog Leashes:

Not always a good thing! Retractable dog leashes have become popular since they were introduced in the 1980s. Some leashes unwind to a length of more than 30 feet, which gives the dog some room to wander. But these leashes should be used with caution. While this may seem like a great idea crafted by an astute inventor with owners of dogs in mind, in reality, a retractable dog leash may cause unbelievable dangers. Indeed, there have been reports of dogs and dog owners getting serious injuries caused by retractable leashes. Burns: If the leash cord wraps around the leg of a person or a dog, and the leash is retracted or the dog begins to run, it causes a nasty burn or even amputations. Blind Corners: The retractable dog leash should not be let out to its fullest length in cities or near traffic. The dog can go around a parked car or a corner where the walker cannot see, and the dog can wind up injured or killed. Falling Apart: Retractable dog leashes have been known to break apart suddenly, causing pieces to become airborne. According to ABC News, a 12-year-old girl was blinded in one eye in this way in 2008.

hit by cars or kids on rollerblades rounding corners. A dog is not enough ‘’streetsmart’’ and cannot predict accidents as well as an owner can; therefore, the privilege of walking ahead should not be granted both from a leadership point of view as well as a safety caution. PRIDE Pets would like to encourage all pets’ owners to leave their retractable leashes at home and to please use a 3’ or 4’ leash at PRIDE pets to have better control of your animal. It’s safer and you’ll have better control! Please follow all safety rules and of course respect all other animals!

Another danger of using a retractable leash is that the dog may face dangers before the dog owner is able to react. There have been reports of dogs getting Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 39




42 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017


Las Vegas PRIDE Festival

FOOD COURT SAVORY Can’t Dutch This

Hand-cut Belgian Style Fries, Pride Theme Cookies

The Goods Smoke & Grill

Giant Smoked Turkey Legs, Kielbasa Sausage, Jumbo Bratwurst, Spicy Italian Sausage

Hula Hut

Teriyaki Beef/Chicken, Kalua Pork, Meat Pies, Spam Musubi, Macaroni Salad

Islandtucky Fried Chicken

Garlic Chicken, Bento, Fried Noodles, Spicey Poke, Shoyu Poke, Teri Burger, Furikake Fries, Fries, Hamburger, Steak, Loco Moco

Sophia’s Kitchen

Chicken Tenders, Asada Fries, Sausages, Bacon Wrapped Dogs, Philly Cheesesteak, Asada Nachos, Chees Fries, Corn Dogs

Stick-N-Grill

Thai BBQ Stick, BBQ Rice Bowl, Noodle Plate, Garlic Fried Tofu, Lettuce Wraps, BBQ Wraps, BBQ Salad, Garlic Fries, Beef & Lamb Gyros, Iced Tea, Lemonade

SWEET Las Vegas Sno

Tropical Sno Shaved Ice with Assorted Toppings, Hawaiian Style Shave Ice

Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 43


FESTIVAL HOSTS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2017

CLAUDIA B

AFEELYA BUNS

RUSTY WATERS

ADRIENNE ALEXANDER

EDIE

JENNIFER WARNER

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2017 ANDREW RYAN

GINGER GRANT

BRANDON MICHAEL

ERIKA GAGA


Las Vegas PRIDE Festival

ENTERTAINMENT SATURDAY

SUNDAY

OCTOBER 21

OCTOBER 22

NATIONAL ANTHEM BY STEPHANIE SANCHEZ BLESSING BY SIN SITY SISTERS POWER HOUR 360 GYM X-CYCLE YOGA 2017 PRIDE PARADE AWARDS IMPERIAL ROYAL SOVEREIGN COURT OF THE DESERT EMPIRE NA HULA HALIA ALOHA CULTURAL PRESERVATION LAS VEGAS MEN’S CHORUS LEONARDO MARTINEZ PATRICK MASSE ZOMBIE BURLESQUE

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH SERVICE

COMEDIAN

SHAWN PELFSKY RU PAUL’S DRAG RACE CONTESTANTS

COCO MONTRESE KIMORA BLAC RU PAUL’S DRAG RACE CONTESTANTS

MORGAN MCMICHAELS & COCO VANCARTIER SASHA COLBY ASHLEY IMAN

ZUMBA CHEER SAN DIEGO EXTREME ERIKA GAGA CHASE BROWN JESSICA MANALO PERSHARD OWENS MISS BEHAVE GAME SHOW MICHELLE ROHL ROX MOONSHINERS BAND PARTY NAILS BAND ARNLOLD GAITAN THE SONORA FOLKLORIC BALLET ERIKA GAGA

Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 45




PRIDE 101

FLAGS, COLORS & SYMBOLS EXPLAINED

Pride festivals and parades are famous the world over for their exuberant and unique message-driven themes. A colorful, fabulous celebration, parades are often distinguished by lively participants with brandish colorful flags and symbols.

INTERLOCKING MALE SYMBOLS Two interlocking male gender symbols, the singular of which is borrowed from the astrological sign for Mars, have represented gay men since the 1970’s.

INTERLOCKING FEMALE SYMBOLS Two interlocking female gender symbols, the singular of which is borrowed from the astrological sign of Venus, began representing the lesbian community in the 1970’s.

LAMBDA The 11th letter of the Greek alphabet. The lowercase letter has symbolized the LGBT community since 1970, when the Gay Activist Alliance selected it to represent the gay rights movement.

TRANSGENDER SYMBOL This symbol combines and modifies elements of the male and female gender symbols.

INTERLOCKING MALE & FEMALE These symbols signify men attracted to men and women (left) and a women attracted to men and women (right).

INVERTED PINK TRIANGLE The pink triangle was originally used to denote homosexual men as a Nazi concentration camp badge. The AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT-UP) adopted the inverted pink triangle to symbolize the “active fight back” against HIV/AIDS.

48 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017


8 STRIPED

RAINBOW PRIDE FLAGS

PANSEXUAL

7 STRIPED

6 STRIPED

HOT PINK: Sexuality RED: Life ORANGE: Healing YELLOW: Sunlight GREEN: Nature TURQUOISE: Magic/ Arts INDIGO/BLUE: Serenity VIOLET: Spirit

RED: Life ORANGE: Healing YELLOW: Sunlight GREEN: Nature TURQUOISE: Magic/ Arts INDIGO/BLUE: Serenity VIOLET: Spirit

RED: Life ORANGE: Healing YELLOW: Sunlight GREEN: Nature INDIGO/BLUE: Serenity VIOLET: Spirit

PINK: Those who identify within female spectrum YELLOW: Transgender BLUE: Those who identify within the male spectrum

TRANSGENDER

LEATHER

BEAR BROTHERHOOD

LIPSTICK LESBIANS

All seven stripes represent the colors of fur throughout the world. BEAR PAW: Love of Bears & thier Admirers

The creator of the Lipstick Lesbian Flag did not indicate a meaning behind the stripes of the flag, only the group to which the flag belonged.

LEATHER GIRL

LIGHT BLUE: Baby Boys LIGHT PINK: Baby Girls WHITE: Those who are transitioning

BLACK: Leather & Permanence BLUE: Devotion & Loyalty White: Purity & Innocence RED HEART: Love of Leather Men

BI-SEXUAL

BOI / BOY

FURRY

ROSE: Same-gender attraction LAVENDAR: Attraction anywhere within the gender spectrum BLUE: Opposite gender attraction

BLACK: Leather & Permanence White: Purity & Innocence GREEN: Denotes the inexperienced young man HEART: Signifies where the boy’s heart is

PALE BLUE: Male Gender PINK: Female Gender LANVENDER: Transgender FELINE PAW: Represents feline anthropomorphism across all gender boundaries

BLACK: Leather & Permanence PINK: Female Leather White: Purity & Innocence RED HEART: Love of Leather Women

Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 49



Las Vegas PRIDE Festival

Hamburger Mary’s Bar LOCATED AT THE CENTER OF THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS $6 MIXED DRINKS $5 ALUMINUM BOTTLED BEERS

THANK YOU TO OUR FESTIVAL BAR SPONSOR

$5 SANGRIA $4 WINE $2 SODA $1 WATER

Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 51


52 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017


Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 53


Las Vegas Guide Map 95

US-95 NORTH US-95 SOUTH

Y

KW

MEADOWS LN D

EN

CA

C

RS

AV E

MA IN

W AY

ST

ON

ALTA DR

S RANCHO DR

W. CHARLESTON BLVD

7

16

OG

DE

PK

AN

R

G

PP

MA RY LA ND

AL

TR

FR

EM

ON

NA VE

TS

T

1 CHARLESTON BLVD

E. SAHARA AVE

SV

LA

ARVILLE ST

2

AS

EG

3

13

18 S COMMERCIAL CTR

BL VD

W. OAKEY BLVD

OAKEY BLVD

W. SAHARA AVE

E. KAREN AVE

INTERSTATE

15

DESERT INN RD

15 9

FLAMINGO RD

E FLAMINGO RD

PARA

8

DISE

S. ARVILLE ST

HARMON AVE E NAPLES DR

54 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017

S. EASTERN AVE

McCARRAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

HARMON AVE

SPENCER ST

W HACIENDA AVE

S. VALLEY VIEW B

S. DECATUR BLVD

TROPICANA AVE

4

UNLV CAMPS

MARYLAND PKWAY

RD

LAS VEGAS BLVD

WYN I RD

W. NAPLES DR

17 12

N ST

KOVAL LN

14

E NAPLES DR

11 6

NSO

S AVE

RD

SAND

SWE

DISE

W. TWAIN AVE

SWENSON ST

I - 15 SOUTH

SPRING MOUNTAIN RD

KAREN AVE

PARA

W. DESERT INN RD I - 15 NORTH

DECATR BLVD

MARYLAND PKWAY

PENNWOOD AVE

VALLEY VIEW BLVD

5

19

10


Bars and Clubs 15- hamburger mary’s

1- The Back door

8- The Garage

2- Badland Saloon

9- flair nightclub

3- Bastille on 3rd

10- Las Vegas Eagle

4- Charlie’s Las Vegas

11- Piranha Night Club

16- The gay & Lesbian Center

5- The Phoenix

12- Quadz Video Bar

17- Get Booked

6- 8½ Ultra Lounge

13- Spotlight Lounge

18- Entourage Spa

7- Flex Cocktail Lounge

14- funhog ranch

19- Hawks Gym

1415 E. Charleston Ave. 702-831-0621 953 E. Sahara Ave. 702-792-9262 1402 S. Third St. 702-385 9298 5012 Arville St. 702-876-1844

4213 W Sahara Ave. 702-826-2422 4633 Paradise Rd. 702-379-9500

4371 W. Charleston Blvd. 702-431-9775

Pride_Magazine_LV_fill_ad_7.375x4.5.indd 1

1487 E. Flamingo Rd. 702-440-6333 1700 E. Flamingo Blvd. 702-733-8787 3430 E. Tropicana Ave. 702 458-8662 4633 Paradise Rd. 702-379-9500 4640 Paradise Rd. 702-733-0383

975 E. Sahara Ave. 702-431-9775 495 E. Twain Ave. 702-791-7001

*Opening Soon 1700 E. Flamingo Blvd. 702-733-8787

Businesses 401 S. Maryland Pkwy. 702-733-9800 4640 Paradise Rd. 702-737-7780

953 E. Sahara Ave., Ste A19 702-650-9191

953 E Sahara Ave., Ste 101-102 702-731-4295

8:05 AM Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 20171/27/16 | 55


56 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017




Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 59


www.lgbtHistoryMonth.com

October is LGBT History Month:

Three Reasons Everyone Should Know LGBT History BY HRC STAFF

In honor of LGBT History Month, here are a few reasons why it’s important for everyone, not just members of the LGBT community, to know about LGBT people, communities and political movements throughout history: 1. History gives LGBTQ youth (and adults) heros and role models. Everyone deserves to grow up seeing successful people who resemble them and to whom they 60 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017

can relate, whether that’s people who share the same race or gender, or families who look like the ones they might one day want to be a part of. While far too many LGBTQ youth still feel isolated and alone in their families and communities, learning history in a way that includes people who look, live and love like them can give them inspiration and hope for a brighter future. For LGBT adults, LGBT historical figures validate


our identities and help us remember that no matter what challenges we still face and what messages we receive from anti-LGBT people, we have always been and always will be important and valuable members of society. 2. History helps us understand where we are and where we’re going. History doesn’t just repeat itself, as the cliché suggests. Instead, it informs our present and affects our future as a community. To fully understand the significance of the recent victory for marriage equality, for example, we must understand what came before it, like the U.S. Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia, which struck down a ban on interracial marriage in 1967, or the Civil Rights, Women’s Liberation and Gay Liberation movements that formed the foundation for modern LGBT organizing and advocacy. 3. Our Stories Matter. Many members of the LGBT community still struggle to have their voices heard and their experiences valued, and the historical silences surrounding our identities don’t exactly help that struggle. Historical accounts that include LGBT people, whether we’re talking about middle school textbooks, college lectures or historical movies or documentaries, make our lives and experiences visible. In turn, that allows potential allies to understand our ongoing struggle for equality. Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 61



LASVEGASPRIDE.ORG Sign up for newsletter

Text: VEGASPRIDE to: 99000 Facebook.com/LasVegasPRIDE

iOS APP FOR iPHONE AND ANDROID

Event information, news, photos, maps, contest, sponsor details and more!

@VegasPride

Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 63


Patrick Masse Performing at the Las Vegas PRIDE Festival Saturday, October 22, 2017 BY RANDY SLOVACEK OF THERANDYREPORT.COM Every year the Las Vegas PRIDE Festival presents a exciting mix of talent from all over the world to entertain, and 2017 will be no exception. Canadian country music star Patrick Masse will be among those headlining the live entertainment from the MainStage on October 21 (Noon-10PM). One of the very first openly gay country music artists, Masse has performed around the world including major Pride events all over North America. Nominated for the Horizon Award for new artists at the British Columbia Coun64 | Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017

try Music Association Awards, his songs have gone Top 10 all over Canada. Most recently he teamed up with fellow out Canadian country artist Drake Jensen to record “Go Your Own Way,” (not the Fleetwood Mac hit) which delivers a positive message to young LGBTs to grow up as you are and be who you want to be. The bright pop-country track has a liberating, anti-bullying message for young people. The song also addresses the imaging in social media that perpetuates “perfection,” feeding a narrative that we aren’t good enough.


After only one week the uplifting track landed on the Top 10 Most Active chart in Canada. In addition to the song, Masse is part of the Go Your Own Way Project on Facebook. The project underscores individuality through a positive message encouraging folks to post pictures & video expressing how they embrace their own unique stories. Masse admits that he, like many LGBT folks, took some time learning to be open about his sexuality. But the handsome country crooner says he learned to accept who he is and share his story. It was in that sharing that Masse realized how one person living their truth out loud can impact total strangers. Some years ago, Masse received a message from a 19-year-old fan in Pennsylvania.

“The email said, ‘I just want to let you know that I was in my bedroom with a gun in my mouth … I came out to my parents and you saved my life,’” Masse recalled. “I’ll never forget that.” “That story, and so many more, are what motivate me to travel the world sharing my music and inspiring more people like that 19-year-old from Pennsylvania,” he adds. Make sure to catch Patrick Masse performing at the Las Vegas PRIDE Festival on October 21 at Sunset Park (at the corner of Sunset Rd. and Eastern Avenue). You can follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/PatrickTMasse. Randy Slovacek is the author of The Randy Report - a daily blog covering entertainment, pop culture and politics of interest to the LGBT community. Follow him at www.therandyreport.com

Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 65



HRC LAS VEGAS STEERING COMMITTEE

THIRD THURSDAY Light up the night as we takeover Living Room Bar with extended Happy Hour and special PRIDE cocktails. Socialize with other HRC Members, community, friends, and allies!

10/19/17 Living Room Bar 6PM-9PM

Complimentary Valet & Self-Parking W Las Vegas 2535 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas, NV 89109 Visit HRC Pride booth October 21st & 22nd for some FREE merch! #Resist #Unite

Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 | 67



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.