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COMMUNITY
WRAP-UP
By Clair Koetitz & Lyndon Marquez
We wish to start by taking a moment to remember those that lost their lives at Pulse in Orlando. 49 souls were lost to this horrific event. Our condolences go out to all the family, friends and acquaintances of these that we lost. The injured are in our thoughts and prayers and a huge THANK YOU to the first responders whether they be civilian or professional. There have been many activities in the past few months. PRIDE continues its monthly Themed Bingos on the first Wednesday of each month, June’s theme was Space Wars and we look forward to July’s Red, White & Blue bingo. We are having a new event the 2nd Wednesday of each month, “Hanky Panky” underwear night at Charlie’s with special guest Kenneth Blake, Miss Las Vegas PRIDE 2016. Come join the fun. Don’t forget Temptation Sunday’s Pool Party at the Luxor. We have also launched a new fun evening, we are hosting the outside bar at the Downtown Crown Pub on First Friday, come by and see us while enjoying the activities of this great evening. The Center held its second annual Picnic by Design “Parasols in the Park”, April 30th and it was a huge success with all the baskets selling prior to that evening. Along with their many ongoing activities and special events, they were able to pull together, in a matter of hours, a Prayer Vigil June 12th for those lost in Orlando. So everyone is on the same schedule/page, don’t forget to update the community calendar with your organizations events. The web address is www.lgbtq.vegas. HRC held their 11th Annual Gala “One Vision, One Community!” at the Cosmopolitan on May 14th. Betsy Fretwell, Las Vegas City Manager received the HRC Leadership Award and John Nelson, Senior Vice President, AEG received the HRC Equality Award. Over 700 attendees enjoy a fun evening with food, entertainment and silent auction. Lambda Business Association continues to host their monthly luncheon on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Center, catered by the Bronze Café. At the June lunch the speaker was Songwriter Deena Kay Rose. Deena is a transgender individual with a fascinating singer/ songwriter history in Nashville. The Betty’s Outrageous Adventures held a pet-friendly Brunch at the Hard Rock Café, “Rockin Paws Benefit Brunch” 8 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
benefiting the L group at the Center and Street Dogz and Cats too. Everyone attending enjoyed a great brunch served by the Hard Rock Café along with entertainment, many raffle prizes and of course the stars of the event the pets. Golden Rainbow had two fun events also. The first annual Dining out for Life was held April 25th with the 30th Annual Ribbon of Life “Throwback 30” held at the Tropicana Theatre with an after party in the Havana Room June 12th. A almost sold out crowd enjoyed a tremendous show, silent auction and of course the food and fun at the after party. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this year’s PRIDE activities October 21-23. Parade October 21 in downtown Las Vegas and the 2-day Pride Festival October 22 & 23 in Sunset Park.
Contents
40 My Point of View: Dump the Fear; Relieve the Hate 44 Reunited... And it Feels Oh So Good!
EVENTS
69 Genderfest
PRIDE Events
75 The Center’s 22nd Annual Honorarium
6
Hanky Panky at Charlie’s
74 Super Sex Ed Summer School
12 August PRIDE Family Bingo
78 Lambda Business Luncheon
26 Red Swimsuit Party at Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas
ARTICLES 8
29 Las Vegas PRIDE Party Poolside
Community Wrap-up
13 Welcome
39 September PRIDE Family Bingo
14 53X - An Exciting New Show at Paris Las Vegas
43 Down & Derby Summer Skate Night Schedule
18 For Comic Geeks Who Have Considered Suicide Squad / When Dawn of Justice Isn’t Enuf
58 Save the Date: Las Vegas PRIDE Other Events
20 Las Vegas PRIDE Party Poolside Sexy Summer Swimsuits
47 Gay Days Anaheim 48 Folsom Street Fair
26 Red Swimsuit Party at Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas
52 AFAN’s Black & White Party
50 Las Vegas Guide Map 54 AFAN’s 30th Annual Black & White Party 62 Las Vegas Bar & Nightclub Schedule 64 Getting to Know IGRA 66 Vaping: No Matter How You Spin It, Inhaling Foreign, Chemical Substances Is Not Safe 70 The Center 71 Discover the Big Beautiful Women of West Hollywood Artist Garilyn Brune 72 Las Vegas’ First Genderfest 73 You Make Our Service Possible 74 Super Sex Ed Summer School 76 State by State: The Right to Love and the Right to Marijuana
32 We Will Always Remember Orlando
65 IGRA World Gay Rodeo Finals® 68 NGRA’s USO Show
PUBLISHER Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. EDITOR Ernie Yuen LAYOUT & DESIGN Jake Naylor ADVERTISING Ernie Yuen, Lyndon R. Marquez & Clair Koetitz PHOTOGRAPHY Barbara Maeker, Chris Purdum (Orange Soda Photography), Noel Dahl, Marc Garcia, Excelsior Media ON THE COVER Cast Members of 53X at Paris Las Vegas COVER PHOTO Noel Dahl CONTRIBUTORS Paul Cieslewicz, Richard Davis (Dignity Health), Michael Dimengo, Corbin Fisher, Clair Koetitz, Andrew MaKay (N2N), Lyndon Marquez, Mike Pegorin, Aaron Knight Rodriguez (Executive General Manager – Bally’s, Paris & Planet Hollywood Aquatics), Brent Rosinski & Laura Scott (WGRF 2016), Randy Slovacek (The Randy Report), Chris Tanzi (Excelsior Media), Bryan Watkins, and WD Photo Inc. 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 the Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine or to advertise in future issues, contact SNAPI at 4001 S. Decatur Blvd. #37-540, Las Vegas, NV 89103-5800, (866) 930-3336 or email ernie@lasvegaspride.org. 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.
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Welcome By Ernie “Pineapple” Yuen
Aloha!
Take a step outside and you’ll know it’s summer here in Las Vegas! I hope your spring dieting was a success. With the heat, we find ourselves in prime time for pool parties here in Las Vegas. Don’t forget to join us at Las Vegas PRIDE Pool Side Temptation Sunday’s pool parties at The Luxor on August 7th for PRIDE Day, September 11th for our Pre-PRIDE Party and on October 16th for the PRIDE Kick-Off Pool Party. Pool parties set the stage for sexy summertime swimsuits. We hope you enjoy the 6-page fashion spread with men from Corbin Fisher. We had a lot of fun on this photo shoot at the Luxor pool. A special thank you to Las Vegas PRIDE sponsor N2N for providing the swimwear. Speaking of “Sexy” have you seen 53X? It is a new, fun, sexy and unexpected show at Paris Las Vegas. Thank you, Randy, for the great article! Trust me, if you have not seen the show yet, you need to see it! Thank you, Noel Dahl, for the amazing cover photo; it was yet another fun photo shoot. We are very excited to announce the Wet ’n’ Wild LGBT Red Swimsuit Party! Save the date: Saturday, August 27, 10:30am to 10:00pm. All age admission of $36.99 includes all-day access and a 90-minute Beach Bash Buffet, more information on page 26 and 27. August will be here soon and that can only mean one thing: AFAN’s Annual Black and White party. This year the
theme is “Colors of PRIDE.” We hope you can join us. Don’t forget the new 6:30pm start time at Alexis Park.
Join us at Charlie’s Las Vegas the 2nd Wednesday of every month for underwear night. Miss Las Vegas PRIDE, Kenneth Blake, hosts the evening with special PRIDE Royalty performances, naughtiness and location has changed MGM’s Aria. nonsense. Mark your calendar for August 20th and start planning out what you’re We have some great articles for going to wear. Wear what you want your reading enjoyment this month: or as little as you can get away with! “Reunited” a great conversation I had Hope to see you there. with Shannel; “Vaping” an interesting read about e-cigarettes; “State by We can’t forget the 49 brothers and State,” an article about the legalization sisters we lost in June in Orlando, We of medicinal marijuana. The World Remember Orlando, please check out Gay Rodeo Finals® are same weekend our tribute which begins on page 32, as our Las Vegas PRIDE Festival and we will also be doing something very we have a great Q&A article with two special at our PRIDE Parade in October contestants. My friend, Mike Pegorin, to honor the victims of this tragedy. also shares his point of view in his We will be needing volunteers for this article: “Dump the Fear; Relieve the special project so please watch for Hate.” more information on our Facebook page. The PRIDE Board is working hard planning Las Vegas PRIDE 2016! Please don’t forget our Las Vegas Save the dates: October 21st for the PRIDE Family Bingo, we are very Annual Night Parade in downtown excited to welcome Andrew Ryan as (the grandstand is at the corner of 4th our host. The theme for August 3rd is St and Bridger Ave) and October 22nd “Yellow Brick Road,” a tribute to the - 23rd for the PRIDE Festival which has Wizard of Oz. On September 7th the been moved to Sunset Park this year. We have lots of new surprises and fun changes in store for you! Come celebrate diversity with us- I hope to see you there! I hope you enjoy our Pool Party and Swimwear Summer Fun issue, we are now busy working on our 2016 Guide to PRIDE issue. Please be sure to stay cool, stay hydrated, enjoy the summer, and most of all, please be safe and be nice to each other In PRIDE, Ernie “Pineapple” Yuen Executive Director Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 13
53X
AN EXCITING NEW SHOW AT PARIS LAS VEGAS! By Randy Slovacek
53X, an exciting new twist on everything you love about Las Vegas nightlife and entertainment, is one of hottest new shows on the Strip that delivers an immersive, sexy, theatrical experience catering to the modernday partier. This equal opportunity show, described as “seductive fun with an elegant edge” has been designed to appeal to all audiences, men, women, couples, gay or straight – creating an inclusive environment for audiences at the newly revamped Chateau Showroom at Paris Las Vegas. The show’s title is derived from the digital read of a pager or cell phone text of the combination of “5 – 3 – X,” or “SEX” in code. And, it provides plenty of fantasy, high-energy, dance, humor and audience participation. 14 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Both audiences and the media have taken to this new production. Las Vegas Magazine recently said: “Finally, inclusiveness has come to that long segregated bastion of the bump-and-grind— the adult revue. Whatever your gender or sexual orientation, 53X aims to titillate and turn you on with a cast of both male and female dancers, a departure from the norm of all-guy or all-gal revues.”
In addition, fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race will get to experience the sassy and fun talents of Shangela, one of the star drag queens from the hit Logo series, as the effusive and sexy hostess. The self-dubbed “drag empresario” has also appeared on the hit reality show Dance Moms and Logo’s Cocktails and Classics hosted by Michael Urie. Throughout 53X, Shangela showcases her own dancing skills with the cast, and presides over the evening with Created by the Producers of witty humor and innate magnetism. Chippendales, 53X leverages the company’s “sexpertise” in delivering 53X is the creative vision of the show’s high-energy fun while at the same artistic director, Bryan Cheatham. time creating an array of numbers No stranger to what is hot in Las performed by a sexy troupe of Vegas, Cheatham is also the man who dancers. The show’s dynamic cast, recently revamped the award-winning a provocative ensemble of men and Chippendales at the Rio All-Suite women, dance, tease and please Hotel & Casino (which is also very while stimulating all your senses. welcoming of its LGBT fans). “This is
the perfect show to bring a date, or find one,” says Cheatham. “You can be a voyeur or a participant - either way, everyone gets exactly what they came for!” In addition, the show features choreography by Enrique Lugo.
throwback homage to the classic film, Dirty Dancing. Combine the music with the audience participation and comedy of Shangela and audiences are in for a treat!
“The show is focused on fun,” adds Cheatham. “Or as I like to call it - sexy fun. You’re going to have a good time; see some incredibly talented and sexy dancers, you’re going to laugh, and you’re going to get turned on!” (Side note: Cheatham can also be seen turning on audiences as the host and creative director of Chippendale!)
During the 75-minute production, the provocative dancers, create a coed cabaret and tease, satisfy, please and play, through a dynamic mix of musical numbers ranging from pop hits to world beats. As opportunities for audience participation arise, the sensuously choreographed show surprises viewers with an unexpected mixture of spontaneity and humor.
Musically, the show features everything from Top 40 to hip-hop throwbacks, including ‘Burn It Up’ by Jessie James, some Swedish House Mafia hits, Christina Aguilera and, a
Performances are Wednesday through Sunday at 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 8pm). Tickets start at $39.95 for General Admission with VIP packages available at $49.95 + taxes
and fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box office, by calling 702-777-7776 or by visiting 53XLV.com. All tickets purchased include admission to the all-new Beer Park at Paris Las Vegas and access to Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop for those 21 and over. So 53X becomes an all-night party at the Paris. For more information visit 53XLV.com or follow 53X on Twitter and Instagram @53XLV. Randy Slovacek is the author of The Randy Report - a daily LGBT blog covering entertainment, pop culture and politics. Follow him at www.therandyreport.com
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FOR COMIC GEEKS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE SQUAD / WHEN DAWN OF JUSTICE ISN’T ENUF (WITH APOLOGIES TO NTOZAKE SHANGE) By Paul Cieslewicz
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice… We came, we saw, we said, “meh!” When the best thing to come out of that wannabe grand matchup wasn’t anything having to do with the title bout itself, but a scene in a bathtub between Clark Kent and Lois Lane and (finally!) the first appearance of Wonder Woman on the big screen (I can’t wait for her movie next year!), you know you have a problem. Even those of us that consider ourselves comic book geeks were underwhelmed by the final product (when did Lex Luthor develop ADHD?), while being overwhelmed by the sheer number of storylines being set up and “easter eggs” thrown at us (Darkseid’s coming, Flash’s “Crisis” moment, Khal Drogo underwater...um, I mean Aquaman, Doomsday, etc…). Luckily we don’t have to wait long for the next installment of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU for short) in order to make BvS just a barely satisfactory afterthought. That next installment arrives in the form of Suicide Squad. But what is Suicide Squad, and where did it come from? “These 8 people will put their lives on the line for our country. One of them won’t be coming home.” Those words adorned the cover of the first issue of DC Comics’ “Suicide Squad” in 1987, itself a reboot of a short lived concept from 1959, wherein the government uses incarcerated supervillains to do covert missions. Succeed, and your sentence is commuted. Fail, and you’re just cannon fodder that they can deny any knowledge of. I was immediately hooked upon reading that first issue, 18 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
and “Suicide Squad” would become the first comic book series that I followed from the very beginning up to its cancelation 66 issues later, as well as through subsequent incarnations. *Sorta Spoiler Alert* The character that didn’t make it through the first mission was Mindboggler, an 80’s punk villain with mind control powers who sported a mohawk, midriff baring torn tshirt and oversized belt. Not many would miss her. The tricky part of the whole endeavor was getting people to care at all about any of the Dlist characters that were part of the team. Who would ever root for characters like Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, Bronze Tiger, Plastique or The Enchantress? Somehow they found a way. The writers cleverly added in elements like the annual “Personal Files” issue, that focused on character development over just another action packed mission. They even added humor to the mix by way of the often times hilarious “Mad Pieman” mystery, where no character was safe from receiving a pie straight to the face, even Lois Lane! Believe it or not, that storyline ran through the first 3 years of the series before finally being resolved. So good was the writing that characters you might never have heard of would become more popular than some of the more well established heroes. Amanda Waller, a character with no powers at all, would become one of the most formidable people in the DC Universe, even putting Batman in his place by threatening to use
the government’s power to reveal his secret identity if he attempted to expose what the supervillains were being used for. A minor villain like Count Vertigo would be given a storyline about bipolar disorder that would rocket him onto my list of favorite characters of alltime. Even Punch & Jewlee, two of the silliest villains ever created by Steve Ditko (who cocreated SpiderMan), would be taken seriously for possibly the first time since they were put on a comic book page. Now, nearly 30 years later, Suicide Squad is headed for the big screen to save the DCEU from drowning in its own overabundance of seriousness. Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, Harley Quinn, El Diablo, Katana and company are faced, once again, with the possibility of becoming more popular than the legendary heroes that preceded them. Judging by everything I’ve seen, like the brilliant trailers and footage that has been released so far, I think these “worst heroes ever” have a very good shot at doing just that. Paul has lived in Las Vegas for over 11 years. Originally from Wisconsin, he earned a BA in Theatre from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in 2000. He has been a lover of film since his early youth, and still holds a grudge against his parents for not allowing him to watch the Star Wars films (don’t ask). His first published review was for the film, Nightbreed, in his high school newspaper in 1990.
Harper wears the LP4 Jungle Sport by N2N Bodywear 20 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
From left to right: Kellan wears the SB3 Stellar Sport by N2N Bodywear, Sebastian & Hugh wear the SB4 Stellar Trunk by N2N Bodywear Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 21
Above from left to right: Sebastian wears the MB1 Mykonos Bikini, Harper wears the FS1 Fusion Sport, Kellan wears the MB2 Mykonos Trunk, and Hugh wears the MB1 Mykonos Bikini, all by N2N Bodywear. Bottom left: Hugh wears the B70 Daredevil Print by N2N Bodywear, Bottom right: Sebastian wears the MB3 Milan Sport by N2N Bodywear.
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From left to right: Kellan, Hugh & Harper wearing the BS1 Nitro X Swim Brief by N2N Bodywear
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 23
From left to right: Harper wears the ND2 Starfire Trunk by N2N Bodywear, Kellan & Hugh wear the MB3 Milan Sport by N2N Bodywear 24 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Sebastian, Hugh & Kellan wear the ND2 Starfire Trunk by N2N Bodywear, Harper wears the BS1 Nitro X Swim Brief by N2N Bodywear
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ANNOUNCING THE RETURN OF
RED SWIMSUIT PARTY AT WET’N’WILD LAS VEGAS A SMOKE FREE & FAMILY FRIENDLY LGBT EVENT On a warm and sunny day back in September 2004, Las Vegas PRIDE hosted its first Red Swimsuit Party at Wet ‘n Wild on the Las Vegas Strip. With over 600 attendees sporting their red swimsuits, the event was a huge success. Unfortunately, Wet ‘n Wild on the Strip was closing. Ironically, the Las Vegas PRIDE Red Swimsuit Party was the last group event at the park. In fact, they closed the very next day! Now in 2016, while we are again enjoying another hot Vegas summer, we thought it the perfect opportunity to bring back the popular LGBT event 26 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
at the new Wet ‘n’ Wild on 7055 South Fort Apache Road. Grab your RED swimsuit and join Las Vegas PRIDE for the return of this great, familyfriendly event. The Las Vegas PRIDE Red Swimsuit Party at Wet ‘n’ Wild will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 10:30 am to 10 pm. Admission of $36.99 includes an all day, all access pass to the entire park as well as a 90-minute all-you-can-eat Beach Bash Buffet and two-hour open soda fountain. The buffet will include a delicious selection of BBQ chicken, jumbo allbeef hot dogs, potato salad, western-
style beans, fresh fruit and novelty ice cream. In the afternoon, join Las Vegas PRIDE at our two host cabanas near the wave pool with a DJ from 4-10 pm. Make sure to save the date and join us for a fun-filled day in the sun! Discounted General Admission tickets are available for purchase online at wetnwildlasvegas.com. Make sure to use promo code LVPRIDE to be able to join us for the Beach Bash Buffet! For more information, visit LasVegasPRIDE.org.
WE R E M E M B E R In honor of the 49 victims of the Orlando LGBTQ nightclub shooting #orlando
R ECOR DAMOS En honor de las 49 víctima de la tragédia en la discoteca LGBTQ en Orlando #orlando
WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER ORLANDO By the time you read this, you already know the events that took place early in the morning of June 12, 2016 at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. This crime will have a long-lasting effect on our community and our country, but we are strong and must stand together in the coming days, weeks and months. We need to support each other and love each other. This tragedy will not define us, but it will bring us closer together. The Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. would like to honor our 49 brothers and sisters who lost their lives.
AKYRA MONET MURRAY, AGE 18
CHRISTOPHER JOSEPH SANFELIZ, AGE 24
ANTONIO DAVON BROWN, AGE 29
PAUL TERRELL HENRY, AGE 41
Akyra was a recent graduate from West Catholic Preparatory High School in Philadelphia where she was a top student and top athlete on the women’s basketball team. She had recently signed to play at Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania.
Christopher worked at a local bank and was known for having a positive outlook on life. He was very close to his family, and told family members earlier in the weekend that he planned to go to Pulse with friends.
Antonio was a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve. He had previously been a member of the Army Officers’ Training Corps at Florida A&M University.
Paul was planning to return to college. He was a Chicago native and loved dancing and playing pool. He had two children – including a daughter who just graduated from high school.
FRANKIE HERNANDEZ ESCALANTE, AGE 27
ANGEL LUIS CANDELARIOPADRO, AGE 28
PETER O. GONZALEZCRUZ, AGE 22
YILMARY RODRIGUEZ SOLIVAN, AGE 24
BRENDA LEE MARQUEZ MCCOOL, AGE 49
Frankie was a loving big brother who taught his little sisters how to walk in heels and to do their hair and makeup. Frankie has a tattoo on his upper right arm reading “love has no gender,” and moved to Orlando from Louisiana.
Angel moved to Orlando from Chicago and started a job as an ophthalmic technician only four days before the shooting. He is from Guánica, Puerto Rico, and described himself online as “adventitious, easygoing and responsible.”
Peter worked at UPS and spend his high school years in New Jersey. On Facebook, his mother thanked everyone for reaching out and expressed “deep and immense pain” at the loss of her son.
Yilmary was a wife, a sister and a mother of two sons, Jariel and Sergio. Her sister described her as the most loving and caring person you could ever meet, saying “her smile lit up the room and her laughter brought a smile to your heart.”
Brenda was a two-time cancer survivor and real estate agent. She was a mother of 11 and was at Pulse with one of her sons for a night of dancing.
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RODOLFO AYALA-AYALA, AGE 33
JEAN CARLOS NIEVES RODRIGUEZ, AGE 27
JONATHAN ANTONIO CAMUY VEGA, AGE 24
Rodolfo was a biologics assistant at the OneBlood donation center – a donation center that has been working to supply blood to the survivors of the shooting. His friend described him as compassionate and said that he loved his career.
Jean Carlos was a manager at a local McDonald’s and was known for being incredibly dependable. His closest friends describe him as “just a caring, loving guy – just like a big teddy bear.”
Jonathan worked for a Spanish TV network as a producer of a popular children’s talent competition. He was a member of the National Association of Hispanic, Journalists in Puerto Rico before moving to Florida.
JERALD ARTHUR WRIGHT, AGE 31
JOEL RAYON PANIAQUA, AGE 32
Jerald was an employee at Walt Disney World and was well loved by both of his families – his biological one and his Disney family. He was at Pulse to celebrate a friend’s birthday.
Joel loved dancing and is remembered as humble and cheerful. He was also a religious man and attended church in Winter Garden.
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TEVIN EUGENE CROSBY, AGE 25
LEROY VALENTIN FERNANDEZ, AGE 25
Tevin, a Michigan native, was the ambitious owner of Total Entrepreneurs Concepts. He was visiting Orlando after traveling to watch his nieces and nephews graduate.
Leroy was a leasing agent at an Orlando apartment complex and a vibrant performer who loved Beyoncé, Adele, and Jennifer Lopez. His friend described her grief: “it just feels very quiet now.”
LUIS S. VIELMA, AGE 22
CORY JAMES CONNELL, AGE 21
FRANKY JIMMY DE JESÚS VELAZQUEZ, AGE 50
Luis was a student at Seminole State College and worked as an operator for Universal Studios’ Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. Author J.K. Rowling tweeted that she “can’t stop crying” over the loss of Luis.
Cory was well-loved; his teachers described him as “their all-time favorite” student. His brother took to Facebook to share his grief: “The world lost an amazing soul today. God just got the best of angels.”
Franky was a visual merchandiser at Forever 21 and studied at InterAmerican University in Puerto Rico. His family took to Facebook to share their love of Franky, saying “What happened in Orlando affects all of us because it is an act of hate against the freedom to be who you are.”
MARTIN BENITEZ TORRES, AGE 33
SHANE EVAN TOMLINSON, AGE 33
EDWARD SOTOMAYOR JR., AGE 34
Martin is from San Juan, Puerto Rico where he studied the Ana G. Méndez University system. He was in Orlando visiting his family.
Shane was a gifted singer who performed as the front man for the band, Frequency. He had a vibrant and charismatic stage presence and was at Pulse following a performance at a local club.
Edward handled brand management for Al and Chuck Travel, an agency that plans vacations for the LGBTQ community. On hearing news of Edward’s death, his boss Al Ferguson spent time with Edward’s family at the hospital.
JEAN CARLOS MENDEZ PEREZ, AGE 35
LUIS DANIEL WILSON-LEON, AGE 37
Jean Carlos and Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon were loving partners; both men were killed in the shooting. The couple met at the perfume shop where Jean Carlos worked.
Luis and Jean Carlos Mendez Perez were loving partners; both men were killed in the shooting. Luis was a Puerto Rico native and his friends described him as a protector, confidant and hero.
XAVIER EMMANUEL SERRANO ROSADO, AGE 35
ENRIQUE L. RIOS JR., AGE 25
Xavier was the father of a young son and worked as an entertainer at Splash Bar in Panama City Beach, Florida. He was a mentor to many of his coworkers who described him as “quick with a smile.”
Enrique, from Brooklyn, New York, was vacationing in Orlando at the time of the attack. He had been working as a coordinator at True Care Home Health Care and studied social work at St. Francis College. His mother said her family has been “torn apart.”
ERIC IVAN ORTIZ-RIVERA, AGE 36
LUIS OMAR OCASIO-CAPO, AGE 20
KJ MORRIS, AGE 37
Originally from Puerto Rico, Eric worked at a Party City and Sunglass Hut. He had been married for about a year and on Sunday morning his husband frantically called friends and family when he couldn’t connect with Eric.
Omar loved to dance and dreamed of becoming a performer. He grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and worked at a local Target and Starbucks.
KJ was a bouncer at Pulse, known for her excellent dancing and amazing smile that could light up a room. She previously lived in Massachusetts.
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GILBERTO RAMON SILVA MENENDEZ, AGE 25
ALEJANDRO BARRIOS MARTINEZ, AGE 21
EDDIE JAMOLDROY JUSTICE, AGE 30
JASON BENJAMIN JOSAPHAT, AGE 19
Gilberto studied healthcare management at Ana G. Méndez University and worked as a sales associate at Speedway. He was originally from Manatí, Puerto Rico.
A Cuban news source identified Alejandro and spoke with his family and friends who described him as “always very positive.” He was able to contact his family before he died.
Eddie was an accountant and loved to make other people smile. He was able to text his mother before he died Sunday night – saying that he loved her and to call the police.
Jason was an ambitious young man with many passions – computers, athletics and photography. Jason’s uncle described him as “very excited about his journey.”
MIGUEL ANGEL HONORATO, AGE 30
JUAN RAMON GUERRERO, AGE 22
CHRISTOPHER ANDREW LEINONEN, AGE 32
JAVIER JORGE-REYES, AGE 40
DARRYL ROMAN BURT II, AGE 29
A resident of Apopka, Florida, Miguel worked for FajitaMex Mexican Catering. On Facebook his brother wrote: “I can’t face the fact that my blood brother is gone. May your soul rest in peace Brother. Love you so much.”
According to reports, Juan was at the club with his boyfriend Christopher Andrew Leinonen at the time of the shooting. Both men died. The couple had hoped to marry. Their families are planning a joint funeral.
Javier, of Orlando, worked as a supervisor at Gucci. He was originally from Guayama, Puerto Rico and studied at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. Said one Facebook friend: “Your energy and love of life and of all things beautiful was infectious... You were one of a kind.”
Darryl was a financial aid officer at Keiser University and a passionate volunteer. The president of the Jacksonville Jaycees, which Darryl was a member of, described him as “always interested in a positive impact on people’s lives in the community.”
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Drew was with his partner, Juan Ramon Guerrero at the time of the shooting. Both men died. Drew had degrees from the University of Central Florida and founded a Gay-Straight Alliance in his high school.
STANLEY ALMODOVAR III, AGE 23 Originally from Massachusetts, Stanley worked as a pharmacy technician in Clermont, Florida. Friends have been taking to social media to comment on his bubbly, down-to-earth personality.
DEONKA DEIDRA DRAYTON, AGE 32
ANTHONY LUIS LAUREANO DISLA, AGE 25
Doenka, known as Dee Dee, was working at Pulse when the massacre occurred. According to a family “Senseless”, here aunt wrote on Facebook; “R.I.P Dee Dee. You know this Auntie will miss you.”
Anthony was a graduate of the University of the Sacred Heart in Santurce, Puerto Rico where he studied education. He was a well-known drag artist in Orlando performing as Alanis Laurell.
OSCAR A. ARACENAMONTERO, AGE 26
SIMON ADRIAN CARRILLO FERNANDEZ, AGE 31
Partners Simon and Oscar were at Pulse together. “I’m so heartbroken that you guys and so many other friends lost their lives in such a senseless act. I pray for strength and courage for us all,” a friend wrote on Facebook.
Simon was a manager at McDonald’s who was well loved – he was known for bringing in cakes to celebrate the birthdays of each and every employee. Simon and his partner, Oscar Aracena-Montero were killed just after returning from vacation at Niagara Falls.
JUAN P. RIVERA VELAZQUEZ, AGE 37
LUIS DANIEL CONDE, AGE 39
JUAN CHEVEZMARTINEZ, AGE 25
Juan was the owner of D’Magazine Salon and Spa in Kissimmee, Florida. Originally from Puerto Rico, Juan was at Pulse with his longtime partner Luis Conde for a friend’s birthday celebration.
Luis, originally from San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, was with his loving partner, Juan P. Rivera Velazquez at Pulse; both men were killed in the shooting. Conde was known by his loved ones as a fun-loving person with a great sense of humor.
Juan, a Davenport resident, was known by his colleagues as a kind and loving person. His Facebook page lists his hometown as Huichapan, Mexico.
AMANDA ALVEAR, AGE 25
MERCEDEZ MARISOL FLORES, AGE 26
GERALDO A. ORTIZ-JIMENEZ, AGE 25
Amanda was a beloved sister and godmother. Before the shooting Amanda posted videos to Snapchat showing herself and friend Mercedez Marisol Flores dancing and enjoying themselves at Pulse. Mercedez was another victim of the shooting.
Mercedez was at Pulse with her friend, Amanda Alvear when the shooting occurred. She was a student at Valencia Community College and worked at the local Target.
Geraldo, known as “Drake Ortiz” to his closest friends, was originally from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and studied law at the Universidad Del Este in Carolina.
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 37
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MY POINT OF VIEW:
DUMP THE FEAR; RELIEVE THE HATE By Mike Pegorin
I need to post this because sadly, it is a topic that has increasingly been brought to the forefront the past few weeks. It is 2am and I have a job interview in the morning but this has to take precedence because I won’t be able to sleep if I don’t get this off of my chest. I thought this whole issue about transgendered people using the restroom of their choice was not going to POSSIBLY ever going to become a mainstream issue here in America, not in 2016. How could that be possible? Well it is possible, it is dismally gaining steam, and it makes me sick. We have so many issues we face. We are in the middle of a one of the most important elections we will ever face and could change this country in a monumental way, but here we are, perpetuating the idea that transgendered people are going to tarnish what we American consider to be “normal,” but guess what folks? It not just already tarnished, it’s been woefully beaten, bloodied, and unrecognizable over the years, but it is not the transgendered people who are to blame, it is ignorant people who fear change and refuse to open their minds that should be held accountable. I can guarantee that we have all used some sort of popular adage or uplifting line to someone about not letting fear hold you back because it will limit you and can be a roadblock in becoming the best version of us we can possibly be. When we say that, should that not count for all things in our lives? If we use that line and it only applies to things that you find convenient, would that make you a hypocrite and doesn’t it make that inspirational adage just a bunch of trite lip service? The fear now is that transgendered people using the restroom of their
40 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
choice poses an imminent threat to the safety of their loved ones. I understand the need to want to protect the people we love but how can we protect them from everything? We unfortunately live in a world where terrorists fly commercial airliners through buildings, killing thousands at work. Where students get murdered at school while trying to learn and better themselves. Where people at a movie theater having a nice night out lose their lives to a psychopath who opened fire on all of them. Point is, we cannot protect everyone we love all the time. Not even in our own homes, as there are murders and attacks being reported all the time in the place where you should feel most protected. Guess who is NOT to blame for this? Transgendered people! Instead of focusing our attention on TG people using a restroom of their choice, lets focus on ACTUAL crime, murder and inequality. When did we start hearing about transgendered people violating people in public facilities? I follow the news regularly and I sure didn’t realize this was a new epidemic.
else. My best friend Keyska, is just a semester away from getting her college degree to better her life. My friend Stephanie, is about to open her own store and become a small business owner. Maybe she shouldn’t let non-transgendered people use the restroom in her store because she thinks you ignorant, fear mongers are a threat to her! I am proud of them not because they are transgendered people who are succeeding, I am proud of them simply because they are PEOPLE who are succeeding and they just happen to be transgendered. More importantly though, they are good, quality human beings, with genuine feelings and emotions. I know this may be long-winded to some of you but it clearly is a very important topic to me. There are plenty of people I don’t like but it is because they are a liar, lazy, useless, or just an overall crappy person. I have no right to go around judging people for what they want to be, but when I have in the past, I try my best to make myself more familiar with the
situation because ultimately, I become a better person for it. I lose judgement and gain perspective about someone else and myself. For those of you who are hiding behind your fear and hate and using it to smear others on this issue of TG people in the restroom I think maybe you should take time to educate yourselves on the struggle these people have to endure everyday just to be accepted in society, treated like a normal person and have the same rights we all do. Challenge yourselves to open up to something you are uncomfortable with. Take your own advice and do not let YOUR fears hold you back anymore. The problem here is not that someone is TG and dangerous, the problem is YOU and YOUR insecurities. So please pick and choose your battles a bit wiser because maybe one day it will hit closer to home and it may be someone you love who is not comfortable being the gender they were born and all they simply want is one thing...to be HAPPY. Can you all say the same about yourselves?
With bills like the HB2 bill, it is transgendered people that need to be worried about THEIR safety. They are required to use a restroom or locker room with a gender they don’t identify as anymore and the guys in that restroom I would guess would not tolerate it. The same guys that claim that their wife or daughter is under a certain perceived threat are the same ones that will feel that their masculinity is under attack if a transgendered person is to share the same restroom with them now. This is where physical attacks take place for transgendered folks, but I bet there won’t be this same hullabaloo about the safety of TG people, will there? TG people want to live a life just like anyone else. A life where they do not have to be looked at as a pariah, a freak, or less than anyone Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 41
REUNITED... AND IT FEELS OH SO GOOD!
CATCH UP WITH SHANNEL, A VEGAS DRAG ICON NOW IN CALIFORNIA Interview By Ernie Yuen / Portraits Courtesy of WDPhotoINC
For those of you who have been living here in Vegas since the early 2000’s, you might remember a short lived bar called, “Wet”. There, we first met Shannel. This amazing, talented and beautiful entertainer stunned the city of sin with over-the-top costumes, makeup artistry and never before seen performances that we all longed to go to as the week came to an end. Moving from California at the young age of 21, Bryan Watkins, was destined to become Las Vegas’s next “showgirl”. He quickly took residency in the nightclub “Gypsy”. Starring in “Illusions Cabaret Show” for nine years, Shannel quickly became a Vegas icon. Boasting a packed house Sunday evenings, people lined up with excitement. Filled with something different, we saw magic, juggling, and couture costumes. You never left disappointed. As the story goes, all good things must come to an end. Hollywood was casting RuPaul’s Drag Race and calling Shannel’s name. Fast forward to Long Beach Pride 2016, we accompanied Miss Las Vegas PRIDE 2016, Kenneth Blake who joined Shannel for his Dinner & Drag shows at Velvet Lounge in Santa Ana, CA. As you know, it takes a lot to impress us Vegas boys- we are spoiled with everything we have here. The show itself is impressive with amazing production value. The attention to detail, lights, music, choreography and sets- WOW! The food was great, the service was on point and from start to finish you will be entertained. As the host, Shannel brings a light to Southern California and found a cast of entertainers that put their all into every performance. I must say, the best part of all of it is “peg the drag queen” by tipping the entertainers with balled up money and throwing it on stage. Coming to see these shows was the highlight of our trip to Long Beach Pride.
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We were so thrilled to speak with Shannel again so we decided to ask him some questions to share with you! Shannel! Tell me what you miss the most about Las Vegas? I love everything about Vegas! I love that there’s always something to do at any time of day. I love walking down the strip or going through a casino to head to a show, it’s extravagant and elegant at the same time. I try to get out there as often as possible to see friends like Kenneth Blake and Coco Vega, both of whom helped out with the music and hair and wardrobe for the Dinner & Drag shows. Tell me about your current show, your fellow cast members and this much become my home. The staff of servers, bartenders and production amazing venue. team work so hard to bring the best I could go on for days about how customer service. It’s a nice family to amazing my cast is. Our first show be a part of. was Lipstick & Lashes and we put it together in under a month and had Do you still travel? an expectation of running for 6 weeks. June 6th is our two year anniversary Since we started the Dinner & Drag and I am so proud of all of it. We are shows, my traveling has slowed down a family and I couldn’t ask for better a lot. But I still love to travel and meet people to be around. Cinematic, has fans & friends from around the world. been running for almost 1 year. I do 10 I am always open to traveling, you just shows a week at Velvet and it has very need to contact me!
Your drag is definitely old school glamour. Do you think Drag in 2016 has lost itself? I come from the age of over the top couture and pageant queens; big hair, big jewelry and production elements. That is what I do and what I am good at. But after 22 years in the business, I can say that drag is constantly evolving. I don’t know if I would say that it has lost itself, but it is certainly not what it was. Drag is becoming more main stream, which is great-but there is less appreciation for the style of drag I do. Do you see yourself ever coming back to Vegas? Maybe making a guest appearance? Vegas will always be home to me, but for now I’m not sure what the future holds. I am content with the success of the Dinner & Drag shows but am always willing to come and perform in the beautiful city of sin for a few days. If you are ever in the Long Beach/ Orange County area, visit Shannel and her girls at Velvet Lounge’s Dinner & Drag shows. Showtimes and ticket information is available at dinneranddrag.com. For information on booking Shannel, visit theofficialshannel.com.
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 45
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Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 51
30TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY SATURDAY - AUGUST 20TH - 2016 Aria Pinyon Ballroom
$50 GA / $125 VIP visit www.afanlv.org for tickets
/afanlv
@afanlv
@afanlv
#afanbw
AFAN’S 30TH ANNUAL
BLACK & WHITE OVER-THE-TOP FASHION, ENTERTAINMENT, CELEBRITY GUESTS & MORE The hottest party of the year, AFAN Aid for AIDS of Nevada’s 30th Annual Black & White Party heads to a brand new location, Aria Hotel Resort & Casino, on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. (VIP entry at 8 p.m.) Tickets can be purchased afanlv.org.
Serrano, Blossom, Lemongrass and Burger Bar. Once again, Back Bar USA mixologists will liven the night, serving top shelf cocktails all night long.
in a sea of monochromatic fashions, as a symbol of gratitude for their hard work and dedication to AFAN’s commitment to making Nevada AIDS-free.
This year’s party will feature a voyeuristic and interactive environment, allowing guests to interact not only with one another, but also with the setting around them. Surprises are sure to be in store as Aria’s ballrooms are transformed with elevated, avant-garde decor.
All proceeds for the night will go directly to benefit AFAN’s clients for supportive services for those individuals living with or affected by HIV.
As Las Vegas’ don’t miss party of the year, the night will feature over-thetop fashions, the Strip’s hottest entertainment, surprise celebrity guests and delectable dining options from restaurants including Bardot Brasserie, Carbone, Jean-Georges Steak- As a “Right to Wear Red” year, local inhouse, Herringbone, Sage, Five50, dividuals will be allowed to wear color 54 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
For more information and updates including special room rates at Aria for the weekend visit: afanlv.org and follow AFAN at Facebook.com/afanlv Instagram: @afanlv Twitter: @afanlv
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LAS VEGAS BAR & NIGHTCLUB SCHEDULE HOURS | SPECIALS | NIGHTLY EVENTS | AMENITIES | LOCALS SPECIALS Bastille on 3rd (702) 385-9298 / BastilleLV.com
Open 10am-2am / Gaming Jukebox / Free Trivia Daily Special: 2-4-1 Drinks (11am-2pm & 4pm-8pm) Monday: 1/2 Price Martinis (8pm-11pm) Tuesday: Top Shelf Tuesdays - $3 Off (8pm-11pm) Wednesday: $3.50 Patron Silver Shots (8pm-11pm) Thursday: $3 Fireball or Jager Shots (8pm-11pm) Friday: $4 Absolut (8pm-11pm) Saturday: $4 Any Jack Daniel’s or Bacardi (8pm11pm) Sunday: $2.50 Well & $2 Off Signature Cocktails (8pm-11pm)
Charlie’s (702) 876-1844 / CharliesLasVegas.com Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Billiards / Darts Daily Special: 2-4-1 Drinks (3pm-8pm & 3am-8am)
Monday: Karaoke with Wil (9pm-1am) Tuesday: Double Dare Game (9pm) / $2 Long Islands, $8 Beer Bust (9pm-Midnight) Wednesday: Underwear Night - Guys in Guys Underwear Drink Free Wells & Select Beers Thursday: Free Line Dance Lessons (7pm) / 2-4-1 Drinks till 10pm Friday: Studs and Suds - Hot GoGos Shower on Stage (10pm) / $10 Well Liquor Bust, $20 Premium (9pmMidnight) Saturday: $8 Draft Beer Bust (9pm-Midnight) Sunday: $8 Draft Beer Bust (4pm-8pm) / 3-4-1 Drinks (8pm-11pm)
Flex Cocktail Lounge (702) 431-9775
Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Billiards / Darts Monday: Movie Mondays - Movies & Fresh Popcorn (7pm-1am) Tuesday: $2 Drafts, $2 Wells (7pm-Late) Wednesday: Dragaokie! (9pm-1am) Thursday: FlamBOYance Drag Show (11pm) Friday: Dance Party - GoGo Boys, Live DJ Saturday: What a Drag (11pm) Sunday: $4 Bloody Mary & Mimosa Specials (10am4pm) / Sing-Along Sundays (3pm-7pm) 62 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Fun Hog Ranch (702) 791-7001 / FunHogRanchLV.com
Open 24 Hours / Gaming Daily Special: $2 Well & Domestic Beer (8am-Noon) / 2-4-1 Happy Hour (Monday-Friday 3pm-7pm) Monday: $4 Jager Shots, $3 Smirnoff Flavored Drinks (8pm-Midnight) / $1.50 Long Island Teas (9pm-2am) Tuesday: $5 Fun Hog Brew, $7 Bud Lite/Miller Lite or $10 Well Liquor Bust (9pm-2am) Thursday: $5 Fun Hog Brew, $7 Bud Lite/Miller Lite or $10 Well Liquor Bust (9pm-2am) Saturday: $5 Fun Hog Brew, $7 Bud Lite/Miller Lite Beer Bust (Noon-4pm) Sunday: $2 Well or $4 ABSOLUT Bloody Marys (8am4pm) / $5 Fun Hog Brew, $7 Bud Lite/Miller Lite Beer Bust (6pm-9pm)
The Garage (702) 440-6333 / TheGarageLV.com Open 24 Hours / Billiards / Darts / Shuffleboard Daily Special: 2-4-1 Drinks (11am-7pm)
Monday: $4 Absolut Cocktails / Beer Bust ($5 Domestic, $8 Import, 9pm-Midnight) Tuesday: $3 Fireball Shots / Liquor Bust ($10 Wells or $20 Premiums, 9pm-Midnight) Wednesday: $4 Jack Daniels / Beer Bust ($5 Domestic, $8 Import, 9pm-Midnight) Thursday: $3 Off Top Shelf Liquor Friday: $3 Cherry/Jager Bombs Saturday: Half Price Long Islands Sunday: $3.50 Patron Silver Shots / Liquor Bust ($10 Wells or $20 Premiums, 9pm-Midnight) / Beer Bust ($5 Domestic, $8 Import, 5pm-9pm)
GoodTimes (702) 736-9494
Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Billiards Daily Specials: 2-4-1 Drinks (3pm-7pm) / Lunch Specials (1pm-8pm) Tuesday: Karaoke Thursday: Insurgence Friday: Variety Fridays - American & Latin Pop Saturday: Latin Night
The Phoenix Bar & Lounge (702) 826-2422 Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Billiards / Food Daily Special: 2-4-1 Drinks (11am-7pm)
Tuesday: Funderwear Night (9pm-1am) / Underwear Night / Go Go Boys / $5 Liquor Bust Wednesday: Hump Day Happy Hour (9pm-1am) Thursday: Karaoke with Sheila (9pm-1am) Friday: Phired Up Fridays (9pm-1am) / Go Go Boys / Drag Show / Beer Bust Saturday: Brunch (11am-1pm) Sunday: Brunch (11am-1pm) / Karaoke with Sheila (9pm-1am)
Piranha & 8 1/2 Ultra Lounge (702) 379-9500 / PiranhaVegas.com
Spotlight Lounge (702) 431-9775 / SpotlightLounge.com
Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Billiards / Darts / Shuffleboard Daily Special: 2-4-1 Well & Domestic Beer (2pm-7pm) Monday: $10 Well, $20 Call Liquor Bust (9pmMidnight) Tuesday: $3 Jose Cuervo Gold Shots & $2 Dos Equis Draft (8pm-11pm) Wednesday: $3 Jagermeister Shot (8pm-11pm) Thursday: $3 Jagermeister Shot (8pm-11pm) Friday: $6 Long Island Ice Tea (9pm-Midnight) Saturday: $4 Jack Daniel’s Shot (9pm-Midnight) Sunday: $5 Well Martinis (8pm-11pm)
Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Free Billiards Daily Special: 2-4-1 Liquor & Draft Beer (12pm-9pm) Monday: 50% Off Drinks (4pm-9pm, with Industry Card) Tuesday: Piranha Idol Karaoke / La Noche at the Tropics (Drag Show at 2am) Wednesday: Boylesque Drag Show Thursday: Drag Queen Bingo (7pm-11pm) / $20 Unlimited Wells / Hot Body Contest Friday: Theme Party Nights - 2 Rooms, 2 Different Sounds / Hot GoGos Saturday: Theme Party Nights - 2 Rooms, 2 Different Sounds / After Hours (4am) Sunday: El Deseo / Sinful Sundays Goddess Show (1:30am)
Quadz Video Bar (702) 733-0383 / QuadzBar.com Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Billiards / Darts Daily Special: 2-4-1 Drinks (Noon-8pm)
Monday: Martini Monday - 2‐4‐1 Martinis and Drinks (12pm–8pm) Tuesdays: 2-4-1 Drinks (12pm-8pm) / Tasty Tuesday Liquor & Beer Bust (8pm–11pm) Wednesday: Game Night (8pm–10pm) / Free Pool All Night / Way Back Wednesday: Retro Music Videos with DJ Ricoché (10pm‐3am) Thursday: Poker Night – No Buy‐in (6pm) / Liquor & Beer Bust (8pm–11) / Free Pool All Night Friday: Fresh Fridayz – New Music Video Premieres & Your Requests! / DJ Ricoché (11pm‐4am) / Specialty Drinks and Shot Specials All Night! Saturday: All Request Saturdays - DJ Ricoché (11pm‐4am) / Specialty Drinks and Shot Specials All Night! Sunday: Boys & Brewz Beer Bust (4pm–8pm)
UPCOMING EVENTS August 3rd - “Yellow Brick Road” Bingo September 7th - “Colors of PRIDE” Bingo
www.LasVegasPRIDE.org Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 63
GETTING TO KNOW
IGRA
With the 30th Anniversary of the World Gay Rodeo Finals® (WGRF) coming to the South Point Arena at the South Point Hotel, Casino, and Spa on October 21-23, 2016, we thought there was no better time to sit down and get to know two of our contestants, Mary Honeycutt and David Lawson, a little better. The World Gay Rodeo Finals® is an International Gay Rodeo Association™ (IGRA) sanctioned event.
AN INTERVIEW OF CONTESTANTS MARY HONNEYCUTT AND DAVID LAWSON BY LARA SCOTT, WGRF 2016 RODEO DIRECTOR
The following questions were asked of each contestant by Laura Scott, WGRF 2016 Rodeo Director.
We need more spectators, contestants, volunteers, sponsors, etc. In the end, these are the things that keep IGRA going.
MARY HONEYCUTT
DAVID LAWSON
1. What is your level of involvement with gay rodeo? I compete in a few of the rodeo events, I am on the Board of Directors for Texas Gay Rodeo Assoc., and I am Ms. IGRA 2016, which involves fundraising and community outreach.
1. When did you get involved in IGRA and why? I went to my first IGRA rodeo in Sept of 2004 in Kansas City. I had heard online about Gay Rodeos, and thought there would be no better way to combine two parts of my life. I have competed in horse shows and rodeo for most of my life, and I was very happy to find IGRA and gay people like myself who had the passion for horses and rodeo competition.
2. Do you think there needs to be a “gay” rodeo or should the word be removed? I am a little split on this one. I understand the original purpose of a specifically gay rodeo; it gave many people the chance that wanted to be out and also at a rodeo, a place to call home and feel safe. I think now, times have changed, although there is still much change that needs to happen. We also have so many that are not gay, that participate, we could still have a rodeo without it being called “gay”. There are several associations that don’t have the word gay in them already, and I think it could possibly help IGRA in the future. 3. What changes need to be made to make it successful again? There are a few... I think a major one is that we have to get more people involved. Participation in all areas of IGRA is needed.
64 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
2. What is your level of involvement with gay rodeo? I had, for 10 or so years, strictly been a competitor in IGRA events. However within the last couple of years, I have come to recognize that when something is important to you, you have to take an active role in keeping that thing alive. So, I have served as VP of Rodeo Operations for the Bay Area Chapter of the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association, VP of Rodeo Operations for the state association (GSGRA), and I am the contestant liaison for IGRA. I attended my first IGRA Convention in November of last year, and I look forward to future involvement within the organization. I will always be a competitor first, but I love this association and the people who have made it
what it is, and I will be here to support IGRA for many, many years to come. 3. Do you think there needs to be a “gay” rodeo or should the word be removed? Hell yes there needs to be a gay rodeo! It’s a simple answer for me. I make a living training horses and riders of many different levels. I have been involved with horse shows and rodeos since I was in jr. high. I spend nearly every weekend of the year traveling to some kind of competition either as a competitor or as a coach/trainer. From jr. high to high school to college, and up into amateur and pro rodeo, I assure you it’s not my first rodeo. The gay rodeo, for me, is something special and different. It’s my chance to focus on myself and my rodeo family to put on awesome events and compete in them with people who are truly my peers in every sense of the word. Not only that, but it is important to remember the fund raising aspect of our association, in that we are helping to raise money for charities that serve our community. There are gay choirs, gay sports teams, gay festivals, and there should always be gay rodeo! 4. What changes need to be made to make it successful again? We have to spread the work load around so that the same people don’t do the majority of the work all of the time. We need to spend less time changing rules, and more time understanding what we already have in place. We need to build our contestant base through personal outreach and added prize money. We need to operate with the understanding that while we are a charitable organization, we have to help ourselves first so that we can continue to help others in the future! To learn more about the IGRA and WGRF, please visit igra-wgrf.com
VAPING NO MATTER HOW YOU SPIN IT, INHALING FOREIGN, CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES IS NOT SAFE By Richard Davis
crashes, drug and alcohol abuse, AIDS and suicide combined. Is vaping any safer? Malcolm Ahlo of CRUSH, the Las Vegas LGBT tobacco prevention program, is emphatic, “I need to be clear. Using electronic devices to consume tobacco or other products is not safe.” According to Will Rucker, the tobacco programs coordinator at the American Lung Association in Nevada (ALAN), “The long term effects of vaping are currently being researched.” Rucker says, “The general perception, thanks to marketing campaigns and slick packaging, is that vaping is not smoking.” He said, “No matter how you spin it, vaping involves inhaling a foreign, chemical substance into the lungs which is not safe.” Even if the science is still out on how safe vaping is compared to smoking, a lot of people end up doing both.
“Honey, I have good news and bad he used nicotine replacement theranews.” py and he rewarded himself for quitting—he bought himself a new car “The good news first.” based on the amount he saved each month from his pack-a-day addiction. “I got a job with the American Lung He quit!—though it wasn’t easy for Association.” him and it wasn’t easy for me to be around him while he did. “What’s the bad news?” So imagine my dismay when he took “You’ve got to quit smoking.” up vaping. It started when our good friend who had tried to quit smoking My husband had his own good rea- but was unsuccessful, switched to vasons for quitting, besides my new job, ping because she said it was healthier. so he created an action plan to quit. The Centers for Disease Control reHe did things that he knew would re- ports that combustible tobacco use ally help him to quit. He joined one of is the leading preventable cause the American Lung Association’s Free- of disease and death in the United dom From Smoking support groups, States--outstripping deaths from car
That’s what happened with my friend. Now she not only vapes, she’s also returned to combustible tobacco. That’s the real danger that a lot of public health experts see in vaping— that it will renormalize combustible tobacco use. ALAN’s Rucker said, “By vaping, users reignite many of the same habits involved in smoking cigarettes and ultimately return to tobacco use.” CRUSH’s Ahlo is concerned that the advent of vaping will reverse the strides made to lower the high tobacco use rates in the LGBT community, “As a community we have come too far to let tobacco use continue to cause harm and destruction.” Thanks to Nevada’s Clean Indoor Air Act (NCIAA) non-smoking in most public spaces is the new normal in Nevada and it works for everyone.
According to the SNHD’s Maria Azzarelli there are at least 10 chemicals identified in e-cigarette aerosol that are classified as carcinogens and reproductive toxins, including propylene glycol (PG), a chemical that is used as a base in e-cigarette solution and is one of the primary components in the aerosol emitted by e-cigarettes. Nonetheless, Azzarelli says that those exposed to the second-hand aerosol from vaping report eye, throat and airway irritation. Though I find the second-hand aerosol from my husband’s vaping unpleasant, I know that nagging him to stop would probably have just the opposite effect.
“Prior to the [NICAA’s] passage, you could enter a grocery store to pick up some milk and eggs and be exposed to secondhand smoke,” said Maria Azzarelli, coordinator of the Southern Nevada Health District’s (SNHD) tobacco program. Unfortunately, Big Tobacco’s game plane is to renormalize smoking in public spaces through the Trojan Horse of e-cigarettes. Azzarelli said, “The fact that e-cigarette emissions resemble cigarette smoke is the cause of numerous public complaints demanding that e-cigarettes be prohibited indoors in public places” Though e-cigarettes were just emerging when the NCIAA was passed by voters in 2006 and were not included in the law, Azzarelli says, “Since then, numerous businesses and organizations have voluntarily implemented
If someone in your life smokes or vapes, ask them if they enjoy doing it. A lot of times, if you ask in a neutral way, they’ll tell you that they don’t. Sometimes people smoke just to maintain their addiction or they use it to deal with stress. Let them know that if they would like to quit that you are there a ban on e-cigarette use indoors and for them. even outdoors.” Deciding to quit is the biggest step Because, really, is it any more pleasant towards quitting for good. But it may to be smothered in a moist aerosol of take several tries before someone double-bubble-bubble gum scent for makes it. That’s okay. Reward your the person not vaping, than it would quitter with lots of encouragement. be to choke on old-fashioned tobacco Suggest they ask their doctor about nicotine replacement therapy or othsmoke? er smoking cessation medicines— There is no safe level of second-hand most are now covered by private and tobacco smoke according to the latest public insurance. Surgeon General’s report on the dangers of tobacco use. The World Health Need more help? Call the Nevada Organization estimates that about Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW 53,000 deaths per year are attribut- (1-800-784-8669) for free counseling able to second-hand smoke exposure. and nicotine replacement therapy. Or call the American Lung Association’s But is the second-hand aerosol from Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNG-USA (1800-586-4872) for information on a vaping dangerous to the non-vaper? CRUSH’s Ahlo says, “People think support group near you. these emerging tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes are safe Richard Davis is a health educator to consume and use around others with Dignity Health – St. Rose Dominican Hospitals. He is a certified tobacco when they are not.” treatment specialist.
Proud to Support Equality for Over Forty Years.
ADULT GRAND EMPORIUM 2923 Sammy Davis Jr. Dr. • 702.892.9315
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Join NGRA for a fun afternoon of bowling.
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Become a member of NGRA at www.NGRA.com
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Discover the big, beautiful women of West Hollywood artist
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he late Garilyn Brune (pronounced BROO-nee) was a West Hollywood fine artist known for his pen and ink, digital and mixed media drawings of big, beautiful women, aging drag queens, large showgirls and erotically playful women. His love of illustration superseded the onetime fashion designer’s desire to make garments. Born into a Pentecostal household in 1955, Brune took inspiration from the styles and cultures he experienced as a young, shy, gay man: gospel music, the glam and Black Arts movements of the 1970s and the costume designers of Hollywood’s golden age. In 1995, he was the grand prize winner of Tom of Finland Foundation’s Emerging Erotic Artist Contest for some of his raciest work. In June 2013, Brune visited Vegas for a solo exhibition of his work at RTZvegas Gallery. Prior to Brune’s passing in 2014, Feder was able to photograph his works in high resolution in order to make prints and giclées to preserve his legacy, hand-signed by Brune. The Center will host a public exhibit of works by Brune at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, curated by collector Michael Feder. Several of these pieces will be on sale at the showing with 50 percent of the proceeds benefiting The Center. Feder, an art collector and dealer, has asked that the community post Tweets regarding body issues, body acceptance, gender identity and fetish, appended with the hashtag #garilynbrune, which will each be printed and used to provide a framework to the unmounted artwork on display. q
Las Vegas’ first Genderfest conference aims to educate and empower local trans/GNC community this September W
hen Blue Montana moved to Las Vegas from San Diego recently to begin working as The Center’s transgender program manager, he arrived with multiple ideas for new events and programs already swirling around in his head. One of those is a conference called Genderfest, and he wasted no time developing the first one, which will take place at The Center September 8-10. “Genderfest is not only a conference about the intersectionality of gender, it’s about growth, learning about the different ways gender is explored and expressed, and navigating through the gender journey,” Montana says. “Having gone to various other conferences and realizing the cost of travel and lodging can be prohibitive, I wanted to give the trans and gender non-conforming (GNC) community in Las Vegas the opportunity to attend a local conference while also showcasing trans and GNC-identified folks from other places, who will bring some outside culture and influence to us here in Las Vegas. It’s inspired by my passion and love for my local community!” Workshops at Genderfest are anticipated to cover topics such as sex reassignment surgery, legal issues, trans history, name and gender changes, financial literacy, and more. One workshop already confirmed is for parents of trans youth. Not only is the conference targeted
to those in the trans/GNC community but also to allies who want to learn more, as well as professionals in the healthcare and legal fields who wish to gain insight into best practices for serving the community. Genderfest is not solely about education and discussion. “We have to have some fun! We will be hosting pool parties at the host hotel, Alexis Park All Suite Resort, as well as a dinner dance at the end of the conference,” Montana says. Since the inaugural event is in the early planning stages yet just around the corner, financial sponsorship is
the most crucial need at this point, followed by securing workshop facilitators. Volunteers and vendors are also being sought. To participate in any of these ways, contact Montana at bmontana@thecenterlv.org or 702802-5419. “This is the first ever event of this kind here in Las Vegas, and we need the public’s support! we’re looking to make this an annual event, and community participation is crucial to its success!” Montana says. Tickets to attend Genderfest will be on sale soon at www.thecenterlv.org/ genderfest. q
YOU MAKE OUR SERVICE POSSIBLE
BY MICHAEL DIMENGO CEO OF THE CENTER
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ack in mid-April, The Center was shaken by the news that one of its former employees was charged with a crime of sexual misconduct. While that charge was distant from the activities of The Center, and while it emanated from a family member, it became the subject of several media reports on the case. The case is pending trial, and it’s inappropriate for us to speak about any former employee because we are bound by confidentiality. While all that came to pass, I say that we were shaken because your LGBTQ Center came under scrutiny for what was insinuated to be poor or lax operating standards. What shook us as leadership and staff at The Center was that lax operating standards couldn’t be further from the reality here at The Center. I’m proud to say that while I have been associated with The Center the past twenty-one months, the staff of The Center has taken great care to operate as professionally as possible. The Center’s mission is to offer safety, acceptance, hospitality and support to our brothers and sisters within the LGBTQ community. The Center is a “home” to many. To say that it has been easy to create that kind of environment with limited resources would be an understatement. Nevertheless, on a day-to-day basis, not a day has passed that we have not tried to put the needs and concerns of our clients first. Part of those concerns have been the safety and well-being of all. Most particularly, our utmost concern has always been directed toward the safety and security
of our youth. As adults, we have the responsibility to protect them and care for them. Even more, in an LGBTQ context where many of our youth have reported being bullied or harmed by discrimination, we have been concerned about their welfare and their healing. It is essential that The Center be a place of safety and acceptance for members of our community. That service is even more imperative as it pertains to minors who deserve that protection under the law as well as in our service community. Part of The Center’s story is that we take our responsibility seriously. Despite innuendo and suspicion, I can state, unequivocally, that there has never been an allegation of sexual abuse that was not properly referred to Child Protective Services or Metro (depending on age). We take our responsibility seriously. All members of The Center’s staff, without exception, have completed the mandated reporter training provided by CPS. In that training we are urged to not just respond minimally or reactively to the potentiality of harm to a minor, but we are urged to be situationally aware of those who may be our clients. To raise a voice of advocacy for them where they may have no voice. To be concerned for their safety and well-being. To date, not only has our entire staff been trained in this protective service but a large number of our volunteers have been trained as mandated reporters. Together, we form a body of care and protection for both young and old
who may come to The Center seeking assistance. In the most recent episode of the mid-April arrest, The Center’s Board of Directors took action and conducted a thorough investigation of all personnel here at The Center, including myself. All staff members were questioned regarding their knowledge of The Center’s policies and procedures for handling allegations of sexual abuse, harassment, or other forms of grievances. In the wake of this episode, it provided an opportunity for us to look internally to make sure that our practices were in synch with our convictions and purpose. The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors conducted that investigation and shared their findings with the entire Board of Directors. In that investigation, a thorough review of The Center’s policies and procedures was completed to ensure that there were no gaps. The Center has publicly declared for 23 years that it has always, and always will, hold the well-being, positive image, and human rights of our LGBTQ clients — of any age, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression — as our highest of priorities. Since this is part of our mission, all staff are held to strict accountability. We invite your comments and suggestions at any time on how we can improve our service to the LGBTQ community. This is the LGBTQ Community Center and we hold ourselves accountable to supporting and growing our community as dedicated friends and loved ones of our community, passionate about our movement and passionate about our greater visibility and equality in the wider community. We appreciate the comments, concern and inquiries The Center has received in the past several weeks. It is by your productive reminders and suggestions what we continue to grow. We are grateful to you for your community support and, especially, your trust in our efforts. You, our LGBTQ community, make our very service possible. q
Super Sex Ed Summer School allows teens to learn LGBTQIA2-inclusive sex education in a single week
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ince 2014, The Center has offered no-cost Comprehensive Sex Education classes to Vegas-area teens 13-18, spread out over the course of six weeks. To make this much-needed educational opportunity convenient to more youth, The Center has introduced Super Sex Ed Summer School. Beginning the week of June 20, the six-week course will be condensed into single-week sessions of 19 classroom hours each. Youth may attend from 2 until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday on the week of their choice through mid-August. The class will teach comprehensive sex education with LGBTQIA2 inclusion. Young people will learn about communication, protection, contracepcion, consent, abstinence and making healthy choices.
“Young people 13-18 who want to learn more about their bodies, relationships, consent, and healthy choices in a fun and confidential space should attend this class,” says The Center’s PREP Coordinator AJ Huth, the instructor. “More education can reduce the risk of pregnancy and STDs including HIV.” Like Clark County School District’s own sex ed curriculum, Super Sex Ed Summer School will support abstinence. However, the program will provide education for people who are currently engaging in sexual activity or who plan to engage in sexual activity in the future. “There are other sex-ed courses offered in Clark County that are shorter and effective, but most of them are
tailored to specific populations. This course is very comprehensive and presents real-world situations that most youth will be able to relate to,” says Huth. “Food will be provided, and gifts will be given to youth who complete 75 percent of the program.” Super Sex Ed Summer School is supported by the Nevada State Division of Public and Behavioral Health through Grant Number 1401NVPREP from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families. To sign up for a weeklong class, contact Huth at ajhuth@thecenterlv.org or 702-802-5406. The Center is located at 401 S. Maryland Pkwy. in downtown Las Vegas. Public transportation is convenient via the 109 bus line. q
STATE BY STATE THE RIGHT TO LOVE AND THE RIGHT TO MARIJUANA
By Matthew Janz
State by state, one by one, the laws changed. Sometimes by popular vote, sometimes by legislative action. For the activists creating this social change, it could feel incredibly slow and remarkably fast, all at the same time. Are we talking about the freedom to marry -- or the right to medical marijuana? Both! Now that gay marriage has been accomplished in all 50 states -- and the right to medical marijuana is at the halfway point, we can look back at their shared history. Both have roots in the AIDS crisis-- when partners fought for the right to take care of each other -- and to relieve their suffering with marijuana. Both movements had to fight against unfair stigmas and false concerns that change would somehow harm children. What once seemed like pipe dreams, have become reality. Four and a half decades ago, in Baker vs. Nelson, two University of Minnesota students, John ‘Jack’ Baker and James Michael McConnell, first fought for the right for a samesex marriage license. The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled against them, and the case set a precedent for blocking same sex marriage efforts. It wasn’t until 14 years later in 1984, when the Nation’s first domestic partnership laws were passed in California. What started in California, slowly spread to the rest of the nation. The same was true for medical
marijuana. California was the first The original Apothecarium is located state to legalize medical marijuana in in the heart of the Castro, S.F.’s world 1996. famous gay district. A majority of their employees are queer and they More than 15 years later, that change probably serve more LGBT patients spread to Nevada. In 2013, our state than any other dispensary in the passed comprehensive medical world. marijuana legislation -- with the first dispensaries opening in recent “Pride Weekend is probably the months. busiest time of the year at the dispensary,” said Chase Chambers, Not surprisingly, the California The Apothecarium’s General Manager dispensary most associated with the and an out gay man. “We’ve been LGBT community, The Apothecarium, proud to make donations to support has now opened a sister dispensary in marriage equality, AIDS nonprofits Las Vegas at West Sahara and Buffalo and all sorts of groups supporting (www.ApothecariumLV.com). the LGBT community. We want to bring the same spirit of inclusion and community engagement to our Las Vegas store.” Both medical marijuana and the freedom to marry movements had to overcome more than their fair share of fear and ignorance. Marriage ultimately succeeded through the efforts of a united community. Here’s to hoping the right to medicate in all 50 states isn’t far behind!
IS GOOD BUSINESS Lambda Business Association
The LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce for Southern Nevada.
Join us for lunch at THE CENTER! Provocative speakers every month. Always on the second Wednesday.
August 10 | September 14 | October 12 | November 9 The public is always welcome. 401 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89101 PUBLISHER OF THE LAMBDA SMART PAGES. MORE DETAILS OR TO JOIN: LAMBDALV.COM
Lambda Business Association, known as the “Gay Chamber of Commerce” (circa 1996), also the “Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce” (circa 2002) and in an effort to be more inclusive, known as “The LGBT or LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce” since 2006. Lambda, founded in 1991, includes LGBT-owned, managed and friendly businesses, organizations and elected officials. Mmembership is approximately 250 individuals and businesses.
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