Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine - Issue 17

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CELEBRITY FEMALE IMPERSONATORS FEATURING ROTATING SPECIAL GUESTS FROM RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE & AMERICA’S GOT TALENT!

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CONTENTS

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 17

EVENTS

77

27

Party Over PRIDE

Orgullo Latino PRIDE Festival After Party

28

Las Vegas PRIDE 2017

79

PRIDE Finale Party

36

Turnabout

23

November PRIDE Family Bingo

40

Ladies Speed Dating

86

December PRIDE Family Bingo

41

Comedy Night

42

Ladies Dance Party

43

HRC Third Thursday

44

Queen of Sin City Pageant

45

Pageant After Party

46

Drag Kings Unite

47

Parade Pre Party

48

PRIDE Night Parade

51

Parade After Party

67

PRIDE Festival Dance Pavilion

71

After Festival Party

Community Events

ARTICLES 8

Welcome

10

Community Wrap-Up

12

All About The LGBT

21

Luxe Estates & Lifestyles

24

Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man

75

Renaissance Festival

76

Palm Springs Pride

32

80

Meet the Las Vegas PRIDE 2017 Royalty

Monster Mash Pumpkin Dash

80

54

Las Vegas Guide Map

Sunset Park’d Food Truck & Micro Brew Festival

59

Las Vegas’ First Gay PRIDEs

63

PRIDE Sponsors

64

Las Vegas Bar & Nightclub Schedule

68

LGBT Community Directory

92

PRIDE 101

PUBLISHER Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. EDITOR Ernie Yuen LAYOUT & DESIGN Jake Naylor ADVERTISING Ernie Yuen, Lyndon R. Marquez & Clair Koetitz PHOTOGRAPHY Justin O’Keith, Barbara Maeker, Yev Z Photography ON THE COVER PRIDE Royalty: Jesus, Andrew, Roberto, Miguel CONTRIBUTORS Briana Lake, Clair Koetitz, Dennis McBride, Derek Hoskins, Justin O’Keith, Keyska Diva, Lyndon Marquez, Yev Z Photography THANK YOU Luxor Las Vegas

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 Aloha!

mances will be part of the evening. This is a must-see event! The party is just getting started after the pageant, join us at Flair Nightclub for our Official Queen of Sin City after party with By Ernie “Pineapple” Yuen great drink specials, dancing and a drag show at 12:00 midnight.

Who doesn’t love a parade, Friday October 20th our festivities move to Downtown Las Vegas, neon lights are the drama downtown and our city shines bright at night and the Las Vegas original night PRIDE Parade is part of that. Join us for the pre-parade show at 6:30 on Bridger and 4th. The parade will kick off at 7:30, come down early to get a good seat. Thank you to our presenting sponsor MGM Resorts International for making this event possible. Our official After Parade Party will be hosted at Flair Nightclub with a Drag show at 12 Saturday, October 14th is our 10th midnight, special performances, drink Annual PRIDE Kickoff Party at Char- specials and dancing. lie’s Las Vegas, it is a fun evening as the men turn into ladies for our Turn- With the success of our return to Sunabout, our Mr Las Vegas 2017 Jesus set Park and expansion to a 2-day fesand our former Mr.’s perform for you tival, we are happy to announce we in their alter egos, please join us for will be back at Sunset Park with 2 days an evening of mischief. of fun, Saturday from 12:00noon to 10:00pm and Sunday with expanded Wednesday October 18th, is all about hours 11:00am to 8:00pm. We have the ladies, we start off the evening our Bud Light mainstage with over with lady’s speed dating, then at 18 hours of amazing entertainment 9:00pm laugh your pants off with An- scheduled throughout our 2-day fesgie Krum and Shawn Pelofsky, don’t tival. Lots of exhibitors to help with forget to wear your dancing shoes your retail therapy, the Dance Pavilso you can continue your evening by ion is back with 5 amazing DJ’s from dancing the night away. Thank you all over the country spinning their MGM Resorts International and Flair tunes. You’ll never go hungry with 2 Nightclub for co-sponsoring and mak- food courts serving delicious varieties ing these events possible of food. Thirsty? Grab a tasty cocktail at our Hamburger Mary’s Bar, located Queen of Sin City Pageant is our focus right in the middle of the festival with for Thursday, October 19th. At our in- over 12 bartenders ready to serve augural pageant we celebrate the art you. Have a glass of Barefoot wine, or of illusion. Please join us for an eve- a cold-chilled aluminum bottle of Bud ning of glitz and glam. You’ll witness Light. beautiful showgirls walking the runway, stunning evening gowns spar- We added something new to the feskling in the spotlight. Each contestant tival this year, our Hamburger Mary’s will show off her best talents. Lots of VIP experience. Purchase a VIP bracespecial surprises and guest perfor- let at the main gate which gets you Happy PRIDE! 2017 we are celebrating our 34th Anniversary with 8 days of fun and excitement including over 15 events. We kick off our PRIDE Celebration early, October 4th is our Las Vegas PRIDE Hollywood Halloween Musical Bingo hosted at our host hotel, Alexis Park All Suite Resort. It is always a special Bingo filled with great entertainment and fun surprises. Dress up for the costume contest; the grand prize is an staycation with show tickets at our host hotel the Luxor.

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into our VIP Lounge with unlimited specialty cocktails, yummy sangria or draft beer and passed yummy treats. Meeting and greeting our entertainers is also part of our VIP experience. Flair Nightclub is the place to be for the Official After Festival Party. Join Morgan McMichael’s and all her girlfriends. Shenanigans, laughter and prideful fun are on the agenda, our fabulous drag show starts at 12:00midnight, with many special guest appearances, drink specials all night long, we hope to see you there. Orgullo Las Vegas’ Official Latin After Party will be hosted at The Backdoor. We close out the weekend at the Phoenix Bar & Lounge hosting our official Las Vegas Pride Closing Party. Join us Sunday evening starting at 8:00pm. I can’t think of a better way to end PRIDE than with a cocktail. I want to thank all our fabulous sponsors, for their love and generous support, without you none of this would be possible. Thank you to my wonderful Board of Directors, your tireless efforts and dedication to our Las Vegas Community is very much appreciated, you’re all amazing. Thank you to all the many volunteers, you are the pulse of our organization. Your “give back” attitude is so much appreciated, thank you, thank you, thank you, you’re all Rockstars! I hope you all enjoy PRIDE 2017! Please have fun, celebrate responsibility, LIVE, LOVE, PRIDE! Please be nice to one another. Happy PRIDE! In PRIDE, Ernie “Pineapple” Yuen Executive Director Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc.



COMMUNITY

WRAP-UP

By Clair Koetitz & Lyndon Marquez

Fall has arrived with a bang, cooler temperatures for Las Vegas and many, many upcoming activities. Fall is the time to gear up for the PRIDE Parade and Festival, the dates this year are October 20 – 22 with the nighttime parade being held on the 20 and a two-day festival at Sunset Part the 21 & 22. The entire week from October 14 – 22 will be full of events for everyone. We have events for the ladies planned during the week, a Queen of Sin Sity Pageant will be held October 19 at Texas Station. Check our website to stay up to date on all the activities that are going on that week. We will hold a parade meeting for everyone participating in the parade at Alexis Park on October 12. If you have guests attending the PRIDE festivities and are looking for accommodations, the Luxor is one of our host hotels this year, check out the special rates on our website.

musical bingo. Hollywood Halloween. Doors open at 6:00 with bingo at 6:30. PRIDE helped with many bingo’s this year including Loteria and Naughty Bingo and a special bingo benefiting the Center.

food, beverages and a live and silent auction. AFAN produced another great B&W event at Hard Rock Hotel, everyone had a wonderful time and it is always fantastic to see all the inventive outfits that are produced for the event. This is always a great fun evening that is greatly anticipated each year.

The Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the Desert Empire continues to be busy with ongoing events. They held the King & Queen of the Desert event on September 16 at Flair and are preparing for the annual coronation, The Center continues to be busy with Coronation XX on December 7 at fun and educational events. A new Alexis Park. colaborative fundraiser was held at the View at the Palms benefiting Sin Sity Sisters of Preputial Indulgence The Center and Urban Seed. The continue to be busy with their regular event featured a five-course dinner fundraisers at various locations in our prepared by many of the finest great city. Put Project Nunway on your chefs in Las Vegas, each course was calendar, it will be held at the Space prepared by a different chef. A great on October 7, this is the second year time was had by all with a fantastic and is a great event they have added meal, live auction and great company. to their many ongoing activities. The Center’s annual fundraiser the Honorarium “H17, Honorarium NRGA’s Big Horn rodeo was held “Unplugged”” has a new twist this September 22 – 24 at Horseman year. It will be held at Moon and the Park. They had many events during View at the Palms and has a little the week culminating with the Rodeo, more casual feeling with ticket prices this is an annual event that is always ranging from $45.00 to $125.00. Visit great fun and the weather was cooler Don’t forget PRIDE’s monthly Bingo the Center’s website for additional this year so it was great for everyone on the first Wednesday of the month information on the event. It will be participating or attending the event. at Alexis Park. The October bingo is a a fun evening with entertainment, Fall is a busy time in Las Vegas so put all the fun interesting events on your calendar so you don’t miss any of the fun. Check out the PRIDE website and email to keep up on the ongoing activities during the month, Bingo, PRIDE Rides, PRIDE Outdoors and of course this month the PRIDE Parade and Festival. Stay tuned for more fun facts and information for your fall/ winter fun.

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LGBT Interviews By Briana Lake

Every community consists of stories, individuals, and viewpoints that make it unique, and Las Vegas is one of the most extraordinary cities of them all. We’ve taken the opportunity to sit down with members representing different cross-sections of our community to find out what it really means to be part of the LGBTQ culture in Las Vegas.

Heidi Burgener Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, and your involvement in the LGBTQ Community in Las Vegas? A: I have done a lot of nightlife events here in Las Vegas, and have worked with many of the local clubs. I’ve also had the chance to get to know quite a few leaders within the community, and was on the PRIDE board for about a year and a half before stepping into a role as associate board member. I was one of the three organizers of the recent “We Stand with Orlando” march, and have done so much work within the community. I have really 12 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

from working with another; it’s less communal and welcoming than it can be in other cities where there can be a whole street or section with so many businesses that are all open, and nobody cares where you go. Here it can get a little cut-throat in the nightlife industry, and there is no need. Everything can be spread throughout the venues. I also think that there is a lack of communication between organizations and working together that can make it hard to get things accomplished, but that’s more in the politics. I also just take any hate towards the gay community here so personally, these are my brothers and sisters, and it happens sometimes. It’s just so hard to not take any of those things personally.

Q: What has been your most given the community everything that PRIDEful moment? I have, and I love it. A: That would have to be the “We Stand with Orlando” march, it was Q: What are some of the things really terrible that that tragedy had that you love about the LGBTQ to occur, but it was great to see so community here in Las Vegas? many people from all walks of life A: I love the community itself, and united for one common goal. That even the challenges here are part would have to be my most PRIDEful of what makes it so great. I think moment. one of those challenges is getting people outside of Las Vegas to really recognize the presence of our LGBTQ community. This is also a plus, because I always love a good challenge, and taking on the task of showing people out there that we’re here, and that we’re growing has been a positive thing for me. There is also the love that this community has given back to me, for everything that I give I get so much back. Everywhere I go there are so many friendly faces and hugs, the community is always right there for me, no matter what. Q: What are some downsides, if any, that you’ve experienced within the Tatiana Lewis community? A: Maybe the lack of support between Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, some of the different venues, there and your involvement in the LGBTQ are sometimes conflicts where Community in Las Vegas? working with one, can bar you


A: My name is Tatiana Lewis, I’ve been in Vegas since 2011, I moved here to be closer to family and in April of 2012 I hosted my first lesbian event after only being out for 9 months. By my third event we had 50 people, and we have grown steadily since then. We started out as a once-monthly ladies’ social for local lesbians, and it has just been such a blast. We did different socials at different venues, and one year ago we partnered with The Phoenix bar and lounge. This has since become an official Las Vegas PRIDE event, and they have always been so wonderfully inclusive of all parts of the LGBTQ community, it’s just a great fit. Q: What are some of the things that you love about the LGBTQ community here in Las Vegas? A: I’ve really enjoyed how close the community here has been, I think especially through hosting the events I’ve met so many amazing, welcoming people, and it has been such a closeknit group. We’ve even started expanding into the transgender, bisexual, gender queer, queer, and many other sections of the LGBTQ community here. One of the best parts of our community is that I feel like is made known that it is really welcoming, and it is just so warm. There are also just so many fun places here, for events and otherwise, it’s just such a fun place to be. Q: What has been your most PRIDEful moment? A: That would have to be in 2015 when I held the first drag king show for the Las Vegas PRIDE. This was before I had joined the PRIDE Board, and I had drag kings volunteer from California, Tennessee, Washington, and Las Vegas. They all performed and it was just an exciting, action packed event. It was also just astounding to see how much the community itself changed in 2015, that seemed to be the year that everyone really merged as a community, it was a turning point.

This will actually be my third drag king show, and it is now an official PRIDE event. Coupled with joining the PRIDE board, these were my two most prideful moments.

Gary Brewer Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, and your involvement in the LGBTQ Community in Las Vegas? A: My name is Gary Brewer. I’m a social worker, activist, friend, and admirer of boys’ butts. I’m also involved with HRC, The Center, and socially with the Bears of Las Vegas! With my partner Kris at my side, you’ve probably seen us out and about at an event you’ve been to recently; we’re pretty much everywhere. If not, I bet you soon will! Q: What are some of the things that you love about the LGBTQ community here in Las Vegas? A: Living in Las Vegas is a vastly different experience than living in any other city in the US (or so I’m told, I only know the one I’m from), and being part of the LGBTQ community here is no different. Many other cities have a well-defined, queer part of town, often lovingly referred to as “gayborhoods”, and Las Vegas sort of does, but not in as clearly defined a way. We have a few businesses clustered around the “Fruit Loop”, and a few more in Commercial Center, but that’s about it; the rest

of our bars and other businesses are scattered throughout town. Which, is kinda great when you think about it. That way no matter what part of town you’re in, you have a better chance of having a queer establishment somewhere nearby, with other local businesses to peruse. We’re also incredibly lucky to have such gorgeous event sites scattered all throughout town, with delectable food, spacious venues, and unique vibes in each location. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind restaurant or one of the ballrooms in a Strip property, there’s no end to the stunning spaces that our community is able to take advantage of. Plus, so many of them are our friends, allies, (and sometimes employers) anyways, that it enriches the LGBTQ community’s ability to make our fabulous presence known. Finally, and this one is a doubleedged sword, but the people here are uniquely different due to the nature of our town. You see, if you’re a transplant like myself, and haven’t been here for many years yet, some of the locals or long-timers might eye you warily, wondering if you’re already shuffling for the door. They’re used to people cutting and running for greener pastures, so sometimes they’re slow to welcome you in. But I’ll tell you, if you stick around and show you’re not going anywhere, they can be some of the most accepting, loving people you could ever meet. These folks put in countless hours to make our community a shining example to other places of how to care about one another and still have a good time doing it, and I wouldn’t be here without them. So, the next time you’re out and about, if you see me, say hello. I’ll probably give you one of my famous big, open-mouthed smiles and my even more famous, bigger, bear hugs. Cheers! Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 13


We volunteer Wednesday nights at The Center’s front desk. If you’re new to Vegas or looking to become more involved, please come visit us!

Kristopher Minnich Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, and your involvement in the LGBTQ Community in Las Vegas? A: Happy Pride, Las Vegas! My name is Kristopher Minnich, my wonderful partner Gary Brewer and I have been a part of the LBGTQ community here in Las Vegas for about 4 years. I currently serve on the board of Bears Las Vegas and volunteer with the The Center, Human Rights Campaign, and many other great organizations. Q: What are some of the things that you love about the LGBTQ community here in Las Vegas? A: From my point of view, the greatest part of the Las Vegas community are the community members and their irrepressible passion. Scrolling through social media, attending events, meetings, or rallies, you can see the devotion that the members of the community have for each other. It is great seeing that passion transform into action as our community needs rise. We have so much support from our businesses and allies who provide an overwhelming response in the face of challenge and diversity. The people of this community have made Las Vegas home for Gary and I; In a few short years, we have made lifelong friends that we consider family. Many of these friends are fellow hard-working community advocates forever making positive change. 14 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

community members out, proud, and joining us with a larger presence within the community. I also feel like there may not be as many bisexual people that are out and proud within the community either. I honestly feel like I’ve met more of the bisexual community through the fetish community than the LGBT. It would be great to see more of the other half of the acronym (The “B” and “T”’s.) out, about, and mingling.

Q: What has been your most PRIDEful moment? A: I guess my most PRIDEful moment has really been watching my cousin, Ernie Yuen with PRIDE, with all of the amazing things that he does, all of the Shannon Haffa late nights, costuming, and hosting events. I get to watch him do what Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself? he loves and does best, and he is A: My name is Shannon, I am bisexual, just such a beautiful reflection of our and I am a musician. I’m in two family, and we all couldn’t be more different bands, I play base for an proud of him. all-girl punk band called the negative Nancys, and I am also the lead vocalist for a band called Stereo Glass. Q: What are some of the things that you love about the LGBTQ community here in Las Vegas? A: I really have to applaud The Center for everything that they are doing within the community, with all of the free STD screening and other resources, I actually remember when it used to be in the same parking lot as the Greendoor, Badlands, and Onyx in a rough part of town. They have really grown, and it’s so great to see. Q: What are some downsides, if any, that you’ve experienced within the community? A: I have to say that I would really love to see a little bit more of a trans presence within our LGBT community. I don’t know if part of it is that they are still finding their safe space within the community, or that the community hasn’t them quite enough exposure or faith, but I would really love to see some more of the

Kaneda Yoshida Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself? A: My name is Kaneda Yoshida, I am 32 years old, I am Asian, and I identify as a bisexual, trans man.


Q: What are some of the things that you love about the LGBTQ community here in Las Vegas? A: I’ve had my ups and downs, I came out as transgender in October, because I had just found out that there was a term for what I am. It was a rough road, I didn’t really have anyone to reach out to as far as anything trans goes, so there was a lot that I had to figure out by myself. October was also when I started my hormone therapy, so I did some research and found out about The Center, and that there was a trans community available there. I reached out to Blue Montana and a couple of the other trans guys, and that was first step into the transgender community. It was actually a great feeling, realizing that I wasn’t going through this alone. Q: What are some downsides, if any, that you’ve experienced within the community? A: Some of the downsides were that being on testosterone, there are a lot of hormonal changes to deal with, along with talking to everyone in your life about what you’re going through. My family hasn’t been accepting of me in the past, when I came out as bisexual, so coming out to them was really hard. I also honestly feel like I am the only Asian person that is transgender within the Las Vegas LGBT community, and I’ve been searching for somebody that is also Asian American because coming from an Asian background and dealing with Asian customs can make coming out as trans really difficult. There are some very strict gender roles, and there’s really no room for LGBT within Asian families. I know that there are others in Las Vegas, but I know that a lot of them aren’t choosing to be visible. I couldn’t find any communities online, so I started a facebook group and have found quite a few other Asian trans guys from different places. I am trying to bring some of that to Vegas as well, so they have a place to

connect and be visible to others in a living my authentic life ever since. I’ve actually had quite a few life-changing similar position. moments and accomplishments since Q: What has been your most moving to Las Vegas, and was recently ordained with the United Church of PRIDEful moment? A: That has to have been joining the Christ; in doing so I became the first Transpride community with Jamie trans woman to be ordained in the Ballou and David Ballou, because I United States within the UCC. I am think for a while I felt that I had a currently serving as the Senior Pastor hard time connecting with people, of Mary Magdalene Friends UCC. I and I think it was great to have found also currently run the non-profit, Las a community of people that I have Vegas TransPride, which was inspired really been able to connect with while largely by my first Transgender Day of also addressing many other needs Remembrance, which is held to raise awareness for those killed in hate within the community. crimes. I had this moment when I was so moved while reading off the names of those that had been killed; I knew that I had to let their voices be carried through me, I just wasn’t sure how.

Jamie Lee Sprague-Ballou Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, and your involvement in the LGBTQ Community in Las Vegas? A: I have lived in Las Vegas since 1995, and I actually ended up coming out in Vegas as well. I was married when I moved here, and I wound up having to come out because my ex suspected something was wrong with our marriage when I would stay out most of the evenings and come home late in the mornings. Living a double life was not easy while married and it eventually caught up to me. My ex at the time thought I was having an affair with another woman, and in a sense, I was, but it was actually me. I originally came out as gay, then transgender, and I started hormone therapy shortly thereafter and have been

I started by hosting the Transgender Day of Remembrance in 2006, and in 2011, we transitioned to having a TransPride week. Each day has a different schedule of events focused on building community and awareness, along with non-denominational affirming worship service, vendors, and live entertainment. This year’s event will run from November 15th-20th and beigns with the Day of Awareness followed by a Day of Celebration, Day of Visibility, Day of Empowerment, Day of Remembrance, and a Youth Day. Further information can be found at Lasvegastranspride.org; it really is just such a special way to celebrate and embrace all of the members of our community. We also have an outreach within Las Vegas TransPride called Transcending the Gender Box, which is open to everyone, but is really focused on the trans* expansive community. We provide emergency food to the homeless within the Transgender community, as it is often hard for them to receive regular services from organization who don’t understand the needs of Transgender people. We also have a small clothing selection and a space for people to come get out of the Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 15


heat or cold and rest during the day. It is a space that allows various groups to meet, whether it is support groups or activist groups trying to make a difference within our community. It is about giving us another optional space to gather, and call it a second home. Q: What are some of the things that you love about the LGBTQ community here in Las Vegas? A: I do really love that this is a 24hour town, there is always something great to do and we have such a great selection of food and nightlife available to us. Even more than that, we are so blessed to live in a state that for the most part is inclusive of the LGBTQ Community, and that we have a Governor who has been inclusive of the LGBTQ community, especially for being a Republican Governor, he has been incredibly supportive of the transgender community. I really do appreciate the state and the legislation that has been passed for us. We also have quite a few members of the LGBTQ community that are running for office, and I think that that has helped us out in such a big way. Q: What are some downsides, if any, that you’ve experienced within the community? A: I’d have to say that some of the drawbacks, particularly for folks within the trans community, is that there aren’t many spaces for trans people. Most of the bars are geared towards the gay community, and not necessarily towards the transgender community. The transgender community is also a little bit fragmented as a result of this, and it can be a bit difficult to get everyone within the community to come together. There is also a bit of segregation between the gay community and the transgender community, but there are several organizations who are working to help bridge this gap. I also think that under the current administration, we are finding ourselves uniting 16 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

together on the forefront because of the executive orders that have been pushed through by this President, and we are working together to push back against the hatred this President has shown against the LGBTQ community. Q: What has been your most PRIDEful moment? A: I’d have to say that my most PRIDEful moment was when I met my husband out here, David Ballou. We moved in together in 2002 after meeting online, and it just grew over the years from there. Finding Metropolitan Community Church was also a proud moment. We actually found this together through searching the gay yellow pages, and at the time it was the only church that was inclusive and welcoming for us to have a space to worship. It has been such an important part of our lives ever since.

Tara Deasey Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself? A: I was born in New York, raised in Ireland, and I found out that I was trans very young. I moved to England in my twenties and lived as a woman without surgery there until I started going through the process of getting my final surgery when I was forty-four. I regretted the people that I had to hurt to get my surgery, but I couldn’t

be happier and never regretted my decision. Q: What are some of the things that you love about the LGBTQ community here in Las Vegas? A: When I first got here, I found that trans people were just sort of tolerated by the gay community, but I feel like that has changed quite a bit for the better. I think that with exposure comes acceptance, and Laverne Cox and the like have really helped with bringing us into the public eye. Q: What are some downsides, if any, that you’ve experienced within the community? A: When I first moved to Vegas I found that, like many trans women, it was really hard to get employment. There weren’t any of the laws that they have in place now to protect people like me, and you were really at the mercy of employers. I did everything from perform in drag shows, to standup comedy to pay the bills. The really sad part is that I met a lot of women that went into sex work because they thought that it was the only way that they could support themselves. Thankfully I never had to get into that, but I do understand why many women did. It’s better now, but there was also quite a bit of resistance to trans people within the gay community in Vegas at that time. Q: What has been your most PRIDEful moment? A: When I had my surgery of course, and when I signed the papers to become a business owner. I started working with the store that I’m at now in 2010 when the owner took a chance on me, and now I’m a partial owner of the business. The Black Door is a fetish lifestyle store with clothing and everything else – whips, chains, you name it. It had taken me a long time to get there, and I was so happy with that accomplishment.


love that LGBT never sleeps! I love the high energy and positive vibes our community gives, no matter the event, the party never stops.

Vadell Wilson Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, and your involvement in the LGBTQ Community in Las Vegas? A: My name is Vadell, I am 22 years old and am currently studying physical therapy at UNLV. I was born and raised in Las Vegas, and I am the youngest of 8 siblings. I am also the only sexually indifferent member of my immediate family. I don’t have much involvement in the community yet, but I would love to get involved in public speaking and motivation for anyone who has challenges with being different, and especially for LGBT youth, becoming an icon for LGBT youth would be great. I also love attending LGBTQ events, including multiple pride festivals (Especially Las Vegas Pride!), and events such as the AFAN Black and White Party (Which I attend every year, but being more involved outside of the party would be great.). Q: What are some of the things that you love about the LGBTQ community here in Las Vegas? A: This community is so small, (For better, or for worse!) it really feels like everything is just so close and connected. Whether it’s going to The Loop all weekend, or to our local bars like Phoenix, Charlie’s, and The Garage, I feel like this community has so much to offer. I also really

Q: What are some downsides, if any, that you’ve experienced within the community? A: Even though we may all seem close, the Vegas scene can be very cliquey and separated. Not cliquey in the sense of twinks, bears, or fems, it’s just rare to find moments in this community where you can just walk into a group of people and feel welcomed. I think that people just aren’t used to making new friends. The expectation to come out just to come out also exists, without an understanding of the circumstances of certain individuals. A lot of people that I know are out to their families, and I am not yet, with the exceptions of the siblings that I am closest with. Some people stigmatize gays that aren’t publicly out, because they compare their experiences to others. Being the only male that isn’t heterosexual in my family its puts a huge weight on my shoulders, especially with a father that throws bible verses in every possible conversation (which is fine, but it makes the discussion difficult to think about). I have a great relationship with both of my parents, and I hope that continues when I do come out. Some people within the community hold the idea that “truly being free” is about being reckless and coming out to your family instead of preparing yourself for it, but that’s only because they have already faced all of the problems that young, closeted people have yet to deal with. I’ve never had the opportunity to call a man my boyfriend, and my relationship that I have with my parents means a lot to me, but I feel that once I experience what it’s like to have a boyfriend where I am truly proud of our relationship, I’ll be able to come out comfortably.

I also really despise the response that I get when telling other men that I am bisexual, they react like it’s some taboo thing and that doesn’t actually exist. People have asked me questions like “When is the last time that you slept with a woman, now when is the last time that you slept with a man?”. I’ve even had gay friends tell me that “…bisexuality isn’t real. One day you’ll have to pick.”. I am not choosing the gay life, or straight life, because it is more “comfortable”. I am bisexual because I like both men and women, physically and emotionally. This is even worse is when it comes from heterosexuals: “There is no such thing as a bisexual man, if you like men in any way, then you are gay”. If it’s a bisexual woman, then it’s completely different and is “so hot” and turns men on. Like hello people, wake up! The “B” in “LGBT” stands for something.

Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 17


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Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 21




SEX TIPS FOR STRAIGHT WOMEN FROM A GAY MAN By Randy Slovacek

The sex-affirmative, coming-ofage comedy Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man, starring Jai Rodriguez (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, The Producers, RENT) and Kendra Wilkinson (Kendra on Top, The Girls Next Door), has now been extended through January 2, 2018, at Paris Las Vegas. Hailed by Las Vegas Review-Journal as “a hilarious and wild show,” the hilarious 75-minute one-act comedy follows author “Dan Anderson,” played by Rodriguez, who brings lecture host “Robyn” out of her professorial shell by encouraging her and audience members to embrace their naughtiest instincts with the help of Stefan, her hunky stage assistant.

The highly interactive show draws upon audience participation to demonstrate many of the most outrageous and hilarious techniques featured. Sex Tips being Kendra’s first pure acting gig, she admits she paused before accepting the role. “I didn’t say yes right away because I didn’t want to let down other people,” said Kendra. “I wanted to go to New York and actually see the show in person before I said yes to it. The minute I saw the show, I stood up and said ’Yes!’”

he looks back fondly on the series. “It is a part of history that helped move LGBT visibility and acceptance forward,” says Rodriguez. “It definitely moved and advanced the community. Within two weeks of airing, we’re on Ellen, Oprah, Jay Leno, the cover of Entertainment Weekly. That moment happened and it was important. so I own it and honor it.” Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man performs nightly (dark Wednesdays) at 7 p.m. with additional 11 p.m. shows Saturday nights. Tickets for shows through January 2, 2018 are now on sale and start at $39 (plus taxes and fees). For more information, visit https://www.caesars.com/parislas-vegas/shows/sex-tips

Of course, Rodriguez (a Broadway veteran of RENT and The Producers) has plenty of experience offering “advice” to straight folks having earned an Emmy Award as the Comedy, charisma, and a lot of sass “Culture Guy” on the iconic Bravo Randy Slovacek is the author of The come together to create a memorable series, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Randy Report - a Las Vegas-based evening perfect for everyone from LGBT blog covering entertainment, couples looking to spice up their With 2017 being the 10th anniversary pop culture and politics. Follow him at routines to groups interested in a since the show ended it’s run, and a www.therandyreport.com girls’ - or guys’ - night out. reboot is in the works, Rodriguez says 24 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine






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MEET THE 2017

PRIDE Royalty Interviews By Briana Lake

McDonald House to bring the Latino community together in assisting Las Vegas communities in need. I would also like to see more Latinos involved in PRIDE events, and would like to see more unity between the two communities.

Miguel Angel Vasquez Hernandez

Mr. Orgullo Latino Las Vegas Miguel Angel Vasquez Hernandez, Latino LGBTQ advocate and recently anointed PRIDE Royalty, talks about affecting change in Las Vegas, and his goals for bringing together the Las Vegas LGBTQ community. Q: Tell us a little about yourself? A: I am thirty eight years old, was born in Peubla, Mexico, and have been in the US for eight years. I traveled to the United States to accomplish many of my dreams, one of which is to finish building my house in Mexico. I am getting very close to that and all of my other goals through my time here, and it feels great. I have been working with PRIDE for quite a while, and I am so excited for the chance to work towards establishing more unity within the community while inspiring others. The goal of bringing everyone together for the greater good has always been close to my heart. Q: How does it feel to have been selected as Las Vegas PRIDE Royalty, and do you have any specific plans for your reign? A: I have been working with different types of communities, with Ronald 32 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

Q: What are some of the things that you love about the LGBTQ community here in Las Vegas? A: I have a huge amount of respect for the community in general and for PRIDE Las Vegas as an organization. They are always there, whatever the need, offering support to all walks of life. I love every day that I have a chance to work with PRIDE, in every city that being PRIDE royalty has taken me to. Q: What are some downsides, if any, that you’ve experienced within the community? A: I am truly passionate about bringing more unity to the community as a whole, and specifically to the Latino portion of the community. I feel that there is a lack of cohesiveness, and am grateful for the platform that PRIDE has provided to assist with changing this for the better and involving more members of the Latino LGBTQ community. Q: Most PRIDEful moment? A: I was a part of the PRIDE Long Beach Parade, and there was a chant of “Viva Mexico” that went out; that was a special moment for me because I am so proud of my Latino heritage, and for the opportunity to be a part of bringing together the Latino and LGBTQ communities. Seeing the two celebrated together like that was so inspiring for me.

Andrew Ryan

Miss Las Vegas PRIDE Andrew Ryan, champion for Aids for Aids Nevada, and recently anointed PRIDE Royalty, talks about affecting change in Las Vegas as Miss Las Vegas PRIDE, and goals for representing the Las Vegas LGBTQ community. Q: Tell us a little about yourself? A: I grew up in a one-stoplight town, Parker AZ, and not a lot of diversity existed there, especially in high school. I didn’t really learn what diversity meant until I went to college and saw my first drag show. This is where I decided to pursue drag for the first time. After moving to Vegas I started with PRIDE as a showgirl, and later auditioned for Frank Marino’s Diva’s Las Vegas as Shania Twain and Katy Perry, and am now Frank’s direct understudy. During the day I am the Marketing Director for Aids for Aids Nevada or AFAN, coordinating fundraising events and sharing the organizations events on social media. Spreading the message for the organization, making a difference, has become something that I am so passionate about. I have been able to tie this into my role with PRIDE as well. Q: How does it feel to have been selected as Las Vegas PRIDE Royalty, and do you have any specific plans for your reign?


A: As Miss Las Vegas PRIDE, I am very honored to get to travel to West Coast PRIDE, and to get to promote the Las Vegas Community; we travel with a large group of royalty, showboys, and showgirls, and we are able to share a little piece of fabulous Las Vegas with each city. Locally we put on monthly PRIDE events such as bingo, and we represent PRIDE at other events while supporting other non-profit organizations. One of my favorite things about being Miss Las Vegas PRIDE is being able to see all of the people’s faces light up at the events and festivals; hopefully my title will motivate or inspire someone to join and become more involved in their community. Q: What are some of the things that you love about the LGBTQ community here in Las Vegas? A: I have lived in Las Vegas for eight years, and within that time I have seen PRIDE directly impact the growth of the LGBTQ community. I would love to see more volunteers stepping forward to make improvements in whichever areas that are most important to them, but I have seen some really great changes and steps that we’ve taken within the Las Vegas LGBTQ community. Q: What are some downsides, if any, that you’ve experienced within the community? A: I think that our LGBTQ businesses and hangouts are quite spread out, we don’t have a really concentrated areas where we can gather. There aren’t as many little burrows for sections of the community; this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s just something that sets us apart from the communities in other cities. Q: Most PRIDEful moment? A: To me, the impact that I have that goes unseen or unspoken is something that I am really proud of. I still remember arriving in Vegas as a young gay person in a big city and

seeing my first drag queen, Ms. Gay America at the time, and I think that representing diversity like that is so huge. You can really make an impact on someone’s life and show them that it is OK to stand out and be different. It isn’t about what it means to me to be Ms. PRIDE, it’s about what it means to other people; it’s bigger than me.

the Las Vegas LGTBTQ community. I am looking forward to learning about the organizations and nuances that make up the community. Being so submerged into this reign has taught me so much, and it is so exciting to be able to give back to the community in such a big way.

Jesus Nanci

Q: What are some of the things that you love about the LGBTQ community here in Las Vegas? A: You know I love that it’s a 24-hour city, and I really do have so many great friends here. This city is also just so accessible, you can hear from a friend that wants to watch a movie or grab a bite, and you can actually just go do it at two in the morning. You can have a nice dinner or breakfast at any time of day. We get really spoiled here.

Mr. Las Vegas PRIDE Jesus Nanci, talented member of Diva’s Las Vegas, Dancer, and recently anointed PRIDE Royalty weighs in on what it means to represent the Las Vegas LGBTQ community. Q: Tell us a little about yourself? A: I graduated from UNLV with a Bachelors degree in fine arts and dance in choreography and performance. I was lucky enough to be booked in Diva’s Las Vegas my junior year, and am so happy that I was able to get my dancing career started in such a big way before even leaving college. This has given me the ability to travel the world, all while realizing my passion for dancing.

The most important part of my reign is the ability to just be a voice, to be able to somehow influence people for a positive change. I think that that is the most important responsibility that I’ve been given, a voice in the spotlight and a platform for change. I really look forward to helping as many others as I can. I am a performer, a dancer, and I always love to include education and laughter into my time in the spotlight and shedding light onto organizations that really make a change in people’s basic human rights is such a beautiful thing.

Q: What are some downsides, if any, that you’ve experienced within the community? A: When people think about Las Vegas in general, they think about it being “Sin City”, you really don’t think about all of the families. It is just represented as a party city, so I had a hard time finding a real, stable relationship and thinking about anything long-term. Q: How does it feel to have been I think it can be difficult to just find selected as Las Vegas PRIDE Royalty, someone to grab a casual lunch with, and do you have any specific plans in any city, but particularly here. for your reign? A: I feel honored, humbled and privileged to be able to represent Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 33


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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

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LAS VEGAS’ FIRST

GAY PRIDES By Dennis McBride

While Las Vegas PRIDE celebrations today draw thousands with their night parade and festival, our first two Prides were small affairs that barely drew a fraction of those numbers. Sponsored by the Gay Academic Union of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the Metropolitan Community Church, and Nevadans for Human Rights, Gay Pride 1983— the community’s first--was a weeklong series of events May 6-14 hosted at the university and at various bars around Las Vegas. Known as the First Annual Human Rights Seminar, the event opened on May 6 with a day of seminars, workshops, and lectures in the Fireside Lounge of UNLV’s Moyer Student Union, featuring David Goodstein, publisher of the Advocate. The Gay Pride Banquet and Awards ceremony the following evening drew about 200 people, and throughout the following week Las Vegas bars hosted special events to celebrate Pride.

Las Vegas’ 1984 Gay Pride celebration was held in Section F of Sunset Park on June 2 and featured the rock band Taa-Daa. [Christie Young, photographer]

Pride 1984 was Las Vegas’ first outdoor celebration--financed largely by Pride founder Will Collins with money he’d intended as a down payment on a new house. On June 2 the Lambda Pride Coalition sponsored a rally in section F of Sunset Park. Coalition media contact Terry Wilsey and his lover, Walt Herron, provided their own silver chafing dishes and tableware for the Pride’s buffet table. The featured speaker was Robert Gentry, the openly gay mayor of Laguna Beach. Winds that day gusted past 30 mph, scattering Gentry’s speech across the park and tearing down the Pride banner behind him. At eight o’clock that evening the crowd released helium balloons printed with the Pride slogan—“Unity and More in ‘84”--sending their message over the hotels and casinos of the Las Vegas Strip.

Adam Michaels wrote an editorial in Desert Gaze expressing what Pride meant to him: “For many years society taught me that being homosexual was nothing to be proud of,” he wrote. “On June 2 I went to the Gay Pride rally at Sunset Park. … It was inspirational ... . I listened to speakers talk about coming out, being politically active, being true to oneself. ... It made me feel good—and less alone. ... I am proud to be gay.” ABOVE: The Gay Academic Union [GAU], founded at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas [UNLV] in 1982, together with Nevadans for Human Rights and the Metropolitan Community Church, sponsored Las Vegas’ first Gay Pride celebration in May 1983. GAU members at the Moyer Student Union include, l-r: Christie Young; David Adams; Dennis McBride; unidentified; Rick May; unidentified; Mike Loewy; Julian Martin-Perez; Will Collins; unidentified. [Ron Lawrence, photographer]

The success of the 1984 Pride event was a great boost to the Las Vegas gay community and gave many the confidence to come out. Pridegoer Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 59


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LAS VEGAS BAR & NIGHTCLUB SCHEDULE

HOURS | SPECIALS | NIGHTLY EVENTS | AMENITIES | LOCALS SPECIALS - BAR & NIGHTCLUB SCHEDULE CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING. EVENTS, PRICING AND OTHER INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. -

The Back Door (702) 831-0621 / TheBackdoor.vegas Open Friday & Saturday

Friday: Noches Norteñas Live Music / Drink Specials Saturday: Drag with Paloma Macary / GoGos

Badlands Saloon (702) 792-9262 / Badlands-Saloon.com

Open 24 Hours / Gaming Daily Special: 2-4-1 Drinks (Mon-Sat: 12pm-7pm & 1am4am / Sun: 2am-4am) Monday: $10 Well / $20 Call Liquor Bust & 1/2 Price Martinis (9pm-Midnight or 1am-4am Tues. Morning) Tuesday: Charity Bingo with Jimmy Emerson (8:30pm), $4 Absolut or $6 Domestic/$12 Import Draft Beer Pitchers (9pm-Midnight) Wednesday: Karaoke with DJ Eric (9pm-1am) $6 Domestic/$12 Import Draft Beer Pitchers, $3 Fireball Shots or $4 Jagerbombs (8pm-Midnight) Thursday: $1 Draft Beer Pints, $3 Cuervo Gold, $4 Absolut (8pm-Midnight or 1am-4am Fri. Morning) Friday: Drag with Jimmy Emerson (11:30pm) $4 Fireball Shots, $3 Blowjobs, $5 Absolut (9pm-1am) Saturday: Dance Music & GoGo Boys (9pm-2am) Sunday: Free Brunch Buffet (1pm - Until the food’s gone!) $2 Bloody Marys, $2 Margaritas, $2 Pint Micheladas, $3 Mimosas (2pm-10pm)

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) 64 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

Charlie’s Las Vegas (702) 876-1844 / CharliesLasVegas.com

Open 2pm-5am / Gaming / Billiards / Darts Daily Special: 2-4-1 House Cocktails & Bottled Domestic Beers, $3 Domestic / $4 Imported Draft Pitchers (MonSat: 2pm-8pm) 2-For-1 EVERYTHING (Tues/Thurs: 2pm5am) Monday: Drag Queen Karaoke (9:30pm) $2 Domestic/$4 Imported Draft Pitchers Tuesday: Drag Queen BINGO (9:30pm) Wednesday: Wet Wednesdays - Hot Body Shower Contest. Guys in Men’s Underwear Drink FREE House Cocktails. (10pm-2am) Thursday: 10s Across the Board: Male & Female Drag Competition (11pm) Friday: ICONS: Celebrating Icons in Music with Elektra Del Rio & DJ Mohawk (10:30pm) $15 House/$25 Premium Liquor Bust (9pm-Midnight) Saturday: Guys Night w/ DJ MOHAWK (9pm) $10 Beer Bust (9pm-Midnight) Sunday: Sickening Sundays Drag Show (9:30pm) 3-FOR-1 House Cocktails & Bottled Beers (7pm10pm) $3 Long Islands & AMFs, $3 Domestic/$4 Imported Draft Pitchers

Flair Nightclub (702) 733-8787

Open 10pm-4am Thursday - Sunday Thursday: Industry Night $5 Well Specials Friday: Flair Fridays $5 Well Specials

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)


Flex Cocktail Lounge (cont.)

Sunday: $4 Bloody Mary & Mimosa Specials (10am4pm) / Sing-Along Sundays (3pm-7pm)

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)

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

Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Free Billiards Daily Special: 2-4-1 Liquor & Draft Beer (12pm-9pm) Monday: 50% Off Drinks (4-9pm, 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 / Hot GoGos Saturday: Theme Party Nights - 2 Rooms / 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 Sunday: Boys & Brewz Beer Bust (4pm–8pm)

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)

Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 65




LGBT COMMUNITY DIRECTORY NIGHTLIFE | BUSINESSES | COMMUNITY RESOURCES | SPIRITUALITY

GAY BARS The Back Door

1415 E. Charleston Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 831-0621 www.thebackdoor.vegas

Badlands Saloon

953 E. Sahara Ave. #22 Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 792-9262 facebook.com/ BadlandsSaloonLasVegas Open 24/7, Gaming, No Cover

Bastille on 3rd

1402 S. 3rd St. Las Vegas, NV (702) 385-9298 bastillelv.com Open 10am-2am, Gaming, No Cover

Fun Hog Ranch

495 E. Twain Las Vegas, NV 79169 (702) 791-7001 funhogranchlv.com Open 24/7, Gaming, No Cover

The Garage

1487 E. Flamingo Rd., Suite C Las Vegas, NV 89119 (702) 440-6333 thegaragelv.com Open 24/7, Gaming, No Cover

The Las Vegas Eagle

3430 E. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89121 (702) 458-8662 facebook.com/thelasvegaseagle Open 24/7, Gaming, No Cover 68 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

The Phoenix

4213 W. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89102 (702) 826-2422 facebook.com/thephoenixlv Open Noon – 4am, Gaming, No Cover

Quadz Video Bar

4640 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89169 (702) 733-0383 quadzbar.com Open 24/7, Gaming, No Cover

Spotlight Lounge

975 E. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 431-9775 spotlightlounge.com Open 24/7, Gaming, No Cover

GAY NIGHTCLUBS Charlie’s Las Vegas

5012 S. Arville Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89118 (702) 876-1844 charlieslasvegas.com Open 24/7, Gaming, No Cover

Flair Nightclub

1700 E Flamingo Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89119 (702) 733-8787 flairvegas.com Open 10pm-4am Thurs-Sun, No Cover

Flex Nightclub

4347 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89102 (702) 878-3355 flexlasvegas.com Open 24/7, Gaming, No Cover

Piranha Nightclub & 8 1/2 Ultralounge

4633 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89169 (702) 791-0100 piranhavegas.com Open Nightly 10pm, No Cover

BUSINESSES LAMBDA Business Association 4015 Maryland Pkwy Las Vegas, NV 89101 (702) 893-2088 lambdalv.com LGBT Business Directory & Guide

The Black Room

1000 E. Sahara, Ave, Ste 108 Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 685-8688 theblackroomvegas.com Las Vegas Fetish Shop

Entourage Vegas

953 E. Sahara Ave., #19 Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 650-9191 entouragevegas.com Men’s Gym & Spa

Get Booked

4640 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89169 (702) 737-7780 getbooked.com Underwear/Swimwear, Accessories, Novelties, PRIDE Merchandise

Hamburger Mary’s

1700 E Flamingo Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89119 (702) 733-8787 *Restaurant & Bar Opening Soon


Hawks Gym

953 E. Sahara Ave., #35B Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 731-4287 hawksgym.com Club for Men

Lion’s Den

2923 Sammy Davis Jr. Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 892-9315 lionsden.com Adult Novelty Merchandise

The Gay & Lesbian Center 401 S. Maryland Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV 89101 (702) 733-9800 thecenterlv.org

Gender Justice Nevada

7465 W Lake Mead Blvd #107 Las Vegas, NV 89128 (702) 425-7288 GenderJusticeNV.org

Golden Rainbow

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

714 E. Sahara Ave. #101 Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 384-2899 goldenrainbow.org

Aid for Aids of Nevada (AFAN)

HRC Las Vegas

1120 Almond Tree Ln. Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 382-2326 afanlv.org

Aids Healthcare Foundation North: (702) 639-8100 South: (702) 862-8075 aidshealth.org

American Civil Liberties Union 401 S. Maryland Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV 89101 (702) 366-1226 aclunv.org

Bears Las Vegas

Bearslv.org | board@bearslv.org

Betty’s Outrageous Adventures BettysOUT.com Bettys@bettysout.com

hrc.org/lasvegas info@hrclv.org

Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the Desert Empire P.O. Box 46481 Las Vegas, NV 89114 desertempire.org

Leather Uniform Club (LUC) of Las Vegas lucoflv.com

Las Vegas boys of Leather lasvegasboysofleather.org

Las Vegas Men’s Chorus PO Box 95021 Las Vegas, NV 89193 (702) 594-3393 lvmenschorus.org

Las Vegas Prime Timers Community Counseling Center of lasvegasprimetimers.com Southern Nevada 714 E. Sahara Ave. National Suicide Prevention Las Vegas, NV 89104 Lifeline (702) 369-8700 cccofsn.wix.com/ccc-new

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) suicidepreventionlifeline.org

CRUSH

Nevada Gay Rodeo Association (NGRA)

socrush.com

Nevada Tobacco Quitline 1 (800) QUIT-NOW nevadatobaccoquitline.com

New Horizons Nevada

newhorizons-nv.com Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders

PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends, of Lesbians and Gays) P.O. Box 20145 Las Vegas, NV 89112 (702) 738-7838 pflag.org

Prime Timers

PO Box 42424 Las Vegas, NV 89166 (702) 527-2360

Safety Specialized Alternatives for Family & Youth 4285 N. Rancho Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 385-5331 safy.org

Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach Center 100 E. Lake Mead Pkwy. Henderson NV 89015 (702)564-4224 sainttheresecenter.org

Sin Sity Sisters SADAP P.O. Box 60005 Las Vegas, NV 89160 (702) 592-6969 sinsitysisters.org

Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. (Las Vegas PRIDE) 4001 S. Decatur Blvd. #37-540 Las Vegas, NV 89103-5800 (866) 930-3336 lasvegaspride.org

Trevor Project Suicide Hotline for LGBT Youth 1-866-488-7386 thetrevorproject.org

ngra.com

Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 69





X C Y C L E L V. C O M

|

(702) 489-6099

MAKES YOU HAPPY

Cycling releases endorphins to get that natural rush you need to get through your day

T H AT Y O U T H F U L G L O W

Eat. Sleep. XCYCLE. Repeat to reverse the effects of aging.

H E A LT H I S W E A LT H

STRAIGHT TO THE CORE

Increase core strength and strengthen those abs.

The risk of heart disease is cut in half when cycling r e g u l a r l y.

BURN BABY BURN

Burn approximately 500 calories in 45min. class.

NO THASS HERE

Great thighs. Great buns. Fact!





The Back Door

lasvegaspride.org // thebackdoor.vegas


MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 4640 PARADISE ROAD., LAS VEGAS, NEVADA • 702-733-0383 / Q U A D Z LV /QUADZBAR w w w . Q U A D Z B A R . c o m *ONE FREE DRINK PER PERSON - SEE BARTENDER FOR DETAILS - OFFER ONLY GOOD ON SUNDAY






NEVADA BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS

Paul Taylor’s

COMPANY B

Songs Sung by The Andrews Sisters

George Balanchine’s

WESTERN SYMPHONY and SERENADE with Live Orchestra Celebrate Veterans Day Weekend with three powerfully entertaining American ballets

November 11 & 12, 2017 Live Music sponsored by Doris & Ted Lee

(702) 749-2000

NEVADABALLET.ORG

Western Symphony choreography by George Balanchine. ©The George Balanchine Trust. Photos by Virginia Trudeau.






Happy Pride





PRIDE 101

FLAGS, COLORS & SYMBOLS EXPLAINED Pride festivals/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. But what does each color of the pride flag represent? What does that pink triangle stand for? Ever wonder what the meaning of each color is? Las Vegas PRIDE’s Mission is “to educate the community by invoking, promoting, and celebrating lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender pride.” In pursuance of this mission, we would like to share with you the meaning of the colors displayed in some of the LGBT community flags as well as basic facts about some of our symbols.

INTERLOCKING MALE SYMBOLS

INTERLOCKING FEMALE SYMBOLS

INTERLOCKING MALE & FEMALE SYMBOLS

These symbols signify men attracted to men and women (left) and a women attracted to men and women (right). Two interlocking female gender symbols, the singular of which is borrowed from LAMBDA the astrological sign of Venus, began representing The 11th letter of the the lesbian community in Greek alphabet. The the 1970’s. lowercase letter has symbolized the LGBT community since 1970, INVERTED PINK TRIANGLE when the Gay Activist Alliance selected it The pink triangle was originally used to represent the gay to denote homosexual men as a Nazi TRANSGENDER SYMBOL rights movement. Some concentration camp badge. The AIDS believe the “l” stands for Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT-UP) This symbol combines and modifies “liberation,” while others adopted the inverted pink triangle elements of the male and female argue it is taken from the to symbolize the “active fight back” symbol for “energy.” against HIV/AIDS “rather than a passive resignation to fate.” gender 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.

92 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine


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

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

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

RAINBOW PRIDE FLAGS 7 STRIPED RED: Life ORANGE: Healing YELLOW: Sunlight GREEN: Nature TURQUOISE: Magic/Arts INDIGO/BLUE: Serenity VIOLET: Spirit

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

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

PANSEXUAL 6 STRIPED

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

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.

FURRY

LEATHER GIRL

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

Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 93


Join us in celebrating the LGBT community when you choose the Pride Design for your new U.S. Bank VisaÂŽ Debit Card. Customers can request the card by calling 800.872.2657 or visiting any U.S. Bank branch. New customers are encouraged to see a banker today to open a new personal checking account1 and request this Pride Design card.

usbank.com/pride

1. A minimum deposit of $25 is required to open a U.S. Bank personal checking account. Deposit products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. Š2017 U.S. Bank. 171513C 10/17 The U.S. Bank Visa Debit Card is issued by U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A.



SERVING FOOD WINE AND WOLFGANG PUCK BAR & GRILL american | mgm grand | downtown summerlin CUCINA italian | the shops at crystals SPAGO american | the forum shops LUPO italian | mandalay bay CUT steak | the palazzo

wolfgangpuck.com






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