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challenges, struggles and encounters that can be and are faced everyday by the Trans community. A short discussion was held after each film.
WRAP UP Holiday Wreath Auction The 8th annual SNAPI Holiday Wreath Auction was held at the Center during PRIDE Family Bingo on December 3rd, 2014. We had many beautifully decorated wreaths available for sale. The sale was conducted through a silent auction so the bidding was exuberant with individuals trying to purchase their favorite wreath. Along with the wreath there was a “Vegas Staycation” included to encourage the bidding for each item. The wreath with the highest bid was able to make the first selection of a fun hotel stay from those available.
2014 TransPride Week The 2nd annual TransPride celebration was held the week just prior to Thanksgiving. This year’s event was a five day event encompassing many attributes. The attendees enjoyed a TransPride March and Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, November 19th. The march started at Las Vegas City Hall and continued to the Center where the Opening Ceremonies were conducted. The ceremony included a ritual segment incorporated from the Native American Culture.
A fun time was had with the bidders watching over their choices to make sure they were successful in purchasing their choice. We want to thank everyone that purchased a wreath and hope they enjoyed their purchase during the holiday season. Hopefully everyone that attended is looking forward to the auction in 2015 with many beautiful creations to choose from. Thanks to the wreath committee for their work on the wreaths with a special thanks to Ernie Yuen for his tireless effort and talents to make sure this event is a highlight of the holiday season.
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Thursday was a very special day, the Transgender Day of Remembrance with a room setup displaying a wall of pictures and articles of the people we have lost. The room was a solemn reminder of the struggles some of our brothers and sisters could yet encounter. Anyone viewing the wall was encouraged to reflect, pray, meditate, sing or do anything appropriate to remember those who have gone before us. In addition to the Wall, films were shown in another room depicting some of the
Friday was another solemn day with an evening gathering to remember those that have gone before us. Each name from the wall was read to help us remember the individuals and their struggles. We wish to thank our keynote speaker Jamison Green for his inspiring words. Saturday brought a lighter side to the event. The day included the Transgender Day of Empowerment with vendor’s displaying various items for sale along with tables providing information to the community. We also had 12 educational workshops to choose from. The workshops ranged from Trans 101 for Families, Friends and Allies to Transition in Elder Years. A Free lunch was provided by Northwest Community Church. A Trans Art Gallery was also on display with some of the items available for sale. A highlight of the day was Trans America’s Got Talent which highlighted many talented people from our community. A social gathering at Goodtime’s was enjoyed that evening. Sunday ended the 5 day celebration with the Transgender Day of Celebration including a worship service, social gathering with lunch provided by Las Vegas PRIDE, a free thinkers Gathering and the closing ceremony with ritual segments from the Native American culture included. We want to thank our Sponsors, Vendors, Allies and participants during this year’s event. With a special thanks to the Center for donating the facility, the TransPride Committee for their hard work and especially Jamie Lee Sprague for her leadership and guidance making this event a success for everyone.
Contents EVENTS
45 Red and Wild at Charlie’s
24 The Fabulous Baker Boys
PRIDE Events
46 Bighorn Rodeo
5
47 Fantasy Fridays at Liaison
27 Princesses, Hot Tubs & Channing Tatum in Guyliner... Oh, My!!!
Las Vegas PRIDE Wedding Expo
11 March PRIDE Family Bingo
54 Noches Calientes
28 Love Is... A Healthy Realationship
13 Valentine’s PRIDE Family Bingo
59 IRSCDE, Inc.
30 But First, Let Me Take a Selfie!
31 April PRIDE Family Bingo
60 SMOKEOUT
42 PRIDE OUTside
62 Las Vegas Men’s Chorus
34 Spotlight: The Leather Uniform Club of Las Vegas
51 Phoenix PRIDE
ARTICLES
55 Orgullo Latino / Latin PRIDE
4
Las Vegas PRIDE Wrap Up
Other Events
7
Welcome
19 AFAN Aids Walk Las Vegas
8
An Interview with American Idol Finalist and Recording Artist David Hernandez
21 Stripper Circus at Share
35 Spotlight: The Boys of Leather 36 Fitshion of Love: Fitness and Fashion Meet Love and Passion 42 Are You in a Healthy Relationship? 44 The Gig Girl 48 Searching for Mrs. Right...
22 “Waterpark” Matinee Festival
12 The Big LGBT Insecurity Blanket
23 HRC Las Vegas Gala
52 It’s in the “Jarr”
14 The N2N Way
26 White Party Palm Springs
56 They Call Us “Dad”
18 Volunteer Champions
61 SMOKEOUT 2015
PUBLISHER EDITOR LAYOUT & DESIGN ADVERTISING ON THE COVER COVER PHOTO BY PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS
SPECIAL THANKS
Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. Ernie Yuen Jake Naylor Ernie Yuen, Lyndon R. Marquez & Clair Koetitz David Hernandez, American Idol Finalist & Recording Artist Tyler Cheever Gomes Barbara Maeker, Marc Garcia, Cashman Photos, Doralynne Valenzuela/Fremont East Studios & Frankie Sanchez Paul Cieslewicz, Steven Ford, David Hernandez, Andrew Makay, Paul Nicholls, Jeffery Sanker, Kevin Smith LoveIsRespect.com & AYUSA Exchange Students
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) 9303336 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.
6 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
year helping at many of our events. To those volunteers, I say thank you!
Welcome
BY ERNIE “PINEAPPLE” YUEN Aloha! Welcome to our second issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine! I can’t tell you how proud we are of our first issue and how excited we are for our second issue.
Thank you for all of the fabulous compliments and also the constructive comments. Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine will always be evolving with positive changes as we learn and grow. Our goal is to produce a magazine that our Las Vegas LGBT community can be proud of. The word is spreading quickly to all of the nonprofits here in Vegas and I am happy to say that in this issue we have the opportunity to highlight the Las Vegas leather community. Smoke Out 2015 will be here soon and Bob and his team always do an amazing job.
Save the date! February 4th is our first Las Vegas PRIDE Family Bingo of 2015 at our new location- Alexis Park All-Suite Resort. Please join us for an amazing time, great drink and food specials and crazy wacky fun for all ages with awesome prizes. Remember, children & youth are also welcome. I hope to see you there. Kevin and his team did an amazing job with their photo fashion spread this month- who said you could never find love at the gym? Also Andrew from N2N (one of our sponsors) previews his 2015 lineup with undies and fitness fashion; this is going to be a great year!
We’ve got some great events coming up – please do not forget about the Sister’s Red Dress event, February 28th at The LGBT Center, as always it is going to be a lot of fun. Freddie and Keyska talk about “The Gigs” think of better way to start 2015 other and their very entertaining show then letting go of your insecurity’s. “Shenanigans;” you never know what “Let it go . . . let it go . . .” ok I’ll stop. those two are going to do next. On the cover is David Hernandez, you all know him from American Idol. I had a chance to sit down with David and ask him some unique questions about himself, his career and love. I’m also very excited to announce that David will be performing at our Las Vegas PRIDE Festival this coming September. David is a truly down-toearth sweetheart with a killer smile.
This issue is all about love and fitness. I am sure many of you, like myself, made a New Year resolution to change your eating habits and get fit. It’s all about being healthy in 2015. LoveIsRespect.com has teamed up with us and have provided a couple of articles about healthy relationships. I am very happy to showcase our Both articles are a great read. Volunteer Champions for 2014. Las Vegas PRIDE could not survive We all want to be in love; love is a without the commitment of many very powerful emotion, however, of our volunteers. We never have to before you can love someone else you ask twice, each of them is dedicated, need to love yourself. “The BIG LGBT committed and always willing to Insecurity Blanket” is a great article donate their time throughout the that centers on that very topic. I can’t
My friend Malcolm and his partner share their experience being “DAD’s” and what it is like hosting exchange students for an entire year. Thank you AYUSA, for opening the door for same-sex couples to be able to host exchange students and for recognizing the impact a loving couple can have regardless of gender. I hope you enjoy our “Love and Fitness” issue, another labor of love! Until April, please keep it real, be safe, have fun and love one another. In PRIDE, Ernie “Pineapple” Yuen Executive Director Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 7
David Hernandez
AMERICAN IDOL FINALIST & RECORDING ARTIST By Ernie Yuen, Executive Director, Las Vegas PRIDE
interviewed by. She was welcoming and very supportive of my journey on Idol and had a genuine interest in my career after as well. I remember being backstage and seeing her and her dogs run around. It was like a playground, fun and exciting. I got to dance with her after my performance and walked away with a mug and a robe! Good times.
David, you became famous being on Fox’s American Idol- what was that experience like? The experience on Idol was unlike anything I have ever been through. It was a lot of work picking songs and planning performances, from the arrangements to the outfits. So many things go into it when you are in front of millions of people on national television. It gave me another taste of what the music industry was like in Hollywood… the politics, the hustle, the image, legalities. I never knew that in order to sing a song you needed copyright approval, lol. When one of my songs didn’t clear, I had to figure something out the night before the scheduled show. I was frantic. But I do well under pressure. What challenges have you had to face in your chosen career? Not seeing my family as much as I would like is definitely a challenge. I have been touring for 7 years now so you can only imagine how 8 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Your major was broadcast journalism - would that be your second career? Broadcast journalism would most definitely be my 2nd career. I envisioned myself as a publicist at some point and still do from time to time. I could see myself doing both. Being this successful singer difficult it can be on holidays. Not while guiding new artists down the to mention cultivating friendships, right path… maybe starting my own and maintaining relationships from a company or indie label. distance. It’s a huge sacrifice. Can you tell me about your musical Your mom was very supportive in influences? your choice to become a singer. My musical influences are that of soulful artists. I have a strong What advice did she give you? My mom & late grandma were always connection to these artists because the most supportive people when it there isn’t a word or note that came to my career. My mom still calls comes out of their mouth that lacks me to this day excited about a new intention. You can hear the pain, release or a performance of mine she happiness, angst, sorrow, excitement found on YouTube. My mom always in their artistry. Alicia Keys is an says to “just stay true to yourself and incredible songwriter with a raspy be happy.” I don’t thinks she treats voice that makes you wanna cry. Same this career field any different than for Donny Hathaway & Stevie Wonder. others I might have chosen. She just Artists that transcend time. wants her boy to be healthy and content with the choices he makes. I What will your new album sound like think most of all she wants grandkids and who did you collaborate with? The album was produced by myself, but that is gonna have to wait. Lol! Printz Board of the Black Eyed Peas, I saw you on the Ellen DeGeneres & Alex Teamer. I started working with Printz about 3 years ago on this Show- how was that experience? Ellen was one of the most genuine album. I wanted to take my time and and heartfelt people I have been make sure it was done the right way.
and done, makes me feel so much better than when I started. I don’t think I could keep up with myself and my schedule if I didn’t’ work my body out and build my endurance. So, tell me your thoughts about Las Vegas? Well, it’s the city of sin! What’s more to say? Haha! I’ve done shows in Vegas, lived in Vegas, went crazy in Vegas, and fell in love in Vegas….it’s unlike any other city. What I love most is that the world’s best entertainers still put on one hell of a show in Vegas. I hope one day to have a residency in Vegas.
After working with Printz, I went into another studio with Alex and wrote some of the most personal material in my life. The album is definitely a party but has a few songs that dig deep and bring out that emotional side in people. I wanted a little something for everyone... the club, radio, and for those introspective alone times. A few of the other co-writers include Gino Starr, Tex, Melodye Perry, Sly Young and Lucy Graves. Tell me your most memorable performance. My most memorable performance was singing at the Inauguration for President Obama in Washington, D.C. The energy was palpable and unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I definitely did not see that in the cards as a little boy growing up in Phoenix, AZ. You have performed at Pride events throughout the country- is there a difference performing in front of an LGBT audience? People are people and music brings them together! I am blessed to be able to entertain for a wide variety… but I will say, singing for the LGBT community is pretty exciting! Everyone is so hyped and full of life! It’s such an eclectic scene that welcomes all walks of life and it’s moving in so many ways!
Last question- what advice would you give to future musicians? Stay true to yourself and your music first and foremost. There will be a lot of people with agendas trying to steer you in their direction but you have to be able to look back and be proud of your choices. Have faith in your talent and work hard towards whatever it is you want to achieve. No one will make it happen but you.
You also performed at the HRC National Dinner? I love HRC because they are deeply devoted to the fight for equality. It isn’t just some organization that goes for the flashy red carpets and celebs to raise money for their own personal gain. I have come to know them pretty well in the last year, and they are like family. Genuine people with no hidden agenda. Just a common thread You can find David online at: to unite the world by advocating www.DavidHernandezOfficial.com Twitter: @DHernandezMusic equality and change. Facebook: David Anthony Hernandez Instagram: Single or in a relationship? I am dating right now. I have always OfficialDavidAnthonyHernandez been the relationship guy because that’s what I was used to. I really enjoy spending my time with one person and getting to know each other inside and out. But I have learned that loving yourself is integral in loving someone else. We are excited to have you performing at Las Vegas PRIDE in September, what should we be expecting? High energy, lots of screaming, and me taking my shirt off. Lol.. kidding. It’ll be an awesome time with songs that people can dance to and maybe a ballad or two! Love or hate the gym? I love to hate the gym! Lol! It is a necessary evil that, after it’s all said
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 9
THE BIG LGBT INSECURITY BLANKET PRIDE HEALTH: KEEPING YOUR MIND HEALTHY
deep within where you’ve allowed that inner diva bitch to roar, and roar she does. Even if in your case it’s not an inner diva bitch, we’ve all got that sinister “less than” vibe going that keeps us from being the awesome person we’re meant to be. Well guess what? It’s time to let go of that comfy insecurity blanket you’ve been cuddling up with for all these years. Let go of jealousy, comparison, if only mentality! It’s not doing you one bit of good to let any of those things be a part of your life. It only serves to diminish you.
Let’s all take a deep breath and admit it. We all don’t have six-pack abs; a perfectly chiseled butt, pretty breasts or that just-got-rolled-in-thesack killer hair. On the other hand, maybe you do have all those things and you’re still hanging onto your insecurity blanket. And why is that? Wait. Don’t answer that just yet. We’ll get there. Instead, take a deep breath and write down three things that make you feel most insecure. Go ahead…I’ll wait. Got them? Cool. Now, look at each one and determine if this insecurity came from what someone else said, a value you were raised by, or something you’re telling yourself, or if it’s something you read or an event that happened that led you to believe this is your truth. Pick only one. No cheating. If it’s something that came out of the mouth of someone else, please 12 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
examine it for how true it is. Yes, you get to ask yourself, how true is this to me?
Stop the catty trash talk about others. Why? Well buddy…it’s because what you’re saying is all about you! In some way, every time you trash someone else it’s a direct reflection of trashing your self. You’re deflecting some truth about yourself onto others. Just knock it off and see what happens.
Moving on. If it is a value you were raised by, take a moment to consider if that value is in alignment with who you are now. If it’s not, then do you Your Best Effort- it’s self-rewarding Use your boomerang for good. Ever really need to live by it? had really good sex? Sex where you Now for that event or something were totally present, into it, giving you read that makes you believe this out good vibes, totally intimate, and insecurity is true for you. Are you making all the right moves? And what really going to let every event and were you getting back in return? thing you read, create your destiny? If Probably the same. “What you put so, then go right ahead and do what out is already on its way back to ya?” you read to do because it truly will If you put out I’m not good vibes, you help you land your prince charming or get back I’m no good vibes! princess…at least for one night! Time To Let Go Trash Talk Burn your blankie! Heck, you’ll go to Finally, let’s address the biggie…the Burning Man, hookup with a stranger, thing you keep telling yourself that or even stand up and say, “My names makes you feel less than. Trash talk is (blank) and I’m an (fill in the blank)!” trash talk. However, self-trash talk is All of these things require burning the WORST! It stems from that space your insecurities. So why not just light
your insecurities on fire? Go ahead and create a big old bonfire for the world to see. When your insecurities go up in flames. What’s left? Ashes of false truths sift thorough. It’s 2015 Start New Trade in your blankie for a quilt. If you can’t burn your insecurities, then start trading them in, one at a time for new beliefs that warm you up like a fluffy quilt from grandma’s house. You have everything you need to create a beautiful patchwork quilt of secure beliefs for your life, all you need to do is choose to quilt it together… no sewing required. At the end of the day, insecurities are a fact of human existence, especially for the LGBT community. Where we get to kick insecurity’s booty is by realizing, an insecurity ain’t got nothing on you unless you let it get something on you.
Champions
VOLUNTEER
RECOGNIZING THE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS OF OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS
Las Vegas PRIDE would not be where it is today without the help of all of our volunteers. We appreciate the countless hours dedicated helping with our events ranging from planning meetings to picking up trash at the very end of our festival. We appreciate every single volunteer and know that we could not survive without them. Every year the Board of Directors of Las Vegas PRIDE honors individual volunteers that stand out. We call these individuals our Volunteer Champions. Every month individuals donate their time and effort to help PRIDE produce
events. One man has gone above and beyond and his name is William Douglas. Wil has been our PRIDE Family Bingo bartender for the past few events and we couldn’t be more thankful. Not only does Wil bring a happy face to each event, he provides amazing customer service with a high level of professionalism. This is a great example of the kind of volunteers we love to work with to make our events more successful. We thank Wil for all his hard work and time he donates to this organization. We are grateful to have you in our community. Wil works at The Garage so stop in and thank him for his contributions to PRIDE.
Kawika and Craig Oliveira are a couple who have done a countless amount of volunteering for the LGBT Community. Kawika has been volunteering for the community for a long time working with church youth groups and other organizations in Hawaii. In Las Vegas, he has helped out with many organizations and was once a board member for Las Vegas PRIDE. He has also held many royalty titles with the IRSCDE of Las Vegas. Craig has also been volunteering for a very long time. He was raised to always offer a helping hand. He was a youth leader for his church’s youth group in Hawaii. This is when he discovered that he could do more for himself by doing more for others. Craig created a volunteer group to assist with local pre-schools, and the homeless. When he moved to Las Vegas, he took a break from volunteering for a short while, but decided to start again three years ago. He first became involved the Royal Court of Las Vegas; from there, he became involved with Las Vegas PRIDE. Kawika and Craig have been a couple that inspires. They recently, legally married during Las Vegas PRIDE’s National Coming Out Day Festival along with six other couples.
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Emotions were high and there were William Powles, pictured to the right, plenty of happy tears to be seen. began volunteering with Las Vegas PRIDE in 2011 and his impact can Las Vegas PRIDE is proud to honor be seen in the results of our BINGO, Kawika and Craig Oliveira as Volunteer Parade, Festival, Food & Beverage, Champions for their wonderful Logistics, and administrative endevors. accomplishments in volunteering Will volunteered countless hours for Las Vegas PRIDE and other LGBT helping with the logistics committee. organizations. Their efforts truly show His dedication made a big inpact with commitment and their love for the the set up and tear down of the Las community. Vegas PRIDE Festival. Geremy Hurley (known as “Herbert” among his closest friends) has been an amazing volunteer for Las Vegas PRIDE. Geremy is originally from Pennsylvania. In 2002, he joined the United States Army and served in the National Guard for over two years before joining active duty.
The Board of Directors of the Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to our 2015 Volunteer Champions: William Douglas, Kawika and Craig Oliveria, Geremy Hurley and William Powles. We send our deepest thanks and appreciation to all of you for dedicating your time, countless Geremy has started his own business, support, and expertise. Thank you! Geremy’s Pens, here in Las Vegas. The business provides hand-made pens as gifts and novelties, he has donated his pens as prizes for Las Vegas PRIDE Family Bingo. When Geremy is not busy making his beautiful pens, one can find him volunteering for multiple LGBT organizations. His favorite 501c3 is Las Vegas PRIDE, he has been an enormous asset to the organization. He finds it very rewarding to work for the Las Vegas community. His humility always keeps him out of the spotlight, we are so proud to recognize him as one of our Volunteer Champions. With his help, Las Vegas PRIDE has been able to reach certain heights. Thank you, Geremy for your wonderful contributions and help.
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 19
The Fabulous Baker Boys
THEATER INSPIRED BAKESHOP GIVES BACK BY ANGEL PORRINO
local celebrities and all proceeds go directly to those in need. “Not only is it a great way for our customers to meet and interact with some amazing talent but it raises awareness and funds that are essential in supporting the mission of BCEFA,” said Sullivan. “Our first Broadway BakeSale featured Jai Rodriguez, Angel Porrino and the casts of Million Dollar Quartet and Rock of Ages. It was a huge success and we are very excited to bring it back this March.”
Upon entering Showboy Bakeshop in Henderson you are instantly greeted with the smell of freshly baked goods as well as the sweet sounds of Broadway! Inspired by a love for theater and baking, owners Stephen Lowry and Jared Sullivan opened their shop nearly 2 years ago and have had a whirlwind of success. The boys have not only been featured on Food Network’s hit show ‘Cupcake Wars’ but have also won numerous accolades including Best of Las Vegas and have had their work featured on Entertainment Tonight, CNN, Broadway.com and recently co-authored a book ‘Professional Wedding Planning Advice – Las Vegas Edition’. From Showboy Bakeshop’s beginnings both boys have wanted to ensure that there was a connection between their business and the LGBT community. “It’s always been important to us to support the people that support us,” 24 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
said Lowry. “That is why we created Broadway BakeSale.” Partnering with their favorite charity, Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDs, Showboy Bakeshop hosts a bi-annual event where the shop is taken over by national and
While final details are still being ironed out, March’s event will tentatively feature cast members from the national tour of Newsies and is looking to be bigger and better than ever. Keep up with all the latest information on the next Broadway BakeSale on showboybakeshop.com or by following the store on social media.
2591 Anthem Village Drive 702.359.0200 www.showboybakeshop.com
@showboybakeshop
PRINCESSES, HOT TUBS & CHANNING TATUM IN GUYLINER…OH, MY!!! By Paul Cieslewicz
The best way to sum up the upcoming movies in February and March would be with a quote from the classic(?) John Hughes comedy, Weird Science: “You know, there’s going to be sex, drugs, rock-n-roll... chips, dips, chains, whips...” That quote alone could cover Fifty Shades of Grey, but the eclectic mix of films being released around it embody nearly everything imaginable as well. Jupiter Ascending (Feb. 6) – A new sci-fi adventure from the Wachowski siblings, the masterminds of The Matrix trilogy. The movie was delayed from last summer due to an overcrowded schedule and audiences freaking out over Channing Tatum’s extreme guyliner in the trailer. My curiousity is piqued though. I’ll give it a chance. SpongeBob: Sponge Out of Water (Feb. 6) – Sure to be a very popular family film, as well as very popular in states where marijuana has been legalized. Fifty Shades of Grey (Feb. 13) – Is it wrong that I feel like I should bring sanitizing wipes with me to watch this? Kingsman: The Secret Service (Feb. 13) – Colin Firth acting all stuffy and British while kicking ass in a movie from the director of Kick-Ass? Count me in! The DUFF (Feb. 20) – DUFF is short for Designated Ugly Fat Friend. This sounds like a horribly awkward premise for a comedy. If this isn’t hilarious enough to overcome that title, you’ll see this in the DVD bargain bin in no time. Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (Feb. 20) – This is a major candidate for Unnecessary Sequel of the Year. And this time around John Cusack isn’t even in the cast. It was a quirky novelty that was only okay the first time around. I’m not giving this much of a chance.
Chappie (Mar. 6) – The director of District 9 returns with a Pinocchio-esque tale of a robot learning to be more human through artificial intelligence…just with a lot more special effects and violence. Cinderella (Mar. 13) – Because if it worked for Alice in Wonderland and Maleficent, why not make live-action adaptations of all of their past animated films? Disney is hoping for another homerun from this movie that’s directed by Kenneth Branagh (Thor). They’re also hoping everyone has forgotten the fan favorite, Ever After: A Cinderella Story…but we haven’t. In the Heart of the Sea (Mar. 13) – Ron Howard directs the true story of the sinking of the whaling ship, Essex, in 1820 that inspired the story of Moby Dick. I expect great things on an epic scale from this, and will probably choose this over Cinderella. Take that, Disney! All in all, it will be a very busy couple of months in the cinemas, and this is just a prelude to the summer season. Prepare for plenty of previews and popcorn as the movie studios try to put the disappointing 2014 behind them. 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.
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 27
• Speak Up. In a healthy relationship, if something is bothering you, it’s best to talk about it instead of holding it in. • Respect Your Partner. Your partner’s wishes and feelings have value. Let your significant other know you are making an effort to keep their ideas in mind. Mutual respect is essential in maintaining healthy relationships. • Compromise. Disagreements are a natural part of healthy relationships, but it’s important that you find a way to compromise if you disagree on something. Try to solve conflicts in a fair and rational way. • Be Supportive. Offer reassurance and encouragement to your partner. Also, let your partner know when you need their support. Healthy relationships are about building each other up, not putting each other down. • Respect Each Other’s Privacy. Just because you’re in a relationship, doesn’t mean you have to share everything and
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www.LoveIsRespect.org
TALK TO EACH OTHER Communication is a key part to building a healthy relationship. The first step is making sure you both want and expect the same things -- being on the same page is very important. The following tips can help you create and maintain a healthy relationship:
www.LoveIsRespect.org
Find more great information and additional relationship resources online at:
Love is...
A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP
constantly be together. Healthy relationships require space. HEALTHY BOUNDARIES Creating boundaries is a good way to keep your relationship healthy and secure. By setting boundaries together, you can both have a deeper understanding of the type of relationship that you and your partner want. Boundaries are not meant to make you feel trapped or like you’re “walking on eggshells.” Creating boundaries is not a sign of secrecy or distrust -- it’s an expression of what makes you feel comfortable and what you would like or not like to happen within the relationship.
• Participate in activities and hobbies you like. • Not have to share passwords to your email, social media accounts or phone. • Respect each other’s individual likes and needs. HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP BOOSTERS Even healthy relationships can use a boost now and then. You may need a boost if you feel disconnected from your partner or like the relationship has gotten stale. If so, find a fun, simple activity you both enjoy, like going on a walk, and talk about the reasons why you want to be in the relationship. Then, keep using healthy behaviors as you continue dating. SINGLE? If you’re single (and especially if you’re a single parent), don’t worry if you need a boost too! Being single can be the best and worst feeling, but remember relationships don’t just include your significant other and you. Think about all the great times you’ve had with your parents, siblings, friends, children, other family members, etc.
Try going out with the people you love and care about the most -- watch movies together, go out to eat, take a day off from your busy life and just enjoy being you! If it helps, also Remember, healthy boundaries talk about your feelings about the shouldn’t restrict your ability to: relationships in your life. If you just want them to listen, start by telling • Go out with your friends without them that. Then ask what makes your partner.
relationships good and what makes Consider these points as you move them bad? And don’t forget, the forward: relationship you can always boost up • Understand that a person can is the one you have with yourself! only change if they want to. You can’t force your partner to WHAT ISN’T A HEALTHY alter their behavior if they don’t RELATIONSHIP? believe they’re wrong. Relationships that are not healthy are based on power and control, not • Focus on your own needs. Are you taking care of yourself? Your equality and respect. In the early stages wellness is always important. of an abusive relationship, you may Watch your stress levels, take not think the unhealthy behaviors are time to be with friends, get a big deal. However, possessiveness, enough sleep. If you find that insults, jealous accusations, yelling, your relationship is draining you, humiliation, pulling hair, pushing or consider ending it. other negative, abusive behaviors, are -- at their root -- exertions of power • Connect with your support systems. Often, abusers try to and control. Remember that abuse isolate their partners. Talk to is always a choice and you deserve your friends, family members, to be respected. There is no excuse teachers and others to make for abuse of any kind. If you think sure you’re getting the emotional your relationship is unhealthy, it’s support you need. Remember, important to think about your safety our advocates are always ready to now. talk if you need a listening ear.
• Think about breaking up. Remember that you deserve to feel safe and accepted in your relationship. Even though you cannot change your partner, you can make changes in your own life to stay safe. Consider leaving your partner before the abuse gets worse. Whether you decide to leave or stay, make sure to use our safety planning tips to stay safe. Remember, you have many options -- including obtaining a domestic violence restraining order. Laws vary from state to state so chat with a peer advocate to learn more. If you are still unsure whether you’re in a healthy relationship, our Healthy Relationships Quiz can help you. Find Love is Respect online at: www.LoveIsRespect.org
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 29
transitory message at a single moment in time. We are more concerned with the context, the “what’s going on” than the projection of identity. Thanks to advances in technology, portraiture has changed dramatically. We have gone from cameras with film that required long exposure times and serious expertise to digital speed that requires only opposable thumbs. Even our “formal” images are more informal and the freedom of representation has changed the standard for what is considered the most expressive of the “truth” of an individual. Selfies are beyond informal. They are not meant to standalone as a single message or withstand the passage of time. Selfies are intimate because they represent a personal experience that is also social, taken for the express purpose of sharing. This gives selfies a level of self-conscious authenticity that is different from even a candid photograph—they are more raw and less perfect.
BUT FIRST, LET ME TAKE A SELFIE! We are awash in selfies. A selfie is a self-generated self-portrait, although calling them a “portrait” is a bit grandiose. Selfies are those pictures you take of yourself with, most likely, your camera phone. For things that are simple to produce, they generate a surprisingly strong reaction of either love ‘em or hate ‘em responses. Put aside your anxieties over rampant narcissism and the moral decline of the digital generation and exhale. Like every trend, the behavior will recede when the excitement and newness wears off. In the meantime, parents beware: the more you hate them, the more your kids will want to take them. While it’s true that nothing is really temporary on the Internet, that doesn’t change the intentionality. A selfie is the documentation of a passing moment, not a larger expression. Profile pictures can also be a self-generated and are, most definitely, self-selected, but we interpret a profile picture much differently than a selfie. Profile pictures have a role and meaning that we understand. Profile pictures are meant to represent us. And knowing this, we look for meaning in even the goofiest of others’ profile pictures and speculate on the choice of pet, body part, or group. By contrast, selfies communicate a 30 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
But what if taking selfies is perfectly normal? The prevalence of selfies is one of many manifestations of the rise in self-publishing of all kinds of information and images. The venues, such as Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, Vine, Twitter, YouTube and others, are practically endless. Social technologies have redefined “normal” as more public; sharable and searchable. Like most digital self-publishing, selfie-ing is easy. All you need is a camera phone and a Facebook page or Instagram app. This makes it ripe for exploration and identity experimentation, particularly among ages where identity formation and emancipation are key developmental tasks as well as for those who are still interested in looking at themselves. Both of these may contribute to why user demographics skew young. But the truth is, we all want to be able to ‘try’ on a new image and imagine how we would feel as that part of ourselves. At the county fair, people used to love (and likely still do) having their photos taken with their face showing above stand-in cardboard characters from the Wild West or Elizabethan England. Those kinds of things allow us to take mini-adventures into another time and place, even if only briefly. They allow us to play, to have fun and to poke fun at ourselves. Selfies are no different. They can enable a brief adventure into a different aspect of self or a relaxation of normal constraints. Needless to say, there are some unfortunate uses of selfies. But that doesn’t mean the act of taking a selfie is a bad thing. Taking selfies is not something everyone will choose to do, of course, but just remember part of the reason it feels weird is that you’re not used to doing it.
Spotlight:
THE LEATHER UNIFORM CLUB OF LAS VEGAS
www.lucoflv.com
more demanding yet equally more rewarding than any classroom, work shop or book.
The Leather Uniform Club of Las Vegas is a pansexual organization of men and women dedicated to helping and uniting the community of Las Vegas through social and educational events and activities along with Service to our Community. Also known as LUC of Las Vegas (pronounced “luck”), or LUC for short, our organization strives to promote the spirit of community, unity, responsible behavior and above all, the spirit of leather. LUC members are ready to go the distance. The club is comprised of individuals interested in Leather, Uniform and Levi lifestyles who selfidentify as Leather, Kink, or BDSM. LUC meets on a monthly basis to discuss club business, plan for upcoming events and activities, promote the organization to a broader audience and host activities to support local charitable organizations.
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Founded in 1998, LUC was envisioned as an expression of the traditions practiced by its founding members; traditions that evolved over decades as a hidden and secretive Gay Leathermen counter-culture. Within, the members share knowledge and experience to assist, guide and celebrate each other’s individual and ongoing Leather Journey, a life-long experience of personal growth and development that is far
LUC provides opportunities for learning, sharing, safety, communication and charity. For this purpose, the majority of LUC events are open to the public; these include monthly meetings, dinners and bar nights, regular classes and demonstrations, and the annual fundraisers, 2 of LUC of LV’s yearly fundraising events are the BD/SM Prom and Leather & Lace, where the money raised goes to our Charities (AFAN, St Therese’s (helping children and teenagers infected and affected by HIV/AIDS) and The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s drug assist program). To learn more about LUC, check out the website www.lucoflv.com for links and a calendar of upcoming activities and events. You’re welcome to visit us at our next meeting or get together. Just come on in and we’ll give you a big, hearty welcome.
Spotlight:
THE BOYS OF LEATHER www.lasvegasboysofleather.org
Las Vegas boys of Leather (LVboL) are a group of self-identified leatherboys. The term leatherboy is defined as broadly as possible with the intent of being inclusive, and not being based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, appearance or fetish. Their purpose is to gather in brotherhood and boyhood, supporting their members and their community with respect and integrity. The mission of the Las Vegas boys of Leather is to provide leatherboys a forum to have fun, learn, educate, socialize, contribute and to support each other and their community. Las Vegas boys of Leather started as a loose group of submissives (boys, slaves and pups) getting together back in July of 2013. They wanted to start a group where submissives (boys, bois, girls, pups, slaves etc,) no matter if they were gay, bi, straight or transgendered, could get together to support each other, educate each other, share life experiences and have some fun and camaraderie along the way. The group has done just that. Throughout their first year, they participated in events with organizations such as the Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the Desert Empire, Inc., Nevada Gay Rodeo Association, Sin Sity Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Leather Uniform Club of Las Vegas (LUC of LV), and Las Vegas PRIDE (SNAPI). They also created a strong association with Charlie’s Las Vegas, which became their home bar. At Charlie’s, LVboL
sets up a bootblacking stand and offers bootblacking every Friday and Saturday. They also collaborated in the organization of “Leather Church,” an event created in association with LUC of LV. If you are of the submissive persuasion and are interested in finding out more about or joining the Las Vegas boys of Leather you can contact them through the contact link at lasvegasboysofleather.org. They also have a monthly general membership meeting on the first Sunday of each month at different locations around Las Vegas (listed on the website calendar). The Las Vegas boys of Leather also has monthly outings that can be found on their website calendar.
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 35
LOVE COMES IN MANY FLAVORS.
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY ©2014 THE SMIRNOFF CO., NORWALK, CT
MY BEST FRIEND...
ARE YOU IN A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP? Relationships require respect, trust and open communication. Whether you’re looking for a relationship or are already in one, make sure you and your partner agree on what makes a relationship healthy. It’s not always easy, but you can build a healthy relationship. You deserve to be with someone who will: • Treat you with respect. • Doesn’t make fun of things you like or want to do. • Never puts you down. • Doesn’t get angry if you spend time with your friends or family. • Listens to your ideas and comprises sometimes. • Isn’t excessively negative. • Encourages you to do well in school or at work.
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• Shares some of your interests such as movies, sports, reading, dancing or music. • Isn’t afraid to share their thoughts and feelings. • Is comfortable around your friends and family. • Is proud of your accomplishments and successes. • Respects your boundaries and does not abuse technology. • Doesn’t require you to “check in” or need to know where you are all the time. • Is caring and honest. • Doesn’t pressure you to do things that you don’t want to do. • Doesn’t constantly accuse you of cheating or being unfaithful. • Doesn’t threaten you or make you feel scared.
• Understands the importance of healthy relationships. Remember that a relationship consists of two people. Both you and your partner should have equal say and should never be afraid to express how you feel. It’s not just about speaking up for yourself-- you should also listen and seriously consider what your partner says. Every relationship has arguments and disagreements sometimes -- this is normal. How you choose to deal with your disagreements is what really counts. Both people should work hard to communicate effectively.
The Gig Girl
By Freddie McGriff
As Keyska and I sit around and think of our February Shenanigan’s event on the 20th at Charlie’s it hits us… “Red and Wild” that’s our theme… Haha, c’mon, To Wong Foo, Thanks for everything! Julie Newmar.
local businesses. The money raised from the raffle, along with some of the performer’s tips, are donated to a local nonprofit. Last year we chose the SinCity Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
People have asked us “what is Shenanigans”? Well here it is: Keyska Diva and I were asked by Shawn Dunlap (the GM at that time at Charlie’s Las Vegas) if we wanted to host some type of show Saturday the weekend of PRIDE. Of course we jumped at the opportunity.
In the following months, The Phoenix got wind of our lil’ gig and asked if we would like to do an event there as well... and of course, once again we said, “YASSSS!”
So Keyska, my husband Adam and I put on our thinking caps to try and come up with a name and concept to set us aside from all the other shows. After a few drinks Shenanigan’s Presents was born. We decided we wanted to create a fun show that has something for everyone. Shenanigan’s Presents is a different themed show every month during which the entertainers are ask to perform numbers according to the theme. We also encourage the patrons to dress up as well. Our first theme was “Show us Your PRIDE” and the ladies turned it that night with showgirl costumes and numbers that truly showed how they felt about PRIDE. At the end of the night we did a huge “Vougeing’ contest, which was amazing... Unknown to us there was a Sirius Radio dj host in the audience. He talked about our event over the air and this is what he said, “I went to this little country bar, and there in the middle of the dance floor, they just broke out into a vogue ball, and it actually was really amazing. They 44 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Between Charlie’s and The Phoenix we have had some amazing themes and performers from all over. Some of our favorite themes have been, Disco Inferno, Party Monster, Greaser Nite and Creatures of the Night. We’ve had entertainers from all over including girls just starting out, seasoned entertainers, major title holders and yes even drag kings!
have some good boys out there, and it was very entertaining.” After that we So if you’re looking for something knew we were doing something right! different than ladies just doing the top 40, come out and join us for a After the success of the event we fun-filled night where you never know were asked to return to Charlie’s what to expect. You can find us every the following month with our next 3rd Friday of the month at Charlie’s themed show “Under the Big Top.” Las Vegas at 10pm and on the last Management was so impressed with Friday of the month over at The our turnout and concept that they Phoenix at 10:30pm. asked us to return on the 3rd Friday So that’s the “T” with us and of every month. Shenanigan’s Presents. If you would With Shenanigan’s we also like to give ever like to be part of one of our back to our community as a thank events our have us at your venue, feel you for their support. We created free to contact me at: our “Winter Ball” which is a little bit FreddieMcGriff82@gmail.com more of a glamorous night. The ladies or Keyska at: wear evening gowns and perform Keyskadiva@gmail.com elegant numbers. We used this event to raffle off show tickets, works of Until then remember, “Life is to short art and service’s from some of our to not have some Shenanigan’s!!!”
SEARCHING FOR MRS. RIGHT... BY LISA PITTMAN
SWF - ISO attractive, woman, bi curios single lesbian, 30’s, must like long walks on the beach and dogs, cats should I write cats, I’m allergic to cats… I can tolerate cats… be willing to raise a small farm of animals and harbor some ex’s of girlfriends past.
INSTA-Love We all have a subscription to the Hollywood love story. Hollywood has completely romanced us right out of our logic and sold us everything we wanted to buy about the L-Word, no, no, not that L-Word, the real L Word, LOVE. They sold us that somewhere “out there” there is Mrs. Right and you just haven’t met her, yet. How does that play into how lesbians go about their quest for true love and most importantly how do lesbians find it? When it comes to the quest, sexual orientation might not even matter at all and DNA could be irrelevant. But, before we get into all that, I must disclose that I am not a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist, although I have seen my fair share, I am not an expert of any sort. I am, however the ultimate observer, a sociologist of sorts - realistically, I’m just a dj in a nightclub. Furthermore, this article is all commentary and only I.M.H.O. (In my humble opinion) and I have digressed, once again. Let’s get back to the quest for true love. Let’s believe that there is a clandestine future for each of us and we can be totally passive as we just allow life to happen “to us” because we believe that there is at least one soul mate born for each of us regardless of various life obstacles trials and tribulations and come hell or high water, she will find you. She will turn up in your life at exactly the right moment and precisely the right time. Alas, the moment has arrived. Here she comes, Princess charming is riding into your life… horseback of course, it’s a white horse, she’s topless and her hair covering most of her breasts but just enough that its erotic… your eyes meet and just like that you fall in love, instantly. You will 48 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
raise puppies and kittens together and live happily ever after. Record Scratch… and back to real life. There is no topless woman riding in on a horse, even though there might be something eerily similar to that posted on her Instagram and that is purely coincidental. Is there love at first sight, soul mates, true love? Well these topics are all certainly debatable for perhaps another article, but what we are about to get into today is Love 2.0 – The active quest for Lesbians finding love in a digital generation. Before we get in to the digital love generation of Facebook, Instagram and Tinder… Let’s go back in time: The time is 1994. My next girlfriend was probably just born. “Hit me on the Hip” was the common phrase referring being paged on your beeper, cell phones were just hitting the consumer market, Tupac had promise of a hip hop future, Nirvana lost front man Kurt Cobain, The Brandon Teena story was born, comic Ellen landed a prime time TV show on a major network and the words “ gay agenda” became an overused buzz phrase. If 1994 had a twitter, lesbians would have been trending, but the question remains how did lesbians meet in 1994? At school, work? The local Gay Bar? Dinah Shore (www.thedinah.com) Weekend? The Farmers Market? Working on the set of Ellen? Maybe. That seems kind of limited in hindsight. Fast forward to 2015: Much like 1994 Doc Martins, flannels, and acid wash jeans with holes in the knees are still lesbian couture and not much has changed except mullets became fades in the lesbian hair world. Although some form of awkward lesbian social techniques (myself included) remain the same, the way the lesbians can socialize and meet today in the digital age trumps everything. There is no longer a limitation of the women available and a match for you. The girl of your dreams is literally at your fingertips. In the 90s you would be limited to your social circle and extended friends’ friends. In the digital generation you can virtually meet anyone with a #hashtag.
So, if Princess Charming has yet to ride by you and gaze into your loving eyes and sweeps you off your feet. Take an active approach to finding Mrs. Charming by socializing online. Although in the past, the troll for love on the Internet was considered especially stigmatic for women, there is no shame in the digital love game of 2015. Sites like Facebook and Instagram can be more passive way to peer into a potential love interest’s life. They allow for you to act on a more casual level. There are also more overt social sites like Tinder that are specifically designated for “hooking up”. Surprisingly some of these sites have a lot more options consisting of sexually open people and bicurious people that might not ever step foot in a gay bar or post in a gay section for a love interest. In 2015, there is an entire web of women out there, waiting to be “liked”. Lesbians are “in” the social stigma of being gay is dying. Gays and Lesbians are able to marry, and only the future can hold more liberation than today. Embrace the technology of the digital age, and have fun. Who knows, maybe there’s more than one Princess Charming in your future.
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 49
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It’s in the Jarr” “ By Wes Miller
in 30 seconds or demonstrating your best Beyoncé or Go-Go Boy dance moves. “Free Ballin’” invites you to make up your own Jarring Question.
wild fantasies that my partner and friends for life have talked about and experimented with,” said Weding. “The great thing about being a gay man is there aren’t a lot of boundaries, and most of us have slept with each other anyway! We designed the game to inspire new fantasies and lighten up old gays because we’ve all thought about these questions.”
Invented by Corrine Clement of Las Vegas and Lisa DeBartolo whose family owns the San Francisco 49ers, these two college roommates were inspired to create Tops & Bottoms for the fabulous gays they say bring “How would you describe your sex life so much inspiration and fun to their St. Pierre, who works as an executive using Madonna songs? Have you ever lives. in Finance in Las Vegas, thinks the worn a butt plug or dildo to the gym? game’s release is apropos given what’s How would you rank everyone here “I may be straight, but my boys say happening with gay rights across the by penis size? What’s the craziest I’m the gayest man they know!” country. thing your parents have seen you do says Clement of the beautiful bald, as a gay man?” bearded crew she hangs with in “With the coming of gay marriage and Sin City. We got several of our Las celebration in Las Vegas, the timing These are some of the 90 truly Vegas gay friends, representing three of Jarring Questions: Tops & Bottoms outrageous conversation starters generations, to contribute questions, is perfect. It’s a zany, thoughtfound inside the newest game from and the result is a jaw-dropping provoking, and entertaining game for Las Vegas-based Jarring Questions in collection of hilarity we promise will gay adults that celebrates our lifestyle their Tops & Bottoms Edition. not disappoint.” and is guaranteed to make you laugh and get to know your friends a little Described on the packaging as a first- Las Vegas chef and registered better.” of-its-kind game for “Marys, Queens, dietician Hans Weding and his longBears, Cubs, Twinks and Everything time partner, Dale St. Pierre, helped A portion of annual sales are donated in Between” there won’t be a dull develop the racy jar of conversation to gay and lesbian charities. You can moment at your next boys night igniters. unleash a jar of authentic conversation out when you let the evening get at your next event by visiting Get positively Jarring. “A lot of the questions were evoked Booked in The Fruit Loop. from personal experience, along with Printed on poker chips as a homage to its Vegas heritage, a convenient carry handle makes it easy to take to Pride or wherever the hot tub party’s at this week. Chips have interactive instructions. “Hand Job” means you can pass the question to someone else if it’s too risqué for you. “Circle Jerk” throws everyone under the bus as people answer in a fast-paced roundtable. “Spotlight” will find you belting out your favorite Cher song 52 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
THEY CALL US “DAD” HOSTING AN EXCHANGE STUDENT IS A CONNECTION THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME By Richard Davis
Want to grow an instant family? Plant seed, water and wait nine days and you could end up with two teenaged sons. That’s what happened for Las Vegas gay young professional couple, Lonnie Barton and Malcolm Ahlo, when they decided to explore becoming a host family for two foreign exchange students with Ayusa, a high school student exchange program. The couple, who have been together for almost eleven years, went online and discovered Ayusa. They said they liked Ayusa because the nonprofit is LGBT-family friendly and actively encourages LGBT families to participate as host families. They said 56 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Ayusa also provides a huge selection of students with a variety of interests from all over the world from which a family may choose. The process to approve a host family includes home and background checks. Ayusa host families are assigned a local community representative (CR) who supports both family and student for the entire program. Since becoming a host parent in the program, Malcolm has become the local Ayusa community representative for Las Vegas. Malcolm said families interested in hosting can apply anytime from now until late July.
Emil Wedel-Brandt, a 16-year old student from Denmark and Konrad Krohn, a 16-year old student from Germany, said they were getting desperate to find a host family. Konrad stated “Friends kept asking if I had found a family yet and I said, ‘I don’t know, I don’t know.’” If a student isn’t selected by a host family they can’t participate in the exchange program that year. Lonnie said that there are more students available than families to serve as hosts, so there is always a need for additional host families from all backgrounds. Host families can host one or two students. Singles
Both students are athletic. Emil plays track and field and Konrad is involved in track and field, wrestling, and weight lifting and plays soccer. Lonnie and Malcolm became the proverbial “soccer dads.” Malcolm says, “We went to every game.” He remembers the pride he felt when he heard one of the other parents exclaim, “Look at that tall guy from Germany,” and he realized he viewed the boys as his own. The impact on Lonnie and Malcolm’s relationship has been positive. Malcolm says, “Having two teenaged boys in our home has made our relationship stronger.” Lonnie said, “It is something to bond over.”
are also encouraged to become host parents. Students do not choose where they are placed in the USA. So when Emil was notified he would be living in Las Vegas, he said “It was like hitting the jackpot.” Konrad said, “My friends were like, ‘Oh my god, you’re going to Las Vegas.’” Emil added. “Coming to a place like Las Vegas is a bonus, but I can be anywhere if the family is good.” He said, “The way you see a country is through your family.”
“The time with them goes by fast. The memories are everlasting.” says for the student’s personal needs, Malcolm. extracurricular activities at school, sports, and so forth. At Christmas the boys gave Lonnie and Malcolm a present wrapped in a Lonnie said, “If you are contemplating box that said, “To Dad and Dad, From adopting, try hosting an exchange Emil and Konrad.” student and see if being a parent fits. It can be appealing to an LGBT couple If you are interested in being a host because you can build a lifelong parent or family for an exchange relationship but if it doesn’t work out, student, contact Malcolm Ahlo at 702it is temporary.” 809-9709. or go online to www.ayusa. org for more information or to apply.
Konrad agreed, “Your family you see every day.” Host families are expected to provide a private or shared bedroom (with a host sibling or another student of the same gender), and three meals a day. The student’s birth family must provide for travel to the host family’s country, for medical insurance and any other expense such as Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 57
IRSCDE, INC. PRESENTS
I R S C D E ,
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Desert Brotherhood M.C. will be an “All You Can Eat” dinner buffet and hosting their 16th Anniversary of beer bust. “SMOKEOUT” during the weekend of April 2 to April 5, 2015. Bobby Townsend, Las Vegas ‘Concierge Of The Year’ is also the Concierge “SMOKEOUT” is a fun-filled, for SMOKEOUT, providing special uncomplicated weekend with over discounted tickets for major shows 1100 cigar studs, bikers, leather men, and restaurants. Curtis Dickson, bears and friends coming from all over ‘Bootblack Of The Year’ has arranged the world. Registrations have been for Bootblacks throughout the entire pouring in from all over the United weekend. Licensed barbers will also States, as well as England, Canada, be giving ‘flattop’ and ‘military 0 to 3’ Ireland, Scotland, Mexico, Ecuador, haircuts. Portugal, Mongolia, Spain, Italy, Germany, New Zealand and France. Special SMOKEOUT 2015 T-Shirts are also available and must be ordered in Alexis Park All Suite Resort will serve advance through: as host hotel, 25 of their 29 hotel www.LasVegasSmokeout.com ‘villas’ buildings have been reserved for SMOKEOUT, with a separate Registration is $40.00 before March private pool area and hospitality 1, 2015- $45.00 until April 1, 2015 suite reserved for “SMOKEOUT” participants only.
and $50.00 at the event. Registration is required to attend all SMOKEOUT events. Reservations for Alexis Park Resort please call 1-800-582-2228. Do not forget to mention “SMOKEOUT” to receive the discounted rate. An added benefit for those staying at the Alexis Park is complimentary breakfast buffet for each day registered… a $20.00 value per day. For more detailed information, to complete the on-line registration form and to see pictures of the hundreds and hundreds of men coming to SMOKEOUT, go to: www.LasVegasSMOKEOUT.com
Registration for “SMOKEOUT” is required. All participants receive a “SMOKEOUT” wristband which admits them into all the special events planned including the special pool area at the Alexis Park Resort, unlimited refreshments and snacks at the hospitality suite, staffed by members of Las Vegas boys of Leather. Join us and have a great time, there is no rigid program to follow. There is lots of time for enjoying a show do some gambling, get some shopping done, play tourist or just relax and have a great time. “SMOKEOUT” is a free-flowing weekend for everybody to enjoy Las Vegas in whatever way they want. Friday night there is a ‘Welcome” cocktail and beer bust party. Saturday starts off with a motorcycle ride to Lee Canyon, Mount Charleston and Red Rock Canyon; in the evening there is Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 61
The Las Vegas Men’s Chorus PO Box 95021 Las Vegas, NV 89193 (702) 594-3393 LVMensChorus.org The Las Vegas Men’s Chorus was established in the early 1990’s by a small group of men looking to bring the choral sound of men’s voices to the Las Vegas community. Our Vision was and still is to become “the best men's chorus in the state”. We produce at least two concerts per year, a Holiday concert and a Spring Concert (coming up soon!) We have performed for a variety of events and causes including Golden Rainbow, Las Vegas Prime Timers, Las Vegas Pride, World AIDS Day, Gateway Arts Foundation, and many others. We are blessed to have extremely talented leadership and musical support. They help to make us the best men’s chorus in the state! We accept new members at the beginning of each “concert season”. We rehearse every Sunday afternoon from 1 to 3:30 at Christ Church Episcopal, located at 2200 S Maryland Pkwy, just North of Sahara. If you’re interested in finding out how you can become a member, click on the “Contact” button on our Web Site and send us an e-mail. We’d be happy to contact you and give you more information on how you can become part of us. Upcoming Events: April 25th, 2015 - Joint concert with the Silver Statesman and UNLV Men’s Glee Club at Green Valley Presbyterian Church June 13th, 2015 - Spring Concert at The Center June 14th, 2015 - Spring Concert at Christ Church Episcopal
LVMensChorus @LVMensChorus1
Special Thanks to our Silver Sponsor!