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EAT, DRINK, AND BE ... MARY! LAS VEGAS HAMBURGER MARY’S CABARET By Ernie Yuen, Hamburger Mary’s General Manager/ Entertainment Director
Hamburger Mary’s Las Vegas is happy to announce, “Hamburger Mary’s Cabaret”, a new Entertainment/ Dining concept taking over our “Flair Nightclub” space. Flair is gone... we are going to double the fun, says Hamburger Mary’s Las Vegas owner Lou Placencia. Go Big or Go Home!
has been asking if we are bringing great liquor specialty menus, with back our Famous Sunday T Dance, daily beverage specials including “You and the answer is yes, with great drink call it ½ OFF Happy Hour” specials, a beer bust and dancing. It’s been a long time waiting, but we Chef Michael is planning daily food promise it is worth the wait. specials and fabulous brunch menus for our Saturday and Sunday Brunch. Remember, “What Happens at Las We are currently working with all of Vegas Hamburger Mary’s . . . . Never You’ll like the new space, it will our liquor vendors and are planning Happened! be something different, we have completely remodeled the stage and changed the décor. There is still the ability to flip the new dance floor dining area back into a dance floor, including go-go boxes. We also will be adding late night food options in the upper level VIP area for those latenight cravings. Ernie Yuen, General Manager and Entertainment Director shares “We will have 2 stages, 2 full dressing rooms and 1 quick change room. We will be able to host intimate Cabaret Shows, with seating for about 200+ people including the upper level VIP area, separate from the Hamburger Mary’s Dining room (130+ seats) and outside Patio (80+ seats). That’s another 200 seats we can fill”. Current plans for Hamburger Mary’s Las Vegas includes 7 days of Entertainment. Dining with the Divas, a variety of different genres of Drag Shows, Charity Bingos, Dinner Shows, Drag Yourself to Brunch Sundays, Mary Karaoke. Yuen say’s everyone Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 5
CONTENTS
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 20
EVENTS
ARTICLES
7
Las Vegas PRIDE 2018
5
10
Long Beach Pride
Las Vegas Hamburger Mary’s Cabaret
15
Philly Pride
8
Community Wrap-Up
28
PRIDE Family Unicorn Bingo
12
A Conversation with Arlene Cooper
36
San Diego Pride
17
Love is... A Healthy Relationship
72
PRIDE Family Big Top Bingo
22
80
Las Vegas PRIDE OUTside
Community Events 16
Temptation Sundays
26
One Magical Weekend
29
Addicted Pool Party
35
GCLS Annual Conference
88
Dining Out for Life
89
Ribbon of Life
97
Royal Court Events
44
LGBT Community Directory
48
WOW World of Wonder
50
An Interview with Michele Rothstein
54
Roxy Collins & Her New Take on an Age-Old Profession
LGBTQ Volleyball BBQ Social
56
24
10 Powerful Lesbians Dominating the World
Top 20 RuPaul’s Drag Race Queens
66
Las Vegas Guide Map
30
Meet a Beacon of the LGBT Community: Tatiana Lewis
68
5 Tips for a Better Financial Future
34
Not Just a Sponsor, A Friend & True Supporter
76
AFAN AIDS Walk Photos
38
7 Types of Lesbians in a Gay Bar
78
Las Vegas Bar & Nightclubs
84
40
The Nastiest Thing You are Willing to do in Bed, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
3 of My Favorite People in Transgender History
90
A Fashion Fantasy
42
Daniel Vega: A Presenter at the Academy Awards
PUBLISHER Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. EDITOR Ernie Yuen LAYOUT & DESIGN Jake Naylor, Chuck Spady ADVERTISING Ernie Yuen, Lyndon R. Marquez & Clair Koetitz PHOTOGRAPHY Barbara Maeker, Yev Z Photography ON THE COVER Cher COVER THANKS Cover Photo by Andrew Macpherson CONTRIBUTORS Briana Lake, Billy Nilles, Chrissy Stockton, Clair Koetitz, Freddy S. Lopez, Golden Rainbow, Keyska Diva, LoveIsRespect.org, Lyndon Marquez, Mila Jaroniec, Steve Mitchell, Viral Thread, Yev Z Photography, THANK YOU Elysian West (Fashion Shoot Location) 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.
6 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
COMMUNITY
WRAP-UP By Clair Koetitz & Lyndon Marquez
2018 started off with a bang with a record number of attendees at PRIDE Bingo. The record continued to be broken for February’s Musical Bingo. If you have not attended a Bingo, especially a musical Bingo, mark your calendars for May 7th for the next musical Bingo at Alexis Park, it is always a great evening.
and State Senator Pat Spearman. Senator Catherine Cortes-Masto and Representatives Dina Titus and Jacky Rosen sent video messages since they were stranded in Washington to address the federal government shutdown. Thousands of attendees and speakers joined the dignitaries to commemorate the day. HRC had a great presence at the event to help Art collectors gathered at Zappos register new potential voters for the Headquarters for AFAN’s 9th annual 2018 mid-term election along with Paint The Town event presented by local elections. Snell & Wilmer along with Zappos. Seen mingling with the art collectors Golden Rainbow had a benefit viewing the paintings, drawings and performance of Puppetry of the mixed medial creations were JJ Snyder Penis at the Erotic Heritage Museum. and Micah Manalo of The Morning There were a plethora of naked Blend. This was a great fundraiser for waiters passing wine, champagne and AFAN as I think almost 100% of the appetizers. Appetizers were provided items were sold. by Mingo, Kitchen & Lounge, wine and champagne by Señoras of Excellence Cher was a surprise speaker at and Señores of Distinction with the Women’s March Anniversary: delicious cupcakes provided by The Power to the Polls held at Boyd Cupcakery Summerlin. Check their Stadium. Celebrating the one-year website for new events happening anniversary of the Trump Inaugural during the summer. and initial march in Washington were Honorary Chairman Elain Wynn 8 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
HRC can be found at First Friday registering people to vote and selling tickets to their Gala; “Rise” to be held on Saturday May 12th at Aria Resort and Casino. Don’t forget their social events, third Thursday’s of each month. The Sin Sity Sisters had their annual Red Dress fundraiser, “Living La Vida Roja” at Flair Nightclub/Hamburger Mary’s. Guests ate scrumptious appetizers prepared by Chef Robert Teddy while dancing the night away to beats from DJ Candy. The inaugural Queen Esther’s Ball was held at The Center. The all gender Purim costume party was coordinated by the Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada, Nevada AntiDefamation League, Nevada Jewish, Juhl Las Vegas, Kraft-Sussman Funeral & Cremation, Congregation Ner Tamid, Congregation P’nal Tikvah and Jon & John. A great time was had by all with the proceeds benefited the Center. Spring and summer are approaching which means many fun, entertaining and interesting events will be popping up on the calendar. Please check each organizations website and social media to stay up with the ongoing events. See you April 4th at Alexis Park for the monthly Bingo.
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Celebrating 30 plus years as a LGBTQ ally. Everyone knows her, she is a staple at The Center, PRIDE Family Bingo, Red Dress, and the Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the Desert Empire, to mention just a few of the organizations that she has volunteered for since she moved to Las Vegas. Arlene went home over the holidays, so we decided to stake out a booth at Triple George downtown Las Vegas and take a stroll down memory lane with Justin M. keeping us plied with southern iced teas. Let us start at the beginning. Where were you born? That is a tricky question for me, I was born in Springfield, Missouri, adopted in Leavenworth, Kansas and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. At what age did you move from Leavenworth to Memphis and what are your first memories? We relocated when I was about four years old and the first real memories are when I started school. I went to Oak Haven School. I attended the same school for twelve years. The school building housed the Elementary, Junior and High schools. For twelve years I walked to school, it was an easy walk from my house, across a bridge to the school. We must ask, any Elvis sightings? I am glad you asked. I was a Senior in high school and I stopped by the Whitehaven Feed Store, to pick up some items before going to work. It was around 10 am and the store manager came up to me and told me that I needed to leave because they were closing the store. I was looking at some really pretty moccasin boots, when I heard a voice behind me, “Hello Pretty Lady�. I turned around and there was Elvis. He apologized profusely because the store was 12 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
A CONVERSATION WITH
Arlene Cooper By Clair Koetitz & Lyndon Marquez
closing so he could shop to buy feed for his horses. He asked if he could purchase the boots for me to make up for the inconvenience. I was too much in shock to say anything but just shook my head yes. When I got home my mother asked if I had gotten his autograph, I was so surprised I didn’t have enough sense to ask for one. Do you still have those boots? No, when they wore out I threw them away. I still regret that I didn’t keep them. Cool story. You stated that you were on your way to work? Yes, during high school I worked at a pharmacy. After high school did you continue to work there? No, I went to work for a RCA factory in Memphis, not the record company, the Radio Corporation of America had a factory making televisions. I had a job on the assembly line soldering pieces on the television circuit boards. How long did you stay with RCA? I stayed with RCA until the summer of 1969. There is a story that I want to share with ya’ll. I was working on April 4, 1968. Do you know what happened on that date? That was the date that Martin Luther King was assassinated at the Loraine Motel in Memphis. The police came into the factory and moved everyone to the back of the factory. They escorted all the employees out of the factory and told us to go straight home because of all the rioting in the streets. I stayed home watching all the events on television the riots lasted for about a week before we could go back to work or be out after dark. Wow, you had a personal experience with history. What was your next adventure?
I decided I needed a change and hitchhiked to Daytona Beach, Florida, something that no one can do safely in today’s environment, things were much safer for people/women back then.
Manhattan Beach? You literally went coast to coast. Did you get a job in Manhattan Beach?
No, my first job was near the Los Angeles Airport. The Hollywood Park Hotel in Inglewood, between the Tell us about Daytona Beach? Hollywood Race Track and The Forum. From there I went to the Pacifica I got a job at the Desert Inn Hotel which Hotel in Culver City and by 1983 I was was right on the beach! The owners at the Sunset Marquis Hotel in West Henry and Herman Wiseman took me Hollywood. under their wing and mentored me in all aspects of the hotel industry. It was Being in West Hollywood in 1983 gave a fine hotel with an entertainment you a front seat to history. The early venue that brought celebrities in to years of the AIDS epidemic and West perform. Some of my favorites were Hollywood was incorporated as a city Vincent Price, Bridgette Bardot’s sister in 1984. Babette and fan dancer Sally Rand. What was your impression of that I was introduced to my first gay friend time? there! His name was Nicholas and he was from Nashville. His parents To me those years were nothing but had kicked him out of the house heartbreak. We lost so many people. because he was gay. He made his way There was one close friend that I to Daytona, we met, and I took him assumed tested positive because he under my wing. I got him a job at the committed suicide, after he received hotel and he shared my apartment his test results he went to his office which was only a few blocks from the and shot himself. The partner of a hotel. Nicholas took me to my first gay friend/co-worker became sick. He was bar, Damien’s Lemon Tree. He stayed at St. John’s Hospital and it was there in Daytona Beach until he met his where I witnessed first hand that gay partner and moved with him, I think patients and their partners had no it was Atlanta. rights. They would not let his partner in to see him nor make any decisions How long did you stay in Daytona for him. On the other hand, I could Beach? have lied and said I was his sister and they would have let me in and told me I was there for about four years and everything. the sense of adventure took ahold again and I set my mind to head It was at that time that I made him a to California. Again, the mode of promise that I would always support transportation was hitchhiking, A and fight for Gay rights and somehow young man stopped to pick me up stay involved. right outside of the city limits. Guess where he was going? California, fate I decided to educate myself on issues or what. We pooled our money and regarding the LGBTQ community. took turns driving. It was somewhere There were blatant differences in the mid country when I was brushing his rights that the straight community hair that I asked him if he was gay. had, and the gay community didn’t. He said he was, everything was cool. It had to stop. Plus, the government We ended up in Manhattan Beach, has no business sticking its nose in California. peoples private lives. Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 13
It was during this time frame that I gave birth to Ryan. Here I was a new parent, working and raising awareness through volunteering at any event benefiting the Gay/HIV community in any way that was needed. I also became very involved with Special Olympics at this time.
of them. I have often wondered what happened to Gustavo. Lyndon: Coincidently 1990 was the first time I heard about Golden Rainbow. I was back in West Texas and a friend was a dancer on the strip and had gotten involved in Golden Rainbow. What other organizations did you work for?
We are going to mention a few of the most recent accolades that you have received from this community: Arlene has received the Heart of the Community Award, a Pride Superstar 2015 from SNAPI, Saint Hot ‘N’ Ready from the Sin City Sisters, Humanitarian Award and Imperial Perfect Princess from the Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the Desert Empire, By Decree you are known as “Lady” to Reign XVIII Empress and Emperor, Volunteer of the Year award from the Center during the Honorarium and The Dennis and Judy Shepard Family Values Award from the International Court Council (USA, Canada and Mexico).
This explains a lot about you! What brought you to Vegas? Besides Golden Rainbow, St. Therese Center and QVegas. When I was at After California I crisscrossed the QVegas I joined the Board of Directors country a couple of other times and of The Center and joined The Center was working in a hotel in Miami and as staff shortly after being on the again that wonder lust attacked so board. I was the third person hired I asked Ryan if he wanted to move when the Center was at Commercial and how about Las Vegas, so off we went. We arrived here in 1990 and started working at a local hotel off the strip. Part of Reflecting on the my introduction to the past 30 years. LGBTQ community What are the most here was when significant obstacles I attended a that this community reception for children has overcome? infected and affected by HIV at the Reach Out Back in Memphis, Daycare, they had ties to parents automatically Golden Rainbow. I felt that I kicked children out when they could be better utilized in the nonfound out they were gay, and profit sector. I left the hotel industry they, some parents and society at and joined Golden Rainbow. the time, had the perception that gay people were contagious. Things Another big part of my life in the early have changed from that mind set. days in Vegas was with my foster son The most significant obstacles that Gustavo who I met through Reach have been overcome are: Marriage Out Daycare. He was HIV positive and Center. There was Candice, Sabrina Equality, Acceptance and Healthcare. “hard to place”. He and his dad were and then me. Mel came on board not clients of Golden Rainbow. His father long after I did. I can’t let you leave this conversation was in and out of trouble and I would with out getting your thoughts take care of Gustavo on weekends. We remember that quite well. That on the Times Up and Me-Too His father ended up going to jail and I was when we started getting involved Movement. What is your advice had Gustavo. Child Services said I had with SNAPI and you brought us into to the individuals that have gone to go through the proper channels the fold of The Center. You really through or are currently undergoing and get a Foster Parent license, which have been very active with various sexual harassment or uncomfortable I did. When his father was released community organizations. situations? from jail, Child Services gave him back to his father. I had started talking I am involved with Opportunity Village, Speak Up Now! about adopting Gustavo and when SNAPI, Sin City Sisters, Imperial Royal his father found out about this, he Sovereign Court of the Desert Empire bought one-way tickets to Hawaii and and will volunteer for almost anything that is the last I ever heard from either concerning the community if asked. 14 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
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• 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
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. Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 17
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 is the one you have with yourself! • Understand that a person can only change if they want to. WHAT ISN’T A HEALTHY You can’t force your partner to RELATIONSHIP? alter their behavior if they don’t Relationships that are not healthy believe they’re wrong. are based on power and control, not • Focus on your own needs. Are equality and respect. In the early stages you taking care of yourself? Your of an abusive relationship, you may wellness is always important. not think the unhealthy behaviors are Watch your stress levels, take a big deal. However, possessiveness, time to be with friends, get insults, jealous accusations, yelling, enough sleep. If you find that humiliation, pulling hair, pushing or your relationship is draining you, other negative, abusive behaviors, are consider ending it. -- at their root -- exertions of power • Connect with your support and control. Remember that abuse systems. Often, abusers try to is always a choice and you deserve isolate their partners. Talk to to be respected. There is no excuse your friends, family members, for abuse of any kind. If you think teachers and others to make your relationship is unhealthy, it’s sure you’re getting the emotional important to think about your safety support you need. Remember, now. our advocates are always ready to talk if you need a listening ear. 18 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
• 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
Welcome, EVERYONE IS
ALWAYS.
Las Vegas, a city where you can feel complete confidence in yourself, because here, everyone is welcome. Where you can be free to be whoever you want to be. Where you can bring your family and your friends. And where you can make new ones too.
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JOIN THE ADVENTURE OF LGBTQ VOLLEYBALL AN INVITATION TO THE VOLLEYBALL BBQ SOCIAL By Johnny Espinosa II I would like to invite you to The LGBTQ Volleyball & BBQ Social this year! It has been an amazing journey since I founded the Social back in 2011. We’ve been meeting regularly every year at Sunset Park ever since. It is such a fun activity for those who like a bit of outdoors, exercise and/or just plain socializing. You will meet new people in a diverse setting.
not. The Social is held at the volleyball courts at Sunset Park every Saturday 7:30pm to 11pm, and every Tuesday 8:00pm to 11pm. Saturday is the main LGBTQ volleyball social day, our occasional BBQ’s, and the main court and bleachers are reserved for us.
We start the 2018 season in April. Check our Facebook, “LGBTQ Volleyball BBQ Social” for updates. We We have occasional BBQ’s where meet at the bleachers of the volleyball everyone is open to get involved, pits around start time and continue to contribute, and enjoy the spirit of mingle throughout the evening. unity. Our volleyball games are not a league. Experience is not required. Playing is not even required! It’s all just for fun! Just come out to have a good time: get to know new people, engage in playful competitive volleyball, socialize with the community. LGBTQ volleyball is open to the public. We encourage the entire Vegas community to participate, LGBTQ+ or 22 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Feel free to text me 202-425-2047 for further information, or even if you’re shy and need a little guided help the first time joining us. Someone will personally meet you prior to the event or as you arrive, we don’t want you to feel foreign or out of place. Our social setting is for everyone! We all look forward to meeting you and together producing great community unity!
10 POWERFUL LESBIANS DOMINATING THE WORLD Courtesy of Viral Thread: This article originally appeared on viralthread.com
Lesbianism is so in right now. It has never been cooler to be gay and, at Viral Thread, we salute anyone who makes coming out that little bit easier for boys and girls around the world. The women on this list have done that and more, leading the way in their respective careers and changing attitudes around the world.
Who is Samira Wiley? She’s only Poussey Washington, one of Orange Is The New Black‘s best characters. Along with Ruby Rose and, it seems, half the set, Samira is changing perceptions of lesbians one issue at a time. But Samira has taken it to another level. Lauren Morelli, one of the show’s writers, had a husband before she started writing for the show. Sensationally, writing the raunchy sex scenes led Morelli to realise that she is in fact a lesbian, upon which she divorced her husband and now dates Ms Wiley.
Is she? Isn’t she? Let’s be honest, no one really knows who or what Miley Cyrus actually is but we know, or at least we think she know, who she’s currently dating. And we think you’ll agree that she’s made a good choice. Cyrus has been pictures holding hands out and about with Victoria Secret model Stella Maxwell but doesn’t regard herself as straight, bi or gay. We don’t really mind what she is but we think it’s cool that she’s proud to be different and that’s sort of what it’s all about really.
It’s hard not to like Ellen Page. Shot to fame by 2007’s Juno, Page is the loveable indie girl with easy good looks and a non-judgemental persona. But it wasn’t until the 2014 ‘Time to Thrive’ conference in Las Vegas that she really came into her own, announcing in a moving and powerful speech that she had was “tired of lying” and felt she had a social responsibility to come out so that others could avoid the years of unhappiness she had experienced. It was a bold and beautiful moment that, we are happy to report, did nothing to stop her star from rising further. She’s a main character in the upcoming giant Freeheld, expected to be a big success.
Although you wouldn’t know by looking at her, Monroe is a serious badass. She shot to fame in the UK when people took notice of her blog A Girl Called Jack in which she produced a food menu for an entire week for less than £10 that would feed her son and herself. That led to deals with website Mumsnet, the Huffington Post and well respected British newspaper The Guardian. While she is now better off than she was before (though still living in an overdraft because…Journalism yo), that hasn’t stopped her campaigning for the rights of the poor which she does from a prominent position in the Green Party.
24 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
“The girl from Twilight” has always divided opinion. To some, she’s a sullen bore who should have been dropped after the first movie. To others, like Viral Thread, she’s a complex character who refuses to conform to society’s expectations. She’s a mainstay in the Hollywood actress value for money charts and is now in a relationship with Alicia Cargile. If she ever breaks up with Alicia, VT hopes she’ll look a little bit further for her next girlfriend… Cargile is her personal assistant.
You knew she’d be on the list. Forbe’s 50th most powerful woman in the world and in the top 5 most powerful LGBT people for several years, Ellen DeGeneres is a powerhouse. She was the first openly gay or lesbian person invited to present at the Oscars, her chat show Ellen goes from strength to strength and she orchestrated the most retweeted image of all time in 2014. An astute businesswoman, a great personality and a strong relationship to Portia de Rossi amount to a women to look up to.
After exploding onto our screens with her role in hit Netflix show Orange Is The New Black, it seems like the whole world is talking about Ruby Rose. The multi-talented Australian began as a Video Jockey on MTV Australia but has also been a model, a DJ and even has a few songs. She came out at the age of 12 and, in spite of massive bullying at school, has rise to become one of the most desired women in the world.
Abby Wambach is killing it right now. Just days after the US Supreme Court ruled that same sex couples across America had the legal right to marry, Wambach created the most touching picture of the women’s world cup by kissing her wife while celebrating the USA’s win. It has been dubbed ‘the kiss heard around the world’ and it capped a brilliant week for Wambach and, more importantly, same sex couples.
Before The L Word, lesbian characters were few and far between on our screens. The New York Times pointed out that it more or less the first time that gay women could watch themselves portrayed on screens living complex and exciting lives. If you’re a lesbian, it’s essential watching. It’s only right that one of the stars of the show makes it onto this list and Katherine Moennig, who continues to hold a high profile in the LGBT world, is the obvious choice.
Cara Delevingne is undoubtedly the most in demand model in the world and, probably, the world’s most recognizable lesbian. In a recent interview with Vogue she admitted to being in love with girlfriend Anna Clark. It’s brave for any celebrity to come out, even more so when you consider that sexuality is an enormous part of Carla’s business. Props to you, Ms Delevingne.
MEET A BEACON OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY:
TATIANA LEWIS Interview By Briana Lake
to Mexico for my volunteer hours. Through my volunteer service I was also awarded a Christian Service Award from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2008 for my involvement of delivering wheelchairs. I guess you could say that it’s been a lifelong labor of so much love. Q: You’ve been volunteering for the charity for years, was there a moment or event that made you want to get involved more heavily? A: My career was originally supposed to be in the culinary industry as a pastry chef, but I was diagnosed with celiac disease. I realized that I couldn’t actually practice in that field, so I moved from volunteering here and there to getting more involved in the ins and outs of the charity. It just ended up really striking a chord with me. I really enjoyed being able to see the world and help people at the same time. I grew up my entire life going to the Muscular Dystrophy Labor Day Telethon with my grandfather, the late comedian Jerry Lewis, which is how my father got his start; It’s been one full circle within our family. I truly believe that it’s in our blood to help people, so for me it just made sense to spend my time improving the lives of others.
Tatiana Lewis is not only a beacon within the LGBTQ and PRIDE communities, but also within the local non-profit sector. Tatiana is hardly stopping there, and has stepped up to continue her family’s legacy. She’s agreed to sit down with us and discuss her many philanthropic efforts, and the little moments that keep her going.
Ladies of Q Social, but I also work for a global nonprofit called the American Wheelchair Mission. We are a 501C3 nonprofit based out of Henderson, Nevada, and we deliver free wheelchairs to people who need them and can’t afford them. Since working for the American Wheelchair Mission I’ve been to Mexico over 20 times, Vietnam, Israel, American Samoa, Chile, and throughout the Q: Tell us a little about yourself, and United States; it’s been amazing. your charity involvement? It’s also a family-run organization. My A: I’ve been heavily involved with father started the organization in 2006 Las Vegas PRIDE and hosting my own in Southern California. I was in high lesbian events under the name the school and delivering wheelchairs 30 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Q: Is there anyone in particular that has inspired or mentored you on your journey? A: Honestly, my father has been my biggest inspiration; he’s dedicated so much of his life to helping people. He’s just such a selfless man and he gives so much, and you can tell that he loves what he does. He loves his job. He is extremely passionate, he just lights up no matter how tired we are, we could be traveling 16 hours to Vietnam from LA or 11 hours from here to Israel, but the second he puts a person in the wheelchair he’s just as happy as a person can be, you can tell he just genuinely loves it. He’s just
incredible, as was my grandpa Jerry, but with my dad I see it daily. This has been a hard year as well. Not only did we lose my grandpa but my mother died of cancer this year. It’s been a rough year but his strengths and his passion and his love and him as a person he is a big role model. Q: Do you have any career advice for other young women in business, particularly in the nonprofit sector? A: My advice is do what you love, give it 110% and I promise you that as soon as the ball gets rolling it’s going to be so worth it. It’s going be worth all the late nights, potential tears, and lack of a social life; it is just so rewarding in the end. If you are doing something that you truly love, and you know that it’s making this world a better place, don’t let anybody stop you. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Q: Was there a time when you helped someone in need that you found especially moving? A: So many times. On this last trip to Morelia, Mexico, there was a little girl named Maria Fernandez, she was 12. She had a form of paralysis and cerebral palsy. She was raised by a single dad. When we put her in a wheelchair she was just so happy. You can see she was ready to go. She was just lit up. She said “I got a wheelchair from Princess Elsa and Princess Anna.” She thought we were the princesses from “Frozen” and we thought that that was the cutest thing. There have also been many times where I’ve put kids in wheelchairs and they give you this smile, there’s no translation needed. It’s a universal language of pure love.
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 31
VOTED BEST COMEDY FOR COUPLES!
Not Just a Sponsor A FRIEND & TRUE SUPPORTER By Ernie Yuen, Las Vegas PRIDE Executive Director
I have been a Director of Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc, for 12 years now and from day one Nevada Beverage has been one of our top red-level cash sponsors. Marty Linde, Director of Marketing for Nevada Beverage, the Las Vegas Distributor for Anheuser-Busch and I have been friends all this time. Marty and his team have been true supporters to our efforts “whatever you need Ernie”, a dream team to work with and an amazing supporter of the Las Vegas LGBT community. From the PRIDE Parade and Festival, Las Vegas PRIDE Family Bingo, PRIDE Pets and being a lead advertiser in our Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, it has been an amazing experience working with Nevada Beverage. You all rock! The Nevada Beverage (Budweiser/ Bud Light) diversity support is not only on the local Las Vegas level, it’s also above and beyond at the national level, they came “out” and did it big and went global. Bud Light thrust itself into the middle of the gay marriage conversation by posting an ad on its Facebook page promoting equality. The artwork features a pair of Bud Light cans aligned like an equals sign, mimicking the Human Rights Campaign’s symbol for marriage equality that went viral in around 15 hours, the post has accumulated more than 55,302 ‘likes’ 10,831 shares and racked up 1,912 comments.
“Wow, very brave move Bud Light. That is awesome that you support EQUALITY!” “Bud Light, I’m simply stunned. Thank you.” “I’ve never really liked bud light, but I plan on buying two or three cases this weekend. Thanks for doing this.” “Does anybody realize just how much money we homosexuals spend at bars? We tend to have a higher disposable income, and as a bartender, I can tell you that I open more bottles of bud light than any other beer. Bud light knows their clientele and will make an attempt to please them.”
even really an argument. It’s more like everyone simply proclaiming which side they’re on and letting the world know that they’re either going to buy Bud Light, or boycott Bud Light.
What a brave statement to show their support and standing up for what you believe in. It’s obvious that Bud Light meant to start a conversation around the topic on social media, I must say they succeeded.
There’s the one side:
But is it worth it?
“To the Christian believer I say homosexuality is a sin, mentioned over and over as such in the Bible. Abstain from it in love of God and love toward your neighbor.”
Bud Light has a history of supporting the LGBT community and AnheuserBusch has been boycotted for its stance in the past. Back in 1999, they felt the heat from conservative groups after placing their first advertisement in a gay magazine. I have to say in this case, it’s part of a broader narrative. It’s the story that Bud Light wants to tell, and it’s sticking to its guns. Thank you once again for your support! Cheers, Nevada Beverage, you are an amazing sponsor and even better, a great friend, we appreciate you!
“You guys can have gay marriage as long as it’s a gay man marrying a gay woman. Anything else is wrong and against the Lord’s will.” “Been drinking Bud Light religiously for 15 years straight and this as of now came to an end because of this pic.” And the other:
“In spite of what is ‘perceived’ to be the stereotype bud light customer The response from commenters was base, they still used social media to predictable. The thread devolved into support equality. I’m very proud, I’ll one gigantic Internet fight. And it’s not 34 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
show my support by having a Bud Light Platinum!”
SAN DIEGO PRIDE July 13-15
Festival Block Party Parade Rally 5K
sdpride.org
#sdpride
sdpride.org
#sdpride
7
TYPES OF LESBIANS YOU’LL FIND IN A GAY BAR By Mila Jaroniec // This article was originally featured on Thought Catalog
A relatively small sampling of the many different types of girls who like girls you can expect to encounter in gay bars nationwide. If you don’t come across any of these, you are clearly not at a gay bar.
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The Plastic Dyke The Plastic Dyke never has a hair out of place, most likely because it is frozen in time with the help of five different kinds of hairspray and pomade. You’ll know her when you see her: shiny combat boots, tight pants sagged low enough to show off three pairs of designer boxers, several studded belts, and a multitude of shirts colorcoordinated with a vest, a blazer and a bomber jacket. There is doubtlessly a bandana in the mix. Her selfconsciously assembled yet irreverently edgy outfit sends the dual message of “I layer like a pro” and “No really, I’m gay,” somehow girls mistake this for originality and genuine sex appeal. You can actually catch this one posing. Can also be found at: 7-Eleven buying Four Loko with pocket change
The Constantly-Pegged-AsStraight Ultra-Femme This girl shows up at the bar in 6-inch heels, a skintight mini, a pound of makeup and two feet of cleavage, but nine times out of ten ends up boozy, dejected, and in a cab to Taco Bell by the end of the night. Even though she wants nothing more than to get piledrived by an aggressive butch, everyone just assumes she’s too pretty to be gay and leaves her alone. After she gets ignored by the bartender for at least fifteen minutes, she will post up at the bar, pop her hip, sip her cocktail, flip her hair, and check her phone every three minutes, all the while shooting off “come bang me” vibes toward the herd of masculine girls hanging around obliviously. Can also be found at: Starbucks, the MAC counter
The Under-Rager Deliberately wears long sleeves to hide the obnoxious black X’s on her
hands. Before she gets kicked out for doing shots under a table, she will have successfully banged a 28-yearold peroxide blonde in a bathroom stall. She will feel a swell of pride and accomplishment for this but make sure to act like it’s NBD. Can also be found at: School
The Deceptively Sexy Faux-Butch This is the girl femmes cream over. She is, for lack of a better word, smoking hot–she puts the short hair, tattoos, great arms, and genuine swagger on display as far as the eye can see, and she’s not sorry. Unfortunately, she is also the embodiment of the “butch in the streets, femme in the sheets” archetype. She can fix your car, kill a spider, shotgun two beers at once and grill out with your dad, but you’ve got a better chance at getting a compass to point South than getting this one to give you good top. She’s aggressive and dominating in all other areas of life, but get her in bed and she’s the one throwing her legs up. This behavior usually elicits a suppressed “WTF?” reaction from the unsuspecting femme who took her home under the false assumption that she scored herself a daddy. Can also be found at: Home Depot, roller derby
The Frat Boy Prototype As the title suggests, this one is essentially a frat boy in girlie form. She burps loudly and unapologetically, still plays Edward Forty-Hands with her housemates, and is able to quote Fight Club and Family Guy in her sleep. She may or may not actually be in college. Trappings of the Frat Boy Prototype include cargo shorts, a crew cut, plaid boxers, and the requisite Live Strong bracelet. On the dance floor, she will soulfully lip sync to Lil Wayne
and prematurely grab your ass. She actually enjoys missionary. Can also be found at: The beer pong table
The Starry-Eyed New Girl Fresh off the boat from the straight side, this girl has absolutely no idea what she’s getting herself into. Though she has “experimented” with girls in the past, she has always envisioned herself ending up with a guy–until now. Excited about no longer having to S anyone’s D or panic about late periods, she embraces the lesbian life with hopeful enthusiasm. She has no idea how to approach women and can often be seen missing her mouth with the bottle of Blue Moon she’s attempting to swig from while checking them out. She is also under the strange, naive impression that dating women exclusively will make for deep, fulfilling relationships marked by partnership and mutual understanding. Can also be found at: J.Crew, brunch
The Lesbian Who Hates the Gay Bar This girl just wants to go home. The only reason she is at the bar is because her friends dragged her there, and all the drunken idiots around her only serve to reinforce the newly-formed conviction that she is never going out again. She can be seen sipping a whiskey soda through pursed lips, adjusting her cardigan, and sighing/ rolling her eyes/scoffing at all the debauchery going on. It’s times like these she wishes she were straight – until she realizes that means she would have to be straight, which is too much of a cliché and therefore not worth it. Someone will inevitably spill a drink on her before the night is over. Can also be found at: Home on her couch with her girlfriend and cats Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 39
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have come a long way over the last 30 years, certainly much further than the “B”, the “T”, the “A”, etc. Perhaps we witnessed the turning point on Sunday night? “Transgender” may now enter the public discourse as something more than just the “bathroom” issue. This film personalizes those who are transgender and personalization is always good. I translate that as “hope”. So, who is Daniela Vega, the actress who has given a face and a story to the “T” in LGBT? Daniela Vega was born in San Miguel, Santiago, Chile in 1989. At the age of 8, one of her teachers saw in her a talent for singing opera. She began singing and acting. In 2011, she debuted in “La mujer Mariposa” (The Butterfly Woman), a play she and the writer/director collaborated on about her transition. She made her screen debut in 2015 in “Las Visita” (The Guest), playing a trans woman at her father’s wake. In 2017 she starred in “A Fantastic Women”…and the rest is history.
A PRESENTER AT THE ACADEMY AWARDS
DANIEL VEGA
By Steve Mitchell
We’ve been watching the storm clouds gathering on the horizon and then across the skies above us as some in our government seek to roll back many of the gains that have been made for LGBT American citizens. But it is never fully dark. There is always a glimmer of hope, a light that shines in the darkness. On Sunday night, March 4, a light did cut through the 42 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Already we are seeing the powerful impact that this film is making. The government of Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, whose term ended Sunday, March 11, used the award to urge lawmakers to move forward with a bill that would give transgender Chileans the right to change their name and gender marker in official documents. This bill has been crawling along at a snail’s pace since 2013.
On the Monday after the Academy Awards Daniela Vega was celebrated in Chile as a national hero. A hero? Let’s close with a quote from Daniela on depicting transgender issues in film. “Creating visibility is a part of the task, but it’s not the task. The task is to dignify, and before dignity comes We should all just take a moment to rebellion.” Yes, a hero. enjoy and consider the possibilities. The “L” and the “G” demographics darkness. Daniela Vega became the first openly transgender actress to present at the Academy Awards. And more than that…the movie that she starred in, “A Fantastic Woman”, went on to win Best Foreign Language Film.
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 44 | 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
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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 | 45
Hailed by critics from around the world, World of Wonder transports the audience with a wet, multi-media experience. The 180-degree theater seating allow the audience to see performers catapult across the stage in amazement, where you are sure to say to the person next to you, “did you see that?!!” Best yet, is that World of Wonder is family friendly show, making this a stand-out choice for a big-scale production show in Las Vegas that everyone can be thrilled by. Performers in the cast hail from around the world from Europe to North and South America. This magnificently designed water-show makes big waves with audiences through thrilling daredevil performances of every variety. With spellbinding theatrics, dazzling lighting and marvelous music, prepared to be wowed in this World of Wonder. At the Rio Show Room: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Show time: 7:00PM
WOW
Friday, Saturday, Sunday Show times: 7:00PM & 9:00PM The show is family friendly. Must be 4 Years of age or older to attend show.
WO R L D O F WO N D E R By Las Vegas PRIDE
Experience the internationally-acclaimed production, seen by 2.5 million people that transforms the ordinary into the EXTRAORDINARY.
dazzling choreography, thrilling theatrical lighting, magnificent music and even finalists from America’s Got Talent, and you are sure to be wowed!
Prepare to be transported into a world of water, wonder and fantasy. More than 30 artists fly, flip, fold, dance and defy the imagination, from beginning to end with 3D multi-media projections, water walls, and holograms. Add breathtaking acrobatics,
Wow. The name says it all. In a town filled with so many amazing shows, it’s often hard to dazzle an audience with experiences of wonder. But WOW World of Wonder does just that.
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AN INTERVIEW WITH
Michele Rothstein By Briana Lake
Michele Rothstein is a self-made entrepreneur with an impressive laundry list of achievements including an induction into the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Nevada “Women’s Hall of Fame” and the prestigious “40 Under 40” title, but she is far from slowing down now. She’s agreed to share some of her advice for young women in business, and her next big moves. Q: Tell us a little about yourself, and your businesses? A: I’m originally from California, and I went to college at UC San Diego. While I was in college I learned how to make balloon animals, it was a part time job while I was going to school. I graduated with a degree in psychology and decided that I wanted to start my own balloon company. I told my mom “I’m going to move to Las Vegas and start my own balloon company, and she was like, “Okay.” But, you know I said, “Don’t worry, if it doesn’t work, I’ll go get my master’s like we planned.” Six months later, I bought a house. So, it worked. That was 24 years ago, and since then it’s grown from just me making balloon animals in restaurants to full service event planning company, party planning and rental company. We do a lot of balloon décor, and entertainment. I’m an agent for jugglers and magicians, face painters, stilt walkers, all different kinds of entertainment. Now I own Balloons with a Twist, Master Calendar Las Vegas, and Event Pros, and am involved in numerous local charities. Q: You’ve been so successful in your role as an entrepreneur, what are your suggestions for women looking to follow in your footsteps and grow their own businesses? A: Absolutely, my words of wisdom to somebody that wants to start their own business is to find something that you’re incredibly passionate about,
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and had a partner for nine years - I have a lot of things that could have held me back. I have never allowed any of those things to interfere. Q: Tell me about your involvement with the non-profit community in Las Vegas, and with PRIDE?
and then find a way to make money Q: Were there any challenges that doing it. you’ve faced that you think may be unique to women in business? Q: What are some of your next steps? A: I’ve never let that hold me back, ever. I’ve never felt like, “Wow, if I was A: I just started another business a man, this would be so much easier.” called Master Calendar Las Vegas, I’m a woman, I’m Jewish, I am involved which is a calendar of all the with the gay and lesbian community philanthropic events: galas, 5Ks, and other fundraisers for all non-profit events in Las Vegas. I found that there was a need for that, I sit on the board of directors for various charities, and I find that there’s a lot of overlap; we really needed an event conflict calendar. It is the worst feeling when you spend six months planning an event only to find out there’s another big gala the same night. There is a very small group of philanthropic people in Las Vegas, and instead of fighting for the same people, charities can just look at the calendar. We don’t all have to schedule conflicting events, there are plenty of weekends in the year. I just launched it a couple of weeks ago, and the response has been tremendous, so I’m really excited to see where it’s going to go.
A: We’ve been involved with a lot of different charities in the community. It’s nice to have a business that I’ve had for 24 years. I’m at the point where I don’t have to be hands on 40 hours a week. I have people running a large portion of it so that I can go do other things and be more involved in different charities as well, so that’s really nice. As far as PRIDE, we’ve been very active and have donated and produced floats in the PRIDE Parade and assisted with booths, face painting, and other activities for years. I also support other local charities (in various ways) such as Create a Change Now, the Las Vegas chapter of Women of Global Change, the Make A Wish Foundation, Aid for AIDS of Nevada, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and New Vista.
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 51
Open 24/7 with onsite security and plenty of parking. Mention code PRIDE20 to receive 10% off your entire order! Discounts can be combined with other offers up to 25% off! *For use only by adults 21 years of age and older. Keep out of reach of children.
4110 S Maryland Pkwy, #1, Las Vegas, NV 89119 | 702-367-9333 http://colordrop.live
ROXY COLLINS HER NEW TAKE ON AN AGE-OLD PROFESSION Interview By Briana Lake
Roxy Collins is a self-made entrepreneur, and her fresh take on the barbershop business gives her a unique edge in a male-dominated industry. She’s agreed to sit down with us and discuss some of her next big business moves, and what it means to do something new in a highly traditional profession. Q: Tell us a little about yourself, and what inspired you to open your shop? A: I’m originally from Vegas, but I spent a year in LA pursuing an acting career. I decided that I really didn’t like the industry, and I ended up getting a job at a barbershop. That was 11 years ago. Since then, I’ve gotten my cosmetology license, barber license, and opened my very own barber shop about six months ago. Because I have a salon and barbershop background, I wanted to incorporate the two, which I know is not something that’s really happening out here in Vegas. It has the feel of a cool California salon, but functionally it’s one hundred percent barbershop. It’s laid-back, but it still maintains a high-end feel. It’s also become an industry education hub, and we bring in talent from across the country to offer classes to local barbers. The shop is also non-traditional in the sense that there’s full-length mirrors, and no red white and blue aside from my barber pole. A lot of plants, hardwood floors, it just has a totally different feel when you come in. The music is extremely eclectic, and this is really a shop that welcomes everyone. Everyone has felt comfortable here and there’s no gossiping or yelling across the room. It just feels a bit better here. You honestly just have to see it person. It’s called Noble Wolf Barbers and it’s at 8320 West Sahara Ave Suite #170. The Instagram is Noble Wolf Barbers, and we’re open Tuesday through Saturday.
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I say “barber shop” I think that people hear “salon” and I have to prove myself as an actual barber. I’ve been doing this for a long time, so I enjoy the challenge. I enjoy showing people that I’m not a stylist; I can do the face shaves and everything else. As the industry continues to grow, I know that a lot more women are getting into it, so it’s going to be something that will be dealt with less and less as time goes on.
has also been wonderful. I feel like my shop wouldn’t be elevated to the point where it’s at if I hadn’t had a chance to work there, so I’m always thankful to him for giving me the opportunity.
Q: Do you have any advice for women looking to get into the barber shop Q: Do you have any advice for women business? looking to get into the industry? A: Just to not get discouraged. This A: My advice is to just do it. I think is a really, really traditional industry. that a lot of people talk about it, and It’s the second oldest profession in never actually do it. Education isn’t always the cheapest thing, but just to go ahead and make that leap because I promise it will be worth it if you’re passionate about it. I also never want to be the best at what I do in my workplace because then I have no one to push me to grow, to continue to be better. I recommend that people never let themselves become stagnant – if you aren’t growing where you’re at, find somewhere that you can. Q: Are there any unique challenges that you’ve faced as a woman in what is traditionally viewed as a history and is steeped in so much man’s industry? history. Don’t be afraid of new ideas. Don’t be afraid to be different. Just do A: It’s never been an issue being a you, and people will appreciate the woman barber, but sometimes when genuine quality of any barber. Q: Do you have any mentors that have inspired you along the way? A: Mr. Allen, who owns all the Masterpiece Barbershops and Barber College. I was the first girl licensed out of that college actually. He’s been a tremendous help with opening the shop because he’s opened so many. He’s also been a barber for maybe 25 years, and it’s so great that he’s been willing to teach me. Alejandro, who is the owner of FINO Barbershop Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 55
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Bars and Clubs 1- The Back door
8- The Garage
2- Badland Saloon
9- flair nightclub
3- Bastille on 3rd
10- Las Vegas Eagle
1415 E. Charleston Ave. 702-831-0621 953 E. Sahara Ave. 702-792-9262 1402 S. Third St. 702-385 9298
15- hamburger mary’s *Opening Soon 1700 E. Flamingo Blvd. 702-733-8787
1487 E. Flamingo Rd. 702-440-6333 1700 E. Flamingo Blvd. 702-733-8787
Businesses
3430 E. Tropicana Ave. 702 458-8662
4- Charlie’s Las Vegas
11- Piranha Night Club
16- The gay & Lesbian Center
5- The Phoenix
12- Quadz Video Bar
17- Get Booked
6- 8½ Ultra Lounge
13- Spotlight Lounge
18- Entourage Spa
7- Flex Cocktail Lounge
14- funhog ranch
19- Hawks Gym
5012 Arville St. 702-876-1844
4213 W Sahara Ave. 702-826-2422 4633 Paradise Rd. 702-379-9500
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@VegasPride Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 67
5
TIPS FOR A BETTER FINANCIAL FUTURE
By Freddy S. Lopez
If you are like many Americans, the current economic environment continues to make it difficult for your family to make ends meet. Many of us have readjusted our spending habits to such an extent that there is now a new normal. For example, we may no longer shop as much as or where we used to; we may settle for a staycation, rather than a true getaway; and items that were previously considered to be necessities have been relegated to the “can’t afford” or “not needed” category. Unfortunately, many economic analysts feel that these shifting attitudes are here to stay. Tips to help improve your economic future Here are some tips to help you take stock of your overall economic picture, with actionable steps designed to help improve your long-term financial security. Tip #1: Determine what is really important. Take stock of what is really important to you and your family—is the newest electronic game system or cell phone more important than creating a secure financial future? Start by developing your family’s mission statement. This is easier than it sounds: Simply write out what is important to you as a group. Be sure to include what your long and shortterm goals are, and what you are willing to give up in order to make these goals a reality. Don’t forget that along the way, you may still want to decide what little luxuries your entire family can enjoy (like a get-away) that you want to keep in your budget, since these can help you feel less deprived and even save you money (by keeping you from going out to first-run movies, for example).
68 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Tip #2: Cut back, even if it hurts (a little). Figuring out what is most important to your family from a financial perspective is a smart move and a good decision for your long-term financial security. Making even small sacrifices in your spending can help you meet your goals. Look carefully at how you and your family members spend your money so you can identify where you can make small changes to cut back on non-essential expenditures. And don’t overlook the bigger-ticket items you pay for every month, such as your cable TV/Internet subscriptions and car insurance. Making minor adjustments to these items can free up more dollars than you might imagine, and play a significant role in helping you fund your family’s longterm financial goals. Tip #3: Become a dedicated saver. If you are like many families, trying to juggle financial priorities can make time now to assess their adequacy and Life Insurance Co. and MML Bay State Life saving extremely difficult. make the appropriate adjustments. Insurance Co., are non-admitted in New Successful savers use the concept of paying themselves first whenever they receive a paycheck. Over time, adopting that one smart move can help you reach your financial goal of saving for a car, a vacation, or whatever is a priority for your family. To help make it easier, check with your employer to see if you can have part of your pay automatically deposited into one or more savings accounts. It can make saving automatic and nearly painless.
Tip #5: Get the help you need. When it comes to Tips 1 through 4, you may feel you need some assistance. Whether you need help in just one area or all four, start looking at your future through a new lens, one that has your family’s financial goals in focus, with a plan to help you get there. Contact a financial professional to discuss ways they can help you put these tips into action, and your financial dreams on track.
York.
Provided by FREDDY S. LOPEZ, courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). © 2017 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Springfield, MA 01111-0001 FY1105 CRN201904-210555
Tip #4: Run your numbers.
Taking the right steps today can help to ensure a better financial future for Do you know if you are on track with both you and your loved ones. your current disability coverage, life insurance, and retirement savings Insurance products issued by plan(s)? In other words, will these Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance important items provide you and your Company (MassMutual) (Springfield, family with the amount of financial MA 01111) and its subsidiaries, C.M. Life protection you’ll need, when needed? Insurance Co. and MML Bay State Life Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take the Insurance Co. (Enfield, CT 06082).C.M. Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 69
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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) 78 | 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 | 79
2018
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HIKING EVENTS PLEASE JOIN US ONCE A MONTH AS WE MEET FOR A GROUP HIKE AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS
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MORE INFORMATION ONLINE: WWW.LASVEGASPRIDE.ORG 80 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
KRAFT MOUNTAIN JUNE 10 JULY 8
MARY JANE FALLS AUGUST 12 SEPTEMBER 9
RAILROAD TUNNELS OCTOBER 14 NOVEMBER 11
3
OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE IN TRANSGENDER HISTORY
By Blue Montana, Transgender Programs Manager, The Center
History has always been one of my favorite subjects, and when I started transitioning in 2005, and started looking into the history of the transgender community, I was amazed at how far back in history gender diversity has been acknowledged and in certain cultures celebrated. I’ve chosen 3 of my personal favorite people in transgender history to share with you. We’ve been here, we’ll be here, and we will remain steadfast in our past and in the future. Ready? Let’s go…. Time for some Trans History! Having been fascinated as a young child with astronomy, math and science, Lynn Conway was recruited by IBM Research in Yorktown Heights, New York in 1964, and was soon selected to join the architecture team designing an advanced supercomputer. After she informed IBM in 1968, she had hoped to be allowed to transition on the job, but IBM fired Conway in 1968 after she revealed her intention to transition. She then went on to work for Memorex, Xerox, and other tech companies leading the way for transgender women in the 60’s and 70’s. Lynne is also an activist and having heard the story of her early work at IBM might soon be revealed through articles that were being prepared for a 2001 publication. She began quietly coming out as a trans woman in 1999 to friends and colleagues about her past gender transition, using her personal website to tell the story
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in her own words. In 2009, Conway was named one of the “Stonewall 40 trans heroes” on the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots by the International Court System, one of the oldest and largest predominantly gay organizations in the world, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Her life and success are proof that we’re everywhere! Next up is Albert Cashier. Albert was born Jennie Irene Hodgers in Clogherhead, County Louth, Ireland on December 25, around 1843. Albert is probably one of my personal all-time favorite people in trans history because of how he lived his life so openly as a soldier in our early military. Albert first enlisted in July 1862 after President Lincoln’s call for soldiers.. On August 6, 1862, he enlisted in the 95th Illinois Infantry for a three-year term using the name “Albert Cashier” and was assigned to Company G. Other soldiers thought that Albert was small and preferred to be alone, which was common characteristics for soldiers. Albert fought with the regiment through the war until August 17, 1865, when all the soldiers were mustered out. He was honorably discharged on August 17, 1865. He returned to Illinois and worked as a farmhand until an injury in 1911 when he was hit by a car. On May 5, 1911, Albert was moved to the Soldiers and Sailors home in Quincy, Illinois. He lived there until his mental state deteriorated and was moved to the Watertown State Hospital for the Insane in March 1914. Attendants at Watertown State Hospital discovered that he was transgender when giving him a bath, at which point he was made to wear women’s clothes again. Albert Cashier died on October 10, 1915. He was buried in the uniform he had kept intact all those years and his tombstone was inscribed “Albert D. J. Cashier, Co. G, 95 Ill. Inf.” Cashier was given an official Grand Army of the Republic funeral service and was buried with full military honors.
There was a play done called The Civility of Albert Cashier which took stage in Chicago and Los Angeles, and the musical score was written by trans musician Joe Stevens. I can’t imagine the courage it must have taken for albert to live his truth back in the 1800’s. He is a truly remarkable example of being authentically who you are! Lucy Hicks Anderson was one of the first cases of Marriage Equality. In 1944 she married Reuben Anderson, a soldier. When it was discovered that Lucy was biologically male, the Ventura County district attorney decided to try her for perjury. According to the district attorney, she had committed perjury when she signed the application for a marriage license, swearing that there were “no legal objections to the marriage.” Lucy challenged the authority of physicians who insisted that she was male. “I defy any doctor in the world to prove that I am not a woman,” Anderson
told reporters in the midst of her perjury trial. “I have lived, dressed, acted just what I am, a woman.” A jury convicted her, but the judge placed her on probation for ten years rather than send her to prison. Lucy had received allotment checks as the wife of a member of the U.S. Army. The Federal government prosecuted both Reuben Anderson and Lucy Hicks Anderson for fraud in 1946. Both were found guilty and sentenced to prison. She lived the remainder of her life in Los Angeles. Individuals like Albert, Lucy, and Lynn are an integral and important part of not only the transgender community but have all contributed in their own way to the lgbt movement and greater society. We can never forget where we came from or who came before us in the struggle for combined equality. Thank you to Wikipedia for providing some of the historical referencs used in this article.
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 85
Dine at select Las Vegas restaurants and a portion of the day’s proceeds will go to benefit Golden Rainbow. For a list of participating restaurants visit
goldenrainbow.org/diningoutforlife New Restaurants added weekly so check back often. Be sure to like our facebook page to receive updated notices and dining specials scheduled for that day.
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after spending years of performing in productions worldwide including “Kiss Me, Kate,” “The Pajama Game,” “Camelot,” and opening Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom-The Las Vegas Spectacular.” As is the Ribbon of Life tradition, talented performers from almost every major show on the Strip will be participating in this year’s production. Other celebrity talent will be soon announced.
GOLDEN RAINBOW 2018 RIBBON OF LIFE
Tickets are on sale now for Golden Rainbow’s star-studded production of “Chicago” for the 32nd Annual Ribbon of Life at the Foundry at SLS on Sunday, June 24. Usually held as a variety show, this year’s event will be presented in a new format that features a full production of the Broadway classic. A red carpet reception and silent auction will begin at 11 a.m. and the show to follow at 1 p.m. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Golden Rainbow’s critically needed housing, education, and direct financial assistance services for those living with and affected by HIV/ AIDS in Southern Nevada.
something a little different,” said Golden Rainbow’s Executive Director Gary Costa. “After last spring’s sold out and critically acclaimed production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ benefit, it became clear that Las Vegas audiences are hungry for Broadwaycaliber performances at affordable ticket prices on the Strip. We are excited to present a full production of ‘Chicago’ filled with amazing talent and some Vegas razzle dazzle!”
Ribbon of Life’s “Chicago” will star entertainment veteran Brent Barrett from Broadway’s revival of “Chicago,” alongside Anne Martinez and Jaclyn McSpadden from “BAZ- A Musical Tour “For this year’s Ribbon of Life De Force,” as Roxie Hart and Velma production, we wanted to present Kelly respectively. Barrett joins the cast
For over 30 years, Ribbon of Life has been an original talent showcase unlike any other in Las Vegas, featuring custom production numbers from the Las Vegas Strip’s best singers, dancers and performers. The audience is always surprised, thrilled, and inspired by performances that are exclusive to the event. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased at: goldenrainbow.org/ribbonoflife Following the performance, The Sayers Club at SLS will host the official after party with additional exclusive performances and acts. Entry is $25 at the door or $20 in advance through the Golden Rainbow website. VIP and premiere level ticket prices include the after party admission. Guests of all ages are welcome to attend the show but must be 21+ for entrance into the after party. As one of the most anticipated events of the year, guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early as seating is limited. Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 89
Libby is wearing a gold high low dress with a long eternity train. It is embroided with gold and silver stones and beads. Paired with a white pearl belt. All by designer Lenka Fucikova. 90 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Tori (left) is dressed in red, sweet heart gown with a high slit. Covered with gold embroided coat. By designer Lenka Fucikova. Katie (right) is wearing a white see through wedding insired gown, created by Yanee Atelier, belt created by Tiffany Bonet.
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 91
Kristen (left) wears a high waisted white skirt with hand sewn bead work, a black cloak and bralett created by Yanee Atelier. Libby (right) wears a black and white lace embroided cape with bell sleve and hood. Created by Lenka Fucikova. 92 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Katie is wearing a couture wedding gown with fan flowered bottom, paired with a rhinestone belt and accessories. by Yanee Atelier.
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 93
Kristen (left) wears a black flute style wedding dress paired with accessories made by India Ferrah. Katie (right) wears a black Latin inspired dress with hand-sewn beading, sheer top, and bustle created by Yanee Atelier
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Katie, Libby, and Kristen wear red lace emborided costumes by Lenka Fucikova created for an upcoming movie “Bleech.” LOCATION: Elysian West, 5175 S Jerry Tarkanian Way, Las Vegas, NV 89148 | 702.629.2294 MODELS: Katie Lee, Tori Liesly, Libby Largen, Kristen White STYLIST: Keyska Diva MAKEUP ARTIST: Shayla Perez, Josh Terris HAIR: Kevin Crossley, Shelby Divine PHOTOGRAPHY: Yev Z Photography PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT: Miguel Cortes
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 95
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