Contents
8
11 Orgullo Latino Royalty 15 Orgullo Latino Las Vegas 20 Becoming My Authentic Self 22 Fashion: Going Gala
EVENTS
BigHorn Rodeo
PRIDE Events
50 Bighorn Rodeo Schedule
4
PRIDE’s Royal Coronation
5
May PRIDE Family Bingo
48 Bighorn Rodeo 51 World Gay Rodeo Finals 52 Pool Party & Fashion Show
34 June PRIDE Family Bingo 38 Mt. Charleston Rainbow Festival
Other Events
Orgullo Events (Latin PRIDE)
43 Temptation Sundays
11 La Noche at the Tropics
26 HRC’s 10th Annual Gala 44 AIDS Walk Las Vegas
12 Orgullo Opening Party
53 Long Beach Pride
13 Star Studded
54 SMOKEOUT
14 Orgullo Latino Event Lineup 15 Festival Map 16 Orgullo Concert & Festival 18 El Deseo
30 Davis Dust 33 PRIDE Health: Spring Into Action 40 Community Support Day 42 Viva La Record Store Day 46 What the Future Holds: A Message by Las Vegas PRIDE’s Youth Ambassador 47 Comfortable in His Own Skin: How I Met Brendan Jordan 54 Cigars and the Leatherman Community 55 Putting a Face on the Leather Community
62 Sunset Park Volleyball
57 STD vs. STI
7
19 Banada De Sol
27 Celebrating 10 Years: The Impact of HRC in Las Vegas
61 Art Rageous Vegas Youth
ARTICLES
17 Festival After Party
The N2N Way
Welcome
PUBLISHER EDITOR LAYOUT & DESIGN ADVERTISING
58 Bet on Your Sexual Health 60 Spotlight: Vegas Mpowerment Project
Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. Ernie Yuen Jake Naylor Ernie Yuen, Lyndon R. Marquez & Clair Koetitz
PHOTOGRAPHY
Steve Amend, Barbara Maeker, Marc Garcia, Chris Purdum (Orange Soda Photography) & Christina Lakis
ON THE COVER
Chi Chi Hernandez & Zelkin, Mr. & Miss Orgullo Latino 2015
COVER PHOTO BY CONTRIBUTORS
Marc Garcia Scott Bullock, Paul Cieslewicz, Earl A. Coffman, Tony Garcia, Brendan Jordan, Bill Jorgensen, Josh Miller, Wes Miller, Missy Morgan, Laura Scott, Kevin Smith, Doc Tony, Jermey L. Wallace & Evan Walsh
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.
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Welcome
BY ERNIE “PINEAPPLE” YUEN Aloha!
I can’t believe that it is already April. We have a couple of very busy months ahead of us. Las Vegas PRIDE is very excited to host our very first Orgullo Latino Las Vegas Celebration. Orgullo Latino is a celebration recognizing the talents and contributions of LGBT Latinos and Latinas. It will be week-long series of events culminating with a night-time concert and a festival the following day. The concert on Friday, May 1st will be from 6:00PM to 11:00PM at the Llama Lot in Downtown Las Vegas. On Saturday, May 2nd, there will be a family festival from noon until 11:00PM. There will be plenty of shopping, food, and entertainment. Sunday, we will close out the festivities with our Bañada de Sol Pool Party at Rumor Boutique Hotel. Make sure to mark your calendar for these special events!
new Miss Orgullo Latino Las Vegas, Chichi De La Cruz and our Mr. Orgullo Latino Las Vegas, Armando Zelkin Monroy. Please join us at our PRIDE Royal Coronation event on April 18th at Charlie’s Las Vegas. The Board of Directors is happy to announce the appointment of our Las Vegas PRIDE Youth Ambassador, Brenden Jordan. Brendan is excited to accept this community title and looks forward to reaching out to the LGBT Youth in our community. Brendan became a fan-favorite due to an internet video. He would like to take advantage of his celebrity status to become a positive role-model for other youth.
AFAN’s AIDS walk will be held on April 19th on the Las Vegas Strip. Please join Las Vegas PRIDE’s youth ambassador, Brendan Jordan’s team and royalty as We would like to extend we support this great cause. congratulations to Paloma Makary and Michael Cammarata who will be 2015, marks the 10 year anniversary ending their amazing reign as PRIDE’s for Human Rights Campaign’s Annual Royalty for 2014. For 2015, we are Gala celebration. The Gala will be happy to welcome to the PRIDE held inside the beautiful Aria Resort Royalty family Lisa St. Laurent as Miss & Casino on May 9th. You should not Las Vegas PRIDE 2015. Also, with the miss this black-tie event celebrating celebration of marriage equality in and honoring great community Nevada, we welcome Craig Meland & leaders, James Healey and Maya Wayne Meistle as Mr. & Mr. Las Vegas Reyes, for their contributions to our PRIDE 2015. Say “Hola!” to our brand community. Yeehaw! It is time to get out those Wranglers and saddle up for the Nevada Gay Rodeo Association’s annual BigHorn Rodeo. Join NGRA for a tootin’, scootin’ good time on May 9th and 10th. Join Las Vegas PRIDE at the dunk tank and dunk one of your favorite people for a good cause. In PRIDE, Ernie “Pineapple” Yuen Executive Director Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 7
ORGULLO EVENTS ORGULLOLATINOLV.ORG
LA NOCHE AT THE TROPICS April 28, 2015 | 11PM | 21+ Piranha Nightclub 4633 Paradise Road
ORGULLO LATINO LAS VEGAS ALL-DAY FESTIVAL May 2 | Noon-11PM Llama Lot (Downtown) 152 North 9th Street
STAR-STUDDED LADIES NIGHT April 30 | 10PM | 21+ Share Nightclub 4636 Wynn Road
OFFICIAL AFTER FESTIVAL PARTY May 2 | 11PM | 21+ Piranha Nightclub 4633 Paradise Road
ORGULLO LATINO LAS VEGAS NIGHT-TIME CONCERT May 1 | 6-11PM Llama Lot (Downtown) 152 North 9th Street OFFICIAL OPENING PARTY May 1 | 11PM | 21+ Pride 702 Nightclub 3977 Vegas Valley Drive 14 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
BAÑADA DE SOL POOL PARTY May 3 | 1-5PM | 21+ Rumor Boutique Hotel 375 E Harmon Avenue EL DESEO OFFICIAL CLOSING PARTY May 3 | 10PM | 21+ Piranha Nightclub 4633 Paradise Road
BECOMING MY
Authentic Self By Jeremy L. Wallace
Almost all of us have had times when we thought we didn’t fit in or belong to a certain group, or that life was just plain difficult, but for me, struggling with those feelings has been lifelong. Depression and anxiety began at
a very early age and followed me through my teenage years and on into adulthood. It wasn’t until I began to come to terms with my gender dysphoria, or disconnect between the gender I identified with versus the
perceived gender the world saw me as, that I began to see how life might in fact get better. For many transgender people of any age, self-loathing and suicidal thoughts are commonplace. In fact, within the transgender community, suicide attempt rates are astronomically high, as are the staggering number of those who have taken their lives. We as a society need to do better, and I myself have vowed to tell my story and be visible, to show others like me that it does in fact get better and we have so much to offer this world. Our journey to finding our authentic, true selves may differ from what others consider the “norm,” but through that transformation comes amazing perspective, resilience, and hope. It is never too late to become the person you were destined to be and to live a full and happy life. My book, Taking the Scenic Route to Manhood, is a candid look into what it has been like to grow up being transgender and all of the ups and downs along the way. I chronicle my experiences as a young girl, first feeling like I was the only one in the world experiencing the sensation of being in the wrong body, to finally taking the courageous leap of faith to make the necessary changes to become the man I am today. While in hindsight, my transition happened quickly, it definitely has had its fair share of trials, tribulations, and laughter. To give you a small sense of my experience, following is an excerpt from my book: Transition is a funny thing. I spent so much time actively waiting and searching for the changes I desired that I kind of missed when they happened. That probably sounds strange. How could I miss morphing from a female to a guy? Well, it’s more like I focused all of my attention
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on a few details like facial hair, voice changes, etc., so I didn’t see the whole picture was changing. It didn’t happen overnight, but somehow, things fell into line, the girl disappeared, and only a man remained.
can finally see and appreciate that all of my past experiences and life lessons were necessary to become the man I am today. I do have a lot to offer this world, and being able to say, “Yes, I have walked a mile in someone else’s shoes,” offers a great perspective. I’m learning to appreciate knowing both sides, and I feel that starting out as a woman will make me a better man. It’s been said that behind every great man is a great woman; I completely agree.
It has been a constant struggle to remember how far I’ve come, how courageous and empowering this journey has been, and to have daily gratitude. Some days are better than others, but I continue to persevere. Thankfully, now I can actually look at myself in the mirror without picking To read more and get a copy of Taking myself apart, and I can find good The Scenic Route To Manhood, visit qualities about myself and know that JeremyLWallace.com. I have people in my life who love me because I deserve it. As I’m working through my transition, I can now look myself in the eye in a mirror and say, “I love you” and mean it. There is a fullfledged man looking back at me now, and behind my familiar blue eyes, I
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Celebrating
10 YEARS
THE IMPACT OF HRC IN LAS VEGAS By Missy Morgan & Josh Miller
As we begin the transition from winter to spring, the sun and warming temperatures are always a reminder of blooming and progress. If we think back to all of the positive changes and advancements we have made over the past year, it is obvious that we have a lot to be proud of! This year we have gained marriage equality in the state of Nevada, seen a tremendous increase of positive transgender and gender non-conforming portrayal in the media, and have continued our work to make schools safer for all students. If we go even further and think back over the past ten years, we would be amazed by the transformation our community has made.
from one who once limited their definition of marriage to “one man and one woman” to a state that now has marriage equality, allowing samesex couples to marry and receive the same benefits as opposite-sex married couples. Inclusive nondiscrimination policies are now effective on a state level giving us all the protection needed for us
to be ourselves in the workplace. Transgender individuals are protected in public accommodations and are able to make gender marker changes on their identification. All of this happened due to numerous individuals and organizations visiting Carson City to lobby on behalf of our rights, our commitment and dedication to electing LGBTQ identified representatives and allies, and the persistence to get the bills that needed to be passed. Although there is still a lot of work to do to ensure our schools are safe learning environments for all students, many individuals and organizations have been working tirelessly to make sure our schools are a more inclusive and welcoming environment. Schools who once didn’t understand how a GSA (Gay/Straight Alliance) or
This year as the Human Rights Campaign celebrates our ten years of involvement in the Las Vegas community at our 10th Annual Gala, we focus on the theme “Evolve.” This theme is relevant for a number of reasons, but is especially representative of the gradual and mighty progress our community has experienced over the past decade. By coming together and collaborating as a community, the LGBTQ people in Las Vegas have been able to change the hearts and minds of people in the legislature, workplace, and educational settings. On the political front, numerous organizations and fair-minded officials worked together to change our state Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 27
other LGBTQ student organization would work on campus are now participating in the Welcoming Schools/Operation Respect program and holding trainings for their entire school staff. Thirty-nine schools in the Clark County School District are participating in this program, not to mention the support, services, and resources schools are receiving from other organizations such as GLSEN. Together we have been able to mentor and support students in their identity development while also training educators on how to create safe spaces.
a supportive, stronger, and more equal community! The Human Rights Campaign hopes that you will join us at the Aria on May 9th to celebrate with an amazing silent auction, entertainment, and awardee lineup.
We are delighted to honor two individuals who have been pioneers and deserve to be recognized for their contributions to our community. Mya Reyes, President of the Las Vegas Gay Visitors Bureau (pictured top right) will be receiving the Ally for Equality Award. Assemblyman James Healey, Director of Hotel Operations for the New York New York Hotel & Casino Additionally, we have watched our (pictured at right) will receive the center grow from a small facility Equality in the Community. to a new, spacious venue allowing an increase in outreach and Join our dinner tri-chairs, Kelly Smith, programming. Multiple organizations Matt Howard, and Steve Amend, as have formed to provide resources well as the rest of the HRC Las Vegas to the transgender and gender non- Steering Committee for our 10th conforming individuals. And the only Annual Gala Dinner on May 9th at gender inclusive (cis-gender male, the Aria Hotel Las Vegas. Purchase female, and trans) Girl Scout troop in tickets or get more information by the country is here in Las Vegas. As a visiting www.hrc.org/boxoffice. Also, community we are doing great work if you’d like to volunteer for the event, and providing amazing services and become a table captain or for more education to so many individuals, information on silent auction and LGBTQ identified and not, in the Las program book opportunities, please Vegas Valley. contact gala@hrclv.org. It is time to for us to recognize and celebrate our evolution into
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Gala photos courtesy of Steve Amend
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Davis Dust By Wes Miller
I love a good dry rub for seasoning my meat, I know what you are thinking, but I am referring to when I am in the kitchen cooking. Often a dry rub of seasoning for ribs or chicken is too salty or has overpowering ingredients. As a ‘seasoned’ home cook, I was delighted to meet Wes Davis; realtor, author, 40 year Las Vegas resident and creator of “Davis Dust”, the perfect dry rub for seasoning my meat (would you stop thinking that already).
like Biscuits and Sausage gravy – to cheesecake and Prime Rib. The stories that accompany the recipes are as enjoyable as the food. As I perused its pages, I discovered a recipe for Quick Crusted Parmesan Chicken. Off to my kitchen I went armed with my copy of Aunt B’s cookbook and a bottle of DAVIS DUST. Chicken is one of those foods that is a little pale on flavor and really needs the assistance of a good seasoning to enhance the taste. I was anxious to see if DAVIS DUST was up Wes Davis has quite an impressive to the challenge. resume in the history of gay Las Vegas. He managed the Buffalo for DAVIS DUST is produced in small several years in the early 80’s and batches by Pacific Spice, under high helped found AFAN becoming its quality control, using fresh blended first Executive Director in 1986. He organic and natural ingredients. Your currently enjoys a successful career bottle will not have been sitting in a in real estate. Additionally, his passion warehouse getting old. When you for cooking led him to start a culinary open your bottle, the aroma will tell career as a dishwasher at the age of you that it is fresh and ready to go! 14. He worked his way up to become It was that aroma I first experienced a cook, Sous Chef and Catering Chef when preparing Quick Crusted and it is a return to that passion Parmesan Chicken that got my hopes that started him on a quest for the up for a delectable taste experience. perfect dry rub recipe four years ago. “I started to experiment with some I am happy to report that the recipe different ideas. DAVIS DUST is my and DAVIS DUST both lived up to original recipe, created from those everything promised. The recipe was four years of trying to get it right. As quick and the results were simply a result, I ended up with, not only a amazing. I have definitely found a great dry for ribs, chicken and beef, great way to flavor chicken and I am but also a seasoning for stove top or looking forward to experimenting oven cooking too” says Davis of his with other pieces of meat (you need to stop). Give it a try to and see if you creation. don’t agree. Wes suggested I use DAVIS DUST and a recipe from “Aunt B’s Bordello and Boardinghouse” a cookbook he authored. In this little gem, I found recipes that range from simple fare
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Quick Parmesan Crusted Chicken (from “Aunt B’s Bordello Boardinghouse” cookbook)
and
2 Tablespoons of flour 1 Tablespoon DAVIS DUST 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese ¼ cup bread crumbs 1 egg with 1 tsp water 1 boneless skinless chicken breast • Mix flour, DAVIS DUST, cheese and bread crumbs in flat bottomed dish. • Whisk egg and water in another flat bottomed dish. • Heat sauté pan on medium and add olive oil and butter in equal amounts. • Dip chicken in egg wash. • Dip in flour mixture. • Sauté pan for 7-10 minutes. Turn over and cook another 7 minutes or until done. Wes’ final comment to me about DAVIS DUST was “It is good on anything – however I have not tried it on ice cream!!” So give it a try and get “DUSTED”! Get you bottle off the shelves of our local LGBTQ retailer, Get Booked and GetBooked.com.
Spring
INTO ACTION PRIDE HEALTH
With winter almost done, many can hardly wait to get out on the trails and feel the sun again. After winter, our bodies are in much need of vitamin D for a boost of “feel good” again. In Spring, we want to get into shape and get ready for the summer, but where do we start? How do we avoid sore muscles? And how often do we have to exercise to look our best? Check With Your Doctor First Regular exercise can help you control your weight, reduce your risk of heart disease, and strengthen your bones and muscles. But if you haven’t exercised in a while and you have health concerns, you may want to talk to your doctor before starting a new routine. Although moderate physical activity, such as fast walking, is safe for most gay men, health experts suggest that you consider talking to your doctor before you start an exercise program if any of the following apply: • You have heart disease, asthma or lung disease • You have diabetes, or liver or kidney disease • You have arthritis • You’re over the age of 45 • You smoke or you quit smoking in the past six months • You’re overweight or have too much junk in the trunk • You have high blood pressure or high cholesterol Create Realistic Fitness Goals As gay men, we tend to spend a lot time dwelling on our current state of overweight and how out-of-shape we are. That sort of self-defeating thinking doesn’t help. Sit down and figure out a realistic goal you want to achieve. Do you want to run one
mile or five? Swim 2 laps or 20? Climb fastest speed for 1 minute; repeat every mountain or maybe just that for 45 minutes. silly sidewalk in your neighborhood? • Jog at an easy pace for 2 minutes, Whatever it is, write it down and keep then run at a fast pace for 1 it somewhere you will see it often. minute; repeat for 30 minutes. • On a treadmill, walk at a 5% Perhaps one of the most important incline for 2 minutes, then raise components of setting effective and it to a 12% incline for 1 minute; realistic fitness goals is to reward repeat for 45 minutes. yourself when you reach them, even • Bike at a comfortable pace for 2 the small ones! From buying yourself minutes, then speed-pedal for 1 a new magazine to read, enjoying a minute; repeat for 45 minutes. new healthy restaurant, or buying a new pair of workout shorts, the It’s All About Consistency reward should be a time where you compliment yourself for your hard Improvement and change occur work and success. when you do things often. Stopping and starting all the time will kill any Stretch It Out momentum you need to succeed. When you exercise with consistency, Regardless of your age, flexibility, your muscles will develop gradually or level of fitness, we should always and your mind will experience loosen up our muscles before starting reduced levels of stress and greater our walk, jog or whatever. It only takes relaxation. minutes and consistency to reap the rewards: A well-thought-out fitness plan will go a long way in helping you to reach • Reduced muscle tension your goals. To achieve consistency, • Increased range of movement in you will want to think about the the joints types of exercise that you can do on a • Improved balance and regular basis. coordination • Increased energy levels (resulting You will want to exercise at least three from increased circulation) to four times a week for the best • Reduces risk of injury from results. Getting a gym membership, exercising purchasing home exercise equipment, • Post exercise stretching helps to investing in exercise DVD’s or buying a decrease muscle soreness and bicycle may be some of the things you helps alleviate lower back pain. want or need to work out consistently. Be kind to your muscles and they will A Balance of Diet & Exercise be kind to you. Always start and end your exercise routine by stretching. Getting back into shape isn’t just about exercise. It’s about your total Slow & Easy Big Boy health. If you’re running daily like a mad man and then going home and You may have been able to jog five eating too much of all the wrong miles last fall, but right now you can things, you’re just not going to reach only jog one. Just run one for now, a balance in your health. Try eating knowing you will continue to run more fruits and vegetables, cooking farther as you get into better shape. at home more often, and bringing This is also a good time to think about healthy homemade lunches to work. strength training, since strong manly When we combine the right eating muscles, ligaments, and tendons habits with building muscle tissue help prevent injury. Try the following and do the right kind of cardio for routines to ease back into shape: burning off unwanted fat, we will find balanced health and look our best. • Walk at a comfortable pace for 2 minutes, then quick-walk at your Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 33
PRIDE Festival. Whole Foods will be donating all of the food needed to feed the hundreds of volunteers for the Las Vegas PRIDE Festival. This is not an easy task and we are very excited to be able provide our volunteers a healthy snack and meal for the day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided for the 3 shifts of volunteers. SHOP AND HELP RAISE MONEY FOR PRIDE! Fresh fruit and healthy snacks will also be provided throughout the day to keep our volunteers energized and WHOLE FOODS FORT APACHE: 8855 W CHARLESTON BLVD. LAS VEGAS, NV 89117 ready to go. What are you doing June 10th? Las on a Sunday, the trails are fairly easy, Vegas PRIDE will be the benefactor and we always have several trail Please mark your calendar for June of Whole Foods Market 5% Days. guides for assistance. Whole Foods 10th, 2015 and support Las Vegas This program is designed to give back Fort Apache donates bottled water for PRIDE by shopping at Whole Foods to local communities by providing the hike participants to say hydrated. Fort Apache. support to nonprofit organizations Both PRIDE Family Bingo and PRIDE whose programs directly benefit the OUTside are family-friendly events for Whole Foods Fort Apache located at: communities surrounding Whole all ages. 8855 W Charleston Blvd. Foods stores. 5% Days are held Las Vegas, NV 89117 quarterly in each store. Whole Foods Fort Apache also plays a very important roll during the annual Phone: (702) 254-8655 On June 10, 2015 Las Vegas PRIDE will receive 5% of the Fort Apache store’s total pretax sales for the day.
Whole Foods
5% MARKET DAYS
The success of a 5% Day depends largely on the participation and commitment of the designated nonprofit organizations. Designated organizations sign a contract with Whole Foods Market committing to a significant level of promotional support surrounding the 5% Day. The more people who shop at the Fort Apache store on June 10, 2015, the greater the donation to Las Vegas PRIDE will be. Whole Foods Fort Apache is committed 110% to the Las Vegas LGBT community. Wanting to be more involved, Whole Foods Fort Apache is also a sponsor of Las Vegas PRIDE Family Bingo and donates gift cards as prizes for the monthly bingo event. A big supporter of healthy living and outdoor activities, Las Vegas PRIDE produces an event called PRIDE OUTside. A monthly hike is scheduled 40 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
VIVA LA RECORD STORE DAY By Paul Cieslewicz
Records have always held a special place in my life. Growing up in the Midwest countryside, my childhood and teen years were filled with listening to classic country albums by the likes of Johnny Cash, Donna Fargo, and George Jones & Tammy Wynette. I couldn’t tell you how many times I played the original album of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” or Lynn Anderson’s “(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden”. I even remember my first 45rpm record (I realize that I’m dating myself here) being Sheena Easton’s “Strut” (probably should’ve been a big hint, huh?). Of course, I was also bombarded by dozens upon dozens of polka albums growing up, but that’s a subject for future therapy sessions. Records (or vinyl, as the trendy term for them now is) were the ruling music medium for much of the 20th century. With the advent of 8-tracks, then cassettes, records started taking a backseat to the other music formats. By the time CDs arrived on the scene, records were already almost a thing of the past. Record stores began closing everywhere, and record collections began being sold or donated in favor of “upgrading” to CD. The record by the early to mid-90s had become the ghost of music past. But a strange thing happened as the 21st century began. Everything old started becoming new again. Retro became cool, and it even applied to vinyl (because “record” is sooo last century!). Even as the MP3 digital format began overtaking the CD format, independent record stores started becoming hip again. Sales of vinyl albums started growing again, and they’ve continued growing every year to levels not seen since the 1980s. But how do you make people aware of the resurgence of vinyl and the record stores that sell them? In 2008 the world was introduced to Record Store Day, an annual event that happens the third Saturday of April. Record labels began issuing special edition albums and singles only available for the event. What began with only about 10 special releases in 2008 has grown to hundreds of artists participating. Recent years have seen everything from the release of Nirvana’s “Pennyroyal Tea”/”I Hate Myself and Want To Die”, a single which was to have been released decades ago, but was canceled due to Kurt 42 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Cobain’s suicide, to a glow-in-the-dark vinyl reissue of the Ghostbusters theme in time for the 30th anniversary last year. Even Disney got in on the fun, issuing a special cassette(!) version of the Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix, Vol. 1 soundtrack for the RSD Black Friday event. Oh, yes! Record Store Day has proven so popular that they’ve expanded in recent years to include a special Black Friday event as well. There is a Record Store Day Pledge, in which stores agree to act in the spirit of the event, and sell the many special releases to customers on Record Store Day without gouging them or holding back items to sell online. In the Las Vegas area you’ll find Zia Records (both locations on Eastern and Sahara) as well as Record City (both locations on Sahara and Charleston) as official RSD Pledge stores. But even stores that aren’t a part of the pledge, such as Moondog Records on S Maryland Pkwy near UNLV or The Beat Coffeehouse & Records downtown on Fremont St, will still participate in the event and welcome the curious music lover or vinyl aficionado back into the world of records. Go to www.recordstoreday.com, peruse the list of releases and plan a strategy. Don’t get caught resting on your laurels, though, as these events have a loyal following that eagerly await the day. 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.
Walk this Way
AIDS WALK LAS VEGAS 2015 By Evan Walsh | www.AFANLV.org
The Las Vegas valley is a buzz as Aid for AIDS of Nevada gears up for their 25th Annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas on April 19, 2015 at Town Square. Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) was founded in 1984 and is the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in the state of Nevada. 2014 marked AFAN’s 30th anniversary of practicing its unyielding commitment to the community by providing unparalleled health expertise, support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada. nutritional services, transportation and housing. Last year more than 10,000 walkers joined AFAN filling the campus of UNLV Penn & Teller continue to be amazing for the 24th annual AIDS Walk. The supporters of the organization by not combined efforts of the community only ushering in the walkers as grand helped AFAN raise nearly $440,000 marshals for the 14th year, but also to benefit client services, including matching walker donations of $250
or more. The duo treat all challenge participants to an amazing VIP area the day of the walk as well as exclusive incentives for fundraising, including a VIP meet and greet with Britney Spears going to the highest fundraiser. Walgreens also contributes in a big way, providing an opportunity for shoppers to donate a dollar at checkout through the month of March with all proceeds benefiting AFAN. Always striving to exceed their goals, Walgreens is looking to win the title of largest walking team with 500 walkers in 2014. The walk has become a staple in the community bringing out large organizations, families, pets and amazing spirited walking teams. AFAN hopes to bring more awareness and recognition to those lost and living with HIV/AIDS in the community. Show your support and register for the walk by going to AFANLV.org and following the AIDS Walk 2015 link.
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What the Future Holds
A MESSAGE FROM LAS VEGAS PRIDE’S YOUTH AMBASSADOR By Brendan Jordan
The future holds something exciting and fulfilling for everyone. When I was younger I told my mom that I was excited for my future because I knew that I would do something great. Being the first Youth Ambassador for Las Vegas PRIDE means so much to me because I feel like I can make a change in the Las Vegas community for the better.
Another goal I would like to achieve while being the Youth Ambassador is to really connect with kids that are out and may be struggling. I would like to be a sort of leader in a way to help those who are in need, and let them know that it is totally okay to be themselves whoever they may be. Kids and especially teens who are still growing and developing, experience troubles in finding and accepting who they really are. My main message that I really truly want to put out there is to
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Photo by Christina Lakis
Hello, my name is Brendan Jordan; I am fifteen years old, born and raised in Las Vegas, and currently attending high school. One of the things I would like to do as the Youth Ambassador is really get involved in this community by helping others. First up is the AIDS Walk! I would like to invite everyone to join #teamBRENDAN, and would absolutely love to meet all of you as we walk and fight for AIDS awareness. This is one of many wonderful things I will be doing to get involved with Las Vegas PRIDE. I am also looking forward to meeting new kids just like me at the many future events to come.
percent in everything that they do. I try to deliver this message of equality and acceptance on my YouTube page titled, Brendan Jordan. One step at a time we can create a future of Although, it is very sad to say, some acceptance, love, and peace. kids don’t get that love and support XOXO – Brendan Jordan from their friends and family. This is why I am here. I would like everyone around my age to feel that they are You can connect with Brendan on supported and loved one hundred Instagram and Twitter @jordvnhaus just not care what other people think, and what other people say about you because if you have wonderful friends and family that’s is all you need.
Comfortable In
HIS OWN SKIN HOW I BECAME FRIENDS WITH BRENDAN JORDAN By Ernie Yuen, Las Vegas PRIDE Executive Director
was a very mature goal, who does that at 15? I asked Brendan to write a 1-page article about coming out and I also asked his family to write an article about living with Brendan, we hosted a photo shoot and had the entire family involved. The articles were a great success. Brendan wanted to be involved, “I want to make a difference in my community” he said. The Board of Directors of Las Vegas PRIDE voted to make Brendan the “Las Vegas PRIDE Youth Ambassador”.
Watching the news spot, like many of you, I did not hear a word that the newscaster was saying- but instead noticed a young man- dancing and being festive. I laughed to myself and told my 2 puppies “he’s festive and he’s working that camera” and never though anything else of it.
Photo by Christina Lakis
The last thing I wanted to do on a Thursday night was to get dressed and attend “another grand opening” of a Las Vegas mall. I had several friends call and ask if I wanted to attend the festivities and I said I’d stay home and watch it on TV. I just did not want to deal with the crowds. It was 10:00pm time for me and my 2 shihtzu’s to watch the nightly news. We sat on the couch and the tease ad came on, it was for the “Summerlin Mall Grand Opening”.
At 7:00am the next morning, when I checked my Facebook page, it was blown up about a 15 year-old Las Vegas kid from Summerlin and his overnight fame on You Tube. Honestly I did not get it at the time, I just knew one day our paths would cross and I would meet Brendan Jordan.
a common friend; his name is Mr. Larry Edwards “Hot Chocolate”. I made a phone call, sent a Facebook message and an email for the 2 of us to connect. I was determined to make a new friend.
As the Youth Ambassador, Brendan is tasked with coming up with creative ways to reach out and help the LGBT youth community, make new friends and be a positive role model. He will also help get everyone involved and make things happen. You can meet up with Brendan at our monthly PRIDE Family Bingo’s where he will be a Bingo Babe and help call Bingo numbers. Brendan’s first major project is to be the Las Vegas PRIDE Aids Walk team leader. “Team Las Vegas PRIDE” is set and ready to go. Brendan is also going to do a fun project with the “Stitch Factory’s former Mr. Las Vegas PRIDE, Kevin Smith. They will be hosting a “Sash making workshop;” everyone who participates in the class will make a sash that they can wear proudly during the Aids Walk on April 19th. All proceeds from the class will be donated to Afan.
It all started with a phone call with his mother, I told her who I was and We are all very proud of Brendan and I was a big fan of the Queen Latifah I would love to do a story about look forward to his role as “Las Vegas talk show and Brendan made a guest Brendan. Arrangements were made PRIDE Youth Ambassador. appearance on her show, he was for me to talk to Brendan. quite funny, but what I got from him For more information about Brendan, was that he was very secure in his After chatting for 10 minutes or so, Afan’s 2015 Aids Walk or how to join own skin. Brendan did Brendan and Brendan told me he wanted to use his “Team Las Vegas PRIDE” for the Aids did not care what anyone said. That popularity to help the LGBT youth in Walk, please visit us online at: blew me away. Brendan and I shared his community here in Las Vegas. That www.lasvegaspride.org
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 47
BigHorn Rodeo BIGHORNRODEO.COM | NGRA.COM By Laura K. Scott, Rodeo Director
throughout the day and a good time will be had by all. (I can personally attest to this one). Some of these activities will be run by other nonprofits in town to help raise money for their associations as well as the bar will be hosted by the Sin Sity Sisters and all tips collected will go into their SADAP program. What’s better than an ice cold Sangria on a warm summer day? Not much. This year we are having a beautiful Sangria Garden so those of you 21 and over can enjoy a cool drink on a summer’s day. How about some great food to go along with that Sangria? We will have several different food choices to tantalize your pallet. Two Time World Champion Rich Armstrong
On behalf of the Nevada Gay Rodeo Association, we invite you to come on out and support NGRA as well as other non-profits in the community at BigHorn Rodeo 2015. We have quite a few different things going on. Wednesday, May 6 we are joining PRIDE for their monthly Family PRIDE Bingo event at Alexis Park hotel, happy hour at 6:00, and bingo at 7pm. Thursday we are doing the BigHorn Rodeo Scavenger hunt, starts at 5pm, at the Yardhouse Restaurant at the Linq. On Friday May 8th from noon until 5pm is our BigHorn Pool Party at the Alexis Park resort. A fashion show will be going on sponsored by HomoRodeo.com and Boot Barn. Also on Friday May 8th from 5pm until 10pm, we have the Two Chicks Barrel Race. This event is a first time for us and is free admission. The bar will be
Check out the models from the open as well there will be food and HomoRodeo.com Calendar all vendors. weekend long and catch the Phoenix Heatwave Dance Team who will be As always we have amazing rodeo performing Saturday night at Charlie’s action going on from 11am until 6pm, Las Vegas, 5012 Arville St. Saturday and Sunday, May 9th and 10th at Horseman’s Park, 5800 East These are just a few of the fun things Flamingo Road. Yes, we are going we have planned for BigHorn Rodeo back to weekend days. You can see 2015 and we would love to have you two time World Champion Richard be a part of it all. We could never Armstrong blowing up the arena again do any of this without your support. this year as well as some of our new NGRA does not raise the money contestants who have already proven for BigHorn Rodeo, our community at the Phoenix Rodeo in February that does, our sponsors do, and with they are a force. that support we are able to provide a venue and a great event for other There will be a dunk tank with some non-profits to come in and raise of the hottest men and yes, some hot money right alongside us. women too, donating their time to get wet just for you. We also are bringing Thank you from the Nevada Gay Rodeo back the NGRA jail. We haven’t used Association, BigHorn Rodeo 2015 and this for a few years so we are excited the Las Vegas community for your to bring it back. Look out though, you support. For more information go to, may be put in cuffs and taken away, www.ngra.com (like that’s a bad thing). This year we are having Beer Pong in our covered tent. There will be tournaments Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 49
Rodeo Schedule BIGHORNRODEO.COM
Wednesday, May 6th
Saturday, May 9th
6:00pm Cocktails, 7:00pm Bingo Alexis Park All-Suite Resort 375 East Harmon Las Vegas, NV 89109
11:00am Horseman’s Park 5800 E Flamingo Road Las Vegas, NV 89122
PRIDE Family Bingo
Thursday, May 7th
BigHorn Rodeo Scavenger Hunt 5:00pm Site to be Announced 3545 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, NV 89109
Friday, May 8th
BigHorn Rodeo Pool Party
12:00pm - 5:00pm Alexis Park All-Suite Resort Pool 375 East Harmon Las Vegas, NV 89109
Two Chicks 4D Barrel Race 5:00pm - 9:00pm Horseman’s Park 5800 E Flamingo Road Las Vegas, NV 89122
Contestant Registration 5:00pm - 8:00pm Horseman’s Park 5800 E Flamingo Road Las Vegas, NV 89122
Party in the Park
5:00pm – 10pm Horseman’s Park 5800 E. Flamingo Road Las Vegas, NV 89122
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BigHorn Rodeo 2015
NGRA Dance Party
9:00pm Charlie’s Las Vegas Beer Bust, Jell-O Shots, and Dancing Special Guests: The Phoenix Heatwave 5012 Arville Street Las Vegas, NV 89118
Sunday, May 10th BigHorn Rodeo 2015 11:00am Horseman’s Park 5800 E Flamingo Road Las Vegas, NV 89122
Awards Ceremony
8:00pm Horseman’s Park 5800 E Flamingo Road Las Vegas, NV 89122
Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride, Inc. presents
the 32nd annual pride celebration
May 16 & 17
Salt N Pepa +Spinderella
On Main Stage Saturday, May 16th
Visit longbeachpride.com for more information California’s 3rd Largest Festival Huge Sunday Parade with over 200 Parade entries
Spinderella
Applications for Booth & Vendors, Food Vendors, Food Truck, Parade, Volunteers, & Sponsorship Packet are available at longbeachpride.com
Main Stage - Dance - Leather Expo - Country - Urban Soul - Fiesta Caliente
CIGARS
AND THE LEATHERMAN COMMUNITY By Doc Tony | www.LUCOFLV.com
Why is it that most images that I search for throughout the internet of “Leatherman� are a picture of a masculine gay man in full leather and a big fat cigar in this hand. What is it about this image that resonates with the Leather community? Cigars are embedded into the Leatherman identity; they reinforce strength, calm, and success. The gay leather community developed from the post-WW2 motorcycle clubs and returning veterans, where the smoking of cigarettes and pipes was a way of life. Navy sailors were issued them in their daily meals and were handed out cigarettes in routine fashion. Motorcycle communities took on the habit, partially from an image of rebellion, sexuality, and masculinity perpetuated by Hollywood. As with many fetishes, the act was soon idolized and sexualized. The smells, touch, taste, and feel of the cigar was only part of the full experience. The cigar was a representation of the man smoking it, an extension of his power: to honor it, was to honor him. Cigar pIay is propagating the current BDSM scene. To enjoy a cigar is more than just to taste and inhale it; it has become an art, as so many fetishes are. We have taken this image of traditional manhood and built a ritual servitude around it. There are myriad books, groups, parties, and conventions created to revere the etiquette, smoke and ash. When I take a whiff of my cigar in my vest I know it is more than just a cigar. It is homage to the people who have walked before me and the path I have chosen to build for the people ahead, as most things are for a man of Leather.
54 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
PUTTING A FACE ON THE
LEATHER COMMUNITY By Earl A. Coffman | www.LasVegasBoysOfLeather.org
Some may call leather contests “beauty pageants” and title holders “beauty queens” but they are so much more than that when you look deeper. Leather contests and title holders give you a taste of the rainbow that is the Leather/BDSM/ Fetish world, from the rainbow of
people who make up that world. Besides providing entertainment for the audience and a way for the contestants to push themselves in ways they never thought they would, they also provide positive role models, educators and leadership for the community. For many people leather
contests and being a title holder give people a platform to work and speak to the greater good. To put a face on Leather/BDSM/Kink and make it not seem so scary to those who don’t understand it.
The following is a portion of Earl A. Coffman’s contestant speech for Mr. Oregon State Leather 2003 and International Mr. Leather 2004. everyone. As we made friends with e. We broke n re ild ch e er w e w When ches in lif started finding our ni we began to age, we s, Jocks, and Freaks. er ad s, Cheerle ain Br as ch su ps ou right where off in gr we all generally knew n tio ua ad gr ol ho Sc ets, many By High had our secrets. Secr e lives. us of e m so t bu , ed we belong for their entir detriment, will keep people, much to their our niche, ther we had found he W e. er w e w ho how who No matter w em, people told us th d ale ve re or s et how to kept our secr told us how to think, ey Th . be ld ou sh e they thought w how to talk. act, how to look, and ink hat other people th “W at th t gh ni to u yo you are and who I am here to tell atters is being who m t ha W . er att m t n’ does you want to be.” ght I was finally e 23. I came out. I thou ag at et cr se y m d ale they thought I I reve ople still told me who pe t bu y pp ha be to ething over the going t I have learned som bu do ll sti ey Th . be best me that I should I am going to be the d an e m e lik I s. ar t he is doing last 18 ye ho knows exactly wha w oy rb he at Le e tru can be. A g. and where he is goin t to do the e of you here tonigh on y er ev d an ch ea I challenge lves. same thing. Be yourse s is being matter. What matter t n’ es do k in th le op What other pe YOU want to be. who you are and who Thank you, Earl A. Coffman
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 55
LOOKING FOR EVENING FUN & FITNESS? CHECK OUT
SUNSET PARK LGBT VOLLEYBALL By Bill Jorgensen
The social side of gay volleyball in Las Vegas happens at Sunset Park. Organized in 2011, it’s been a social element in our gay community sports and activity environment.
7:00PM and continues until 10:3011:00PM. On occasion the group will conduct two games running simultaneously, each game reflecting different skill levels.
The group supports many different skill levels and not only enjoys the sporting aspect of volleyball, but also embraces the social and friendship side as well. Group members can look forward to many organized events like, BBQ’s, pot lucks, and other local get togethers.
Minimal donations are accepted and encouraged to support expenses for Throughout the summer the group courts and lighting, but not required. usually meets 3 nights a week, Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. To provide additional financial These days are subject to demand, support, the club will also solicit weather, and league play as well as sponsors for raffles and social events. other tournaments held at Sunset We acknowledge and thank Tropicana Park. This is a great opportunity to Gay Pool Party as a past sponsor. meet old friends and begin new relationships. To preserve consistency for our game and meeting location, we do reserve Join us for a great time! We look one court (usually court #1 opposite forward to seeing you there!
Our season occurs annually beginning near the end of March and ending in October, weather permitting. Game start time is usually between 6:00 and
62 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
the bleachers) for play. Look for the Rainbow Flags. The group maintains two Facebook pages, LGBT Volleyball Gay Social at Sunset Park, Las Vegas and also an event page, LGBTQ Volleyball Social.