A R O F NKS
THA
! N O S H SEA
T X I S T GREA
It was another year of un-guilty pleasure at Temptation Sundays! From your host J.Son, resident DJ Matt, and the entire Luxor staff, thank you for making this our best “body” of work yet. We can’t wait to see what our seventh season will reveal next May. luxor.com/LGBT #TemptationSundays
Together is a beautiful thing. This is a moment to celebrate. You’ve worked hard to get this far, and look at what you’ve accomplished. At Wells Fargo, we recognize your successes, and are committed to continuing support for the financial needs of our LGBT community, customers, and team members. Because when we work together to realize our dreams — it’s nothing short of a beautiful thing. wellsfargo.com/lgbt
© 2015 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (1323901_15946)
Frank Marino
an entrepreneur always sharing his success with others and giving back to our community
Frank celebrated a special anniversary this year, 30 years as Queen of the Neon Jungle. A Guinness World Records title holder for “Longest Running Headliner in Las Vegas.” Frank has countless accomplishments including being presented with the By Ernie Yuen, Executive Director, Las Vegas PRIDE Key to the City and also a Key to the Strip... I’m sure the city officials Frank and I have been friends for true friends, we pick up where we left change all their locks the very next day, about 14 years now. We don’t get to off - never missing a beat. Frank calls however he still has the keys. Frank see a lot of each other, however like himself a “Shameless Self Promoter,” was also honored with two “Stars” on the Vegas Walk Of Fame... Frank reminds me all the time “everyone else one has just 1.”
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS ON THE LAS VEGAS STRIP!
After 30 years Frank has had numerous bobble heads created after his image, and he created Boo Boo Bling, designer jeweled bandages for Divas... so what’s next? Frank never had anyone commission a “Frank Marino Doll” so like any smart selfpromoter Frank went to China and made his own damn doll. There is only 1 style of doll, and Frank claims the doll has more plastic than he does. With the help of stylist Shawn, the Frank Marino doll will have more costumes then Cher. Starting January 2016, Frank will be adding 1 costume a month that you can purchase on line. Frank told me his doll is a total Diva. You may purchase the doll at Frank Marino’s DIVAS show or on line
10 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
modeling his designer gowns. Frank’s follow up book to his auto biography is “Drags to Riches,” this books is more about how Frank became successful here in Las Vegas and an icon in the entertainment business. Gossip, Gossip, Gossip: You’re getting this here first and no one else knows. Frank wanted to let me tell all of you about his new TV reality show called “Behind the Queen.” He promises it is nothing like Drag Race, it’s a true reality show about Frank Marino’s every day life, it’s quite funny and very similar in style to Kathy Griffin’s “Life on the D List.” Check out Frank’s website FrankMarino.com for more information about his reality show.
at FrankMarino.com. You can keep up cookbook featuring many celebrity with the latest doll fashion on twitter chefs with great recipes. Frank has @queenofvegas. recently released his autobiography “His Majesty the Queen” Frank said When Frank isn’t busy playing with it’s a “Funny Read” and will keep you dolls, he’s working on his next project. laughing, “It’s all about me and how Many people don’t know this but I got into the business.” The book Frank has a couple of books out, also includes great make up tips and he has a picture/photo book and a tons of fashion photos with Frank
You can catch Frank Marino and his Divas 7 days a week at 9:30 every night at The Linq Theater. Each show is different, with all of his queens requesting time off, Frank promises the show is never the same. If drag is not your thing, Frank likes to show off seven of the hottest dancers on the strip... well Frank told me 6 are really hot but one of the dancers is kind of ugly. To find out who that is you’ll need to ask Frank himself. (wink) Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 11
Contents EVENTS
ARTICLES
PRIDE Events
10 Frank Marino: Celebrating 30 Years on the Las Vegas Strip!
36 Something to Think About: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!
13 Welcome
39 The LGBT Community Center
16 Confessions of a Sheltered Star Wars Geek
40 Community Ensures Future is Bright for one Center Youth 41 HIV & STD Testing
08 11th Annual HRC Gala
20 We Have Marriage Equality: Here are 4 Other Issues We Need to Focus On
14 Sin City Shootout 2016
22 N2N Bodywear
17 Lambda Business Luncheon
26 LGBT Community Directory
18 International Bear Convergence
28 2015 Year-End Wrap-Up
19 Dining Out for Life
30 Las Vegas PRIDE Map
34 Hustlaball Vegas 2016
32 Las Vegas Bar & Nightclub Schedule
10 Community Support Day 15 2016 PRIDE Family Bingo Other Events
42 Picnic By Design
44 Life: The Journey & The People Traveling With You
PUBLISHER Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. EDITOR Ernie Yuen LAYOUT & DESIGN Jake Naylor ADVERTISING Ernie Yuen, Lyndon R. Marquez & Clair Koetitz PHOTOGRAPHY Barbara Maeker, Marc Garcia, Chris Purdum (Orange Soda Photography) ON THE COVER Frank Marino COVER PHOTO BY Photo Courtesy of Frank Marino CONTRIBUTORS Paul Cieslewicz, Stampp Corbin, Bonnie Ware, and Eric Ryan
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.
12 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Welcome
BY ERNIE “PINEAPPLE” YUEN Welcome & Happy Anniversay!
Wow how time flies when you’re having fun! I can’t believe it has been one year since we launched Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine. It all started when we published our first Guide to Las Vegas PRIDE and it took off from there. We are so happy to be celebrating Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine‘s one year anniversary. The entire reason for publishing our magazine was to give our community a voice; there are very few non-profit magazines nationwide; we happen to be the only one on the west coast. On behalf of the Board of Directors I would like to say “thank you” for all of your support. This could not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and advertisers. We are excited for the many upgrades and additions we have planned for the upcoming year. We have an amazing review for the 2015 year. Many great things happened in our community. There is also an interesting article in this issue called “Before It’s Too Late.” As you start out 2016 and think about what you are going to do for the next twelve months, read this article; it made me “re-think” my outlook on life and restructure my self-worth and values. I hope you like it. 2016 is here... and of course we are all going to break our “New Year’s” resolutions, I stoped making that commitment years ago.
With marriage equality we have much to celebrate, but our job is not done, I hope you get a change to read the important article that includes four important issues that the LGBT Community continues to face. Join in the fight, help us make a difference. Speaking of Marriage Equality, Las Vegas PRIDE will be hosting our 3rd Wedding Expo on March 6, 2016, at the beautiful Emerald at Queensridge. We are currently accepting exhibitor applications on our website. The Las Vegas PRIDE Wedding Expo is always a free event to attend, you just need to register online at: www.lasvegaspride.org/weddings We hope that you will celebrate with us; this has been an unbelievable year. We are a community magazine; we are always looking for contributors for our magazine, photographers, writers, and artists. We offer all local LGBT 501c3 organizations space to promote their organization and events.
We could not celebrate our first anniversary without including the grand Diva himself, Frank Marino. Frank has always been a wonderful supporter of the Las Vegas LGBT Community. I had a chance to touch I Wish all of you a very Happy New base with Frank and see what we’ve Year. I can’t wait to see what’s going to come up next. I hope you enjoy got to look forward to in 2016. the magazine and please... be nice to Las Vegas PRIDE Family Bingo is back! each other! Starting February 3, with Mardi Gras Bingo, hosted at Alexis Park All Suite In Pride Resort. Bingo is always hosted on the first Wednesday of each month. Happy hour is from 6 to 7pm and Bingo starts Ernie “Pineapple” Yuen 7:00pm sharp. We are very excited for Executive Director all of the new sponsors and exciting Southern Nevada Association new prizes we have to offer. I hope to of PRIDE, Inc. see all of you there having lots of fun and many fabulous times.
9TH ANNUAL
SIN CITY SHOOTOUT 2015 Was An Amazing Success Now Get Ready For 2016! Welcome to the 9th annual Sin City Shootout Sports Festival, January 14 thru 18 the largest annual LGBT Sporting Event in the world! 3 new sports added for 2016! In 2007 the event started with the idea of creating the best LGBT softball tournament in the world and over the years has morphed into something much bigger & special as more sports are added yearly to the line up. For 2016 we will have over 8,500 participants & 23 different sports together for competitive fun on and off the fields as our nightly parties are not to miss events. According to Tournament Director Eric Ryan states, all events are planned with the athlete’s point of view. Event planners take into consideration that all athletes are traveling to Las Vegas to compete against the best of the best and to go along with that, make sure we provide the best sporting venues Las Vegas has to offer. This event is open to the public and they are encouraged to attend the competitions as well as enjoy the nightly venues crowded with 1,000’s of LGBT athletes. 14 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
2016 Las Vegas PRIDE Family Bingo Schedule February 3rd - “Mardi Gras” Bingo March 2nd - “Flamingo” Bingo Photos by Barbara Maeker
April 6th - “I wanna Lei- ya” Bingo May 4th- “Muy Caliente” Bingo June 1st - “Beach Blanket” Bingo July 6th - “Red, White and Blue” Bingo August 3rd - “Yellow Brick Road” Bingo September 7th- “Colors of Pride” Bingo October 5th - “Rocky Horror” Bingo November 2nd - “Mickie and Minny” Bingo December 7th - “Nutcracker” Bingo
www.LasVegasPRIDE.org
Confessions
to capture the people who were so dedicated that they would give up so much of their time for tickets to a movie that many would later consider inferior to the original films. That night during the 6:00pm news I got to see myself meekly waving to the By Paul Cieslewicz passing camera as they showcased the footage before a commercial Darth Vader is the devil! At least that In the years that followed I would see break. My level of geekiness was now was what I was led to believe by my all the Star Wars films and own them officially documented and had been parents growing up in a strict religious all in their multiple collected VHS, broadcast. family in the middle of “Absolute DVD and now Blu-ray boxed sets. Nowhere,” Wisconsin. Science fiction My dream to see them on the big Skip to the present as I wait with bated will rot your brain, and seeing Star screen, however, would remain out breath for the release of Star Wars: Wars was not allowed ever in my of reach. Then came the release of Episode VII - The Force Awakens. family’s house. I wasn’t sure exactly the Special Edition of Star Wars, now My geek flag once again flies high where in the Bible it was said that Star officially retitled Episode IV - A New as I count the days to seeing the Wars was a sin, probably somewhere Hope. I didn’t care that George Lucas continuation of the Star Wars saga. in Leviticus, but that’s what was was tinkering with them to the point Opening night tickets for the 3D IMAX instilled in my brain every time I dared of annoyance (Han shot first!), I was showing at The Palms have been bring up my wanting to see the films. finally going to see them the way they purchased (online this time), and should’ve been seen in the first place. much of my Black Friday budget was spent on new Star Wars items (damn Back in the days before the internet I had to rely on the local newspaper My roommate at the time had a you, BB-8!) The anticipation of seeing to see what was playing in the movie friend that worked at a movie theater old friends, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo theaters. The movie listings were in a nearby city. He had been invited and Princess Leia (now General Leia), always located in the second section to a special screening for friends & again has turned me into the giddy right after the sports page, but before family of the employees the night child that was never allowed to see the comic strips (my favorite part, of before it was to be released, and had the Star Wars films. Let’s see if I can course!). It didn’t matter what was gotten permission to bring me along. go fifteen minutes without blinking happening in the world, that was the My head was ready to explode from this time. May the Force be with you… section I turned to first every time. I the anticipation of seeing it on the big always! remember seeing the listing for Star screen finally. When the time came Wars at the historic Fox Theater for the movie to start, my roommate (foxonmain.org), and watched as got more of a kick watching my it played there for months before reaction to the movie than the movie finally ending. I felt a tinge of sadness itself. He swore that I did not blink for as it left the theater, and that same at least the first ten minutes of the sadness was repeated for each of movie, which didn’t surprise me at all. the subsequent films in the original I’d finally gotten my wish, and the grin trilogy. on my face lasted for days afterward.
OF A SHELTERED STAR WARS GEEK
It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I was able to finally see a Star Wars film, or at least part of one. As luck would have it, I would start off seeing them out of order. It was The Empire Strikes Back that I began watching on Beta (showing my age much?!) at my next door neighbor’s house, though I wouldn’t see the full movie, as my father somehow found out what I was watching, and had me come home posthaste. It was too late, though, as the fires of fanboy obsession had been fanned. 16 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Two years later came the release of the first of the prequel trilogy, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. The world was introduced to Darth Maul and Jar Jar Binks (well, nobody’s perfect…). I was once again in full geek mode, standing in line for hours in order to get my ticket to the opening night showing. The line (remember having to wait in those?) snaked through the corridor of the mall for nearly half a mile, and drew the interest of a local TV station. A cameraman was sent down the line
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.
FOUR DAYS OF POOL PARTIES, DANCE EVENTS AND WOOFY MEN!
Hosted at the Hard Rock Hotel FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5
Weekend Passes & Room Reservations at www.ibc-ps.com
WE HAVE MARRIAGE EQUALITY
HERE ARE 4 OTHER ISSUES WE NEED TO FOCUS ON
We all remember that Friday in June 2014, when the Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 in favor of marriage equality. Enshrining into law the “fundamental right to marry” for same-sex couples across the country. The LGBT community and our allies spent decades fighting for this landmark decision to happen and feared it would never come But while marriage equality supporters celebrated rejoicing with rainbowtinted Facebook avatars and joyous tweets proclaiming that “Love Wins”, the road to full equality remains long, 20 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
and there are still many serious issues facing the LGBT community. Here are four issues LGBT activists and allies can — and should — address now that marriage equality has been achieved.
Justice Coalition and other groups, found that nearly 50 percent of black LGBT people have experienced employment discrimination. Rates are significantly higher for transgender workers — some 90 percent of trans people have reported experiencing onEMPLOYMENT the-job harassment or mistreatment, DISCRIMINATION while 47 percent said they were fired, not hired or denied a promotion A 2013 Pew Research Center survey because of their gender identity, found that 21 percent of the LGBT according to a national survey. adults surveyed said their employer treated them unfairly because of their While 22 states have passed laws sexuality or gender identity. Another making job discrimination due to report, authored the National Black sexual orientation illegal — 19 also
transgender-related health care exclusions keep transgender and gender non-conforming people from accessing medically necessary care such as mental health services, surgery and hormone therapy.
POVERTY Research shows that anti-LGBT discrimination has harmful effects on LGBT workers’ economic wellbeing, leading to high rates of unemployment, homelessness, poor health and food insecurity. Pew found that LGBT workers are more likely to earn less annually compared to the general U.S. population. And the transgender discrimination survey found that trans respondents are nearly four times more likely to earn below $10,000 a year than the average American. A 2009 Williams Institute report also found that samesex couples are two times more likely to live in poverty than different-sex couples, while single LGB adults are 1.2 times more likely to be poor than their straight counterparts.
VIOLENCE
include gender identity — LGBT access, contribute to health disparities workers still lack federal protection. for the LGBT community. According the Fenway Institute, LGBT people are The Employment Non-Discrimination more likely than straight people to Act, or ENDA, has been introduced in report unmet health needs and have nearly every Congress since 1994, but difficulty accessing care and obtaining the hotly contested federal bill didn’t insurance, which leads to higher rates make any headway until 2013, when of disease, chronic illness, drug use, the Senate for the first time passed mental illness and obesity among the legislation. Still, it failed to make it the population. These disparities to the president’s desk. are exacerbated for the transgender community. The Transgender Law Center found that, in the private HEALTH CARE market, the pervasiveness of gender discrimination in insurance, Social and systematic discrimination, identity denial of insurance coverage and as well as inadequate health care
Lesbian, gay and transgender people, especially those of color, experience violence at disproportionately high rates compared to straight cisgender people. According to the FBI, bias against sexual orientation and gender identity accounted for more than 21 percent of hate crimes reported in 2013, with sexuality the second most common single-bias category following race. Moreover, the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs found that while transgender survivors and victims represented only 19 percent of anti-LGBT violence reported to the organization, transgender women of color accounted for 50 percent of homicide victims. Seven transgender women of color were murdered in the United States during January and February alone of this year; as the Southern Poverty Law Center has pointed out, that’s nearly a murder a week. Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 21
LGBT COMMUNITY DIRECTORY NIGHTLIFE | BUSINESSES | COMMUNITY RESOURCES | SPIRITUALITY
GAY BARS 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
Charlie’s Las Vegas
5012 S. Arville Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89118 (702) 876-1844 charlieslasvegas.com Open 24/7, Gaming, No Cover
The Eagle
3430 E. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89121 (702) 458-8662 facebook.com/thelasvegaseagle Open 24/7, 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 26 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
The Phoenix
Share Nightclub
Quadz Video Bar
BUSINESSES
4213 W. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89102 (702) 826-2422 facebook.com/thephoenixlv Open Noon – 4am, Gaming, No Cover 4640 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89169 (702) 733-0383 quadzbar.com Open 24/7, Gaming, No Cover
Spotlight Lounge
975 E. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 431-9775 spotlightlounge.com Open 24/7. Gamins. No Cover
GAY NIGHTCLUBS Flex Nightclub
4347 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89102 (702) 878-3355 flexlasvegas.com Open 24/7, Gaming, No Cover
Goodtimes Nightclub & Bar
1775 E. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89119 (702) 736-9494 facebook.com/goodtimesbarlv Open 24/7, Gaming, Cover Varies
Piranha Nightclub
4633 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89169 (702) 791-0100 piranhavegas.com Open nightly 10pm, No Cover
4636 Wynn Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89103 (702) 258-2684 sharenightclub.com Open Thur – Sat, 10pm, No Cover
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
Hawks Gym
953 E. Sahara Ave., #35B Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 731-4287 hawksgym.com Club for Men
Onyx Theater
953 E. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 732-7225 Theater
Tito Jimy
3900 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89169 (702) 862-4577 titojimyllc.com Underwear. Swimwear, Sportswear
Leather Uniform Club (LUC) of Las Vegas Las Vegas boys of Leather lasvegasboysofleather.org
4001 S. Decatur Blvd. #37-540 Las Vegas, NV 89103-5800 (866) 930-3336 lasvegaspride.org
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Las Vegas Men’s Chorus
Southern Nevada Bi-Sexuals
Aid for Aids of Nevada
lasvegasprimetimers.com
1120 Almond Tree Ln. Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 382-2326 afanlv.org
Aids Healthcare Foundation (702) 862-8074 aidshealth.org
American Civil Liberties Union (702) 366-1226 aclunv.org
The Center
401 S. Maryland Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV 89101 (702) 733-9800 thecenterlv.org
Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada 714 E. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 369-8700 cccofsn.wix.com/ccc-new
Golden Rainbow
714 E. Sahara Ave. #101 Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 384-2899 goldenrainbow.org
HRC Las Vegas
hrc.org/lasvegas info@hrclv.org
Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the Desert Empire P.O. Box 46481 Las Vegas, NV 89114 desertempire.org
lucoflv.com
Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. (Las Vegas PRIDE)
lvmenschorus.org
Las Vegas Prime Timers National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Nevada Gay Rodeo Association (NGRA) ngra.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
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
Meet on the Second Monday of Every Month at The Center
Trevor Project Suicide Hotline for LGBT Youth 1-866-488-7386 thetrevorproject.org
SPIRITUALITY Community Spiritual Center 8125 West Sahara Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89117 (702) 451-4608 communityspiritualcenter.com
Metropolitan Community Church 1140 Almond Tree Lane Las Vegas, NV 89104 702-369-4380 mcclv.com
Northwest Community Church 101 S. Rancho Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89106 (702) 562-1897 nwcclv.org
SGI-USA Buddhist Center 2725 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89102 (702) 258-6489 sgi-usa-lasvegas.org
Unity Center in the Valley 3037 E. Warm Springs Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89120 (702) 435-3289 unitycenterinthevalley.org
For more information about this directory or to suggest a correction or addition, please write to us at magazine@lasvegaspride.org. Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 27
Wrap-up
2015 YEAR-END
By Stampp Corbin
2015 will be remembered as the inflection point in LGBT civil rights, where everything begins to move forward at a quicker pace, whether it is the approval of the Equality Act, transgender specific rights or simply the first drama centered around LGBT characters on network TV. It may not be smooth sailing going forward but we are finally out of the marriage hurricane.
secretary of the Army, spoke about LGBT equality during a visit to Kenya in front of its homophobic president, illuminated the White House in rainbow colors to celebrate the samesex marriage ruling and endorsed the Equality Act. Coupled with the litany of rights and policies his administration has implemented, you would think Obama was the first gay president. You would think everyone in our community would be singing Here are the LGBT events and stories President Obama’s praises, but… that touched and amused us most deeply in 2015.
Gender Neutral Bathrooms San Diego Airport and the White House debuted gender neutral bathrooms this year. The single occupancy restrooms have been popping up at high schools, restaurants, colleges and universities all across America. San Diego has the most interesting sign that somehow created a new third gender but progress nonetheless.
The Year of Caitlyn Bruce Jenner rung in 2015 as well, Bruce Jenner. However, she will ring in 2016 as Caitlyn. No matter what you think about Caitlyn Jenner, she defined the conversation about the transgender community this year. From her introduction to the world on the Vanity Fair cover, to her TV show I am Cait Jenner was everywhere. But controversy was not far behind, like when she stated that she was Republican and intended to vote that way, or simply not understanding fully the money and job struggles of the normal transgender community.
The Gay President President Obama continued to move LGBT civil rights forward in 2015. Not resting on his laurels, Obama nominated the first openly gay 28 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Tiffany & Co. Gay Engagement Ad Pope Francis It was Pope Francis’ schizophrenic LGBT year. Whether it was giving an LGBT group the VIP treatment at the Vatican, ex-communicating a gay priest, meeting with gay and transgender prisoners in Naples or reaffirming his opposition to samesex marriage, Pope Francis kept us guessing in 2015. On his first trip to the U.S., the pope met with Kim Davis, a clerk that refused to issue samesex marriage licenses in Kentucky, compared transgender people to nuclear weapons, yet welcomed gay comedian and TV reporter Mo Rocca to give the Lector, or first reading. Talk about mixed messaging; but it seems the Pontiff is moving the Church slowly toward LGBT acceptance.
The revered jeweler Tiffany debuted an ad featuring a gay couple. It was the first ad with an LGBT couple in the company’s 178 year-old history. The “Will You?” campaign featured six different couples one being of the same sex. Let freedom ring. Scouts Lift Ban on Gay Leaders The Boy Scouts rescinded their ban on LGB adult scout leaders but extended exemptions to those troops that were run by religious organizations. Despite a threat by the Mormon Church to leave over the new policy, the Church ultimately decided to stay in the Scouting fold. Originally Posted by LGBT Weekly Thursday, December 10th, 2015
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Bars and Clubs 1- Badland Saloon
Businesses
7- The Garage
953 E. Sahara Ave. 702-792-9262
1487 E. Flamingo Rd. 702-440-6333
2- Bastille on 3rd
8- Good Times Nightclub
1402 S. Third St. 702-385 9298
1487 E. Flamingo Rd. 702-736-9494
3- Charlie’s Las Vegas
9- Las Vegas Eagle
14- The Center
15- Get Booked 4640 Paradise Rd. 702-737-7780
5012 Arville St. 702-876-1844
3430 E .Tropicana Ave. 702 458-8662
4- The Phoenix
10- Piranha Night Club
4213 W Sahara Ave. 702-826-2422
702-379-9500
5- 8 ½ Ultra Lounge
4640 Paradise Rd. 702-733-0383
4633 Paradise Rd. 702-379-9500
6- Flex Cocktail Lounge 4371 W. Charleston Blvd. 702-431-9775
501 S. Maryland Pkwy. 733-9800
16- Entourage Spa
953 E. Sahara Ave., Ste A19 702-650-9191
17- Hawks Gym
11- Quadz Video Bar
953 E Sahara Ave., Ste 101-102 702-731-4295
12- Spotlight Lounge 975 E. Sahara Ave. 702-431-9775
13- funhog ranch 495 E. Twain Ave. 702-791-7001
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@VegasPride Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 31
LAS VEGAS BAR & NIGHTCLUB SCHEDULE HOURS | SPECIALS | NIGHTLY EVENTS | AMENITIES | LOCALS SPECIALS Bastille on 3rd (702) 385-9298
Open 10am-2am / Gaming Jukebox / Free Trivia Daily Special: 2-4-1 Drinks (11am-2pm & 4pm-8pm) Monday: 1/2 Price Martinis (8pm-11pm) Tuesday: Top Shelf Tuesdays - $3 Off (8pm-11pm) Wednesday: $3.50 Patron Silver Shots (8pm-11pm) Thursday: $3 Fireball or Jager Shots (8pm-11pm) Friday: $4 Absolut (8pm-11pm) Saturday: $4 Any Jack Daniel’s or Bacardi (8pm11pm) Sunday: $2.50 Well & $2 Off Signature Cocktails (8pm-11pm)
Charlie’s Las Vegas (702) 876-1844
Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Billiards / Darts Daily Special: 2-4-1 Drinks (3pm-8pm & 3am-8am) Monday: Karaoke with Wil (9pm-1am) Tuesday: Double Dare Game (9pm) / $2 Long Islands, $8 Beer Bust (9pm-Midnight) Wednesday: Underwear Night - Guys in Guys Underwear Drink Free Wells & Select Beers Thursday: Free Line Dance Lessons (7pm) / 2-4-1 Drinks till 10pm Friday: Studs and Suds - Hot GoGos Shower on Stage (10pm) / $10 Well Liquor Bust, $20 Premium (9pmMidnight) Saturday: $8 Draft Beer Bust (9pm-Midnight) Sunday: $8 Draft Beer Bust (4pm-8pm) / 3-4-1 Drinks (8pm-11pm)
Flex Cocktail Lounge (702) 431-9775
Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Billiards / Darts Monday: Movie Mondays - Movies & Fresh Popcorn (7pm-1am) Tuesday: $2 Drafts, $2 Wells (7pm-Late) Wednesday: Dragaokie! (9pm-1am) Thursday: FlamBOYance Drag Show (11pm) Friday: Dance Party - GoGo Boys, Live DJ Saturday: What a Drag (11pm) Sunday: $4 Bloody Mary & Mimosa Specials (10am4pm) / Sing-Along Sundays (3pm-7pm) 32 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
Fun Hog Ranch (702) 791-7001
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
Open 24 Hours / Billiards / Darts / Shuffleboard Daily Special: 2-4-1 Drinks (11am-7pm) Monday: $4 Absolut Cocktails / Beer Bust ($5 Domestic, $8 Import, 9pm-Midnight) Tuesday: $3 Fireball Shots / Liquor Bust ($10 Wells or $20 Premiums, 9pm-Midnight) Wednesday: $4 Jack Daniels / Beer Bust ($5 Domestic, $8 Import, 9pm-Midnight) Thursday: $3 Off Top Shelf Liquor Friday: $3 Cherry/Jager Bombs Saturday: Half Price Long Islands Sunday: $3.50 Patron Silver Shots / Liquor Bust ($10 Wells or $20 Premiums, 9pm-Midnight) / Beer Bust ($5 Domestic, $8 Import, 5pm-9pm)
GoodTimes (702) 736-9494
Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Billiards Daily Specials: 2-4-1 Drinks (3pm-7pm) / Lunch Specials (1pm-8pm) Tuesday: Karaoke Thursday: Insurgence Friday: Variety Fridays - American & Latin Pop Saturday: Latin Night
The Phoenix Bar & Lounge (702) 826-2422 Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Billiards / Food Daily Special: 2-4-1 Drinks (11am-7pm)
Tuesday: Funderwear Night (9pm-1am) / Underwear Night / Go Go Boys / $5 Liquor Bust Wednesday: Hump Day Happy Hour (9pm-1am) Thursday: Karaoke with Sheila (9pm-1am) Friday: Phired Up Fridays (9pm-1am) / Go Go Boys / Drag Show / Beer Bust Saturday: Brunch (11am-1pm) Sunday: Brunch (11am-1pm) / Karaoke with Sheila (9pm-1am)
Piranha & 8 1/2 Ultra Lounge (702) 379-9500
Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Free Billiards Daily Special: 2-4-1 Liquor & Draft Beer (12pm-9pm)
Quadz Video Bar (702) 733-0383
Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Billiards / Darts Daily Special: 2-4-1 Drinks (Noon-8pm) Monday: Karaoke Tuesday: Trivia / Liquor/Beer Bust Wednesday: Game Night & Way Back Wednesday (10pm-3am) Thursday: Free Billiards All Day / Liquor/Beer Bust (8pm-11pm) Friday: Showtunes & Fresh Fridays DJ (10pm-3am) / Liquor/Beer Bust (8pm-11pm) Saturday: Saturday Your Way DJ (10pm-3am) / $1 Schnapps Shots, $3 Fireball Shots Sunday: Country Sundays - Country Music & Videos / $3 Sweet Tea Vodka
Monday: 50% Off Drinks (4pm-9pm, with Industry Card) Tuesday: Piranha Idol Karaoke / La Noche at the Tropics (Drag Show at 2am) Wednesday: Boylesque Drag Show Thursday: Drag Queen Bingo (7pm-11pm) / $20 Unlimited Wells / Hot Body Contest Friday: Theme Party Nights - 2 Rooms, 2 Different Sounds / Hot GoGos Saturday: Theme Party Nights - 2 Rooms, 2 Different Sounds / After Hours (4am) Sunday: El Deseo / Sinful Sundays Goddess Show (1:30am)
SHARE Nightclub (702) 258-2681
Open Thursday-Saturday, 10pm-4am Daily Special: Locals Drink Free 10pm-12am & 2am-4am Thursday: SHARE Thursday Friday: Stripper Circus Saturday: SHARE Saturdays
Spotlight Lounge (702) 431-9775
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)
UPCOMING EVENTS Feb. 3rd - “Mardi Gras” Bingo Mar. 2nd - “Flamingo” Bingo www.LasVegasPRIDE.org Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 33
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SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late! By Bonnie Ware, Editor’s Note by Ernie Yuen
This article was originally written by Bonnie Ware, a nurse who made it a practice to ask her patients before they die if they had any regrets. She posted the top five responses on her website. The post is no longer available, but Ware’s message, and the messages of her patients, are timeless.
learned never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them. When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. It is very important to try and honor at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.
For many years Bonnie worked in palliative care. Her patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. Bonnie was with them for the 1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a 2. I wish I didn’t work so hard. last three to twelve weeks of their life true to myself, not the life others lives. expected of me. This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their People grow a lot when they are faced This was the most common regret of children’s youth and their partner’s with their own mortality. Bonnie all. When people realize that their life companionship. Women also spoke of 36 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence. By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle. 3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
misses their friends when they are happiness is a choice. They had stayed dying. stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called “comfort� of familiarity It is common for anyone in a busy overflowed into their emotions, lifestyle to let friendships slip. But as well as their physical lives. Fear when you are faced with your of change had them pretending to approaching death, the physical others, and to their selves, that they details of life fall away. People do want were content. When deep within, to get their financial affairs in order they longed to laugh properly and if possible. But it is not money or have silliness in their life again. status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in When you are on your deathbed, order more for the benefit of those what others think of you is a long way they love. Usually though, they are from your mind. How wonderful to too ill and weary to ever manage this be able to let go and smile again, long task. It is all comes down to love and before you are dying. relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose and relationships. consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness. 5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. This is a surprisingly common one. Many developed illnesses relating to Many did not realize until the end that the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result. We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win. 4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone
Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 37
401 S. Maryland Pkwy. • Las Vegas, NV 89101 • 702-733-9800 • www.TheCenterLV.org
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Community ensures future is bright for one Center youth
Photo courtesy of Cashman Photo.
A
t the age of 16, an unhealthy home environment made it necessary for one young Center patron, a transgender man named Tristan Torres, to enter the foster care system. Over the next nine months, Tristan was placed in increasingly unaccepting and often hostile foster homes. He frequently had to advocate for himself because of the lack of support both from his foster parents and from the system itself. “The biggest thing I took away from [the foster care experience] was not to trust every individual you encounter, because there were a lot of government officials that I just put my trust into blindly, and I found out they weren’t on board with my identity or me being who I was,” he says. Now 18, Tristan is reunified with his family, but the circumstances are far from ideal. He has dreams of moving out and attending UNLV after his December graduation from high school, which he attends online. A long-time member of the QVolution youth program and Trans.lation group at The Center, Tristan was asked to share his personal story at the 21st Annual Honorarium, held on October 17. His story was meant to inspire attendees to donate to The Center, so the organization can continue to support others in our community like Tristan, but our community came together in a delightfully unexpected manner to support this young man’s dreams. Former board president Raymond Wilmer interrupted the program to grab the mic and share the good news that a friend was so moved by
TRISTAN TORRES TELLS HIS STORY AT THE CENTER’S 21ST ANNUAL HONORARIUM
Tristan’s story that he wanted to contribute $5,000 toward Tristan’s UNLV education. Immediately, four other generous individuals came forward to also pledge the same amount. Within minutes, $25,000 had been raised for his education. Tristan had already left the venue and didn’t witness this outpouring of support first-hand. “When I heard it from Michael [Dimengo, CEO of The Center, who shared the news with Tristan later], I didn’t believe it,” he says. “It took me a few days to process it and sit down and realize a lot of people have hope for me as a foster youth joining the academic world in post-secondary education.”
With his college education now fully possible, Tristan looks forward to studying business with a goal of starting a nonprofit organization. “I want to have a full-fledged nonprofit dedicated to LGBTQ foster youth. It’s a very small community, but I want some resources out there for them, because they are totally overlooked in the foster care system. I was overlooked, so I just want people to have resources.” When asked if he will remain in his hometown of Las Vegas, Tristan says, “I need to be in a place where I still see problems in the trans community, which is Vegas.” q
Life: The Journey & The People Traveling With You By suitpup/slave jason/boy Jason/Jason
Ever notice that in life in general, and as a Person of Leather, everything is a Path, or some other traveling/journey metaphor? Well, I can tell you, at least in my experience, that path has some twists, some turns, and even some double backs, and a wild goose chase or two. Discovering who you are and where you fit isn’t easy at all, but I have learned two things; that every journey no matter how small or brief is important, and that you will always travel better when you have friends, colleges, acquaintances, and sometimes just someone to walk with. In my journey to discover what is in my Leather Heart, I have been a pup/ pup slave, served as a slave, been a boy & a houseboy, and at times, I have been just Jason. Throughout each stage of exploration, I have been blessed to have people there with me to help me see where I am going, is this working for me, and what do I need to change to get to where I want to be. When I was a pup/pup slave, for a while I had a pup brother. We would talk with each other to share our feelings and experiences. He decided, a few months earlier than I that the man we were serving was not the right man to be with. I still chat with my former pup brother on occasion, and do not speak with our former owner/trainer When I was serving a Master as His slave, for a while I was happy, but a few things happened (job changes, medical issues, family issues) and we discovered that we were wanting different things and that what the other wanted, I/He couldn’t provide. 44 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
We decided to end things amicably In my times as just Jason, I have had and remain friends to this day. many friends to chat with, and enjoy my time. A few years ago, I had two of the best people ever to be a part of my life as I don’t think my journey through life roommates. These two Leather/Bear will ever end, except of course, for... Daddies helped/let me explore the well you know. I am grateful for all of Leatherboy part of my heart. It was a my family and friends that have been, great time of my life. It wasn’t always currently are, and those that will be easy, we had many disagreements, my traveling companions. and even an actual fight (not physical) when my idea of “boy” and theirs To quote The Doctor in his various clashed. They are no longer my incarnations, “Where would you like roommates, in fact one of them has to go?” passed on, but they will always be a part of my Heart.
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