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Pride Journey: Las Vegas

By Joey Amato

Photos: PR, Joey Amato

Las Vegas, known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, embraces LGBTQ culture with open arms, making it a thriving hub for the community. Iconic events like the annual Las Vegas Pride Parade and Festival bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate diversity and unity. Las Vegas Pride is typically in early October so start planning now.

The city’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the diverse range of LGBTQ-friendly accommodations, ensuring that visitors feel welcome and respected. Beyond the nightlife, Las Vegas hosts a variety of LGBTQ-focused community organizations, support groups, and cultural events that contribute to the rich tapestry of the city’s inclusive ethos. Whether exploring the famous entertainment offerings or participating in community-driven initiatives, LGBTQ individuals and allies alike find a warm and accepting home in the vibrant tapestry of LGBTQ culture in Las Vegas.

Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to stay at Bellagio. Their iconic foundations have fascinated me for decades. The hotel stands as an epitome of luxury and sophistication, offering an unparalleled experience that seamlessly blends opulence, entertainment, and fine dining. From the moment you step into the grand lobby, it’s evident that Bellagio is committed to providing a world-class stay, especially when you glance at the ceiling adorned with Chihuly glass sculptures.

I stayed in a recently renovated room in the Spa Tower with an unobstructed view of the Vegas strip and the fountains. The attention to detail is evident in the tasteful decor, plush furnishings, and modern amenities. Beginning at 3pm on weekdays and noon on weekends, the choreographed water show set against the backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip is a mesmerizing display of artistry, combining music, light, and water in perfect harmony. It sets the tone for the exquisite experiences that await within Bellagio.

Bellagio is also home to the famous Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a lush oasis that undergoes seasonal transformations, displaying stunning floral displays and thematic installations. This botanical escape provides a serene contrast to the lively atmosphere of the casino and the bustling Strip. During our stay, the staff were completing their new Springtime exhibition, which gave us Alice in Wonderland vibes.

For those seeking entertainment, Bellagio offers the spectacular “O” by Cirque du Soleil, a waterthemed extravaganza that complements the hotel’s overall theme. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is another cultural gem within the hotel, featuring rotating exhibitions that display masterpieces from around the world.

Although it is possible to never leave the hotel, we wanted to experience other MGM Resorts properties, so we headed to LPM at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for dinner. LPM offers an exquisite dining experience that effortlessly marries Mediterranean charm with the vibrant energy of the Strip. From the moment you step through the entrance, you are greeted by an

ambiance that strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and conviviality.

LPM’s interior is a visual feast, adorned with chic decor, warm lighting, and an intimate atmosphere. The combination of contemporary design elements and classic French accents creates a welcoming space that feels both elegant and comfortable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or seeking a romantic dinner, LPM’s ambiance sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

LPM’s menu is a culinary triumph, highlighting the rich and diverse flavors of the French Riviera. The emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every dish. We began our meal with a variety of appetizers, including the Yellowtail Carpaccio, Escargots, and their signature Burrata prepared with heritage tomatoes and basil and topped with white truffles. For our main courses, we decided to focus on seafood entrees, so we tried the Lobster Risotto and grilled Chilean Bass. Both were prepared to perfection and paired very well together if you are looking to share entrees.

Of course, one of the biggest attractions of Las Vegas is the strip itself. Spend a few hours meandering through each hotel and taking in the Vegas vibe. There is no other place in the world quite like it.

If you are in the mood for a little adventure, head to Area15, located about 10 minutes from the strip. Area15 is an immersive entertainment complex that blends art, technology, and entertainment in a unique and captivating way. Boasting an otherworldly exterior and a dynamic interior, Area15 is home to a variety of innovative experiences, including interactive art installations and virtual reality adventures. Its anchor tenant, the Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, is a surreal supermarket-

like environment filled with mind-bending art and hidden mysteries. The venue also hosts concerts and live events including Beyond Brunch, a variety show hosted by drag queen extraordinaire Andrew Ryan. The 2-hour spectacle includes a wonderful buffet and performances by talented acts ranging from hoop dancers to Cirque-style entertainers. The show is well worth the price of admission; it is not your typical drag brunch.

Spend the afternoon touring Area15 or head to The Sphere, Las Vegas’ newest concert venue. Rock icons U2 opened the venue with a 40-night run, but guests can purchase tickets to Darren Aronofsky’s multisensory film Postcard from Earth.

For a trip down memory lane, especially if you are in you were born in the 70s or 80s, check out Retro by Voltaggio at Mandalay Bay. The restaurant owned by Top Chef stars, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, takes diners on a nostalgic journey through time, blending modern culinary techniques with comforting flavors reminiscent of classic American dishes set in a retro-chic environment. The space is adorned with quirky memorabilia, neon accents, and a colorful palette that captures a sense of nostalgia without feeling overly kitschy, creating a welcoming environment for diners to unwind and enjoy the culinary adventure.

Retro by Voltaggio’s menu is a playful exploration of classic American favorites. We started our dinner with the Deviled Eggs with smoked trout roe along

with the Beet Steak Tartare, which was incredible. Next came the bluefin tuna Ceviche served over coconut crushed ice. For our entrees we tried the Trout Meuniere, which was served in a lemon and caper sauce, as well as the Lobster Thermidor with lobster waffles…yes, you read that correctly. It was as delicious as it sounds.

Save room for the dessert cart which contains innovative creations that satisfy the sweet tooth. Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic flavors or simply seeking a unique and enjoyable meal, Retro by Voltaggio is worth the visit.

After dinner, catch a performance of Michael Jackson “ONE” by Cirque du Soleil also at Mandalay Bay. The show is a captivating tribute to the King of Pop that seamlessly blends the magic of Cirque du Soleil with the timeless music and iconic choreography of Michael Jackson. From the moment the lights dim to the final bow, the show is a high-energy, emotionally charged celebration of the legendary entertainer’s life and legacy. This isn’t your typical Cirque du Soleil show and is more

like a concert featuring all of Michael’s greatest hits, memorable dance moves, and state-of-the-art production. I felt like “ONE” is the type of concert Michael would have wanted to perform if he were still with us.

The thing I like most about Vegas is it is always evolving. Every time you visit, there is something new to see or do. Viva Las Vegas!

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Deep Inside Queer Hollywood

By Romeo San Vicente March 2024

Photos: Debby Wong, PR

Russell Tovey Is a Conflicted Queer Cop In ʻPlainclothes’

The history of the LGBTQ+ community and its relationship to the police is a fraught one, embedded with generations of trauma, injustice and punishment, from well before the Stonewall riots to the present day. And that’s the backdrop for the new feature film from writer-director Carmen Emmi, “Plainclothes,” a period 1990s-set drama, inspired by true events, about an undercover police officer tasked with entrapping and arresting queer men. Russell Tovey (“Feud: Capote vs. The Swans”) stars as the cop who finds himself attracted to one of the men (Tom Blyth, “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”) that he arrests. Obviously, existential and career conflict ensues, and that’s just the fallout for the guy who didn’t wind up in jail. It begins shooting in Syracuse, New York, soon, so keep an eye out for it.

Elliot Page Producing Cheerleading Drama ʻBackspot’

“Bring It On” fans, you need a little more serious drama in your cheerleader-movieloving life, and Elliot Page is here to deliver it. He’s producing the film “Backspot,” a queer cheerleading-centered film from writer Joanne Sarazen and non-binary director D.W. Waterson. It stars rising talent Devery Jacobs — so wonderful in the great series “Reservation Dogs” — as an ambitious cheerleader, and Evan Rachel Wood as her very demanding coach. Further plot details aren’t currently known, but according to advance word this is a complex queer story that detours from the norm and pushes boundaries, and that’s always welcome news. It’s shooting right now, which probably means a 2025 release.

International Queer Cinema Alert!

What happens when an undocumented South American gay man finds himself in the North American queer mecca of Provincetown?

That’s the premise of Brazilian filmmaker

Marco Calvani’s feature film, “High Tide,” which took its U.S. bow recently at the South By Southwest Film Festival. The romantic drama stars queer actor Marco Pigossi as a Brazilian immigrant finding his way in a strange land full of carefree people on vacation, and the unexpected romance he finds blooming with an African American nurse. It’s queer indie through and through — think themes of loneliness and isolation while everyone around you is dancing to house music and doing shots — with a cast that includes up-and-comer James Bland as well as “Tangerine” star Mya Taylor and the legendary Marisa Tomei. Look for this one to hit streaming or your friendly neighborhood arthouse sometime in the near future.

Get Ready for The ʻJerrod Carmichael Reality Show’

The perpetually low-key stand-up comic/ actor Jerrod Carmichael has had a fascinating past few years. He came out on a stand-up special, co-starred in the Oscar-nominated film “Poor Things,” and now he’s doing reality TV. OK, his version of it, anyway. No stranger to turning the camera on himself for short personal documentaries, Carmichael is gearing up for “Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show,” where he’ll investigate the nature of speaking truth in front of an audience. Included in the just-dropped trailer are a previously unseen boyfriend, a masked friend with a secret identity who challenges him about the production of the special itself (our guess: Bo Burnham), and some heartbruising glimpses at family conversations, one of which involves his mother praying for God to take away Carmichael’s queerness. It drops very soon — March 29 — on HBO and Max.

Romeo San Vicente will pray for you, bless your heart.

David Clifton-Strawn

George Santos Creeps Away From the Republican Party

By D’Anne Witkowski Photos: U.S. Congress/congree.gov

Oh, hey, everybody. How are things going? Are they perfect and great? Why, yes. Yes they are. First of all, everybody’s favorite pathologically lying gay George Santos is running for of ce again, because of course he is. You may remember that Santos previously represented New York’s Third Congressional District on Long Island until the U.S. house voted to expel his ass. Why did they expel him? So, so many reasons.

“He had been caught in numerous lies about his education, work experience and more, and had been indicted for various crimes, such as fraud, conspiracy, and falsifying records (he has pleaded not guilty to all the charges),” The Advocate reports. “Also, a detailed investigation by the House Ethics Committee uncovered extensive evidence of alleged misconduct, including campaign nance violations and misrepresentation of his background. A er the report came out, he said he wouldn’t seek reelection.”

Wait, he said he wouldn’t run again and now… he’s running? What is he, some kind of liar? (Yes, yes he is.)

Santos was even at Biden’s State of the Union, sitting next to extremist Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, who has legal problems of his own. And just how did Santos get in there? According to ABC News, “As a former member, Santos retains the privilege of accessing the House oor. He would need to be convicted of one of his criminal charges to be banned from the oor.”

In case you were wondering just how delusional Santos is, on March 7 he posted to X that he is running again: “I have made several personal sacri ces in the name of serving the American people. My promise is that I will never back down because of my love for this country.” Ah, yes. If Santos is known for anything it’s for his many personal sacri ces made in the name of loving America.

Santos also called out Republican incumbent Nick LaLota, writing, “He is a willing [sic] to risk the future of our majority and the future of this country for his own political gain. A er a lot of prayer and conversation with my friends and family, I have made a very important decision that will shake things up.”

But Santos quickly decided that he’s not going to run as a Republican: “The Republican Party continues to lie and swindle its voter base. I in good conscience cannot af liate myself with a party that stands for nothing and

falls for everything. I am of cially suspending my petitioning in #NY0 to access the ballot as a Republican and will be lling [sic] to run as an independent,” Santos posted on X March 24. “I will take my Ultra MAGA/Trump supporting values to the ballot in November as an Independent.” Santos then gives a shout-out to LaLota and potential Democratic challenger John Avlon saying, “I’ll see you boys in November!”

Now, Santos is absolutely right that the Republican Party “stands for nothing and falls for everything.” What he is not right about is that George Santos running as an Independent for Congress will in any way x that. With luck he will pull votes away from Lakota and help Avlon or whoever wins the Democratic primary in June win in November.

Unsurprisingly, LaLota had some thoughts. “George Santos’ expulsion from Congress was good for the nation and his resignation from the Republican Party is good for commonsense conservatives,” LaLota said according to The Huf ngton Post. “Santos can watch me defend this important swing district and the November election results from his prison cell as he’s being held accountable for stealing an election and ripping off donors.” Tell us how you really feel, LaLota!

The Huf ngton Post also spoke with Suffolk County GOP chair Jesse Garcia. “This is nothing more than the continuation of George Santos’ need for celebrity status,” Garcia said. “There is no appetite amongst the voters of the First District, Long Island or even the nation for the Santos clown car show to continue.”

Needless to say, Santos isn’t very popular with Republicans. Or Democrats. It’ll be interesting to see who funds this little Independent campaign. The Republican Party is a party of spectacle. They don’t have popular ideas. They don’t care about what happens to the average American. I admit that I can’t help but nd some Republican in ghting entertaining, but I also know that this ghting is just one of the many symptoms of a completely dysfunctional party. A party that has for decades been hell bent on proving to voters that government can’t possibly do anything for the average American except to hurt the people they don’t like. Sadly, that’s an incredibly effective campaign platform.

D’Anne Witkowski is a writer living in Michigan with her wife and son. She has been writing about LGBTQ+ politics for nearly two decades. Follow her on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski.

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