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Continued From 26 home to Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas, another favorite show amongst gay travelers. Wynn Las Vegas and its adjacent property Encore have engaged in LGBT marketing for the past few years, even creating a separate landing page and Pride Concierge. The company boasts “a welcome, safe and sensitive atmosphere and a commitment to the LGBT community.” To encourage diversity and ensure a work environment that prioritizes the best interests of all employees, Wynn Resorts is an equal opportunity employer and was one of the first hotel and casino companies in Las Vegas to offer same sex, domestic partner benefits. “Our commitment to our LGBT employees also includes the promise of a work environment where everyone is treated equally, with dignity
and respect,” states a Wynn representative. Las Vegas is a city of excess and innovation and this is no different in the LGBT community. Just in time for New Year’s Eve, Krave Massive, a new 84,000 square-foot nightclub will open its doors downtown. Owner Kelly Murphy speaks about the ambitious project. “I wanted to do something different in gay nightlife and needed a significantly large venue. Rents are much less in downtown and not controlled by casino properties, which bring many restrictions.” Kelly emphasizes the current resurgence downtown. “The area has become very hip and trendy. A lot of businesses are investing in downtown with great ideas, including Zappos.com. I just couldn’t resist the challenge of converting a 14-screen theater into the world’s largest gay club.”
Krave Massive will open in phases beginning in midDecember. The first consisting of the Top 40/Techno Dance room, Back of House, Martini Bar and Show Theater. Kelly anticipates the Hip-Hop Dance room to open by New Year’s Eve. The balance of the dance rooms, retail store and member room will open early next year, which is when the official grand opening will take place. “We hope to achieve the Guinness Book of World Records for largest nightclub,
gay or straight, beating out Privilege in Ibiza,” states Murphy. Future plans include a rooftop swimming pool with 14 cabanas and the possibility of connecting the adjacent Drink & Drag Bowling & Billiards room to Krave Massive. “Downtown is a short distance from the strip and I believe that gay men are willing to take the trip if it means they can come to The World’s Largest Gay Club and indulge all of their senses in the best possible way.”
WINTER 2012/13 | THE MIRROR | 27