It was during this time frame that I gave birth to Ryan. Here I was a new parent, working and raising awareness through volunteering at any event benefiting the Gay/HIV community in any way that was needed. I also became very involved with Special Olympics at this time. This explains a lot about you! What brought you to Vegas? After California I crisscrossed the country a couple of other times and was working in a hotel in Miami and again that wonder lust attacked so I asked Ryan if he wanted to move and how about Las Vegas, so off we went. We arrived here in 1990 and started working at a local hotel off the strip. Part of my introduction to the LGBTQ community here was when I attended a reception for children infected and affected by HIV at the Reach Out Daycare, they had ties to Golden Rainbow. I felt that I could be better utilized in the nonprofit sector. I left the hotel industry and joined Golden Rainbow. Another big part of my life in the early days in Vegas was with my foster son Gustavo who I met through Reach Out Daycare. He was HIV positive and “hard to place”. He and his dad were clients of Golden Rainbow. His father was in and out of trouble and I would take care of Gustavo on weekends. His father ended up going to jail and I had Gustavo. Child Services said I had to go through the proper channels and get a Foster Parent license, which I did. When his father was released from jail, Child Services gave him back to his father. I had started talking about adopting Gustavo and when his father found out about this, he bought one-way tickets to Hawaii and that is the last I ever heard from either 14 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine
of them. I have often wondered what We are going to mention a few of the happened to Gustavo. most recent accolades that you have received from this community: Lyndon: Coincidently 1990 was the first time I heard about Golden Arlene has received the Heart of Rainbow. I was back in West Texas the Community Award, a Pride and a friend was a dancer on the strip Superstar 2015 from SNAPI, Saint Hot and had gotten involved in Golden ‘N’ Ready from the Sin City Sisters, Rainbow. What other organizations Humanitarian Award and Imperial did you work for? Perfect Princess from the Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the Desert Besides Golden Rainbow, St. Therese Empire, By Decree you are known Center and QVegas. When I was at as “Lady” to Reign XVIII Empress QVegas I joined the Board of Directors and Emperor, Volunteer of the Year of The Center and joined The Center award from the Center during the as staff shortly after being on the Honorarium and The Dennis and Judy board. I was the third person hired Shepard Family Values Award from the International Court Council (USA, Canada and Mexico). Reflecting on the past 30 years. What are the most significant obstacles that this community has overcome? Back in Memphis, parents automatically kicked children out when they found out they were gay, and they, some parents and society at the time, had the perception that gay people were contagious. Things have changed from that mind set. The most significant obstacles that have been overcome are: Marriage when the Center was at Commercial Equality, Acceptance and Healthcare. Center. There was Candice, Sabrina and then me. Mel came on board not I can’t let you leave this conversation long after I did. with out getting your thoughts on the Times Up and Me-Too We remember that quite well. That Movement. What is your advice was when we started getting involved to the individuals that have gone with SNAPI and you brought us into through or are currently undergoing the fold of The Center. You really sexual harassment or uncomfortable have been very active with various situations? community organizations. Speak Up Now! I am involved with Opportunity Village, SNAPI, Sin City Sisters, Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the Desert Empire and will volunteer for almost anything concerning the community if asked.