Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine - Issue 21 by Las Vegas Pride

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EAT, DRINK, AND BE ... MARY! LAS VEGAS HAMBURGER MARY’S CABARET By Ernie Yuen, Hamburger Mary’s General Manager/ Entertainment Director

Hamburger Mary’s Las Vegas is happy to announce, “Hamburger Mary’s Cabaret”, a new Entertainment/ Dining concept taking over our “Flair Nightclub” space. Flair is gone... we are going to double the fun, says Hamburger Mary’s Las Vegas owner Lou Placencia. Go Big or Go Home!

has been asking if we are bringing great liquor specialty menus, with back our Famous Sunday T Dance, daily beverage specials including “You and the answer is yes, with great drink call it ½ OFF Happy Hour” specials, a beer bust and dancing. It’s been a long time waiting, but we Chef Michael is planning daily food promise it is worth the wait. specials and fabulous brunch menus for our Saturday and Sunday Brunch. Remember, “What Happens at Las We are currently working with all of Vegas Hamburger Mary’s . . . . Never You’ll like the new space, it will our liquor vendors and are planning Happened! be something different, we have completely remodeled the stage and changed the décor. There is still the ability to flip the new dance floor dining area back into a dance floor, including go-go boxes. We also will be adding late night food options in the upper level VIP area for those latenight cravings. Ernie Yuen, General Manager and Entertainment Director shares “We will have 2 stages, 2 full dressing rooms and 1 quick change room. We will be able to host intimate Cabaret Shows, with seating for about 200+ people including the upper level VIP area, separate from the Hamburger Mary’s Dining room (130+ seats) and outside Patio (80+ seats). That’s another 200 seats we can fill”. Current plans for Hamburger Mary’s Las Vegas includes 7 days of Entertainment. Dining with the Divas, a variety of different genres of Drag Shows, Charity Bingos, Dinner Shows, Drag Yourself to Brunch Sundays, Mary Karaoke. Yuen say’s everyone Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 5

CONTENTS

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 21

EVENTS

ARTICLES

Las Vegas PRIDE 2018

San Diego Pride

Las Vegas Hamburger Mary’s Cabaret

2018 Pool Season Summer Fashion

PRIDE Family Big Top Bingo

A Conversation with Arlene Cooper

The Word of Love...

Red, Blue & You Pool Party

Las Vegas Guide Map

PRIDE Family Showgirl Bingo

5 Tips for a Better Financial Future

Las Vegas PRIDE OUTside

Roxy Collins & Her New Take on 62 an Age-Old Profession

3 of My Favorite People in Transgender History

Summer Heat Pool Party

When Paul Met When Harry Met Sally

Bi Corner: They’re Here!

LGBT Community Directory

Aussie Heat

An Interview with Michele Rothstein

Is Smoking Reefers Madness?

Meet the GCLS Conference Speakers

Identity Impact: When Society’s Expectations Collide with the Authentic Self

An Interview with Mary Phillips, GCLS’ Executive Director

Community Events 15

Temptation Sundays

Dining Out for Life

Ribbon of Life

GCLS Annual Conference

Royal Court Events

Las Vegas Bar & Nightclub Schedule

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, Yev Z Photography ON THE COVER Cast of Aussie Heat COVER THANKS Cover Photo by Yev Z Photography CONTRIBUTORS Blue Montana, Briana Lake, Clair Koetitz, Freddy S. Lopez, Golden Rainbow, Keyska Diva, Lyndon Marquez, Paul Cieslewicz, Richard Davis, Sam Novak, Steve Mitchell, Yev Z Photography, THANK YOU Elysian West (Fashion Shoot Location), Addicted (Swimwear)

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.

6 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

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Celebrating 30 plus years as a LGBTQ ally. Everyone knows her, she is a staple at The Center, PRIDE Family Bingo, Red Dress, and the Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the Desert Empire, to mention just a few of the organizations that she has volunteered for since she moved to Las Vegas. Arlene went home over the holidays, so we decided to stake out a booth at Triple George downtown Las Vegas and take a stroll down memory lane with Justin M. keeping us plied with southern iced teas. Let us start at the beginning. Where were you born? That is a tricky question for me, I was born in Springfield, Missouri, adopted in Leavenworth, Kansas and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. At what age did you move from Leavenworth to Memphis and what are your first memories? We relocated when I was about four years old and the first real memories are when I started school. I went to Oak Haven School. I attended the same school for twelve years. The school building housed the Elementary, Junior and High schools. For twelve years I walked to school, it was an easy walk from my house, across a bridge to the school. We must ask, any Elvis sightings? I am glad you asked. I was a Senior in high school and I stopped by the Whitehaven Feed Store, to pick up some items before going to work. It was around 10 am and the store manager came up to me and told me that I needed to leave because they were closing the store. I was looking at some really pretty moccasin boots, when I heard a voice behind me, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hello Pretty Ladyâ&#x20AC;?. I turned around and there was Elvis. He apologized profusely because the store was 12 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

A CONVERSATION WITH

Arlene Cooper By Clair Koetitz & Lyndon Marquez

closing so he could shop to buy feed for his horses. He asked if he could purchase the boots for me to make up for the inconvenience. I was too much in shock to say anything but just shook my head yes. When I got home my mother asked if I had gotten his autograph, I was so surprised I didn’t have enough sense to ask for one. Do you still have those boots? No, when they wore out I threw them away. I still regret that I didn’t keep them. Cool story. You stated that you were on your way to work? Yes, during high school I worked at a pharmacy. After high school did you continue to work there? No, I went to work for a RCA factory in Memphis, not the record company, the Radio Corporation of America had a factory making televisions. I had a job on the assembly line soldering pieces on the television circuit boards. How long did you stay with RCA? I stayed with RCA until the summer of 1969. There is a story that I want to share with ya’ll. I was working on April 4, 1968. Do you know what happened on that date? That was the date that Martin Luther King was assassinated at the Loraine Motel in Memphis. The police came into the factory and moved everyone to the back of the factory. They escorted all the employees out of the factory and told us to go straight home because of all the rioting in the streets. I stayed home watching all the events on television the riots lasted for about a week before we could go back to work or be out after dark. Wow, you had a personal experience with history. What was your next adventure?

I decided I needed a change and hitchhiked to Daytona Beach, Florida, something that no one can do safely in today’s environment, things were much safer for people/women back then.

Manhattan Beach? You literally went coast to coast. Did you get a job in Manhattan Beach?

No, my first job was near the Los Angeles Airport. The Hollywood Park Hotel in Inglewood, between the Tell us about Daytona Beach? Hollywood Race Track and The Forum. From there I went to the Pacifica I got a job at the Desert Inn Hotel which Hotel in Culver City and by 1983 I was was right on the beach! The owners at the Sunset Marquis Hotel in West Henry and Herman Wiseman took me Hollywood. under their wing and mentored me in all aspects of the hotel industry. It was Being in West Hollywood in 1983 gave a fine hotel with an entertainment you a front seat to history. The early venue that brought celebrities in to years of the AIDS epidemic and West perform. Some of my favorites were Hollywood was incorporated as a city Vincent Price, Bridgette Bardot’s sister in 1984. Babette and fan dancer Sally Rand. What was your impression of that I was introduced to my first gay friend time? there! His name was Nicholas and he was from Nashville. His parents To me those years were nothing but had kicked him out of the house heartbreak. We lost so many people. because he was gay. He made his way There was one close friend that I to Daytona, we met, and I took him assumed tested positive because he under my wing. I got him a job at the committed suicide, after he received hotel and he shared my apartment his test results he went to his office which was only a few blocks from the and shot himself. The partner of a hotel. Nicholas took me to my first gay friend/co-worker became sick. He was bar, Damien’s Lemon Tree. He stayed at St. John’s Hospital and it was there in Daytona Beach until he met his where I witnessed first hand that gay partner and moved with him, I think patients and their partners had no it was Atlanta. rights. They would not let his partner in to see him nor make any decisions How long did you stay in Daytona for him. On the other hand, I could Beach? have lied and said I was his sister and they would have let me in and told me I was there for about four years and everything. the sense of adventure took ahold again and I set my mind to head It was at that time that I made him a to California. Again, the mode of promise that I would always support transportation was hitchhiking, A and fight for Gay rights and somehow young man stopped to pick me up stay involved. right outside of the city limits. Guess where he was going? California, fate I decided to educate myself on issues or what. We pooled our money and regarding the LGBTQ community. took turns driving. It was somewhere There were blatant differences in the mid country when I was brushing his rights that the straight community hair that I asked him if he was gay. had, and the gay community didn’t. He said he was, everything was cool. It had to stop. Plus, the government We ended up in Manhattan Beach, has no business sticking its nose in California. peoples private lives. Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 13

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.

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TIPS FOR A BETTER FINANCIAL FUTURE

By Freddy S. Lopez

If you are like many Americans, the current economic environment continues to make it difficult for your family to make ends meet. Many of us have readjusted our spending habits to such an extent that there is now a new normal. For example, we may no longer shop as much as or where we used to; we may settle for a staycation, rather than a true getaway; and items that were previously considered to be necessities have been relegated to the “can’t afford” or “not needed” category. Unfortunately, many economic analysts feel that these shifting attitudes are here to stay. Tips to help improve your economic future Here are some tips to help you take stock of your overall economic picture, with actionable steps designed to help improve your long-term financial security. Tip #1: Determine what is really important. Take stock of what is really important to you and your family—is the newest electronic game system or cell phone more important than creating a secure financial future? Start by developing your family’s mission statement. This is easier than it sounds: Simply write out what is important to you as a group. Be sure to include what your long and shortterm goals are, and what you are willing to give up in order to make these goals a reality. Don’t forget that along the way, you may still want to decide what little luxuries your entire family can enjoy (like a get-away) that you want to keep in your budget, since these can help you feel less deprived and even save you money (by keeping you from going out to first-run movies, for example).

18 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

Tip #2: Cut back, even if it hurts (a little). Figuring out what is most important to your family from a financial perspective is a smart move and a good decision for your long-term financial security. Making even small sacrifices in your spending can help you meet your goals. Look carefully at how you and your family members spend your money so you can identify where you can make small changes to cut back on non-essential expenditures. And don’t overlook the bigger-ticket items you pay for every month, such as your cable TV/Internet subscriptions and car insurance. Making minor adjustments to these items can free up more dollars than you might imagine, and play a significant role in helping you fund your family’s longterm financial goals. Tip #3: Become a dedicated saver. If you are like many families, trying to juggle financial priorities can make time now to assess their adequacy and Life Insurance Co. and MML Bay State Life saving extremely difficult. make the appropriate adjustments. Insurance Co., are non-admitted in New Successful savers use the concept of paying themselves first whenever they receive a paycheck. Over time, adopting that one smart move can help you reach your financial goal of saving for a car, a vacation, or whatever is a priority for your family. To help make it easier, check with your employer to see if you can have part of your pay automatically deposited into one or more savings accounts. It can make saving automatic and nearly painless.

Tip #5: Get the help you need. When it comes to Tips 1 through 4, you may feel you need some assistance. Whether you need help in just one area or all four, start looking at your future through a new lens, one that has your family’s financial goals in focus, with a plan to help you get there. Contact a financial professional to discuss ways they can help you put these tips into action, and your financial dreams on track.

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Tip #4: Run your numbers.

Taking the right steps today can help to ensure a better financial future for Do you know if you are on track with both you and your loved ones. your current disability coverage, life insurance, and retirement savings Insurance products issued by plan(s)? In other words, will these Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance important items provide you and your Company (MassMutual) (Springfield, family with the amount of financial MA 01111) and its subsidiaries, C.M. Life protection you’ll need, when needed? Insurance Co. and MML Bay State Life Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take the Insurance Co. (Enfield, CT 06082).C.M. Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 19

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ROXY COLLINS HER NEW TAKE ON AN AGE-OLD PROFESSION Interview By Briana Lake

Roxy Collins is a self-made entrepreneur, and her fresh take on the barbershop business gives her a unique edge in a male-dominated industry. She’s agreed to sit down with us and discuss some of her next big business moves, and what it means to do something new in a highly traditional profession. Q: Tell us a little about yourself, and what inspired you to open your shop? A: I’m originally from Vegas, but I spent a year in LA pursuing an acting career. I decided that I really didn’t like the industry, and I ended up getting a job at a barbershop. That was 11 years ago. Since then, I’ve gotten my cosmetology license, barber license, and opened my very own barber shop about six months ago. Because I have a salon and barbershop background, I wanted to incorporate the two, which I know is not something that’s really happening out here in Vegas. It has the feel of a cool California salon, but functionally it’s one hundred percent barbershop. It’s laid-back, but it still maintains a high-end feel. It’s also become an industry education hub, and we bring in talent from across the country to offer classes to local barbers. The shop is also non-traditional in the sense that there’s full-length mirrors, and no red white and blue aside from my barber pole. A lot of plants, hardwood floors, it just has a totally different feel when you come in. The music is extremely eclectic, and this is really a shop that welcomes everyone. Everyone has felt comfortable here and there’s no gossiping or yelling across the room. It just feels a bit better here. You honestly just have to see it person. It’s called Noble Wolf Barbers and it’s at 8320 West Sahara Ave Suite #170. The Instagram is Noble Wolf Barbers, and we’re open Tuesday through Saturday.

26 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

I say “barber shop” I think that people hear “salon” and I have to prove myself as an actual barber. I’ve been doing this for a long time, so I enjoy the challenge. I enjoy showing people that I’m not a stylist; I can do the face shaves and everything else. As the industry continues to grow, I know that a lot more women are getting into it, so it’s going to be something that will be dealt with less and less as time goes on.

has also been wonderful. I feel like my shop wouldn’t be elevated to the point where it’s at if I hadn’t had a chance to work there, so I’m always thankful to him for giving me the opportunity.

Q: Do you have any advice for women looking to get into the barber shop Q: Do you have any advice for women business? looking to get into the industry? A: Just to not get discouraged. This A: My advice is to just do it. I think is a really, really traditional industry. that a lot of people talk about it, and It’s the second oldest profession in never actually do it. Education isn’t always the cheapest thing, but just to go ahead and make that leap because I promise it will be worth it if you’re passionate about it. I also never want to be the best at what I do in my workplace because then I have no one to push me to grow, to continue to be better. I recommend that people never let themselves become stagnant – if you aren’t growing where you’re at, find somewhere that you can. Q: Are there any unique challenges that you’ve faced as a woman in what is traditionally viewed as a history and is steeped in so much man’s industry? history. Don’t be afraid of new ideas. Don’t be afraid to be different. Just do A: It’s never been an issue being a you, and people will appreciate the woman barber, but sometimes when genuine quality of any barber. Q: Do you have any mentors that have inspired you along the way? A: Mr. Allen, who owns all the Masterpiece Barbershops and Barber College. I was the first girl licensed out of that college actually. He’s been a tremendous help with opening the shop because he’s opened so many. He’s also been a barber for maybe 25 years, and it’s so great that he’s been willing to teach me. Alejandro, who is the owner of FINO Barbershop Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 27

after spending years of performing in productions worldwide including “Kiss Me, Kate,” “The Pajama Game,” “Camelot,” and opening Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom-The Las Vegas Spectacular.” As is the Ribbon of Life tradition, talented performers from almost every major show on the Strip will be participating in this year’s production. Other celebrity talent will be soon announced.

GOLDEN RAINBOW 2018 RIBBON OF LIFE

Tickets are on sale now for Golden Rainbow’s star-studded production of “Chicago” for the 32nd Annual Ribbon of Life at the Foundry at SLS on Sunday, June 24. Usually held as a variety show, this year’s event will be presented in a new format that features a full production of the Broadway classic. A red carpet reception and silent auction will begin at 11 a.m. and the show to follow at 1 p.m. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Golden Rainbow’s critically needed housing, education, and direct financial assistance services for those living with and affected by HIV/ AIDS in Southern Nevada.

something a little different,” said Golden Rainbow’s Executive Director Gary Costa. “After last spring’s sold out and critically acclaimed production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ benefit, it became clear that Las Vegas audiences are hungry for Broadwaycaliber performances at affordable ticket prices on the Strip. We are excited to present a full production of ‘Chicago’ filled with amazing talent and some Vegas razzle dazzle!”

Ribbon of Life’s “Chicago” will star entertainment veteran Brent Barrett from Broadway’s revival of “Chicago,” alongside Anne Martinez and Jaclyn McSpadden from “BAZ- A Musical Tour “For this year’s Ribbon of Life De Force,” as Roxie Hart and Velma production, we wanted to present Kelly respectively. Barrett joins the cast 28 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

For over 30 years, Ribbon of Life has been an original talent showcase unlike any other in Las Vegas, featuring custom production numbers from the Las Vegas Strip’s best singers, dancers and performers. The audience is always surprised, thrilled, and inspired by performances that are exclusive to the event. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased at: goldenrainbow.org/ribbonoflife Following the performance, The Sayers Club at SLS will host the official after party with additional exclusive performances and acts. Entry is $25 at the door or $20 in advance through the Golden Rainbow website. VIP and premiere level ticket prices include the after party admission. Guests of all ages are welcome to attend the show but must be 21+ for entrance into the after party. As one of the most anticipated events of the year, guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early as seating is limited.

WHEN PAUL MET

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY…

By Paul Cieslewicz

I compare my view of relationships to that of the narration said at the beginning of the movie, (500) Days of Summer: ”The boy, Tom Hansen of Margate, New Jersey, grew up believing that he’d never truly be happy until the day he met ‘the one.’ This belief stemmed from early exposure to sad British pop music and a total misreading of the movie, The Graduate.“ In my defense, for the most part I have considered myself “happy” (sorta…) in the relationships I have been in. It’s always been the ending of said relationships that has been the issue, so no one has yet earned the title of ‘the one’. As for the “sad British pop music” and “The Graduate”, for me you can substitute “sad 80’s power ballads” and When Harry Met Sally… in their place. And I wouldn’t necessarily consider it a misreading of the film, so much as an unapologetically hopeless romantic interpretation of it. My experience with When Harry Met Sally… began on September 2nd, 1989 at 2:30pm. You may be wondering how I can be so precise, when it was so long ago. As it turns out, I have a habit of holding onto movie tickets for films that I consider instant or future classics, such as The Cutting Edge (1992) or more recently Wonder Woman (2017). 30 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

When Harry Met Sally… was the very first movie that I did this for, and the ticket has been with me ever since, having survived being stored in the original VHS copy I owned, then the DVD and now the Blu-ray currently in my movie collection. I knew the first time I saw the movie that this was something special, and its influence on me made me want to find a Harry or Sally (albeit in male form) of my very own. For those unfamiliar with the movie, When Harry Met Sally… is a romantic comedy that follows the relationship of two people, Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan), who don’t particularly like each other the first time they meet on a cross country road trip. Over the course of the next decade they meet again on various occasions, usually while in relationships with other people, until they finally find themselves becoming friends while recovering from the wounds of their previous failed relationships. A central thread throughout the film is Harry’s belief that “men and women can’t be friends because the sex part always gets in the way.” “Because no man can be friends with a woman that he finds attractive. He always wants to have sex with her.” This, of course, leads to complications as the two find themselves becoming closer and closer as friends, and their previous relationships return to haunt them.

What makes the film so endearing is the beautifully honest (sometimes brutally honest) relationship between the characters, and not just the two lead characters, but their friends’ relationship as well, played by the late, great (and dearly missed) Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby. It is a film filled with scenarios and conversations that you could easily find yourself having with friends of yours, like giving advice to someone you know is in a doomed relationship (“You’re right! You’re right! I know you’re right.”), cheekily discussing your sexual exploits amongst friends (“You made a woman meow?!”), or even calling someone to discuss something that you’re both watching at the same time (Sally: “I don’t want to spend the rest of my life in Casablanca married to a man who runs a bar. That probably sounds very snobbish to you, but I don’t.” Harry: “You’d rather be in a passionless

marriage…” Sally: “…and be the First Lady of Czechoslovakia!”). Granted, experiencing someone faking an orgasm in the middle of a crowded restaurant (“I’ll have what she’s having!”) is probably not something that will ever happen to 99.9% of the population, but it makes for one of the most classic (and funniest!) scenes in cinema history. I’ve always wondered if Harry’s “men and women can’t be friends” theory also applies in the gay world. I’ll admit there are friends of mine that I would gladly leave the “friend zone” to be with, but I’m afraid of ruining the friendship. The only time that has ever worked to my advantage was my first (and still longest) relationship, where we were friends for 6-8 months before he got up the nerve to grab me and kiss me as I was leaving after an evening spent watching a movie together

(hmmm…). Since then I’ve been broken up with via text message twice (in a row!), had a couple budding relationships falter when the guy moved away (Las Vegas can be so transient!), had a guy tell me he loved me as he was moving away with another man, and even had two pass away unexpectedly (also in a row!). And don’t even get me started on my most recent on-again-off-again relationship over the past couple years, in case you wondered where I was. There’s a reason I refer to him as the “Voldemort of exes”. So here I wait to complete my personal version of the movie, entitled When Paul Met [Insert Name Here]…, with Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Harry Connick Jr. soundtrack included. I just desperately hope that it doesn’t take 12 years like in the actual movie. After all, I do have a 4 in front of my

age now. And when I do find ‘the one’, you had better believe Harry’s New Years Eve monologue to Sally at the end of the movie will be included as part of my vows. In the meantime, I’ll continue watching When Harry Met Sally… multiple times a year, as I’ve done since I first saw it almost 30 years ago.

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.

Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 31

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4213 W. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89102 (702) 826-2422 facebook.com/thephoenixlv Open Noon – 4am, Gaming, No Cover

Quadz Video Bar

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, Gaming, No Cover

GAY NIGHTCLUBS Charlie’s Las Vegas

5012 S. Arville Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89118 (702) 876-1844 charlieslasvegas.com Open 24/7, Gaming, No Cover

Flex Nightclub

4347 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89102 (702) 878-3355 flexlasvegas.com Open 24/7, Gaming, No Cover

Hamburger Mary’s Cabaret

1700 E Flamingo Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89119 (702) 733-8787 hamburgermarys.com/lasvegas/ Open 11am Mon-Sun, No Cover

Piranha Nightclub & 8 1/2 Ultralounge

4633 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89169 (702) 791-0100 piranhavegas.com Open Nightly 10pm, No Cover

BUSINESSES LAMBDA Business Association 4015 Maryland Pkwy Las Vegas, NV 89101 (702) 893-2088 lambdalv.com LGBT Business Directory & Guide

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

Hamburger Mary’s

1700 E Flamingo Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89119 (702) 733-8787 hamburgermarys.com/lasvegas/ *Restaurant & Bar Opening Soon

Hawks Gym

953 E. Sahara Ave., #35B Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 731-4287 hawksgym.com Club for Men

Lion’s Den

2923 Sammy Davis Jr. Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 892-9315 lionsden.com Adult Novelty Merchandise

The Gay & Lesbian Center 401 S. Maryland Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV 89101 (702) 733-9800 thecenterlv.org

Gender Justice Nevada

7465 W Lake Mead Blvd #107 Las Vegas, NV 89128 (702) 425-7288 GenderJusticeNV.org

Golden Rainbow

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

714 E. Sahara Ave. #101 Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 384-2899 goldenrainbow.org

Aid for Aids of Nevada (AFAN)

HRC Las Vegas

1120 Almond Tree Ln. Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 382-2326 afanlv.org

Aids Healthcare Foundation North: (702) 639-8100 South: (702) 862-8075 aidshealth.org

American Civil Liberties Union 401 S. Maryland Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV 89101 (702) 366-1226 aclunv.org

Bears Las Vegas

Bearslv.org | board@bearslv.org

Betty’s Outrageous Adventures BettysOUT.com Bettys@bettysout.com

hrc.org/lasvegas info@hrclv.org

Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the Desert Empire P.O. Box 46481 Las Vegas, NV 89114 desertempire.org

Leather Uniform Club (LUC) of Las Vegas lucoflv.com

Las Vegas boys of Leather lasvegasboysofleather.org

Las Vegas Men’s Chorus PO Box 95021 Las Vegas, NV 89193 (702) 594-3393 lvmenschorus.org

Las Vegas Prime Timers Community Counseling Center of lasvegasprimetimers.com Southern Nevada 714 E. Sahara Ave. National Suicide Prevention Las Vegas, NV 89104 Lifeline (702) 369-8700 cccofsn.wix.com/ccc-new

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) suicidepreventionlifeline.org

CRUSH

Nevada Gay Rodeo Association (NGRA)

socrush.com

Nevada Tobacco Quitline 1 (800) QUIT-NOW nevadatobaccoquitline.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

Prime Timers

PO Box 42424 Las Vegas, NV 89166 (702) 527-2360

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

Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. (Las Vegas PRIDE) 4001 S. Decatur Blvd. #37-540 Las Vegas, NV 89103-5800 (866) 930-3336 lasvegaspride.org

Trevor Project Suicide Hotline for LGBT Youth 1-866-488-7386 thetrevorproject.org

ngra.com

Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 33

AN INTERVIEW WITH

Michele Rothstein By Briana Lake

Michele Rothstein is a self-made entrepreneur with an impressive laundry list of achievements including an induction into the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Nevada “Women’s Hall of Fame” and the prestigious “40 Under 40” title, but she is far from slowing down now. She’s agreed to share some of her advice for young women in business, and her next big moves. Q: Tell us a little about yourself, and your businesses? A: I’m originally from California, and I went to college at UC San Diego. While I was in college I learned how to make balloon animals, it was a part time job while I was going to school. I graduated with a degree in psychology and decided that I wanted to start my own balloon company. I told my mom “I’m going to move to Las Vegas and start my own balloon company, and she was like, “Okay.” But, you know I said, “Don’t worry, if it doesn’t work, I’ll go get my master’s like we planned.” Six months later, I bought a house. So, it worked. That was 24 years ago, and since then it’s grown from just me making balloon animals in restaurants to full service event planning company, party planning and rental company. We do a lot of balloon décor, and entertainment. I’m an agent for jugglers and magicians, face painters, stilt walkers, all different kinds of entertainment. Now I own Balloons with a Twist, Master Calendar Las Vegas, and Event Pros, and am involved in numerous local charities. Q: You’ve been so successful in your role as an entrepreneur, what are your suggestions for women looking to follow in your footsteps and grow their own businesses? A: Absolutely, my words of wisdom to somebody that wants to start their own business is to find something that you’re incredibly passionate about,

38 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

and had a partner for nine years - I have a lot of things that could have held me back. I have never allowed any of those things to interfere. Q: Tell me about your involvement with the non-profit community in Las Vegas, and with PRIDE?

and then find a way to make money Q: Were there any challenges that doing it. you’ve faced that you think may be unique to women in business? Q: What are some of your next steps? A: I’ve never let that hold me back, ever. I’ve never felt like, “Wow, if I was A: I just started another business a man, this would be so much easier.” called Master Calendar Las Vegas, I’m a woman, I’m Jewish, I am involved which is a calendar of all the with the gay and lesbian community philanthropic events: galas, 5Ks, and other fundraisers for all non-profit events in Las Vegas. I found that there was a need for that, I sit on the board of directors for various charities, and I find that there’s a lot of overlap; we really needed an event conflict calendar. It is the worst feeling when you spend six months planning an event only to find out there’s another big gala the same night. There is a very small group of philanthropic people in Las Vegas, and instead of fighting for the same people, charities can just look at the calendar. We don’t all have to schedule conflicting events, there are plenty of weekends in the year. I just launched it a couple of weeks ago, and the response has been tremendous, so I’m really excited to see where it’s going to go.

A: We’ve been involved with a lot of different charities in the community. It’s nice to have a business that I’ve had for 24 years. I’m at the point where I don’t have to be hands on 40 hours a week. I have people running a large portion of it so that I can go do other things and be more involved in different charities as well, so that’s really nice. As far as PRIDE, we’ve been very active and have donated and produced floats in the PRIDE Parade and assisted with booths, face painting, and other activities for years. I also support other local charities (in various ways) such as Create a Change Now, the Las Vegas chapter of Women of Global Change, the Make A Wish Foundation, Aid for AIDS of Nevada, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and New Vista.

Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 39

GOLDEN CROWN LITERARY SOCIETY 14TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

MEET THE SPEAKERS KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Photo by Nye Lyn Tho

LUCY JANE BLEDSOE

Lucy Jane Bledsoe’s new novel, A Thin Bright Line, was just released. She’s the author of a collection of short stories, a collection of narrative nonfiction, and four novels, including The Big Bang Symphony. Her recent short story, “The We of Me,” published in The Rumpus, was chosen by Ploughshares Magazine as the best story published in lit mags that week. Her fiction has won a Yaddo Fellowship, the 2013 Saturday Evening Post Fiction Award, the Arts & Letters Fiction Prize, the Sherwood Anderson Prize for Fiction, a Pushcart nomination, a California Arts Council Fellowship, an American Library Association Stonewall Award, and two National Science Foundation Artists & Writers Fellowships. Her stories

SPECIAL SPEAKER

RACHEL GOLD

have been translated into Japanese, Spanish, German, Dutch, and Chinese. Lucy loves teaching workshops, cooking, traveling anywhere, basketball, doing anything outside, and telling stories. She’s traveled to Antarctica three times, as a two-time recipient of the National Science Foundation’s Artists & Writers in Antarctica Fellowship and once as a guest on the Russian ship, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov. She is one of a tiny handful of people who have stayed at all three American stations in Antarctica. She has also stayed in a number of field camps, both on the coast and in the Transantarctic mountains, where scientists are studying penguins, climate change, and the Big Bang. For more information visit: www.lucyjanebledsoe.com the U.S. and has won awards for her writing, ideas and “genius marketing.”

For more information visit: Rachel Gold is the award-winning www.rachelgold.com author of queer and trans young adult novels—including Being Emily, the first young adult novel to tell the story of a trans girl from her perspective. Rachel’s latest novel, Nico & Tucker, is about love, nonbinary lives, healing and knowing who you really are.

GCLS 14TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Despite having a B.A. in English and JULY 4-8, 2018 Religious Studies and an MFA in Writing, Rachel is better known as a nonbinary lesbian, all around geek Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino 3645 Las Vegas Blvd. South and avid gamer. She teaches at the Loft Literary Center an annual class/ Las Vegas, NV 89109 game for teens called, “I’m Gaming as I Write This.” As a marketing strategist, For more information, visit: Rachel has developed brand messages www.goldencrown.org for small to large businesses across Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 41

IDENTITY IMPACT: WHEN SOCIETY’S EXPECTATIONS COLLIDE WITH THE AUTHENTIC SELF Interview by Briana Lake

Accomplished author, speaker, and RN Dina Proto has provided an insightful and thought-provoking guide to understanding the dynamics of gender identity. Dina has given hope to countless individuals and families through her compassionate approach, and intimate knowledge on the subject. She has agreed to sit down with us and give us a little insight on her new book, and what “Identity Impact” means to her. Q: Tell us a little bit about what inspired your book, “Identity Impact: When Society’s Expectations Collide With The Authentic Self”? A: I own an LGBTQ greeting card company, and I had initially started writing the book as a five or sixpage brochure to retailers about why they should carry greeting cards and products for LGBTQ community. I started writing what we thought was a short brochure with a friend of mine; she is a publisher and a published author, and she is the one that originally told me that this project could be so much more than what I initially thought. I had hoped that it would provide a little bit of education to the community at large as to how many people are really impacted by an LGBTQ identity, and it evolved into a much larger manuscript. I just knew that there was something very important that needed to come out of my research, and the book sort of evolved from there. With Identity Impact one thing led to another, I shifted my focus from a retail level and started looking at the healthcare issues that affect our community. Q: Is there anything in particular that drew your focus to the disparities within the healthcare industry? 42 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

A: In addition to writing Identity Impact and starting mm greeting card company, I’m a registered nurse. I’ve been in hospice, ER and ICU setting for many years, and have witnessed the healthcare disparities that face the LGBTQ community. Identity impact is really meant to help all kinds of people, not just doctors and nurses, but anybody that identifies as LGBTQ or loves somebody that’s LGBTQ. I also started looking at what age identity really begins to form, and how society kind of begins to tell us who we really should be and what our lives should be like based on our external parts. This can cause both short and long-term complications that can be physically, emotionally, and psychologically harmful. I started looking things as simple as the lack of education available to doctors when they’re in medical school; the average of length of time spent on learning about the LGBTQ space during a medical residency is five hours, and in four years nursing school nurses currently get two and half hours of education on the LGBTQ space. There is no continued education, and no current mandate across the board in United States for what’s contained within that education so there’s no continuity, the students aren’t learning the same thing. This is especially disconcerting as there are certain sections or groups of people within the LGBTQ community that are more prone to different sets of healthcare disparities - gay men are more prone to cardio vascular disease and stroke, transgender folks are more prone to eating disorders and high blood pressure, and lesbians are more prone to polycystic ovarian disease and certain cancers.

Q: Were there any other driving forces or needs within the community that motivated you to write Identity Impact? A: If you are a parent of a child who may or may not identify as LGBTQ, what it provides you is some insight as to who your child is. There are benchmarks for when your child should crawl, walk, and talk, but nobody addresses them struggling with their sexual or gender identity and their role in society. So as a parent, I didn’t get that education, as a nurse, I didn’t get that education, as an employee, I didn’t get that education. There is so much room for education across the board, and Identity Impact was my answer to that need. The cover of the book actually shows the intersection that I grew up on: Hope road and Hollow road. The goal of the book was really to inspire people to go from being hollow to being full of hope. Q: What are the next steps for you, after the successful release of Identity Impact? A: From here I would really love to be able to share this story; I want to bring insight into what gender identity really means to many more people. I would love to work with Fortune 500 companies on educating their employees or human resources departments, and I am also available as a keynote speaker. To learn more about my story please visit www.dinaproto.com. To book me as a speaker, please visit http:// engageyourstage.com/dina-protoidentity-impact/

MARYPHILLIPS GCLS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Interview by Briana Lake

Mary Phillips, Executive Director of the Golden Crown Literary Society (GCLS), has agreed to share her knowledge about the vast existing resources and charitable goals of this steadily growing organization that has brought exposure, education, and kinship to an entire community. Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, and your role within the organization? A: I’m currently the president and executive director of The Golden Crown Literary Society. We are a 501c3 nonprofit membership-based organization founded in 2004, and our mission is to support and promote lesbian literature. I’ve been involved in the organization since it started and have served in many different capacities including organization marketing, board member, and director of membership prior to my current role as executive director. It has been truly special to see Golden Crown grow from it’s grassroots start to a truly viable nonprofit organization that has goals, plans, and infrastructure. My story is that I came out later in life and didn’t have any idea how to reach out to like-minded people; I was looking for a community of like-minded women that I could communicate and bond with in a safe environment. That’s really what the GCLS is; It’s a place where like-minded women, however they identify, can find fellowship. That’s what Golden Crown is for me - it’s my community, my friends, and my home.

incredible resources that you offer to the community? We have about 600 members to date and are very proud of our writing academy and educational resources that we offer to our members. The academy is taught by university faculty and content experts, as well as noted lesbian fiction authors like Lee Lynch and Karin Kallmaker. At the end of each year we even have a lesbian publishing company that puts together an anthology of our graduates’ work, so they can get a chance to see their stories in print. One of the largest challenges within the lesbian literary community is exposure, so we do what we can to help promote and market our members’ work. In addition to the academy, we provide webinars and have an extensive video library for authors, members, and readers to view interviews with noted lesbian authors. We also host an annual conference every year to provide that face-to-face interaction. The conference consists of workshops, presentations, panels, and activities centered around lesbian literary community including our “Goldie Awards” ceremony, celebrating the very best of lesbian literature in about 14 different genres. Some of our award-winning authors include Leslea Newman for her book “Heather Has Two Mommies”, which was one of the first books that showcased an alternative family style, and Elana Dykewomon for “Riverfinger Women”, which has recently made an incredible impact on the lesbian scene.

anything that you’re particularly excited for? A: Well, one of our next steps is taking an in-depth look at how we can become a more diverse organization. We’ve brought in a director of inclusion and diversity to help us look at how we can become more inclusive as a community. Even within the LGBTQ community there are factions, and there’s always a way to become more unified. Another direction that we’re planning to expand is the development in the US of regional groups – not everyone has all the money and time that’s required to go to a conference in a different city. With that in mind, we want to put together mini conferences for different regions. Q: Do you have any recommendations for young lesbian writers that are looking to get established, or advice on ways that they can get involved with the organization? A: Absolutely. In fact, that’s also another one of our goals. We want to reach out to millennials and young adults that are aspiring authors. We encourage them to grow, and we connect them with a community of like-minded people in their region. We also encourage them to come to the conference, and we have a variety of scholarship programs available thanks to our wonderful sponsors. We have a brand-new program called the Bridge Builder - a full one-year scholarship to the academy for young adult women of color, that includes a computer.

We offer a great mentorship program that pairs a young author with an established lesbian fiction author to assist them with preparing for the academy and provide them with guidance and feedback on their work. Q: Tell us a little about the Q: What are some of the next steps We also have groups that are available organization’s growth, and the for Golden Crown, and is there as a resource. Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 43

LAS VEGAS

Pool Season

R FAS

O I H

Cinnamen (front) & Anthony (back) wear swimwear by ADDICTED 44 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

Michelle wears swimwear by ADDICTED. Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 45

Steven (left), Cinnamen (center) & Anthony wear swimwear by ADDICTED. 46 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

Steven (left) & Anthony (right) wear swimwear by ADDICTED. Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 47

Steven (left), Michelle (center) & Anthony (right) wear swimwear by ADDICTED.

48 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

FROM LEFT: Cinnamen, Anthony, Michelle, & Steven wear swimwear by ADDICTED. LOCATION: Elysian West, 5175 S Jerry Tarkanian Way, Las Vegas, NV 89148 | 702.629.2294 MODELS: Michelle L’amour, Cinnamen St. James, Anthony Ponciano, Steven N Leal STYLIST: Keyska Diva HAIR/MAKEUP: Drea Dash PHOTOGRAPHY: Yev Z Photography PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT: Miguel Cortes

Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 49

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Proud to Support Equality for Over Forty Years.

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Born to Lebanese/Chilean parents on the Gulf of Guinea in Nigeria, West Africa, Raph Solo is a singer, songwriter and music producer. He has released three full-length albums, including THE ANONYMOUS ICON, featuring “Star” and “Good Morning London”. Many of Raph’s songs reflect on his personal journey of finding love and overcoming trauma. While he is a proud gay man today, he wasn’t always so. Just a few years ago, Raph underwent reparative therapy in an attempt to cure himself of his homosexuality. It was a harrowing experience that damaged his selfesteem. “It made me feel like a failure because no matter how hard I tried, I could not change my feelings.” “I think the greatest lesson I have learned in the last few years is the value I bring into my partnership. By loving myself for who I am, I have been able to love another more fully for who they are.”

THE WORD OF LOVE... SINGER-SONGWRITER RAPH SOLO

In “Word of Love,” the title track from Raph Solo’s new album, the singersongwriter promises to break his pattern of falling for Mr. Wrong. “The song is about self-love and knowing your value and not letting yourself be put in situations where you are taken for granted,” he explains, admitting: “I’ve found myself in situations where I felt I was not being appreciated, and I wrote a song about it, so I never make that mistake again.”

As with all of his tracks, “Word of Love” is a page from Raph’s own diary. He was inspired to write it from the Ancient Eastern proverb that he translated into English and inserted into the song’s chorus: If your love is like honey, don’t lick it all, save some for later. “It doesn’t mean we should hold love back,” Raph clarifies. “It’s about loving numero uno because only when you love yourself can you ever truly love another person.”

Raph describes the sound of “Word of Love” as POPTECSOL, a new sound he made up that combines pop, tech, and R&B soul. “The song incorporates elements of music that I like listening to,” he continues.

Raph Solo has found love. The man in the “Word of Love” music video is his real-life partner. They met in June 2016, at around the same time he was recording the song. “It felt right to have him in the video,” Raph says. “It was an instinctive choice.”

For more information, visit: raphsolo.com Photography by Michele Martinoli

Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 53

Las Vegas Guide Map 95

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Businesses

Bars and Clubs

15- hamburger mary’s

1- The Back door

8- The Garage

2- Badland Saloon

9- Hamburger Mary’s cabaret (opening soon)

1415 E. Charleston Ave. 702-831-0621 953 E. Sahara Ave. 702-792-9262

3- Bastille on 3rd 1402 S. Third St. 702-385 9298

4- Charlie’s Las Vegas 5012 Arville St. 702-876-1844

5- The Phoenix 4213 W Sahara Ave. 702-826-2422

6- 8½ Ultra Lounge 4633 Paradise Rd. 702-379-9500

7- Flex Cocktail Lounge 4371 W. Charleston Blvd. 702-431-9775

1487 E. Flamingo Rd. 702-440-6333

1700 E. Flamingo Blvd. 702-733-8787

*Opening Soon 1700 E. Flamingo Blvd. 702-733-8787

16- The gay & Lesbian Center 401 S. Maryland Pkwy. 702-733-9800

10- Las Vegas Eagle

17- Get Booked

3430 E. Tropicana Ave. 702 458-8662

11- Piranha Night Club 4633 Paradise Rd. 702-379-9500

4640 Paradise Rd. 702-737-7780

18- Entourage Spa 953 E. Sahara Ave., Ste A19 702-650-9191

12- Quadz Video Bar

19- Hawks Gym

4640 Paradise Rd. 702-733-0383

13- Spotlight Lounge

953 E Sahara Ave., Ste 101-102 702-731-4295

975 E. Sahara Ave. 702-431-9775

14- funhog ranch 495 E. Twain Ave. 702-791-7001

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@VegasPride Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 55

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OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE IN TRANSGENDER HISTORY

By Blue Montana, Transgender Programs Manager, The Center

History has always been one of my favorite subjects, and when I started transitioning in 2005, and started looking into the history of the transgender community, I was amazed at how far back in history gender diversity has been acknowledged and in certain cultures celebrated. I’ve chosen 3 of my personal favorite people in transgender history to share with you. We’ve been here, we’ll be here, and we will remain steadfast in our past and in the future. Ready? Let’s go…. Time for some Trans History! Having been fascinated as a young child with astronomy, math and science, Lynn Conway was recruited by IBM Research in Yorktown Heights, New York in 1964, and was soon selected to join the architecture team designing an advanced supercomputer. After she informed IBM in 1968, she had hoped to be allowed to transition on the job, but IBM fired Conway in 1968 after she revealed her intention to transition. She then went on to work for Memorex, Xerox, and other tech companies leading the way for transgender women in the 60’s and 70’s. Lynne is also an activist and having heard the story of her early work at IBM might soon be revealed through articles that were being prepared for a 2001 publication. She began quietly coming out as a trans woman in 1999 to friends and colleagues about her past gender transition, using her personal website to tell the story

60 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

in her own words. In 2009, Conway was named one of the “Stonewall 40 trans heroes” on the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots by the International Court System, one of the oldest and largest predominantly gay organizations in the world, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Her life and success are proof that we’re everywhere! Next up is Albert Cashier. Albert was born Jennie Irene Hodgers in Clogherhead, County Louth, Ireland on December 25, around 1843. Albert is probably one of my personal all-time favorite people in trans history because of how he lived his life so openly as a soldier in our early military. Albert first enlisted in July 1862 after President Lincoln’s call for soldiers.. On August 6, 1862, he enlisted in the 95th Illinois Infantry for a three-year term using the name “Albert Cashier” and was assigned to Company G. Other soldiers thought that Albert was small and preferred to be alone, which was common characteristics for soldiers. Albert fought with the regiment through the war until August 17, 1865, when all the soldiers were mustered out. He was honorably discharged on August 17, 1865. He returned to Illinois and worked as a farmhand until an injury in 1911 when he was hit by a car. On May 5, 1911, Albert was moved to the Soldiers and Sailors home in Quincy, Illinois. He lived there until his mental state deteriorated and was moved to the Watertown State Hospital for the Insane in March 1914. Attendants at Watertown State Hospital discovered that he was transgender when giving him a bath, at which point he was made to wear women’s clothes again. Albert Cashier died on October 10, 1915. He was buried in the uniform he had kept intact all those years and his tombstone was inscribed “Albert D. J. Cashier, Co. G, 95 Ill. Inf.” Cashier was given an official Grand Army of the Republic funeral service and was buried with full military honors.

There was a play done called The Civility of Albert Cashier which took stage in Chicago and Los Angeles, and the musical score was written by trans musician Joe Stevens. I can’t imagine the courage it must have taken for albert to live his truth back in the 1800’s. He is a truly remarkable example of being authentically who you are! Lucy Hicks Anderson was one of the first cases of Marriage Equality. In 1944 she married Reuben Anderson, a soldier. When it was discovered that Lucy was biologically male, the Ventura County district attorney decided to try her for perjury. According to the district attorney, she had committed perjury when she signed the application for a marriage license, swearing that there were “no legal objections to the marriage.” Lucy challenged the authority of physicians who insisted that she was male. “I defy any doctor in the world to prove that I am not a woman,” Anderson

told reporters in the midst of her perjury trial. “I have lived, dressed, acted just what I am, a woman.” A jury convicted her, but the judge placed her on probation for ten years rather than send her to prison. Lucy had received allotment checks as the wife of a member of the U.S. Army. The Federal government prosecuted both Reuben Anderson and Lucy Hicks Anderson for fraud in 1946. Both were found guilty and sentenced to prison. She lived the remainder of her life in Los Angeles. Individuals like Albert, Lucy, and Lynn are an integral and important part of not only the transgender community but have all contributed in their own way to the lgbt movement and greater society. We can never forget where we came from or who came before us in the struggle for combined equality. Thank you to Wikipedia for providing some of the historical referencs used in this article.

Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 61

LAS VEGAS BAR & NIGHTCLUB SCHEDULE

HOURS | SPECIALS | NIGHTLY EVENTS | AMENITIES | LOCALS SPECIALS - BAR & NIGHTCLUB SCHEDULE CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING. EVENTS, PRICING AND OTHER INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. -

The Back Door (702) 831-0621 / TheBackdoor.vegas Open Friday & Saturday

Friday: Noches Norteñas Live Music / Drink Specials Saturday: Drag with Paloma Macary / GoGos

Badlands Saloon (702) 792-9262 / Badlands-Saloon.com

Open 24 Hours / Gaming Daily Special: 2-4-1 Drinks (Mon-Sat: 12pm-7pm & 1am4am / Sun: 2am-4am) Monday: $10 Well / $20 Call Liquor Bust & 1/2 Price Martinis (9pm-Midnight or 1am-4am Tues. Morning) Tuesday: Charity Bingo with Jimmy Emerson (8:30pm), $4 Absolut or $6 Domestic/$12 Import Draft Beer Pitchers (9pm-Midnight) Wednesday: Karaoke with DJ Eric (9pm-1am) $6 Domestic/$12 Import Draft Beer Pitchers, $3 Fireball Shots or $4 Jagerbombs (8pm-Midnight) Thursday: $1 Draft Beer Pints, $3 Cuervo Gold, $4 Absolut (8pm-Midnight or 1am-4am Fri. Morning) Friday: Drag with Jimmy Emerson (11:30pm) $4 Fireball Shots, $3 Blowjobs, $5 Absolut (9pm-1am) Saturday: Dance Music & GoGo Boys (9pm-2am) Sunday: Free Brunch Buffet (1pm - Until the food’s gone!) $2 Bloody Marys, $2 Margaritas, $2 Pint Micheladas, $3 Mimosas (2pm-10pm)

Bastille on 3rd (702) 385-9298 / BastilleLV.com

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) 62 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

Charlie’s Las Vegas (702) 876-1844 / CharliesLasVegas.com

Open 2pm-5am / Gaming / Billiards / Darts Daily Special: 2-4-1 House Cocktails & Bottled Domestic Beers, $3 Domestic / $4 Imported Draft Pitchers (MonSat: 2pm-8pm) 2-For-1 EVERYTHING (Tues/Thurs: 2pm5am) Monday: Drag Queen Karaoke (9:30pm) $2 Domestic/$4 Imported Draft Pitchers Tuesday: Drag Queen BINGO (9:30pm) Wednesday: Wet Wednesdays - Hot Body Shower Contest. Guys in Men’s Underwear Drink FREE House Cocktails. (10pm-2am) Thursday: 10s Across the Board: Male & Female Drag Competition (11pm) Friday: ICONS: Celebrating Icons in Music with Elektra Del Rio & DJ Mohawk (10:30pm) $15 House/$25 Premium Liquor Bust (9pm-Midnight) Saturday: Guys Night w/ DJ MOHAWK (9pm) $10 Beer Bust (9pm-Midnight) Sunday: Sickening Sundays Drag Show (9:30pm) 3-FOR-1 House Cocktails & Bottled Beers (7pm10pm) $3 Long Islands & AMFs, $3 Domestic/$4 Imported Draft Pitchers

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)

Fun Hog Ranch (702) 791-7001 / FunHogRanchLV.com

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 / TheGarageLV.com

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)

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 / PiranhaVegas.com

Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Free Billiards Daily Special: 2-4-1 Liquor & Draft Beer (12pm-9pm) Monday: 50% Off Drinks (4-9pm, 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 / Hot GoGos Saturday: Theme Party Nights - 2 Rooms / After Hours (4am) Sunday: El Deseo / Sinful Sundays Goddess Show (1:30am)

Quadz Video Bar (702) 733-0383 / QuadzBar.com

Open 24 Hours / Gaming / Billiards / Darts Daily Special: 2-4-1 Drinks (Noon-8pm) Monday: Martini Monday - 2‐4‐1 Martinis and Drinks (12pm–8pm) Tuesdays: 2-4-1 Drinks (12pm-8pm) / Tasty Tuesday Liquor & Beer Bust (8pm–11pm) Wednesday: Game Night (8pm–10pm) / Free Pool All Night / Way Back Wednesday: Retro Music Videos with DJ Ricoché (10pm‐3am) Thursday: Poker Night – No Buy‐in (6pm) / Liquor & Beer Bust (8pm–11) / Free Pool All Night Friday: Fresh Fridayz – New Music Video Premieres & Your Requests! / DJ Ricoché (11pm‐4am) / Specialty Drinks and Shot Specials All Night! Saturday: All Request Saturdays - DJ Ricoché (11pm‐4am) / Specialty Drinks and Shot Specials Sunday: Boys & Brewz Beer Bust (4pm–8pm)

Spotlight Lounge (702) 431-9775 / SpotlightLounge.com

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)

Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 63

2018

GROUP

HIKING EVENTS PLEASE JOIN US ONCE A MONTH AS WE MEET FOR A GROUP HIKE AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS

THROUGHOUT THE LAS VEGAS VALLEY

CASUAL HIKING | BRING YOUR OWN SNACKS

EMAIL: HIKE@LASVEGASPRIDE.ORG FOR INFO

MORE INFORMATION ONLINE: WWW.LASVEGASPRIDE.ORG 64 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

KRAFT MOUNTAIN JUNE 10 JULY 8

MARY JANE FALLS AUGUST 12 SEPTEMBER 9

RAILROAD TUNNELS OCTOBER 14 NOVEMBER 11

THEY’RE HERE! BI CORNER By Steve Mitchell For decades, the gay community has been fighting the good fight on every societal front and have made great progress. More recently, our Trans friends and family have seen progress in acceptance and awareness. But, man of those mysterious, promiscuous, unable-to-be-faithful bisexuals are still closeted and, worse, erased. Of course, not all bisexuals are promiscuous or unfaithful but those are two common descriptors of them by other people. According to the Williams Institute and the HRC Foundation’s own research, about 50% of the people who identify as either Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual identify as Bisexual. That makes bisexuals the largest group within the LGBT community. A recent UK study found that 50% of the UK’s youth say that they are

not “100% heterosexual”. A new study in America found that 1 out of 3 youths feel the same way. Yet, bisexuals remain a hidden presence in the LGBT community. I have had several bisexuals tell me that it is easier to identify as gay because of the responses they receive when they identify as bisexual. Some of the responses include, “That’s not a real thing”, “You’re just on your way to gay”, “You’re gay, you just want straight privilege” and “You’re just greedy”.

romantic with one gender. Some are a-romantic, meaning they have no romantic attraction (but experience sexual attraction). As you can see, identifying as bisexual says more about what you are not than what you are while identifying as gay or lesbian says exactly what you are.

It’s time for the bisexuals in the community to come out. It’s time to erase the bi erasure. A quick example of erasure – “Brokeback Mountain” and “Call Me By Your Name” are both known as gay movies. Yet, the 2 main Whereas Gay, Lesbian and Straight are male characters in both movies are very binary (i.e., boys like boys or boys clearly bisexual. Why are they known like girls), bisexuality is a spectrum. as “gay movies”? Bisexuality is defined as being attracted to more than one gender. 50% of the LGBT community identifies Some bi’s are mono-romantic which as bisexual. Are you bi? Come out means they have sexual attraction to and be proud. more than one gender but are only Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 67

Article By Sam Novak

The cast of Aussie Heat has taken Las Vegas by storm. Once an upstart production hoping to make a few waves, the risque troop from Down Under is firmly entrenched in the history of adult Strip productions. In the three years since their arrival, Aussie Heat has worked hard to stand apart from the pack. Sure, they’ve got firm bodies and smoldering looks... but it takes more than that to take on a city where Chippendales and Thunder From Down Under have reigned supreme. Recently the show has been amped up with new numbers, some fresh cast additions and a full-on media blitz. They’ve gained sponsors like the legendary aussieBum swimwear line and Bronzed, a local tanning salon is the most hands-on show on the that keeps the troupe glowing. Strip. Says emcee and owner Adam Barr - “You can slap...you can poke... Not just a stripper show, Aussie Heat you can even lick! Nevada state laws is an intimate dance spectacular. Each say there is to be no touching of guy is a trained performer, boasting performers at any time. But we’re not a wide variety of hip-hop moves and from Nevada “ he laughs. “We’re from astounding acrobatics. Young bucks very %#@+ far away! “. like Lenny, the “Pop and Lock King” and Simonster (Simon Ata) stun Before each performance, the guys audiences with their dizzying spins greet the crowd at an adjacent lounge and jaw-dropping flips. They’re all and exchange your dollars for their towered over by Hollywood stuntman own “Aussie Bucks”. Attendees are Simon Farrow, a James Bond-ian stud encouraged to “wave ‘em high and with smooth moves and sophistication stuff ‘em low”. Really low... packed onto a Rambo-like frame. What sets Aussie Heat furthest apart Those intricate steps..and tight abs... from the current crop is their policy are brought to life by an innovative of total inclusion. Everyone is treated approach to male revues. Aussie Heat equality in the body-baring show. It’s 68 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

an innovative approach that speaks loudly to the LGBTQ community. From the very beginning, Aussie Heat has recognized and welcomed men. Guys aren’t simply given a shout-out... they get lap dances and participate in on-stage segments. And in what may be another first for Vegas male revues, they feature a “Sunday Funday” discount to the gay community. So if the usual crop of male revues leaves you hungry for something more, head over to V Theater at Planet Hollywood Miracle Mile Shops. Aussie Heat performs every Thursday through Sunday at 10:30 pm.

IS SMOKING REEFERS MADNESS? By Richard Davis

With the recent legalization of recreational marijuana use in Nevada, will the 2018 Festival be our first high PRIDE?

higher smoking rates in the LGBT community as compared to straights and cis-genders, like up to 200 percent higher. Unfortunately, lung cancer and the many other deadlies The Southern Nevada Association of that result from tobacco use don’t PRIDE, Inc (SNAPI) intends to include discriminate. legal marijuana retailers among Festival vendors. But under current “Normalizing marijuana--or any Nevada law, Festival goers will be able smoking--in our community is to buy it, but they won’t be able to dangerous and has negative health legally smoke, toke or eat it at PRIDE. and social consequences,” says Doing so could result in fines ranging Malcolm Ahlo, program director of from $600 to $1,000. CRUSH, a counter social marketing campaign. That’s because it is not legal to publically imbibe marijuana in any That’s why SNAPI just said no to Big form. Nor can the thousands of Tobacco at PRIDE. LGBT tourist expected for Las Vegas PRIDE hope to get high back in the Substance use in general is also way privacy of their own hotel rooms higher among LGBT people than since hotels are considered public straight and cis-gender persons. For accommodations. In any case, all example, according to 2015 data from gaming properties adhere to federal the National Survey on Drug Use and marijuana restrictions out of concern Health, over 30 percent of LGBT adults for their gaming licenses. had used marijuana in the past year, compared to just about 12 percent of Well, is there anywhere an out-of- straights and cis-genders. towner can hope to get high? Hook up with a local. PnP might take on a LGBT youth report even higher rates whole new meaning on Grindr. of marijuana use as compared to their straight and cis-gender counterparts. The Southern Nevada Health Do girls just want to have fun? While District is concerned that the sale the party circuit is a cultural factor in of combustible marijuana products higher rates of substance use among at PRIDE would be about as retro as LGBT persons, the over-all picture reintroducing tobacco into an event that emerges is grimmer. that’s long been smoke-free. While harm reduction advocates SNAPI organizers recognize that recognize people use substances for the LGBT community is prey to Big a variety of reasons, LGBT people are Tobacco which seeks to lavender- more likely to use due to ghettoization, wash their products by sponsoring sexual criminalization, stigma, LGBT events like PRIDE. trauma, internalized homophobia, and self-medication for anxiety and Such direct social marketing to the depression. LGBT community has resulted in way 74 | Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

LGBT persons also experience higher rates of substance abuse disorder (SUD) and when they seek treatment are often diagnosed with more severe SUDs as well as higher rates of cooccurring psychiatric disorders. HIV transmission rates are higher among men who have sex with men and transgender women who have sex with men. These higher rates are associated with higher substance use which may result in riskier sexual behavior. Addiction treatment is associated with less risky behavior as well as a lower HIV viral load among those currently living with HIV. While some HIV activists advocate for medical marijuana use in the treatment of HIV, Will Rucker, Nevada Program Director with the American Lung Association says, “Smoking marijuana hurts the lungs’ first line of defense against infection by killing cells that help remove dust and germs. Smoking also suppresses the immune system and the body’s ability to fight disease.” Marijuana is legal, but is it safe? There is cause to be concerned especially for our LGBT youth. A 2012 study showed that people who continually used marijuana from their teens lost an average of 8 IQ points between the ages of 13 and 38. They were also less likely to finish high school or obtain other markers of social success. Aside from lack of motivation and lowered long-term memory from marijuana use, there is a real danger when people who are high get behind the wheel. That’s why even medicallyprescribed marijuana use can lead to arrest and conviction for DUI. What happens in Vegas, sometimes stays in Vegas, for a very long time. Yes, you can carry packaged marijuana in your car in Nevada, but tourists who intend to buy it here and drive

home across state lines can be subject Exposure to marijuana smoke can to arrest under federal drug laws. exacerbate health problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive Am I just being paranoid? Everyone pulmonary disease (COPD), and has smoked marijuana at one time or atherosclerosis, leading to heart another and we’re all still alive. How attack and strokes. harmful can it be? Although Nevada’s Clean Indoor Air “There is great concern about the Act does not currently proscribe health impacts of marijuana use, indoor marijuana use in public especially on lung health. Smoke buildings, most public spaces in from marijuana combustion has been Nevada that currently prohibit shown to contain many of the same combustible tobacco use also forbid toxins and carcinogens as tobacco smoking marijuana. smoke,” says Will Rucker with the American Lung Association. Americans for Non-Smokers Rights (ANR) point out that marijuana smoke “Smoke is smoke,” said Dr. Matthew is a form of indoor air pollution. The Springer, associate professor of ANR states, “If we want healthy, smoke medicine at the University of California free air for workers and the public, in San Francisco. Dr. Springer said, then products like marijuana and “Both tobacco and marijuana smoke electronic smoking devices” as well impair blood vessel function similarly. as combustible tobacco, “must not People should avoid both.” be used in smoke free environments where others are forced to breathe the secondhand emissions.”

CRUSH’s Malcolm Ahlo says, ““PRIDE should be a fun event celebrated with family and friends. Who wants to have to breathe someone else’s marijuana or tobacco smoke?”

Richard Davis is a community health worker with Dignity Health – St. Rose Dominican Hospitals. Mr. Davis is a certified tobacco treatment specialist and master instructional specialist with the University of Arizona’s HealthCare Partners. He is a workshop leader and master trainer for the Chronic Pain Self-Management Workshop originally developed at Stanford University. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone.

Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine | 75

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