Out in Henderson - Jul/Aug 2021 by OutinHenderson

Out in Henderson

Contents 6 13 20 24 25

Henderson Pride Fest

It’s a Great Time to Level Up!

LGBTQ+ Diversity

Water Street District

Women’s Equality Day Leave the World Behind Clark County Museum

Out in Henderson

30 32 33

Cowabunga Bay

9Round Kickboxing Local Henderson Animal Shelter

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Henderson Pride Fest By SARAH MITCHELL

or many years now, June has been celebrated as Pride month. This past June, the Henderson Equality Center had an extremely memorable Pride Fest event. A big thank goes out to Anthem and Tito’s Vodka for sponsoring the event. Without them, the Henderson Pride Fest would not have been the amazing event that it was! Friday, June 4, 2021, there was a Stonewall Exhibition at the Henderson Equality Center. At this event, guests were able to read about the historic events of Stonewall on the archive history

wall. Also at the event was a silent auction and an amazing performance by Kylie Sonique Love, who you may recognize as a former contestant on Ru Paul’s Drag Race. Despite the sweltering heat of the day, more than thirty vendors participated in the Grand Re-Opening event on Sunday, June 6, 2021. Also at the event was special guest host Tyler Foxx, Midori Ice and Mikey Choy Foo from Las Vegas PRIDE Royalty, and live entertainment from musician Kristine W. On Sunday, June 6, 2021, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak chose to sign four LGBTQ+ Bills into law at the Henderson Equality Center’s Pride Fest. Normally, the governor signs all

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Bills in the state capital, Carson City, so choosing to come to Henderson for this was a tremendous deal. The Bills include the following: Senate Bill 109, which requires local governments to collect demographic information related to race, ethnicity, and gender identity. Governor Sisolak explained, “So we can continue to take steps to ensure our government reflects our community. Representation matters.” Senate Bill 237, which provides equal opportunities to help grow LGBTQ+ owned business; businesses like the Henderson Equality Center. And two HIV Bills, Senate Bill 325 and Senate Bill 275, which modernize Nevada’s current HIV criminal laws and increase access and care for HIV patients through our pharmacies. Nevada also became one of six U.S. states to sign a bill into law, allowing LGBTQ+ history to be taught in schools. “It is so important that we bring these bills to the community, to this center, to help you understand how important this is,” said Governor Sisolak. Nevada Representative Dina Titus, a Democrat, also spoke at the event, praising the community for pushing to get this legislation passed at the state level. “Legislators and governors can’t do it without your input, your advocacy, your educating the public and all that you do to support us,” she said. “So thank you for all of that. Not just during Pride Month, but every day you’re on the front lines.”

Joining Governor Sisolak and Dina Titus at the event was Nevada Senator Pat Spearman. Other dignitaries who could not make it but sent their regards included Henderson Mayor Debra March, who has also signed proclamations in support of the LGBTQ+ community here in Henderson. History was made this June at the Henderson Equality Center. Pride month is the time to celebrate who we are, and all of the accomplishments our community has made thus far. Thank you to Governor Sisolak for signing these Bills at our Center and continuing to make way for the LGBTQ+ community, and thank you to every individual who made this possible and who came to enjoy these events. Out in Henderson

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LGBTQ+ Diversity By STEVE MITCHELL

nce upon a time there was “gay.” Then there was “lesbian.” Fast forward to 2021 and now there is gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, demisexual, graysexual, cisgender, transgender, gender nonconforming, nonbinary, gender queer, gender fluid, gender-neutral, M.A.A.B/F.A.A.B/ U.A.A.B (Male-assigned at birth/ female-assigned at birth/unassigned at birth) and intersex. I’m sure I’ve left one, two, or a few out. There is no denying, this makes for a very colorful rainbow! However, from time to time I still hear members of the community make the comment, “Oh, they’re just gay!” or something similar. They get upset about all of the “letters.” But those letters represent people, highly marginalized people. THIS is the place that they should feel safe. THIS is the place that they should feel accepted. When it was just straight and gay, and the straight world didn’t want to acknowledge or accept “gay”, it was very difficult for our gay friends and family members. Now,

gay and lesbian are, for the most part, accepted. Bi’s are misunderstood. Transgender people find animosity even in the community. And the letters beyond that? The straight world is trying to learn them and the LGBT community is mixed – many want to learn and understand and others seem put off. And that makes it very hard for all of those people in the community who have been on the outside all of their lives. Make an effort this Pride season to really be open to all of the wonderful people in our community who still don’t feel like they belong. “Seek to understand, not to be understood.” The world has gotten much colder and much more dangerous. The LGBT+ community should be a place of safety and warmth for all of those seeking to be authentic and belong. Make a new friend this Pride season. Someone outside of your comfort zone. Out in Henderson

Out in Henderson

Women’s Equality Day By RACHEL MARSH

very year, since 1971, Women’s Equality Day has been celebrated on August 26th. This year will mark the 50th anniversary of the celebration. The day also falls on the anniversary of the 19th amendment being ratified in 1920, which granted Women the right to vote. Since the beginning of America’s history, Women have not experienced the same rights as 20

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Men. For example, Women could not have a passport in their own name, serve on a jury, and married Women could not own property. Due to these inequities, the campaign for Women’s suffrage became a growing movement in the mid 1800’s and resisted the idea

that Women’s only role was to be a virtuous wife and mother, focusing on keeping a home. The National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) was formed in 1890 and focused on lobbying states to grant Women the access to vote. Wyoming was the first state to grant this and by 1918, 20 states and territories granted Women the right to vote. It should be noted that these laws mainly applied only to white Women. On May 21st, 1919, the Susan Anthony Amendment granting Women the right to vote passed the House of Representatives, two weeks later passed the Senate, and was then sent to the states for ratification. In August of 1920, Tennessee voted to support the amendment, reaching the ¾ of states required to make the Amendment fully ratified. On August 26th, 1920, it was certified, and Women were finally allowed the right to vote. Unfortunately, granting Women the right to vote did not grant Women equal right in all areas of life, including equal pay and sexual harassment. On August 26th, 1970, the National Organization

of Women (NOW) coordinated a Strike for Equality, where Women demanded equal opportunities in education, the workforce, and better access to childcare. Demonstrations popped up across the country with over 100,000 people participating. In 1971, a bill was passed by Congress to recognize the date of August 26th as Women’s Equality Day and a reminder of the continued fight for equal rights. At the Henderson Equality Center, we are reminded that in 2021, Women are still not treated equally to Men and that the fight for equal rights must include Women of Color, Trans Women, Gender NonConforming individuals, and all the LGBTQ+ community.

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Access to Healthcare Network

Battle Born Progress

3085 E Flamingo Rd, Ste A Las Vegas, NV 89121 844-609-4623 AccessToHealthcare.org

(702) 900-3665 BattleBornProgress.org

Affirming God’s People UCC 1140 Almond Tree Lane, Unit 303 Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 906-4608

Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) 1830 E Sahara Ave Ste 210 Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 382-2326 AFANLV.org

AIDS Healthcare Foundation 3201 S Maryland Pkwy Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 862-8075 AHF.org

Alto Pharmacy 600 E Pilot Rd Ste A Las Vegas, NV 89119 (800) 874-5881 ALTO.com

American Civil Liberties Union 601 S Rancho Dr, #B-11 Las Vegas, NV 89106 (702) 366 1226 aclunv.org

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Bears Las Vegas BearsLV.org

Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada 714 E Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89014 (702) 369-8700

Crush Socrush.com

Equality Nevada 1490 W Sunset Rd, Suite 120 Henderson, NV 89014 855-955-5428 EqualityNV.org

Gender Justice Nevada 900 E Karen Ave, Suite C-211 Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 324-1271

Golden Rainbow 714 E Sahara Ave, Suite 101 Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 384-2899 GoldenRainbow.org

Help of Southern Nevada 1640 E Flamingo Rd, #100 Las Vegas, NV 89119 (702) 369-4357 Helponv.org

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-784-2433 SuicidePreventionLifeLine.org

Nevada Gay Rodeo Association Henderson Equality Center 1490 W Sunset Rd, Suite 120 Henderson, NV 89014 855-955-5428 HendersonEqualityCenter.org

Henderson Police Department 223 Lead Street Henderson, NV 89015 (702) 267-5000

Hopelink of Southern Nevada

NGRA.com

Nevada Tobacco Quitline 800-QUIT-NOW NevadaTobaccoQuitLine.com

Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth 4981 Shirley St. Las Vegas, NV 89107 NPHY.org

178 Westmister Way Henderson, NV 89015 (702) 566-0576 Link2Hope.org

PFLAG

Indigo Valley Church

Saint Therese Center HIV Outreach

1027 South Rainbow Blvd. #199 Las Vegas, NV 89145 (702)439-4511

Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the Desert Empire PO BOX 46481 Las Vegas, NV 89114 DesertEmpire.org

Lambda Alano 12-Step Meeting 900 E Karen Ave, Suite A202 Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 737-4673

Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada 725 East Charleston Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 386-1-70 LACSN.org

PO BOX 20145 Las Vegas, NV 89112 (702) 738-7838

100 E Lake Mead Pkwy. Henderson, NV 89015 (702) 564-4224

Salvation Army Southern Nevada 2900 Palomino Ln Las Vegas, NV 89107 (702) 870-4430

Southern Nevada Association of Pride, INC 4001 S Decatur Blvd, #37-540 Las Vegas, NV 89103 866-930-3336

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

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Leave the World Behind By Rumaan Alam Article By SCOTT CLONAN

eave the World Behind is very difficult to describe, but should not be missed. The author spins the tale of a white, city dwelling family who rents a vacation house at the end of Long Island where you can “leave the world behind.” Amanda and her husband Clay take their two children to the rented house for their annual vacation. Shortly after they arrive, there is a black out in New York City and the black owners of the home decided that it is best for them to head for the country instead of trying to get to their high-rise apartment by walking up 14 flights of stairs. Amanda and her husband argue whether or not it is safe to let these strangers in the house. Since all arrangements have 24

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been done on-line, the two couples have never met. We soon find out the blackout is the symptom of something larger. There is no TV, radio, nor phone service. The author drops tidbits about what is happening in the wider world. With each tidbit we have an increasing sense of impending doom. This book has very little LGBTQ+ content but I loved how it is handled and the author is LGBTQ+. This book is about race, class, and the sense of dread that comes from not knowing. We have all become accustom to having information in the palm of our hands. How would we react when that comfort goes away? I could not put this book down and the sense of dread that author creates remains with you.

Clark County Museum By CHRISTINA AYOUB

isitors and locals alike find value in touring the city of Las Vegas, NV, known for exceptional customer services and a wide variety of entertainment options. Clark County Museum offers an option that differs from shows, nightlife, and casinos, showcasing the history of Clark County. Clark County Museum focuses on the various cultures that have existed, and still do, in the area to include the Mojave and Paiute. Clark County Museum offers knowledge on the overall history of Southern Nevada. The museum is organized into main areas to include the Anna Roberts Park Exhibit Hall and Heritage Gallery, Ghost Town Trail, Mojave Desert Nature Trail, Mojave Gardens Outdoor Classroom, and Heritage Street of Historic Homes. The exhibit hall offers a historical journey from the Ice Age to the Age of Entertainment from the 1910s to the 1970s.Soft Focus is the featured exhibit from March 19 – June 21, 2021 displaying quilts by local artists based on photographs of more than 50,000 images that cover 120 years of Southern Nevada history. Coming soon is the featured exhibit, The October 1st Collection, which is made up of tens of thousands of artifacts that help tell the story of the community reaction of

the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival. The museum is still collecting stories, and if you would like to share yours, check out the Clark County Museum website. Interestingly, the Clark County Museum incorporates a 30-acre site that features restored historic buildings depicting daily life in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Goldfield, and Henderson from different decades to include the atomic testing site, known as the Nevada Test Site until 2010, located in southeastern Nye County, Nevada, about 65 miles northwest of the city of Las Vegas. The homes donated have been relocated from various locations and time periods such as the Candlelight Wedding Chapel built in 1966, originally located on Las Vegas Blvd. housing celebrity weddings like Bette Midler, Barry White, and Whoopi Goldberg. The museum is open daily 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CLOSED Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. General Admission: adults $2.00, seniors and children $1. Out in Henderson

It’s a Great Time to Level Up! By ZAK SHELLHAMMER to open an office of their own. Level Up aims to be a more comprehensive Real Estate brokerage for the 21st century. It brings a mix of newage technology, modern-day equality, and old-fashioned customer service.

here’s a new Real Estate brokerage in town and it’s LGBTQ+ owned and operated! Level Up Real Estate located in the Black Mountain area of Henderson, Nevada is the creation of Zak Shellhammer and Katy Rawson. It was after years of working in the real estate industry, managing other offices, or helping people buy and sell real estate, that they decided

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By pooling a history of marketing, management, and real estate experience, Level Up is able to provide an enhanced full-service focus to each client their agents represent. Its Broker, Zak Shellhammer, is a certified At Home With Diversity agent and is passionate about bringing diversity and acceptance to our local communities. “It’s also about bringing a much needed level of comfort to diverse pockets of our community,” Zak said. “When you belong to a part of society that is

short sales. Throughout the last fifteen years he has seen the inner workings of making “home” a part of people’s story and also just how difficult that can be!

Zak Shellhammer

deemed a minority in any sense of the word, it’s important that the person you pick to help you find your next home actually understands you, a little bit about your culture, and most importantly your rights.” Zak Shellhammer has always been passionate about furthering the rights of all people. Born and raised in eastern Pennsylvania, he learned early on the need to be an advocate and help educate the public about identities that may be outside of the mainstream’s understanding. After moving to Las Vegas in 2004, he accidentally started his career in real estate as a graphic designer for new home builders until the real estate bubble burst and he moved into brokerage operations. He has specialized in residential resale, property management, and

“Purchasing a home doesn’t start when you’re ready, it starts when you’re not ready. We can be that guide.” Owner and REALTOR®, Katy Rawson said, perfectly describing what Level Up can do. A diverse, accepting, and fully trained office of Real Estate agents that can help others find what Katy Rawson may be available to them. Whether it be renting, buying, or selling a home, it sounds like it’s a great time to Level Up!

Level Up Real Estate is located at 642 E. Horizon Drive, Suite 120, Henderson, NV 89015 Office Phone 702-558-5630 Web www.Go2LevelUp.com Email info@go2levelup.com

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Water Street District By SARAH MITCHELL

Photo by Karina Milani

he Water Street District is the heart of Downtown Henderson. It is a unique setting where Main Street USA meets progressive thinking. A merging of culture, commerce, and authentic small-town insights, the Water Street District is the by-product of forward-thinking redevelopment policies carried out by the City of Henderson. There are a multitude of places and events to be seen and experienced here. Every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. the Country Fresh Farmers Market features farm-fresh produce,

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handmade craft, fresh breads and salsa and much more! If you’re looking for a Classic Vegas feel, check out some of the friendly casinos in the Water Street District. These casinos include Eldorado Casino, Emerald Island Casino, Gold Mine Tavern, and Rainbow Club Casino. Here you will find the kind of gaming that made Las Vegas famous – and that is part of what makes Water Street District so unique. Need a bite to eat? The Water Street District has a myriad of eateries to

choose from. The district has Chef Flemming’s Bake Shop, Coo Coo’s Gourmet Coffee Cake, Emerald Island Grille, Juan’s Flaming Fajitas & Cantina, Purple Penguin Snowcone Shack, and more! The Historic Walking Tour of the Water Street District provides an informative and rich account of the development of Henderson. It starts with the birth of Henderson during the industrialization period to support World War II efforts, and goes to the colorful city it has

become today. The tour covers the first homes, schools, businesses, casinos and more, and brings to life the people who made a difference in making the city a community. It also reveals fun facts, such as how Water Street was named and how a place that was meant to be a temporary stay for company workers has grown into Nevada’s second largest city. This summer, come check out this amazing piece of Henderson history and enjoy all the sights, tastes, and sounds it has to offer!

Photo by Karina Milani Out in Henderson

Cowabunga Bay By SARAH MITCHELL

ove to be outdoors, but looking for a way to escape the brutal summer heat in Henderson? Come check out the fantastic waterpark, Cowabunga Bay! With so many different waterslides and attractions, there is much fun to be had here.

Cowabunga Bay has ten different waterslides, including the Beach Blanket Banzai, Point Panic, SurfA-Go-Go, and Zuma ZOOMa. Keep in mind that some of these waterslides do have a height and/or weight requirement. With that being said, there are plenty of children’s waterslides available too! The waterpark also has other attractions to enjoy as well. Get ready to cruise the retro surf scene on the Cowabunga River. More commonly known as a lazy river, there will be nothing common about this attraction. Cool off and float your cares away

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as you pass giant surfboards, water features and a groovy ’67 VW bug. Set amidst a 1950’s Drive-In theater, the Surf-A-Rama Wave Pool will rock waves up to 4 feet high. Splash and play in the waves as they break on the beach. The Cowabunga Kids cove is the perfect area for your little ones to enjoy some splash fun. Children and toddlers can splash and play in the heated pool and ride slides scaled down to their size. Parents can rest assured knowing there is one controlled entrance and exit point as well as certified life guards on duty at all times. During July you can visit the waterpark between the hours of 11:00 am - 7:00

pm Sundays through Thursdays, and between the hours of 11:00 am - 9:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. There are single day tickets available, as well as season passes! Cowabunga Bay is located at 900 Galleria Drive. Summer is a great time to enjoy the wonders of what Henderson has to offer. Beat the heat and enjoy the funfilled waterpark, Cowabunga Bay!

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9Round Kickboxing By SARAH MITCHELL • You’re welcomed by a friendly, qualified trainer • Trainer teaches you how to wrap your hands for support when punching • Use heart rate training to stay in your target fat burning zone • Trainer shows you how to do each exercise based on your fitness level

f you enjoy kickboxing as a form of working out, or if you have been interested in trying it out, come check out 9Round Kickboxing! This gym is located in Henderson on the northeast corner of Warm Springs and Arroyo Grande, and is LGTBQ+ owned. 9Round delivers the ultimate body transformation program for all fitness levels. 9Round is a specialized fitness center for people who want a unique, fun, and proven workout. 9Round offers a kickboxing themed fitness program that incorporates a functional, interval, cardiovascular, and circuit training regimens. The programs consist of a proprietary system of nine challenging workout stations developed by a World Champion Kickboxer. Here’s what you can expect: • Show up at your convenience; there are no class times

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• Every three minutes, you move to the next exercise station • After station nine, your 30-minute full-body workout is over • Access to 9Round Nutritional Guidance • Enjoy a new workout every day (workouts change daily) If you have never been here before, you can experience a full 9Round workout for free with no obligations. A trainer will be on the floor to guide you through each of the stations and show you all the moves. There is also a 2-week introductory package for $39. This offer includes unlimited workouts for two weeks and a pair of hand wraps. If you haven’t quite gotten the summer body you were planning on having, there is not reason why you can’t start, or continue, that journey through these summer months! Enjoy an amazing workout at 9Round Kickboxing!

Local Henderson Animal Shelter By CHRISTINA AYOUB

he local Henderson animal shelter, Henderson Animal Care and Control Facility, offers a variety of services for the community, including offering a place for lost pets to be found. The shelter focuses a great effort on facilitating pet adoptions. The choice to adopt is a well though-out decision made by the entire family or household. Pets in the City of Henderson, NV must have a pet license. The animal shelter is committed to the community, offering locations that are open for safe meet and greets to happen. The application process can be a longer process than simply walking in the front door and picking a pet. Fees may be required, a yard check may be required, described as an animal shelter employee making a home visit. Finally, the animal shelter may like to confirm that the home is acceptant of animals by contacting the applicant’s landlord. The application process offers applicants the opportunity to plan for the pet’s arrival. Pet adoptions have increased globally due to the global pandemic, some shelters citing a 10% increase in

adoptions. Communities to include Las Vegas, NV have experienced this trend noting an increase in not only pet adoption rates but also pet necessities. For example, pet leashes contributing $44.6 million in sales. The shelter offers other services to include animal control, recommendations for such occurrences related to enacted noise variance laws and how to make formal complaints. Other resources available relate to community situations considering animal sanitation, leash laws, and pets running lose. The local Henderson Animal Shelter rehomes 100-200 pets monthly, all pets hoping for a forever home. The shelter offers pet adoption services at 300 E. Galleria Dr. Henderson Animal Shelter asks that people visit Monday - Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Adoptions close at 4:30 p.m. The shelter is closed on Sundays and government recognized holidays. Out in Henderson

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Youth Programing:

Adult Programing:

Youth Tutoring

BiSexual+ Adult Social Group

Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 430pm – 530pm

1st Wednesday of each month, from 630pm – 8pm

Youth GSA Social Group

Reiki Circle by Sharyn Mitchell

Every Friday of the month, from 6pm – 8pm

1st and 3rd Friday of each month, from 630pm – 8pm

Youth BiSexual+ Social Group

People of Color Social Group

Every Friday of the month, from 6pm – 8pm

2nd Tuesday of each month, from 630pm – 8pm

Youth Transgender Social Group

Transgender Adult Social Group

Every Friday of the month, from 6pm – 8pm More Social Groups to come! To stay up to date on all of our groups please visit, www.HendersonEqualityCenter. org/calendar-2

3rd Wednesday of each month, from 630pm – 8pm

Community Corner with SNAPIQS Southern Nevada Asian Pacific Islander Queer Society 4th Tuesday of each month, from 630pm – 8pm

Equality in Recovery - NA Every Saturday, from 1030am to 1130am

LGBTQ Veteran’s Social Group 4th Wednesday each month from 6-8pm

Seniors Men’s Social Group 1st and 2nd Tuesday each month from 6-8pm Parent LGBTQ Social Group 2nd and 4th Friday each month from 6-8pm

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Out in Henderson - Jul/Aug 2021

Articles inside

Leave the World Behind

9Round Kickboxing

It’s a Great Time to Level Up!