INTRODUCING MISS. LAS VEGAS PRIDE 2010

Las Vegas, NV, February 18, 2010: After many years of dedication and volunteer work for the Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, Inc. (SNAPI, Las Vegas PRIDE) Brandon Johnson, known as Diva Delafuente when performing as a female impersonator was named Miss. Las Vegas PRIDE 2010. The title, which is earned, not competed for in a pageant, represents countless hours of volunteering, dedication, and hard work. Applicants interested in holding the title of Miss. Las Vegas PRIDE must demonstrate their dedication to the organization before being considered a qualified candidate. Brandon met and exceeded those qualifications. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Brandon lived there until the age of 8 when he moved to South Dakota. After graduating from High School in South Dakota, Brandon returned to Hawaii to reunite with his friends and family in Kaneohe.

Brandon moved to Las Vegas in September of 2001 and began his involvement with Las Vegas PRIDE just two years later. Over the years, Brandon’s involvement has included judging at many PRIDE Pageants, decorating multiple venues for PRIDE Events. He is also the inspiration behind the creation of the Boy’s & Girl’s PRIDE Parties.

In 2009 Brandon represented Las Vegas PRIDE at both the Los Angeles and San Diego PRIDE Events. In preparation for these and other events, Brandon donated his time and talents in the creation of many of the costumes used by the marketing committee. This helped promote PRIDE at events throughout the year such as out‐of‐town parades, HRC’s Annual Gala, AFAN’s Black & White Party and more. Additionally, Brandon’s knowledge of the art of illusion and female impersonation was put to good use when he helped judge the 2009 PRIDE Youth Pageant.

Over the years, Brandon has contributed his time and efforts in the support of fundraising efforts of many local non‐profits including those of AFAN, Sin Sity Sisters, HRC, NGRA, SNAPI and more. He has also appeared in many fundraising shows performing as Diva Delafuente for NGRA, IRSCDI, SNAPI and more.

Always a loyal supporter of Las Vegas PRIDE, Brandon was incredibly impressed by the recordbreaking 2009 PRIDE Festival and decided that he wanted to become even more involved with the organization by donating his skills at female impersonation. During his reign as Miss Las Vegas PRIDE 2010, Brandon hopes to contribute even more to the Las Vegas LGBT Community by continuing his fundraising efforts and helping others find ways to become more involved as well.

The Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE is excited to welcome Diva Delafuente as our Miss. Las Vegas PRIDE 2010!

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If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Ernie Yuen, please e‐mail him at pageant@lasvegaspride.org. For more information about SNAPI or Las Vegas Pride, visit www.lasvegaspride.org.

The primary objectives and purposes of SNAPI are: To educate the general public to the needs and issues affecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community; to provide educational outreach to persons directly or indirectly involved in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community; to advocate and facilitate the exchange of ideas and resources between the various non‐profit Nevada lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or related organizations; to promote a positive image of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and pride; to provide inclusive and diverse representation within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community; to recognize and celebrate the substantial achievements in our community.

Official Sponsors of Las Vegas PRIDE (SNAPI) include the following: Bud Light, Cox Communications, Harrah’s Entertainment, Q Vegas, Deejay Danny G., Paris Hotel & Casino, Bacardi, Blue Moon Resort, FreeZone, Las Vegas Gay Yellow Pages, Sin City Q Socials, DIVAS Magazine, MGM Mirage, Charlie’s Las Vegas, Medic West, Wells Fargo, Get Booked, Entourage Vegas, and Barefoot Wine & Bubbly.