By Joslyn Hatfield

Welcome to the Family and Pets issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine! This month we are exploring the concept of family in our ever-changing world. We are talking to one of the hottest drag performers in town, and we are taking a delectably bizarre trip to a one-of-a-kind experiential art venue. We are checking in for a staycation at one of our favorite Strip properties with pups in tow! And we are getting the scoop on starting a family of our own.

Family is something I have grown to cherish. My family has a long history of substance abuse and alcoholism. Despite some very dark times, I was lucky to have relatives, coaches, and teachers to help me overcome my genetics and circumstances. I was 37 when I lost the grandfather who was my rock, and it was another year before I forgave my parents for having the disease of addiction. Yet here I am, knocking on 40, and my parents are my first call when I need someone to talk to. Life’s a trip.

Like so many of our readers, I came to define family on my own terms. Pets? Family. Three best friends who knew me when California Love was on heavy rotation? Family. Roommate who shared his studio apartment for three months after I got kicked out of my house? Family. Gay recreational sports leagues? Fam-il-y.

Some of us have strong ties to our biological families, and some of us don’t. But family is a feeling. It’s safety and trust and affection. It’s accountability and connection and memories. It’s all of these things and more, but most importantly, it is exactly what you make it.

Come explore the concept of family with us!

In Pride,

Joslyn Hatfield
Editor, Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine

This article was originally published in the Family & Pets Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.