By Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine Staff // Photography by Wayne Schultz at The Neon Museum

Mr. and Mrs. Las Vegas PRIDE 2024, Derek Guerrero and Norma Llyaman (Jim McCoy) have been busy! Crowned officially as our current Mr. and Mrs. in June as part of our Area 15 Family PRIDE Bingo and Coronation Extravaganza, life has been far from normal for the two monarchs. As active participants for years with our incredible LGBTQIA+ QUEER community in Las Vegas and neighboring communities, Derek and Norma have embraced their titles and continue to do what they have always done, embraced their community. Every Day!

From representing PRIDE at HRC, Las Vegas Men’s Chorus, Nevada Gay Rodeo Association, Helldorado days, Planned Parenthood Rocky Mountains, ActBlue, AFAN, and other incredible local community organization events, they have spread their PRIDE wings and have continued with their outreach to organizations and communities in Pahrump and Mesquite!

“Norma and Derek are who I want to be when I grow up!” stated Craig Bohannon, 57, from Pahrump. “They make it look so easy! So normal!”

Craig Bohannon is a founding member of PAHRUMP PROUD, the annual LGBTQIA+ event held every June as part of National PRIDE month. He loves Derek and Norma’s commitment and compassion for each other and the community.

Mrs. Las Vegas PRIDE Norma Llyaman and Mr. Las Vegas PRIDE Derek Guerrero

LOVE FAMILY in Mesquite was also delighted when Auntie Norma and Derek took them under their wings three years ago. The couple has continually represented Las Vegas PRIDE with the many events and activities LOVE FAMILY hosts for the Queer community in Mesquite and southern Utah. A festive fall variety show is now being planned for an October 26 stage debut!

Their continued focus for late fall and early spring will be specifically on several key interests on the Queer platform: Houseless Youth, Mental Health, and Senior Care. They will work with many local and state agencies to create awareness and familiarity with such strong issues. Of course, as we all know, in an election year, the focus may be slightly altered if necessary!

The couple is very excited for the wrap-up of the 40th Anniversary of Las Vegas PRIDE with the upcoming parade and festival in October. They are honored to once again be hosting the FREMONT PRIDE Parade Stage and cannot wait to see all the wonderful faces of friends and family and to once again be PROUD to represent Las Vegas!

This article was originally published in the 2024 PRIDE Celebration issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.