By Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine Staff
Photography courtesy of Love Family Mesquite

The vitality and livelihood of queer-based community groups in Southern Nevada is more important now than ever. The Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE Inc. is continually dedicated to the outreach and support of such groups, even though they are miles away from the bright lights in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas PRIDE joined the LOVE FAMILY in Mesquite several years back and have had an incredible on-going relationship with their queer community. They host yearly special events, including talent shows, proms, Nightclub Nights, a Bar Crawl, and several fun family night events.

We recently had lunch with Dana Long, LOVE FAMILY architect, and are delighted to share with you the new perspectives of their group in Mesquite.

“The need for true community has come knocking on our door, and we cannot ignore it. It is time we make way for more grassroots efforts, more support systems, and more unity for those of us who share our experience.”

“Love Family has been regrouping and reconnecting with our community, and we hope all can do the same. June will look a little different this year: more vulnerable, organic, and family-oriented. We have seen a beautiful exchange of knowledge, information, and shared experiences as we have scaled back from large events and refocused our efforts towards genuine support and community outreach.”

Another incredible group from Mesquite is a social group created by individuals who reside within the planned residential neighborhoods. They host monthly outings, group activities, and several yearly road trips to Las Vegas. We met Dave Slater at a LOVE FAMILY event, and he truly appreciates and values the outreach provided to all our organizations in their area.

“Living in a small Nevada desert town can be daunting for queer people, especially for those who are used to living in large cities. It is easy to feel isolated and like there are no other LGBT folks around. Good news! In Mesquite, Nevada, you are not the only one. Initially created as a group in a local Mesquite neighborhood, an active, vibrant LGBT Social Club began several years ago to bring together friends and like-minded neighbors based on an unwavering principle of inclusion. It is based in Mesquite but has quickly grown to include same-sex couples, singles, and supportive friends from across the area, from St. George, Utah, all the way south to Las Vegas. Anyone identifying as LGBTQIA+ or as an ally can find new friends here. It is a very friendly, welcoming group, with plenty of acceptance among members, and without judgment.”

“When my husband and I moved from the progressive Pacific Northwest to conservative Mesquite during the COVID lockdown, we felt like we were the only gay people in town. Months later, through an unexpected Pride event hosted by LOVE FAMILY (a great local non-profit), we met other LGBT couples, some of whom lived in our neighborhood. We banded together to start a social club to bring together others who live in and around Mesquite, and to let LGBTQIA+ people and allies in the area know they were not alone. This group has quickly grown into a very active and welcoming club. There is a strong sense of independence and Pride here, as we help each other to stand proud against the challenges of living in a very small, conservative town. Working with Las Vegas PRIDE has been very rewarding,” states Dave Slater.

Look for more great adventures coming up soon with these groups.

Go to our calendar at lasvegaspride.org/calendar and check out the newest listings. You can also find more current information at www.lovefamilynv.com or by emailing [email protected]

This article was originally published in the 2025 Sports & Recreation Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.