As summer reaches its peak, July and August bring a season of confidence, connection, and self-discovery. The energy of Pride Month may be fading from the calendar, but its spirit remains; a reminder that living authentically is a year-round practice. These months encourage queer and trans individuals to embrace joy, strengthen relationships, and continue building lives rooted in truth.
The LGBTQIA+ community has always thrived through storytelling. Long before social media and livestreams, our history was passed from person to person, preserving experiences, lessons and victories that might otherwise have been forgotten. Today, the Las Vegas PRIDE Podcast continues that tradition, creating a space where community members can share their journeys, celebrate their accomplishments and inspire the next generation.
The 2026 BigHorn Rodeo proved once again why it remains one of Southern Nevada’s most beloved LGBTQ+ traditions. Hosted by the Nevada Gay Rodeo Association over Mother’s Day weekend at Horseman’s Park, this year’s event brought together more contestants, attendees, and community partners than ever before, making it one of the most successful rodeos in recent memory.
When The Phoenix Bar & Lounge arrived at the BigHorn Rodeo at Horseman’s Park over Mother’s Day Weekend, it did not come quietly. Towering above the festival grounds in sky blue paint, rainbow flags, swinging seats, and smiling faces, “The Cuddle Bus” quickly became one of the most photographed and talked-about attractions of the weekend.
Every community has stories worth preserving, and the story of Las Vegas PRIDE is one of perseverance, visibility, and unwavering commitment to one another. What began in 1983 as a modest week of events organized by a handful of determined LGBTQIA+ advocates has grown into one of Southern Nevada’s most recognized community celebrations. From gatherings on the UNLV campus and rallies in Sunset Park to today’s large-scale festivals, parades, publications, and year-round programs, Las Vegas PRIDE has evolved alongside the community it serves.
Few stories shine as powerfully and authentically as that of JoJo Teves, known on stage as Jolene Secrets. As a two-time Miss Deaf Las Vegas PRIDE (2022 and 2023), Jolene represents more than glamour and performance. She represents resilience, identity, and the powerful impact of being seen. Behind the crown and spotlight is JoJo, a Deaf individual, student, and future educator whose journey reflects growth, courage, and purpose.
Jesse James Jacobs, known on stage as Hanna Barbeara, is Las Vegas’ favorite camp drag clown and a boundary-pushing entertainer known for infectious energy, bold visuals, and a signature Muppet-inspired aesthetic. Blending absurdity, alternative drag, glamour, and unapologetic camp, Hanna has become a standout in the Las Vegas entertainment scene and beyond.
A few weeks ago, we were able to take his quill from one hand and the pour spout from the other and really chit-chat with our new Las Vegas author, Brandon Blesi. It was so refreshing to see his passion and excitement about his recent accomplishments! Shakespeare apparently wrote late into the evenings at a little pub in Stratford-Upon-Avon in Great Britain! So, is this what we expect when we come to see you bartending? A pen in one hand and a bottle in the other!
Las Vegas nightlife favorite DJ Lexto is bringing a fresh wave of LGBTQIA+ nightlife to Substance with a new monthly event series designed to celebrate music, creativity and community. The series launched with Never-Ending Brat, an event inspired by the current pop music renaissance and the artists who have become cultural touchstones within queer spaces. The night embraces the energy, freedom and self-expression that have long defined LGBTQIA+ nightlife.
Grant Philipo is a true visionary and a supreme maestro in the history of Las Vegas entertainment and costuming. For every rhinestone, there is a story, and for every stitch, there is a better story. Las Vegas PRIDE was honored to have an intimate moment within the walls of this iconic museum located on the Eastside of town.
