As I mentioned in my Spring 2023 article, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 1½. I spent a third of my childhood in the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, starting at age 3. We called it going to Rehab. The impact of arthritis on my education, both positive and negative, started in preschool.

When we last spoke with Angelo Gomez in 2023, the decorated police officer and proud gay Latino trailblazer shared his inspiring path of public service, advocacy, and resilience. Now, Angelo has added another powerful title to his résumé: author. With his debut children’s book, Hero Inside, Gomez turns his lifelong passion for service into a heartfelt and empowering story for the next generation, especially those who feel like they don’t quite fit in.

You’ve stood in front of the mirror and thought: “I have nothing to wear.” But here’s the truth: it’s rarely about the clothes. What you’re really saying is: “Nothing in this closet feels like me.” The closet is one of the most personal spaces we own, yet for so many, it’s also a battlefield.

Las Vegas PRIDE is set to shine even brighter this year with the addition of acclaimed comedian Roz Hernandez as a stage emcee and entertainer. Known for her sharp wit, paranormal curiosity, and unapologetically queer perspective, Roz is a force on the comedy scene; one who brings equal parts laughter and empowerment to every stage she graces.

Las Vegas’ most anticipated night of fashion, entertainment, and philanthropy is back. On Saturday, September 20, Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) hosts its 39th Annual Black & White Party at the iconic KAOS Nightclub inside Palms Casino Resort, promising a “Wild West” showdown like no other—all in the name of supporting Southern Nevadans living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Former American Idol finalist and acclaimed pop-soul vocalist David Hernandez has always worn his heart on his sleeve through his music, but his latest single, “feel it all” (out September 12, 2025), is his most vulnerable work yet; a deeply personal anthem of healing, sobriety, and shared connection.

The Las Vegas PRIDE team was invited to be special guests at the VIP Media / Influencers Kickoff for the Wizard of OZ Experience at the Venetian on August 2. The display is a promotional tie-in for the “Wizard of OZ Experience” at the Sphere, which opened on August 28.

As summer fades and autumn arrives, the cosmos brings balance, grounding, and transformation. September offers clarity around routines and relationships, while October’s eclipse season invites breakthroughs and bold shifts. It’s a time of harvest; reaping the lessons of the year so far and stepping into the next chapter of your queer journey with strength and authenticity.

As we start to wrap up Summer and head into the last quarter of 2025 (and into Las Vegas PRIDE season), we have so much to be thankful for, to look forward to, and so very much work ahead of us. While our community faces so much adversity, we also see so much help, love, and support. All marginalized groups know that we have more in common with our neighbors than our differences.