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.

The summer season got off to a spectacular start as Las Vegas PRIDE and SAHARA Las Vegas welcomed guests to the first weeks of the 2026 Elevate Pool Party series at Retro Pool. From the moment the gates opened, the energy was undeniable as community members, visitors, friends, and allies came together to celebrate diversity, connection, and the spirit of PRIDE.

When I think of summer, attending mass attractions comes to mind—such as theme parks, Comic-Con, Pride, and concerts. The relationship between my physical disability and my participation in mass attractions is entirely interactional. My diagnosis does not define my ability to engage with the event, but by how my disability intersects with both the physical environment (is it accessible?) and the social environment (how do those around me perceive disability?).

Miss Las Vegas Trans PRIDE Sarah Amie Dorsey is a very bright light within our Las Vegas community, and we are so grateful and honored to have her represent our Trans Community. Sarah Amie Dorsey is an educator, writer, artist, and transgender activist. She is the founder of Amie Teaches, an educational coaching practice focused on developing strong academic skills, greater confidence, curiosity, and a joy in learning.

Meet Simone, the creative force behind ClueX, as he shares his journey from drag and burlesque to writing, producing, and performing in one of Las Vegas' most uniquely queer theatrical experiences.

On a mellow Sunday evening in early May at The Phoenix Bar & Lounge, one of Las Vegas’ most beloved LGBTQIA+ gathering spaces, patrons were enjoying a typical karaoke night when an international music legend quietly walked through the door. Accompanied by a few friends, Cyndi Lauper arrived simply looking to relax, have fun, and enjoy the company of the community.

You would think that getting older today would be easier than ever before because we now have so many supportive tools at our fingertips, along with incredible advances in science and technology. But are we actually using them? The jury is still out. We have countless choices for nutritional supplements to help fill the gaps often created by unhealthy diets.

Summer has always been a season of possibility. It is the season when we gather outdoors, discover new adventures, celebrate creativity, and reconnect with the people and experiences that inspire us. It is a time when music fills the air, performers take the stage, artists share their visions, and communities come together to create memories that last long after the temperatures begin to cool.

We made it through June and we are SO PROUD of our community for SUPPORTING the ONE AND ONLY, Las Vegas PRIDE! Las Vegas PRIDE fights for human rights, love, equity, and liberation every day, and we are so blessed to get to build culture and community especially each June since it was declared as National PRIDE Month in 1999 (our Organization has been serving the community since the early 1980s!).

For generations, LGBTQ+ Americans have fought not only for visibility and equality, but also for the fundamental right to participate fully in democracy. From the early activism that followed the Stonewall Uprising to modern-day movements advocating for equality, healthcare access, safety, and representation, voting has remained one of the most powerful tools our community has to shape the future.

As spring ripens into summer, May and June arrive with warmth, movement, and an undeniable sense of momentum. With PRIDE season on the horizon, this period invites LGBTQ+ communities to step boldly into visibility, celebrating identity while continuing the work of growth, healing, and liberation.

When Lo Colby’s name was announced at the finale of Miss International Queen – USA 2026, time seemed to stand still. The dazzling stage at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City faded into the background as a wave of emotion took over: shock, disbelief, joy, and something even deeper: validation.

Lukas Serrano creates daily impact for the trans community in Las Vegas by embracing his authentic self and using his voice to advocate for those who may not yet feel seen or heard. Through his roles in healthcare and public affairs, he works to dismantle barriers to access, educates providers, and ensures the community receives dignity and respect. Lukas leads by example, especially for trans men, demonstrating that they belong and their experiences are valued.

His stage name is not one to be mispronounced! “El Lalito” is usually broadcast as loud as possible through the club’s microphone as he saunters or glides onto the stage with his Latin Flair and exciting showmanship. Eduardo is a treat to the soul with his gleaming eyes and bright smile. I was fortunate to catch up with him during one of his performances with the Las Vegas Men’s Chorus, and we chatted about everything!