I never got to meet my grandpa, Oliver. He was a middle-school teacher in the Seattle area, loved his family, friends, and volunteering in his church. He passed away before I was born, from complications from AIDs on Thanksgiving Day, 1987. This poem is a tribute to my Grandpa Oliver and a reflection on how far we have come to create a world where Love Wins.

Amid an era of political controversy and legislative debate, award-winning journalist Nico Lang offers a compelling new lens on the lives of transgender and nonbinary teenagers across America in their latest book, American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era.

Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine does not endorse any political candidates. We have provided the following endorsements and information from other sources as a service to our readers, and encourage all to research each candidate and topic in order to make an educated decision for themselves.

Emerging from the success of his last hit, “Bright Side,” which has been gaining traction on international platforms like MTV Latin America and LA-TV, pop trailblazer MkX launched into 2024 with his electrifying new single, “MAN ON A MISSION.” This single is the first of several planned releases for the year, showcasing MkX’s bold, autobiographical narrative that taps into his genre-bending sound and relentless drive.

Kristine W.’s dance card is always full. Nearly two decades into her stellar career, the singer, songwriter, and musician can’t stop burning up dance floors with her signature jazz-funk infused mix of bouncing beats. Not only has she earned 17 #1 singles and a Billboard ranking of #8 Greatest Dance Artist of All Time (#3 Greatest from the last decade, trailing only Madonna and Beyoncé), but she’s also achieved gay icon status.

Las Vegas PRIDE 2024 is gearing up to be a spectacular celebration of love, unity, and diversity, and this year’s entertainment lineup just got even more exciting with the addition of DJ Zareen. The San Diego-based talent will bring her dynamic beats and infectious energy to the stage on October 12, 2024.

Every year on October 11th, LGBTQ+ individuals and allies across the United States celebrate National Coming Out Day, a time dedicated to promoting visibility, understanding, and acceptance. This day, which began in 1988, encourages individuals to live their truth openly and to share their authentic selves with the world. It’s a powerful reminder that coming out, whether for the first time or the hundredth, is a personal and political act of courage and defiance against societal pressures to conform.

Fifty-four years ago, marginalized people, people of color, trans people, minority people, people who experienced their voices diminished, their lights dimmed, and their opportunity to thrive curtailed, took a stand. On that night on Christopher Street at the Stonewall Inn, LGBTQIA+ people fought back. Claiming this (what they would not have called it then, but we would now, having reclaimed words in the wake of this bold stand) queer space and fighting back against mistreatment and minimization. From weakness came strength.

In a magical blend of color, joy, and acceptance, the beloved Teletubbies made a surprise appearance at AREA15, Las Vegas’ immersive art and entertainment district, alongside Norma Llyaman and Derek Guerrero, reigning as Mr. and Mrs. Las Vegas PRIDE. The event was filled with energy, smiles, and a palpable sense of community, showcasing a unique intersection of nostalgia, inclusion, and celebration of the LGBTQIA+ spirit.

October 11th is National Coming Out Day (NCOD) to support anyone “coming out of the closet.” Tell me more about this celebratory occasion, you say? Don’t mind if I do… (I know my history teachers’ minds will be blown right now if they read this.)

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a concerning trend: the misuse of the term “PRIDE” by various entities that do not directly benefit or support the LGBTQIA+ community. This not only confuses potential supporters but also dilutes the impact of our genuine PRIDE events and initiatives. To address this issue, we urge everyone to consider using the term “PROUD” when referring to events or promotions that are not directly affiliated with the PRIDE movement.

Well, readers, October is upon us along with the witchy breeze of its autumnal magick. Revel in the glory of fallen leaves crunching helplessly beneath your feet, each one a reminder that we’re going to have to start wearing pants soon because it’s about to be way too cold for showing skin in these streets. With the release of summer’s heat, body odor, and minimalist clothing trend, the planets are coming out of their long and oppressive retrograde phases.

The crazy brainchild of our very own Mrs. Las Vegas PRIDE 2024, Norma Llyaman, has just turned one year old! OLD BROADS, BALLADS, and BOOZE. Every third Sunday Brunch at The Phoenix Bar and Lounge started as a silly idea and has grown into something quite spectacular.

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.

The first half of 2024 was quite an adventure! From health issues to emergency home and car repairs to accessibility issues during vacations, like a snowball effect, each challenge impacted the next. My way to withstand is to focus on the positives. We finally went on the Alaska cruise we’ve been planning since before the pandemic. Mom has wanted to go on this trip for decades, but life always got in the way.

A grassroots movement called Find Your Anchor (FYA) is making waves in the realm of suicide prevention, awareness, and education. Born out of a deep desire to save lives and spread hope, FYA harnesses the power of creativity, small acts of kindness, and community to create meaningful change. But what exactly is Find Your Anchor, and how is it making such a profound impact?

As we gear up for Las Vegas PRIDE 2024, we are thrilled to welcome our community to join us DOWNTOWN for our Las Vegas PRIDE Parade AND Festival! This National Coming OUT Day weekend, you can come to celebrate PRIDE! We will also host our annual ELEVATE PRIDE Pool Party at Flamingo Las Vegas!

May I please have your attention, ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between? Today marks a bittersweet moment as I stand before you, reflecting on my journey as Miss Deaf Las Vegas PRIDE 2022 and reigning through 2023. Representing the LGBTQIA+ community as a beacon of pride, acceptance, and love has been a remarkable honor.

Another steamy summer is upon us, but this one feels different, doesn’t it? Collectively, our priorities have shifted recently to some unexpected focus points that aren’t necessarily giving us the summer experience we anticipated. Foundations have been shifting lately, and aspects of our lives that we thought would be around much longer have been in a dissolution process (both literally and metaphorically).

Dust Las Vegas stands as a new haven for the LGBTQ+ community in the heart of Las Vegas, offering a dynamic blend of entertainment, culinary delights, and a welcoming atmosphere. Founded by Ryan Bandy and managed by J.C. Lopez, Dust Las Vegas is a testament to their combined passion for creating inclusive spaces and dedication to the bar industry.

Magic Nights Publishing has released “Blake’s Adventure with the Halloween Witch,” a children’s book that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Written and illustrated by Brandon and Calvin Tate, a married gay couple and proud fathers to two young daughters, this enchanting tale promises to be a significant addition to children’s literature.

Bi people exist. Now, I’m sure most of you consider that a “well, duh” statement. I mean- we have a whole letter in the main mafia alphabet. Of course, we’re here, and queer people are used to it. But as with any sexuality, there is nuance. And nuance is why I can’t relate to a lot of bisexual stuff. That’s why I can’t say “me too!” when a meme about bisexuals is posted, or wear a shirt labeled “bisexual” to PRIDE. That’s because I’m a different, lesser-known type of bi. I’m biromantic.

Mark December 8th – 12th, 2024, as booked and busy! Miss International Queen – USA, the most prestigious beauty pageant for Transgender Women in America, is coming to Las Vegas, and it’s an event not to be missed. Miss International Queen – USA (MIQ-USA) invites attendees and competitors to celebrate the beauty, tenacity, and diversity of transgender women with a range of talent, stories of resilience, and transformation.

30 days! 27 Events! However, we went beyond the city limits of Las Vegas with our celebrations, embracing one event in Henderson and one event in Mesquite. The final curtain call was “Over-the-Hump” in Pahrump! The Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE Inc. was spreading the rainbow far and wide this year! SNAPI has been developing relationships within the Las Vegas community and with our neighboring cities for over 40 years.

On the fifty-fifth anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, President Joe Biden delivered a heartfelt speech on the significance of this historic event. Speaking on the very ground where the movement began, President Biden emphasized that the Stonewall rebellion was not merely a local incident but a pivotal moment that tested and ignited the soul of the nation.