"Your Pride is Showing" was the colorful theme of this year's Las Vegas 25th Annual Gay Pride Week. From April 29th through May 4th, the gay community held various events from youth pageants, pride parades, and a day-long festival to sum up the week. All events spotlighted various characteristics of the gay community, and also raised awareness and money for numerous programs that cater to the gay community. It was a fun, exhausting, yet rewarding week as I ventured into the Vegas gay culture and met the colorful people of the community.
At the gay pride parade, one of the most popular events, I was thrown beads from a gorgeous drag queen a top a float dressed in nothing less than the best pink evening gown adorned with matching feathers. The competition for best parade float captured the imaginations of many companies, including Wells Fargo and local gay and lesbian businesses. However, it was MGM/Mirage's float that won over the judges with their "All You Need is Love" soundtrack blazing from a 60's style van, accompanied by dancing L-O-V-E letters.
"This is just great fun that also carries an important message. The gay and lesbian community needs to be recognized at least once a year. It is a step towards true equality with the hopes of diminishing crimes aimed at gays and lesbians," said Darien, a young gay Las Vegan. The Human Rights Campaign, or the HRC, was out in full force stickering the crowd with their equal sign logo. A well-known supporter of the gay community, Roseanne Barr, also made an appearance at this year's parade. The parade concluded at 9 PM, but the party was just getting started. Friends, family, and supporters came together to celebrate the gay community at the finale pride festival, held at the Clark County Government Center. It was a warm day, but the turnout was big. Vendors, food, and live entertainment began at noon, and didn't stop until the final announcements at 10:00 PM.
The gay and lesbian community has had a big impact on the election this year. One of the biggest events was a presidential forum, held by the LOGO network. Melissa Etheridge, a lesbian rock star, Joe Solomonese, the president of HRC , and others questioned the candidates late last year about some of the most pressing GLBT related issues. As of now, Hillary Clinton is in favor of civil unions, which includes equal benefits to that of marriage, and believes that gay marriage should be left up to the states because "they are ahead of the feds". Barack Obama believes in strong civil unions, and that marriage should be left up to the states. John McCain has voted against the Constitutional ban on gay marriage, and believes it is an issue that must be left up to the states. Keep watching for more Nevada gay and lesbian issues.