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The relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and the world of gambling is a complex one. In recent years it has openly embraced the queer community and used LGBTQ+ representation in its messaging and advertising. The industry has even seen the opening of online casinos targeted directly at the community. A few of these casinos you might recognize include LGBTBet, Fruity Bingo, and TOMS Casino. Unfortunately, these casinos didn’t last long, most closing less than a year after their debut.

Photo by Isi Parente on Unsplash

However, the openness towards the LGBTQ+ community is still present in the industry through things like LGBTQ-friendly slot games and events hosted by well-known casino providers. But this is part of the complicated relationship that leads many to wonder what the true motivations of these companies are. After all, pinkwashing, also known as rainbow washing, is a marketing scheme to be wary of.

While there is skepticism about the motives behind this embrace of the LGBTQ+ community, the community has benefited by gaining financial support for LGBTQ+ non-profit organizations and creating welcoming and accepting environments and events.

The city of Las Vegas, widely recognized as one of the most popular gambling destinations in the world, is no exception to embracing the LGBTQ+ community with its events and programs. It’s home to countless gay bars and clubs and the Sin City Classic, the largest LGBTQ+ sports event not just in Vegas but in the world. These represent inviting and accepting atmospheres supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

And it’s not just these establishments that show support to the community. From the annual PRIDE weekend to ongoing weekly and monthly events, you can always find an event or attraction supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. If you’re planning a trip and want to find inclusive events or show your pride, we’ve created a list of major LGBTQ+ events to have on your radar.

Las Vegas PRIDE Parade (Every October)

The Las Vegas PRIDE Parade will kick off the weekend-long PRIDE festivities on Friday, October 11th, 2024. It will take over the downtown area, closing Fremont Street, one of Vegas’s most popular and famous streets. The parade will move along Fremont Street from Gass Avenue to Ogden Avenue, and this year, it will consist of 100 floats.

The event is anticipated to draw tens of thousands of people. After the parade ends, the downtown area will become a hub of excitement and PRIDE celebration, with clubs and bars offering their own festivities until the wee hours of the morning.

If you can’t make it for this year’s parade, you can always try to get there another year. Las Vegas PRIDE holds the parade annually (alongside the PRIDE Festival) and typically falls on a weekend in October.

Las Vegas PRIDE Festival (Every October)

The day after the parade, the PRIDE Festival will get underway. The festival is downtown at 4th Street and Bridger Avenue, and doors open at noon—though you’ll likely want to get there early because it’s a popular event!

At the festival, you’ll find hundreds of food and drink vendors and live entertainment. The event welcomes everyone and even has a dedicated kid’s zone, allowing families to join the celebrations. That said, after 7 pm, Las Vegas’s PRIDE organization recommends bringing the kids home because the language on stage will no longer be PG.

Las Vegas PRIDE ELEVATE Pool Party (Every Saturday)

Every Saturday offers PRIDE festivities in Las Vegas thanks to the ELEVATE Pool Party at the SAHARA Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. It’s a 21+ rooftop soirée that runs from 11 am to 6 pm, with half the ticket price going to support Las Vegas PRIDE. You can elevate your pool party experience by renting a day bed or cabana, but regardless, you’ll be able to order drinks and cocktails while having fun at the poolside.

RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE! (Every Monday andamp; Thursday-Sunday)

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have heard of RuPaul’s Drag Race, a reality show competition pitting incredibly talented drag performers against one another. What you may not know, however, is that a live show inspired by the TV series is on stage at the Flamingo Showroom. You can catch the show on Mondays and from Thursday to Sunday every week.

Drag Brunch (Every Friday-Sunday)

For whatever reason, drag shows and brunch have become a dynamic pairing, and in Sin City, you can find an ongoing drag brunch from Thursday to Sunday every weekend at Señor Frogs. The queens you see may even be faces you recognize from RuPaul’s Drag Race, including Shannel, Kahannah Montrese, and Yara Sofia.

Las Vegas PRIDE Party (Every First Saturday of the Month)

You can celebrate PRIDE every first Saturday of the month at one of Las Vegas’s most popular gay bars, The Phoenix Bar andamp; Lounge. The event runs from 7:30 to 9:00 pm, but the venue is open 24 hours, so you can continue enjoying yourself until the sun comes up.

Temptation Sundays (Every Sunday of the Summer)

This is another 21+ poolside event that welcomes you to enjoy the sun and life by the pool and party without inhibitions. The pool parties, held every Sunday from May to the end of summer at the Luxor Hotel andamp; Casino, invite you to “embrace your true self in a vibrant and accepting atmosphere.” If you’re not a guest of the Luxor, don’t worry; non-guests can still get tickets to attend. The summer events have been happening for 15 years and are scheduled to return once again in May 2024.

Glitz, Glamour, andamp; PRIDE

A journey to Las Vegas is an opportunity to indulge in the excitement and extravagance of the glittering city while showing your pride and support for the LGBTQ+ community all year long. So let your flag fly high and forget, just for a little while, all about the frustrations of pinkwashing and a capitalist world.