The Rick L. May Papers document social and political activities of Las Vegas, Nevada's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community from 1982 to 1997. The papers include records from the Gay Academic Union of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; various gay pride celebrations in Los Angeles, California and Las Vegas; the Metropolitan Community Church's outreach to the LGBT community; as well as Rick L. May's own notes and collections about LGBT-supportive stores like R and R Assordid Sundries. The collection also includes several t-shirts that commemorate the pride celebrations. The papers demonstrate how the pride celebrations that began in 1984 were the result of efforts from several sectors of Las Vegas' LGBT community.
From the Las Vegas Bugle Photograph Collection on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender History (PH-00336). Tony James (right), drag performer at Goodtimes nightclub in Las Vegas. (1995). Stamped on verso: "Seattle Filmworks Print 13 Roll 52974445 25 JUL 95"
This video records the commitment ceremony between African American lesbians Caroline [dressed in a gown] and Elsa [dressed in a suit]--their surnames are not given--in the courtyard of the LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada in celebration of National Freedom to Marry Day. Among those attending the ceremony are Lori Lipman Brown and Gary Peck of the ACLU. [00:00:00 - 00:07:30]
Archival Collection
Las Vegas, Nevada LGBTQ Collection
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Collection Number: MS-00251 Collection Name: Las Vegas, Nevada LGBTQ Collection Box/Folder: Box 19, Digital File 00
The additional accessions series (1970-2020) contains additional material related to the Las Vegas, Nevada Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) community, including articles, newsletters, serial publications, conference materials, certificates, awards, and proclamations. Also included are artifacts related to LGBTQ social and political activities in Nevada. Also included are audiovisual materials that have been reformatted into digital files by the donor.
Out of the Neon Closet: Queer Community in the Silver State records (2007-2017) are comprised of Dennis McBride's research and working files for his book on the history of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community in Nevada. The records include correspondence from Dennis McBride to different publishers detailing his research. The collection also includes copies of his book proposal, peer reviews, manuscript drafts, and proofs.
From the Las Vegas Bugle Photograph Collection on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender History (PH-00336). Unidentified event evidently sponsored by the Imperial Royal Court of the Desert Empire Inc., c. 1998 [known in 1998 as the Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the Desert Empire, Inc.]. See paper inside envelope for ID's. Xeroxed insert in envelope with identification out of order: "Unidentified event, evidently sponsored by the Imperial Royal Court of the Desert Empire, Inc., c. 1998 [known in 1998 as the Imperial Royal Sovereign Court of the Desert Empire, Inc.]. In the red gown: Baroness I DeShannon; in the dress uniform: Baron I Mark. Identification of those posed with the Baron and Baroness: nos. 0-1) Ken Tomoroy; nos. 5-6) Dr. Jerry Cade; nos. 7-8) Antioco Carrillo of the Community Counseling Center, and Youth Director at teh [the] Gay and Lesbian Community Center; nos. 9-10) Sue Ann Melfi; nos. 11-12) Rev. [Reverend] David Gillentine of the Metroplitan Community Church; no. 15) Vincent Frey; nos. 16-18) Jack Novick, owner of the Spotlight Lounge [19 images (duplicates; with negatives)]."
From the Las Vegas Bugle Photograph Collection on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender History (PH-00336). Get Booked (bookstore - 4643 S. Paradise Rd. [Road], Las Vegas) June 27, 1995. Autograph reception for the book, Pink Highways, by the Mad Monks. Images include store owner Wes Miller, mgr. [manager]. Raul Mangubat; Mad Monks James Crotty and Minchael Lane.
From the Las Vegas Bugle Photograph Collection on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender History (PH-00336). Cave Nightclub -5740 West Charleston - Las Vegas (1994). Go-go boy Adam. Stamp on verso: "Donna Michelle Porter Photography Las Vegas NV (702) 222-8306"
Dennis McBride interviews Eddie Anderson (born 1946) about his role in advocating for LGBT rights, specifically his participation in the various political and social movements during previous decades. The interview begins with a discussion of Anderson’s background, including his experiences growing up in children’s homes and living with his grandparents. Anderson mentions marching with his grandparents for both workers’ and women’s rights as some of his first political involvements. Anderson also discusses his original aspirations for becoming a priest as well as his memories of meeting President John F. Kennedy during a visit to his high school when Anderson was student body president. Anderson then discusses travelling to the South, specifically in Selma, Alabama, during one summer while in high school in order to help register Black voters. Anderson then discusses his friendship with Nevada Senator Bill Raggio and his wife, and his joining of the U.S. Navy, where he met President Ri