David Mariner

Victory Fund Endorses Ryan Hampton

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Victory Fund Endorses Ryan Hampton for Nevada State Assembly

The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund has endorsed Ryan Hampton for Nevada State Assembly, District 4. The Victory Fund supports pro-equality, pro-choice, out LGBTQ+ candidates at all levels of government. They have endorsed 200 candidates for the 2024 election cycle.

Hampton is a national addiction recovery advocate and person in long-term recovery himself. He has worked with multiple non-profits nationwide to end overdose and served in leadership capacities for various community organizing initiatives.

The Victory Fund stated “Ryan Hampton believes in the power of people to change our community for the better. Whether we live in big cities or rural towns—no matter our social or economic status—we all need safe homes, quality education, good jobs, and affordable healthcare. By representing everyday people at the tables of power, Ryan has won cross-party solutions that serve working-class families in the ways that matter most.”

Ryan lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his husband, Sean, and their boxer dog, Quincy. Find out more at: www.ryanfornevada.com

Denver Gay Bars and Clubs

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Denver Gay Bars

Tracks Denver
Indisputably Denver’s largest and most important LGBTQ+ club, the current incarnation in the River North Art District has over the last 18 years made its name with national-quality drag performances, touring artists and raucous, themed parties. Besides nurturing Denver-based “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winners such as Yvie Oddly and recent Willow Pill, it’s got open mics and hip-hop nights (18 and up) and three of the best dance floors and DJ setups in the city. The gold standard. 3500 Walnut St., 303-863-7326 or tracksdenver.com

X Bar
Within walking distance of downtown as well as Capitol Hill’s numerous venues and bars, X Bar is a strong magnet with its huge patio parties and palpable camaraderie. The one-story space stays busy with karaoke, DJ nights and a wild weekend atmosphere, but Pride month will generate even bigger lines down the block. Get there early, or not, and be ready to sweat and dance. Look up #partyyoncolfax on Instagram for some of the costumed revelers and event flyers, from brunches, sing-along nights and queer proms. 629 E. Colfax Ave., 303-832-2687 or xbardenver.com

Boyztown
Long a late-night stop in the Baker neighborhood, Boyztown bills itself as Denver’s Hottest Male Revue (RIP the former Compound Basix nearby). And you know what? Most nights they’re not wrong, with limber, cut dancers, deft DJs, and a generally high-energy atmosphere that runs until last call. It’s the only solely-male strip club in that area (or the entire metro area, last I checked), so you’ll also find straight-girl bachelorette and birthday parties, even as the bar keeps it real with its loyal staff and clientele. 117 Broadway, 303-722-7373 or boyztowndenver.com

Tight End
Queer sports bars may seem niche but they’re most certainly not, which is why it’s strange that Denver only boasts the sports-focused Tight End. Still, the City Park West bar — which opened in 2022 in the gritty, former Streets Denver punk bar — offers excellent people-watching on its patio, playoff nights on big screens, trivia, drinking games, karaoke and more. It’s just across a busy stretch of East Colfax from Blush & Blu, a lesbian, queer and trans-centric space with programming galore (see below). 1501 E. Colfax Ave. 303-861-9103 or tightendbar.com

Blush & Blu
This busy space has helped fill the gap of Denver’s long-closed Detour, a former lesbian bar, and developed some of the city’s best drag queens, poets, singer-songwriters and stand-up comics on its small stage. It’s socially conscious and has a solid menu, with the aforementioned, and nationally rare, focus on lesbian, queer and transgender clientele. Yes, there are tourists and curious pedestrians, given its proximity to cannabis dispensaries and Denver’s first Voodoo Doughnut location, but they’re welcome, too. It’s also great for coffee and chai, as it formerly hosted the LGBTQ+ space tHERe, which had a similar menu. 1526 E. Colfax Ave., 303-484-8548 or blushbludenver.com

Charlies
Like Tracks Denver, Capitol Hill bar Charlie’s — part of a Country Western-themed chain with locations in Las Vegas, Phoenix and Chicago — predates Denver’s population and construction boom by decades, proudly holding court with indoor and outdoor events ranging from beer busts to drag shows, line-dancing lessons and sexy go-go boy performances. Cowboy hats and leather chaps are always welcome, but certainly not necessary, and the falafel-and-gyros menu can be surprisingly welcome after a night of themed cocktails and dancing. 900 E. Colfax Ave., 303-839-8890 or charliesdenver.com

R&R Lounge
Classic in look and feel, with gorgeous vintage signage and a cozy interior, the R&R is tucked along a vibrant stretch of East Colfax. Its owners have claimed it’s the city’s oldest gay bar, having opened in the 1950s and gone openly gay in the 1970s, according to Westword, with its instantly recognizable, rainbow-painted door. Think happy hours, darts and Broncos games. 4958 E. Colfax Ave. #1208, 303-320-9337 or yelp.com/biz/r-and-r-lounge-denver-denver (the bar does not have its own website).

Denver Eagle
This leather bar says it’s in its Version 3.0 phase, having moved from LoDo to 5110 W. Colfax Ave. Beer busts, underwear parties, taco and pizza nights, live performances, music and more are on tap for the coming days. You can also find game nights and movies. instagram.com/denvereagle3.0

Trade
Trade is modern classic thanks to its semi-niche theme, which embraces fetish and kink. It’s also a favorite of the bearded, frequently muscle-bound class of gay men known as bears (particularly in the absence of the late Denver Wrangler). It hosts diverse programming that ranges from drag shows and DJ nights to leather nights and Sunday beer busts. 475 Santa Fe Drive, 720-627-5905 or facebook.com/tradedenver

Denver Sweet
Is Denver Sweet the equivalent of Minnesota Nice? In a way, maybe, but it’s also the city’s only overtly bear bar and one of the metro area’s best rooftop spots, LGBTQ+ or otherwise. Tasty bar food and brunch, honeyed clientele and DJs mix for sunny afternoons and breezy nights on a pair of party floors at the former Funky Buddha space. The owners — both former DJs at the Wrangler — told Out Front Magazine that their goal is to make it a welcoming example of the larger bear bar scene, which doesn’t exactly have a reputation of always being friendly toward women and trans people. Fortunately, they seem to be reaching that goal. 776 Lincoln St. 720-598-5648 or denversweet.com

Buddies
Taking over the Prohibition Bar space on the corner of East Colfax and Pennsylvania Street, Buddies opened last fall with the goal of being a “come as you are” bar, not a dance-music space. Buddies has a pool table, darts, 12 beer taps and plenty of “gay water,” as the owners call vodka sodas with a splash of cranberry juice. The owners kept Prohibition’s chef, Ryan Smith, who is serving up “never-frozen” bar food, like bacon and gouda mac-n-cheese bites, chicken tenders, burgers and wings. 504 E. Colfax Ave. 720-769-4485 or buddiesdenver.com

Hamburger Marys Denver
Long a food-and-drinks destination, the Denver outlet of this chain offers reliably colorful programming and a comfy atmosphere for casual stop-ins and parties, with lots of gender diversity (and cis-het allies) in addition to LGBTQ+ patrons. Having moved west on 17th Avenue awhile back to a smaller, more handsome space, it’s often packed with wild partiers on drag-queen and other show nights. 1336 E. 17th Ave., 303-993-5812 or milehighmarys.com

#Vybe
The social media-friendly hashtag in the name trumpets #Vybe’s diverse offerings, featuring drag queens of color and top touring names like Adore Delano swinging through regularly, in addition to stand-up comedy, game nights, Denver Broncos parties (the cheerleaders even stopped in for a show) and lots more. It’s arguably the only overtly LGBTQ+ spot in the ritzy, gallery-heavy Golden Triangle neighborhood, although it lines the same public-transportation corridor as Denver Sweet, Li’l Devils, Boyztown and others. 1027 N. Broadway, 720-573-8886 or 303vybe.com

Parenting in the Poly Community

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Poly Parents

3Fun has released new data highlighting the significant portion of its users who are polyamorous and parents. Out of 3,403 survey respondents, 1,918 (56.4%) identified as parents, shedding light on the prevalence of polyamorous parenting within the community.

Key Findings from the Survey Include:

  • Prevalence of Polyamorous Parenting: Over half of the respondents are parents, demonstrating that polyamorous relationships and parenting are more common than often perceived.
  • Community-Oriented Childcare: The division of labor among multiple partners allows for a more balanced approach to childcare and household responsibilities.

Max Ma, Founder and CEO of 3Fun, stated, “The data we’ve collected from our users emphasizes that parenting and polyamory can coexist harmoniously. Our goal at 3Fun is to challenge societal norms and show that diverse relationship structures can promote loving, supportive environments for children.”

Insights from Gigi Engle, a certified sex and relationship psychotherapist and resident intimacy expert at 3Fun, further support this view. Engle noted, “Polyamory can be incredibly beneficial for raising children. A multi-partner structure allows for the division of labor and childcare responsibilities, fostering a community-oriented approach that echoes the communal child-rearing practices of our ancestors.”

Engle also emphasized the importance of transparency and education: “Kids deserve age-appropriate explanations about what polyamory is and how their parents practice it. Normalizing these conversations will help children develop open-minded perspectives and reduce societal stigma.”

3Fun remains committed to providing a safe and inclusive platform for all users, including parents, to explore their desires ethically and transparently in a non-judgmental environment.

About 3Fun:

3Fun, with over 10 million downloads and 3 million verified active users worldwide, is the leading dating app for open-minded singles and partners to meet like-minded people. 3Fun’s safe and inclusive app allows users to freely enter into ethical, open relationships or polyamory lifestyles and fosters a non-judgmental environment for individuals to explore their desires. Learn more about 3Fun at: www.go3fun.co.

Jaymes Black as New Chief Executive Officer

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Jaymes Black

The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ+) young people, announced Jaymes Black (they/she/he pronouns) as its new Chief Executive Officer. Black, an accomplished senior leader with more than 20 years of experience managing high performing teams at scale, is stepping in to lead the organization, effective July 15. Black will succeed Peggy Rajski (she/her), a founder and decades-long Board Member who stepped in as Interim CEO in 2022.

Black’s substantial expertise blends nonprofit and corporate competencies, and spans business and community leadership, LGBTQ+ advocacy and coalition building, fundraising strategy and innovation, large budget oversight and financial acumen, call center operations and user experience, and more. In addition to their extensive professional qualifications, they identify as a Black nonbinary lesbian – bringing compelling lived experience that will help The Trevor Project work toward its mission to end suicide among LGBTQ+ young people.

“I am elated and deeply honored to step into the role of CEO at The Trevor Project for so many reasons – especially since this is an organization I desperately needed myself as a queer young person growing up in South Texas,” said Jaymes Black (they/she/he pronouns), incoming CEO at The Trevor Project. “Right now, far too many queer and transgender young people are struggling with thoughts of suicide and other mental health challenges – not because of who they are, but because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized by other people. I know what that feels like, first hand. I also know this is an enormously difficult moment for both Trevor and the young people we serve. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and the dangerous, demeaning rhetoric surrounding it has reached a record high in this country, and LGBTQ+ young people are constantly being exposed to messages that attempt to invalidate their very identities. As CEO, it is my job to reinforce that LGBTQ+ young people have so many more people who love and support them exactly as they are, than those who wish them harm. This work won’t be easy, but I am ready to roll my sleeves up to help create a world in which all LGBTQ+ young people feel safe, accepted, and free to thrive as their truest selves.”

Prior to joining Trevor, Black served as President & CEO at Family Equality, the leading national organization for current and future LGBTQ+ families. Family Equality works to ensure everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing LGBTQ+ equality through advocacy, support, storytelling, and education.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jaymes as our new CEO at such a critical moment for The Trevor Project, and for the LGBTQ+ young people we serve,” said Julian Moore (he/him), Chair of The Trevor Project’s Board of Directors. “The search for Trevor’s new leader was rigorous and throughout the process, Jaymes established themself as a sort of ‘unicorn’ candidate. Their history of successful leadership in finance, technology, and business, combined with leading and growing an LGBTQ+ nonprofit during a historically challenging time for our community, makes Jaymes a uniquely remarkable fit. The role of CEO is a big job, and we are more than confident in Jaymes’ ability to lead The Trevor Project forward.”

Prior to leading Family Equality, Black had a seasoned career in the corporate sector, where they held a variety of senior leadership roles, including at companies such as Charles Schwab, Sabre Corporation, and Northrop Grumman. Black has an MS in Management and was honored on The 2022 Out Magazine’s Out100 list — a compilation of the year’s most impactful and influential LGBTQ+ people.

Statement from Kelley Robinson (she/her), President, Human Rights Campaign:
“Our movement is facing an urgent moment where we must both meet the needs of our people today and fight for a future where there are laws, policy, and the type of representation for us to get free. This is also a defining moment as movement leaders seek to meet the demands and build organizations that can create the kind of impact our communities deserve. Jaymes uniquely gets this.”

Statement from Nadine Smith (she/her), Co-Founder & CEO at Equality Florida:
“Jaymes Black’s leadership at The Trevor Project comes at a crucial time for LGBTQ youth and families facing extremist attacks. With a deep understanding of our community’s needs and a strong commitment to innovative problem-solving, Jaymes will guide The Trevor Project in meeting current challenges and building a stronger, and more resilient organization.”

“We are overjoyed to welcome Jaymes to Trevor, and they are well-positioned to lead the organization into its next chapter,” said Rajski. “For more than 26 years, The Trevor Project has been providing high-quality, life-saving crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to our beloved LGBTQ+ young people. When I founded the organization back in 1998, I never imagined it would grow to such heights. I know that Jaymes – and their decorated background – will usher the organization through its next phase, continuing our critical work supporting LGBTQ+ young people for generations to come.”

“We are immensely grateful to Peggy Rajski for stepping in at the Board’s request as The Trevor Project’s Interim CEO, and stabilizing the organization during a period of significant change,” continued Moore. “Peggy’s leadership has enabled The Trevor Project to serve more LGBTQ+ youth in crisis than ever before. We’re thankful for Peggy’s support as Jaymes steps into their role as the organization’s new CEO. As a Founder of The Trevor Project in 1998, Peggy has continued her deep commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ youth mental health for longer than 26 years, and her positive impact will continue as she returns to her seat on the Board.”

Rajski will support Black’s transition as the Special Advisor to the CEO, then return to her role on the organization’s Board.

If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678.

PrEP: Why it Isn’t Working for All of Us

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PrEP and Sexual and Gender Minorities

In a far-reaching effort to understand the factors contributing to HIV transmission among sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals and improve HIV prevention strategies, a team of scientists at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH) and the CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (CUNY ISPH) led a four-year national cohort study of 6,059 cisgender men and transgender individuals who have sex with men. Key among their aims was uncovering the reasons why many SGM individuals are not fully benefitting from highly effective HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

PrEP is a powerful means of preventing HIV infection among groups that experience disproportional HIV burden, with the capacity to reduce transmission on a massive scale. It’s been available for over a decade, but its uptake among those who could benefit the most has been slow and inequitable, with significant racial and ethnic disparities – White SGM individuals have been adopting PrEP at higher rates than persons of color. Getting on PrEP is challenging, requiring regular clinical appointments, bloodwork, and pharmacy coordination. Staying on PrEP can be even more challenging, requiring continued access to healthcare through, for example, job stability that provides health insurance, as well as reliable transportation for PrEP-related appointments. Socioeconomic factors like housing instability further hinder consistent use. Substance use, particularly methamphetamine, amplifies HIV risk and can interfere with PrEP adherence.

The Together 5,000 (T5K) cohort study recruited 6,059 cisgender men and transgender individuals who have sex with men, aged 16-49, who were not using PrEP at enrollment but were clinically indicated for it, and followed them from 2017 – 2022. All were given an HIV test at study enrollment. Those with negative HIV tests were given information about PrEP and how it might protect them, and (if desired) help in beginning the regimen. The study examined potential factors associated with HIV infection, including demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, behaviors, and PrEP usage. Participants completed annual online surveys and at-home self-sampling kits for HIV testing over four years.

In this cohort of HIV-vulnerable SGM individuals, the study team observed high HIV incidence over four years of follow-up (n=303, 5% of the cohort or 1.64% each year). PrEP use was a major factor in preventing HIV infection: individuals on PrEP were 80% less likely to become HIV positive. Notably, starting and then discontinuing PrEP proved to be a greater risk factor than never having started it: individuals who had started and then stopped PrEP had the highest rate of infection in the cohort. Prior studies have likewise found higher HIV infection risk following gaps in PrEP use.

Methamphetamine (meth) use in the past year increased risk of acquiring HIV infection by nearly four-fold. In fact, for every person who became infected, meth use was reported in the year prior 42% of the time. Findings from this and other studies demonstrate that meth use is disproportionately impacting SGM individuals from marginalized racial and ethnic groups, and accounts for one in three new HIV infections among SGM individuals.

“Our findings point to the urgent need to do more research into this potentially causal connection and provide more resources to people who use meth,” said CUNY SPH Professor Christian Grov, the study’s lead author.

Race and ethnicity played a role in HIV risk. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latinx participants were significantly more likely to become infected than non-Hispanic white participants.

“Researchers and policymakers have feared for years that disproportionate PrEP uptake by race—where white individuals adopt PrEP at higher rates than other groups—would have the potential to make existing racial disparities in HIV even worse,” said Grov. “Thus, while our finding is not novel, it underscores the need for PrEP implementation strategies with more equitable reach that engage Black and Latinx SGM individuals.”

Housing instability increased risk. SGM individuals experiencing housing instability were at higher risk for both meth use and HIV infection. Greater education was, predictably, a protective factor.

“The findings related to meth use are particularly concerning given that SGM who use meth are increasingly injecting it, raising the possibility of increased infection risk through needle sharing in addition to any of the stimulant’s effects on sexual behavior,” said CUNY SPH Distinguished Professor Denis Nash, a co-author on the study.

The study highlights the critical need for interventions to improve PrEP uptake and retention among sexual and gender minority individuals, particularly Black/Latinx individuals, those with housing instability, lower education levels, and people who use methamphetamine. Enhanced PrEP implementation strategies and addressing structural barriers are essential for reducing HIV incidence in these vulnerable populations. Equally important are interventions to support the long-term maintenance of individuals currently on PrEP and to re-engage those who may fall out of care, given the exceptionally high risk of infection in these groups.

This study, led by CUNY SPH and CUNY ISPH, is the product of a broad collaboration with investigators from Florida International University, University of Massachusetts Boston, University of Florida, University of Memphis, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Hunter College, SUNY Downstate, and Rutgers University.

Atlanta Regional Commission Strengthens Commitment to LGBTQ+ Older Adults

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SAGE Care

Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) Aging & Independence Services Department, the Atlanta Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Strengthens Commitment to LGBTQ+ Older Adults through Continued Partnership with SAGECare

Atlanta, May 6, 2024 – The Atlanta Area Agency on Aging proudly announces its achievement of receiving a SAGECare Credential. This prestigious credential is a testament to the Atlanta AAA’s unwavering commitment to providing an inclusive and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ older adults.

SAGECare awarded ARC’s Aging & Independence Services Department with its SAGECare Credential after a rigorous assessment of policies, practices, and staff training to create an inclusive and welcoming space for all residents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Thanks to SAGECare for providing impactful education and consultation, enabling ARC to better serve our region’s diverse older populations,” said Becky Kurtz, Managing Director, “Our SAGECare Credential affirms our commitment to serve LGBTQ+ elders in metro Atlanta with sensitivity and respect.”

Don Terry, Client Services Liaison added, “To help those we serve with purpose is to better understand the very people we assist.  Obtaining SAGECare credential is our commitment to ensure we’re being intentional in bringing qualities of understanding and inclusivity to everyone.”

The SAGECare credential process evaluates aging services organizations based on various criteria, including non-discrimination policies, staff training on LGBTQ+ cultural competency, community engagement, and resident support services. By meeting and exceeding these standards, the Atlanta AA has demonstrated its commitment to promoting a diverse and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ seniors.

For more information about SAGECare Training, visit here.

About SAGECare: SAGECare is a fee-for-service training and consulting division of SAGE (1978), the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit that advocates and provides services for LGBTQ+ senior adults. SAGECare provides LGBTQ+ competency training and consulting to service providers, fostering a more inclusive and understanding approach to aging issues within the LGBTQ+ community.

Whitman-Walker Institute Condemns Nationwide Injunction Blocking Federal Nondiscrimination Protections for Transgender People

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Dr. Kellan Baker, Whitman Walker Institute

Today Whitman-Walker Institute condemned the politically motivated ruling from a federal district court judge that blocks vital nondiscrimination protections for transgender people across the country. Today, a U.S. district court judge in Mississippi issued a nationwide injunction in State of Tennessee v. Becerra, blocking enforcement of key parts of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. This ruling directly attacks a regulation issued in April 2024 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which strengthened nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQI+ people in health care and health coverage nationwide.

This ruling was the first of three rulings today in which judges prioritized politics over people and blocked key non-discrimination protections in healthcare for transgender people and for millions of other Americans.

The regulation that was blocked in these three cases demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring health care and health insurance access for all by securing nondiscrimination protections for some of our nation’s most marginalized communities, including transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people, people with limited English proficiency, people with disabilities, and people seeking reproductive health care.

Dr. Kellan Baker, Executive Director of the Whitman-Walker Institute, says, “It’s shameful that a federal judge would side with bigots in seeking to dismantle these protections. The Biden-Harris administration correctly took action to help remove barriers to care and advance health equity for underserved communities, including LGBTQI+ people. Robust enforcement of this rule is critical to improve the health and well-being of LGBTQI+ people across the country. This ruling is part of a dangerous trend in which politicians deny and disregard the clear evidence documenting the harms of widespread discrimination against LGBTQI+ people, particularly transgender people, in health care and health insurance.” 

Whitman-Walker Institute, which leverages research, policy, and education to advance health equity nationwide, is affiliated with Whitman-Walker Health, the lead plaintiff in a 2020 federal lawsuit brought to reverse the Trump administration’s weakening of Section 1557’s nondiscrimination protections for underserved communities, particularly LGBTQI+ people.

According to the 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey, nearly 50% of respondents who saw a provider in the last year had at least one negative health care experience because of their gender identity.

Twenty-three percent of LGBTQI+ respondents, including 37% of transgender respondents, reported postponing or avoiding needed medical care in the past year due to disrespect or discrimination by providers.

About Whitman-Walker Institute

Whitman-Walker Institute is a Washington, D.C. based organization that leverages cutting-edge research, policy, and education to advance health equity at the federal level and in states across the country. We bring to this work expertise in rigorous research and health policy analysis, deep relationships with state and federal policymakers, longstanding partnerships across multiple justice movements, and the direct service experience of Whitman-Walker Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center that serves thousands of diverse patients across the D.C. area and beyond. The Institute is home to nationally recognized experts in areas of policy such as LGBTQI+ health equity, care for transgender people, insurance reform, social determinants of health, HIV prevention and treatment, and sexual orientation and gender identity data collection. More info can be found at: https://www.whitman-walker.org/institute/

Molly Cook Wins Special Election; Will be First LGBTQ+ Texas State Senator

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Molly Cook Texas

Molly Cook has won the special election to represent District 15 in the Texas Senate and will serve out the remaining term of now-Houston Mayor John Whitmire. Cook makes history as the first out LGBTQ+ member of the upper chamber, which is especially hostile to LGBTQ+ rights.

Molly is an ER nurse, community organizer and advocate for a more sustainable Texas. She will be on the ballot again for the primary runoff election on May 28, where she’s competing for the full term that starts next year.

Annise Parker, president & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and former Houston mayor, released the following statement:

“For too long, the LGBTQ+ community has been the punching bag of bigots in the Texas Senate. Now, they’ll have an out LGBTQ+ peer as their colleague who will look them in the eye and make them see the Texans they’re hurting. We know Molly will not only be a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ Texans, she’ll do a wonderful job fighting for the needs of all her constituents in District 15, including myself. Between now and May 28, I’ll be doing everything I can to ensure another victory for Molly and the cause of equality.”

Las Vegas Sands Contributes $270,000 to The LGBTQ+ Center of Southern Nevada

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Atlantic Sands Sands Cares Foundation Las Vegas

New round of Sands Cares funding provides resources to assist in the nonprofit’s continued physical expansion and supports its organizational development work in the exclusive Sands Cares Accelerator.

LAS VEGAS, June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) has contributed $270,000 to The LGBTQ+ Center of Southern Nevada (The Center) through Sands Cares to help sustain The Center’s continued physical expansion, as well as empower its work in the company’s exclusive Sands Cares Accelerator, a three-year membership program aimed at advancing nonprofits to deliver greater community impact.

A portion of the Sands Cares donation is providing resources for office space as The Center continues its growth plans to accommodate expansion of the Arlene Cooper Community Health Center. In addition, The Center is focusing on building its marketing capabilities as part of its Sands Cares Accelerator work, and the balance of funding will enable services that help The Center build visibility through media and communications.

The Center has been a vital part of Las Vegas for 30 years, offering a safe, non-judgmental environment for life-enriching programs, services, events, education and support groups for people who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies of the community. The Center serves as the hub for an array of essential resources and care, including food and meal delivery, physical and mental health care services, and community advocacy.

“Our partnership with Sands has enabled us to execute on key strategies for advancing our strategic vision to build our organization’s future and increasing our services to the LGBTQ+ and Southern Nevada community,” John Waldron, CEO of The Center, said. “We appreciate that Sands understands the value of what we’re trying to accomplish with a demonstrated commitment to our long-term strategy for greater community service and impact.”

Physical Infrastructure Expansion: Since 2021, Sands has supported The Center’s expansion of the Arlene Cooper Community Health Center, as the organization works toward its goal of becoming a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). The 2024 Sands Cares funding for office space and related expenses is enabling The Center to locate its administrative functions off-site in a nearby building, so that the health center has the required space to operate until its new facility at 921 S. Las Vegas Blvd is fully operational.

At the start of June 2024, The Center launched a soft opening of the new facility and saw more than 100 patients in the first two weeks. The Center is working on plans to further develop the facility and will launch a grand opening of the facility’s first phase later in 2024.

The Sands Cares funding for physical infrastructure also is providing the resources for upgrades to The Center’s lobby area in the main building to create a refreshed and welcoming environment for community patrons and events.

Marketing Capacity Building: The Center is in its second year of the three-year Sands Cares Accelerator, a program that enables nonprofits to work on a strategic program or functional area over a longer term to increase the organization’s community impact. The Center is using its Sands Cares Accelerator membership to expand its marketing capability, and the 2024 Sands Cares Accelerator funding will continue to support strategic communications services, media production and other storytelling avenues to expand visibility and sustain a strong foundation for the organization’s future.

Inspired by the entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit of Sands’ founder Sheldon G. Adelson, the Sands Cares Accelerator carries on his legacy of building successful businesses and giving back to communities with greater corporate involvement to help advance the capabilities of nonprofit organizations and better address the needs of their communities. Members receive funding, strategic guidance and facilitation for their identified program goal, and mentorship, counsel and consulting from Sands’ staff in areas where they can support the nonprofit’s strategic focus.

“We invited The Center to join the Sands Cares Accelerator because it demonstrated the very essence of what we look to nurture in the program: a strategic vision that needs resources, dedicated time and focused development to materialize,” said Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs, who spearheads corporate responsibility initiatives. “The Center has a solid roadmap for expanding the health center to fill voids in medical care delivery for the LGBTQ+ community, leveraging its revenue model to sustain overall programming and increasing its visibility to ensure these offerings are embraced. While our contributions span different areas, our support has been carefully planned to help The Center realize its long-term vision.”

Sands’ support for The Center falls under the company’s priorities on nonprofit capacity building and diverse community advancement under the global Sands Cares community engagement program. To learn more about Sands Cares, visit sands.com/responsibility/communities/.

To learn more about The LGBTQ+ Center of Southern Nevada, visit https://thecenterlv.org/.

Malcolm Kenyatta Could Become Pennsyania’s First Out LGBTQ+ Statewide Official

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Malcolm Kenyatta

Malcolm Kenyatta won the Democratic primary for state auditor in Pennsylvania, putting him on track to become the commonwealth’s first out LGBTQ+ statewide official.

Kenyatta has represented District 181 in the Pennsylvania House since 2019. He has received numerous endorsements including an endorsement from the Victory Fund as a Victory Fund Spotlight Candidate. Annise Parker, president & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, issued the following statement:

“Pennsylvanians trust Malcolm Kenyatta to be their watchdog as auditor general because that’s exactly what he’s been as a legislator. LGBTQ+ Victory Fund is all in for Malcolm, because we know he has the experience to win this race and carry on his fight for students, seniors and workers as Pennsylvania’s auditor general. LGBTQ+ Americans are severely underrepresented in public office and the numbers are even worse for Black LGBTQ+ representation. I look forward to doing everything I can to mobilize LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians and our allies to get out and vote for Malcolm this November so we can make history.”

In addition to his experience as a State Representative for Philadelphia-based District 181, he was a past U.S. Senate candidate and an is a current active surrogate for the Biden Harris campaign.