**Beyond the Strip: Insights from Las Vegas' LGBTQ+ Community**

In the glittering city of Las Vegas, known globally for its entertainment, tourism, and vibrant nightlife, lies a thriving and resilient LGBTQ+ community. While many know Las Vegas as Sin City, a destination of indulgence and transient pleasures, its LGBTQ+ residents experience a different reality—one of community building, advocacy, and creativity. This duality was at the heart of the recent panel discussion titled **Beyond the Strip: A Conversation with Members from the Las Vegas LGBTQ+ Community**. Moderated by Grayson Bell and featuring panelists Kalvin Byrd, Nicole Williams, and Rio Antone, the event brought to light the challenges, triumphs, and aspirations of LGBTQ+ individuals in Las Vegas.

The event, hosted on the Creator Stage at the LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada, began with a warm welcome from Holly, the Senior Director of Programs at the Center. Holly emphasized the Center’s commitment to serving the community, noting that it provides a wide array of services, from medical care to advocacy programs, and welcomes around 200,000 points of service annually. Holly’s invitation to tour the Center and learn more about its resources set the tone for a day dedicated to fostering connection and understanding.

### A Dynamic Panel
Grayson Bell, the moderator, is a multifaceted creative known for blending humor and raw emotion in his work as a satirist, poet, songwriter, and ordained minister. He introduced the panelists with enthusiasm, highlighting their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.

Kalvin Byrd
A Las Vegas native, Kalvin is the co-founder of Uncloak, an organization focused on HIV prevention, combating homelessness, and addressing mental health issues among trans men. His work challenges stigma and promotes inclusivity, making him a pivotal figure in queer and trans wellness advocacy.

Rio Antone
Also known as Del Rio Perkins, Rio is a trailblazing non-binary icon who made history as the first Mixed Las Vegas Trans Pride titleholder. With a career spanning media influencing, public speaking, fashion styling, and creative directing, Rio is a powerful voice for gender identity education and self-love.

Nicole Williams
As the founder of Vegas Urban Pride and the Social Influence Foundation, Nicole has been instrumental in creating spaces that celebrate and uplift BIPOC LGBTQ+ voices. Her efforts have garnered her numerous proclamations, including Nicole Williams Day on October 25th and House of Vegas Pride Day on August 18th.

Life Beyond the Strip
The discussion kicked off with a question about how life for LGBTQ+ residents in Las Vegas differs from the city’s image as a hub of entertainment and tourism. Nicole shared her perspective, describing Las Vegas as a “big small city” where community members often know each other across neighborhoods. While tourism has helped to spotlight LGBTQ+ events, Nicole emphasized the growth and resilience of local organizations and individuals who work tirelessly to create impactful events and foster a sense of belonging.

Kalvin echoed these sentiments, highlighting the city’s collaborative spirit. Despite challenges in gaining recognition, organizations like UNCLO have found success by partnering with other local groups, such as Les Touch and the LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada. Kalvin’s focus on trans men underscores the importance of inclusivity within the broader LGBTQ+ community.

Rio offered a unique perspective, noting that Las Vegas is a home for people who might not have found one elsewhere. However, the city’s transient nature can make it difficult for individuals to feel rooted. To address this, Rio has cultivated spaces that prioritize intentional connection and community care. By checking in on members who might feel isolated, Rio’s efforts ensure that no one is left behind.

Challenges and Opportunities
Building a strong and inclusive community in a transient city like Las Vegas presents unique challenges. Panelists identified several areas for growth, including access to funding, resources, and visibility. Nicole stressed the importance of creating opportunities for smaller organizations to be heard and taken seriously, while Kalvin advocated for increased recognition of trans men’s contributions.

Rio emphasized the need for breaking down silos within the LGBTQ+ community. By fostering cross-community collaboration, Rio believes Las Vegas can overcome the stagnation that often arises from insular social circles. “Change is the only way to curate real community,” Rio stated, highlighting the importance of embracing diversity within and beyond established groups.

Creative Expression as Activism
Creative expression emerged as a central theme in the panel’s discussion of activism. Each panelist shared how their artistry and advocacy intersect, demonstrating the transformative power of creativity in fostering social change.

For Kalvin, creative expression involves creating spaces where trans men can explore their identities without fear of judgment. By challenging traditional notions of masculinity and encouraging playfulness, Kalvin helps his community reconnect with their inner child and find joy in self-discovery.

Nicole’s activism is deeply rooted in responding to community needs. Whether organizing a basketball tournament to address gun violence or launching a music conference to support local artists, Nicole’s initiatives are driven by a commitment to “party with a purpose.”

Rio described their artistry as a “love letter to myself.” By embracing vulnerability and authenticity, Rio creates a ripple effect of self-love and empowerment. Their performances and creative projects serve as reminders that joy and resilience can coexist with struggle.

Building Bridges
The panelists also addressed the importance of building bridges between different parts of the LGBTQ+ community. Nicole’s upcoming online resource directory aims to connect individuals with jobs, networking opportunities, and other resources. By creating a centralized platform, Nicole hopes to make it easier for LGBTQ+ individuals to find the support they need.

Rio spoke passionately about the need for intentionality in community building. “Your people will find you if you make yourself visible,” they said, encouraging audience members to step out of their comfort zones and forge new connections.

Kalvin’s focus on collaboration underscores the importance of partnerships in achieving shared goals. By working with other organizations and individuals, Kalvin has been able to amplify his impact and create meaningful change.

Advice for Aspiring Advocates
The panel concluded with advice for those looking to make a difference in their communities. Nicole emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. “If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it,” she advised, urging attendees to listen to their intuition.

Kalvin encouraged aspiring advocates to “take a break” and prioritize their well-being. “Community will be there when you get back,” he said, reminding attendees that self-care is essential for sustainable activism.

Rio’s advice centered on embracing one’s unique strengths. “You have to love yourself so hard that it makes people think you’re crazy,” they said, emphasizing the power of self-love in overcoming adversity.

Audience Engagement
The panel’s interactive Q&A session highlighted the community’s hunger for connection and collaboration. Questions ranged from how to integrate friends into business ventures to addressing burnout in advocacy work. Panelists provided thoughtful and practical responses, underscoring the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and self-care.

One audience member’s question about finding black queer spaces in Las Vegas sparked a broader discussion about the need for better integration and visibility. Nicole’s resource directory and Rio’s call for cross-community collaboration offered actionable solutions to this ongoing challenge.

Looking Ahead
The Beyond the Strip panel was a testament to the strength and resilience of Las Vegas’ LGBTQ+ community. By sharing their stories, challenges, and triumphs, the panelists demonstrated that activism and creativity go hand in hand. Their work serves as a reminder that even in a city known for its glitz and glamour, there is room for meaningful connection and transformative change.

As Las Vegas continues to grow, so too will its LGBTQ+ community. With leaders like Kalvin, Nicole, and Rio at the helm, the city’s future is undoubtedly bright. Beyond the Strip, Las Vegas is home to a vibrant tapestry of voices, each contributing to a richer and more inclusive narrative. Through their advocacy, creativity, and unwavering commitment to community, these trailblazers are shaping a legacy that extends far beyond the neon lights.