This week’s QVegas celebrates the leaders, performers, and community voices that keep Las Vegas shining as a beacon for LGBTQ+ life. From the HRC Gala to the Drag Royale stage, we’re spotlighting the people who remind us that progress isn’t abstract—it’s personal, hard-fought, and worth celebrating.
Our cover story takes you inside the Human Rights Campaign’s annual Las Vegas Gala, where Mayor Shelley Berkley and Fletcher Whitwell are honored for their long-standing commitment to equality. Berkley, now our mayor but always a champion of inclusion, makes it clear that Las Vegas thrives when everyone belongs. Whitwell, who once stood as a plaintiff in Nevada’s marriage equality case and now leads at R&R Partners, shows how corporate influence can be used for community good. Their stories remind us that allyship is more than words—it’s showing up, year after year, to do the work.
We also pull back the curtain on the latest data from HRC’s 2025 Corporate Equality Index. Caesars Entertainment and Southwest Airlines both scored a perfect 100, demonstrating that inclusion can—and should—be the standard. MGM is close behind at 90, while Wynn Resorts lags with plenty of catching up to do. These scores aren’t just numbers on a chart; they reflect whether LGBTQ+ workers and families in our city get the benefits, protections, and respect we deserve.
This issue also features Slayana Cashay, who sashayed her way into the Top 3 of Drag Royale. With a mix of ambition, artistry, and self-discovery, Slayana proves that drag is as much about personal growth as it is about performance. Her journey is a testament to the thriving drag culture in Las Vegas, and a reminder that our stages are launching pads for the next generation of queer talent.
Nationally, the past week has been a stark reminder that progress is never guaranteed. The Supreme Court allowed a state-level ban on transgender athletes to stand, Florida advanced new restrictions on gender-affirming care, and Uganda’s government faced renewed condemnation for escalating its anti-LGBTQ+ law. These developments make the leadership, visibility, and resilience we highlight in this issue feel even more urgent.
Las Vegas has always known how to sparkle, but in these pages we’re reminded: the real brilliance comes from the people who keep showing up for equality.