Las Vegas Came Out to “Speak the Truth” at the Annual HRC Dinner Gala

Sen. ReidThe Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Las Vegas hosted its 4th Annual Gala Dinner at Paris Las Vegas Saturday night (8.29.09), giving people an opportunity to celebrate the passage of the Nevada Domestic Partnership Bill.  This year’s keynote address was delivered by United States Senator Harry Reid in front a crowd exceeding 600 attendees. The event raised more than $175,000 to help further HRC’s work towards equal rights for the LGBT community.

Before entering the gala, decorated in signature blue and gold Penn, Holly, Josh and Tellerdécor,
attendees enjoyed an ice-room themed reception.  Celebrity appearances included Holly Madison; Penn & Teller; Alec Mapa, cast member of Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives; Josh Strickland; Anthony Cools; Bobby Slayton; Tim Holly, Alec & TomWeaver,
celebrity chef; Le Reve cast members; Phantom cast members and Jubilee! Showgirls. Many distinguished state leaders were also in attendance.

This year, HRC honored Bob Forbuss with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” and Chris Giunchigliani with the 2009 recipient for HRC’s “Community Ally Award.”  Both have been longtime members of the Vegas community and actively involved in the LGBT fight for equality.

Money from the evening will help support Nevada’s HRC Field Consultant, a new HRC position for the state. The organization has hired Adrian Matanza to carry out political/field plans, focusing on thf following areas:

•         Advancing local, state and federal ordinances/legislation

•         Work with coalition partners on a range of topics including trans education

•         Plan for the 2010 election cycle Read More »


Local News

HRC Celebrates Our Volunteers

HRC VolunteersThe Las Vegas Steering Committee of the Human Rights Campaign held the "Volunteer Appreciation Celebration" event this past month, to spotlight the efforts and commitment of  HRC volunteers in our community.  The event included free food and cocktails, in appreciation of the work of HRC volunteers as a "thank you" from the Las Vegas Steering Committee.  This celebration was graciously hosted by Captiv8 at the Rhumbar in the Mirage, in support of the Human Rights Campaign and work of our volunteers.  Read More »


Domestic Partnerships Now Legal in Nevada

Sen. David Parks

The Nevada Legislature passed the domestic partner law in June overturning the veto vote of Governor Jim Gibbons. Openly gay Senator David Parks and other key legislative and business leaders helped gain just enough support across party lines to push the law into effect October 1.  The law offers all domestic partners including gay and lesbian couples limited benefits associated with marriage, including hospital visitation rights, estate planning and shared responsibility for debt. Read More »