las vegas
All the ways Las Vegas is an exciting LGBTQ+ destination
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
Every corner of the LGBTQ+ Vegas community is living for these gems.
February 01 2024 2:20 PM EST
February 01 2024 3:36 PM EST
rickycornish
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This story is brought to you by our partners at Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Our bets are on Las Vegas!
Every year, millions of people travel to the southern Nevada desert to make unbelievable memories.
As a local who’s lived in the Entertainment Capital of the World for over 20 years, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing nearly everything this city has to offer, and there's a lot more to explore that people may not realize.
Ever since I turned 21 years old, the places I’ve highlighted have not only become my favorite places to spend my free time, but they’ve also become my safe spaces within my hometown.
There are so many iconic memories and stories at every hotspot, but a few of the photos you’ll see below paint just a small picture that shows all of the fun that can be had as a proud queer person traveling to Las Vegas.
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
Piranha Nightclub
Piranha Nightclub is the go-to destination for LGBTQ+ locals and visitors any weekend (or even weekday) of the year. With some of the fiercest queens in the entire city performing nightly, many drag queens from Piranha have gone on to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race. I’ve had to pick my jaw up off the floor way too many times watching the shows at this place. Located off The Strip and by the airport, Piranha Nightclub also features everything you could want in a Las Vegas nightclub. Made up of three themed rooms and an outdoor patio, there’s different music playing in each room that will fit your style. You never know who you’re going to meet at Piranha as visitors pop up every weekend ready to live it up. I’ve danced the night away with Lil Nas X, Kevin McHale, Sam Smith, queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race like Anetra, Mirage Amuro, Sasha Colby, Alexis Mateo, and many members of my chosen family. If there’s just one spot you have time to visit, let this be the place.
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
The Garden
Moving to the Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas, The Garden is one of the few LGBTQ+ bars in the city. First Fridays are always a hit and you can catch one of the best drag brunch shows in town here. The Garden specializes in its lounge vibe where people can enjoy signature cocktails in comfortable booths or dance the night away on the intimate dance floor. On occasional weekends, the fog machines are blasting, and guest DJs come in to make this bar feel like a circuit party, with themed nights bringing in tourists from all over the world. Their menu also features delicious bites that complement your drinks nicely. Karsyn, my best friend pictured with me, had one of the best nights of her life here when we celebrated her 22nd birthday. We danced so hard! Also, I introduced her to the world of drag when we went to their amazing drag brunch, and Kylie Sonique Love performed one of her steamy signature numbers right before she won All Stars 6. Talk about iconic.
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
Queen Las Vegas
One of the newest LGBTQ+ spots is Queen Las Vegas, which just opened a few months ago. Similar to The Garden, Queen offers an unbelievable drag brunch with many queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race coming through to perform mesmerizing numbers while the mimosas are flowing. At night, Queen turns into an epic nightclub and lounge with LED walls taking over the ceiling and some of the hottest DJs coming through to play your favorite songs all night long. Fantasia Royale Gaga, who just placed fifth on Dragula, is the new resident queen and if you’ve never seen her perform… then you’re not ready for her reveal during her first number. Get your dollar bills ready.
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
Temptation Sundays
There’s no hotter pool party to check out in Las Vegas than Temptation Sundays at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Taking place from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this is the best way for the gays to relax and have some fun in the sun. I personally love celebrating my sexuality by throwing on a speedo, buying a drink, and hitting the pool with a group of my friends on a relaxing Sunday. You can also expect drag performances, quite a few go-go dancers, and plenty of nice people who are happy to mingle in the pool with you. I somehow pulled off an epic day at Temptation Sundays before seeing Beyoncé the same night this past summer. One thing about the gays… they know how to rally!
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE!
Have you always wondered what it’s like to be a queen on RuPaul’s Drag Race? Well, Las Vegas is your destination to get up close and personal to your favorite queens from the iconic show. As a huge fan of the show myself, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing so many of my favorite queens perform show-stopping numbers, lip sync for their lives, and serve some of the fiercest looks I’ve ever seen. Inside Flamingo Las Vegas, the show also has a dedicated store that’s based on The Werkroom from the iconic show. I witnessed Willow Pill being crowned on this very stage, as it served as the finale location for RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14, where Mother RuPaul was honored with a key to the city! Get dolled up, buy official merch, meet the queens, and slay the house down boots - squirrel friend!
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
Courtesy Ricky Cornish
Chippendales
Some may say I’m leaving the best for last… and they wouldn’t be wrong. Everyone and their mother has heard of Chippendales at Rio Las Vegas. The bow ties? The sexy men? The celebrity hosts? Chippendales has been an iconic show in Las Vegas for many years. Similar to Magic Mike Live, I was brought up on stage to partake in a twerk competition and yes, I did actually win a free shot… thank you very much! I’m a little biased since I’ve met Vinny Guadagnino a few times, but he was made to host this show. Whoever sent him the first contract deserves a raise immediately. Not only does the Jersey Shore star have the perfect body, but he knows how to hype up the crowd and get them excited for every set.
There is no shortage of fun when it comes to traveling to Las Vegas all year round. To plan the perfect vacation for yourself and your LGBTQ+ family, head over to VisitLasVegas.com.
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