Vegas Hearts The Gays!

I am in San Diego for the annual convention of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association. I hadn't planned to come this year but on Thursday afternoon I was informed I was receiving a very important honor from the organization to which I have devoted 15 years of volunteerism. So I popped in my car and drove down on Thurs night and this photo is me getting the Distinguished Service Award at lunch on Friday at which, in my brief remarks, I invoked a little Larry Craig humor and told the audience, "I am gay, I always have been gay..." Har Har.

Anyhow, if there were ever a question of how much Las Vegas casinos lust after the queer dollar, allow me to show you. Harrah's, MGM Mirage, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and newcomer to the party Boyd Gaming all had booths in a row at the center of the expo hall. Harrah's hosted a reception Friday evening at which they announced they recently became the first gaming company to receive a 100 percent score from the gay-rights lobby Human Rights Campaign. It's hard to imagine old Bugsy, the original owner of the Flamingo, wishing to brag about such a thing.

I particularly liked the LVCVA's booth, with was staffed by a Vegas showboy and showgirl with whom folks could take pictures on a Polaroid camera that printed the pictures on Polaroid sheets framed by the Only-Vegas logos. I'll scan in mine to show when I get home. But I also thought the very idea that "Zumanity" has condoms printed up was intriguing. Somehow I doubt that the Vegas memorabilia collectors had that in mind when they started hoarding swizzle sticks and place mats. I wonder where else they distribute them!

Finally, this is my favorite -- and believe it or not unposed -- photo: The Vegas "couple" reading a very interesting new book that every one of you ought to buy!