Spirited PRIDE parade celebrates diversity

Las Vegas’ LGBT Pride event kicked off in flamboyant fashion Friday with a spirited parade in downtown Las Vegas.

The theme for Las Vegas Pride 2016 is celebrate diversity, welcoming all, not just the LGBT community. The parade and festival are expected to attract about 20,000 attendees over the weekend.

“One goal this year was to create a festival that is welcoming to the LGBT community, our allies, families and pet lovers,” said John Healey, president of Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, commonly called Las Vegas PRIDE.

A group of Western High School students chanted “GSA, GSA,” which stands for gay-straight alliance, as they walked downtown during the parade.

One of the students, Jhonatan Lopez, said he was enjoying the spectacle. “I’m excited to see everything and the drag queens,” the 18-year-old said.

And there was plenty of spectacle to take in. Paraders dressed in flamboyant, over-the-top and funny costumes, tutus and rainbow suspenders and socks. Some wore very little at all. Before the parade, a crowd of spectators cheered drag performers lip-syncing songs by Selena, Jessie J and Bruno Mars.

Drag queen Jennifer Warner got the crowd going with a lighted outfit as she danced and sang in front of a Metro officer in his patrol truck. The officer responded by shining a spotlight on her.

The lively atmosphere was just what 17-year-old Las Vegas resident Genesis Orozco hoped to find. “I think its a great experience for everyone,” she said.

This year’s parade grand marshal was Phyllis James, MGM Resorts International executive vice president of special counsel-litigation and chief diversity officer.

“She’s been a huge supporter,” Healey said.

Comedian Alec Mapa, who will headline the PRIDE Festival entertainment Saturday night, served as parade marshal.

The PRIDE Festival begins Saturday at Sunset Park, 2601 E. Sunset Road.

The event, which includes musical acts, a Zumba dance-fitness class, food and beverage vendors, a pride pet exhibition and a children’s zone, runs from noon until 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Healey said. Tickets are $10 for a one-day adult pass and $5 for children ages 7 to 17 and free for children 6 and under. A two-day pass is offered to adults for $15. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.

Contact Raven Jackson at rjackson@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Follow @ravenmjackson on Twitter.