James Healey is a past president of Las Vegas Pride, April 24-May 3, 2009. He’s lived in Vegas for 16 years and was single for most of that time. “However,” he says, “I am partnered now and loving life.” James is executive director of housekeeping at the New York New York Hotel & Casino and a founding member of Las Vegas Human Rights Campaign; he serves on its steering committee as the Gala Co-Chairman and on HRC’s board of governors. He loves to go dancing at 8½, Piranha and Krave.
What was your first Pride like?
It was back in 1995 in Las Vegas. It was held at Sunset Park and it only consisted of a festival — no parade, at that time. It was more like a large picnic. I would estimate that only about 1,500 people attended. However, it was thrilling to see so many people like me in one area. I remember thinking that the fence around the area in the park that we occupied was a way to keep us safe and the hate out. Boys were holding hands with boys and girls with girls. I was single at the time and saw couples kissing and I wanted to one day be like that. . . . It was a liberating day.
What are your personal Pride traditions? Where do you eat/drink/hang out during Vegas Pride?
Las Vegas Pride isn’t just one weekend. Over the past several years we’ve held events over a 10-day period. There is always something for everyone. So for people like me, we want to go to all the events and mingle with all different groups. We hang out at events such as kickoff bar events, skate night, karaoke idol competitions, men’s spa night, a fundraiser/show for our local community counseling center, picnics, sporting competitions, our nighttime parade, the festival — and end it all at the ever-so-relaxing T Dance/pool party at our local gay resort, the Blue Moon.
Any Pride stories?
I remember one year our festival was held at a park next to the local stadium. One side of the grounds was filled with the gays at Pride and the stadium was hosting a hardcore thrasher rock concert. We were just waiting for the crowds to clash, but it didn’t happen.
At that same event, I remember sitting in the grass watching the drag performers and the wind picked up very quickly. In the distance we could see what looked like a small twister. Now in the desert, we don’t see those much. Well, within a matter of a couple of minutes, a huge dust twister moved in right toward the stage. The air filled with dust and I could barely see the stage. I just remember seeing the host drag queen’s wig — and it was a very big and high updo — rip off his head and fly up toward the sky. Everyone could only look down and hold on to each other — it hit so fast. But just as fast as it hit, it was gone. As the air cleared, you could hear the hairless queen asking on the microphone if everyone was OK and then she said, “Auntie Em, Auntie Em, there is no place like home,” as she wiped the dirt from her face. It was hysterical.
What don’t out-of-towners know about Las Vegas Pride that they should know?
You can party at all the gay events and take in Vegas all at the same time. In fact, many of our 20 events over the 10-day period take place in the heart of the Vegas experience. For example, our Ménage a Trois dance party is taking place at Club Risqué at the Paris Hotel & Casino. This club even has patios that look directly out onto the Strip and across to the fountains of Bellagio.
What’s the sexiest Pride float you’ve ever seen?
Our men’s spa Entourage had a float last year that had a locker-room scene and also a shower scene. The boys on the float were sexy and the entire float made people intrigued and curious. Perfect!
Check out more Vegas hotspots on GayCities
photo credit: Vegas Pride
