In a glorious expression of steadfast commitment and support for the LGBTQIA+ community, MGM Resorts International is set to be a presenting sponsor for the Las Vegas Pride Parade and Festival for an impressive 16th consecutive year.
The electric atmosphere of downtown Las Vegas prepares to buzz with anticipation and excitement as the parade pre-show, set for this Friday on 801 S.4th Street at Gass Avenue, kicks off at 6 p.m. local time. An hour later, the cityscape will come alive with a burst of color as the official parade commences, tracing a route that extends past the famed Fremont Street Experience to Stewart Ave.
This heralded festival is steeped in a rich history dating back to 1983. That year saw the birth of Las Vegas’ premier Gay Pride celebration held at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. It wasn’t until fourteen years later, in 1997, that a parade was incorporated, slating its debut at Sunset Park, a location settled southeast of the Harry Reid International Airport.
2003 signified a significant milestone for the Las Vegas Pride Parade and Festival, with MGM Resorts International stepping up to become a presenting sponsor. Since then, the resort giant has become an integral part of this celebration, contributing to the tireless effort of amplifying LGBTQIA+ awareness in unison with the Las Vegas Pride Magazine and the Southern Nevada Association of Pride, Inc.
The officers within the MGM ranks resonate with this commitment. “Our participation is an extension of our ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive and equitable world,” declared Jyoti Chopra, chief people, inclusion, and sustainability officer at MGM Resorts. The resort not only supports through sponsorship but also encourages its employees to personally participate in the parade, walking alongside the MGM-themed float.
MGM’s advocacy has seen it break ground in areas such as the provisioning of health benefits for same-sex partners in 2004, making it one of the first significant employers in Nevada to do so. Moreover, the corporation opened its chapels to same-sex weddings shortly after the state legalized them in 2014.
In this year’s Las Vegas Pride, MGM shares the spotlight with “Live U=U,” a nonprofit dedicated to promoting HIV awareness and securing free or affordable HIV care within the LGBTQIA+ community. Both presenting sponsors significantly contribute to the Pride events, each pledging a minimum of $35K annually.
The Las Vegas Pride Festival is more than just a celebration – it’s a recognition of diversity, inclusivity, and equality. Much like the spirit evident within MGM, which has been recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality” for 11 consecutive years by the Human Rights Campaign.
However, the allure of Las Vegas extends beyond parades and festivals. As one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting cities, it offers a myriad of entertainment options. Among these, the world of online casinos stands out as a thrilling alternative that mirrors the high-stakes excitement found within brick and mortar establishments. Those looking to experience the thrill and excitement of online gaming can take a virtual trip to the top online casinos listed on our West Island Blog. Here, we’ve compiled and reviewed the best online casinos for you to try out this month. So, why not let Las Vegas come to you? After all, the excitement never has to end.
