Sin City, the city 'where anything goes,' wants to welcome people of all kinds - both as tourists and residents. Gay and lesbian people tend to travel more and spend more per capita than their straight counterparts, according to a report from Community Marketing Inc.īut there's a cultural component, too. The main reason for this shift, according to casinos and marketers? Money. Long a bastion of straight male culture, with its bachelor parties, strip clubs and Sinatra-esque swagger, this desert town has been making deliberate attempts since about 2005 to become a destination for gay and lesbian tourists, and to increase its own gay community. The city is trying to come out, but not everyone is ready. This crowd-host interaction at the start of a recent performance of ' Zumanity,' a Cirque de Soleil show with overt gay and lesbian themes, pretty much sums up the state of gay Las Vegas at the moment: 'Did you just flip me off?' Christopher Kenney, the Las Vegas drag queen with tall black hair (and taller black heels) said, offended. 'Are you guys gay?' she said into a microphone, amused. Las Vegas (CNN) - The drag queen pointed at two men in the front row. Still, Vegas has many gay-themed offerings, including pool parties and dance clubs.Residents say the city has a long way to go before it becomes 'gay friendly'.Las Vegas, long a stalwart of straight male culture, is marketing itself as a gay travel destination.
