Las Vegas Pride severs ties to Henderson Pride after fight at bar – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas – The Southern Nevada Association of PRIDE, operating as Las Vegas Pride, declared an end to any association with Henderson Pride following an alleged physical altercation involving the latter group’s president at a local gay club. The announcement arrived days after security footage surfaced online, capturing the confrontation at Dust Las Vegas.[1][2] Organizers emphasized their commitment to safe community spaces as Pride Month approaches in June.
The confrontation at Dust Las Vegas
On April 26, during a low-key afternoon gathering at Dust Las Vegas with roughly 30 to 40 attendees, tension escalated on stage. Henderson Pride President Anthony Cortez approached go-go dancer Lex Berio, pulled him down, chest-bumped him repeatedly while yelling, and removed the dancer’s pup mask. Fellow performers and patrons quickly surrounded Berio to shield him from further contact.[3]
Club owner Ryan Bandy heard the commotion and directed Cortez to the kitchen area to calm the situation. No security staff was on duty for the smaller event. Bandy later examined surveillance video alongside police and expressed shock at the full sequence. He stated, “When I heard the yelling, I made Mr. Cortez leave the bar area and go to the kitchen to diffuse the situation.” After viewing the footage, he added, “To my horror, I saw the assault from beginning to end for the first time.”[2] Cortez received a ban from the venue.
Berio shared his own cell phone recording and the club’s video on social media. He described the aftermath, saying, “I’m having trouble feeling calm again after what happened.” The dancer framed his post not as an attack but as a push for better standards: “This is not about tearing anyone down. It’s about raising standards, protecting our community, and making sure Pride events reflect the values we all share – safety, transparency, and integrity.”[3]
Las Vegas Pride draws a firm line
Two days after the incident, on April 28, Las Vegas Pride issued a public statement on its website. The group, which has served Southern Nevada for more than 43 years as an independent nonprofit, cited “recent actions by Henderson Pride President Anthony Cortez” as the catalyst. It declared, “Effective immediately, Las Vegas PRIDE is formally ending any past or perceived association with Henderson Pride.”[1]
The organization made clear its stance against violence in community settings. “Las Vegas PRIDE will not participate in, support, or collaborate with Henderson Pride moving forward,” the release continued. Leaders stressed accountability amid external pressures on LGBTQIA+ groups. Contact details pointed to President Brady McGill for inquiries.[1]
Key elements of Las Vegas Pride’s statement:
- Ends all past or perceived ties effective immediately.
- Cites actions of Henderson Pride’s president.
- Prioritizes safe, inclusive spaces without violence.
- Reaffirms 43-year local presence as independent entity.
Reactions ripple through the community
Footage and statements spread rapidly across platforms, igniting discussions in local forums. A Reddit thread in r/vegaslocals sought details on the fallout, with users linking to videos and confirming Las Vegas Pride’s disavowal. Commenters expressed dismay, one noting Cortez had long given them unease, while others praised interventions by bystanders.[4]
Separate social media posts highlighted related concerns, including event safety and nonprofit practices. Berio’s Instagram address from April 28 called for stronger protocols at venues like Dust and scrutiny of Pride-related operations. Reports emerged of Henderson Pride’s entertainment lead resigning shortly before an upcoming event. A petition surfaced demanding Cortez’s removal, citing unethical conduct.[5]
No public reply has come from Henderson Pride or Cortez as of early May. The episode underscores tensions in overlapping nonprofit efforts, particularly with festivals on the horizon.
Broader stakes as Pride Month nears
Both groups organize events in Southern Nevada, though Las Vegas Pride focuses on its October flagship while Henderson Pride targets earlier dates. The split arrives amid preparations for June’s Pride Month, a period of parades, festivals, and gatherings across the region. Organizers now navigate heightened scrutiny on leadership and venue safety.[1]
Las Vegas Pride reiterated its year-round programming to foster acceptance and artist platforms. The incident prompts questions about collaboration in a tight-knit scene. Stakeholders, from performers to attendees, await clarity on accountability measures. For now, the organizations chart separate paths forward.
