Pride fest in Henderson takes place days after founder steps down amid controversy – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Henderson, Nevada – A confrontation at a Las Vegas gay bar reverberated through the local LGBTQ+ community just days before the sixth annual Henderson Pride Festival took place on Saturday. Anthony Cortez, the event’s founder and president, resigned amid backlash after videos surfaced showing him aggressively approaching a go-go dancer during a performance. The incident prompted one of Southern Nevada’s prominent pride organizations to publicly cut ties, raising questions about leadership and safety in community spaces.[1][2]
The Confrontation Unfolds at Dust Las Vegas
On April 26, Luis Araya performed as a go-go dancer at Dust Las Vegas during a monthly afternoon event attended by about 30 to 40 people. Surveillance and cellphone videos captured Anthony Cortez pulling Araya off the stage, removing his pup-style mask, and yelling threats including “Take this mask off, you trusted me, you motherf***** get the f*** out of here” and “I will kill you, mother****** you’re a piece of s***.” Others in the club quickly intervened, forming a protective barrier around the dancer.[1][3]
Araya later described feeling frozen and confused in the moment. “I was confused, mostly I think I didn’t know why it was happening or how to react,” he said. The dancer noted he had worked with Cortez in the past but had not collaborated recently. Dust owner Ryan Bandy reviewed the footage with police, called it an assault, and banned Cortez from the venue. No criminal charges have been filed.[1][4]
Cortez Resigns and Issues Apology
Cortez stepped down as president of the ICME Foundation, which organizes Henderson Pride, effective immediately. In a statement released through the foundation, he expressed deep regret. “I deeply regret my actions and take full responsibility for my behavior. I am ashamed of the way I conducted myself,” Cortez wrote. “My actions did not reflect the values of inclusion, respect, and safety that are at the core of the ICME Foundation – Henderson Pride.”[1][2]
The City of Henderson clarified it maintained no official partnership with the organization. Officials voided the prior rental contract under Cortez’s name and issued a new one to the updated leadership. The permit for the festival at Water Street Plaza remained active, allowing the free community event to proceed from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.[2]
Las Vegas Pride Severs Ties
The Southern Nevada Association of Pride, known as Las Vegas Pride, announced it would end any association with Henderson Pride. “In light of recent actions by Henderson Pride President, Anthony Cortez, Las Vegas PRIDE will not participate in, support, or collaborate with Henderson Pride moving forward,” the group stated on social media and its website. The organization stressed the need for internal accountability amid external challenges facing the community.[2][4]
This decision came swiftly after the videos circulated, underscoring divisions among local pride groups. Las Vegas Pride positioned itself as independent from Henderson Pride and Cortez, reaffirming its commitment to safe spaces.[3]
Community Backlash and Calls for Change
Several performers, vendors, and organizations distanced themselves from the festival. The Henderson Equality Center withdrew support, with executive director Chris Davin stating, “We need to stand and show our community that we are in solidarity with the victim that was assaulted and we don’t condone that type of behavior.” Araya filed for a protection order against Cortez and launched a petition urging the City of Henderson to end any ties with the ICME Foundation.[1][5]
Araya emphasized broader safety concerns. “There shouldn’t be things like this happening where the solution to a problem or a personal issue is violence,” he said. “It is something that we don’t want to see in our bars or especially coming from leadership positions.” Dust Las Vegas planned to implement security changes for smaller events following the incident.[1][3]
The fallout highlighted tensions within Southern Nevada’s LGBTQ+ scene as pride month approached. Groups and individuals called for measures to protect performers and patrons in nightlife venues.
Festival Proceeds Under New Leadership
Despite the turmoil, the Henderson Pride Festival went forward at Water Street Plaza. Organizers under the new ICME Foundation leadership hosted the event, which drew community members for celebrations of inclusion. The city’s limited role ensured logistical continuity, though participation from some partners remained uncertain.[2]
The episode served as a stark reminder of the expectations placed on community leaders. As Southern Nevada’s pride organizations navigate ahead, emphasis on respect and safety shapes their path forward.
Key Statements
• Las Vegas Pride: “Las Vegas PRIDE will not participate in, support, or collaborate with Henderson Pride moving forward.”
• Anthony Cortez: “I deeply regret my actions and take full responsibility for my behavior.”[2]
