Going Gay

The Bay Area Reporter , a San Francisco media outlet directed at our gay and lesbian friends, ran an interesting story this weekend with the headline, ‘Las Vegas Bets on Gay Visitors.' Author Ed Walsh starts by noting that although somewhat underground, Sin City has long been a favorite destination for gay travelers. The story added that increased marketing presence toward the gay community through focused brochures from the Las Vegas Convention Visitors Authority and upcoming campaigns from both MGM Mirage and Harrah's Entertainment . With the city's first alternative lifestyle nightclub, Krave , set to celebrate its two year anniversary, and the so-called “ Fruit Loop ” as busy as ever, it would seem as though Walsh is on to something.  Interestingly, the story also seemingly confirmed what we had been hearing for over a year now, that Harrah's Entertainment has definite plans to increase marketing of Paris Las Vegas to the gay community. Already “gay getaway packages” include admission to Krave Nightclub, a short walk away, and the option of a same-sex marriage ceremony, something that MGM Mirage will also accommodate. Other shows and restaurants that were highlighted include Burger Bar (Mandalay Bay), Nob Hill (MGM Grand), Elton John's Red Piano (Caesars Palace) and of course, Frank Marino's An Evening at La Cage (Riveria).