The “Fruit Loop” in Las Vegas, a historically significant area for the LGBTQ+ community, is gaining attention as lawmakers consider recognizing it as a historic landmark. This initiative stems from the area’s rich history as a gathering place for the gay community since the 1970s, featuring bars, nightclubs, and other LGBTQ+ friendly establishments. State Sen. Fabian Doñate, who represents the district, has highlighted the community’s longstanding struggle to improve infrastructure, such as installing a crosswalk at a hazardous intersection.
The resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution 2, aims to honor the “Fruit Loop” as a cultural district, drawing parallels to other recognized LGBTQ+ neighborhoods like New York’s West Village and San Francisco’s Castro. This recognition could potentially boost tourism and support the growth of LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Billy Pilesky, manager at Quadz Video Bar, expressed hope that this designation would lead to improved infrastructure and visibility, such as the installation of a rainbow crosswalk to celebrate the area’s identity.
Dennis McBride, a queer historian, reflects on the progress over the decades, noting how this recognition represents a significant shift towards acceptance and affirmation for the LGBTQ+ community. The resolution is set to be discussed by the Senate Government Affairs Committee, marking a pivotal moment in acknowledging the historical and cultural importance of the “Fruit Loop.”
