2020-11 by Gay Vegas

VOLUME 20, ISSUE 11

COVID-19

HOLIDAY SAFELY

Nevada’s latest COVID-19 restrictions - Nov 22 + rideshare option VEGAS SHOWS

ZUMANITY CLOSES Queer-centric Cirque show takes last bow COMING SOON

LGBTQ+ VEGAS HOTEL New project movement projected for May 2021 VEGAS ON TV

‘HELL’S KITCHEN’

Reality show comes to Vegas LGBTQ+ cast members message

COVID-19 UPDATE

New restrictions to help slow COVID-19 in Nevada - Updated November 22 Today, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced increased restrictions to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the State. The measures – informed by public health experts, business and economic leaders – go into effect on Tuesday.

“We decide our distance from others. We decide how long we spend in a high-risk setting. We decide whether to take the simple step of putting on a mask,” he continued. “Nevadans

The mitigation measures will last for the next three weeks, and the Governor and his administration will continue to monitor the COVID-19 trends in the State during that time frame. The emergency directive formalizing these changes will be issued Monday.

know that if it doesn’t feel safe, then it isn’t safe. And, if it isn’t safe, we shouldn’t be doing it right now. Ultimately, our individual actions decide whether we are going to prioritize getting our children into the classroom, allowing our businesses to operate under safe measures, and protecting our hospital system and healthcare workers.”

“As your Governor, I am confident that I did all I could to avoid further restrictions and keep us on the path forward, but now I must act,” Governor Sisolak said. “In this defining moment, I implore Nevadans to tap into their independent spirit and consider their own personal responsibility.”

Under the new measures, restaurants, bars, gaming operations, gyms, fitness facilities and other businesses and activities will be limited to 25 percent of applicable fire code capacity, down from 50 percent. Retail stores – including grocery stores – will remain at 50 percent of capacity, with strict social

distancing and additional monitoring requirements. Additionally, public gatherings will be limited to no more than 50 people or 25 percent capacity, whichever is less. No large events will be approved during this time frame. Private gatherings will be limited to no more than 10 people from no more than two separate households, and the State’s face covering requirement will be extended to private gatherings. Nevadans must wear face coverings at all times, whether indoors or outdoors, when around individuals from outside their households. The new measures take effect on Tuesday, November 24th, and will last for the next three weeks. During that time frame, the Governor will continue to meet with advisors to evaluate the situation and look for signs of concerns or improvement. FabLasVegas.com

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HOLIDAY SAFELY

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The Las Vegas Coalition for Zero Fatalities wants you to ride safe this Thanksgiving In an ongoing commitment to combat impaired driving and eradicate impairedrelated fatalities on Nevada’s roadways, the Las Vegas Coalition for Zero Fatalities has pledged $750 toward access to free Lyft rides in Las Vegas this Thanksgiving, Nov. 25 – Nov. 26. “In 2019, we saw four fatalities over the Thanksgiving holiday. Due to someone’s selfish decision to get behind the wheel impaired, there will always be an empty seat at the Thanksgiving table,” said Zero Fatalities Program Manager Andrew Bennett. “The Las Vegas Coalition for Zero 6 Fab Vegas

Fatalities implores everyone to always drive sober, ride smart when celebrating and remember lives are on the line.” In affiliation with Dignity Healthy, Zappos and Distill – a local bar, the Las Vegas Coalition for Zero Fatalities will offer $5 off one Lyft ride to the first 150 new and existing users beginning Wednesday, 6 p.m. Nov. 25 through 6 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26. The limited-time offer can be accessed within the Lyft mobile app with code SafeTurkey2020, while supplies last.

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VEGAS ON TV

-----------------------------------------------------------------------end of the day, I am better off. I am confident in who I am and I am stronger now than I’ve ever been. Today, I want you to consider those around you. Be aware that someone you love might be fighting an internal battle with who they are, a battle that you may never understand. Stand strong with them, love them, support them, be the safe place that they so desperately need during their struggle.

Message from ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Vegas LGBTQ+ cast member The hit culinary competition series Hell’s Kitchen returns for its 19th season in a flashy new setting, as Chef Gordon Ramsay brings the show to our very own fabulous Las Vegas. For the first time ever, 16 aspiring chefs from around the country will roll the dice and head to Sin City in the hopes of winning big. Fox has recently released the cast of season 19 which includes none other than out lesbian chef Brittani Ratcliff On October 11, National Coming Out Day, Brittany Ratcliff posted the following message. “If you don’t already know,

I’m a lesbian. I don’t have an elaborate coming out story. But I’m sure my story echoes those of so many around me. When we finally discover who we are and become confident in ourselves, we so often lose friends and even more often we lose family. Those that told us our whole life that they would love us unconditionally. But for some, that love and support was always conditional. I lost people who called themselves my friend. I lost family that I never dreamed of losing. And nothing about those situations were easy. But you know what? At the

Then take that energy to the polls in November. Be an ally to your LGBTQ friends, show them that you want the same rights and opportunities for them as you do for yourself and your family. Vote FOR them. Vote in favor of your friends of color, your friends and family members battling addiction, those with disabilities, those less fortunate. Vote for the marginalized groups of people who just want to LIVE. For those of you still fighting that battle, keep fighting. When it seems like the odds are stacked against you, remember there are people in this world that are sending you strength and courage for the moment that you’re ready to live your life as who you truly are. We’re waiting with open arms for you to come out and celebrate this day with the rest of us.” See Brittani Ratcliff on Season 19 of Hells Kitchen which premieres Thursday, January 7 at 8/7c on Fox.

FabLasVegas.com

VEGAS SHOWS

Queer-centric Cirque show ‘Zumanity’ permanently closes after 17 years in Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil informed the cast and crew of Zumanity about its permanent closure on November 16.

For more information, guests may contact lasvegas.customerservice@ cirquedusoleil.com.

“Zumanity was a groundbreaking departure for Cirque du Soleil when it opened in September of 2003,” said Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. “We are forever grateful to the extraordinarily talented cast, crew and staff who helped make Zumanity an unforgettable experience for more than 7.25 million guests.”

George Kliavkoff, President of Entertainment & Sports for MGM Resorts International, said, “Zumanity at New YorkNew York had a terrific run over the last 17 years and our partnership with Cirque du Soleil remains strong moving forward. We’re grateful to the cast, crew and team at Cirque for having created something very special. We look forward to sharing plans for new entertainment programming at the New York-New York Theater in the months ahead.”

After wowing audiences with more than 7,700 shows, the last performance of Zumanity took place on March 14, 2020 before it was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Guests holding tickets for any future performances will be refunded at the original point of purchase.

Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts International have solidified their commitment to the partnership and the four shows remaining in the Cirque du Soleil portfolio. Contract extensions for “O” at Bellagio, The Beatles LOVE at The

Mirage, KÀ at MGM Grand and Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay have been signed. Additionally, Treasure Island and Cirque du Soleil have recommitted to Mystère with a contract extension. With these extensions, Cirque du Soleil shows are guaranteed to entertain audiences well into the future. The timing of the shows’ reopening will be dictated first by the safety of guests and employees in compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Governor and other government agencies; and second, by the ability to operate the shows profitably. More than 70 million visitors have experienced Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas since Mystère opened in 1993 and Cirque du Soleil looks forward to continuing that legacy when the shows return safely to their theaters. FabLasVegas.com

11 Fab Vegas

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NOW OPEN

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Brioche by Guy Savoy is now open inside the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino Brioche by Guy Savoy, the third Las Vegas establishment of world-renowned Michelinstarred French chef Guy Savoy, is now open at Paris Las Vegas. The Strip is no stranger to Savoy’s world-renowned cuisine with the awardwinning Restaurant Guy Savoy and the first Brioche location at Caesars Palace. The all-new sweet and savory brioche shop is located adjacent to the Paris Las Vegas hotel lobby and offers delectable tastes of Savoy’s flaky French pastries at an affordable price. “I am honored to be opening my second Brioche at Paris

Las Vegas, there could not be a more perfect location,” said chef Guy Savoy. “I’m excited to bring a little bit of Paris, France to Paris Las Vegas.” Brioche by Guy Savoy is a quick-service eatery with fresh pastries made in-house daily. Brioche varieties come in sweet and savory and can be stuffed with mushrooms, Parmesan and nuts, or sweet candied fruit and Nutella. For those with a sweet tooth, choose from muffins, butter croissants and Pain au Chocolat. On the savory side, try the quiche Lorraine, cheddar and broccoli quiche,

or ham and cheese croissant. Side options include yogurt cups, fresh fruit or chips. The coffee program at Brioche is sourced by La Colombe. Guests can sample a simple house blended hot coffee, cappuccino, espresso, latte, café au lait and more. Brioche will also offer wine and beer options. Brioche by Guy Savoy is located near the Paris Las Vegas hotel lobby and front desk, and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. For more information and the full menu, visit caesars.com FabLasVegas.com

Handwashing

at Home, at Play, and Out and About Germs are everywhere! They can get onto your hands and items you touch throughout the day. Washing hands at key times with soap and water is one of the most important steps you can take to get rid of germs and avoid spreading germs to those around you.

How can washing your hands keep you healthy? Germs can get into the body through our eyes, nose, and mouth and make us sick. Handwashing with soap removes germs from hands and helps prevent sickness. Studies have shown that handwashing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related sicknesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu.

Handwashing helps prevent infections for these reasons: People often touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without realizing it, introducing germs into their bodies. Germs from unwashed hands may get into foods and drinks when people prepare or consume them. Germs can grow in some types of foods or drinks and make people sick. Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects, such as door knobs, tables, or toys, and then transferred to another person’s hands.

What is the right way to wash your hands? 1. Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap. 2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. 3. Scrub all surfaces of your hands, including the palms, backs, fingers, between your fingers, and under your nails. Keep scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice. 4. Rinse your hands under clean, running water. 5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. CS 280522A

When should you wash your hands? Handwashing at any time of the day can help get rid of germs, but there are key times when it’s most important to wash your hands. • Before, during, and after preparing food • Before eating food • Before and after caring for someone who is sick • Before and after treating a cut or wound • After using the bathroom, changing diapers, or cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing • After touching an animal, animal food or treats, animal cages, or animal feces (poop) • After touching garbage • If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy

What type of soap should you use? You can use bar soap or liquid soap to wash your hands. Many public places provide liquid soap because it’s easier and cleaner to share with others. Studies have not found any added health benefit from using soaps containing antibacterial ingredients when compared with plain soap. Both are equally effective in getting rid of germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

How does handwashing help fight antibiotic resistance? Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria resist the effects of an antibiotic – that is, germs are not killed and they continue to grow. Sicknesses caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be harder to treat. Simply using antibiotics creates resistance, so avoiding infections in the first place reduces the amount of antibiotics that have to be used and reduces the likelihood that resistance will develop during treatment. Handwashing helps prevent many sicknesses, meaning less use of antibiotics.

Studies have shown that handwashing can prevent

1 in 3 diarrhea-related sicknesses and

1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu.

For more information and a video demonstration of how to wash your hands, visit the CDC handwashing website:

www.cdc.gov/handwashing

COMING SOON

LGBTQ+ hotel project has new movement months after initial announcement It has been over 6 years since The Blue Moon Resort, Las Vegas’ only LGBTQ+ hotel shut its doors. The clothing optional hotel boasted many amenities including a private pool with a rock waterfall grotto, most visitors primarily gay men. The hotel announced it’s closure after land had been sold from under former owner, John Hessling and now instead of the building being demolished for a potential new project or development, as previously believed, the building is now home to an addiction recovery center and the pool is noticeably missing. Since then, the only options that were available in Las Vegas as exclusively LGBTQ+ 16 Fab Vegas

spaces were through websites like misterbandb.com which also provide lodging primarily to gay men. The Patio Boutique Hotel, which has been the subject of rumors for months, has recently released new renderings and photos online which has brought new interest to this project being billed as ‘an LGBTQ+ luxury property.’ The project hopes to succeed in an area often billed as ‘the loop’ located at the intersection of Paradise Rd and East Naples Drive. The area, once a bustling LGBTQ+ hotspot, is full of businesses struggling along with the rest of Las Vegas amidst this global pandemic.

Renderings and information on Facebook.com seem to indicate the project will be at 406 East Naples Dr and the referenced website ThePatioLasVegas.com shows rooms priced from $150 to $250 per night. The website seems to cater to a full spectrum of LGBTQ+ clientele and offers exciting outdoor amenities such as a pool, spa, kitchen, fireplace, zen garden, bar & lounge. With limited availability the building says it will offer 14 fully furnished 1-bedroom 1-bathroom suites with a variety of layouts. The building was formerly an apartment complex. The website says the hotel is slated to open by May 2021.

Photo credit: Facebook.com/The-Patio-Boutique-Hotel-101102668461614

Photo credit: Facebook.com/ThePatioLasVegas

FabLasVegas.com

SÍNTOMAS DE LA ENFERMEDAD DEL CORONAVIRUS 2019 Los pacientes con COVID-19 han presentado enfermedad respiratoria de leve a grave. Los síntomas* pueden incluir

TOS

Consulte a un médico si presenta síntomas y ha estado en contacto cercano con una persona que se sepa que tiene el COVID-19, o si usted vive o ha estado recientemente en un área en la que haya propagación en curso del COVID-19.

FIEBRE

*Los síntomas pueden aparecer de 2 a 14 días después de la exposición.

DIFICULTAD *Symptoms may PARA RESPIRAR appear 2-14 days after exposure.

cdc.gov/COVID19-es CS 315252-B March 16, 2020, 1:35PM

FabLasVegas.com

SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 Patients with COVID-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms* can include

COUGH

Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.

FEVER

*Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

cdc.gov/COVID19-symptoms CS 315252-A March 20, 2020, 12:51PM

21 Fab Vegas

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Information for Teens: Staying Healthy and Preventing STDs If you choose to have sex, know how to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? STDs are diseases that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, and HIV. Many of these STDs do not show symptoms for a long time. Even without symptoms, they can still be harmful and passed on during sex.

consider before having sex. It’s okay to say “no” if you don’t want to have sex. •

If you do decide to have sex, you and your partner should get tested for STDs beforehand. Make sure that you and your partner use a condom from start to finish every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Know where to get condoms and how to use them correctly. It is not safe to stop using condoms unless you’ve both been tested for STDs, know your results, and are in a mutually monogamous relationship.

•

Mutual monogamy means that you and your partner both agree to only have sexual contact with each other. This can help protect against STDs, as long as you’ve both been tested and know you’re STD-free.

•

Before you have sex, talk with your partner about how you will prevent STDs and pregnancy. If you think you’re ready to have sex, you need to be ready to protect your body. You should also talk to your partner ahead of time about what you will and will not do sexually. Your partner should always respect your right to say no to anything that doesn’t feel right.

•

Make sure you get the health care you need. Ask a doctor or nurse about STD testing and about vaccines against HPV and hepatitis B.

•

Girls and young women may have extra needs to protect their reproductive health. Talk to your doctor or nurse about regular cervical cancer screening, and chlamydia and gonorrhea testing. You may also want to discuss unintended pregnancy and birth control.

•

Avoid mixing alcohol and/or recreational drugs with sex. If you use alcohol and drugs, you are more likely to take risks, like not using a condom or having sex with someone you normally wouldn’t have sex with.

How are STDs spread? You can get an STD by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has an STD. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD. You don’t even have to “go all the way” (have anal or vaginal sex) to get an STD. This is because some STDs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skinto-skin contact. How common are STDs? STDs are common, especially among young people. There are about 20 million new cases of STDs each year in the United States. About half of these infections are in people between the ages of 15 and 24. Young people are at greater risk of getting an STD for several reasons: •

Young women’s bodies are biologically more prone to STDs.

•

Some young people do not get the recommended STD tests.

•

Many young people are hesitant to talk openly and honestly with a doctor or nurse about their sex lives.

•

Not having insurance or transportation can make it more difficult for young people to access STD testing.

•

Some young people have more than one sex partner.

What can I do to protect myself? •

The surest way to protect yourself against STDs is to not have sex. That means not having any vaginal, anal, or oral sex (“abstinence”). There are many things to

24 Fab Vegas

against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

If Iare getsexually an STD, how will Idiseases know? (STDs)? What transmitted STDs are diseases that are passed from one person to another Many STDs don’t cause any symptoms that you through sexual contact. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, would notice. only way(HPV), to know for sure genital herpes, humanThe papillomavirus syphilis, and HIV. if you haveSTDs an STD to get tested.forYou can get an Many of these do notis show symptoms a long time. Even without they can stillwith be harmful and passed STDsymptoms, from having sex someone whoonhas no during sex. symptoms. Just like you, that person might not

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no one has to find out you’ve been tested. Visit

How common to arefind STDs? GetTested an STD testing location near

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What can I do to protect myself?

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Some curable STDs can be dangerous if they aren’t treated. For example, if left untreated, CS287360A chlamydia and gonorrhea can make it difficult— or even impossible—for a woman to get pregnant. You also increase your chances of getting HIV if you have an untreated STD. Some STDs, like HIV, can be fatal if left untreated. What if my partner or I have an incurable STD? Some STDs, like herpes and HIV, aren’t curable, but a doctor can prescribe medicine to treat the symptoms. If you are living with an STD, it’s important to

tell partner before youyouhave sex. partner Although • Ifyour you do decide to have sex, and your should get tested for STDs beforehand. Make sure that you and it may be uncomfortable to talk about your your partner usehonest a condom from start to finish every STD, open and conversation can help time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Know where to your partner make informed decisions to get condoms and how to use them correctly. It is not protect his or her health. safe to stop using condoms unless you’ve both been STDs, knowwho your results, and are them? in a mutually If Itested havefor questions, can answer monogamous relationship.

If• you have questions, talk to a parent or other Mutual monogamy means that you and your partner both trusted be afraid be each openother. andThis agreeadult. to only Don’t have sexual contactto with honest with themagainst aboutSTDs, yourasconcerns. If both you’re can help protect long as you’ve been and know evertested confused or you’re need STD-free. advice, they’re the first place to start. After were young once, • Before you have sex, all, talk they with your partner about how too.you will prevent STDs and pregnancy. If you think you’re ready to have sex, you need to be ready to protect your

Talking about sexalso with parent or another body. You should talkato your partner ahead of time adult doesn’t need bewill a one-time about what you willto and not do sexually. Your partner conversation. bestyour to leave the forthat should alwaysIt’s respect right to saydoor no to open anything doesn’t feel right. conversations in the future. • Make sure you get the health care you need. Ask a doctor It’s also important to talk honestly with a doctor or nurse about STD testing and about vaccines against or nurse. Ask which STD tests and vaccines HPV and hepatitis B. they recommend for you. • Girls and young women may have extra needs to protect

their reproductive health.information? Talk to your doctor or nurse Where can I get more

about regular cervical cancer screening, and chlamydia

CDC and gonorrhea testing. You may also want to discuss

unintended birth control. How You Canpregnancy Preventand Sexually Transmitted • Avoid mixing alcohol and/or recreational drugs with sex. Diseases If you use alcohol and drugs, you are more likely to take www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/

risks, like not using a condom or having sex with someone

Teen youPregnancy normally wouldn’t have sex with. https://www.cdc.gov/ teenpregnancy/teens/ index.htm

CDC-INFO Contact Center 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) Contact wwwn.cdc.gov/dcs/ ContactUs/Form HealthFinder.gov STD Testing: Conversation Starters https://healthfinder.gov/ HealthTopics/ Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/ hiv-and-other-stds/std-testing-conversationstarters American Sexual Health Association Sexual Health and You http://www.iwannaknow.org/ teens/ sexualhealth.html FabLasVegas.com

STD (SEXUALLY TRASMITTED DISEASES) INFO SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES INFO, TESTING & RESOURCES WHAT IS A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that are commonly spread by sexual activity, especially vaginal intercourse, anal sex and oral sex.

WHAT IS HIV? HIV is a virus that attacks the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immune system.It is usually spread by anal or vaginal sex or sharing syringes with a person who has HIV. The only way to know you have HIV is to be tested. Everyone aged 13-64 should be tested at least once, and people at high risk should be tested at least once a year. Ask your doctor, or visit gettested.cdc.gov to find a testing site. Without treatment, HIV can make a person very sick or may even cause death. If you have HIV, start treatment as soon as possible to stay healthy and help protect your partners.

Nevada is the fifth highest state in the United States for rates of new HIV diagnoses and is #1 in Syphillis *According to CDC HIV Surveillance Report, 2017 and the CDC Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report, 2017 released in 2018

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STD TESTING RESOURCE SOUTHERN NEVADA HEALTH DISTRICT ADDRESS: 280 S. Decatur Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89107 HOURS: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.* *The clinic opens at 9:00 a.m. on the first Thursday of every month. The following services are offered at the Sexual Health Clinic: 1.

Diagnosis and treatment of active or suspected cases of:

•

Chlamydia

•

Gonorrhea

•

Syphilis

•

HIV

•

Trichomonas (females only)

•

Bacterial Vaginosis (females only)

Free condoms and instruction on how to safely use them (both male and female condom)

Follow-up bloodwork

High-risk behavior counseling

HIV Nursing Case Management

Injection series for syphilis medication

Partner notification

Referrals by private physicians

Sexual assault follow-up

10. Test results and couseling Clients seeking treatment at the Sexual Health Clinic should know that the Health District is required to report cases involving assault or abuse to appropriate agencies. HIV Testing: HIV antibody testing is a simple blood test performed by a trained professional. This procedure is strictly confidential. Counseling regarding the meaning of the test and its result take place before the actual testing to ensure you understand HIV infection and the testing procedure. HIV testing procedure: Blood Test – Blood drawn from a vein is tested for HIV antibodies. This test is available at the Sexual Health Clinic (280 S. Decatur Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89107 ), Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call (702) 759-0702 for more information. If you have questions, contact the clinic by phone at (702) 759-0702 or by email at SexualHealth@snhd.org.

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PRIDE FLAGS

COMMUNITY RESOURCES 32 Fab Vegas

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www.afanlv.org Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) provides support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. AFAN works to reduce HIV infection through prevention and education to eliminate fear, prejudice and the stigma associated with the disease.