Marriage equality is now a reality in America folks! I am thrilled, yet at the same time I am grounded. That’s because I have to make sure to remind myself that as we come up as a community, it’s vital that our entire community shares in the benefits of progress. Throughout history, oppressors have pushed TLGB individuals to the margins. No one has waited longer than our trans brothers and sisters for their time in the sun. Finally, over the last few years the world began paying attention. In May 2014 TIME magazine put Laverne Cox on its cover and ran the headline “The Transgender Tipping Point”. Today, over a year later, it’s clear the magazine was right. The July 2015 issue of Gay Vegas is all about trans individuals and their allies (both nationally and locally) – not because we planned it that way, but because it’s a movement no force can stop.

Mariah Carey may seem like an odd choice to be on the cover of our Trans / Anniversary issue – that is until you consider that she has supported, and has been supported by, the TLGB community throughout her entire career. Not to mention the fact that she has been an inspiration for tons of performers (many of whom identify as trans) and for anyone looking for the perfect role model of femininity. You’re going to have a blast getting to know more about Vegas’ new resident icon when you read our exclusive interview.

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Of course we couldn’t release such an issue without mention of Caitlyn Jenner. Her story has captured the attention of the world and it seems everyone has an opinion. Well we asked for the opinion of a local Vegas TLGB community member and we’re happy to be able to share it with you.

This month we also highlight two trans issues in the news that hit close to home – the pressure on Nevada’s Clark County School District to release a report on transgender policy progress, and the state’s extension of health care coverage to transgender individuals, which begins this month.

This issue also features a personal reflection from our publisher, John Lawrence, who gives us his special perspective on marriage equality. I’m sure you’ll be as touched by his piece as I was.

If you believe that everything happens for a reason, then indeed there was no better time than now for an issue dedicated to the trans community. That this joy is compounded with our marriage equality win, well, that just makes my heart soar. In any case, I’m just so proud that we’re able to bring you this very special edition of Gay Vegas.