Article Archives

You are not “too fucked up” for therapy just because you haven’t found someone who gets you. Therapy is a gatekept profession, meaning it is filled with a lot of privileged people who are out of touch with the complexities of survival and the impacts of whorephobia. Any shame you have felt from a therapist is a reflection on them and the therapy industry, not on you.

The history of the leather community is as varied and, in some ways, as complicated as the LGBTQ+ community itself, even as a subset of the BDSM world. I spoke a bit about this last fall at The Las Vegas PRIDE Festival on the PROUD & Kinky stage when I gave a brief history (I called it a “Leather TED Talk”) and found that many of our community are unaware of where we came from.

The Cathedral is a community-centered collective currently comprised of five specialized groups, each dedicated to fostering growth, learning, and connection for individuals on their kink journey. Whether you're just beginning or have years of experience, our collective offers a space where you can explore, share, and grow alongside like-minded individuals.

I made my debut as a stage kitten at Lilith: A Ladies Night, an all-female-produced burlesque show that happens here in Las Vegas. I wanted to be a part of the show but wasn't ready to step into my burly shoes just yet. Stage kittening was my way into the world so that I could be surrounded by those people & start seeing burlesque in its many forms.

I have been in and out of the kink community since I was 18, and here at 32 I am finally getting back fully into it, and in a rather big way, with a live performance on stage at a local kink event. I will admit that I was pretty nervous at first, getting myself prepped in the dressing room behind the stage. I didn't really know what to do with myself, stressing a bit over the smallest things, fussing over what little I was wearing, but also the adrenaline of anticipation coursing through my veins, and the thought of backing out never crossed my mind.

In early May of 2024, a friend shared a Sin City Burlesque festival post calling for applications for their shows in early September. Frankly, I was a little hesitant, seeing as just a month prior, I was celebrating the completion of my ACL recovery; an injury I incurred while performing the same act that I was looking to submit. But a voice within kept telling me to get back on that horse and ride away into the sequin sunset.

Most people know me for my special Makeup FX and winning Syfy's Faceoff season 11, but I've always been so much more than that. A lot of my work that I'm genuinely passionate about doesn't fit into the mainstream. Filtering myself through network television exposed me to a large audience, but it came at the cost of authenticity. I find deep inspiration in the absurd, but the number one theme I have always been drawn to, both personally and creatively, is sex.

PROUD & Kinky is hosting leather title holders in 2025. There are four Las Vegas Leather titles that we are seeking nominations for: Mr. Las Vegas Leather, Las Vegas Person of Leather, Las Vegas Pup of Leather, and Las Vegas Bootblack. The Las Vegas Person of Leather will receive a more specific title characteristic of the individual, such as Mx. / Mrs. / Miss / Trans person of leather / Leatherboy / or whatever they feel fits them best.

As we step into 2025, we find ourselves navigating a political climate that feels more volatile and divided than ever before. History has shown that when conservative leadership takes the reins, the effects inevitably trickle down to marginalized communities, including our local kink circles. These challenges remind us of the critical importance of solidarity—working together, showing up for one another, and fostering spaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

Hi, hello, yes. Let me introduce myself. I’m a genderfluid, non-binary, AFAB person. I don’t always look queer but trust me, I am. I’ve fallen into infatuation with a few good women, dated and loved a mustache-wearing triple pronoun using non-binary, and my current boyfriend even calls me his cute clown-boyfriend. Though, even with all of this blatant evidence of me being far from straight, I still find myself asking the question, “Am I queer enough?”

Sexual citizenship is the recognition of one's right to sexual self-expression, and that same recognition of a right in others. While it sounds simple, it is important to reflect on how this is carried out in our everyday lives. Historically, society has pathologized those who live on what some might call the “outskirts'' of societal norms.

Across the United States, the purchase of sex is criminalized, with Nevada being the notable exception where buying and selling sex is legalized in very specific areas under restrictive conditions. Evidence demonstrates that criminalizing prostitution results in increased violence and exploitation, and advocates argue that prohibition is extremely harmful.

As the sun sets over the glittering lights of the Las Vegas Strip, a new group of leaders rises to claim their place in the spotlight. We are thrilled to introduce the 2024 Las Vegas Title Holders, a distinguished group representing the heart and soul of our vibrant queer kink and leather communities.

Practicing kink over the age of 50 is a journey that blends wisdom, experience, and a profound understanding of one’s desires and boundaries. For many, the concept of kink becomes more approachable and less intimidating with age.

Do you struggle with monogamy? Has your relationship grown stale and boring? Did you get caught with a chick on the side? Have you considered giving polyamory a try?

Johnny Donovan began his adult career with Sean Cody, whereas “Deacon,” his boy-next-door charm, strong on-screen presence, and natural talent for engaging with the camera, won over legions of horny fans. Now seeking to explore new horizons, Donovan has transitioned to KinkMen, where he is showcasing his versatility as a dom and sub and embracing more diverse and intense roles.

Summer is heating up, and so is our kink! As the sun shines brighter, so does our excitement for the upcoming Las Vegas PRIDE Festival on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas. This year promises to be a spectacular celebration of love, diversity, and community, and we hope to see many of you there.

If you’re going to build a house, you’ll need some basic tools. It’s the same with building your BDSM, Kink, and Fetish interests; you’ll need to know what tools you can play with. Vegas Toolbox follows the tradition of leather education by providing leather, kinky, BDSM, and lifestyle individuals with the foundational tools they need to play with others, build community, and be the most authentic versions of themselves.