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Yesterday, lawmakers of the 83rd session of the Nevada Legislature formally recognized the Las Vegas “Fruit Loop” geographic area as an LGBTQ+ historical landmark, passing Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 2.
“The passage of SCR2 marks an historic moment for the residents of Senate District 10 and Nevada’s LGBTQ+ community, said State Senator Fabian Doñate (SD-10), who authored the resolution. “By recognizing the Fruit Loop as a cultural landmark, we’re preserving a legacy of resilience, joy and identity that has shaped our city for generations. This is more than a sign – it’s a symbol that this area matters and will be honored for generations to come.”
Centered around East Naples Drive, Paradise Road and University Center Drive, since the 1950s, the Fruit Loop has been a dynamic center for LGBTQ+ nightlife and businesses in Las Vegas. Originally coined as a derogatory slur, the term Fruit Loop was embraced by area businesses in the 1970s and became a rallying call for entrepreneurship, community spirit, inclusivity and advocacy. The city’s first AIDS fundraising event was held in the Fruit Loop area in 1983.
“It’s been said that the Fruit Loop is where Las Vegas’ LGBTQ+ community first got its voice. Yet this designation as a cultural landmark isn’t just about preserving the past. It’s about acknowledging the vibrant LGBTQ+ community that has shaped Las Vegas into the inclusive city it is today. As a Las Vegas native, I couldn’t be more proud,” said André C. Wade, state director for Silver State Equality, Nevada’s statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy nonprofit.
In addition to preserving the historical and cultural legacy of the Fruit Loop, the resolution also includes provisions for addressing infrastructure concerns including much needed crosswalks. It urges the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the Nevada Division of Tourism to market the area’s significance and urges the Nevada Department of Transportation to install directional signage to direct the public and tourists to the Fruit Loop.
“The passage of this resolution both honors the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community and inspires future generations, especially as we face growing challenges to LGBTQ+ rights. We thank State Senator Fabian Doñate for his unremitting efforts to preserve Fruit Loop’s history and secure its future with much-needed infrastructure improvements. We also thank members of the Nevada Legislature who voted to memorialize this rich and important aspect of Las Vegas history,” added Wade.
As Nevada’s nationwide LGBTQ civil rights organization, Silver State Equality brings the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in Nevada and throughout the U.S. Silver State Equality strives to create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. Silver State Equality is a Nevada-based program affiliated with and supported by Equality California and Equality California Institute, the nation’s largest statewide LTBTQ civil rights organization. More information SilverStateEquality.org