A Search for Acceptance: The Joys and Challenges of Clark County's LGBTQ+ Community from Early Contact Through Today

From the life and times of Kutenai spiritual leader, Kocomenepeca, through waves of public “hysteria” over homosexuality throughout the 1900s and the tragedy of Nikki Kuhnhausen in 2019, Clark County's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning population has long found themselves the target for criminalization, victimization, and erasure. Yet, in spite of the challenges they have built a strong and vibrant community in Clark County that celebrates its rich history. With each setback, they have continued to persevere and push for the protections and rights afforded the "straight" community. In this talk, April will look at the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Clark County - both their struggles and their victories.