The area where East Naples Drive meets Paradise Road and University Center Drive in Las Vegas has colloquially been known as the Fruit Loop for decades due to its concentration of LGBTQ businesses and nightlife. On March 17, Nevada Sen. Fabian Doñate introduced legislation that would recognize it as a historic landmark in Clark County. In a Senate Committee on Government Affairs hearing, Doñate said the process began after he was tagged in TikTok reels depicting pedestrians in the area “darting across the street because there was no crosswalk available to them.” His initial concern over safe infrastructure led him to learn more about the historical significance of the neighborhood and pen the bill. If it passes, Fruit Loop business owners would collaborate with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the Nevada Division of Tourism “to enhance its visibility,” with costs underwritten by the Lambda Business Association. “The recognition aims to preserve the legacy of the Fruit Loop and encourage the ongoing advocacy for the area’s cultural and historical significance,” Doñate said. Several prominent local LGBTQ stalwarts also spoke in support, including Rob Schlegel, former publisher of the Fruit Loop-based queer newspaper, the Las Vegas Bugle.

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