Category 13

Category 13: Behavior, Dress, Restrooms


What does "BDR" stand for?

BDR stands for Behavior, Dress, and Restrooms, specifically a set of guidelines and best practices for each of these topics, developed over the years of DLV.

Our history has shown that when these guidelines are observed by all attendees, the result is a smoother, more harmonious, and more enjoyable event for all.


What is the basis of the BDR guidelines?

Consideration of others.


Why do you have so many rules?

These aren't really rules. They are guidelines and best practices and unfortunately some attendees exercise their option to ignore them.

Those who choose to ignore the guidelines frequently find that they get themselves and others in trouble!


Why is this necessary? None of the other TG events have this!

Diva Las Vegas is far more mainstream-oriented than any other major TG events.

All other major TG events occur under controlled conditions and under those conditions the concerns about these three topics are often unnecessary.

The same can usually be said for other activities in which you might have participated, such as support group meetings, Pride festivities, "Girls Night Out" activities, "alternative" bars and clubs, benefit galas, Imperial Court functions, etc.


What exactly are these rules, guidelines, or whatever it is that you call them?

The general "rule" is to always consider others, dress and behave as a lady or gentleman (whichever you prefer at the time) and use public restrooms appropriately and discreetly. "Have fun, but don't have your fun at the expense of others!"

A good "In A Nutshell" summary of our Behavior, Dress, and Restroom Guidelines appears HERE and contains links to more detailed information toward the end of the page.


What is the legal status regarding public restrooms in the Las Vegas area?

Disclaimer: The author of this section is neither an attorney nor a sworn law enforcement officer, but has consulted with a licensed attorney on this particular topic. Said consultation was in-office, on the clock, and was "legal advise" in the strict sense.

Nevada Senate Bill 311, signed into law in May, 2011, prohibits discrimination in public accommodations on the basis of gender identity or expression. As of June, 2021, no authoritative legal opinions have been heard regarding the effects of this law on the use of public gendered restrooms. This law took effect October 1, 2011.

Some members of the LGBT community consider the above law to be a "Free Pass" to use the gender-designated facility of choice.

Some property managers, however, believe that if they offer some facilities, any facilities, available to all, they are within the letter of the law.

In the past, a rather extensive search of the Nevada Revised Statutes, Clark County Code, and Las Vegas Municipal Code revealed no general prohibitions regarding the use of gendered restrooms in most public and private facilities in the Las Vegas area. One attendee's conversation with a Las Vegas Metro Police officer confirmed this.

The conclusion of the legal opinion was along the line of the use of any property, including a restroom, is "at will" of the management and they can, legally, restrict one's usage of such as long as they do not violate applicable statutes or regulations in the process.


Then what's the story on this "Awful Restroom Law" which I keep hearing about?

This persistent rumor is most likely based upon a parks regulation in Clark County Code, section 19.04.040, which does indeed prohibit males over the age of 8 from entering or loitering in the vicinity of women's restrooms in public parks.


So, what does all of this mean? Which restroom should I use?

That is entirely up to you!

There are really no "one size fits all" answers, but we can offer some advise, guidelines, and best practices from the experiences of our hundreds of attendees over 20+ years of our event. If you're willing to observe our guidelines, there should be very little difficulty. If you're not, there is (still) a chance of a very ugly incident involving you and others!

If you choose to use public restrooms, remember to use them individually, discreetly, and appropriately.


What if I'm fully-transitioned and have that coveted "F" on my ID? What if I'm a GG?

We ask you to please consider others and use discretion.

Why?

Because an intolerant observer will not know what's on your ID and what's between your legs. All a member of the general public will know is that a a member of our group has just walked obviously and brazenly into a public restroom! Such action is just as likely to generate a complaint to management or security as any case of any of our attendees obviously using a restroom.


But I've been using public restrooms for decades and never had any issues!

Good for you!

You've most likely been observing good practice.

We're asking all who may be of advanced standing (post-op, fully-transitioned, legally "F", decades of mainstream public experience, noted persons in the TG community, etc.) to please help set the example by using restrooms appropriately and encouraging others to do so.


What are some examples of good practice regarding restroom use?


What are some examples of poor restroom practice?


What behaviors, specifically, are not allowed at DLV activities?

In general, any behavior which shows inconsideration to our attendees, is annoying to our attendees, or is out of the bounds of what is usual and customary at social events is not allowed.

Such items include, but are not necessarily limited to:


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