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GED SIDELINES

Volume 13 Issue 8

FROM THE EDITOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Westman CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cesar A Reyes MARKETING Christopher Jackson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Daniel Hirsch

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We have an exciting lineup of new and fun features for you in the months ahead.

Our team has worked diligently to curate content that resonates with this month’s theme of Health and Wellness, and we have included some information for your furry friends too!

We are also excited to announce our media partnership with Cathedral City LGBT+ Days, with the 10th Annual event taking place March 3-8, 2026, with many new and enhanced events over the course of multiple days, including: Cat City Drag Race on Tuesday, March 3rd; PRO-Rally and Opening Ceremony on Friday, March 6th; Saturday March 7th Festival inside the Cathedral City Amphitheater with food and drink, vendors, and entertainment all day, including headliner David Archculeta; Sunday March 8th Bed Races with VIP Breakfast and Vendor Marketplace. Please visit cathedralcitylgbtdays.com for ticketing and more information.

Ethan Laird Kevin Perry Michael Westman Miles B. Greene Stan Jenson EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

We are looking forward to bringing you new events, new columns, and new excitement as 2026 progresses. As always, the GED Magazine Team is committed to bringing you the best in LGBTQ entertainment, nightlife, travel, and lifestyles. Here’s to a year of discovery together through the lens of California’s premiere LGBTQ+ magazine.

Visit us on the web at GEDmag.com and sign up for our monthly insider newsletter. Insiders will also be entered into future drawings for trips, event tickets, dinners and more. And for all the updates on social media, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @GEDmagazine and tag us in your photos - #GEDmag. GED MAGAZINE is here for YOUR entertainment!

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Advertisers and their agencies assume all responsibility and legal liability for the content of their advertisements in GED Magazine. Publisher assumes no liability for safe-keeping or return of unsolicited art, manuscripts or other materials.

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CONTENTS

Volume 13 Issue 8

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12 DAP Golden Years, Rainbow Tint

14 WALK DULCE’S WAY From Army Boots to High Heels

18 HEALTH AND WELLNESS January Brings Us a Fresh Start

24 ON STAGE 28 PAMPERED POOCHES OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY A Guide for Dog Lovers

38 MOVIES ARE SO GAY! 41 ELEVATION 2026 Up to Snow Good at the Ultimate Gay Ski Week

46 PS DIRECTORIES

COVER: Photo by: Clement Coetzee

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41

Because where you shop matters

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DAP Health’s Clay Cross and his artist husband Steven Wybenga in Wybenga’s home studio.

GOLDEN YEARS, RAINBOW TINT

AGING IS AN UNDENIABLE PART OF LIFE. BUT FOR THE LGBTQ+ POPULATION, THE NEW HEALTH LANDSCAPE THAT EMERGES IN ONE’S LATTER YEARS COMES WITH A SPECIFIC SET OF ISSUES. hen Steven Wybenga and Clay Cross moved to Morongo Valley in 2011, they looked forward to a different pace of life than the one they had experienced in the Bay Area, where they met — one that was more affordable and gave them time to enjoy the local art scene and the natural beauty of the high desert with their four dogs and two cats.

But the move also meant disconnecting from the LGBTQ+ community they knew and, crucially, the queer-affirming health care they had come to rely on.

“Coming here, there were a lot of barriers for me to get health care,” says Cross, a 61-year-old trans man who

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works as a health and wellness navigator at DAP Health. “There were barriers to getting hormones, or even to being welcome in health care settings.”

Cross’s new doctors would be hesitant to prescribe him hormones without a consultation from an endocrinologist, even though Cross had been approved to use hormones for years.

Wybenga, a 68-year-old palliative care nurse and artist, realized his new primary care provider had seen very few other HIV-positive patients prior to him. Wybenga was first diagnosed in 1985 — and lacked crucial knowledge about his treatment.

The issues Wybenga and Cross faced in this new phase of their lives are

common for many LGBTQ+ seniors.

Aging and retirement often mean big transitions — leaving cities that are no longer affordable, leaving longtime jobs, having new medical and care needs.

These transitions often put these elders in contact with institutions and environments that may be less friendly and accommodating than the ones they’ve known previously.

While there are physiological conditions that LGBTQ+ folks face more than the general population, aging often means confronting — sometimes anew, sometimes with new acuteness — the social and structural issues that make the queer experience unique and uniquely challenging.

T H I S PA G E : P H OTO B Y D AV I D A . L E E ( A S S E E N I N D A P H E A LT H M A G A Z I N E )

BY DANIEL HIRSCH (AS SEEN IN DAP HEALTH MAGAZINE)

MORE THAN JUST MEDICINE “Stigma, about HIV status or being trans, plays a big part in creating barriers to care,” says Dr. David Morris, an HIV specialist and DAP Health’s former chief medical officer. “There are a lot of homophobic clinicians out there who are just not culturally sensitive.”

Anne Blakeley manages DAP Health’s Patient Connection Services. She says previous negative experiences with providers can make patients enter medical spaces with wariness or distrust. Lack of cultural competence — things like being repeatedly misgendered or dismissed — can keep a patient from seeking the care they need.

In an ageing population that requires more contact with doctors, that can be hugely detrimental.

“Sensitivity training is something we need in health care,” Blakeley says. “I think it needs to be something that is a bigger focus than what it is currently.”

As a trans woman herself, Blakeley knows firsthand how hostile some clinicians can be. When having a follow-up to a sinus surgery, in which her initial medical team also performed some facial feminization, a new doctor refused to listen to her lingering concerns about her nasal airways, saying bluntly, “I’m not giving you another cosmetic surgery.”

Offended and feeling ignored, Blakeley stopped going to that doctor and the care she needed was delayed.

NEW MATERIAL CONCERNS Previous harmful experiences with doctors in the past can certainly keep a patient from care, but many logistical concerns can also pose barriers for LGBTQ+ seniors. For instance, given that queer-affirming doctors and clinics are relatively rare, geography and transportation can be big obstacles for seniors.

While LGBTQ+ people have often grown to be very independent out of necessity — back when they were younger, the mainstream world was not as welcoming as it is today — losing that independence can be very difficult in many ways.

Some may no longer be able to drive.

Others may suffer decreased mobility.

Of course, all health care comes with a price tag, and not everything is covered by insurance, especially since the number of

care costs multiply as we age. For a variety of factors, LGBTQ+ seniors tend to have less saved for retirement than the general population.

And for the generation that lived through the worst days of the AIDS crisis, living into old age seemed like a distant fantasy.

ISOLATION AND MENTAL HEALTH “Loneliness and isolation become worse with aging,” Morris says. “In our LGBTQ+ community, it can be especially pronounced.”

Coming out as gay, or transitioning, can require separating from existing family groups or support networks. In old age, when those types of comfort can be especially useful, their absence hits hard.

Many LGBTQ+ seniors who move into retirement communities or assisted living centers find they’re newly a minority in a heteronormative space. Loneliness can be immense.

DAP Health psychotherapist Daniel Brenner, LCSW, explains the trauma many aging LGBTQ+ people experienced in their youth also casts a long shadow.

“HIV-positive people who were diagnosed in the 1980s and were able live healthy lives are getting into their 60s and 70s,” he says. “A number of them are expressing big questions: ‘I lived through a health crisis that killed so many of my friends.

Why am I here? Why was I spared?’”

And then there is the anxiety that comes with the harsh political reality of the Trump administration and what implications it could have for LGBTQ+ elder care. “Since January, I have had patients come into my office in tears,” says Morris.

SPECIFIC CARE FOR LGBTQ+ PATIENTS LGBTQ+ seniors face the same health concerns around aging as the general population — cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis — but also have unique needs. Those aging with HIV are one group in particular that can face new complications.

Morris says that — while new medications make this increasingly rare — some HIV-positive seniors run the risk of resistance to their antiretroviral treatment.

Not to mention that HIV causes inflam-

mation in the body — even for those who are undetectable — so those patients have a higher risk of ailments like cardiovascular disease and stroke.

There’s limited long-term research on the specific medical needs of aging trans patients, but Morris says those individuals should keep a few general things in mind regarding hormone usage, especially since all people experience changing hormone levels as they age.

Increased testosterone levels can cause hyperviscosity in the blood, which can also lead to increased cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. On the other hand, decreased testosterone can impact bone density. Heightened estrogen levels have been linked to some breast cancers.

ADDRESSING THE BARRIERS “I feel like what DAP Health is doing is exactly what we all need to be doing,” says Cross, who started working at the nonprofit a few years after moving to Morongo Valley, and who also became a patient at the nonprofit’s Stonewall Medical Center in Cathedral City. “I was really shocked. After all these years, I finally fell into a place [where] people understand.”

Culturally competent care is central to how DAP Health operates. With focused services related to HIV care and prevention, plus gender-affirming care, the nonprofit has for more than 40 years provided health care that addresses the specific needs of all LGBTQ+ people — from teens to seniors. Additionally, the nonprofit addresses some of the material barriers that keep people from the care they need.

The existence of case management — which provides everything from insurance system navigation to help getting access to transportation to medical appointments — is a huge feather in DAP Health’s cap.

For Wybenga and Cross, an essential part of addressing their needs as LGBTQ+ seniors is about establishing something more foundational to a good life. Their advice to younger queer people: Start thinking about community now and form stronger support systems, so that when golden years inevitably arrive, one isn’t facing them alone.

GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

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WALK DULCE’S WAY FROM ARMY BOOTS TO HIGH HEELS

BY KEVIN PERRY

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hrowing shade is good for your health. If you don’t speak your mind, negative vibes simmer in your brain until it slowly rots into oblivion.

Because… science.

And the foremost expert on slinging self-care sass? Dulce!

“I always make sure that I don’t leave a room wishing I had said something,” explains the latest eliminated queen from Canada’s Drag Race. “If you feel something, I think you should say it right there and then and that’s kind of the mindset that I had brought into the show.

I wanted to make sure that I didn’t leave, or I didn’t go back to the hotel room thinking, ‘Oh, I didn’t defend myself. I didn’t say exactly how I felt.’ So even at the end of the day, if I ruffled feathers or if I made people upset, at least I know for a fact that I said everything I wanted to say, and they know how I feel.”

Determination and discipline course through Dulce’s veins, due in large part to her military background. “It definitely made me into the person that I am. I joined when I was 16, so I was already working with people who had sons that were older than me. I already had to have a thick, clever skin, especially being so visibly queer and open. Not everyone is going to love that, especially in the military. And while still doing drag at the bases! So I would walk by and people would take photos and laugh and all these things. And I think that just made me a stronger person, gave me the ability to handle anything that comes my way.”

Dulce squared off with a truckload of tribulations in her final episode, which began with a tense tete-a-tete between herself and Velma Jones. “Me and Velma had had a conversation prior to the roast, and I specifically asked her I was like, ‘Is there anything that you don’t want me to mention, anything you don’t want me to bring up?’ And they said, no, that everything was good, and I agreed to that as well. And then they were upset with some of the things I said, and I can fully understand why, because at that point, the roast wasn’t about them. It was about their family. So, I can understand why they got upset and me and her have

T

spoken since then. We are both friends with each other. We’ve talked; we are more than good. I think it was just a miscommunication, and I think I definitely wouldn’t make those jokes now, knowing how they made her feel.”

After winning the mini challenge with her dragaoke skillz, Dulce’s momentum stalled in the talk show segment of the episode. “I think what happened was I misunderstood the challenge unfortunately. I thought it was supposed to be more of a serious daytime talk show.

Like, you know nothing crazy, no too big characters. Looking back at it, I think that’s what they were looking for. And had I clicked into that, had I thought of that, I would have definitely been able to give that because I have in the show, I have given that. So, I think I interpreted it wrong. So then when we got on the main stage and they said I was in the bottom, I was so sad and so frustrated because I was like, no, but I followed the rules. Like I did what I was supposed to do. So that’s why I felt so defeated at that point, because I really did think I was in the top that week. For it to come down crashing all at once was definitely hard to handle.”

Perspective is powerful, and Dulce took the opportunity to pivot her POV towards positivity. “Watching myself back and kind of seeing how much I actually took care of myself, I’m very proud that I was able to do that.”

The queen who tested Dulce’s resolve the most was the Season Six frontrunner,

Van Goth. “Me and Van specifically, I wouldn’t say we’re friends, but I wouldn’t say we’re enemies. We still don’t really talk or really hang out like that. I think what I said on the show, you know, we’re never going to be best friends. I think that that’s still true, but I still respect them as a drag performer. I respect them as a person. And I believe that they have the same respect back to me. We might not be as close as I am with the other girls, but there’s no hate or animosity between us.”

On the other end of the sisterhood spectrum, Dulce shouts out her fab faves.

“I’m rooting for Karamilk and Eboni,” she beams. “I’ve actually made a lot of sisters. I’d say almost everyone in the cast, most of them are all very, very close.

We still talk, we FaceTime all the time, not even just about drag, but just about our personal lives. I’m very lucky to have left the competition with people who I genuinely consider friends now.”

And the peeps who don’t get on board can get right out of her way.

“Whether it would be a couple of hate comments or people being super shady or rude, I’m just kind of like, well, whatever, you’re far away from the screen.

You’re not affecting my life. Why would I let that bother me?”

When asked for some final words of wisdom, Dulce weaves a web of warmth.

“My only advice: I would want people to always make sure that they put happiness first. Oftentimes you might want to push yourself in the background or try to please your family or try to do something like that, but at the end of the day it’s your life so you should be the one going forward to make sure you are your own biggest fan. Make sure you put yourself first ‘cause no one else is going to. And make sure you fight for yourself if you want something and it doesn’t seem attainable or it’s not meant for someone like you, make it be meant for you. Find a way to get in there, pay your dues, and nothing’s really impossible.”

Outspoken, outstanding, out-andcapital-p PROUD. Yes, mama Dulce – we’re sweet on you!

Be sure to check out GED Magazines recap of Canda’s Drag Race each week in The Chop House online at GEDMAG.com.

GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

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Coverage you can lean on.

You deserve clarity about your healthcare and access to plans that serve your needs.

Open Enrollment is happening now and Covered California is here to help you. Certified enrollment experts can help you compare plans, check if your doctors and medications are covered, and find out what financial support you qualify for. Plus, we provide LGBTQ+ community-specific resources and care, with coverage that shows up for you.

Enroll by December 31.

Call 800-300-1506 for free, confidential enrollment help.

GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS JANUARY BRINGS US A FRESH START

BY MILES B GREENE

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s the festive lights dim and the last of the holiday cheer fades, January emerges with its promise of new beginnings. For many, it’s a time for resolutions, for setting intentions, and for embracing a fresh start. And what better way to kick off a new year than by dedicating it to our health and wellness?

January isn’t just a month of chilly temperatures; it’s also recognized as Health and Wellness Month, making it the perfect time to focus on nurturing our bodies, minds, and spirits.

We often hear the buzzwords “health” and “wellness” thrown around, but what

PA G E 18 - 20 : P H OTO S B Y C L E M E N T CO E T Z E E

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do they truly mean, especially for us? I’ve found that it’s more than just hitting the gym or eating a salad (though those are certainly part of it!) Holistic health for the LGBTQ+ community encompasses physical vitality, mental fortitude, emotional resilience, and a strong sense of community belonging. It’s about creating a life where we feel empowered, vibrant, and authentic in every aspect.

friendships, and feel a sense of belonging. The laughter and camaraderie can be just as beneficial for your well-being as the physical exertion itself. Perhaps yoga is your thing, finding a sense of peace and strength on the mat. Or maybe dance is your workout. Remember, the goal is movement that makes you feel good, invigorated, and connected to your body in a positive way.

MOVING YOUR BODY WITH JOY When we talk about fitness, the image of intense gym sessions or grueling runs often comes to mind. But what if we reframed our approach to movement, making it less about obligation and more about joy? Finding activities that genuinely excite you is the key to sustainable fitness. For some, this might be a fierce dance class that celebrates self-expression. For others, it could be exploring local hiking trails with a partner or friends, soaking in the beauty of nature while getting those steps in.

Have you ever considered joining an LGBTQ+ sports league? Lots of fun options from pickleball, to softball, bowling, or swimming. These aren’t just opportunities to get active; they’re fantastic spaces to build community, forge new

NUTRITION THAT NOURISHES I have never thought that nourishing your body is about restrictive diets or depriving yourself of joy. It’s about making conscious choices that fuel your energy, support your mood, and contribute to your long-term health. Think of your plate as a canvas and fill it with a vibrant array of colors—leafy greens, bright berries, crunchy vegetables, and wholesome grains. These provide the essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber your body craves.

Experiment with new recipes and cuisines! Cooking can be a wonderfully creative and mindful activity. Hydration is another cornerstone of good nutrition that often gets overlooked. Water is essential for every bodily function, from energy levels to skin health. Keep GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

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a reusable water bottle handy and sip throughout the day. Remember, it’s not about perfection, but about progress and making choices that genuinely make you feel better from the inside out.

ALLOW YOURSELF TIME FOR REJUVENATION Sometimes, wellness isn’t about what you do, but about what you allow yourself to undo. If the stress of the previous year is still clinging to your shoulders, a dedicated day of restoration is the perfect January gift to yourself. For those of us in the desert, we have a sanctuary right in our backyard – Sante Spa at the iconic Riviera Hotel & Spa. Stepping into this spa is like entering a mid-century modern oasis designed specifically for relaxation. A rejuvenation day here is more than just a facial; it’s about the sensory experience. Whether you’re soaking in the Blue Lagoon large scale whirlpool, detoxing in the steam room, or indulging in a custom massage, the goal is to quiet the noise of the outside world and relax in self-care. The pampering and professional care will leave you feeling physically light and mentally clear.

CULTIVATING INNER PEACE Our mental and emotional well-being are just as crucial as our physical health.

The LGBTQ+ community, while incredibly resilient, often faces unique stressors that can impact mental health. January is an excellent time to prioritize practices that foster inner peace and emotional balance.

Mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools. Even just a few minutes of quiet reflection each day can help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance your overall sense of calm. There are numerous apps and online resources available that offer guided meditations specifically tailored to the LGBTQ+ audience, creating safe and inclusive spaces for practice.

Connecting with nature can also be incredibly restorative. Spend time outdoors, whether it’s a walk in a local park, a visit to a botanical garden, or simply sitting by a window and observing the world outside. Nature has a remarkable ability to soothe the soul and provide

perspective. And of course, never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Prioritize creating a comfortable sleep environment and stick to a regular sleep schedule to ensure your body and mind get the rest they need to thrive.

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY January is a great time to evaluate your social circle and intentionally nurture those relationships that lift you up. Organize a game night, a movie marathon, or simply a coffee catch-up.

Consider volunteering for an organization that you believe in. These avenues provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, share experiences, and feel a sense of belonging that is deeply affirming. For those seeking professional support, remember that there are many LGBTQ+-affirming therapists and counselors who can provide a safe and understanding space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Mental health is health, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

A hub for support, is the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert which runs the Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic for counseling, group therapy, and specialized programs with low-cost/free options for seniors.

EMPOWERED AND INFORMED Sexual health is a vital, celebratory component of our overall wellness. It’s about more than just “safety”; it’s about agency, pleasure, and the peace of mind that comes from being proactive. Open communication with partners and regular check-ups are acts of self-love and community care.

In the Coachella Valley and beyond, we are fortunate to have world-class, affirming resources at our fingertips.

DAP Health’s sexual wellness clinics, including the renowned Stonewall Clinic in Cathedral City, offer a sanctuary of judgment-free care. Whether you need confidential STI testing, PrEP/PEP services, or specialized health support, their team understands the nuances of our community. They foster dignity and privacy, ensuring that cost or insurance status never stands in the way of your well-being.

Another incredible local resource is PS Test. Dedicated to lowering STI rates with zero stigma, PS Test provides free, rapid testing and treatment for HIV, Hepatitis C, and common STIs like syphilis and gonorrhea. Their mobile and clinic-based services make it easier than ever to integrate sexual health into your routine maintenance. Taking advantage of these resources isn’t just a “to-do” list item; it’s a way to reclaim your health and protect the vibrant community we’ve built together.

EMBRACING A HOLISTIC APPROACH Ultimately, health and wellness are not destinations but ongoing journeys.

There will be days when you feel incredibly motivated and days when it’s harder to stick to your intentions. And that’s perfectly okay. The key is to approach your well-being with self-compassion, curiosity, and a willingness to explore what truly makes you feel good.

This January, let’s commit to making choices that honor our incredible bodies, minds, and spirits. Let’s explore movement that brings us joy, nourish ourselves with vibrant foods, cultivate inner peace, strengthen our community bonds, and prioritize our sexual health. You deserve to live a life brimming with vitality and authenticity. Here’s to a healthier, happier, and more fabulous you!

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Every body is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Please consult with a qualified physician or healthcare provider before starting any new fitness routine, making significant dietary changes, or beginning any medical treatments.

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YOUR JANUARY WELLNESS CHECKLIST

To help you stay on track this month, here is a simple guide to check in with yourself. Don’t feel pressured to do everything at once, pick one or two that resonate with you each week!

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Move for Joy: Schedule three 30-minute sessions of movement that you actually enjoy (dance, hiking, or yoga).

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The “Me” Minute: Spend five minutes in total silence or guided meditation to reset your nervous system.

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Color Your Plate: Add at least one serving of a new fruit or vegetable to your daily meals.

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Hydration Habit: Drink at least 64 ounces of water today.

Proactive Care: Schedule an appointment with DAP Health or PS Test for your routine wellness screening.

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Community Connection: Call or meet up with one person who makes you feel seen and supported.

Restful Ritual: Turn off all screens 30 minutes before bed to improve your sleep quality.

GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

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BY STAN JENSON

ON STAGE 24

THE NOTEBOOK – Various: The Notebook was the first novel written by Nicholas Sparks. It was released in 1996 and became a worldwide hit. It tells the story of an elderly man, Noah Calhoun, reading from a notebook to a woman in a nursing home. The story he reads begins with Noah, 24, returning from World War II to his hometown of New Bern, North Carolina. There he meets Allie, also 24, who is in town just for the summer. They have a brief, passionate romance.

They meet again seven years later, and Allie learns that Noah had written numerous romantic letters to her, but her father had hidden them because Allie was from a wealthy family and Noah worked as a laborer in a lumberyard.

Eventually we learn that the elderly Noah is reading to Allie, now his wife. She suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease and does not recognize him. He explains that he is also ill, battling a third cancer, as well as suffering from heart disease and other ailments. At the end, there is a glimmer of hope when she awakens in her hospital bed and recognizes him as Noah.

The musical features a young, middle, and old versions of Noah and Allie to portray the episodes of their on-again, offagain relationship over many decades. The show and its actors received numerous Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations, though they didn’t actually prevail with any of them.

I know that reading the book or seeing the movie required at least a half-box of tissues to handle the tears. I don’t have a report on the emotional impact of the musical, but I suspect you should bring at least a fresh hanky.

Plays The Hollywood Pantages 1/6 – 25; Costa Mesa Segerstrom Center 1/27 – 2/8; San Francisco Orpheum Theatre 2/10 – 3/1; and San Diego Civic 4/14 – 19.

TINA – Various: Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is a jukebox musical featuring the music of Tina Turner and depicting her life from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into a rock ‘n roll superstar. Part narrative story and part rock concert, the show has a really enjoyable way of presenting her life.

The story starts with nine-year-old Anna Mae Bullock exuberantly singing at a community church gathering. Her parents separate and Anna Mae goes to live with her grandmother who eventually encourages her singing, suggesting she record an album.

She does, then reunites with her mother in St. Louis. She receives a makeover and goes to her first nightclub where she sees Ike Turner performing. She sings a song with his combo.

He recognizes her potential and talks her mother into letting her join his band. Well, we all know where that leads just as we know that she was ten times more successful when she finally broke up with him.

The show finishes with her preparing for a concert in front of 180,000 people in Brazil. We watch her take the stage and see her performing “The Best.” Most of her songs are embedded in our DNA. I know that I was mesmerized when I first saw this show.

I’m especially excited that this tour is hitting a number of small California communities that rarely get professional tours. To enable a show to do one-night stands, the production values have to be trimmed. The cast must fit on a bus and sets, costumes, lights and sound must fit on three or four trucks, so they won’t totally compare to the Broadway production...

Still, this might be the one opportunity that residents of these smaller towns get to see live professional theatre.

Plays at Folsom Harris Center for the Performing Arts 1/15 – 18; Oakland Kaiser Auditorium 1/21 – 22; Modesto Gallo Center 1/23 – 24; Bakersfield Dignity Health Theatre 1/25; Riverside Fox Performing Arts Center 2/2 – 3; and Hollywood Pantages 4/14 – 19.

“I KNOW THAT READING THE BOOK OR SEEING THE MOVIE REQUIRED AT LEAST A HALF-BOX OF TISSUES TO HANDLE THE TEARS. I DON’T HAVE A REPORT ON THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF THE MUSICAL, BUT I SUSPECT YOU SHOULD BRING AT LEAST A FRESH HANKY.”

“THE SHOW FINISHES WITH HER PREPARING FOR A CONCERT IN FRONT OF 180,000 PEOPLE IN BRAZIL. WE WATCH HER TAKE THE STAGE AND SEE HER PERFORMING “THE BEST.” MOST OF HER SONGS ARE EMBEDDED IN OUR DNA. I KNOW THAT I WAS MESMERIZED WHEN I FIRST SAW THIS SHOW.”

GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

SIX – Various. Another of my favorite shows is making a brief return to Southern California and I hope I get to see it again.

Six tells the stories of the six wives of Henry VII. In structure, it is actually an 80-minute rock concert with six ladies and an all-female band on stage for the entire time. However, the songs tell the individual and collective stories of the women and their relationships with Henry, and to a degree, each other.

Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss wrote the song collection for the 2017 Edenborough Festival where it was performed by students from Cambridge University. It then moved to London’s West end in 2019 and Broadway in 2020. It is still playing in New York with healthy ticket sales.

In the musical, the six queens consort introduce themselves through biographical pop songs and explain that they will try to determine who had the worst experience at the hands of their shared ex-husband, Henry VIII. The songs are infectious, the ladies phenomenal, and the historical revelations in a pop guise are easily enjoyed.

This will be a short visit to the southland, but I highly recommend catching it. Plays the Hollywood Pantages 2/18 – 3/8; and Costa Mesa Segerstrom Center 3/10 – 15.

“SIX TELLS THE STORIES OF THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VII. IN STRUCTURE, IT IS ACTUALLY AN 80-MINUTE ROCK CONCERT WITH SIX LADIES AND AN ALL-FEMALE BAND ON STAGE FOR THE ENTIRE TIME. HOWEVER, THE SONGS TELL THE INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE STORIES OF THE WOMEN AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH HENRY, AND TO A DEGREE, EACH OTHER.”

AMADEUS – Pasadena: British playwright Peter Shaffer’s play, Amadeus, started on London’s West End in 1979 and made it to Broadway in 1981. Shaffer took home the Tony award for Best New Play. He also adapted his script for the highly successful 1984 movie version which won an Oscar for Best Motion Picture.

The play is set in Vienna from 1783 – 1825, primarily in the Court of Joseph II. One principal character is a composer named Antonio Salieri. His music is constantly overshadowed by the young upstart, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Fortunately, the play is not nearly as stuffy as the date and costumes might suggest. In fact, Mozart is presented as a scamp, a very young and successful man who delights in pulling pranks, then laughing manically at them.

When Mozart suffers failures close to the end of his young life, Salieri confesses that he has been responsible for most of his problems, stemming from Salieri’s jealousy of Mozart’s success. When Mozart dies at 55, Salieri starts a rumor that he poisoned the popular composer, knowing that such a deed would go down badly in history.

The play is presented at the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse, California’s State Theatre. It’s in downtown Pasadena, which is home to several nice restaurants for visits before the show.

However, beware that parking can be an issue. Plays 2/11 – 3/8.

“THE PLAY IS SET IN VIENNA FROM 1783 – 1825, PRIMARILY IN THE COURT OF JOSEPH II. ONE PRINCIPAL CHARACTER IS A COMPOSER NAMED ANTONIO SALIERI. HIS MUSIC IS CONSTANTLY OVERSHADOWED BY THE YOUNG UPSTART, WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART. FORTUNATELY, THE PLAY IS NOT NEARLY AS STUFFY AS THE DATE AND COSTUMES MIGHT SUGGEST. IN FACT, MOZART IS PRESENTED AS A SCAMP, A VERY YOUNG AND SUCCESSFUL MAN WHO DELIGHTS IN PULLING PRANKS, THEN LAUGHING MANICALLY AT THEM.” GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

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PAMPERED POOCHES OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY A GUIDE FOR DOG LOVERS

BY MICHAEL WESTMAN

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GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

he Coachella Valley is known for many things, and being a welcoming paradise for dog lovers is one of them! From gourmet dining experiences to luxury boutiques, the desert offers an abundance of spaces dedicated to spoiling our beloved canine companions. For LGBTQ+ dog parents, finding inclusive and welcoming services is essential, and the valley provides a wealth of queerowned and ally-run establishments that treat our four-legged friends like royalty.

One of the hot spots on the local scene is Boozehounds Palm Springs.

This isn’t just a restaurant that tolerates dogs; it’s an expansive, contemporary space designed specifically for people to socialize with their pups, featuring a dedicated doggie menu, alongside a stunning open-air lounge and patio facing the mountains. It has quickly become a community hub where human and canine socialites mingle over craft cocktails and gourmet treats. And it’s the venue for GED Magazine’s BOW WOW BINGO on the third Wednesday of each month, benefitting a different local charity.

The Howl at the Moon Holiday Block Party and Bow Wow was another beautiful event that brought out all our furry friends in support of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. This holiday market and four-legged pageant was the purrfect way to celebrate the season. Celebrity Judges for the Ball included Anna Camp, award-winning actress you know and love from the Pitch Perfect trilogy and her unforgettable roles in True Blood and The Help; Olivia Sandusky, beloved local newscaster for NBC Palm Springs; the incomparable comedian and performer Deven Green, known for her iconic ‘Welcome to my Home’ videos and her sharp comedic timing; Handsome Ned, a local icon and social media star; and Cathedral City Mayor Raymond Gregory, a champion for local causes and a friend to all residents—two-legged and fourlegged alike. Stay tuned for more events at Boozehounds!

For those looking to keep their furry friends looking fabulous, Cold Nose Warm Heart in downtown Palm Springs is an absolute must-visit. Proudly

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LGBTQ+-owned, this luxury boutique offers a well-heeled selection of designer collars, clothing, and high-quality treats. Their commitment to inclusivity and the local community is as strong as their passion for pet fashion, making it a go-to destination for anyone wanting to give their dog a “Palm Springs chic” makeover. Many of the products are crafted by local artisans.

The valley’s pet retail scene continues to expand with specialized shops like Tailwaggers, a shop located at the Living Out complex that specializes in holistic and natural pet care. They provide a large inventory of premium foods and unique accessories that focus on the long-term health and well-being of your dog. Their knowledgeable staff is always ready to offer advice on nutrition, ensuring that every pooch in the valley is fueled for their desert adventures. Nearby, owners can also find Posh Pet, a boutique known for its high-end accessories and personalized service that caters to the most discerning of desert dogs.

When it comes to specialized care, My Desert Dogs provides professional services tailored to the individual needs of canine clients. This queer-owned business offers everything from boarding and daycare to personalized in-home pet sitting, giving owners peace of mind that their pets are in capable, loving hands. For holistic health enthusiasts, Bones-N-Scones offers another LGBTQ+friendly destination where natural nutrition and freshly prepared treats are the priority, helping to maintain the health of the valley’s active dog population.

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GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

GIVING BACK:

T H I S PA G E : P H OTO S B Y G E D M A G A Z I N E

A COMMUNITY OF COMPASSION

At GED Magazine, we have always believed that being a “dog person” goes hand-in-hand with giving back to the creatures who give us so much. We are incredibly proud of our history of helping raise money for vital local charities that protect and heal the animals of the Coachella Valley. Over the years, we have been honored to support the Palm Springs Animal Shelter – this no-kill shelter provides a safe haven for thousands of animals while offering innovative programs like the “Love Fund” for critical medical care.

We also celebrate the tireless work of Animal Samaritans, which has spent decades providing affordable veterinary care, spay/neuter services, and life-saving rescue operations. Their commitment to treating every living creature with respect resonates deeply within our community. For those who have a heart for senior dogs, Barkee LaRoux’s House of Love is a true sanctuary. This non-profit focuses on rescuing senior dogs, often in medical crisis and providing them with love and dignity in their final years.

The spirit of giving continues this winter with one of our favorite community events. We are excited to announce that the Standard Poodle Club and Rescue of the Desert will be the featured beneficiary at Bow Wow Bingo on February 18th. This event is a fantastic way to support breed-specific rescue efforts while enjoying a night of bingo and community fun. Visit bowwowbingo.ticketbud.com for tickets and information.

Whether you are dining at Boozehounds or donating to a local shelter, the Coachella Valley remains a place where humans and hounds mix with style and soul.

GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

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MOVIES ARE SO

GAY!

HAPPY NEW QUEER! ENJOY THESE JANUARY FILM RELEASES…

BY KEVIN PERRY ot to be overly critical, but most new year’s resolutions are lame.

‘Oh look at me, I’m cutting carbs!’ We’re thrilled for you, Ashley. But once you inevitably break your solemn vow, you’re left feeling guilty, empty, and worse off than when you made the resolution in the first place.

So, why not commit to something doable instead? Rather than promising to read more books, pick something achievable, like watching more movies.

I mean, do they even *make* books anymore? That’s a question for nerds to answer - and while they’re noodling on it, let’s go to the theater!

N

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GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

JANUARY 2 Last year, we endured fascism, economic hardship, and unchecked bigotry… but 2026 will be even worse because Kidz Bop Live: The Concert Movie infects theaters everywhere. Why, God, why?!? JK - clearly there is no god, just sanitized pop hits performed by ‘edgy’ tweens dressed head to toe in notso-Hot-Topic gear. Watch as they ruin your favorite tunes, one saccharine note at a time.

We’re so glad that gay men can’t get preggo (conveniently) or else we’d be forced to ingest swill like Kidz Bop Live: The Concert Movie on the daily. This is cinematic cancer.

On a lighter note, We Bury the Dead takes a big, juicy bite out of the box office this weekend. Daisy Ridley plays a bad-butt anti-heroine who joins a corpse-hunt to find her husband. It’s kinda like that time you had to pick up your partner after a Palm Springs day-drinking sesh, eh? Except these zombies are hellbent on surviving a military experiment gone gruesomely wrong. You had us at ‘military’ - save us, sexy soldiers!

Speaking of sexy, Aldis “Hubba Hubba” Hodge stars in The Dutchman, a thriller about some oversexed white woman who gets all up in people’s business where she doesn’t belong. The film tackles some heavy themes but wraps them all in a suspenseful yarn that drives home the central premise: never talk to anyone on the subway… especially a pasty-ass caucasian b-word wearing a saggy negligee.

JANUARY 9 Category is: sequels we never wanted.

Winner is: Greenland 2: Migration. The original film obliterated Earth with some CG comet shenanigans, but suddenly there’s more Earth to destroy. What part of “end of the world” did you not understand, filmmakers? Luckily, Gerard BUTTler is daddylicious with a capital DADDY, so we’d smash him like a meteor. Clean out that crater, cuz we’re comin’ in for a crash landing!

Get ready to go ape for Primate, the bananas-bad horror flick about a killer monkey who hates privileged co-eds. Join the club! We dare you not to root for Ben, the homicidal chimpanzee who slaughters his idiotic humans and tosses their severed body parts around like he’s flinging poo. In conclusion, Ben is the sh!t.

Kristen Stewart makes her feature directorial debut with The Chronology of Water, the moist tale of a swimmer and her fluid sexuality. H2O-yeah! For some reason, the trailer has French subtitles. [confused in European] But the visuals are stunning and we love Ms. Stewart, so we’re thrilled for the wide release of this Cannes sensation.

JANUARY 16 Jodie Foster stars in A Private Life, which is also in French for some reason. Did Foster and Kristen Stewart conspire to mess with our minds?

They were both in Panic Room, they’re both iconic lesbians, and now they’re parler’ing Parisian? Oui - oops, WE are très confused!

The Bone Temple sounds like a happenin’ sex club, but it’s actually the latest installment in the 28 Days/Weeks/ Years Later franchise. The trailer is a diabolical delight, filled with undead rage, apocalyptic redemption, and the scariest imagery of all: a gang that insists on wearing tacky tracksuits 24/7. Doomsday? More like douche-day!

On the topic of douchery, there’s an avalanche of douchetastic douchenanigans afoot in Night Patrol. The marketing campaign touts a big twist ending, then basically spoils it in every ad. That sucks! You can “count” us out! NosferaTOO much information! They’re secret vampires!

JANUARY 23 Don’t you hate it when your dad dies and the only way you can cope is by training a carnivorous bird-beast to perch on your arm? Yup, that’s the premise of H Is for Hawk, a next-level film full of talon’ted performers like Claire “FlyGirl” Foy and Brendan “Ca-Caw” Gleeson.

So, order up some wings and enjoy a beak preview!

All the best motion pictures are produced in association with Konami, and Return to Silent Hill is no exception. Imagine sitting in your cousin’s smelly basement and watching him play video games for two mindnumbing hours. That’s the Return to Silent Hill experience. You’re welcome!

Rebecca Ferguson and Chris Pratt star in Mercy, a futuristic thriller about a perverted justice system that relies on circumstantial whims to determine a suspect’s fate. And the jury is unanimous: BRING BACK FAT CHRIS PRATT!

JANUARY 30 Charli XCX concocted the concept for The Moment, a satirical concert film that is so brat, it’s like… not unbrat? We honestly never understood that trend. Moving on…

Melania Trump is married to a sex offender and now her life is being documented by a sex offender. What a role model! Brett Ratner directs Melania, in theaters on January 30th. Don’t worry, we’re sure it’ll be available for mail order soon, just like the titular child bride herself. And it’s never too early to buy a copy for ‘fahcking Christmas’ 2026.

Prepare to live out your ultimate fantasy because Send Help explores what would happen if you survived a plane crash with your a-hole boss and then took control of his fate. Rachel McAdams goes from meek employee to mean gurl supreme in this gripping, gory, giggleinducing thriller directed by Sam Raimi.

Normally, we would comment on the cuteness of the flick’s male lead, Dylan O’Brien, but his character is so tantalizingly toxic that we’re already cheering for him to get roasted like a piggy, island style. Dibs on the rump meat!

What an appropriate way to ‘end’ our convo. Here’s wishing you a year filled with vengeance, victories, and very good food/sex/etc. Keep calm and movie on…

GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

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UP TO SNOW GOOD AT THE ULTIMATE GAY SKI WEEK

ELEVATION 2026

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rop your speedos, pull on your long johns, gay ski season is upon us! Search for the perfectly fitted body-hugging onesie that buttons down just so. Or the loose silly unicorn onesie that could almost fit another person in there with you ... but with a scandalous rear window.

PA G E 41 - 43 : P H OTO S CO U R T E S Y O F E L E VAT I O N

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More than 20 years ago, LA-based event producer and marketer Tom Whitman put his love of producing big gay events together with his lifelong love of skiing and snowboarding and remixed them into the first Elevation Gay Ski Week in Mammoth Lakes, CA. The first Elevation in 2003 drew a core crowd of California boys that quickly grew into one of the largest gay ski weeks in the world. Whitman expanded to Park City, Utah and Tremblant, Quebec and the rest is history.

The Elevation Gay Ski Weeks became the gold standard of gay getaways and are now the largest series of gay ski events in the world. Whether it’s Elevation Mammoth – full of CA boys and girls, from SoCal surfer bromos to queer Silver Lake/Bay Area scruffy boys or Mammoth’s Sweet Sixteen baby brother in Park City -- you know exactly what you’re getting into with an Elevation event: the three big Ds...DJs, dancers and drag queens, of course. OK, maybe there is a fourth D as well if you play your cards right.

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GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

While each ELEVATION event has its own local flavor and flair, there are events that are crowd favorites in both Utah and Mammoth: The Onesie Apres-Ski is an ELEVATION Gay Ski Week institution that is both sexy and silly. Where else can you find a collection of muscle boys in ass-less onesies, burner boys in rainbow bodysuits, gaymers in unicornhorn hoodies, and lumberjocks in wool

socks? The Neon Party gives attendees a chance to break out their best blacklight reactive club wear and show their artistic expression via neon body paint.

Brolesque returns to Elevation, with an all-new male dance show that blends camp, sensuality and unapologetic queer artistry. It’s not your typical burlesque show, it reimagines the art form with a bold, masculine twist. “Performing

Brolesque at Elevation was incredible,” says Lockhart Brownlie, the show’s choreographer and creator, “Our shows sold out, the audiences were electric, and the production team made the whole experience effortless.”

The communities of Park City and Mammoth have embraced the Elevation events from the beginning. Venue and mountain staff talk about how they

look forward to Elevation week every year. “Elevation continues to surpass expectations,” says Stephanie Peterson, a Mammoth local who has worked with the event for more than a decade. “Here at Mammoth Mountain, it represents far more than a celebration—it serves as a meaningful space where the LGBTQ+ community comes together to connect, feel recognized, and experience joy on

their own terms. It stands as a powerful reminder that the mountains are a place for everyone.”

“Each year, when snow starts to fall in November, I get excited for Elevation,” says Whitman, “I’m super proud of the community we’ve built with Elevation.

Every year, it feels like going home.”

Info and tickets for the Elevation events are at www.elevationgayski.com.

Follow @elevationgayski on Instagram for real-time updates.

GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

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ATTRACTIONS THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS 47900 Portola Ave Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.346.5694 livingdesert.org PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM 745 N Gene Autry Trail Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.778.6262 palmspringsairmuseum.org PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM 101 Museum Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.322.4800 psmuseum.org PS AERIAL TRAMWAY 1 Tram Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 888.515.8726 pstramway.com

BARS & CLUBS BLACKBOOK 315 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.832.8497 blackbookbar.com CHILL BAR 217 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.1079 chillbarpalmsprings.com DICK’S ON ARENAS 301 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.0753 eagle501bar.com HUNTERS 302 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.323.0700 hunterspalmsprings.com ONE ELEVEN BAR 67555 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.537.3111 oneelevenbar.com OSCAR’S 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 108 Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.1188 oscarspalmsprings.com

QUADZ 200 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.778.4326 Spurline.com

INNDULGE PALM SPRINGS 601 Grenfall Rd Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.327.1408 inndulge.com

STREET BAR 224 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.1266 psstreetbar.com

SANTIAGO RESORT 650 San Lorenzo Road Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.322.1300 santiagoresort.com

REFORMA 333 S Palm Canyon Dr Unit 2, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.902.6630 reformaps.com

THE HACIENDA 586 S. Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.327.8111 thehacienda.com

THE ROOST LOUNGE 68718 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.507.8495 theroostcc.com

TRIANGLE INN PALM SPRINGS 555 San Lorenzo Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.322.7993 triangle-inn.com

TOOL SHED 600 E. Sunny Dunes Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.320.3299 pstoolshed.com

TWIN PALMS 1930 S. Camino Real Palm Springs, CA 760.841.1455 twinpalmsresort.com

TOUCANS TIKI LOUNGE 2100 N. Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.7584 toucanstikilounge.com

VISTA GRANDE RESORT 574 S. Warm Sands Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.322.2404 vistagranderesort.com

CLOTHING OPTIONAL RESORTS

CLOTHING & LEATHER

CASA OLIVER 535 S Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-323-7505 casaoliverhotel.com DESCANSO 288 E. Camino Monte Vista Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.1928 descansoresort.com DESERT PARADISE 615 S. Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.320.5650 desertparadise.com EL MIRASOL VILLAS 525 Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.327.5913 elmirasol.com

EL TUGGLE 388 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.880.4338 eltuggle.com GAYMART 305 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.6436 GEAR LEATHER & FETISH 650 E Sunny Dunes Rd #1 Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.322.3363 gearleather.com ROUGH TRADE LEATHER 321 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.699.7524 roughtradegear.com

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PALM SPRINGS DIRECTORY GIFTS DESTINATION PSP 170 North Palm Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.354.9154 destinationpsp.com GREETINGS PALM SPRINGS 301 N Palm Canyon Dr # 102 Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.322.5049 greetingspalmsprings.com JUST FABULOUS 515 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.864.1300 bjustfabulous.com MISCHIEF CARDS & GIFTS 226 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.322.8555 mischiefcardsandgifts.com PEEPA’S 120 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.318.3553 peepasps.com PS HOMEBOYS 108 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.318.7388 pshomeboys.com Q TRADING COMPANY 606 E Sunny Dunes Rd Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.416.7150

HAIR SALONS CUT BARBER 1109 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.322.2999 cutbarber.com DADDY’S BARBERSHOP 192 S Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.537.1311 daddysbarbershop.com MEN’S GROOMING SPOT 68487 E Palm Canyon Dr Suite 43 Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.992.0028 mensgroomingspot.com

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GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

PS FINE MEN’S SALON 750 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 3 Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.904.0434 psfinemenssalon.com

REALTORS 3 BEARS REALTY 2905 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.699.6175 3bearsrealty.com PALM SPRINGS HOME TEAM Conrad Miller (DRE #01973983) 760.464.9559 Brandon Holland (DRE # 01986968) 760.413.1220 Palmspringshometeam.com

RESTAURANTS 1501 UPTOWN GASTROPUB 1501 Uptown Gastropub 1501 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, 92262 760.507.1644 1501uptown.com BLACKBOOK 315 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.832.8497 blackbookbar.com BOOZEHOUNDS PS 2080 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.656-0067 boozehoundsps.com EIGHT4NINE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE 849 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.8490 eight4nine.com FARM 6 La Plaza Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.322.2724 farmspalmsprings.com JOHANNES 196 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.778.0017 johannespalmsprings.com

RICK’S DESERT GRILL 1596 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.2127 ricksdesertgrill.com THE SOCIAL CAFE AND PLAY LOUNGE 2825 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Bldg C, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-808-8588 thesocialcafeps.com TRILUSSA 68-718 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.328.2300 trilussarestaurant.com TRIO RESTAURANT 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA. 92262 760.854.8746 triopalmsprings.com

PALM SPRINGS FRONT RUNNERS & WALKERS frontrunners.clubexpress.com PALM SPRINGS TEST 140 N Luring Drive, Ste D Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-299-6487 healthypstest.org STONEWALL GARDENS 2150 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.548.0970 stonewallgardens.com LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE DESERT 1301 North Palm Canyon Dr, 3rd Floor Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.7790 thecentercv.org

WILMA & FRIEDA’S 155 S Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.992.5080 wilmafrieda.com

COMMUNITY RESOURCES DAP HEALTH 1695 N. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.323.2118 daphealth.org DESERT CARE NETWORK 760.561.7373 desertcarenetwork.com DESERT OASIS HEALTHCARE 275 North El Cielo Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.DOHC (3642) mydohc.com EISENHOWER HEALTH 39000 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760.340.3911 eisenhowerhealth.org PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.416.5718 psanimalshelter.org

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SAN FRANCISCO DIRECTORY BARS & CLUBS 440 CASTRO 440 Castro, San Francisco, CA the440.com BEAUX 2344 Market St., San Franciso, CA beauxsf.com HI TOPS 2247 Market St, San Francisco, CA 415.551.2500 hitopsbar.com LOBBY BAR 4230 18th St. Unit A, San Francisco, CA lobbybarsf.com LOOKOUT 3600 16th St., San Francisco, CA 415.431.0306 lookoutsf.com MAC’S CLUB 39 Post St., San Jose, CA 408.288.8221 MIDNIGHT SUN 4067 18th St., San Francisco, CA 415.861.4186 midnightsunsf.com MOBY DICK 4049 18th St., San Francisco, CA 415.294.0731 OASIS 298 11th St., San Francisco, CA 415.795.3180 sfoasis.com RENEGADES 501 W Taylor St., San Jose, CA 408.275.9902 renegadesbar.carrd.co SF EAGLE 398 12th St., San Francisco, CA 415.200.2002 sf-eagle.com SPLASH 65 Post St., San Jose, CA 408.292.2222 splashsj.com THE CINCH SALOON 1723 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 415.776.4162

THE MIX 4086 18th St., San Francisco, CA 415.431.8616 thesfmix.com WHITE HORSE BAR 6551 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 510.652.3820

HAIR SALONS HEALING CUTS 2350 Market St., San Francisco, CA 415.286.2970 healingcutssf.com SPUNK SALON 4147 19th St., San Francisco, CA 415.701.7865 spunksalon.com THE CASTRO BARBER LOUNGE 2265 Market St., San Francisco, CA 415.678.5942 thecastrobarberlounge.com

COMMUNITY RESOURCES HEALTH/COUNSELING/SUPPORT API WELLNESS CLINIC 726 Polk St. SF LGBT Center 1800 Market Street San Francisco, CA apiwellness.org BILLY DEFRANK LGBTQ CENTER 938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 408.293.3040 defrankcenter.org LYRIC CENTER FOR LGBTQQ YOUTH 127 Collingwood St (@ 18th St), San Francisco, CA 415.703.6150 lyric.org OAKLAND LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER 3207 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland, CA 510.882.2286 oaklandlgbtqcenter.org

PACIFIC CENTER FOR HUMAN GROWTH 2712 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA 510.548.8283 pacificcenter.org QUEER LIFESPACE 2275 Market St, San Francisco, CA 415.358.2000 queerlifespace.org RAINBOW COMMUNITY CENTER 2380 Salvio St., Concord, CA 925.692.0090 rainbowcc.org SF AIDS FOUNDATION 470 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 415.437.3400 strutsf.org SF LGBT CENTER 1800 Market St, San Francisco, 415.865.5555 sfcenter.org STONEWALL PROJECT 1035 Market St, #400, San Francisco, CA 415.487.3000 stonewallsf.org THE TREVOR PROJECT 866.488.7386 Text: 678.678 thetrevorproject.org UCSF ALLIANCE HEALTH PROJECT 1930 Market St, San Francisco, CA 415.476.3902 ucsf-ahp.org

LEGAL AIDS LEGAL REFERRAL PANEL 1663 Mission St, #500, San Francisco, CA 415.701.1100 alrp.org

HOTLINES THE GLBT HOTLINE OF SAN FRANCISCO: 415.355.0999 GLBT NATIONAL HOTLINE: 1.888.843.4564 GLBT NATIONAL YOUTH TALKLINE: 1.800.246.7743 TREVOR PROJECT HOTLINE (Queer Youth Suicide Prevention): 866.488.7386 CALIFORNIA AIDS, STD, & HEPATITIS HOTLINE: 1.800.367.2437 SEXUAL ASSAULT - COMMUNITY VIOLENCE SOLUTIONS: 800.670.7273 CONTRA COSTA CRISIS CENTER for Suicide & Crisis Intervention: 800.273.8255

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OASIS LEGAL SERVICES 1900 Addison St, #100, Berkeley, CA 510.666.6687 oasislegalservices.org TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER 510.587.9696 transgenderlawcenter.org GEDMAG.COM JANUARY 2026

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February 12-22

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