FROM THE EDITOR
LETS GET SOAKING WET!
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HAMLET – Los Angeles: Most of us know the name Hamlet as Shakespear’s Prince of Norway who is responsible for many deaths, but I, for one, have never actually seen it in live performance. Los Angeles’s Mark Taper Forum is going to change that for me this month and I’m genuinely excited. First of all, about the performance space. The Taper Forum is the middle theatre of the Music Center in downtown L A.
The 739-seat venue features a thrust stage (audience on three sides) which brings audiences closer to the action, and they have a resume of first class productions. Patrick Ball (The Pitt) will play the moody prince, joined by Gina Torres (Suits) as Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother, and Coral Peña (Our Dear Dead Drug Lord) as Ophelia, his girlfriend.
The rich, entitled Prince Hamlet goes on a ferocious rampage that will lead to a massacre in the living room. Is he a tragic hero as we’ve often been told, or a royal blooded serial killer? In this new adaptation we will step into a Shakespearian noir through a forensic investigation of the ultimate crimes of passion.
Director Robert O’Hara (Slave Play) says “I’m diving deep into my love of Alfred Hitchcock, David Lynch, Salvador Dali and Perry Mason to tell this story. I like my Shakespeare tragedies lean, brisk, and intense. There will be blood.”
It has been over half a century since Hamlet has been produced at the Mark Taper Forum and I’m excited that my virginal viewing of the show will be by this respected theatre company. To go or not to go, that is the question – and I say “Go by all means!” Plays 5/28 – 7/6 www.CenterTheatreGroup.org
IS HE A TRAGIC HERO AS WE’VE OFTEN BEEN TOLD, OR A ROYAL BLOODED SERIAL KILLER?
THE INHERITANCE Part 1 – Palm Springs: The Inheritance is a play by Matthew López, inspired by the 1910 novel Howards End by E. M. Forster. The play premiered in London at the Young Vic in March 2018 before transferring to Broadway in November 2019. Palm Springs’ LGBTQ+ theatre company, The Bent, has scored big time by getting the rights. The show is written in two parts, each over three hours long. The company is wrapping up their current season with Part 1 and will start next season with Part 2.
Playwright Lopez has reimagined Forster’s Howards End as “a lovingly wry portrait of New York’s gay community with gay men from different generations standing in for Forster’s straight people from different classes”. He found parallels between his own life and Forster’s closeted existence before the partial-decriminalization of homosexuality, telling The New Yorker, “We’re so far apart, and yet when I read his diaries— that’s me. That’s me, a hundred years ago, as a closeted white man in England”.
A story of survival, legacy and love, The Inheritance investigates a circle of friends attempting to forge a future for themselves amid a turbulent and changing America. At the center of the play stand Eric Glass and Toby Darling, around whom characters swirl in and out of love, apartments, and arguments. When two strangers enter their lives - an older man and a younger one - their futures suddenly become uncertain as they begin to chart divergent paths. Chance meetings lead to surprising choices as the lives of three generations interlink and collide, with explosive results.
The reviewer for London’s Daily Telegraph called the play “perhaps the most important American play of this century.” New York’s Variety reviewer wrote the play is a “vast, imperfect and unwieldy masterpiece that unpicks queer politics and neoliberal economics anew. In addressing the debt gay men owe to their forebears, it dares to ask whether the past hasn’t also sold the present up short.” Plays at the Palm Springs Cultural Center 5/9 – 25. www.TheBent.org
ASTROLOGIA – Hollywood: Astrologia is a new show from Spencer Liff (So You Think You Can Dance, Drag: The Musical) and Tomas Costanza (Drag: The Musical). It will play only six performances at Eden Sunset, an event venue on Hollywood’s Sunset Blvd.
In Astrologia the 12 zodiac signs come to life through breathtaking dance sequences, each competing for cosmic dominance, with the unique qualities and essence of each zodiac sign interpreted as a different dance style. Guiding the audience through this celestial showdown is Luminique, a radiant drag queen deity.
The concept is that the Age of Aquarius reigns over the night sky, but the others refuse to fade into the background. One by one they rise to challenge Aquarius, each believing their essence makes them the rightful Ruler of the Cosmos. In each performance only one will prevail in taking over the night sky.
Guiding us through this celestial showdown is Luminique, a larger than life drag queen (aren’t they all?). She is a deity and the mother of the universe. Through electrifying choreography, fierce performances, and pulse-pounding drama, each sign will bring their spirit to life through dance styles that embody their cosmic identity as they vie for Luminique’s – and the audience’s – favor. Astrologia plays 5/2 – 10 at the Sunset Eden. www.astrologiashow.com
ME
San Diego:
Me
Jung is an intoxicating queer cocktail of restoration comedy and the Greeks, served with a heavy garnish of ridiculous.
On an island not far away from the vulnerable coasts of the enemy state, a mysterious blackout has left the Navy restless and itching for action. Lieutenant Shane Horne has occupied her time satisfying the libidinous needs of all the women on the base—including the jealous general’s wife. But her own merries will not… come. Meanwhile a famed Angel re-descends to amend her previous prophesy, sending the Navy’s psychiatrist on an epic quest to save humanity. Will the general discover the affair? Will the earth be saved? Will they ever be merry enough? Does any of this make sense to you?
San Diego’s Diversionary Theatre is one of the oldest in the country and I have never seen a production there that disappointed me. They certainly do more lesbian-centric scripts such as this one than any other theatre company I know of. They also operate a popular cabaret on the ground floor of the theatre while the stage is actually upstairs. Parking is a bit of a challenge because the theatre is in a neighborhood of mixed houses and small businesses like little coffee houses, a really fun neighborhood to stroll through before the show. Merry Me plays at Diversionary Theatre 5/15 – 6/8. www.diversionary.org
WILL THE GENERAL DISCOVER THE AFFAIR? WILL THE EARTH BE SAVED? WILL THEY EVER BE MERRY ENOUGH? DOES ANY OF THIS MAKE SENSE TO YOU?
MERRY
–
Merry
by Hansol
PALM SPRINGS’ MOST FABULOUS STAGE
OPENING JUNE 2025
Welcome to the Prism Theater, where every night is a show-stopper! Cue the spotlight, darlings — you’ve just stepped into the most fabulous little theatre this side of the rainbow!
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR OUR 2025/26 SEASON
NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN
ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, PLAY (LOUNGE)!
BY KEVIN PERRY
t’s a word that immediately perks up our ears and quickens our pulse. It starts with P and– oh, get your minds out of the gutter.
The word is PLAY.
As kids, it was our reason for living. Play time promised thrilling discoveries, the chance to make new friends, and brain development that we didn’t even realize we were flexing because we were too busy having fun!
Fast forward to adulthood. ‘Play’ is our favorite button on the remote, our special outing to the theater, and a frisky enticement at gay circuit parties. “Play has so many different meanings,”
declares Dave Troemel, the new owner of Play Café & Lounge in Palm Springs. “But really, what we want to focus on is the community. It’s a place for the community to come together, play board games, and socialize. We have great coffee and fast wi-fi so they can come in and just hang out and work like I did to get it started.”
That’s right, Troemel isn’t just the proprietor of Play; he’s also a happy customer.
“I do a lot of work remotely, so I always go to different coffee shops to hang out at and work,” Troemel recounts. “For the four or five months before I actually purchased it, I had been hanging out at Play Lounge. It was a great space to hang out and get
some work done, and that’s how I got to know Matt, the previous owner.”
What ensued was a high-stakes, hybrid game of Monopoly and Risk, and they were playing for legacy.
“I just reached out. I said, ‘Are you looking to sell it?’ And he said, ‘Actually, I am.’ And so he and I talked about it and as I was flying over to the Philippines, and we basically closed the deal while I was over the ocean.”
Even before the trip ended, the evolution of Play began.
“My husband, who’s Filipino, loves karaoke,” beams Troemel, “so we’re going to have karaoke on the second and fourth Mondays of the month, so that’ll be something new that we’re starting. We are also starting to feature live artists, whether it’s singers, guitarists, DJs, etc., but all local people for a Saturday afternoon brunch and doors will open at 11am for the brunch area. We’ll have unlimited mimosas and coolers of beer.”
Out of our way, it’s day-drinking o’clock!
These party vibes aren’t new to the space, but rather an extension of the prior owner’s whimsical vision. “What he originally started was great, and we’re just going to take it and add more to it and elevate the space. We kind of said that the place was growing up a little bit.”
But don’t worry; Play will never outgrow its peeps.
“Matt had built a great space for people to gather and for the community, and people love coming and playing games, and we have different things like trivia night and open mic night and things like that. So we want to just take what he started and elevate it.”
High jinks meets high art at Play Lounge, a creative coffee klatch that welcomes dreamweavers throughout the valley.
“We just got done repainting the space,” narrates Troemel, “and one thing Matt had was a featured artist, whose work was up on the wall since they’ve opened. So it’s been about 18 months that that artist was up there, but every-
body assumed it was just part of his decor, and so it never really stood out. So, two weeks ago when we repainted the whole space, we converted two walls, and painted them differently to feature a selected local artist every six to eight weeks. Our first installation will be Marconi [Calindas] who came and installed his artwork this weekend.”
Troemel is thrilled to unveil gallery nights at Play Lounge, and he invites us all to “Come meet the local artists. I already have about 10 local artists that would like to display, including the original one. He’ll come back and display his work, but now it’ll be a featured wall as opposed to just being part of the decor.”
To thoroughly stimulate the imagination, you need the proper caffeination.
“I really wanted to focus on coffee,” Troemel percolates. “We’re working with a local roaster, because I’d like to convert everything that we do to either local artists, local bakeries, and in this case here, the local coffee, where they’re going to make a special blend just for us. And so we’re going to focus on the coffee first in the mornings.”
Not only is Play Lounge a labor of love, it’s a labor of learning.
“I did not know coffee culture prior to coming into this, but I know people and I know service,” says Troemel. “I had a chain of dry cleaners in Wisconsin. Knowing how to grow a business, my marketing background, ensures I can put our message out there… I want everybody to continue coming to enjoy the company of others and supporting our local community.”
But Troemel doesn’t just pay lip service to safe spaces; he actively defends our wellbeing and core values. Play Lounge recently encountered an online controversy when a rightwing splinter cult tried to descend on the café. Let’s call them the “Smog Cabin Republicans.” They posted a digital flyer announcing that Play was hosting a “Normal Gays” gathering, thus implying that the rest of us were deviants.
HELL NO, said Team Troemel!
“When we saw that post, we didn’t even realize it was out there. It was something that was arranged prior to us taking it over. But I had a customer reach out to us and say that they were never going to come to us and they’d make sure to tell all their friends. And I was surprised that this happened. So I got with my social media person and we put out the message that this is NOT what we stood for. That is not what we approved of.”
The self-loathing sycophants admitted fault and even issued an apology… a misspelled, grammatically horrendous apology, but an apology nonetheless.
“They took our logo without permission,” continues Troemel. “Like I said, we’re open to every meeting, but we will not support a situation like that. So we want to keep the community and all of our allies together and give them a safe place to come.”
Inclusion accomplished!
Doubling down, Troemel deals another hand of harmony. “It is a community space and Palm Springs is a great community and we’ve been a part of it for a little over nine years, and we support that and we support all parts of it.”
Growing pensive, he continues, “It’s kind of funny, I didn’t realize it at the time, but I think, let’s see, one, two, three, four, five of our employees are also drag queens in the community. So we support them and give them their time off to do their shows.”
Truly, the staff at Play Lounge makes you feel like you belong. Their greetings are as warm as their blackberry turnovers (try them - trust and believe!) and their smiles assure you that judgments are off and the game is on.
“We have a very diverse group of employees,” concludes Troemel. “I believe they are all great, caring people. I really believe that.”
And you will, as well. So, roll the dice, enjoy the nice, and be a winner at Play Lounge.
BRANDON ROGERS
NEVER HAD A PLAN B
BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ
randon Rogers is a man of many faces and voices. Going from creating plaintiff videos for a personal injury law firm to releasing his own content, he has single-handedly made a highly successful career as a YouTuber with a subscriber list of over seven million and video views that are three digits into the millions. His writing and voice-over skills have led to the popular animated series Helluva Boss, with views, again, in the triple-digit millions, and the highly popular Hazbin Hotel on Amazon. His convention appearances keep him traveling the nation on weekends, and his energy just does not seem to let up as each week he continues to flood the market with viral content.
B“IF I FOCUS ANY EFFORT ON A PLAN B, THAT IS TAKING AWAY FROM MY PLAN A.”
His high energy and comedic aura are reminiscent of Robin Williams. There is a type of genius here at work that, although you might not always comprehend, you know is gold. This entertainment genius comes from a childhood in Livermore, California, a city whose claim to fame (other than Brandon) is a nuclear laboratory. He grew up in a multicultural home, with Filipino, Portuguese, and Scottish family lines adding to a dynamic household. Brandon always knew he was a bit unique in this conservative town.
My parents were very liberal, though. They would buy me any toy I wanted. I remember going down in the toy aisle and they wouldn’t tell me, “Oh, that’s for girls: or “That’s a boy toy.” They would just buy it for me. So, I got bullied a lot. I learned my gender expectations very early from school and from my grandparents. Coming from a brown family and a white family, you learn all kinds of racism very early at a young age.
Brandon’s uniqueness, which would later serve him well in entertainment, was not a welcome gift so early on during his school time. His humor and broad personality today belie an isolated youth.
There was a specific year in my childhood when I didn’t have any friends. I remember walking into the quad and seeing everyone at lunch with each other and thinking, I have no one to go sit with. I worked for the special ed department, mostly because that was the only group of kids that wouldn’t run away from me. Middle school was the worst. So when I have fans come up to me and say, “You got me through middle school and high school,” I know what that means because those years suck.
Being bullied for his assumed sexuality and for his different personality led him to the theatre, as it was a safe space. His bullying also meant he spent plenty of time in the library. It was in his school library that he created the YouTube channel he still uses today. As with many bullied funny people, such as Leslie Jordan, humor was an early weapon to fight back.
This guy was picking on me in high school, and I kind of joined in on him making fun of me. What if I “Yes…
“COMEDY UNITES US… IT’S LIKE PIZZA OR SPORTS, IT’S SOMETHING THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE WORLD UNANIMOUSLY LOVES.”
and” someone who’s bullying me? And I got a laugh. I realized if you learn to laugh at yourself, it kind of de-powers the people making jokes, especially if you can make better jokes about yourself.
Now, as a successful content creator and voice-over actor, his isolation has changed a bit. Living in Los Angeles, his career keeps him busy enough so that he might get only one night a week to be himself or to be a part of nightlife. But the rest of his time is taken up by creating material or being totally devoted to his fans. He has flown to just about any convention that fans are expecting him to attend.
I think that the further you advance in this career, the further you’re removed from just hanging out on a Tuesday, kicking it with friends. I used to go out every single night, and then I started working, and now I don’t go out at all anymore. I miss that.
Every weekend I’m in a different city and that’s exhausting because I’m not going to not experience what that city has to offer. You have to be at that con
at 10:00 AM, and I’ll go there with four hours of sleep. (The fans) will remember that moment for the rest of their life, and you have to get through. It doesn’t matter how hungover you are, it doesn’t matter how sad, or if you’re having a bad day, whatever headspace you’re in, you step on the other side of that curtain and you have to be on. You don’t want to give them a half-cooked version of yourself. People are already expecting me to be bombastic and be like my characters. No one would have a career if they were like that 24/7. So, I’m under pressure to be entertaining, they only know that side of me.
But Brandon has found an expansive family with his fan base. You see their reactions on social media when he enters a room, you see the energy he brings to his autograph signings, and you see the mini-shows he puts on while wandering around a convention floor. His fans are devoted, and he is devoted to them. He’s even stayed with them while traveling. He trusts them, his fans are that crowd that he wished he had growing up. With his
YouTube characters and stories, he’s created a world for his fans, and his fans have become a reflection of him.
I’m lucky to have a fan base that is like me. A lot of people have fan bases who are not like them. My fans are, so I get to really be myself around them, and I don’t really have much of a mask to take off when I am myself versus when I’m talking to a fan. None of it’s a departure from who I am.
Describing Brandon’s content is hard. It is eclectic, it is artistic, it pushes the envelope; some of his characters and subject matter read like a Pee-Wee’s Playhouse on acid. And that is saying a lot. But his fan base has continued to grow. The power in his material is that it is not meant for just one group and though he identifies as queer, it is not queer content; it isn’t straight either, it is…just Brandon.
Comedy unites us… it’s like pizza or sports, it’s something that the majority of the world unanimously loves. And I think gay people are just so hilarious. When I was 17, I discovered John Waters, Jack Plotnik, and a lot of actors
who do really niche comedy. I realized, oh, there’s something funnier than primetime TV that I’ve been being fed my whole life. I’ve always wanted to be a channel where people can tune in and get access to maybe a brand of comedy that they’re not exposed to on primetime TV or in movies. Yes, it’s from a queer perspective and it has a very queer-coded aesthetic to it. But I don’t want to be a channel that is only for one type of person.
I do like being a place where people can just come strictly for the humor. Don’t get me wrong. I love RuPaul, but if you try playing Drag Race in front of your family, they’re not going to get half the jokes. I didn’t want to be a place that was an inside joke for anyone. I like everyone, as many people as possible, being able to come to my channel and just be able to laugh at it. I never wanted to be a gay comedian. I wanted to be a comedian who happened to be gay. I never wanted that to be what defined my comedy at all. I think the joke should define the comedy. I think whether or not the person is laughing, that’s the only goal.
Even with Brandon identifying as queer and his following and content numbers surpassing many LGBTQ content creators, he is not usually included in queer honors or mentions or even queercentric events. Just because his content isn’t just for our community, he is isolated from our queer celebrity group? Where is his GLAAD mention?
It does kind of shoot yourself in the foot. It is a club, and unless you are adamantly saying, gay, gay, gay, I love gay, then you’re considered another humdrum straight person. But then I don’t fit in with the straights either. I just worked with Trevor Wallace, and I remember thinking, I’m not the kind of comedian who makes these jokes either. It’s like straight humor. I’ve always felt ostracized by them. So, I do feel a little bit on the moon. Although now that I’m doing cons and I’m meeting my fans face to face, I’m realizing there’s a whole community of queer weirdos that don’t get a lot of limelight. Now with Dragula and shows that kind of cater to them more, we’re seeing
them come out of the woodwork.
I think a lot of people outside of the gay community look at us when it comes to drag or gay aesthetics, and they think we’re mostly Trixie Mattel (whom I love), but I think a lot of us are Jinx Monsoon. We’re weird and quirky and dark and twisted and a little witchy. I stick up for those queers who are like, “Yeah, we’re gay, but that’s old news. We’re also messed up in the head too.” That crowd is my crowd of people. When queer awards shows do just cater to the gayest things possible, it is a little limiting because I think there’s a lot of really good, coded media out there that does appeal to a wider audience that’s being overlooked.
At the end of the day, for Brandon, it is about the comedy.
I think we are born with the ability to laugh. We’re not taught that. That’s why babies giggle. Humor is built inside of us. I think being able to speak to someone’s humor and tickle them from the inside, that’s a magical thing. And anyone who can do that for a living. I’m so lucky that I get to work in comedy because I do feel like it unites us in more ways than we think.
But beyond Brandon’s comedic elements, there is a foundation of something more. When he started making videos for the personal injury law firm he was working at (his boss eventually told him to follow his YouTube dreams), he was given the task of recording and detailing truly devastating cases. He was dealing with wrongful death and injury, having to interview the victims or their families; he even had to work the infamous Hotel Cecil case, but from a very real place, not a place of intrigue. It started to weigh on him, but he saw the power in sincere storytelling and has made it a main component of his work.
I think if you have something inherently heartbreaking in your content, people relate to that. I’m a comedian, but a lot of my content centers around stuff that is serious or dark or heavy. I think a lot of people relate to that. I don’t just have fans coming up saying, “I love that video. It’s so funny.” I have fans who relate to a story arc that I wrote where a character is dealing with something heavy. Helluva Boss, I’m one
of the writers on that, deals with some really heavy stuff. I think people have the ability to laugh and cry more simultaneously than a lot of writers think. I think a lot of the stuff we do expects the audience to get dark with us and then to get light with us, and they do it. It’s a fun kind of orchestra learning how to make a scene go from something silly to something tragic, and vice versa. But I think if you can write the funny stuff in life, I think you can write the tragic stuff too.
Brandon hasn’t achieved his success by pure luck; it is from hard and continued work, all on his own. The writing, the production, the editing, the acting, the directing, it’s all from his mind and ability. He is very open and honest about his journey.
I woke up one day with like 17,000 new followers overnight, and I remember thinking, here’s the wave. Waves are not forever. I got to ride this wave as much as I can. Fame is fleeting; if you
don’t grab it and make the most out of it, they’re going to move on to the next thing. I was fat at the time, I was in horrible health, and I thought, ok, I’m about to be famous. It’s happening right now. I’m blowing up right now. If I don’t make the most out of it over the next three weeks, I’m going to be forgotten.
My mom really wanted me to have a plan B. If I focus any effort on a Plan B, that is taking away from my Plan A. And I never had a plan B. Everything I did up until I blew up on YouTube was trying to get me to blow up on YouTube. I think it was a lot scarier and harder to navigate after blowing up because it was like, well, now what? I only planned up until the blow-up. I always thought I was going to get cast in a TV show, and my agent would find me, my manager would, and everything would come. Nope. I blew up independently. Now I have to find my manager. I have to find an agent.
Without being political, without shouting from a queer megaphone, and without giving Ted Talks on race, he’s made his own political and social statements with his work. It is a subconscious current that runs as a bass line in his content.
Growing up, I was told a lot that, as a brown person, I would never be able to work in this industry unless I spoke Spanish or spoke another language. I didn’t like that. I hope that one day people of color never feel like this isn’t their world to be themselves and to act themselves. I think a lot of my characters are a departure from me, just to show that I can be anyone I want. I can be an executive woman in charge of everything, or I can be a security guard. I’m not held back from the things that a lot of my life, I was told would be a hindrance to me.
It does feel like an act of defiance. The more characters I play, the more people buy that I’m this entity. It shows that I punched through those things that people said I couldn’t. So, I hope one day people who are in my shoes never even have to have that thought of having to prove themself or punch through an expectation. I feel like content first, and you just happen to be a queer person, second. It’s not like, oh, you’re gay, so you’re going to play best friend number six and you’re going to play slutty Ryan Murphy guy number seven.
With everything that Brandon has done, what is on his horizon, what is his goal?
I kind of am just doing what I want. I realize at some point in life, that it’s not about the destination, it’s about how I can do what I love for as long as possible. I get to be a different person every week. And I get to do it on my own time with my own crew. And then on weekends, I get to go to conventions and meet the fans.
I will never say no to Netflix or Amazon, or any of the titans. I feel like I’m past the point where people get book deals or comedy specials. I would love a comedy special on Netflix. Netflix! What the heck Netflix?
You can follow Brandon on IG: @BrandonBored
LGBTQ people are among the many subgroups of Americans known to experience high rates of food insecurity.*
*The Williams Institute
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert provides food for 30,000+ people annually.
n March 12, 2025 — at the final 2iS learning collaborative held at the Hilton Washington, D.C. Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center
— DAP Health was recognized with the Golden Shield Awards’ prestigious Innovative Architects Award for its groundbreaking leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to ending the HIV epidemic in the Coachella Valley and beyond.
O DAP HEALTH HONORED IN WASHINGTON, D.C. FOR HIV INNOVATION AND EQUITY
BY DANIEL VAILLANCOURT (AS SEEN AT DAPHEALTH.ORG)
2iS (Innovative Intervention Strategies) is a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Special Project of National Significance (SPNS) whose full title is “Using Innovative Intervention Strategies to Improve Health Outcomes Among People with HIV.” It is supported by AIDS United in the nation’s capital, as well as by Boston’s Fenway Health, and evaluated by the University of California San Francisco.
AIDS United Senior Program Manager Joseph Stango delivered an emotional tribute to DAP Health during the award presentation. He praised the team not just for its outcomes, but for its leadership, generosity, and commitment to health equity.
“We gave DAP Health this award because of the position it took during this entire three-year implementation,” says Stango. “Not only was the team able to thoughtfully establish their own project — a walk-in HIV clinic for those experiencing substance use disorder — but it served as an impressive thought partner for the 18 other participants, helping them consider alternate funding models and different strategies in order to tweak their own projects, engage more effectively, and pitch projects to leadership in order to
sustain their respective projects after the initiative’s completion.”
Other organizations recognized at the weekend conference include AIDS Task Force of Greater Cleveland, Denver Health, Men’s Health Foundation, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Vivent Health, and Yale University.
For DAP Health, the moment was more than an accolade - it was a powerful milestone in a journey that began nearly six years ago. In 2018, community concerns about access to HIV medications sparked an internal review that eventually inspired a wave of change. What followed was a comprehensive transformation of HIV care delivery at DAP Health, beginning with the successful pursuit of a SPNS grant centered on the national Rapid StART initiative.
With that 2019 grant, DAP Health streamlined HIV services to ensure new and returning patients could access antiretroviral therapy (ART) quickly and safely. Free initial visits through the DAP Health sexual wellness clinic on its Sunrise campus in Palm Springs, process overhauls, and deep collaboration across departments resulted in significantly improved health outcomes. However, it soon became clear that some patients — especially those unhoused, and/or those experiencing mental health issues and/ or substance use disorders, required more tailored care.
That realization led to DAP Health’s next bold step: applying for a second SPNS grant to implement the MAX Clinic intervention. This national model, originally developed at the University of Washington, focuses on
providing high-intensity case management and low-barrier, compassionate care to people living with HIV and substance use disorder. DAP Health was one of just 20 organizations selected nationwide to implement such specialized interventions.
At the heart of DAP Health’s MAX Clinic model was continuity and accessibility. Each patient had one dedicated case manager and one physician — Dr. Christina Vu — who provided consistent care over several years. Incentives like grocery and gas cards, donated clothing, and flexible “drop-in” appointments made it easier for patients to stay engaged with treatment. These efforts addressed structural barriers and recognized the humanity and complexity of every individual seeking care.
Over the past two years, DAP Health has participated in six national 2iS learning sessions, exchanging data, best
practices, and peer support with fellow SPNS recipients. The final gathering in D.C. served as a culmination of this collaboration, where organizations shared outcomes and celebrated their collective impact.
For DAP Health, the Innovative Architects Award underscored not only the success of its own work but its generous support from other clinics across the country. “This is not just another milestone,” says DAP Health Chief Transformation Officer C.J. Tobe, who was on hand in D.C. to accept the award on behalf of the nonprofit (alongside DAP Health Community Health Early Intervention Supervisor Adriana Cano, MPH, and Community Health Early Intervention Specialist Julio Diaz). “It’s a reminder that we are still fighting — still innovating — to meet people where they are and end the HIV epidemic in our region.”
OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, DAP HEALTH HAS PARTICIPATED IN SIX NATIONAL 2IS LEARNING SESSIONS, EXCHANGING DATA, BEST PRACTICES, AND PEER SUPPORT WITH FELLOW SPNS RECIPIENTS. THE FINAL GATHERING IN D.C. SERVED AS A CULMINATION OF THIS COLLABORATION, WHERE ORGANIZATIONS SHARED OUTCOMES AND CELEBRATED THEIR COLLECTIVE IMPACT.
IT’S GETTING AWKWARD
BY KEVIN PERRY
Y DAVID DEAN BOTTRELL
ou can’t change the past, but you can build upon it. Every empire teeters on a flimsy foundation of dirt and despair. Kinda like adolescence! Srsly, conjure up an image of your pubescent self. Is it cool or cringe? Your answer may have a profound impact on how you experience David Dean Bottrell’s one-man opus, Teenage Wasteland: Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen.
One thing I have been known to say at the beginning of the show is, ‘If you had a happy time in adolescence, you can just leave now,’ because this is a slightly different story I’m going to be telling you. We can discover where the roots of something you want to change about yourself or about your life, you oftentimes find the roots of it go all the way back to riding that school bus. All aboard for awkwardness!
All the stories I tell in the show are about adolescence. They’re super funny, but they’re also about big mo-
ments in a young person’s life. And I think that remains universal, whether you’re straight or whether you’re gay or whether you’re a mature person or whether you’re a young person. It’s such a vulnerable and important time because you make a bunch of decisions about the world, you get a worldview and you in many ways shape the rest of your life by what happens to you at that time.
Nature and nurture waltz whimsically in Bottrell’s playful perspective, crafting a narrative style that is simultaneously authentic and audacious.
Storytelling is part of my family. I never thought of it as being anything other than how we just processed all the bad luck we seem to have as a family. My mom’s side of the family in particular, they came from super-duper rural Kentucky, and they were some tough people, and they had the best sense of humor about whatever befell them. And so that got passed down to me, and I just didn’t realize until - oh
my god, I was probably about 30 before I realized that being funny about something, telling a funny story was actually a job skill.
Bottrell took his big talent to the Big Apple, planting seeds of truth that would blossom into a fabulous career.
All of a sudden I thought, ‘Oh, okay, well, I can tell stories,’ and I wrote a play and I just had this great beginner’s luck. It was produced in New York City,” he recounts. “The first show I ever did was called David Dean Bottrell Makes Love: A One-Man Show. And it was basically the story of my romantic life, my search for love, starting at age five all the way up to the present, except all the stories were scrambled up. And so it was some really personal stuff, including all the Match.com ads that I answered and all those weird people that I met along the way while trying to find somebody to love. Love remains mysterious. It’s been around for centuries and centuries, yet nobody knows anything about
it… So when I hear people laugh at these things, it really heals my heart.
When the show ended, the epiphany began.
People would stay after to talk to me; to tell me something personal out of their life and I’m just floored by that.
Humor is Bottrell’s suit of armor and coat of arms.
I tend to spin everything in the funniest way I can get it out there because I do think it’s just an old family tradition. If you laugh about it, you can get over it. And so, I always try to do that, but I always try to finish by telling the truth because sometimes the truth’s sobering. I actually like that about my shows. It’s a yo-yo. It goes back and forth between people laughing a lot and getting reeeeeally quiet.
The audience fuels the performer’s quest for honesty at full velocity; it’s a probing exploration of the human condition that plumbs our souls and tickles our collective funny bones. And if that’s not enough of a suggestive teaser, Bottrell offers this gem:
Tell your readers if they want to know the definition of ‘Martian Hand Cream,’ they should definitely come to the show.
Curiosity piqued! Teenage Wasteland is a dizzying blend of raucous randomness and pointed observations.
The biggest laughs in the show come from not punchlines but just telling the truth. I just found that if I just told the truth or maybe a little more truth than I felt comfortable telling, it really brought the house down and people really felt like, ‘Oh, thank God. Somebody else went through that.’
Connection is the cornerstone of Bottrell’s portfolio, which boasts an impressive array of credits and titles. He wrote the screenplay for Kingdom Come starring Whoopi Goldberg, he’s a professor at the American Academy of Performing Arts, and he has appeared in some of television’s biggest hit series, including Law & Order:SVU, Modern Family and a chilling eight-episode stint on Boston Legal
I’ve done a lot of work on TV as an actor, and I think that’s super fun to disappear into some kind of weird character. That’s what I usually play, anyway. [Laughs] But this, it’s very different because it’s really the opposite of that. It’s about being incredibly transparent and in-
“WE
COULDN’T DO ANYTHING ELSE BUT BE GAY.”
credibly truthful about what you’re saying. All my shows have some sort of a theme, and I always shoot for the most universal thing I can think of… I realized adolescence, everybody goes through that. Everybody is lost, everybody’s embarrassed, nobody knows who to talk to, nobody understands what’s happening to them.
Alchemizing camaraderie out of confusion, Bottrell relives his coming-out experiences on stage.
I talk about my first discoveries of what it meant to be gay when I was in high school. I knew something was up before then, but I didn’t really have a name for it until I got to be about 13 years old or so. And it was terrifying. And so some of the stories that I tell are about the journeys that me and the other gay kids took together of trying to get ourselves through high school and get launched and get out of where we were living to a better place. We were really pretty brave, but we didn’t know that at the time. We couldn’t do anything else but be gay. There was no other option.
And now, he’s passing his wisdom to a new generation of LGBTQ+ dreamers and doers.
I teach a lot of young people at college level that are so out and so present in their lives and so unbridled by that stuff, that I’m very, very, very proud of how far this has all come, and which is why I’m hoping everybody’s really paying attention because we’re not going to lose this. We’re not going to lose this for ourselves, and we’re not going to lose this for the young people coming up. This is too good.
Identity is our secret weapon, and the battle lines are erupting all around us.
Especially now, the greatest source of strength, especially if we’re going to be waging a long fight, is to know who you are, to know absolutely who you are and to be very sure of it and very proud of it.
And just like that, we can transform past pain into present-day progress. All of our wounds become scar tissue, all of our fractures yield fortitude, and all of our setbacks propel us forward. May they guide you to the Revolution Stage in Palm Springs on May 17th. That’s where you’ll see David Dean Bottrell’s Teenage Wasteland: Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen… and you might just see yourself there too.
ROBERT RENE WRITING MUSIC IN HIS SLEEP
BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ
The moment Robert Rene hits the stage, you know it’s going to be a good show. Whether he’s alongside his amazing dancers or taking the stage for a moment on his own, his audience is captivated. We recently saw him take center stage at this year’s Riverside County Fair headlining for Out at the Fair. Backstage, he was full of energized humility as the other performers congratulated him on his performance.
A Southern California native, he’s been playing music for quite some time now. Wading through the ups and downs of the industry, last year was a big one for his career, thanks to the power of social media. His Instagram and TikTok numbers continue to thrive and the variety of content he creates continues to thrill. His social media has helped make his singles “Sweetwater,” “Nemesis,” and “Spinnin” hits. As if that wasn’t enough, he added to his family as he and his husband brought home a baby girl just in time for Valentine’s Day.
We caught up with Robert backstage to chat about his career, coming out, life beyond music, and the future for his family.
You are a California native. What do you love most about living in Southern California?
The weather in California is absolutely amazing, which is why we are willing to pay a premium to live here, Haha! Some may argue that we have earthquakes, but personally, I would take that over dealing with snow, tornadoes, or hurricanes any day. Plus, having all of my family in Southern California is a huge bonus - there’s nothing quite like having them close by. It truly is the best feeling in the world!
How did you get bitten by the music bug?
I was fortunate to grow up with young parents who had a deep love for music. My dad, in particular, had a diverse taste in music, ranging from Salt N’ Pepa to Kool and the Gang, Toni Braxton, and even Metallica. This eclectic mix of genres filled our home, shaping my musical tastes from a young age. I found myself drawn to the beats and rhythms, dancing and choreographing routines to the likes of Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul before I even fully understood what I was doing.
At the age of 12, my aunt enrolled me in a Hip Hop dance class, and that was the moment my passion for dance truly ignited. From that point on, I dedicated myself to pursuing a career in dance and entertainment. As I delved deeper into the world of music and dance, I discovered a new passion for creating music. It was a natural progression for me, as all my passions seamlessly intertwined.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Stepping out of my comfort zone and transitioning from the background to the spotlight was a daunting task. To my complete surprise, I embraced the vulnerability that came with being in the forefront. And let me tell you, the thrill of being on stage, sharing my music and dance with the world, is unlike anything else.
I only pray that I will be allowed to do it more. I am beyond excited for what the future holds as I continue to pursue my dreams in the world of music and entertainment.
When did you first start to realize your sexuality was different than the other boys?
I was raised in a time before the internet and before gay characters or topics were openly discussed or accepted. My own sexuality wasn’t really explored until high school, as it simply wasn’t a topic of conversation before then. I vividly remember my first gay experience at the age of 16 right before summer break, it was the most unexpected moment in my life. Another boy, a year older than me, approached me and confessed that he really liked me and wanted to go out with me. I found myself reciprocating those feelings, and it felt like the most natural thing in the world, yet completely exhilarating and new at the same time. This moment led to me really finding my sexuality and became the best and worst summer of my life.
The guy who asked me out ended up becoming my boyfriend that summer and it was absolutely amazing! I had the time of my life, met incredible people in my community, and truly found myself. It was a summer I will cherish and never forget. But as all good things must come to an end, so did my relationship. When he broke up with me, it shattered my heart into a million pieces. I was devastated, lost, and didn’t know how to cope with the overwhelming emotions. My family noticed the change in me and realized something was wrong. I couldn’t keep it bottled up any longer, so I decided to come out and share my truth.
I vividly remember sitting down with my grandma and opening up to her first. She expressed surprise and concern on her face, but she was incredibly supportive. Then, I gathered the courage to tell my mom and aunt, who embraced me with unconditional love and support. I am forever grateful for their understanding and acceptance.
2024 was a huge year for your career.
“JUST BECAUSE I’M GAY DOESN’T MEAN I’M LIMITED TO ONLY SHOWING A GAY PERSPECTIVE OR TELLING GAY STORIES.”
What is it about your music that your fans gravitate towards?
First and foremost, I must express my gratitude to the incredible team that surrounded me during the successful year of 2024. It was the first time I had a group of individuals who truly had my best interests at heart and supported me wholeheartedly. Previous years were not as fortunate, as I encountered many individuals in this industry who were only interested in taking advantage of me for their own gain.
In the music industry, it is easy to come across individuals who are not genuine and only care about money. However, I believe that the authenticity of my music videos and social media content is what sets me apart and draws people to my music. People can easily detect insincerity, and I believe that by being genuine and relatable, I have been able to connect with my audience on a deeper level.
I have come to realize that people are drawn to those who are authentic and relatable, and who create a sense of safety. Therefore, my goal for 2025 is to continue being true to myself and connect with my audience in a meaningful way. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to sharing my journey with all of you. Let’s make 2025 the best year yet!
What are some of the biggest challenges for an independent artist in today’s music scene?
Navigating the music industry is like tiptoeing through a field of snakes in the grass - full of challenges at every turn. Trust is rare, with most people only looking out for themselves and waiting for you to stumble. It’s a constant battle to decipher people’s true intentions and find those who genuinely have your back.
As an independent artist, resources and funding are scarce, making it even more difficult to secure performance opportunities and connections. The competition with music labels and their well-funded artists can be overwhelming. But despite the obstacles, the thrill of the chase and the passion
for creating music keep me going. The journey may be tough, but the rewards and how much I’ve been growing as an artist are worth it. I keep reminding myself that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Slow and steady wins the race!
Do you think being an out queer artist has limited your career at all?
Absolutely not! I believe that allowing personal preference to interfere with your artistry is a mistake only the artist can make. If your career is being held back by your preferences, it’s because you’ve allowed it or let someone else take control. There is a lane for everyone, and it’s crucial to find the one that suits you best, we have blinkers for a reason, used to switch lanes when needed! Personally, being gay has opened up so many opportunities for me in my music videos. I’ve been able to play characters who are both straight and gay, and that’s where the fun really begins! You can stay true to yourself while also exploring different perspectives and identities. I may be a gay man, but I love writing songs and sharing stories about all kinds of people. Whether it’s a heterosexual couple or an LGBTQ+ individual, telling everyone’s stories is what makes my work exciting. Just because I’m gay doesn’t mean I’m limited to only showing a gay perspective or telling gay stories. The world is full of diverse experiences, and I’m here to celebrate them all.
What is your creative process in writing new music?
When it comes to creating music, it’s always an exciting collaboration between myself and the producer. There’s always that one song that grabs my attention and sparks an idea or vibe that I just have to capture. I draw a lot of inspiration from the music of the ‘90s and early 2000s, it really gets my creative juices flowing.
Believe it or not, most of the lyrics I’ve come up with came to me while I was asleep. I’ll be dreaming and suddenly hear a catchy lyric or melody in my head, and I have to wake up and jot it down before it slips away. It’s like my subconscious mind is working overtime to help me create something.
I also love drawing inspiration from real-life scenarios and stories of the people around me. Their experiences and emotions fuel my creativity and help me craft songs that resonate with listeners on a deeper level. It’s all about taking those everyday moments and turning them into storytelling through music. In the end, creating music stems from anything that makes me or the audience want to move!
Your social media is fire! When did you first start realizing your content was going viral?
Once I had a team to help me organize all of my social media platforms, I saw a remarkable transformation in my online presence, particularly on YouTube. As soon as my music videos were properly uploaded and easily discoverable, they began to attract a significant amount of attention, clicks, and views. I quickly noticed that this interest extended to my Instagram page, with more followers and comments pouring in, and my Spotify numbers were rising as well.
One of my most cherished memories took place recently on Christmas Eve, leading into Christmas Day of 2024. I had just released a new Christmas song the night before, and Spotify offers a feature that allows you to track your streams in real-time for 5 days. I couldn’t believe my eyes as I watched the numbers climb rapidly, and my family and I were glued to the screen, cheering on the streams like we were watching a sports game. The excitement created a truly unforgettable moment. By the end of the day, we had surpassed one million streams - what an incredible Christmas gift for myself and my team!
You are a new father! What inspired you to grow your family?
I had always dreamed of having a family of my own, but I knew it had to be with the right person. My amazing partner, Justin, and I have been together for almost 11 incredible years, and we had been discussing starting a family for quite some time. Being with a partner who shares my values and dreams made the decision to start a family an easy one. The love and
support of our family and friends have truly inspired us to take this exciting leap into parenthood as well.
There is no love greater than the love you will experience for your own child. The moment you lay eyes on your baby, it’s as if a switch is flipped on inside of you. You can’t help but wonder how you ever lived without this precious little one! I now understand why people say they would die for their children. But my daughter inspires me to “LIVE” and be the best version of myself, to make healthier choices, and to strive for a long and fulfilling life by her side. Having a child gives your life a newfound sense of purpose and meaning, knowing that every decision you make impacts their future.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges in raising a child in today’s social and political climate?
I think the hardest thing nowadays is that everyone has an innate desire to share their thoughts on parenting, but often it’s not truly their own opinion - they just think their way is the only way and judge you if you don’t do the same. However, I firmly believe that every family is unique and can find their own path to growth. As a parent, I know that explaining to my child why she has two dads instead of a mom and a dad will be a challenge. Shielding her from the judgment of others will also be difficult. Additionally, navigating the influence of social media in her life will be a constant battle, especially not knowing how much it will change by the time she gets older. Despite these challenges, I am excited to continue this journey of parenthood. My partner and I must remain present, communicate openly, and be actively involved in our child’s life. We are not her friends, we are her parents, and we will guide her with love and support every step of the way.
What do you want most out of your career?
My family has always been the driving force behind my career aspirations. I have always dreamed of achieving success so that I can support my loved ones financially and
“BELIEVE IT OR NOT, MOST OF THE LYRICS I’VE COME UP WITH CAME TO ME WHILE I WAS ASLEEP.”
offer them incredible experiences and opportunities. My goal is to create a brand that not only entertains the world but also represents the LGBTQ+ community in a positive light. I am thrilled at the prospect of sharing my passions with the world and making a difference through my work, even if it’s for a small audience. Fame and attention have never been my focus; instead, I see them as a means to share my love with others and provide inspiration. I am excited to see where this journey takes me and the impact I can make along the way.
Five years ago, I had a vision and a goal to establish my own brand that would enable me to create music, dance, and dress in a way that truly reflects who I am. Since then, I have brought that vision to life. I have released 10 songs, performed at various events, and made a significant impact on social media. Getting my idea off the ground has been the most fulfilling achievement of my career so far. I am thrilled about what the future holds and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.
What is your message to your fans?
Never let anyone, including yourself, tell you that you can’t achieve something. Your background, age, or appearance should never hold you back from pursuing your dreams. You have the power to accomplish anything you set your mind to. You deserve a life that you’re absolutely crazy about, so keep pushing forward until you reach your goals. No one can stop you, but you!
Follow Robert on IG: @RobertReneMusic
ROAMING WITH ROMA
BY SISTER ROMA
THIS PAGE PHOTO BY JACOB PEICHUAN
SAFETY FIRST, SEXY SECOND!
Have you ever been sitting around a dinner table with friends or enjoying happy hour cocktails at your favorite gay bar when a familiar, fast-paced trill suddenly fills the air? Of course, you have - we all have! Ears prick up, eyebrows raise, and everyone breaks out in laughter. That one-secondlong notification sound has become as recognizable and omnipresent in our community as the gay gasp and the fan-clack. We may take the opportunity to tease the person whose phone alerted them to a potential hookup, but the truth is, nearly everyone is on the apps these days, especially gay men. You know it, I know it, and thanks to pop culture and mainstream media, most of the world knows it.
There is no shame in using modern technology to find love, companionship, or a casual sexual adventure. Unfortunately, because of the widespread knowledge of the way our community uses the apps, it has become increasingly risky. In the past year, I’ve read horrific headlines from around the world about hookups gone terribly wrong. Those who wish to harm and extort gay, queer, and trans people pose as potential sexual partners. They lure the unsuspecting victim to remote locations where they are subjected to brutally violent attacks and sometimes even forced to drain their bank accounts. When these stories started to hit home, affecting members of my social circle, I was enraged and frightened for the safety of
our community. I knew I had to focus my rage and fear into action.
As many of you know, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have a rich history of protecting our community. When the government turned a blind eye to the plague that was killing us, the Sisters jumped on the front lines in the war against HIV/AIDS. We held one of the world’s first fundraisers to provide financial assistance to the sick who needed help paying for rent and essentials. We also produced Playfair, the world’s first safer-sex pamphlet that used humor and plain language to educate the community about STIs and save lives. It was in this spirit that my Sister Shalita Corndog and I devised “Safety First, Sexy Second,” a campaign that uses humor and common sense to help our community stay safe when hooking up via the apps.
We partnered with our friend and filmmaker J. Andrew at Liberty Lane Films to produce exceptional, unscripted, inclusive videos and create vivid, eyecatching posters to raise awareness of an increase in app-related hate crimes and share this sensible 3-step plan when connecting with a potential hookup online:
1. BUDDY-UP — Choose a trusted friend to be your safety check-in; send screenshots of who you’re meeting and share your location.
2. HOOKUP — Be your sexy self and have fun.
3. FOLLOW-UP — Set a time to check in and let your buddy know that you’re safe or if you need help
Safety First, Sexy Second billboards are currently appearing on bus shelters and on San Francisco MUNI buses through Pride, courtesy of the SFMTA. But this campaign is not specific to San Francisco; the message is universal. Please visit TheSisters.org/safetyfirst to view, download, and share the videos, posters, and resources listed on our website with your friends and the community where you live.
Stay Sexy, Stay Safe, (but not necessarily in that order.)
Much Love, Roma!
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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
STREET BAR
224 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.320.1266 psstreetbar.com
REFORMA
333 S Palm Canyon Dr Unit 2, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.902.6630 reformaps.com
THE ROOST LOUNGE
68718 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.507.8495 theroostcc.com
TOOL SHED
600 E. Sunny Dunes Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.320.3299 pstoolshed.com
TOUCANS TIKI LOUNGE
2100 N. Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.416.7584 toucanstikilounge.com
CLOTHING OPTIONAL RESORTS
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
INNDULGE PALM SPRINGS
601 Grenfall Rd Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.327.1408 inndulge.com
SANTIAGO RESORT
650 San Lorenzo Road Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.322.1300 santiagoresort.com
THE HACIENDA
586 S. Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.327.8111 thehacienda.com
TRIANGLE INN PALM SPRINGS
555 San Lorenzo Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.322.7993 triangle-inn.com
TWIN PALMS
1930 S. Camino Real Palm Springs, CA 760.841.1455 twinpalmsresort.com
VISTA GRANDE RESORT
574 S. Warm Sands Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.322.2404 vistagranderesort.com
CLOTHING & LEATHER
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
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
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
PLAY LOUNGE & CAFE
2825 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Bldg C, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-808-8588 playloungeps.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
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
MICHAEL’S HOUSE
1910 S Camino Real Palm Springs, CA 92262 844.768.0633 michaelshouse.com
PALM SPRINGS
ANIMAL SHELTER
4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.416.5718 psanimalshelter.org
PALM SPRINGS FRONT RUNNERS & WALKERS frontrunners.clubexpress.com
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
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
OASIS LEGAL SERVICES
1900 Addison St, #100, Berkeley, CA 510.666.6687 oasislegalservices.org
TRANSGENDER
LAW CENTER
510.587.9696 transgenderlawcenter.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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