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COMMENTARY
The Standard Magazine
400 N Sunrise Way #263 Palm Springs CA 92262 760.831.4869
NINO EILETS Publisher
LUCIANO McNULTY Editor
MAYA KALABIC Art Director
PHOTOGRAPHER
David A. Lee
CONTRIBUTORS
Duncan Obermein, Jeff Dorta, Max Jimenez, Mike Nelson, Ryan Turrin, Jacquelyn James, Trevor Garrison, Stacy Holmes, Greg Stillwell, Dann Foley, Jill Langham & Terri Schlichenmeyer www.thestandardps.com
The Standard Magazine is published monthly. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of the Standard or its staff, advertisers or readers with exception of editorials. Publication of the name or photograph of any person, business or organization in articles or advertising in the Standard is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person, business or organization. The Standard disclaims any responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Advertising rates are subject to change without notice. The Standard reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject any advertisement for any reason including, but not limited to poor taste. It is the policy of The Standard that we only publish letters to the editor that are signed by the author and verifiable by phone number. We can reserve the right of anonymity upon request. The letters need to be original, in good taste and free of libel as well as edited for clarity and grammar. Letters are subject to editing by The Standard that also reserves the right to decline print. Please forward your letters to: info@thestandardps.com The views expressed is not necessarily those of The Standard. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. No portion of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed consent of the publisher.
PABLLO VITTAR
LGBTQ+ ARTISTS TO WATCH IN 2025
BY DUNCAN OBERMEIN
Queer musicians have long been trailblazers in sound, style, and storytelling and today is no different. With artists like Chappell Roan, Ice Spice, Doechii, Boygenius and Troye Sivan breaking into the mainstream and topping charts, queer voices are more visible and celebrated than ever. Many brilliant but lesser-known talents are coming up through the ranks and giving their style and sound to the music scene. Contemporary gay artists, underground gems, newer superstars on the scene and some older gay musicians finally getting the recognition they deserve. Following is just a sprinkling of these talented up and comers to look out for.
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I. Jordan
2024 saw I. Jordan reclaim their artistry and identity through their debut album, ‘I am Jordan.’ The record is an unequivocal announcement by the British DJ/producer about their self-discovery and transition as a transgender person. “It’s about my joy as a trans person, and trans joy generally, working with trans people, making all this fun music together,” said I. Jordan about their record. Paying homage to Northern sounds from the UK that Jordan grew up with, ‘I am Jordan’ punctuates lots of, bassline, rave, trance, hardstyle and house that emphasize their signature twists to the dancefloor bangers.
Wafia
Wafia Al-Rikabi is a queer, Iraqi–Syrian–Australian artist known for her smooth blend of alt-R&B, electro-pop, and soul. Her music often navigates personal identity, heartbreak, empowerment, and family,
infusing pop sounds with political and cultural nuance. Originally studying biomedicine, Wafia pivoted to music after her early SoundCloud uploads gained traction, and her breakout 2016 track “Heartburn” earned praise from Pharrell. She identifies as queer and frequently discusses both cultural and romantic identity in her work. Tracks like “Bodies” were inspired by her family’s refugee background and the Muslim ban, while others like “I’m Good” and “Pick Me” speak to queer heartbreak and resilience. She’s collaborated with artists like Ta-ku, Louis the Child, and G Flip. Wafia’s voice is rich and emotive, and her storytelling is both personal and politically aware.
aleksiah
aleksiah (Alexia Damokas) is a queer indie-pop singersongwriter from Adelaide whose diaristic lyricism and angsty guitardriven sound have made her one of Australia’s most promising new voices. Her songs explore growing pains, girlhood, sapphic crushes, and emotional vulnerability, all told through a lens of poetic honesty. She rose to prominence with her 2022 debut “Fern,” a coming-ofage anthem about falling for a girl in high school, and continued with powerful singles like “Ant Song,” “Pretty Picture,” and “Clothes Off.” Her 2024 debut EP Who Are You When You’re Not Performing? solidified her as a Triple J favorite and earned her a spot on Rolling Stone AU’s “Artists to Watch” list. Inspired by Phoebe Bridgers and Julia Jacklin, aleksiah brings queer intimacy and feminist rage to a genre that thrives on authenticity.
I.JORDAN
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aleksiah
Nxdia
Nxdia (Nadia Ahmed) is a non-binary, Egyptian-British alt-pop artist who has been praised for their ability to blend vulnerabilities, queer identity, and multicultural storytelling into their songwriting. They have an alt-pop with punk and New Wave flair that combines guitar-driven, energetic pop with gritty production. They have music that lets old-school pop-punk meet modern attitude. Born in Cairo in 2000, of mixed Egyptian-Sudanese ancestry, they moved to Manchester at eight, and they frequently sing in both English and Arabic, letting mixed language use add depth and emotional texture. Their lyrics explore identity, queer love, dysphoria, and inner conflict. They have a 2023 EP In the Flesh and just released their Debut mixtape I Promise No One’s Watching (June 2025). They’re forging a space where marginalized identities feel seen, heard, and celebrated.
Baths
Will Wiesenfeld has been working in the industry — as Baths, Geotic, or even under his own name — for well over a decade. Yet with Baths’ first new album in eight years Gut, it feels like the time has come for this experimental artist to get his due in mainstream circles. The two songs he’s already shared off the project, “Sea of Men” and “Eden,” already sound completely different from the atmospheric dance aesthetics of his past works. Instead, Wiesenfeld’s new music captures electronic, rock, folk and pop in a bottle and distills them through his evocative songwriting, dropping lines like “Carnal is a normal mode, f–king all the men in droves/ Son of god is never home when I come knocking on that door.” With Gut set to drop this February, there’s never been a better time to become a Baths fan.
Gigi Perez
Among a stacked field of louder, more explosive breakthroughs in 2024, singer-songwriter Gigi Perez managed to secure a viral hit that still flew under the radar for much of the year. Denizens of queer TikTok sent “Sailor Song” into the top 40 of the Hot 100, where it has remained at the start of 2025. Meanwhile, as the rest of the alternative star’s catalog picked up steam, Perez signed to Island Records, home of fellow 2024 breakout stars Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter. With a yet-to-be-announced album on its way and plenty of goodwill in the bank, Perez is on the precipice of having an even bigger breakthrough in 2025.
Catty
Catty is your answer to angsty and emotionally fraught music from a female and queer perspective, and the Welsh singer-songwriter’s latest pop-rock EP ‘Healing Out of Spite’ delivers just that. Filled with indignant, anguishing and tongue-in-cheek lyricism, Catty aka Catrin Hopkins dons her lesbian Welsh witch persona to speak up on heartbreak and emotional turmoil in same sex relationships. Influenced by the likes of Fleetwood Mac, AC/DC and The Rolling Stones, and having already opened for Stevie Nicks at BST Hyde Park, Catty is the one to watch to garner powerful pop banger.
Yadam
From being an up-and-coming openly gay Latin popstar to having his song featured on the Oscar-nominated film ‘Emilia Perez,’ Venuezlan artist Yadam is coming in full force this year! His velvety vocals and overt narratives of love and heartbreak as a queer
NXDIA
GIGI PEREZ
BATHS
CATTY
YADAM
TORRES
MRBSTYLES
JORDAN SUASTE
JASMINE 4.T
person cascade gloriously over pop-forward sonics with a tinge of European-Latin influences. Yadam already has his best foot forward for 2025, as the singer-songwriter announced the first single of the year, ‘OREN POR MI,’ from his new era.
Zora
If you’re not yet familiar with Zora, allow us to introduce you. A rapper, singer, lyricist and producer from Minneapolis, Zora is bringing Black trans stories to her music with reckless abandon. Perhaps there is no better example of that than her recently released sophomore album Belladonna — over the course of 16 songs, the multi-hyphenate embraces chaotic production and cutting lyrics to tell the story of a woman out for revenge for all the harms she’s endured. It’s equal parts scary and stunning, making for one of the most unique projects we’re likely to hear in 2025. Take this as your sign to get into Zora’s music ASAP, because her inventive style and specific point-of-view are two things we need badly this year.
Torres
Indie rock singer-songwriter Torres is leaning into the idea of community in 2025. On the heels of her excellent 2024 project What an Enormous Room, the Florida-born artist decided to team up with queer rock hero Julien Baker for a new project of duets. The first glimpses at the pair’s album show two individuals finding something completely different from their own respective careers, with the classic country bombast of “Sugar in the Tank” perfectly balancing the spare, quiet ruminations of “Sylvia.” But with Baker’s renewed profile as a queer icon (thanks in no small part to her world-dominating success with Boygenius in 2023), Torres is set to reap some long-deserved benefits with Send a Prayer My Way.
Jordan Suaste
If we learned anything from 2024, it is that release schedules no longer dictate the likelihood of global success. Jordan Suaste may have debuted his last album in September, but we’re not ready to say goodbye just yet. Maybe I Already Am was an excellent debut
LP, and the indie pop singer left plenty on the table for potential gains in 2025. Maybe his stunning queer anthem “Love Who You Want To” becomes a pertinent anthem in a time of chaos and goes viral. Maybe his sensual banger “The Devil” gets a prominent sync for a movie or TV show. Maybe people will just come around to his heartbreaking coming-of-age story told on “Charlie” and stream the hell out of it. Anything could happen, and we hope Suaste’s top-tier talent gets some more love this year.
Jasmine.4.t
It’s rare that you get to watch a young artist make a generational statement on their debut album. It’s even rarer when that artist is a trans woman breaking into the music scene. Yet Jasmine.4.t has done just that with You Are the Morning, her stellar new project out via Saddest Factory Records. Telling the story of her own experiences transitioning, Jasmine Cruickshank explores a vast array of genres and styles, all while encapsulating her specific experience in radically honest lyrics. It’s no wonder that she got all three members of Boygenius to produce her album; Jasmine.4.t could very well become the next queer femme star speaking directly to her community on massive stages around the globe.
Mrbstyles
While not a household name, Mrbstyles (Moises Baez) is a Puerto Rican, LGBTQ+ salsa singer known for being one of the first openly gay male salsa singers. He’s released a single and video called “Ay! Que Bueno,” and is also a professional salsa dancer and choreographer. He’s also been recognized for his unique style and has created a salsa dance program for the gay community in Boston.
ZORA
T. PRIESTLY
The Brazilian artists made history at this year’s Coachella Music Festival. Anitta became the first female Brazilian solo artist to perform on the main stage of the event. Her frequent collaborator Pabllo Vittar made history as the first drag queen to perform at Coachella. Vittar is the most followed drag queen on Instagram with over 12.6 million followers. RuPaul recently tweeted her support of Pabllo Vittar’s historic moment at Coachella. Vittar is continuing to branch out from Brazil by teaming up with global acts like Rina Sawayama in “Follow Me” and Lady Gaga for the “Fun Tonight” remix. In 2020, Luísa Sonza, who is openly bisexual, enlisted Vittar and Anitta for the queer Brazilian anthem “Modo Turbo.”
T. Priestly
“Kissing My Feet” lulls you into its grasp the moment its grooving drums kick in. When it starts vacillating between chill verses and an almost operatic chorus, you realize T. Priestly is on a whole other level than their peers. The London DJ self-produces their pop anthems, meaning the soundscapes they craft are both singular and chart-ready – late-night dispatches of love have rarely sounded so soundtrack ready.
Torri Weidinger
The alt-folk songs of Torri Weidinger sneaks up on you. They’re unassuming. They’re warm. Then, without warning, one of their melodies
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or lyrics hits like a sucker punch and the song they’re on is added to your streaming library for life. Take the extended coda of “Virginia,” which expands the song’s initially gentle lilt into a near-cacophony of expressive streams and building drama. It’d be overwhelming if it didn’t feel so necessary and idiosyncratically Torri Weidinger.
xBValentine
The best posse cuts make every artist involved feel essential. That’s true of “Flashy” by xBValentine, which finds the singer/emcee holding court alongside brilliant verses from Karlaaa and Krystal Poppin’. Yet that still doesn’t prepare you for the supernova force of her charisma, which is as adept at slinky kiss-offs as stuttering trap beats.
Tears & Gearz
There’s no other way to put it: Tears & Gearz and the indie-gaypop-supergroup the world never knew they needed and do. Bentley Robles and Zee Machine are forces in their own right; on “George Michael,” the duo prove why they’re just as powerful together. Robles’ winking baritone is a perfect counterpoint to MACHINE’s rock diva tenor; the song merges their sonic interests without feeling piecemeal.
Yavin
Yavin’s music feels like a dispatch from another dimension. That doesn’t mean it’s strange: if anything, songs like “Withdrawn” feel like established classics. But the burgeoning pop star’s music is unusually sensitive and soundtrack-worthy. The hooks are as epic as the landscape of Yavin’s heart, and their combined power makes every song Yavin writes worth playing on repeat.
TuneCore & Movinon.org
Pabllo Vittar
TORRI WEIDIGER
TEARS & GEARZ
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TRANSGENDER ARTIST JAE XO DROPS “FABULOUS” SUMMER ANTHEM
BY JEFF DORTA
This Independence Day, Jae XO is declaring freedom on their own terms with the release of their fiery new single, FABULOUS, a high-octane, brass-infused anthem celebrating queer joy, selflove, and radical visibility. The revolutionary transgender artist, performer, and LGBTQIA+ activist drops the track July 4 across all digital platforms—just in time to soundtrack your summer.
Born and raised in Kentucky, refined in New York City, and trained in musical theatre at the University of Utah, Jae XO (they/ she) has never been one to follow a traditional path. Their work across Broadway (Back to the Future, Some Like It Hot, A Beautiful Noise), television (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), and NYC‘s cabaret scene has long blurred the lines between pop stardom, political performance, and punk-glam protest art. FABULOUS is their loudest statement yet.
The spark for FABULOUS was lit during a raucous late-night Uber ride with friends returning from a Cheesecake Factory feast in New Jersey. “Out of nowhere, I burst into song singing ‘me and the dolls on the West Side Highway’ and the whole car erupted,” Jae laughs. That spontaneous lyric became the song’s opening line, and the rest came fast: a drumline-driven pop banger with notes of Gwen Stefani, Destiny’s Child, and marching band majorette bravado.
Produced by Velvet Code with vocals recorded with Grammywinning engineer Denise Barbarita at MONOLisa Studios, FABULOUS pulses with bold brass, booming percussion, and Jae’s fierce vocals and surprise rap verse. “It’s a love letter to all the band kids who still get a chill when the drumline kicks in,” Jae says. “I was a drum major in high school, and now I’m a majorette on a mission.”
“This song has shown me I can be any type of artist I want to be,” she explains. “And if that changes in six months, that’s fabulous too.”
But beyond the fierce production and stadium-sized hooks lies a deeper message. “In today’s political climate, being openly queer and trans is revolutionary. Owning your truth is an act of defiance. Being FABULOUS isn’t just about glam. It’s about visibility, pride, and protest. We’ve always been here, and we always will be.”
FABULOUS follows Jae’s 2023 debut single Spinning, a shimmering ballad about managing anxiety and self-worth. But this new era marks a sonic evolution—and a bold expansion of her musical identity. From punk anthems to psychedelic love songs and electro ballads, Jae is unafraid to push boundaries and genre lines.
“This song has shown me I can be any type of artist I want to be,” she explains. “And if that changes in six months, that’s fabulous too.”
In celebration of the release, Jae XO will be performing throughout the Northeast this summer with stops in Philadelphia, D.C., and regular appearances across NYC. Fans can catch her highly anticipated debut at Brooklyn’s iconic 3 Dollar Bill in Erotixxx on August 21.
Joining her creative team are makeup and styling maven Evan Nicholas, master of the nail arts Sammy Daoud, and the visual artists of Lone Ace Design, who helped bring the single’s eye-popping visuals to life. “It takes a village to make a pop star,” says Jae, “and mine is loud, proud, queer, and fabulous.”
Follow @jaexo.music on all platforms and to stream FABULOUS also to stay up to date on tour dates, future releases, and this fearless new chapter from one of the queer music scene’s most exciting voices.
COVER TOM GOSS CELEBRATES A PRIDEFILLED SUMMER WITH “GAY STUFF”
BY JEFF DORTA
Out singer-songwriter Tom Goss, known for his soulful voice, daring visuals, and queer-forward storytelling, is back with a bold, hilarious, and irresistibly catchy new single: “Gay Stuff.” Accompanied by an outrageously playful music video directed by longtime collaborator Michael Serrato, the song is an unapologetic celebration of queer joy, individuality, and the absurdity of labels.
The song’s journey began nearly a decade ago, when producer and co-writer Austin Danson came up with the concept. “We thought it was just funny,” says Goss. “We pitched it around to other queer artists, but no one bit. Years later, Austin sent me a reworked version, and I couldn’t stop laughing. We realized this song was too good not to make ourselves.”
“Gay Stuff” is pure dance-pop fun, inspired by drag icons like Willam, Alaska, and RuPaul. But underneath its high-camp surface is a powerful message: joy doesn’t have to fit into a box. “We’re poking fun at stereotypes while fully embracing them,” Goss explains. “Everything is gay! Everything is straight! Everything is in-between. The sooner we stop trying to limit ourselves, the freer and happier we’ll be.”
The lyrics don’t hold back. From calling out the absurdity of traditional gender norms to cheekily labeling everyday activities as gay, the song’s humor hits hard. “Verse two is my favorite,” Goss says. “It’s just a list of normal things, but we call them gay. It’s so stupid. That’s why it works!”
The accompanying music video takes the concept even further. Shot in Palm Springs over a single whirlwind weekend—just 48 hours after wrapping Goss’ other new video, “Bear Soup”—the video is a fever dream of queer delight. “We had no idea where we were shooting or what we were wearing two days before,” Goss laughs. “We thrifted everything, texted friends for props, locations… even a poodle!”
Thanks to the generosity of Palm Springs’ vibrant queer community, the team was able to secure numerous colorful locations, from gyms to grocery stores. Goss stars alongside dancers Jake Gonzales and Floyd Slayweather, who bring hilarious physicality and outrageous charm to the shoot. “I could barely keep a straight face during the grocery store scene,” Goss recalls. “People thought we were completely insane, and they weren’t wrong.”
The video, like the song, doesn’t take itself too seriously. But behind the deadpan delivery and over-the-top outfits is a heartfelt intention: to empower. “Humor is one of the most effective tools I’ve found as an activist,” says Goss, who has spent the past twenty years using his art to challenge perceptions. “If I can make you laugh, I can get you to think. I never want to be mean or hurtful. But I do want to push boundaries in a kind, thoughtful way.”
Tom Goss is an acclaimed indie artist whose work spans pop, rock, and electronic music and typically blends raw emotional storytelling with LGBTQ+ themes. With over a decade of touring and over 20 million streams to his name, Goss continues to be a fearless voice for authenticity, inclusion, and joy in the queer community.
Released just in time for Pride season, “Gay Stuff” is tailormade for dance floors, drag brunches, and backyard parties alike. “Of course, it’s a Pride anthem,” Goss says. “Happy Pride, everybody!”
As for how he hopes fans will respond to the track? Says Goss: “The next time you’re offered something fun to do but that little voice in your head says, ‘I can’t, I’m not [fill in the blank]’ I want you to think of ‘Gay Stuff’ and do it anyway. Embrace the weird. Embrace the joy. Life is too short not to.”
“Gay Stuff” will be available for streaming on all major platforms beginning July 14. Its video will be on YouTube.
Visit http://tomgossmusic.com
Follow Tom Goss on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
COVER ‘GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN’ CYNDI LAUPER’S FAREWELL TOUR
BY RYAN TURRIN
Cyndi Lauper is about to head out on the final leg of her extensive year-long Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour, with 24 North American tour dates for this summer. The cross-continent tour of outdoor amphitheaters and performing arts centers began July 17 and included Jones Beach in Wantagh, NY on July 19 and then two nights at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on August 29 and 30. Lauper recently appeared on Good Morning America and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to reflect on her farewell tour, as well as her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Tickets are available now at LiveNation. com + cyndilauper.com. The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, pre-show VIP lounge, specially designed VIP gift item & more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com. American pop musician and songwriter Jake Wesley Rogers will join as the tour opener. Rogers was discovered by Justin Tranter and has previously opened for Panic! At the Disco and Kesha in addition to playing major festivals and his own headline tour.
Lauper’s international Farewell Tour –her first major headlining run in a decade –kicked off in North America last October and included her first time ever headlining (and selling out) Madison Square Garden. Lauper’s performances have earned tremendous raves from the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Variety, Vulture, USA Today, New York Post and many more, and surprise
guests including Chaka Khan, Sam Smith, and Hayley Williams. The tour just visited the U.K. and Europe, Australia and Japan.
Lauper has also been raising money for the Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights Fund at the Tides Foundation since the Farewell Tour launched last fall. So far, approximately $200,000 has been raised through direct donations fans have made at her shows and through efforts like online campaigns in partnership with FanDiem.
This summer, Cyndi Lauper invited three leading organizations to come on the road with her to help her fans register to vote and take action on issues that matter to them. At most shows, an “Action Center” will be erected for concert goers to stop by and visit with the Human Rights Campaign, League of Women Voters, and Planned Parenthood. As Lauper
always says, “knowledge is power” and she continues her longstanding efforts to ensure that the public is informed about the issues that are impacting their lives and the lives of their family and friends, as well as have opportunities to be a part of the solution.
Lauper – the GRAMMY, EMMY and TONY-winning artist celebrated for her history-making albums, music videos, advocacy and ever-evolving style –developed a unique show to connect her hits with the visual art she loves. Original collaborations featuring the work of Yayoi Kusama, Daniel Wurtzel, fashion designer Christian Siriano, and Geoffrey Mac play a key role in the concert presentation. The Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour is produced by Live Nation and designed in partnership with Brian Burke Creative. It’s been a tremendous past 12 months
for Lauper, in addition to her tour and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Let The Canary Sing, a feature-length documentary film directed by Alison Elwood, is streaming on Paramount Plus, and she has been celebrated with appearances on Graham Norton, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the TODAY Show, Watch What Happens Live and The Kelly Clarkson Show. The Empire State Building was lit in canary yellow in her honor, and she has been profiled by CBS Sunday Morning, Vulture, the New York Times and Variety among many others. She was also honored with a hand imprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood (with an introduction by her friends Cher and Bebe Rexha), and introduced Sabrina Carpenter’s performance at the MTV VMA Awards last fall.
Tickets Available Now on LiveNation.com + cyndilauper.com
LGBTQ people are among the many subgroups of Americans known to experience high rates of food insecurity.*
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert provides food for 30,000+ people annually.
*The Williams Institute
BOOK REVIEW ALWAYS OVERBOOKED
BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
The Wicked Witch was one thing but those flying simians with their booming voices? Ugh, they gave you nightmares for weeks. And despite that you knew how things would end – you’d seen the movie annually, for heaven’s sake – let’s just say you spent a lot of time covering your eyes. So now be like a Lion. Get uncowardly and find “Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM” by Scott Brogan.
When most people think about Judy Garland, two images come to mind: the teenager in pigtails or “The one-dimensional image of an always suffering and always tragic Garland…” Neither one, says Brogan, is totally correct. In reality, Garland was “positive, joyful, and funny.”
Her parents, Ethel and Frank Gumm, were performers who moved their little family around Michigan and Wisconsin before landing in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, where their youngest child, Frances, was born in 1922. An adorable baby, little Frances loved an audience almost from the time she could walk; her parents happily added her to the family troupe.
In 1926, the Gumms performed their way across the country to Los Angeles, where Frances and her sisters appeared in many shows, but critics were not entirely impressed. Still, Ethel pushed, and the girls toured with Paramount Circuit in the northwest, and then in Chicago in 1934 where Frances had “one of [her] biggest career milestones.”
By 1935, she was formally using the name “Judy Garland” onstage and she’d secured informal representation. That same year, she signed a contract with MGM, a studio which took a neartotal control it “would exert over Garland’s personal life” and her schedule, denying her wish to be with her father at the end of his life and dictating what she ate or didn’t eat.
Still, says Brogan, their methods worked: by the time Garland was twenty years old, her “career seemed to know no limits.”
Page through “Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM” and you’ll instantly know that you’re in for a treat: this book is loaded with photos, stills, publicity shots, and newspaper recreations. There’s a lot to look at here, but what there is to read is better.
Author Scott Brogan makes Judy Garland his raison d’ȇre in this book, but it’s not entirely all about her. Brogan shares an overview of the movie studio that made her famous, including what is arguably her most top-of-mind film, the gossip that surrounded it then, and the mythology that still lives on. There’s a comprehensive list of World War II-era appearances that Garland made, and what happened
at each one. If you’re expecting dirt-dishing, you’ll read about her father’s secret, her marriages, and her addictions, but not in an overthe-top scandalous way. Brogan is factual, inclusive, and respectful, just as you’d want.
If you’re planning on having guests soon, put “Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM” away or your guests will want to read, rather than mingle. It’s the kind of coffee-table book that, for fans, will make you Get Happy.
“Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM” by Scott Brogan c.2025, Lyons Press $65.00 405 pages
The Monkeys Used to Scare You a Lot.
STAGE DEZART PERFORMS UNVEILS SEASON 18 AT NEW DEZART PLAYHOUSE
BY EILEEN BREEN
Dezart Performs (dezartperforms.org) is proud to announce its new home: the Dezart Playhouse, formerly the First Church of Christ, Scientist, an architectural landmark designed in 1957 by Robson Chambers and Albert Frey. Two groundbreaking works, one in art, one in architecture, debuted in 1957 with bold, visionary clarity. On Broadway, West Side Story premiered, redefining musical theatre with its fusion of classical form, jazz, Latin rhythms and raw social commentary.
Meanwhile in Palm Springs, the Chambers & Frey-designed church, now the new Dezart Playhouse, was completed: a midcentury modern masterpiece that married minimalist elegance with spiritual purpose.
Dezart Performs honors the landmark year of 1957 with A Gala Celebration: West Side Story In Concert featuring a live orchestra and vocal ensemble, opening November 13, 2025, with additional performances November 14 and 15, marking the official debut of the new Dezart Playhouse.
“This moment is deeply personal and profoundly joyful. Opening the doors to our new home with West Side Story—a piece so full of passion, longing, and hope—feels like a beautiful full-circle moment. It’s not just our celebration; it belongs to every audience member, artist, and supporter who’s believed in us. Your love, your loyalty, your laughter in the seats—this is what built the Dezart Playhouse.” – Michael Shaw, Artistic Director
Though strikingly different in form, both West Side Story and the Chambers & Frey-designed church, now home to Dezart Performs, emerged from a postwar America wrestling with identity, division and hope. Each stand as a timeless reflection of its era’s cultural pulse: one expressed through music and movement, the other through glass, concrete and light. Both defied convention and both endured as icons of American creativity in 1957.
Directed by Dennis Courtney with musical direction by Stephen Hulsey, the team behind last season’s acclaimed Falsettos, A Gala Celebration: West Side Story In Concert will spotlight the emotional depth and musical brilliance of Leonard Bernstein’s legendary score, celebrating both the production and the grand opening of the Dezart Playhouse. Ticket prices range from $187 to $535 (including fees). The Opening Night performance on November 13, 2025, includes a pre-show reception on the patio beginning at 5:30 PM, followed by the performance at 7:00 PM.
Additional performances will be held on November 14 and 15 at 7:00 PM, with a 6:00 PM reception preceding each show.
Tickets go on sale to the public August 15, 2025, and can be purchased online or by calling the Box Office at 760-322-0179.
Following the Gala celebration, Dezart Performs continues its bold 2025/26 Season with a dynamic lineup of plays that reflect the enduring commitment to powerful storytelling, diverse voices and thought-provoking theatre.
Winner of the 2025 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, Eureka Day by Jonathan Spector is a razor-sharp social satire that dives into the fault lines of liberal America with biting wit and surprising heart. Set at a progressive private school in Berkeley, California, the play centers on a well-intentioned school board trying to maintain unity
and inclusivity, until a mumps outbreak triggers a fierce debate over vaccinations, personal freedom and public health. As tensions rise, Eureka Day captures the spirit of our times and leaves audiences laughing, cringing and reflecting on what it truly means to listen. Directed by Michael Shaw, EUREKA DAY runs January 14-25, 2026.
In the West Coast Premiere of Destroying David by Jason Odell Williams, an unnamed art restorer/docent gives the audience a private after-hours tour of Michelangelo’s David at Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia. Interacting with the audience to describe the peculiar history of the David statue, as well as their own personal history, we slowly discover they are grieving the death of their son David and have gathered this private tour because they believe the only way to heal is to destroy the most beautiful thing in the world: Michelangelo’s David. Funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting, Destroying David is an ode to the beauty, resilience and power of art to help us through our darkest hours. The West Coast premiere will be directed by Craig Wells and runs February 25-March 8, 2026.
Ending the Dezart Playhouse inaugural season is the 1995 Tony Award winner for Best Play, Love! Valour! Compassion! by Terrence McNally. Eight gay men gather at a lakeside house over three summer weekends to laugh, love, confront fears and bare their souls. Set in the 1990s against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, Terrence McNally’s profoundly moving, and sharply funny play explores friendship, betrayal and the power of community in the face of loss. Love! Valour! Compassion! will be directed by Phil McKinley and runs April 8-19, 2026.
New Season subscription packages for Eureka Day, Destroying David and Love! Valour! Compassion! go on sale July 29, 2025; Individual tickets for all plays go on sale September 12, 2025.
STAGE
DAPHEALTH
PREP IS FOR EVERYONE. FULL STOP. EXPERTS AGREE THAT HIV PREVENTION IS PRIMARY CARE.
BY DANIEL VAILLANCOURT
More than 100 community members accepted DAP Health’s invitation to attend moderated conversation “Next Gen Care: Innovations in HIV Prevention,” sponsored by Gilead Sciences at Hunters Nightclubs Palm Springs on Arenas Road on the evening of Tuesday, July 22. The two-hour special event was facilitated by beloved local drag artist Miss Rusty Waters.
The consensus among the trio of panelists — DAP Health Director of Specialty Services Dr. Jason Halperin, Gilead Sciences Associate Director for Community Engagement & Advocacy Dr. Oscar Mairena, and Gilead Sciences Senior Medical Scientist for U.S. HIV Medical Affairs Thomas Deem, MSN, FNP-BC, AAHIVS — is that we currently have every tool needed to end the HIV epidemic. And yet, serious (though not insurmountable) barriers remain.
“This is really a dream we’ve all had — to get to the point where we have so many options that I can guarantee prevent HIV,” said Halperin. “We have [two different daily] oral medications, we have injectable medications — some that you take every two months, newer ones now that are once every six months.”
Gilead Sciences was the first to develop PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention, launching its daily oral agent Truvada (now available generically) in 2012. Descovy followed in 2016. On June 18, the FDA approved the pharmaceutical giant’s Yeztugo (pronounced yez-TOO-go), the long-lasting injectable lenacapavir, which needs to be administered in a clinical setting as two bilateral subcutaneous shots just twice a year, six months apart.
DAPHEALTH
Halperin said his biggest concern is the current administration in Washington placing so many barriers between patients and this wide array of tools. “Medi-Cal is a lifeline for so many of our patients to access HIV treatment and HIV prevention,” he continued. “This is not just in California, but throughout the country. So, if there’s anything I feel we should be all fighting for, it’s to not defund Medicaid, but to fund Medicaid so that we have as much access to these services as possible.”
PrEP is for everyone
Even though verifiable HIV prevention has been in existence for almost 13 years, the CDC estimates there are still 32,000 new infections annually in the U.S. That’s approximately 90 seroconversions per day.
“PrEP is for all bodies, all people, all genders, all sexual orientations. It’s there to protect anybody who’s sexually active,” said Deem. “PrEP is for everyone, no matter who you are, where you come from, or where you want to be.”
Too many individuals either don’t think PrEP is for them, or mistakenly believe its access is out of reach. Unbelievably, many others still don’t even know it exists.
“For too many people, HIV is just not something they talk about,” said Mairena. “The urgency around HIV has been lost to a [great] extent. So, we still have a lot of work to do to make HIV and HIV prevention relevant to the people who need it most.
“Because, if we look at who’s acquiring HIV, it’s disproportionately people of color. About 38% of new HIV infections are among Black individuals. About 34% are among Latino individuals. But then, if you look at who’s on PrEP, only 14% of users are Black, and only 18% are Latino. So, we’re missing the mark on who needs to be on PrEP and who should have the conversation with their providers about PrEP. And too many people just don’t see that as an option for them,
or don’t see it as relevant to their life.”
Sexual wellness is primary care
The panelists agreed that today, HIV prevention is primary care — and that more providers of all stripes, including those who test for HIV, should have more frank conversations with their patients about PrEP.
With the CDC estimating that 3.4 million HIV tests are given every year in the U.S., Mairena sees that as “3.4 million opportunities to talk about PrEP at some point, unless they’re already on it … but that linkage isn’t being made. HIV testing is great and important, but it’s not HIV prevention.”
“We love our HIV specialists, I am one myself,” said Deem. “But we don’t need them for HIV prevention, for the most part. Every primary care provider in Palm Springs should be able to offer PrEP to their patients when they ask.”
“I don’t want to put that onus on the patient,” suggested Halperin. “There needs to be a change of culture in the health care system where sexual wellness is core to healthy living…. We need to do more to destigmatize the fact that people are sexually active.”
“We have to normalize [PrEP] the way we normalize birth control or reproductive health,” added Mairena. “People have options in that space, and they get to talk to any provider about it. We’re not there yet with HIV prevention, but hopefully we will get there.”
“We do a pretty good job giving people cholesterol medicine to prevent a stroke,” continued Deem. “For people with asthma, we have inhalers to help [them] not have an asthma attack. We’re doing prevention in so many different arenas of health care. We need to break down the walls when it comes to HIV and sexual health stigma to realize these are just other health conditions. Sex is a part of life. Sex is a part of being healthy and happy. Just like not having a heart attack is. And we should be able to protect everyone in the way they want to protect themselves.”
Ensuring access
For those people who understand they could benefit from PrEP, but who feel the cost is prohibitive, every expert on the panel agreed there are invaluable resources to help with access.
DAP Health has three free sexual wellness clinics (in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Indio) and will soon open one in Oceanside near San Diego. All of them are staffed with PrEP navigators. “We are committed to providing all of the PrEP options for whatever a patient desires,” confirmed Halperin.
“Pharmaceutical companies also have programs that provide assistance,” added Mairena. “There are so many ways to access PrEP, and I think, unfortunately, a lot of times people don’t see it as an option for them and don’t even have that conversation. They selfdisqualify, almost.”
That’s where all of us can become lifesavers, Mairena offered. “If you have that friend who should be on PrEP and isn’t doing it and isn’t having that conversation — or has some myths that need busting, help us out with that. Because peer to peer is really where a lot of that change is done.”
Final words
Near the conclusion of the program, Waters asked each panelist for their last thoughts.
“Believe in science,” said Deem, stressing what most everybody already knows: that science is under attack right now. “It’s real. It’s gotten us to this point in the epidemic, and it’s gonna get us out of the epidemic. Science and community together. But we must have both parts.”
“From the DAP Health side … we are part of this community,” added Halperin. “We welcome anyone interested in HIV care, HIV prevention, and sexual wellness. Our red carpet is out for our community.” He added that Medicaid’s expansion has done more to ensure health equity in this country than anything else. “If we’re committed to this, we really need to fight — really fight — to ensure Medicaid is not taken away.”
“If everyone in this room talks to three people about how HIV is still a thing,” concluded Mairena. “And then, they also talk to two people about getting tested. And then they talk to one person about getting on PrEP — that’s the type of community-led mobilization we need to get to the end of the epidemic. We just can’t do it without community partners and without the community itself. We need to continue to stress that urgency around HIV prevention.”
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PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL APPROVES LANDMARK FLAGPOLE FOR ARENAS DISTRICT
The Palm Springs City Council approved a license agreement with Palm Springs Pride for the construction, installation, maintenance, and operation of a landmark flagpole in the Arenas District. This significant decision paves the way for a powerful symbol of hope, freedom, and equality in the heart of Palm Springs.
The Arenas District Flagpole Project will feature a prominent installation of the Gilbert Baker-designed Pride flag, considered the most significant piece of LGBTQ+ art created by Baker (June 2, 1951 - March 31, 2017). This landmark art installation commemorates the Black, white, Latino, Asian, and Native-born activists who have tirelessly fought for LGBTQ+ equality since the flag was first flown in San Francisco in 1978. It is planned to be located at Arenas Road and Indian Canyon Drive, a key gateway to the Arenas Business District. This vital project is spearheaded by the Arenas District Merchants and will be managed by the 40-year-old, 501(c)(3) nonprofit Palm Springs Pride organization.
Gilbert Baker’s iconic rainbow flag emerged from a request by the late gay supervisor Harvey Milk, who urged Baker, a gay artist,
to design a symbol for the 1978 San Francisco Pride parade. With the assistance of friends Lynn Segerblom and James McNamara, Baker initially created an eight-striped rainbow flag. He later refined the design to six colored stripes, transforming it into an international symbol of LGBTQ+ rights. The Baker flag was adopted as the official Pride Flag of Palm Springs Pride in 2011.
Much like the civil rights movement it represents, the flag’s journey is ongoing. Initially, the Rainbow Flag symbolized liberation, breaking free from fear and conformity, and the right to express one’s sexuality without shame or retaliation. In Palm Springs, this flag will soon stand as a powerful testament to freedom and equality for all.
Palm Springs prides itself on being one of the most welcoming and inclusive communities in the nation, and this landmark art installation will further reinforce that spirit.
The concept of a landmark flagpole in the Arenas District has been a topic of discussion among members of the Arenas Business District, the first certified business district under the City’s Commercial District Program, to attract visitors from downtown and
the Convention Center.
The flagpole will proudly display the Gilbert Baker-designed Pride flag. Approved alternative flags include the Transgender flag, designed by Monica F. Helms; the Leather Pride flag, designed by Anthony (Tony) F. DeBlase; the Bisexual Pride flag, designed by Michael Page; and the flag of the State of California. Additionally, the U.S. flag will be displayed on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. Flags can be lowered to halfstaff by presidential, gubernatorial, or local proclamation.
“In Palm Springs’ 87-year history, no other cultural or civic group has stepped forward to propose funding a landmark flagpole to honor their community. Yet today, the LGBTQ+ community is doing
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DESERT BLOOM 4
Desert Bloom 4, a weekend-long fisting event co-sponsored by the Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert, Rough Trade Gear, and Club 541, is building on the wonderful successes of our first three Desert Bloom events. The event will take place August 9-10 at Club 541 in Palm Springs. Desert Bloom 4 is going to be one for the record books, gentlemen! This is a weekend-long event. Purchasing the $100 weekend ticket gives you access to both fisting parties, Saturday and Sunday. Your ticket also allows you full access to Club 541 during their normal open hours, Friday, August 8th, through close on Sunday evening. In addition to the expanded hours and access, Desert Bloom 4 is also giving weekend ticket holders our wonderful t-shirts imprinted with our unique logo, courtesy of our friends at Rough Trade Gear, in addition to a few other free giveaways. We’ve new elements to provide more complexity to this event, including a certified masseur on-site Saturday to work out your deeper knots, as well as International Mr. Leather 2025 Rene Hebert, serving as our boot black on Sunday to get your boots looking sharp for their next positioning in the stirrups! We will also have two optional tutorial programs on offer, one entitled “Fisting to Music,” on Saturday and, on Sunday, “Toys and Fisting,” both delivered by well-known aficionados in the scene. Don’t forget cigars on the patio!!
Same day tickets are also available for $60 that gets access on either Saturday or Sunday from noon to five pm. For more info and to get tickets visit www.pslod.org
just that, championing a powerful symbol of pride and inclusivity for all to see,” said Ron deHarte, the President and CEO of Palm Springs Pride. As Mayor of Palm Springs, Ron was recused from participating in this project.
“You can support the Landmark Pride Flag. We’re actively raising funds for the Arenas District Pride Flagpole, an incredible piece of art that will symbolize hope and commemorate the tireless fight for equality among activists of all backgrounds,” said Mitch Battersby, the Palm Springs Pride Director of Volunteers and a project lead.
Pledge your support today and stand tall with Pride at https://bit.ly/arenasflag
PALM SPRINGS GAY MEN’S CHORUS SEASON 2025/2026
Tickets are on sale for the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus (PSGMC) 2025-2026 season at the historic Plaza Theatre. Following a headline-making season announcement in the spring, fans can now purchase seats for a duo of spectacular performances that promise everything from glittering holiday magic to rhinestone-studded joy. As The Plaza Theatre’s Official Inaugural Resident Artists, PSGMC kicks off its 26th season at the fully restored downtown venue with their biggest and best holiday spectacular yet. Celebrating the holidays in grand style, the season opens December 19–21, 2025, with “Bells, Brass, & Sass,” a glittering spectacular featuring timeless holiday favorites such as Elf The Musical and The Sound of Music. These joyous performances continue with “Rhinestones and Rainbows,” April 24–26, 2026—a spirited celebration of authenticity and sparkle inspired by Dolly Parton. Expect high-energy performances, bedazzled boots, and soulful harmonies that shine as brightly as Palm Springs itself.
Tickets are priced from $30 to $85 (excluding Ticketmaster fees), with over 150 mezzanine seats at $30 offering a fantastic opportunity to experience PSGMC live. As part of the Plaza Theatre’s comprehensive restoration and commitment to technology,
the venue features a Williams AV C5 2 Induction Loop System, ensuring an enhanced audio experience for guests who benefit from hearing-assisted devices. Tickets for all shows are on sale now at www.PSGMC.com and www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com
COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY ANNOUNCES 2025-2026 SEASON
Coachella Valley Repertory officially announces its 2025-2026 Season. To please and intrigue CVRep audiences and theatre lovers from throughout the Desert resort area of Coachella Valley:
• Dear Evan Hansen (December 3-21, 2025) - The regional premiere of six-time Tony® Award winner.
• One Man, Two Guvnors (January 14-February 1, 2026)The ingenious Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics awardwinning comic retelling of The Servant of Two Masters.
• Guys And Dolls (February 25-March 15, 2026) - Too much fun, the iconic stage and film masterpiece that has been called the perfect musical comedy.
• Ernest Shackelton Loves Me (April 22-May 10, 2026) - The stylish new musical comedy that takes us on a funny and romantic, if possibly improbable adventure.
CVRep Executive Artistic Director Adam Karsten said, “The generosity and graciousness of our patrons, donors, and media inspire
us to plan seasons that are entertaining, intriguing, and produced with the highest standards of professionalism and creativity. For our 2025-2026 Season, we have decided to present four shows, each running three weeks. Dear Evan Hansen; One Man, Two Guvnors; Guys and Dolls, and Ernest Shackelton Loves Me are unique and affecting in their individual ways. We look forward to sharing this season’s adventures with theatre veterans, newbies and young and not as young. It’s all good!”
Subscriptions are available now; single tickets will go on sale August 1.
2025 CV LIP SYNC BATTLE: WARM UP THOSE JAZZ HANDS AND GET READY TO RUMBLE!
Comedian Shann Carr and The LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert are thrilled to bring you the CV Lip Sync Battle. It’s happening Saturday, September 6th at 6:00 PM in the big theatre at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Get ready for a night of wild performances.
This isn’t your grandma’s talent show (unless your grandma can lip sync to Beyoncé, in either case, bring her). This year, nine teams from some of the valley’s most beloved organizations will battle for $1,000, bragging rights, and a year’s supply of local glory.
Who’s bringing the heat? The 2025 lineup includes teams from: American Cancer Society (because laughter is the best medicine)
Animal Samaritans (expect some paws-itively wild moves)
Cancer Support Community (bringing the support with sparkle) Cathedral city LGBT+ Days (bringing pride from the streets to the stage)
Desert Business Association (networking, but with sequins)
Friends of the Desert Mountains (they’ll rock you like a landslide)
L-FUND (lip syncing for lesbians)
Palm Springs Parks and Recreation (they’ve got moves and maybe a whistle)
Safe House PS (safe, but not from the fierce competition)
“The Lip Sync Battle proves that even desk nerds can whip up some ‘it factor,’” says Shann Carr, the Battle’s producer since 2015. That first year, Mike Thompson, Executive Director of The Center won first place. In fact, The Center‘s team has always placed in the top three and this year has graduated to co-presenting the event! Shann says, “I get to help business leaders, overworked Executive Directors, and therapy dog handlers shine like pop stars!”
As always, last year’s contestants return as judges and coaches, offering advice and maybe some side-eye to this year’s fresh talent. The costumes are wild, the competition is hilariously intense , and the lip syncing will make you grin every time you hear those songs again. Whether you’re cheering for your favorite team or just in it for the laughs, this is another one of Shann’s can’t-miss summer events created specifically for locals to play together. Come for the fun, stay for the mayhem, and leave with a smile.
Tickets: $50/VIP $80 http://bit.ly/cvlipsync25
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Palm Springs Cultural Center – Big Theatre
MUSTSEE SERGIO DONDOLI’S HAPPY LIFE CELEBRATES THE JOY OF CRAFT, GELATO, AND LIVING FULLY
BY MIKE NELSON
Sergio Dondoli’s Happy Life is a joyful and heartwarming documentary that captures the passion and spirit of one of the world’s most celebrated gelato artisans. Set in the stunning Tuscan countryside, the award-winning film offers a rich, sensory journey through the life of Sergio Dondoli, whose infectious enthusiasm for his craft—and for life—has captivated visitors from around the globe.
“Sergio’s journey from a modest upbringing to gelato master is incredibly inspiring,” says the film’s out director, Jay Arnold. “But it was his high regard for the environment, the cows that provide milk, and his commitment to the use of organic, whole foods, that moved me so deeply. In a sense, the film is very much a story of love.”
Dondoli began his culinary journey studying hospitality in Montecatini Terme, Italy. After traveling throughout Europe and honing his skills, he opened the now-iconic Gelateria Dondoli in San Gimignano’s Piazza della Cisterna in 1992. Known for his innovative, trademarked flavors made from high-quality local ingredients such as Crema di Santa Fina (saffron and pine nuts), Champelmo (pink grapefruit and sparkling wine), and Dolceamaro (cream with aromatic herbs), Dondoli has earned numerous accolades, including two Ice Cream World Championships and two Ice Cream World Cup titles as part of Team Italy. Additional favorite flavors he is known for are Rosemary’s Baby (rosemary and raspberry), Venere Nera (blackberry and lavender), and various chocolate and fruit-based creations.
Sergio Dondoli’s Happy Life features appearances by Italian culinary legends including world-renowned butcher Dario Cecchini of Panzano and Chef Gaetano Trovato of Arnolfo, Tuscany’s longest-running two-Michelin-starred restaurant. “The film is a vibrant celebration of joy, food, and purpose,” says Rich Wolff, CEO of Breaking Glass Pictures. “You can’t watch Happy Life without smiling.”
The film has won several major festival awards, including Best Feature Documentary at the 2025 East Village New York Film Festival and Best Documentary at the 2025 Red Movie Awards (Winter Edition). It was also named Best Indie Feature at the 2024
Los Angeles Film Awards and received honors for Best Food Film and Best Biographical Feature Film at the 2024 World Film Festival in Cannes.
Jay Arnold’s previous work includes the romantic comedy What Happens Next and the award-winning drama Shoulder Dance. With Happy Life, Arnold makes his documentary feature debut. He cowrote the film with Kyle XY’s Matt Dallas and Jillian Hurley, and produced it alongside Dallas, Hurley, Frank Lomento, and Gabriel Munitz-Alessio, who also served as cinematographer. Sergio Dondoli is the film’s executive producer.
The Center Coachella provides a safe inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ Community in
MY KIND OF TOWN
BY JILL LANGHAM
I hope you’re all having a great Summer Season; I am happy to report that I am!
I just returned from Chicago; a city I called home for eight years back in 1980-88. It was in the days when winter was fierce, the snow and temperatures wicked and the moniker, “the Windy City,” was more than appropriate.
It’s a different city today with only two snow falls in the last two years! And thank God that the “Dog Days of Summer,” seem very tolerable.
I spent time in Boys-town(shocking I know ) visiting Hydrate and finally Sidetracks, the oldest and longest running gay bar in the City.
Hulu is home to the documentary called, Art & Pep, named after the two original owners , who opened their doors in 1980, to give a place for gay men to go during the AIDS crisis or the gay-cancer era as it was known at the time.
In the documentary, the owners share the story of opening night which a good one but was followed by a graffiti tagline being scrawled on their front door identifying it as a “Fag Bar!” At first, they were dismayed by the tag and then after an attitude adjustment decided to leave it as their identifying sign! I remember going to the original space with my then bi-boyfriend. We went to so many clubs back in those days and used to dance the night away.
Studio 54 had opened in NYC in 1977, and Carol’s Speakeasy opened the next year in Chicago. Carol’s was a great club where so many of us went regularly. Sadly, it is also where serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer picked up victim Jeremiah Weinberger!
Limelight would not open in Chicago in 1985, so we were forced to go to more of the local watering holes to socialize and knowing me like you do, know I danced in them all.
But Sidetracks never lost their verve for wanting to provide gay men with a safe place to go and like so many gay bars in the 80’s,
because LGBTQ+ health matters
started as a single-room storefront in a very different and rather seedy location. But have they evolved. In their present location on Halstead St., there are not one storefront, but instead eight storefronts, each having their own personality and charm.
There is a fabulous outside rooftop patio which again is unique and offers natural light and has its own two bars on the second floor. There entire complex is over 15,000sq ft., and it is said that Quads here in Palm Springs used Sidetrack’s as their example of what a show-tunes bar should offer.
I really enjoyed myself and what made it even that more special was being greeted by so many casual friends, acquaintances, and evidently fans who welcomed me to Sidetracks. At one point as I was dancing at the rooftop bar, I went to buy a second drink from the bartender, and he said, “It’s on the house!” Can’t beat that!
The owners Art and Pep were not there that afternoon but are there on a regular basis. They are well known to all their loyal customers and truly loved. People openly shared stories about them and I was sad to not have been able to thank them in person for letting me be a tiny part of their 45-year-old history.
You all know that I adore Palm Springs, but I will say that I could
see myself spending time in Chicago with my friend Kevin, who invited and hosted me. He created an incredible agenda which we managed to follow to a tee. I saw the newest development in the West Loop which had been an area to avoid when I lived there, is now a bustling metropolis of bars, restaurants, stores, and trendy hotels.
He also showed me a part of Chicago that I never knew existed including the famous Rosehill Cemetery, where famous people like Oscar Mayer, Montgomery Ward, Richard Sears and Leo Burnett to name a few, who are laid to rest. There are over 55,000 people buried there, and I saw head stones that were dating back to 1810, but I’ll bet there are ones even older. To give you a perspective, it is quite large at 350 acres (.55 sq. miles) whereas Central Park is 1.25sq. miles.
All in all, my trip was fantastic and has whet my whistle for more travel. I leave for Fire Island at the end of July to attend the famous fund-raising party known as the Pines, so stay tuned for more adventures.
XOXO,
Jill, your 70-year-old, social security collecting, Dancing Queen!
TRAVEL DRAG ME TO SEA: A SLAYCATION LIKE NO OTHER
BY MAX JIMENEZ
If your idea of the perfect vacation involves cocktails, charisma, and a cast of drag royalty, it’s time to pack your heels and head for the high seas. Drag Me to Sea, the ultimate drag cruise extravaganza, will set sail March 8, 2026, aboard the luxurious Norwegian Bliss, for a week-long journey bursting with glamour, glitter, and community.
The seven-night cruise departs from Los Angeles and drops anchor in Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlán. But this is no ordinary tropical getaway—this is a floating festival of fabulousness, featuring fifteen of the fiercest queens from around the world. Expect powerhouse performances, non-stop entertainment, and themed events that redefine what it means to vacation with pride.
The brainchild of producers Tim Evanicki, Steven Levins, Ricardo Torres, and the indelible Ed Popil—better known as Mrs. Kasha Davis—Drag Me to Sea was created in response to fan demand. “Our
fans kept asking when we’d take this party on the road,” says Evanicki. “So, we partnered with Cruise Planners and Norwegian Cruise Line to create a floating drag utopia like nothing else on the seas.”
The queen-studded lineup reads like a dream: Detox, Darienne Lake, Jasmine Masters, Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Hannah Conda, Thorgy Thor, Varla Jean Merman, Dixie Longate, and the iconic Sister Roma will all be onboard. And of course, Mrs. Kasha Davis herself, who’s not only co-producing but also celebrating her 55th birthday with a roast featuring “some of the sharpest tongues on the roster.”
“This cruise is more than just a vacation,” says Mrs. Davis. “It’s a slaycation—a glam-buoyant celebration of drag, community, and pure joy on the open sea.”
Unlike standard themed cruises, Drag Me to Sea is a private group experience curated exclusively for its guests. That means every drag brunch, lip-sync battle, karaoke night, and cabaret
show is designed just for those who book with Drag Me to Sea. VIP packages may have already sold out, but all cruisers can look forward to exclusive access to events, nightly performances, and intimate hangouts with the queens—anywhere from the pool deck to the ship’s casino or even the sauna.
The cruise offers something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned drag aficionado or a first timer looking for a safe, welcoming community. Mrs. Kasha Davis, a longtime advocate of kindness and inclusion, ensures the environment is one where every guest feels seen. “We’re a private group, so you’ll never have to worry about being on display. We’ve created a safe space where everyone can be their authentic selves—whether they’re LGBTQ+, allies, or somewhere in between.”
Onshore, guests will enjoy excursions as extra as the cruise itself: tequila tastings, snorkeling, cultural city tours, and surprise
performances from queens in port. “Sand, shopping, and cocktails!” Mrs. Davis teases. “And in Puerto Vallarta, we’re partnering with local drag shows for even more fun off the ship.”
Package pricing includes entertainment, beverage packages, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and port charges, so the only thing you’ll need to worry about is saving room in your suitcase for souvenirs—and maybe a wig or two. Prices increase on September 1, 2025, and will continue to rise, so early booking is highly encouraged.
“My advice?” says Mrs. Kasha Davis. “Bring layers, pack your fiber, book excursions early—and come ready to make memories. You’ll find your people on this ship.”
Visit for info www.DragMeToSea.com
2025 EVENTS
DATE EVENT
July 3-5
July 4
July5, Aug 9&16
July 6
July 10,17, & 24
July 18-20
July 19-20
July 19
Aug 8-10 & 15-17
Aug 14-17
Aug 22
Aug 22
Aug 27
Sept 6
Sept 12-14
Sept 24-29
Oct 4
Oct 4
Oct 4
Oct 9-12
Oct 10
Oct 11
Oct 16-19
Oct 17
Oct 18
Oct 21-25
Oct 24
Oct 26
Oct 30-Nov 2
Oct 31
Nov 6 - 9
All American 4th of July Weekend / Palm Springs
4th of July Fireworks / Big Bear Lake
Que Calor Pool Party / The Velvet Rope
Women’s Tea Dance / Palm Springs Surf Club
Cocktail Cinema / Palm Springs Art Museum
Gay Wine Weekend / Russian River
San Diego Pride 2025
Mid-Summer Dance Party / The Center
Splash House 2025
Big Bear Romp
Out on the Mountain / Six Flags
Dogust Birthday Bash + Bingo / Rowan Hotel
The August Center Social / Gay Desert Guide
Celeb Lip Sync Battle
Gay Days Anaheim 2025
The Dinah / The Riviera Resort
One Night Out Paris / PS Art Museum
Singing With The Desert Stars III
Pride Under the Pines / Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Music Festival
The Life and Music of George Michael / The Show
RuPaul Werq the World Tour 2025 / The Show
Modernism Week - October
Center Stage Gala / The Center CV
Casual Concours / Great Auto’s
IGLTA Convention in Palm Springs
Palm Springs Pride Equality Walk / Arenas District
East Coachella Valley Pride
Palm Springs Leather Pride 2025
Halloween on Arenas
Palm Springs Pride 2025 (Parade Sunday 10 am)
CALENDAR
AUG 13-17
AUG 5-10
PROVIDENCE LGBTQ FILM FESTIVAL
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
Now in its 26th year, the Providence LGBTQ Film Festival is an annual sidebar of the Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival. Rhode Island filmgoers can discover a diverse sampling of international and domestic films made by and for members of the LGBTQ community from over 60+ countries. Ranging from romantic comedies, journeys of discover, to concerns affecting the trans community, the Film Festival has been curated to complement the LGBTQ Experience. Info at www.film-festival.org
AUG 8-10
NORTHALSTED MARKET DAYS
Northalsted Market Days® is a weekend long, live music street festival celebrating community in Chicago’s landmark Northalsted / Lakeview neighborhood. The 1/2-mile-long summer festival features all-day lineups of live music on 5 stages, 250+ vendors, food and drink, dance exhibitions, drag performance, and more! www.northalsted.com
TROPICAL HEAT 2025 KEY WEST, FLORIDA
Tropical Heat - Key West’s hottest event for men. The temperature is not the only thing that will rise during Tropical Heat. The all-male theme parties, pool parties and entertainment promises to be hot. August on the island is always hot, but during Tropical Heat it promises to be steamy. What can you do for four days of all-male themed parties and gay, adult-oriented entertainment? Come find out on this tropical island. https://gaykeywestfl.com/tropical-heat/
AUG 14-17
OUTSOUTH QUEER FILM FESTIVAL. DURHAM, NORTH
CAROLINA
The OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival is the second largest gay and lesbian film festival in the Southeast, bringing in thousands of patrons every year. Since its start in 1995, the Festival features a diverse array of shorts, documentaries and feature films. The Festival celebrates a worldwide glimpse of today’s gay, lesbian and transgender life, helps bring the community together and features entertaining and sophisticated films and filmmaking. https://carolinatheatre. org/festival/outsouth/
AUG 14-21
CAMP CAMP PORTLAND, MAINE
Structured just like the sleep-away summer camp that you remember from when you were young (er), Camp offers a full program of great outdoor, athletic, and arts & crafts activities along with a variety of entertaining evening social events. Located in scenic southwestern Maine, ‘Camp’ Camp is the perfect alternative vacation for adventurous members of the LGBT community looking for a unique vacation option beyond the usual gay cruise or resort. www.campcamp.com
AUG 28-SEPT 2
SOUTHERN DECADENCE NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Southern Decadence started fifty-three years ago as a simple going-away party. As a top gay Labor Day Weekend destination, it has evolved into one of the world’s major annual events. It is one of the largest annual celebrations and festivals in New Orleans, and has become known as the “Gay Mardi Gras.” People begin to arrive on the Wednesday before Labor Day, and generally don’t even think about stopping or going home until the following Tuesday. www.southerndecadence.net
AUG 9-17
CIRCUIT FESTIVAL BARCELONA, SPAIN
Circuit Festival means discovering the best music on earth, meeting with friends from all over the world and making new ones, celebrating cultural and affective diversity, discovering a city that has an endless leisure and cultural offer, visiting beautiful beaches and incredible places… But, above it all, we want Circuit Festival to be the place where your dreams can come true. We’ll bring you 11 amazing days full of what you like best: 1 amazing city, 16 mind-blowing parties, 40 world class DJs and thousands of people from all over the world. www.circuitfestival.net
AUG 2-30
ANTWERP QUEER ARTS FESTIVAL
ANTWERP, BELGIUM
The Antwerp Queer Arts Festival has been celebrating gender and sexual diversity through art since 2014.
The AQAF is a multidisciplinary arts festival that questions gender and sexual diversity. It combines art with activism and academia. Since 2014, we have been programming both local performers and international talent across a variety of art forms: music,
literature, film, dance, theatre, exhibitions, and performances. We work with open calls and have a particular interest in new queer talent. Collaborating with academia and activists, we create a space and platform for people to express themselves and connect with others. https://www.queerarts.be/
AUG 21-26
XLSIOR MYKONOS. MYKONOS, GREECE
One island, over 30,000 people from all over the world all connected by love and the universal language of music. This is who we are and this is what XLSIOR is all about. Old friends, new friends and loved ones. This is where all the magic begins. Bringing you one of the most exclusive international Summer Gay Festivals in the world. As every year, XLSIOR grows bigger and brings you more. For info visit www.xlsiorfestival.com
AUG 28-31
RVKBEAR. REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
RVKBear is not your average bear run— it’s an intimate gathering with exclusive experiences for our event pass holders. Whether you’re soaking in Iceland’s most famous geothermal lagoons, exploring the Golden Circle, or dancing the night away
at our legendary parties, every moment is crafted for connection, adventure, and sheer bear joy. Join us in 2025 in Reykjavík, the northernmost capital in the world, and be part of this milestone year. The Land of Fire and Ice is calling—are you ready to answer? For more info visit www.reykjavikbear.is
AUG 29-SEP 6
ELLA INTERNATIONAL LESBIAN FESTIVAL PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN
Welcome to the 9th edition of the ELLA Festival, a culture, music, art and sports Festival thought for the modern LGBT woman in the gorgeous island of Mallorca, just a couple of flight hours away from your city! Enjoy the sun, the crystalline sea, lay down on the beach, vibrate to the sound of the best international artists and shows, and meet women from all over the world! www.ellafestival.com
SEPT 11-21
VANCOUVER QUEER FILM FESTIVAL. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Illuminating queer lives through film for over 30 years; Out On Screen has proudly presented films that showcase the transformative moments in the lives of queer people. Telling stories of the journeys we have taken to find ourselves, each other and our place in the world. For complete schedule of films visit www.queerfilmfestival.ca
the3D’S DINE | DRINK | DANCE
RESTAURANTS
GRAND CENTRAL
160 La Plaza
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.699.7185
www.grandcentralpalmsprings.com
KOFFI NORTH (3 Additional Locations)
515 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.416.2244
www.kofficoffee.com
BOOZEHOUNDS PALM SPRINGS
2080 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.656.0067
www.boozehoundsps.com
1501 UPTOWN
1501 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.320.1501 www.1501uptown.com
TAC/QUILA
415 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.417.4471
www.tacquila.com
PS AIR BAR
611 S.Palm Canyon Dr. #22 Palm Springs CA 92262
760.327.7701 www.psairbar.com
TOWNIE BAGELS
650 E Sunny Dunes Rd #5 Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.459.4555
www.towniebagels.com
ON THE MARK
111 N Palm Canyon Dr. #155
Palm Springs CA 92262
760.832.8892
www.onthemarkpalmsprings.com
SHERMAN’S DELI & BAKERY
401 E Tahquitz Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.325.1199
www.shermansdeli.com
849
849 N Palm Canyon
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.325.8490
www.eight4nine.com
THAI SMILE PALM SPRINGS
100 South Indian Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.320.5503
www.thaismilepalmsprings.com
TRIO RESTAURANT
707 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.864.8746
www.triopalmsprings.com
THE TROPICALE
330 E Amado Road
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.866.1952
www.thetropicale.com
ZIN AMERICAN BISTRO
198 S Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA
760.322.6300
www.pszin.com
LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO
200 S Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.327.5858
www.lulupalmsprings.com
EL MIRASOL
140 E Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.323.0721
www.elmirasolrestaurants.com
RICK’S RESTAURANT
1973 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.416.0090
www.ricksrestaurant.biz
PINOCCHIO IN THE DESERT
134 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.322.3776
www.pinocchiops.com
BLACKBOOK BAR
315 E Arenas Road
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.832.8497
www.blackbookbar.com
BARS AND NIGHT CLUBS
HUNTERS NIGHTCLUB
302 East Arenas Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.323.0700
www.huntersnightclubs.com
TOUCAN’S TIKI LOUNGE
2100 North Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.416.7584
www.toucanstikilounge.com
CHILL BAR
217 E. Arenas Road
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.327.1079
www.chillbarpalmsprings.com
STREETBAR
224 E. Arenas Road
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.320.1266
www.psstreetbar.com
THE TOOL SHED
600 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.320.3299
www.toolshed-ps.com
QUADZ
200 S Indian Canyon
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.778.4326
AMP SPORTS LOUNGE
68-718 E. Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.699.7090
www.ampcatcity.com
ROOST BAR LOUNGE
68718 E Palm Canyon Dr #203 Cathedral City CA 92234
760.507.8495
www.theroostcc.com
ONE ELEVEN BAR
67555 E Palm Canyon Dr A103 Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.537.3111
www.oneelevenbar.com
RUNWAY
68300 Gay Resort Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.537.7800
www.runwayccbc.com
REFORMA
333 S. Palm Canyon #2 Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.902.6630
www.reformaps.com
DICK’S
301 E Arenas Road
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.327.0753
www.dicksps.com
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