2026 PALM SPRINGS PRIDE
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS + PS PRIDE GRAND MARSHAL CHEYENNE JACKSON EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
OCTOBER 2026 | VOLUME 14 ISSUE 10 | THESTANDARDPS.COM | @THESTANDARDPS
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CONTENTS VOLUME 14, ISSUE 10
2026 PALM SPRINGS PRIDE
theStandardPS.com
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS + PS PRIDE GRAND MARSHAL CHEYENNE JACKSON EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
twitter.com/theStandardPS OCTOBER 2026 | VOLUME 14 ISSUE 10 | THESTANDARDPS.COM | @THESTANDARDPS
PHOTO CREDIT BY VINCE TRUSPIN
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PSP FOCUS
5th ANNUAL PRIDE ON A PAGE PAGES 34-35
Volume 14 Issue 10 COVER PALM SPRINGS PRIDE 2026 “BE INCLUDED”
FEATURE THE PET SHOP BOYS A MAN FROM THE FUTURE
COVER GRAND MARSHALL CHEYENNE JACKSON EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
PSP FOCUS PRIDE ON THE PAGE LGBTQ+ AUTHORS, READERS & ALLIES COME TOGETHER
COVER PRIDE HEADLINERS THE COWGAYS MAKING PROUDFUL COUNTRY MUSIC
MUST SEE MENCRUSH A TOTALLY DIFFERENT STYLE OF REALITY SHOW OCTOBER 2026 3
COMMENTARY Why Celebrating Gay Pride Matters More Than Ever In a time when the political climate surrounding LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly contentious, celebrating Gay Pride is about much more than colorful parades, music, and festivities. It is an affirmation of identity, a celebration of freedom, and a powerful reminder that the right to live openly, authentically, and without fear should never be taken for granted. We who are fortunate enough to live a place like Palm Springs, do just that, take it for granted. Looking around the nation and sometimes the world we at times feel like we live in a bubble, immune to the crazy but we always must remember; Pride was born out of protest, resistance, and the fight for equality. What began as a movement demanding recognition and basic human rights has evolved into a global celebration of diversity, inclusion, and self-expression. But as we look at today’s political landscape, the importance of Pride’s original mission has never diminished. In many ways, it has become even more relevant. Across the country, LGBTQ+ issues remain at the center of political and cultural debates. Legislation addressing transgender rights, LGBTQ+ representation in schools, healthcare access, and protections against discrimination continues to shape the lives of millions. For many in the community, these debates are not abstract political arguments; they represent deeply personal questions about safety, dignity, equality, and the freedom to be themselves. Thus the importance of making every vote count. Celebrating Pride sends a message that LGBTQ+ people are visible, valued, and an essential part of our communities. It creates spaces where individuals can find acceptance, connect with others, honor those who fought before them, and recognize how far the movement has come. For younger generations, particularly those still discovering their identities, seeing a community celebrate openly can be transformative. It tells them they are not alone and that there is a place where they belong.
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 Daniel Vaillancourt (PERMANENT CONTRIBUTOR), Beau Stinnette (PERMANENT CONTRIBUTOR), Anthony Valenti, Jasmine Sullivan-Watts, Bob Bogard, Chris Astrala, Ron deHarte, Josh Imperio, Ryan Turrin, Ilich Mejía, Josue Lombardo, Duncan Obermein, Max Jimenez, Mike Nelson, Jacquelyn James, Trevor Garrison, Stacy Holmes, Greg Stillwell, Jill Langham & Terri Schlichenmeyer
www.thestandardps.com EDITORIAL CREDITS :
BrandPoint, Huffington Post, LGBTQ Nation, Project Publicity, MSN, Reuters, NBC News, Artsy, Forbes, Time.com, xtramagazine, ITV, Psychology Today & Homoculture 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
Pride is also an opportunity to remember that progress is never guaranteed. The freedoms and protections gained through decades of activism came at a considerable cost, and preserving them requires continued awareness, solidarity, and participation.
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
Most importantly, Pride is not simply about celebrating who we are; it is about defending the freedom to be who we are. Whether through a parade, a festival, a community gathering, or simply living openly, every expression of Pride reinforces a fundamental truth: love, equality, and human dignity are not political privileges.
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
They are human rights. And in today’s climate, celebrating them is more important than ever. So go out and be part of the celebration, as this year’s theme says, “Be Included” and always stay Proud.
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
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be reproduced in any form without the expressed consent of the publisher.
COVER WELCOME TO 40 YEARS OF PRIDE BY JASMINE SULLIVAN-WATTS
Forty years ago, members of our community came together in Palm Springs with a simple but powerful belief: LGBTQ+ people deserved to be seen, heard, celebrated, and included. Four decades later, Greater Palm Springs Pride continues that work.
courage to stand proudly and create space for those who would come next. Our history matters. It reminds us that the freedoms, visibility, and community we experience today did not happen by accident. They were built by people who showed up, spoke out, cared for one another, and believed that change was possible. This year’s theme, “Be Included,” is an invitation—and a promise.
As we celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we honor the people who came before us—the activists, volunteers, community leaders, business owners, artists, families, friends, and everyday people who had the
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It is an invitation to bring your whole self to Pride. To know that there is a place for you here, regardless of your age, race, gender
identity, sexual orientation, ability, background, or where you are on your journey. And it is our promise to continue building a Pride where people can see themselves reflected, celebrated, and valued.
someone else, or simply finds the courage to show up as themselves becomes part of that history. Now, we begin writing the next chapter.
That promise feels especially important today. LGBTQ+ people are navigating a challenging moment, and many within our community are carrying the weight of multiple identities and experiences. As a queer woman of color, I understand personally that none of our identities exist in isolation. They intersect, they shape how we experience the world, and they remind me why our movement must continue to make room for all of us. These moments call on us not to retreat from one another, but to come closer together. Our diversity is not something we must overcome—it is one of our greatest strengths. When we stand together across generations, identities, neighborhoods, and lived experiences, we become a powerful force for visibility, belonging, and change. And there is so much reason for hope. For 40 years, Pride in Palm Springs has endured, evolved, grown, and welcomed new generations into this community. Every person who attends Pride, volunteers, marches in the parade, supports a local organization, celebrates a friend, speaks up for
As we look toward the next 40 years, I hope we continue to build a Pride—and a community—where belonging is more than something we talk about. It is something we practice. Where we listen to one another, learn from our history, celebrate our differences, and make sure the next generation inherits a community even more welcoming and inclusive than the one we know today. Whether this is your first Palm Springs Pride or you have been with us for decades, you are part of this story. Be seen. Be heard. Be proud. Be part of what comes next. Most importantly, Be Included. Welcome to the 40th Anniversary of Greater Palm Springs Pride. Jasmine Sullivan-Waits Executive Director Executive Office Palm Springs Pride
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COVER PALM SPRINGS PRIDE 2026 GRAND MARSHALS FOR THE MILESTONE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION BY RON deHARTE
Greater Palm Springs Pride has announced the official Marshals for the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Pride in Palm Springs. Honoring four decades of history, community engagement, and progress, this year’s Grand Marshals embody resilience, activism, and diverse contributions that uplift the LGBTQIA+ community and advance equality across the region and nation. With the theme of ‘Be Included’ the centerpiece of the anniversary weekend, the 40th Annual Palm Springs Pride Parade will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, stepping off at 10:00 AM. The parade route begins on Palm Canyon Drive at Tachevah and travels south through downtown Palm Springs, finishing at the entrance to the official Pride Festival. National Grand Marshal — Fortune Feimster Affable, charismatic, and one-of-a-kind, stand-up comedian, writer, and actor Fortune Feimster uses her signature confessional comedy to bring people together across platforms. With three critically acclaimed, hour-long Netflix stand-up specials, Sweet and Salty, Good Fortune, and Crushing It, under her belt, Feimster has toured sold-out venues worldwide. Her extensive acting career includes starring roles in Netflix’s hit series The Hawk alongside Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon, FUBAR with Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Mindy Project, and feature films like Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar and Apple’s The Dink. She is also a co-host of the awardwinning podcast Handsome, co-host of SiriusXM’s What A Joke Radio, and a sought-after voice actor in major animated releases, including Disney’s blockbuster Zootopia 2. SPECIAL PRIDE WEEKEND PERFORMANCE: Catch Fortune Feimster live in Palm Springs on Sunday,
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November 8, at 8:00 PM at the historic Plaza Theatre with her show Fortune Feimster: Takin’ Care of Biscuits (Encore). Following a soldout first performance, a second show has been added. Tickets are available now at palmspringsplazatheatre.com. Celebrity Grand Marshal — Cheyenne Jackson GRAMMY and Emmy Award-nominated actor, singer, and songwriter Cheyenne Jackson is celebrated globally for his versatile work across Broadway, television, film, and concert halls. Having starred on Broadway in productions such as XANADU, Into the Woods, All Shook Up, and Finian’s Rainbow, Jackson has also captured screen audiences with prominent roles in American Horror Story, 30 Rock, Glee, The Morning Show, and Julie and the Phantoms. As a recording artist and concert performer, Jackson has graced iconic stages such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Hollywood Bowl. His 2025–2026 national tour brings his intimate, electrifying storytelling and vocal talent to Palm Springs on Pride Weekend. SPECIAL PRIDE WEEKEND PERFORMANCE: Cheyenne Jackson will perform live in Palm Springs on Sunday, November 8, at 6:00 PM at the McCallum Theatre. Tickets are currently available through mccallumtheatre.org. Pride Royalty for Life — Dottie DuBois / Marshall Pearcy (of Dottie DuBois & Maude Chapeau) Celebrating four decades of local influence and impact, Dottie DuBois, aka Marshall Pearcy of “Dottie & Maude,” has been designated as Pride Royalty for Life. This special honor recognizes and celebrates the enduring legacy of Les Dames Du Soleil and their meaningful contributions to the community they have been a vibrant part of for 46 years.
FORTUNE FEIMSTER
DOTTIE DUBOIS
Community Service Award — Gary Moline Gary Moline has been a pillar of the Coachella Valley for more than 25 years. After moving to Palm Springs in 2000 with his husband, Larry Chew, Moline drew on his experience as a charter member of the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Marching Band to help found what is now the Palm Springs Desert Winds (formerly Desert Winds Freedom Band). Over two decades, Moline served as Artistic Director, board member, and national delegate to the Pride Bands Alliance. His extensive civic engagement includes serving on the Greater Palm Springs Pride Board, the Desert Business Association, and as a California State Council Member of the Rail Passengers Association. Recognized by the City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission with a Community Service Award, Moline’s enduring leadership and advocacy continue to foster connection, art, and unity across the desert.
CHEYENNE JACKSON
GARY MOLINE
About Us For 40 years, Greater Palm Springs Pride has proudly served as a welcoming heart and trusted leader in our desert community, celebrating our history, championing civil liberties, and paving the way for a bright, inclusive future. As a nonprofit community enhancement organization, we are dedicated to expanding public awareness, honoring our rich diversity, and uplifting every voice across the Coachella Valley. From advocating for equality and justice to supporting our most marginalized neighbors, our mission remains simple: we work every day to build a region where LGBTQ+ people don’t just belong, but truly thrive. Together, we are creating a culturally vibrant, resilient, and deeply connected community for generations to come.
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COVER PS PRIDE 2026 PRIDE HONORS AWARD RECIPIENTS BY JASMINE SULLIVAN WAITS
Greater Palm Springs Pride 2026 Pride Honors Awards honorees The awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose dedication, advocacy, and leadership have made a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community across the Coachella Valley and beyond. This year’s ceremony carries special significance as Palm Springs marks the 40th Anniversary of Pride, a legacy sparked in 1986 when the Desert Business Association helped lay the foundation for the region’s first Pride celebration. The 2026 Pride Honors Awards were presented on September 24, 2026, at the Palm Springs Hilton. With great Pride The Standard Magazine salutes this year’s outstanding recipients 2026 PRIDE HONORS RECIPIENTS Spirit of Pride Award: André Chambers Presented to an individual who enhances the quality of life in the region by raising awareness to advance equality, promote diversity, and celebrate the strength and talent of the LGBTQ+ community. Known affectionately as the “Gay Glitter Mayor of Palm Springs,” André Chambers is an author, artist, advocate, and registered nurse specializing in addiction recovery. A former Eagle LA Mr. Leather titleholder, Chambers brings compassion and visibility to every corner of his work—from mentoring within the leather community to advocating for transgender youth. His story of resilience is featured in the award-winning documentary Merman. Business of Pride Award: Andy Wysocki & Bill Sanderson (Townie Bagels) Celebrating LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and inclusive businesses that blend commercial excellence with advocacy and set the standard for economic empowerment, driving innovation, and proving that authenticity and equality are the cornerstones of lasting success. After relocating to Palm Springs in 2007, partners Andy
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Wysocki and Bill Sanderson turned a quest for an authentic New York-style bagel into a beloved local institution. Founded at the local Farmers’ Market and established in Warm Sands in 2015, Townie Bagels serves as a neighborhood anchor rooted in traditional baking, active community support, and a 35-year partnership. Spirit of Stonewall Organization of the Year: Desert Business Association (DBA) Recognizing an outstanding group with a proven commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the Coachella Valley. Founded in 1979, the DBA is one of the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce. Representing over 375 members, the DBA champions small businesses through networking, educational programming, and contract readiness. Notably, the DBA played a foundational role in launching Palm Springs Pride 40 years ago. Before becoming a street parade, Palm Springs Pride began in the mid-1980s as the DBA’s indoor “Sizzle” fundraisers. Early organizers shaped its foundation: Bob Hoven co-founded the 1986 event during the AIDS crisis; Dr. Barry Woods ensured financial survival; Dr. Herb Lazenby unified the community; and Greg Pettis moved Pride into public spaces by 1990. Spirit of Stonewall Friend of Pride Award: Kristie Dore Honoring an ally whose unwavering dedication, leadership, and heart have helped build a more inclusive Coachella Valley. This award celebrates an individual who uses their platform to advocate for equality, elevate LGBTQ+ voices, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our community over time. As Director of Event Services at the Palm Springs Convention Center for 13 years, Kristie Dore has led the execution of major regional events, including the Harvey Milk Breakfast and conferences for the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the LGBTQ+ International Travel Association. As a board member for the LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert, Dore has dedicated her career to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces across the valley.
COVER
ANDRE CHAMBERS
BILL & ANDY
KRISTIE DORE
LESLIE BARCLAY
Business of Pride Award Andy Wysocki and Bill Sanderson, Co-owners of Townie Bagels will receive the, Business of Pride Award which honors LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and inclusive businesses. The pair moved to Palm Springs in 2007 and began selling bagels at the local Farmers’ Market before opening Townie Bagels in Warm Sands in 2015. Community Service Award: Leslie Barclay Presented in recognition of an extraordinary individual or organization whose selfless dedication, tireless volunteerism, and visionary leadership uplift our community, creating a lasting legacy of compassion, empowerment, and meaningful progress for all. Serving as the LGBTQ Specialist at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, Leslie Barclay has spent four decades championing inclusion and opportunity across the industry. Since 1994, she has
RANDY PERRIN
leveraged corporate partnerships to fuel vital grassroots initiatives, lending tireless support to civil rights advocates, regional community centers, local health initiatives, and statewide equality organizations. Spirit of Stonewall Volunteer of the Year: Randy Perrin Presented in celebration of an exceptional advocate whose hands-on dedication, unwavering spirit, and selfless grassroots service inspire hope, strengthen our community from the ground up, and turn everyday commitment into transformative action. A longtime advocate who began volunteering during the HIV/ AIDS epidemic and helped start the Federal GLOBE Southern California Chapter at the IRS, Randy Perrin has dedicated his retirement to community service. As an active leader with Gay For Good (G4G) Palm Springs, Perrin mobilizes volunteers for environmental cleanups, school projects, and local non-profit support.
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COVER AUBREY O’DAY & THE COWGAYS HEADLINE THE 2026 PS PRIDE FESTIVAL
Greater Palm Springs Pride announced recording artist and television personality Aubrey O’Day and country supergroup The Cowgays as headliners for the 40th annual Palm Springs Pride celebration, taking place November 6–8, 2026, in downtown Palm Springs. The two acts offer an early look at a diverse entertainment lineup being assembled for the milestone celebration. Additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks, bringing together regional favorites, emerging artists, and diverse talent from across the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Across three stages, Pride weekend will feature live music, drag entertainment, DJs, and special performances spanning a range of genres and styles, all in downtown Palm Springs and the Arenas District.
AUBREY O’DAY
Aubrey O’Day rose to national prominence as a founding member of the multi-platinum pop group Danity Kane, formed through MTV’s Making the Band. The group made history when its first two albums debuted consecutively at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. O’Day later co-founded the alternative dance-pop duo Dumblonde and has continued to build a career spanning music, television, Broadway, performance and creative direction. Joining O’Day as a 2026 headliner are The Cowgays, the country supergroup featuring Adam Mac, Brooke Eden and Chris Housman. The Nashville-based trio brings together three distinctive voices in contemporary country music inspired by the ’90s country they grew up with and reimagined through a proudly queer lens. Their live performances combine three-part harmonies, musicianship, humor, theatricality, and an unmistakable sense of Pride.
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COWGAYS
COVER CHEYENNE JACKSON A TRUE RENAISSANCE MAN BY CHRIS ASTRALA
Cheyenne Jackson is a GRAMMY and Emmy-nominated actor, singer, and songwriter known for his versatile work across concert stages, Broadway, television, and film. Add Greater Palm Springs Pride 2026 Celebrity Grand Marshal to that list. With an ever-expanding body of work, Cheyenne Jackson remains a leading talent in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with his exceptional performances, creative artistry, and open-hearted vulnerability. We had a great opportunity to seat down with Cheyenne and chat about his career, his family life and his hopes for the future. The Standard Magazine: You’ve had an extraordinary career spanning Broadway, television, film, recording, and concert performance. When you look back, is there a particular moment or role that you feel changed the trajectory of your career? Cheyenne Jackson: I think getting “All Shook Up” on Broadway was a big one. It was my first real Broadway experience and suddenly I was living the life I had dreamed about since I was a kid. Also, XANADU took it all to the next level. 30Rock did the same for me on tv. But honestly, there have been so many little turning points. Some doors opened because I knocked ... some because I happened to be standing in the right hallway at the right time. I’ve learned to appreciate both. Careers are a funny thing. My first mentor in NYC, Jerry Orbach used to say to me…”Chey…say YES TO EVERYTHING! Cuz you never know where that little gig might take you or who you might meet.” Great advice that I’ve followed to this day. TSM: Your latest concert show combines music and intimate storytelling. What can audiences expect from this tour that they might not have experienced from you in your previous concerts? CJ: It’s probably the most “me” I’ve ever been onstage. There’s music, obviously, but there’s also a lot of storytelling and a little more of the person behind all the characters. And I like to keep things a little unpredictable. There are songs people know, songs they may not expect me to sing, and a few moments where I think ... did he really just say that? When I turned 50, I developed a raging case of “the fuck-its!”
PHOTO CREDIT BY VINCE TRUSPIN
TSM: You’ve performed at some of the world’s most iconic venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Kennedy Center. What makes performing in an intimate concert setting different and perhaps more personal for you? CJ: I try to treat them the same way. Connect. connect. connect. In a big venue, you’re performing to the room. In an intimate space, you’re really performing to people. You can see faces. You can hear a laugh from someone in the back. You can have that little moment where you look at someone and think, okay ... we’re having a conversation now. I love both, but there’s something pretty addictive about intimacy. that’s the goal, though, to make it feel intimate even in a giant space.
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TSM: You’re coming to Palm Springs during Pride Weekend and are the Celebrity Grand Marshal for our 40th Anniversary Celebration. What does Pride mean to you personally at this stage of your life and career? CJ: Pride has always meant being able to walk into a room as yourself and not feel like you have to explain or apologize for any part of who you are. At this point in my life, it also feels like gratitude. I get to stand onstage, be completely myself, raise my kids, love my family and do the work I love. That wasn’t something I ever took for granted. And being Grand Marshal for the 40th anniversary ... I mean, that’s a pretty fantastic honor…also my kids are insisting on riding in the car with me! TSM: Your musical work spans jazz, pop, folk, and Broadway, while your acting career has taken you from Xanadu and Into the Woods to American Horror Story, Glee, The Morning Show, and Oh, Mary! How do you decide what creative opportunities feel right for you now?
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CJ: I ask myself one question ... does this scare me a little? If the answer is yes, I’m probably down. I’ve done enough things now to know that I don’t need to prove anything. I just want to keep surprising myself. If something feels fun, challenging or slightly terrifying ... I’m in. TSM: Your EP Love, Dad includes the deeply personal original song “OK.” How has songwriting allowed you to express parts of yourself or tell stories that you couldn’t necessarily explore through acting? CJ: With acting, you get to hide behind somebody else’s words. With songwriting ... not so much. “OK” was very personal for me. Writing it gave me a way to say things I probably wouldn’t have known how to say in a conversation. There’s something wonderfully terrifying about putting your own words out there and saying ... this is me. Take it or leave it. I hope to devote more time to songwriting in 2027.
PHOTO CREDIT BY JENNY ANDERSON
TSM: You’ve worked with remarkable artists and collaborators, from Michael Feinstein and the San Francisco Symphony to Warren Carlyle and Michael Tilson Thomas. Is there a particular collaboration that taught you something you still carry with you today? CJ: I’ve stolen something from almost everyone I’ve worked with. Michael Feinstein taught me so much about musical history and respecting a song. Warren Carlyle taught me that choreography can tell a story before anyone says a word. Also, he taught me to trust myself and my body more. And working with orchestras like the San Francisco Symphony reminds you very quickly that you are surrounded by people who are ridiculously good at what they do. The biggest lesson is probably ... stay curious. There’s always somebody in the room who can teach you something. ALWAYS. stay open. keep your childlike curiosity. show up on time, be nice and know your lines and your music. TRUST me. That’s half the job. TSM: After decades in the entertainment industry, what has surprised you most about the evolution of your career and what still excites you about stepping onto a stage or in front of a camera? CJ: The biggest surprise is that I’m still doing it. and that I still get just as excited when I start a new project. I really mean that. The business has changed enormously, but I still get that little jolt right before I walk onstage or onto a set. That hasn’t gone away. And I still love not knowing exactly what’s going to happen. After all these years, that’s probably the best part.
TSM: For someone attending your Palm Springs performance on November 8 who may be discovering your work for the first time, what do you hope they’ll feel when they walk out of the McCallum Theatre? CJ: I hope they feel like they spent a couple of hours with someone they actually got to know. I want them to laugh, hear some great music, maybe be surprised once or twice ... and hopefully leave feeling a little lighter than when they walked in. no politics. no strife. just entertainment. And if they Google me afterward because they’re trying to figure out where they’ve seen me before ... I’ve done my job. TSM: And finally, what’s next for Cheyenne Jackson? CJ: I booked a few movies back-to-back last week and having not been on a film set in over a year, that was very exciting. Can’t mention them yet, cuz you know how it goes, but…yeah...very excited to stay busy and creative. There’s more music, more acting, more live shows and probably a few things I haven’t even said yes to yet. At this point, I’m trying to stay curious, keep working and remain open to whatever weird little door opens next. That’s usually where the good stuff is. Check out Cheyenne in the PS Pride Parade on Sunday Nov 8 starting at 10 am. Also catch his show at the McCallum Theatre Sunday night Nov 8 at 6pm
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COVER HEADLINING PALM SPRINGS PRIDE 40: THE COWGAYS MAKING PROUDFUL COUNTRY MUSIC BY JOSH IMPERIO
The Nashville-based trio brings together three distinctive voices in contemporary country music inspired by the ’90s country they grew up with and reimagined through a proudly queer lens. Their live performances combine three-part harmonies, musicianship, humor, theatricality, and an unmistakable sense of Pride. We had a fantastic conversation with this unique musical group. Following is a little insight on why they do what they do and how it all came about. The Standard Magazine: The Cowgays began with what started as a joke singing Linda Ronstadt’s “When Will I Be Loved.” When did you realize there was something much bigger happening between the three of you? The Cowgays: We were still kinda laughing at the thought of being
a trio, until we started writing together. It was so effortless and fun, and we had such a clear perspective right away. We found our “sound” on our 3rd or 4th song, which happened to be “Good Hoedown”. We knew after our first write that being a trio wasn’t a joke anymore. TSM: Each of you had already established a solo career before coming together. What does the Cowgays allow you to do creatively that you might not do on your own? CG: We can push the boundaries further for sure. There’s a certain confidence and safety that comes with being in a trio with your besties who are also gay and who have the same mission. We all want to help carve a path for more inclusivity in country music
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and we’re less afraid to do that together. For example, none of us would’ve put out “Wish I Wasn’t Gay” or “See You In Texas” solo, but they’re two of our faves as The Cowgays. TSM: “Wish I Wasn’t Gay” is deeply personal, drawing on your shared experiences of growing up in religious environments. What did it feel like to turn something that once carried shame into a song that feels so celebratory and communal? CG: We’d all felt the lyrics of this song at one time and thought we were the only ones, so to write the song together was very therapeutic. As we were writing the song, we were talking about our stories and struggles, and they were oh so familiar. Our biggest secret at one point of our lives was now a big gay anthem that is hopefully helping others through their struggle. TSM: You’ve all spoken about arriving in Nashville at a time when there was very little visible queer representation in country music. Looking back, what do you wish you could tell the younger versions of yourselves who were trying to find their place in the genre? CG: There will come a day when you become the artist you need right now.
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TSM: The three of you have each had very different experiences of coming out publicly and confronting discrimination. How have those experiences shaped the way you think about visibility and representation in country music today? Adam: I think about the version of me that moved to Nashville in 2012 to chase a dream that I couldn’t see represented in country music. I think about how daunting and impossible it seemed then and I look around at not just what The Cowgays are creating but all the other queer artists in this genre are building. A community where everyone is represented and welcome. Brooke: My experience has led me to The Cowgays…a place I can say what I wanna say and be who I wanna be and you can too. That’s the beauty of it…it’s the missing safe space that country music so badly needs right now. We’re 3 outlaws/outcasts that are pushing boundaries and blazing trails together. Chris: I think my experience has made me realize further how important it is to bring representation to a space that has had very little. A genre of music making certain groups of people feel unwelcome is so sad to me, so we’re here to do everything we can to change that.
TSM: You describe your music as heavily influenced by ’90s country, while your live shows are more like a queer rodeo meets a honky-tonk revival. What is it about ’90s country that feels so naturally suited to the Cowgays? CG: I think the 90s were such a big influence on all of us growing up, that it naturally became the foundation for our sound. There was something so camp about country in that era, it was so over the top, from the lyrics to the music videos and styling. I think we are just reimagining it through a queer perspective.
been creating the style for three individual artists coming together to become this over-the-top country trio. We’ve taken all the things we love individually and married them into something really cool. TSM: You’ve mentioned the possibility of a Cowgays variety show inspired by Hee Haw. If you could build the ultimate Cowgays variety show tomorrow, what would audiences see, hear and experience?
TSM: Chris, you’ve talked about the idea of the “outlaw” in country music, while Adam has pointed out that the original outlaws were artists who pushed back against the system. What does being an outlaw mean to the Cowgays in 2026?
CG: Oh my god yes that’s our ultimate dream. Variety shows were everything in the 80s and 90s and we just think there is a really cool opportunity to combine many different art forms into a Cowgays show. We want drag performances, comedy, special guests and really build The Cowgays world for people to come and escape to with us for the night.
Chris: Being an outlaw means living your truth despite people, systems, and reputations telling you not to. And by that definition, being a queer person or POC in Country music is about as outlaw as it gets.
TSM: You’ve said you’re not knocking on country music’s door; you’re kicking it down. As you work toward the first Cowgays album, what do you hope people who have never felt represented by country music take away from it?
TSM: There’s a real sense of camp, theatricality and joy in the Cowgays’ live identity, fringe, cowhide, bold colors, stacked harmonies and singalongs. How intentional was it to make the visual world of the band as expressive as the music?
CG: What we’ve found over the past eight months of releasing music as a trio is that there is a community that is hungry for representation. To feel seen by a genre of music that might hold some nostalgic feeling from their past, but they haven’t been able to really see themselves in the songs. We want everyone to feel welcome to the table in country music.
CG: Fully intentional. Half of the fun of being in this band has
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BOOKREVIEW ALWAYS OVERBOOKED BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER You try, and you try Once, twice, you go back at that thorny issue, the dream you have, the punchline that’s not hitting quite right. Sometimes, time is all you need to make it better, or a new approach, or a second look. And then there are days when you actually get things right, as in “The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Gay” by Eliot Glazer, and it’s all good. Throughout his life, Eliot Glazer has made mistakes. And it’s okay, everybody trips and falls now and then. In his case, though, he’s perfectly willing to document his failures, foibles, and whoopsies in this book. He writes of his mother, Sandi, “a Queens-born balabosta” who wouldn’t tolerate laziness in herself or Glazer. He found work as soon as he was legally able to do so, and he had many jobs throughout high school. He was a gardener, ice cream scooper, camp counselor, golf caddy, chocolatier, telemarketer, and video store clerk. The one that fit him best, however, was working at Talbots, a department store for older women, where he found his people. Even with all those jobs , he was a theater kid in his time off, little though it was. Back then, he was just a boy growing up on Long Island but swagger was important, so swagger he did. He still appreciates a good Broadway show, even the silliest ones. Glazer says that he had just recently come out when gayness exploded on TV with Will and Grace and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, with which he was obsessed. It helped him feel not othered, he says. Producers of the reboot asked him to be a second-generation Eye, but Glazer turned them down, though he thinks he’d have been good at it. The show helped him with love of décor. His unexpected advisory skills came naturally, through age and wisdom and learning that wild partying isn’t really so much fun. As for finding love, well, that’s a long, boy-meets-boy-meetsboy story... So, you’re looking for something to easily pick up and put down, something that speaks to your inner impatience? You’ll find that in “The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Gay,” a book that’s practically meant for you to skip around and you don’t have to read everything.
Essays can be like that, which is nice, even refreshing. Author Eliot Glazer is entertaining enough to make things work, engaging enough to keep it moving, and funny enough to make you want more of what he has to say. He’s open with his life and, despite his fame, his writing isn’t lofty; you can expect stories that’ll make you snort and ones with spice, but also some surprisingly tender moments that soften this book in a way that’s just right. Readers who want a quick, mostly-lite book to finish will find something appealing in this collection of essays. If you don’t mind a bit of non-linearity and you need a laugh, “The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Gay.” is worth a try. “The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Gay: Essays” by Eliot Glazer c.2026, Gallery Books $28.99 240 pages
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INDESIGN THIS IS ME BY BEAU STINNETTE
Pride is a word with many meanings. We take pride in our homes, our work, our families, our appearance, our accomplishments, and, hopefully, the way we treat one another. It can be deeply personal, and it can also be shared. For those of us in the LGBTQ community, Pride has particular significance. It represents being seen, being accepted, and having the freedom to live openly and authentically. It also reminds us that those freedoms were not always a given and that many people before us helped make the lives we live today possible. But I’ve been thinking about pride in a broader sense, too. Not only the Pride we celebrate as a community, but the pride we take in the lives we build, the work we do, the people we surround ourselves with, and the things we create. As an interior designer, I see a version of that all the time. Clients seek us out because they value our ideas, knowledge, and point of view, and I take enormous pride in that trust. But good design begins with listening. Over the years, I have learned to listen not only to what someone is asking for, but to what they may be trying to convey about themselves—how they live, what matters to them, what makes them comfortable, and how they want their surroundings to feel. When someone invites us into their home or place of business, I consider that an honor and a privilege. These are personal spaces, and creating them is a personal process. I take the work very seriously, but I also believe it should be inspiring, educational, interesting, and fun. There needs to be balance, understanding, respect, and a certain chemistry between designer and client. As a project develops, we inevitably get to know one another. Ideas are exchanged, decisions are made, plans evolve, and what began as conversations and possibilities gradually becomes something real. There is an enormous amount happening behind the scenes to make that happen, but I often think of our role as that of a choreographer—keeping all the moving parts in step while never losing sight of the final performance. And then comes the moment we have all been working toward.
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After months of planning, waiting, adjusting, and anticipating, we install the project before the client returns for the final reveal—or curtains up, if you will. Showtime. This is the moment when everything that existed as an idea comes to life. The sketches, fabrics, finishes, conversations, and decisions have become rooms. More importantly, they have become someone’s home. Our pride becomes the client’s pride. They will live there. They will entertain friends and family there. They will wake up there in the morning and come home to it at the end of the day. And if we have done our job well, those rooms won’t simply look like the work of Foley & Stinnette. They will look and feel like the people who live in them.
I think that is one of the things I love most about design. At its best, it is another form of self-expression. Your home doesn’t have to follow someone else’s idea of who you should be. It doesn’t have to look like your neighbor’s home, a showroom, a hotel, or the latest photograph on social media. It should reflect you.
I am proud of the life I have built. I am proud of the work I do and the relationships I have developed through it. I am proud to be part of a community whose history includes extraordinary courage, resilience, creativity, humor, and determination. And I am grateful that Pride gives us an opportunity not only to celebrate how far we have come, but also to appreciate the people who helped make that progress possible.
And maybe that brings me back to Pride. For generations, LGBTQ people were encouraged, and often forced, to keep parts of themselves private. Being open about who you were could come at a very real cost. Pride helped change that. It gave visibility to a community and celebrated something that seems so simple but was once anything but: the freedom to be yourself. I think that idea reaches well beyond design. It is about how we live our lives, how we treat one another, and how comfortable we are allowing ourselves—and others—to be individuals.
Maybe pride, in all its forms, comes down to something quite simple: knowing who you are, valuing what you have created, and having the confidence to let it show. In my work, there is no better compliment than walking a client through a completed home, watching them take it all in, and hearing them say: “This is me.” Beau Stinnette – Interior Designer www.foleystinnette.com
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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.
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HEPHAESTUS
PALM SPRINGS' PREMIER DESIGNER JEWELRY GALLERY
13 2 L a P l a z a ▼ Pa l m S p r i n g s ▼ 76 0 . 3 2 5 . 5 3 9 5 w w w. h e p h a e s j e w e l r y s . c o m OCTOBER 2026 25
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FEATURE PET SHOP BOYS A MAN FROM THE FUTURE A NEW ALBUM IN COLLABORATION WITH ALAN TURING BIOGRAPHER ANDREW HODGES BY RYAN TURRIN
PHOTO CREDIT BY CREDIT EVA PENTEL
Pet Shop Boys have collaborated with Alan Turing biographer Andrew Hodges on a musical composition including songs, spoken word and electronic and orchestral music. Called A man from the future, the work explores eight significant chapters in the life and death of Alan Turing and will be released as an album on October 9 via Parlophone Records. Alongside music and lyrics by Pet Shop Boys is a narration, spoken by actress Juliet Stevenson, taken from Andrew Hodges’ book Alan Turing: the Enigma, which has been edited and extended by Neil Tennant and Andrew Hodges. The music is a combination of electronics and strings with string arrangements by Sven Helbig performed by the Manchester Camerata Octet. Boys from Manchester Grammar School choir also sing on four tracks. The album was produced by Pet Shop Boys and Sven Helbig.
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ENIGMA
ALAN TURING
The eight tracks explore the life, death and influence of the pioneering British mathematician and cryptanalyst who laid the foundations of modern computing. Turing’s story unfolds chronologically from his school days, with his initial interest in mathematics and science and his realization of his sexuality, to his university days at Cambridge, his leading role working for the British Government unlocking the German Enigma machine’s encrypted messages during World War II, his place in the invention of the digital computer, his prediction of Artificial Intelligence, his trial and conviction for a homosexual relationship, and then his suicide in 1954. The last track features a passage recorded by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown from his 2009 statement acknowledging Turing’s groundbreaking work in helping the UK win the war and apologizing for the inhumane treatment he received when he was convicted under homophobic laws, which is followed by the
PET SHOP BOYS
posthumous royal pardon granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2013. The final words evoke the significance of his work for today’s digital world and leave the listener with questions for the future. Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe originally wrote the work with Andrew Hodges in 2012-13 and performed it with the BBC Concert Orchestra and the BBC Singers at a late-night BBC Prom in July 2014 at the Royal Albert Hall. Over a decade later they decided to revise the piece to give it more of an electronic emphasis and Sven Helbig suggested reworking his orchestrations in a more intimate arrangement for eight string players. Andrew Hodges suggested updates to the spoken text. Pet Shop Boys say: “Our motive in creating this work was to make a musical memorial to Alan Turing who gave so much to his country and the world and was rewarded for it by being prosecuted
for his sexuality. Alan made a massive contribution to the defeat of Germany in World War II and was a pioneer of computing, imagining a world with intelligent computers. He also looked forward to a time when being gay would be accepted as normal. In both his professional and private lives, he was ahead of his time.” Pet Shop Boys and Andrew Hodges will also take part in a listening and conversation event for A man from the future on Thursday, October 8 at the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester. The museum explores the impact of conflict and the individuals whose actions helped shape the modern world, and has an Enigma machine on display, creating a powerful connection to Turing’s pioneering wartime work. The event will feature a full playback of the album followed by a discussion about the work by Pet Shop Boys and Andrew Hodges. Tickets for the event are available now here. The conversation will also be filmed and made available online shortly afterwards.
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DAPHEALTH VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 44: HELP PROTECT PATIENT CARE BY DANIEL VAILLANCOURT
On Election Day, November 3, California voters will decide the fate of Prop 44, the dangerous ballot measure that will harm millions of patients by shutting down hundreds of community health centers and forcing clinics to cut back on vital services. If Prop 44 passes, it could make it harder for community health centers like DAP Health to provide many of the services patients count on every day. That’s why DAP Health encourages everyone eligible and registered to vote to please Vote No on Prop 44. What is Proposition 44? • Prop 44 is a dangerous attack on patients that will penalize clinics for investing in key patient services. • The initiative also puts politicians between patients and their doctors by placing the State Attorney General — an elected official with no health care experience — in charge of decisions about the services health clinics can provide. Why is DAP Health concerned? At DAP Health, we know health care is about more than seeing a doctor. Good health also depends on having: • A safe place to live • Healthy food • An easy way to get to appointments and connect with your care team • Help understanding medical information But Prop 44’s major legal flaws would financially penalize clinics if they spend resources on important staff and patient services. Health economists warn that Prop 44 will cut $1.7 billion from community health clinics in the first year, and billions thereafter. As a result, 88% of clinics across the state would operate at a loss.
• • •
Emergency housing Rental assistance Housing navigation
These services help people stay healthy by helping them stay safely housed. Food and nutrition • Food assistance • Nutrition support • Grocery access programs Nutritious food is an important part of good health. Patient support • Patient navigators • Care coordinators • Benefits enrollment help • Referrals to specialists and community services These team members help patients get the care they need.
What services could be affected? If Prop 44 passes, DAP Health could have fewer resources for programs such as: Housing support • Affordable housing programs
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Transportation • Bus passes • Ride-share coupons • Gas vouchers
Without transportation, many patients can’t get to appointments to receive vital medical care. Language services • Translation • Interpretation • Easy-to-understand health information • Appointment reminders These services help patients understand their care and communicate with their clinicians. Community outreach • Mobile health services • HIV education • LGBTQ+ health education • Prevention programs • Community health workers DAP Health brings care into neighborhoods — whether remote or not — so more people can get the services they need and deserve. Technology • Telehealth visits • Patient portals • Other digital health tools Technology makes it easier for patients to stay connected to their health care team. Could future projects be affected? Absolutely! Prop 44 could penalize DAP Health for investing in projects that benefit patients, including: •
•
•
Our new OB-GYN space, the Magenta Clinic, currently being built at DAP Health Sunrise, our headquarters in Palm Springs Much-needed improvements to Vista Sunrise I, our 80-unit affordable housing complex for people living with HIV, built almost two decades ago on our Sunrise campus Our new Oceanside Sexual Wellness Clinic and Pharmacy in San Diego’s North County
All these projects help protect and expand access to care for almost 80,000 members of the diverse communities we serve. Why does this matter? Community health centers already follow strict federal and state rules. They’re regularly audited and must show they use their resources to support patient care. Also, these clinics are nonprofit organizations led by a board whose members include patients, requiring funds to be spent on patient care and community benefits. Prop 44 would add another layer of rules without improving care. Instead, it could force clinics to spend less on services that help patients outside the exam room. If community clinics must reduce services or discontinue programs, more people will end up seeking care in crowded hospital emergency rooms, resulting in longer wait times and billions of dollars in higher costs for us all. Our message to patients DAP Health is proud to care for the whole person — not just the illness. Every day, we help people not only with medical and behavioral health care, but with housing, food, transportation, education, and many other services that make healthier lives possible. That’s why we encourage every registered voter to Vote No on Prop 44. Together, we can help protect the comprehensive, compassionate care members of the diverse communities we serve depend on and deserve. What you can do • Learn more. Go to noprop44.com before you fill out your ballot. • Follow the No on Prop 44 social media channels to get updated information. • If you’re not yet registered to vote, go to registertovote. ca.gov before October 19. • Tell family and friends. • Vote no! Thanks for helping to protect access to high-quality, compassionate health care for the people who need it most.
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PSP FOCUS >> 5TH ANNUAL PRIDE ON THE PAGE 5th Annual Pride on the Page Book Festival, Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Registration is now open for both the Daytime and Evening events, (each requires a separate registration), which are FREE this year, including the special evening program and anniversary festivities. Created in 2022, Pride on the Page has grown into one of the Coachella Valley’s premier literary events, bringing LGBTQ+ authors, readers and allies together for thoughtful conversations, diverse perspectives and community connection. This year, the festival celebrates its 5th anniversary with the theme, “Five Years of Pride on the Page: Our Lives, Our Words, Our Stories,” highlighting memoirs and personal narratives reflecting the many voices and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. Since its inception, Pride on the Page has featured more than 150 LGBTQ+ and affirming authors and moderators. This year’s program continues that tradition with a full day of intimate author conversations exploring life, memory, identity, family, activism, popular culture and the stories behind the books. “This festival is about creating a welcoming space where people can discover great books, hear remarkable stories and connect through conversations,” said Julie Warren, co-creator of Pride on the Page and library services and public relations manager of the Palm Springs Public Library. The Daytime Program, requiring registration to attend, will feature the following conversations (a complete list of participating authors, moderators and special guests is provided alphabetically at the end of this release): Mining The Mother/Daughter Memoir Erika Simpson (“This Is Your Mother”) in conversation with Danielle Myers-Porter, co-owner of Get Lit Books and Things The Memoir In Collaboration Daniel M. Jaffe (“Russian Silhouette: A Memoir of Activism and Identity”) and Ian Henzel, founder/managing publisher of Rattling Good Yarns Press, discuss their unique author/publisher/editor partnership Between Fact And Fiction: The Personal Behind The Novel Rasheed Newson (“There’s Only Sin in Hollywood”) in conversation with Meredith Maran, book critic and contributor to The
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Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times and other publications Breaking Free: A Queer Black Man’s Journey Phill Branch (“The Double Dutch Fuss”) in conversation with Geoffrey Newman (“Better to Cry Now: Shaping the Flow of a Gay Black Man”) LGBTQ+ Social Change Through The Stories Of Athletes/ Entertainers In Popular Culture Lisa M. Stulberg (“How to Win a Culture War: LGBTQ+ Social Change Through Pop Culture”) in conversation with writer, actress, producer and activist Jen Richards A “Showbiz!” Life Entertainer Murray Hill (“Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man”) in conversation with actor and comedian Tim Bagley The Evening Program, requiring a separate registration to attend This year’s special evening guest is Grammy-nominated country music artist Ty Herndon, whose recent memoir, “What Mattered Most,” chronicles his remarkable life and career, including his rise to country music stardom, struggles with addiction and mental health, and the years he spent hiding his sexuality. In 2014, Herndon made country music history when he became the first major male country artist to publicly come out as gay. Herndon will discuss his memoir and journey in conversation with Corey Roskin, co-creator and author coordinator for Pride on the Page and a Palm Springs Public Library Foundation board member. “Ty’s story embodies what Pride on the Page is about—the power of telling our stories openly and authentically, particularly this year as we focus on memoirs and personal storytelling,” said Roskin. “For our fifth anniversary, we wanted to bring together an especially compelling range of voices and conversations, and we’re excited that we can offer the entire festival free and open to everyone.” Throughout the day, attendees can also explore the FREE outdoor festival tent featuring local LGBTQ+ authors, independent publishers, plus community organizations and resources. Book signings will also take place outside under the “big tent.” Books by featured authors and moderators will be available for purchase from The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs. Additionally, in celebration of Pride on the Page’s fifth anniversary, a copy of each featured author’s book (30 per author for daytime and 50 for the evening
PSP FOCUS
event) will be available for FREE! Attendees can line up OUTSIDE Theatre One in the designated line 15 minutes before an author’s session for an opportunity to receive a book (one per person, while supplies last). Festival registration and a wristband are required to receive a book. First-come, first-served; a book is not guaranteed. The festival will conclude with a special 5th Anniversary Celebration, bringing together featured authors and attendees for refreshments and socializing, enjoying the music of local favorites Leanna & Miguel, outside under the event tent. The closing festivities will celebrate five years of LGBTQ+ voices, memorable conversations, great books and the community that has made Pride on the Page a signature annual event. The Foundation is proud to partner with sponsors that make this FREE event possible. Confirmed sponsors include the Palm Springs Public Library, City of Palm Springs, Palm Springs Cultural Center, The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs, Steve Tobin & Johnny Krupa/ Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation, Hilton Palm Springs, Saguaro Hotel, Alcazar Palm Springs, Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, Roadrunner Print and Ship, Koffi, Hot Cookie Palm Springs, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Townie Bagels, KGAY/Gay Desert Guide, Coachella Valley Independent, The Standard Magazine, PromoHomo.TV, and Greater Palm Springs Pride. Additional sponsorships are still available. Community Partners will be featured in the outside event tent and include: The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, Desert Business Association, Palm Springs Writers Guild, Rattling Good Yarns Press, Sibling Rivalry Press, Stacked Deck Press, and Get Lit Books & Things.
ERIKA J SIMPSON
Admission to Pride on the Page is FREE, but advance registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/t3b7pd4t
DANIEL & IAN
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pride-on-the-page-2026book-festival-tickets-1996104923560?aff=oddtdtcreator For the complete festival schedule, updates and more information, visit: www.prideonthepage.org The Palm Springs Public Library Foundation is one of the Library’s philanthropic partners, raising private gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations to support capital improvements and long-term needs. https://www.pslibraryfoundation.org RASHEED NEWSON
TIM BAGLEY
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PSP FOCUS >> MODERNISM WEEK OCTOBER Modernism Week – October returns October 15–18, 2026, with an exciting lineup of events, tours and experiences celebrating midcentury architecture, design, and the vibrant culture of Palm Springs. Tickets are now available for a wide range of programs throughout the weekend. Featured events include the Modernism Show, a classic car show, multiple tours inside significant homes, new evening entertainment options, talks, and several outdoor architecture tours. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www. modernismweek.com. HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS INCLUDE: Tours • Modernism Week Featured Home Tour: The Marquee at Twin Palms (10/15 – 10/18, $40) This newly restored home is a luminous showcase of midcentury modern design in one of Palm Springs’ most celebrated neighborhoods. Built in 1957 and recently reimagined by H3K Home + Design, this architectural gem creates a seamless dialogue between past and present through sleek lines and warm textures • Frey House II Tour + Museum Day Passes (multiple days, $75 Tour, $125 Tour & Reception) This is a rare chance to tour Frey House II, widely recognized as an outstanding example of Modernist architecture: Albert Frey’s outstanding example of function, form, practicality, and love for the desert landscape. • Blue Skies Village: Behind the Gates of a Hollywood Hideaway (10/17, $85) Go behind the gates of Blue Skies Village to tour six interiors, two outdoor spaces, and the William F. Cody–designed clubhouse in this storied midcentury Hollywood retreat in Rancho Mirage. • Explore the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with Modernism Week (10/15, $170) Ascend the spectacular San Jacinto Mountains aboard the world’s largest rotating tramcar during Modernism Week’s first-ever tour of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Participants will experience a remarkable collaboration between two of Palm Springs’ most influential modernist architects: Albert Frey, who designed the Valley Station, and E. Stewart Williams who created the Mountain Station. This unique event concludes with lunch at the acclaimed Peaks Restaurant. • Hotel Lautner: Experience Architect John Lautner’s Desert Masterpiece (1016 and 10/17, $60) Step inside one of architect John Lautner’s most celebrated early works during this exclusive Modernism Week tour of Hotel Lautner, his iconic 1947 residential fourplex in Desert Hot Springs.
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Bus Tours • One of the best ways to experience Modernism Week is on the popular Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour (10/15 – 10/18, $130). This signature tour provides guests with a 2.5-hour overview of significant civic and commercial buildings as well as residential properties located within notable Palm Springs neighborhoods including the midcentury “leisure lifestyle” communities in South Palm Springs. Lead by knowledgeable guides, this open-air experience provides participants with a better understanding of the historical richness and architectural diversity found in this desert oasis. • Sinatra’s Rat Pack Homes & Hangouts Bus Tour (10/1510/18, $100) This 90-minute Special Events • Modernism Week After Dark: Spirit Animal (10/16, $45) It’s Friday night of Modernism Week, and the celebration will just be getting started. After the Palm Springs Modernism Show Preview Party, continue the evening at Spirit Animal inside Hotel Zoso, featuring a vibrant dance floor, expertly crafted premium cocktails and a soundtrack curated by DJ Aylex Song. Located in the heart of downtown, Spirit Animal blends vintage character with contemporary style, creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and effortlessly cool. • Ethyl’s Place Mod Bingo (10/15, $50) Presented by GED MAGAZINE, this isn’t just bingo—it’s a full-throttle midcentury celebration featuring the one and only Ethylina Canne. Celebrate Tupperware’s 80th Anniversary with drag performances, DJ Discoboy retro hits, craft cocktails and fabulous prize packages. • Midcentury Mixology Cocktail Class with Steen BojsenMoller at Mr. Lyons (10/15-10/18, $90) Learn how to make iconic, classic cocktails of the midcentury era at this fun, hands-on mixology class where guests will explore the process of making high-quality hand-crafted cocktails. Includes three drinks. Featured Talks • Charles Phoenix: LOS ANGELESLAND (10/17, $50) With his trademark enthusiasm, keen expertise, and eagle eye for oddball detail, Charles Phoenix will lavish spirited commentary on the best of his epic collection of found, vintage Kodachrome slides taken by Los Angeles locals and tourists
PSP FOCUS in the 50s and 60s. Experience the city’s iconic landmarks, car culture, Googie architecture, famous attractions, Hollywood glamour, people, parties and more. Palm Springs, Tuned In: A Historic Retrospective On Music in the Coachella Valley (10/15, $30) From the Cahuilla to Coachella, from Sinatra to Manilow, the Coachella Valley has served as a muse and sanctuary for countless music legends. Historian Jim Cook will share a fascinating tale of how music and musicians were key to the development of Palm Springs. Brian Ray, guitarist for Paul McCartney and former Etta James music director and guitarist, will kick off the event. The Modern Architecture of Hugh M. Kaptur (2/16, FREE) Architectural historian and author Steven Keylon will explore the life and multifaceted career of Palm Springs architect Hugh M. Kaptur, the last remaining architect of the legendary school of Palm Springs Modern architects.
Seeking a more intimate tour? Try experiencing Modernism Week Architecture Tours (10/15-10/18, $130). Comfortable, climate-controlled 22-seat mini-coaches will enable participants to discover Palm Springs’ world-famous collection of modernist homes.
Walking Tours Participating in a walking tour lets guest experience Palm Springs on an intimate basis. Featured walking tours include:
For a complete schedule of all events please visit www.modernismweek.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X.
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ONE PS Presents: Trailblazers & Visionaries a Downtown Palm Springs Walking Tour (10/16, $100) Discover Palm Springs’ origins on this guided walking tour of downtown landmarks, including the Plaza Theatre, O’Donnell Golf Club, and Welwood Murray Cemetery, with insider stories and rare access. The Palm Springs Historical Society also offers many walking tours that highlight significant historical elements of the rich past of Palm Springs. These tours include Little Beverly Hills Walking Tour, Heart of the City: Pioneers to Playground of the Stars, The Homes That Define Palm Springs Bus Tour, and the Uptown Design District.
Brilliant design for every lifestyle. Your personality, our expertise.
Foley & Stinnette Interior Design
760.322.2268 FoleyStinnette.com
OCTOBER 2026 37
PROFILE LO COLBY IS CROWNED MISS INTERNATIONAL QUEEN 2026 BY ANTHONY VALENTI
The trans pageant world has a new global face, and she’s carrying a very personal story with her. Lo Colby was crowned Miss International Queen 2026 on September 19 at Tiffany’s Show Pattaya Theatre in Pattaya, Thailand, topping a field of 27 contestants representing 26 other countries. The win gives the United States its second consecutive Miss International Queen title, following 2025 winner Midori Monét; the first time any country has taken the crown in back-to-back years. For a pageant built on visibility, Colby’s win lands at a moment when that visibility matters as much as ever. Miss International Queen, founded in 2004, remains one of the largest and longestrunning international competitions for transgender women, and this year’s edition marked its 20th anniversary under the theme “The Evolving Legacy: Empower Every Voice.” Colby, who was born and raised in Hawaii and now lives in Los Angeles, built her path to the crown through drag performance, content creation, business, and beauty; the kind of multi-hyphenate career that will feel familiar to anyone who’s spent time around the Palm Springs entertainment and drag community. It’s a world where reinvention, resilience, and showmanship aren’t separate skills but the same skill, worn differently depending on the room. That range showed up on stage: Colby also took home the competition’s Best in Talent award. But ask her what actually won her the crown, and she doesn’t point to performance polish. She points to conviction. “I wasn’t speaking about these issues simply because they were part of my platform, they are deeply personal to me,” Colby said. “I believe that genuine connection between my story, my advocacy, and my purpose came through on the stage.” That platform centers on economic empowerment: financial literacy, career access, and workplace equity for transgender people. Its advocacy grounded in her own path, and one she says she intends to build her entire reign around. “I will continue to champion trans women in the workforce and advocate for equal opportunity,
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economic empowerment, and protections for my community,” she said. “This reign is about turning visibility into action and using the opportunities that come with this title to create more opportunities for others.” There was also a quieter, more personal thread running through Colby’s week in Thailand. Her mother emigrated from Thailand and hadn’t been able to return for more than thirty years. This competition was Colby’s first trip to her mother’s homeland. “As a Thai-American, I’ve always felt a connection to Thailand, but this experience allowed me to experience the country and its culture in a much deeper way,” she said. “It truly felt like coming full circle.”
She described the crowning moment itself as almost suspended in time. “For a few seconds, everything around me seemed to disappear,” Colby said. “I was overwhelmed with happiness, pride, and gratitude, and then it hit me that this wasn’t just a dream anymore. It was real.” Colby was quick to note she didn’t get there alone, crediting friends, family, and the Miss International Queen USA team who backed her run. “I didn’t bring this crown home alone,” she said. “There is a piece of every person who believed in me in this crown,
and I will always be grateful for that.” Following in Midori Monét’s footsteps carried its own weight. “She set such a beautiful example of what it means to represent the USA on the Miss International Queen stage,” Colby said of her predecessor. “I hope I can honor that legacy in my own way while continuing to open the door for the woman who comes next.” Follow Miss International Queen Lo Colby on Facebook and Instagram at @MissInternationalQueenUSA.
OCTOBER 2026 39
E XC E L L E N C E I N T H E I N L A N D E M PI R E
Quality Health Care Counts.
You Can Count on Eisenhower Health for Truly Exceptional Performance. Thank you, U.S. News & World Report, for listing us as one of the “Best Hospitals” in the region and California. We’re grateful to our exceptional care teams and hospital workers whose talent and dedication made this honor possible. We were also recognized for our high quality care in 18 specialties, surgeries and procedures. • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair • Aortic Valve Surgery • Colon Cancer Surgery • Gynecological Cancer Surgery • Heart Bypass Surgery • Hip Fracture
• Hip Replacement
• Pneumonia
• Knee Replacement
• Prostate Cancer Surgery
• Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma
• Spinal Fusion
• Lung Cancer • Orthopedics • Pacemaker Implantation
• Stroke • TAVR • Urology
We look forward to building on and even surpassing this level of excellence in the coming year and delivering the best possible care to the people we serve.
Learn more about our accreditations and recognitions at EisenhowerHealth.org/Awards.
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2026-2027 EVENTS
DATE
EVENT
Sept 30 - Oct 5
The Dinah
Oct 8 - 11
Joshua Tree Music Festival Fall 2026
Oct 10 - 11
Head Trip
Oct 15 - 18
Modernism Week - October 2026
Oct 16
The Center’s “Center Stage” @ The PS Air Museum
Oct 17
Palm Springs Pride Walk
Oct 24
Atomic Pink Bash by Metropolitan Fashion Week
Oct 24
REAF House Party - Palm Springs Pride in Paradise 2
Oct 24
10th Annual East Coachella Valley Pride
Oct 25
62nd Annual Golf Cart Parade
Oct 29 - Nov 1
Valhalla: Palm Springs Leather Pride
Oct 31
Halloween Palm Springs 2026 / Arenas Road
Oct 31
The B-52s * Devo: Cosmic De-Evolution Tour
Nov 5 - 8
Palm Springs Pride 2026 - 40th Anniversary
Nov 7
Palm Springs Pride Frontrunners 5K Run & Walk 2026
Nov 7
HRC Palm Springs Coachella Valley Garden Party
Nov 7
Margaret Cho: Choligarchy
Nov 8
Palm Springs Pride Parade 2026
Nov 13 - 15
Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival
Nov 14
5th Annual Pride on the Page Book Festival
Nov 20 - 22
McCormick’s Palm Springs Classic Car Auction
Nov 20 - 22
Robin Thicke at Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival
Nov 21
Kool & The Gang at The Show @ Agua Caliente
Dec 5
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
Dec 6
17th Annual Men of the Desert Fashion Show & Luncheon
Jan 7 - 18
Palm Springs International Film Festival 2027
Jan 23
Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival
Feb 18 - 22
International Bear Convergence - IBC 2027
Feb 28 - Mar 14
BNP Paribas Open 2027
Mar 6
RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq The World 2027 Tour
Mar 13
Diamond Wish Fashion Week El Paseo
Apr 9 - 11 & 16 - 18 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival 2027
Your Insiders Guide To All Things LGBTQ+ In The Coachella Valley! GayDesertGuide.LGBT KGAYPalmSprings.com
OCTOBER 2026 41 SCAN ME
PERSPECTIVE PRIDE, WHAT IS IT REALLY? BY JILL LANGHAM
Every year around the globe over 158 Pride celebrations take place. And every year one of those cities is chosen for World Pride. This past year it was in Amsterdam, Holland.
Our own former police chief, Andy Mills did a remarkable job in ensuring our safety here in Palm Springs and we can only hope for the same with our new chief.
Personally, I’ve only had the opportunity to attend two World Prides; Madrid in 2017 and Washington, DC, in 2025. Both experiences were unique as one was in Europe and the other in the US where cultures vary as do politics.
World Pride in 2027 has not yet been scheduled but in 2028, it will be in Cape Town, South Africa which I think will be amazing. I had to opportunity to visit Cape Town 10 years ago in 2016 and found it to be a very open city. It reminded me so much of Palm Springs.
However, one of the most refreshing similarities was the attitude of the police, whose job it was to keep the peace and the traffic flowing. Hundreds of extra men and women were allocated from other cities and counties to assist the local forces in their attempt to maintain harmony. It was actually quite impressive.
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Table Mountain, the flat-topped mountain with a tram built by the same man who built out tram has a town called, Camps Bay below it. From a distance you can see nothing but mid-century styled homes dotting the mountain side. If I hadn’t known any better, I would have sworn that I had woken up in Palm Springs.
As our Pride celebration falls late this year and will follow the mid-term elections so, we can only pray that the results will be in our favor giving us even more reasons to be jubilant. But what is Pride? As we know there are many definitions but the one associated with the LGBTQIA is as follows: Confidence and self-respect as expressed by members of a group, typically one that has been socially marginalized, on the basis of their shared identity, culture, and experience. (Source Dictionary.com) When I think of pride, I naturally think of the word proud. Have you asked yourselves what you are proud of? Does being proud include arrogance and self-aggrandizement? Or is it something altogether different. Have you had good role models who exemplify pride? Who might they be? When I was growing up, I had role models who made me never want to be proud because they were individuals who made me uncomfortable. They were most likely narcissist’s but that was a word that was rarely used, so I inaccurately labeled them as proud or stuck-up. I knew I never wanted to be like them and distanced myself from them. It wasn’t until I came to our community that I began to experience my own degree of pride and began to feel proud of the work I had done to change myself and grow, leaving my insecurities behind. But as more time went by, I began to see that I wasn’t an outcast. Instead, I was surrounded by other people who were like me and like me they too had done their work. They were examples of people with pride. Today the Pride celebrations are very inclusive of a wide variety of “unique” people. As the LGBT community has grown to include many others, making it a bit less definitive. When I originally saw the abbreviation LGBT, I found myself thinking that it could easily be translated to “Live Gay, Be True. But of course, that’s just me! I will be traveling to the Mexican Riviera on yet another Atlantis cruise so I will sadly be missing this year’s Pride celebration. May you all be safe, secure, and happy during the weekend celebration and grateful that we live in a country that still allows us to openly celebrate. XOXO, Jill, your Prideful, DQ
OCTOBER 2026 43
PLAYLIST RAPH SOLO ON FAITH, CHARACTER, AND COMING HOME TO HIMSELF BY ANTHONY VALENTI
On October 11 — National Coming Out Day — London-based pop artist Raph Solo releases “I Believe,” his first new single in eight years. The date isn’t incidental: it also marks fifteen years since Solo walked away from reparative therapy and began the long work of reconciling his sexuality with his Christian faith. Built on a bed of grand piano and strings that opens into a full, R&B-inflected build, the single arrives with a companion music video and a bonus 7th Heaven Remix as the first chapter in what Solo says is a larger story arc still to come. For our Pride Issue, Solo sat down to talk about faith, character, and the twenty-five-year journey behind his most personal song yet. “I Believe” drops on National Coming Out Day. What does it mean to release this song on that exact date? Raph Solo: October 11th is a milestone for me. In addition to it being National Coming Out Day, it’s my self-acceptance day, and it feels destined to be highlighted on my personal calendar. You’ve spoken about once believing you had to choose between being gay and believing in God. What would you say to a listener who feels caught in that same either/or right now? I spent more than twenty-five years struggling with this inner conflict. Looking back, it was never really about having to choose between believing in God and being gay. The conflict came from what other people had taught me about God, and how I believed I was supposed to think and be. Believing in God was never optional for me, and I couldn’t stop being gay, so I had to find a way to hold both. You went through reparative therapy in 2011 trying to change who you are. Looking back, what do you wish someone had told you before you walked into that experience? To be honest, I don’t regret it. As brutal as it was, it led me to where I am now, and in hindsight, I wouldn’t have had it happen
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any other way. I’ve embraced it as part of my story. That said, I hope it doesn’t happen to anyone else. There’s little to gain from it besides learning that you can’t become straight if you’re gay. I tried; I probably exhausted every possibility to convince myself otherwise. A lot of your message centers on character over identity — that being gay or straight doesn’t define you, but how you treat people does. I didn’t choose to be gay, but I learned that I do get to choose the contents of my character. I get to choose to be kind, honest, sincere, uplifting, hardworking, faithful, and of help to others. Those are elevated character traits, and they define you as a human being regardless of your sexuality. That’s the message: we have a choice in what ultimately defines us.
“I Believe” is described as the first chapter in a larger story arc of songs. Without giving too much away, where does this queer, faith-centered thread go from here? Without giving too much away, but just enough: whether we’re straight, gay, bi or asexual, we’re all human at the end of the day, and we all have a right to pray. Stay tuned to find out how we get there. For someone in the LGBTQ+ community who’s currently estranged from their faith, or from a church that hasn’t made room for them, what do you hope this song offers them? God is with you wherever you are. I spent considerable time in therapy after my reparative experience, working to rehabilitate my mental health. I’m gay, and I pray, and I believe it’s okay for me to
be this way. I’m faithful and respectful of all faiths. God is one, held in the highest, most sacred place in my heart. I won’t delve into scripture — out of respect for its depth and sanctity, and the time it would require to be properly discussed with the weight it deserves. But it’s something I’ve taken time to study on my own, and it’s brought me real peace and a deeper understanding which led me to my self-acceptance. Our characters define us, and God guides us to define ourselves beautifully through our character. If a young gay reader picks up this Pride Issue and only remembers one thing you said, what do you want that to be? God is with you wherever you are. Follow Raph Solo on IG @ raphsolo
OCTOBER 2026 45
PLAYLIST BRIAN FALDUTO SHARES LIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO FOR ADDICTIVE SINGLE “FREE COFFEE” BY ILICH MEJÍA Last month, queer country music artist Brian Falduto unveiled a live performance video of “Free Coffee,” the latest single from his upcoming EP I Could Be Happy, featuring singer-songwriter Will Leet. In the video, Brian, Will Fleet and an animated live band perform the original song at NYC’s The Green Room as part of the singer’s 3-night music residency Something Borrowed, Something New. The acoustic love song is a feel-good celebration of the addictive feeling of falling for someone special. With playful lyrics like “you perk me up with your love” and “you’re fillin’ up my cup with the way you live,” the song blends Falduto’s signature theatrical charm with infectious folk-pop rhythms that create an irresistible ode to everyday romance. About the inspiration behind “Free Coffee” and working with Will Leet, Brian shares “I met Will, the guitarist for Sammy Rae & The Friends, after being a fan of the band’s music for a long time, and he quickly became one of the easiest people I’ve ever written with. I brought him the lyrics to “Free Coffee,” which was one of the first love songs I’d ever written, and he created such a warm, receptive space for me to be vulnerable while still having a lot of fun, which is actually a pretty perfect reflection of the relationship the song is about: my partner has this infectious energy that is capable of bringing you into the present moment. I love that we captured that in a way that feels less mushy-gushy and more like a big, joyful jam session.” “Free Coffee” is the second single from the country artist’s upcoming EP I Could Be Happy. About what he hopes his audience takes from the project, Brian adds, “A lot of my past music was built around reclaiming ’90s country music as my own and writing LGBTQinclusive Christian music, but with this project, I really just let myself have fun. The EP has bluegrass vibes, groovy vibes, country vibes, crooner vibes, ballad vibes. Its sound is a little hard to define, which feels fitting because I listen to and love so many different kinds of music. With this project, I was also intentional about protecting the joy of making music. I think prioritizing joy and comfort throughout the process comes through in how great the project sounds and in where I was able to take myself vocally.” I Could Be Happy will be available everywhere November 13.
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ABOUT BRIAN FALDUTO Selected as “one of the 20 most influential, outspoken, and optimistic individuals on the planet” by PrideLife Magazine, Brian Falduto came into prominence after playing the role of Billy, nicknamed Fancy Pants by Jack Black in the cult classic film School of Rock. Now as an adult, he’s transformed into a bonafide gay country artist destined for superstardom. His participation in School of Rock had a major impact on his coming of age, having been so publicly visible as different but yet too young to come to terms with his sexuality. “My story is one of what happens when we try to label something we don’t understand in order to avoid our own discomfort,” says Brian, a now-out-andproud LGBTQ+ advocate. FOLLOW BRIAN FALDUTO Instagram TikTok Facebook YouTube
CARLY RAE JEPSEN RELEASES NEW ALBUM DAY AND NIGHT BY RYAN TURRIN Multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-nominated pop singer/ songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen releases her ninth album, Day and Night, via Interscope Records. From the “day,” “Versailles” is a gorgeously frenzied pop confection inspired by Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette and its opulent portrait of unbridled pleasureseeking. Carly wrote “Versailles” with Elias Kapari, Noonie Bao, and Markus Krunegård, with production by Kapari.
Loneliest Time, further showcasing her evolution as a songwriter and performer. Her B-sides projects (E•MO•TION Side B, Dedicated Side B, and The Loveliest Time) have offered fans a deep dive into her creative process. With nothing left to prove, Jepsen brings a sense of freedom and self-assurance to Day and Night.
Filmed in Los Angeles, the video for “Versailles” was directed by Kanya Iwana. Rolling Stone praises Day and Night, stating it’s “Jepsen’s most experimental and exhilarating work” and that Jepsen “makes falling in love feel brand-new all over again.” VULTURE describes Day and Night as “the most ambitious project of the Canadian singer’s 18year career.” As it moves from symphonic pop to dreamy psychedelia to highoctane disco, Day and Night echoes the palpable sense of playful abandon Jepsen experienced in bringing her most ambitious album to life. Early singles “On Wires” and “After All” gave fans a window into the “day” side of the album with its sun-soaked left-field pop, while “night” brings forward-thinking dance music with a maximalist edge, as exemplified by “Motivation” and “Don’t Leave Me on the Dance Floor.” Over the past 15 years, Jepsen has established herself as a true pop titan, carving out her own unique path with confidence and intention. She first rose to international prominence in 2012 with the irresistible global phenomenon “Call Me Maybe.” That blockbuster hit from her breakthrough album, Kiss, topped charts in over 47 countries and earned her two GRAMMY® nominations – for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. Jepsen’s 2015 masterpiece E•MO•TION has become a modern pop landmark, amassing more than one billion streams worldwide and earning recognition as one of the defining albums of the 2010s from publications including Pitchfork and Billboard. She expanded her artistic range with 2019’s Dedicated, a sophisticated and emotionally rich collection that The Atlantic praised as “brilliant.” She emerged from a period of isolation in the fall of 2022 with The
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MUSTSEE MENCRUSH: A DIFFERENT STYLE OF REALITY TV BY RYAN TURRIN
MENCRUSH, the global queer entertainment platform redefining contemporary storytelling, announces the release of CRUSH HOUSE, an original reality show centered on attraction, relationships, identity, friendship and contemporary queer life. The series brings together a diverse group of queer personalities and content creators in an unscripted environment, combining reality entertainment with authentic stories and personalities from the queer community.
compete to be crowned the show’s MVC (Most Valuable Crush) and win a personalized documentary by MENCRUSH and a cash prize of $20,000 sponsored by MISTR. During the competition, the ten crushes will experience challenges, strategies, alliances, eliminations and much more. The show will feature two winners: one chosen by the crushes and a second chosen by the audience through weekly voting on MENCRUSH.com.
CRUSH HOUSE represents MENCRUSH’s expansion from documentary storytelling into reality and entertainment programming and marks the platform’s first ever original reality show. The first episode of the 10-episode series premieres today, September 18, exclusively on MENCRUSH.com and will be followed by weekly episode drops on the platform. All content on MENCRUSH is available for $4.99/month, which includes weekly episodes of CRUSH HOUSE as well as all of the MENCRUSH documentaries. MENCRUSH members will have the opportunity not only to watch, but also vote, comment and participate as the season unfolds, week after week.
The ten crushes that will compete in the first season of CRUSH HOUSE are Tim James, Dom King, Roxas Caelum, Kyle Krieger, Horse Papo, Rocky Unleashed, Huge Ajax, Victor Vivone, Beau Butler, and Austin Ponce.
Set in a luxurious villa in Baja California, Mexico, CRUSH HOUSE is hosted by adult film superstars Josh Moore and JJ Aussie. The hosts welcome ten creators from all over the world to
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MENCRUSH celebrated the U.S. launch last month in West Hollywood. The evening brought together the CRUSH HOUSE cast, queer creators, entertainment personalities, influencers, media, partners and special guests for the official presentation of the series in the United States. Hosted by drag superstar Manila Luzon and featured music from DJ Ryan Kenney as well as a special performance by Gia Gunn, the event also featured exclusive CRUSH HOUSE content, cast appearances, interviews, and special activations throughout the evening.
FOLLOW MENCRUSH: Website: https://MENCRUSH.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mencrush__ Twitter: https://x.com/mencrush__ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mencrushco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mencrushoficial About MENCRUSH MENCRUSH is a queer entertainment company and content platform developing original documentaries, reality series and creator-led programming for a global audience. Created around the belief that queer stories can be both authentic and mainstream entertainment, MENCRUSH brings together creators, personalities and storytellers from across the queer community. With CRUSH HOUSE, its original reality series exploring attraction, relationships, identity, friendship and contemporary queer life, MENCRUSH is expanding its entertainment offering with the ambition of building a global queer media and entertainment brand.
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CALENDAR OCT 9-11 OURFEST 2026 PHILADELPHIA PA OURfest - known for more than three decades as OutFest - is the first festival and parade in the United States envisioned to commemorate National Coming Out Day, and it happens right here in Philadelphia every October. Three days of celebration honoring the LGBT+ community’s journeys, resilience, and radiance. Anchored by a parade through the Gayborhood, a free festival, resource fair, and dozens of independent events across the weekend. https://phillygaycalendar.com/ourfest/
OCT 17 COME OUT WITH PRIDE! ORLANDO FLORIDA Come Out With Pride, Inc., the nonprofit behind Orlando’s LGBTQIA+ community celebrations, brings people together for celebration, connection, and empowerment! Every October, around National Coming Out Day, we create a space where people can shine as their true selves—because for many, Pride is the one day of the year they can fully live authentically. www.comeoutwithpride.org
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OCT 18-25 FANTASIAFAIR TRANSGENDER EVENT. PROVINCETOWN MA Fantasia Fair is a weeklong transgender gathering in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Part conference, part social gathering, the Fair is full immersion experience - attendees can and usually do spend an entire week 24/7 presenting their gender as they wish. Fantasia Fair continues to be the leading annual program promoting a gendervariant individual’s ability to thrive in reallife situations. For info visit www.fanfair.info
OCT 30-NOV 1 HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA It all began as a simple gathering of friends in 1984. Now it has evolved into one of the most celebrated gay circuit party weekends of the year. It is so festive that the partying lasts from midday on Thursday until the wee hours of Monday morning. New Orleans’ largest gay nightclub complex, The Bourbon Pub is the very heart of the New Orleans gay community and will present some of the very best DJ talent and entertainment. www.gayhalloween.com
OCT 21-NOV 4 ART FOR AIDS: THIRTY YEARS OF SHOWING UP Thirty years ago, Art for AIDS began with artists donating their work to support people living with HIV/AIDS in San Francisco. What started with art grew into a community of artists, collectors, friends, and supporters who have continued to show up, year after year. This year’s online-only auction will feature more than 100 expertly curated original works donated by generous artists, collectors, and galleries, offering bidders everywhere a unique opportunity to support a vital cause while discovering exceptional contemporary art. www.alliancehealthproject.ucsf.edu
NOV 6-8 PALM SPRINGS PRIDE 2026. PALM SPRINGS CA Celebrate 40 years of Palm Springs Pride in 2026! What started as a humble dinner and variety show at the Riviera Resort in 1986 has blossomed into the largest Pride celebration in Greater Palm Springs. Join more than 200,000 people to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its deep roots in Palm Springs. Honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future of our LGBTQ+ community! www.pspride.org
OCT 13-18 THE HAMBURG INTERNATIONAL QUEER FILM FESTIVAL - HAMBURG GERMANY The Hamburg International Queer Film Festival (HIQFF) is Germany’s largest and, from the very start, queerest film festival. Once a year in October it attracts some 15,500 visitors to cinemas and various supporting events in Hamburg. It is the city’s second largest film festival and has a firm place in the Hamburg cultural landscape. https://www.hiqff.de/en
OCT 28-NOV 7 PINK SCREENS BRUSSELS QUEER FILM FESTIVAL BRUSSELS, BELGIUM Pink Screens is celebrating its 25th edition. Almost a quarter of a century of showing queer films, shaking things up on screen, circulating desires, anger, and ideas… and clearly, we still have no intention of slowing down. For this anniversary edition, yellow and fuchsia are once again taking over the cinemas and cultural venues in the heart of Brussels. Films, discussions, readings, performances, meet-and-greets, parties, and a few surprises: at 25, we can still go all out. https://pinkscreens.org/fr/pinkscreensFor info visit www.xlsiorfestival.com
OCT 29- NOV 7 GENDER BENDER. BOLOGNA, ITALY Gender Bender is an international Festival introducing the Italian public to the new imagery related to gender identities, sexual orientations and body representations stemming from contemporary culture. Gender Bender offers a series of events ranging from film showings, to theatrical productions and dance performances, visual arts exhibitions, installation, round tables and conferences, live concerts and performances by musicians and DJs, and clubbing events. It is a real model of how differences can give a contribution to the construction of a more rich and welcoming society from the human, social and cultural point of view. www.genderbender.it
NOV 1-22 FEAST FESTIVAL ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA 80+ LGBTQIA+ Events. A bold, statewide celebration of queer art, culture, and community. From high-energy parties and standout performances to intimate works and exhibitions, the program invites you to experience creativity in all its forms. Across Adelaide and Regional South Australia. Feast reaches beyond the city, with regional showcases that amplify local voices and connect communities across the state. https://feast.org.au/
NOV 2 – NOV 8 MASPALOMAS WINTER PRIDE – CANARY ISLANDS, SPAIN Winter Pride Maspalomas 2026 is the final gay pride celebration in the European calendar year. With an average outside temperature of 74 degrees, makes it an open-air event One week of amazing events with live shows with international artists, pool parties, boat excursions, parade, dance sessions and more! www.gaymaspalomas.com
NOV 12-21 OUTBURST QUEER ARTS FESTIVAL BELFAST NORTHERN IRELAND Working with local arts partners to showcase great local and international queer work while supporting the development of queer arts at home and internationally. Come see cutting edge work that is bold, challenging, accessible and brilliant, whether it’s grassroots events, professional touring productions or work and events commissioned specially for OUTBURST. https://outburstarts.com/festival/
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the3D’S DINE | DRINK | DANCE
KOFFI NORTH (3 Additional Locations) 515 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.2244 www.kofficoffee.com
TOWNIE BAGELS 650 E Sunny Dunes Rd #5 Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.459.4555 www.towniebagels.com
THAI SMILE PALM SPRINGS 100 South Indian Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.5503 www.thaismilepalmsprings.com
BOOZEHOUNDS PALM SPRINGS 2080 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.656.0067 www.boozehoundsps.com
ON THE MARK 111 N Palm Canyon Dr. #155 Palm Springs CA 92262 760.832.8892 www.onthemarkpalmsprings.com
TRIO RESTAURANT 707 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.864.8746 www.triopalmsprings.com
1501 UPTOWN 1501 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.1501 www.1501uptown.com
SHERMAN’S DELI & BAKERY 401 E Tahquitz Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.1199 www.shermansdeli.com
ZIN AMERICAN BISTRO 198 S Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 760.322.6300 www.pszin.com
TAC/QUILA 415 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.417.4471 www.tacquila.com
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849 849 N Palm Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.8490 www.eight4nine.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 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
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
QUADZ 200 S Indian Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.778.4326 ROOST BAR LOUNGE
CHILL BAR 217 E. Arenas Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.1079 www.chillbarpalmsprings.com
68718 E Palm Canyon Dr #203 Cathedral City CA 92234 760.507.8495 www.theroostcc.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
JAKES 664 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-327-4400 www.jakespalmsprings.com
OSCAR’S 125 E.Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-325-1188 www.oscarspalmsprings.com
ONE ELEVEN BAR
STREETBAR 224 E. Arenas Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.1266 www.psstreetbar.com
67555 E Palm Canyon Dr A103 Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.537.3111 www.oneelevenbar.com
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Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. The 10% discount will be applied at checkout when selecting a subscription order on qualifying products. Standard shipping will be applied on all shipments. Offer does not include upgraded shipping charges and is limited to the contiguous United States. Minimum purchase of $89 or more per shipping address to qualify for free gift to that address. Gift Cards, Certificates, Wine, Last Minute Gifts, Gift Baskets, Caviar, and Custom Cuts do not count toward the minimum free gift requirements. Your free gift will ship per address and must ship with an order. 1 free gift per shipping address. While supplies last. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer and is not valid on pending or prior purchases. Limit of 2 on select items at these exclusive prices. Items may be substituted due to inventory limitations. Other restrictions may apply. Sales are subject to OmahaSteaks.com/terms-ofuse. Expiration 12/31/26. | 26M10423 | Omaha Steaks, LLC
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NOVEMBER 6-8, 2026 DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS
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