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COVER
TOP 2026 LGBTQ+ TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
BY NESTOR M. ALLENDE
COVER
For LGBTQ individuals, finding LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations is an important part of the experience. There are many options for those seeking a safe and welcoming space to prioritize their mental and physical health.
Sometimes a break away from the day-to-day grind is exactly what your mind and body need, and traveling gives you the space and time to relax, check in with yourself, and divest yourself of some of the stress that work, personal relationships, and general life come with, even if only temporarily.
So, whether you want to switch cities for a long weekend or take a cruise for a longer break, here are some of the top LGBTQfriendly travel destinations. From gorgeous beach destinations to
dynamic urban experiences, LGBTQ travelers are always looking for that next “new” place to visit.
Because no matter what type of trip you’ve been dreaming of, we here at The Standard Magazine, want to help you turn 2026 into the year you make it a reality.
Following are the top 20 destinations that should be on the radar for queer travelers in 2026.
1. SITGES, SPAIN
This is one of Europe’s top LGBTQ travel destinations and it’s not hard to see why! Around an hour outside of Barcelona, Sitges
is a beautiful destination full of pristine beaches, cobbled streets lined with quaint cafes and bars, and a large gay community. There are also regular events throughout the calendar year that draw LGBTQ travelers to this beachy town such as the huge annual Pride events that take place with gay parties on the beaches. Although neighboring Barcelona is often thought of first with its famous gay district of Eixample favored by many, Sitges has come up to challenge it as the number one destination in Spain for gay travelers.
2. BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL
Brazil is renowned for its queer friendly nature, and while Rio de Janeiro gets most of the Instagram love from LGBTQ travelers, Belo Horizonte (about 250 miles to the north) is becoming a hotspot in itself. Surrounded by mountains—and with a metro population of
6 million people—the city features plenty of LGBTQ nightlife, mostly in its Lourdes and Savassi neighborhoods. It is also known for its emerging music scene and as a destination for queer art.
3. VANCOUVER, CANADA
Canada is famous for being possibly the most progressive country in the world when it comes to openness and inclusion for all minorities, including sexual minorities. Vancouver is a great cosmopolitan city set amongst a backdrop of jagged, snowy mountains and has a bustling LGBTQ scene with everything from gay shops, hotels, bars, clubs and restaurants to choose from. Davie Village is the heart of the LGBTQ community in Vancouver and its vibrant, open and welcoming nature makes it perfect for gay and lesbian travelers to visit and feel safe and comfortable.
COVER
4. TUCSON, ARIZONA
Southern Arizona’s Tucson has been called the state’s Austin—a city that embraces a bit of weirdness, as well as it’s LGBTQ citizens. Plus, with the University of Arizona amidst its borders, the city always seems to feel young and active. Queer visitors can focus on the nightlife or get out and hike and explore. Saguaro National Park, a local treasure, is split into two parks that sit next to Tucson, and other mountainous areas around the metro area offer unparallel hiking options for active travelers.
5. MYKONOS, GREECE
Mykonos is known as the LGBTQ hub of Greece and is perfect for the traveler who longs for stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, traditional little villages and a good gay scene. This Greek Island is known for its welcoming nature and is often chosen as a honeymoon destination for LGBTQ travelers due to how welcoming and inclusive it is. Mykonos Town, however, is a great place to visit for solo travelers for its lively gay party scene, full of bars and full of like-minded people to meet and make friends with. This island is home to some of the best gay beaches, so they are worth exploring if you like to soak in the sun and do some swimming.
6. MIAMI AND KEY WEST
These cities are some of the safest and most diverse cities in the US in terms of sexual minorities. Both Miami and Key West are famed for their large gay and lesbian communities and are great for those wishing to go long haul to more tropical destinations. The gay 12th Street beach brings out the bronzed and beautiful in Miami and is a great place for those looking for the hustle and bustle mixed with lots of sun. Key West is a great gay destination, known for historically being a gay holiday destination for those looking for relaxation and taking it easy.
7. CHICAGO
Chicago Pride, scheduled for June 20-21, 2026, is the largest in the Midwest, but only one of Chicago’s 2026 queer happenings. This dynamic U.S. city hosts the popular Northalsted Market Days in Boystown from August 8-9, Black Pride from July 2-5, the Reeling Film Festival in September, and the International Mr. Leather conference and contest from Mat 21-25. And beyond the LGBTQspecific events, many visitors also come for the Lollapalooza concert series at the end of July and Fashion Week in October. The city is highly anticipating the opening of the Obama Presidential Library in June 2026.
8. SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
Perhaps the most LGBTQ-friendly destination in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico’s lovely capital city hosts its Pride festival on June 21, 2026, starting in the popular Condado area. And the True Self Foundation runs the annual All Out 5k race in late June each year, accompanied by a party atmosphere afterwards and a fashion show featuring queer designers.
9. FRENCH POLYNESIA
French Polynesia is one of the most beautiful, secluded and stunning places on Earth, and it is also one of the most welcoming, friendly and inclusive too! In French Polynesia, no laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the collectivity and LGBTQ travelers are afforded all the same rights as heterosexual people. Beautiful Bora Bora is perhaps one of the most luxurious destinations on earth. The concepts of gender identity here are also very different to western culture, and Tahitian culture actually recognizes a third gender called ‘Rae Rae’ – meaning ‘men who are raised as women’. This makes this a perfect destination for everyone in the community, being especially perfect for same-sex couples looking for a romantic getaway, wedding or honeymoon destination where they can be open about who are.
because LGBTQ+ health matters
COVER
10. MEXICO
Mexico is a wildly popular gay-friendly vacation spot for North Americans for a reason; it’s accessible, affordable, and offers an incredible range of options for visitors from out of the country. LGBTQ+ travelers may be drawn to famously gay-friendly Puerto Vallarta, where the “Zona Romantica” neighborhood features gayfriendly bars and even a gay beach section of Playa de Los Muertos. If you’re open to seeing Mexico outside the beaches, Mexico City is an unforgettable hub of cultural destinations and exciting nightlife — check out the Zona Rosa for gay culture and community.
11. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
San Antonio has so much to offer LGBTQ tourists, including a bustling gay strip and The Bonham Exchange—a former German social club that has an expansive outdoor patio area, enormous
ballroom area, and multiple rooms that each feels like a separate themed club. Plus, queer-owned Hopscotch, is a must-see art gallery that focuses on immersive art as well as optical illusions. There’s also a great foodie scene here, with amazing restaurants like Landrace.
12. AUSTRALIA
Australia is a dream destination for adventurers, albeit a distant one. The nation’s Great Barrier Reef just off the coast of Queensland is rightfully on many travelers’ bucket lists — and Sydney is undeniably a gay hot spot. But with abundant natural beauty, outdoor adventures, historical sites, and a rich Indigenous peoples’ culture, the island continent has much more to see.
In Sydney, New South Wales, the world-famous Harbor Bridge and Opera House are must-sees, with the more daring climbing the
bridge itself. Also worth a visit is the Royal Botanical Gardens, the gay Oxford Street LGBTQ+ district, and the Sea Life Aquarium to observe Sphen and Magic (aka Sphengic), the world-famous gay penguin couple. You can also learn about Australia’s history as a penal colony with visits to Cockatoo Island and the Hyde Park Barracks. Walk the cliffs outside Bondi Beach and Manley, where at least 80 gay men were killed in the latter portion of the last century. In Queensland the Great Barrier Reef may be the most famous tourist destination, but the state is also home to Daintree Rainforest.
13. SAN FRANCISCO
One of the most famed queer destinations in the world, San Francisco hosts its 2026 Pride celebration on June 27, 2026, with multiple stages, community spaces, and incredible musical performances, along with the always-popular vendor village. Also
important to many are the Trans March on June 26 and the Dyke March on June 27. Additionally, the city boasts other events of interest to the LGBTQ community, including Frameline50, the 50th anniversary of the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, June 1727, 2026. Visitors also come for the wide acceptance and range of activities at the Folsom Street Fair, scheduled for September 27, 2026.
14. IRELAND
The Emerald Isle has long since cemented its position as one of Europe’s most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations thanks to its progressive and inclusive attitude. It was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote and has since built on this victory with other progressive laws, such as the Gender Recognition Act of 2015. But it’s not just about legislation; Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community thrives in its colorful pubs and lively festivals. Dublin is
COVER
home to at least seven iconic LGBTQ+ bars and hosts the annual Dublin Pride Parade festival, as well as a string of other festivals across the country like the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, GAZE LGBY International Film Festival and Galway Pride.
15. THAILAND
Thailand has a rich culture and long embrace of gender and sexual diversity, and outlaws LGBTQ+ discrimination. In the most LGBTQ-welcoming country in Southeast Asia, Bangkok is considered the region’s queer capital. On the city’s pedestrian-only streets in the gayborhood Silom, you’ll find gay bars including Circus, Balcony, and Stranger Bar (considered the epicenter of Bangkok drag culture). The neighborhood features many other LGBTQ+ establishments including hotels, massage parlors, clubs, saunas, and restaurants. After partying all night refresh by checking in for an advanced wellness experience at luxury spa Sindhorn Wellness by Resense. Phuket is another common queer destination. There the Patong neighborhood plays home to gay bar and cabaret club Zig Bar/Zag Club and the Patong beach where Phuket Pride is held each year. Visit Koh Samui in southern Thailand, where the queer-run Samui Elephant Sanctuary allows elephants to retire from giving rides or entertaining tourists. Enjoy your own refuge at gay-owned Six Senses Samui Thailand which features an infinity pool overlooking the gulf of Thailand — and your own tree house. Party at Pride Bar Samui which features drag queens and karaoke.
16. AMSTERDAM
After a somewhat reserved World Pride in 2025, the global event comes to Amsterdam from July 25 to August 8, with the overriding theme of “UNITY.” The timing is important, too, since 2026 marks a quarter century since the Netherlands became the first country to legalize same sex marriage. The event runs concurrently with EuroPride this year. Amsterdam is home to a diverse LGBTQ community, and the festivities will include a Pride march, a Pride park, open air film festival, and a closing concert.
17. VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Eurovision isn’t a queer television event, but it’s been beloved by the LGBTQ community for years, after all, without Eurovision, we’d never have had ABBA. And in 2026, the host country for the show is Austria, with the semifinals scheduled for Vienna on May 12 and 14 and the finals on May 16.
18. SOUTH AFRICA
Cape Town is preparing to host World Pride 2028, but the country still has a lot happening in 2026. Visit this coming year for the Pink Loerie Arts Festival, a queer event in Knysna (April 30May 3); the Stellenbosch Wine Festival (usually early August); and Johannesburg Pride (October).
19. MANCHESTER, U.K.
Manchester’s queer community is recovering from the previous Pride organization’s bankruptcy, but now things have come together for a more community-led event in 2026, from August 28-31, specifically planned for a long bank holiday there. Popular aspects, including the Gay Village Party, are expected to return. And now heading into its third decade, Sparkle Weekend on June 26-28, 2026, celebrates the trans, non-binary, and gender diverse community—as well as their friends, families, partners, and allies.
20. NEW ORLEANS
While NOLA Pride (June) are big draws for LGBTQ travelers to the Crescent City, there’s so much more over the course of the year. The NOLA Jazz & Heritage Festival (late April) must be seen to be believed, with famous acts across more than a dozen stages— sometimes concurrently! Southern Decadence, usually held around Labor Day, is a long queer weekend of debauchery.
So, no matter where you decide to go, be it around your town or around the world, make it an awesome, memorable and most of all a relaxing getaway… Bon Voyage!
COVER
PROPER TRAVEL PLANNING
BY MATT SOLOMON
Safety should be a top priority for every traveler. Overall, traveling as a LGBTQ traveler isn’t much different than traveling for others, but there are times special considerations should be made. It is important to keep in mind that as a LGBTQ traveler, a destination’s attitude toward the LGBTQ community is an important factor to consider. Experiences for LGBTQ travelers can vary globally, so it is important to have an understanding of where you are traveling, so you can have an enjoyable and safe vacation or business trip.
We recognize the need for greater understanding and awareness regarding safety for LGBTQ travelers, and developed the following resources and support to assist LGBTQ travelers with information that will help them feel more comfortable as they plan their travel.
PLANNING
The most important step that LGBTQ travelers can take during the planning stages to ensure their safety and comfort on a trip is conducting thorough research on their destination. It is important to understand the cultural, legal and security issues that affect the LGBTQ community in the locations you are visiting. You should also consider your own profile and if that destination is right for you, as well as the sort of experience you want to have in your travels. You do not necessarily have to avoid a location, but you will have to be aware of how you conduct yourself based on the laws and cultural climate of the place you plan to visit.
What are some of the cultural considerations to make when researching your destination? In some countries, identifying as LGBTQ may simply be culturally frowned upon. In more conservative societies, shows of affection considered innocent by Western standards, like touching or holding hands, even between heterosexual couples, may be against cultural and religious practices.
You should not only research the social norms of the place you are visiting, but also the local laws. In some countries, identifying as LGBTQ is illegal. In these locations, LGBTQ individuals can be barred from entering the country entirely or can be subject to detention or legal action if suspected of engaging in or promoting homosexual activity.
DOCUMENTATION AND ACCOMMODATION
When applying for a visa, there are some instances in which a married LGBTQ couple should apply for visas as single individuals rather than as a couple.
The cultural and legal climate should be carefully considered throughout your trip planning, including when booking a hotel or resort. Some circumstances may require a LGBTQ couple to reserve a room with two beds, instead of one, in order to remain discreet or even to avoid legal action, and to bring separate luggage instead of packing belongings in one bag or suitcase.
During your travels, let a trusted contact back home know your general itinerary, including anyone you have planned in advance to meet while on your trip.
Transgender travelers may face additional scrutiny when departing from and arriving at airports and when navigating the cultural and legal landscape of a different country. When considering a destination, know that some countries may refuse entry to individuals whose documented gender does not reflect their presentation. Understand that cultural attitudes toward and laws regarding transgender people in conservative societies may present an unwelcoming and unsafe environment.
Transgender people must make additional considerations when conducting air travel. Security procedures at airports, such as patdowns, increased scrutiny from security personnel and body scanners, can be distressing to transgender people, and there are steps that can be taken to be prepared for airport security protocols. Researching the procedures and necessary documentation for airport security in your home country and in your intended destination is important.
SAFETY, SECURITY AND HEALTH
If you are traveling with medication, ensure that your medications are kept together in a separate bag in your carry-on. Keep all medications in their original containers and carry an official note of medical authorization from your doctor.
COVER
In general, staying aware of your surroundings, being mindful of the culture, trying not to stand out as a tourist and disclosing as little personal information as possible is the best course of action for anyone traveling in a new place. It is usually better to stay discreet at all times, even in more accepting areas, to avoid drawing attention to yourself. Additionally, in some places homosexuality is perfectly legal and acceptable, but people may still maintain a low profile even in gay-friendly venues due to cultural stigmas. Those societies may require LGBTQ travelers to use discretion and avoid discussing or displaying their orientation.
If you are harassed, remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible and do not escalate by confronting your harasser. If you are being followed, find a busy establishment to enter.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Australia – 000
Canada – 911
China – 110
Finland – 112
Germany – 112
India – 112
Ireland – 112 or 999
New Zealand – 111
South Africa – 10 111
Spain – 112
UK – 112 or 999
United States – 911
Thanks to AIG and Travel Guard Worldwide for their contribution to this article
Healthy Living!
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COVER TOP 2026 LGBTQ TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
BY CINDY GOMEZ
With the previous article in mind, here are a few destinations you might want to think twice about before you plan a trip there. In many of the places on this list, LGBT rights improve every year. But, recognition rarely equals acceptance. In some countries, same-sex marriages are recognized and celebrated. But, toleration and acceptance of the LGBT community is far from universal. Being queer is illegal in nearly 80 countries and punishable by death, including some very popular travel destinations.
MALAYSIA
This tourism driven nation seems quite prosperous and peaceful, but you may want to reconsider stopping at this antigay destination as you travel. Being gay is still criminalized by current laws. Punishments include fines, up to 20 years in prison and even cane whippings.
JAMAICA
Many will be disappointed to find that this hot vacation spot is actually on the antigay travel list. The beautiful island is one of the least gay friendly areas in the world. Violence against gay travelers has increased recently, and discriminating laws enforce punishments that include up to 10 years in prison.
INDIA
Tourist throughout the world flock to India to view its stunning architecture and experience the unique culture, but India has taken some giant leaps backwards in regards to equality in recent years. With violence and imprisonment very real risks, this is not a destination to be out and proud.
EGYPT
As one of the wonders of the world, you would think Egypt would be a great place to include in gay travel destinations. Unfortunately, being gay is still very taboo in the home of the pyramids.
DUBAI
This stunning city is quite liberal and progressive. So it may come as a surprise that, each year, tourists in Dubai are charged with “gay offenses.” Punishments range, but the death penalty is not legally out of the question. This antigay places should be avoided as you travel.
PERU
Though being gay is not actually illegal, it is best not to be open about orientation in this conservative travel destination. The attitude towards gay people is very intolerant, and gay members of the community are still very much underground.
SINGAPORE
You might assume that this modern, state of the art city would be open to gay travelers, but the courts have continuously rejected disbanding discriminatory laws.
MALDIVES
You will be quite disappointed to know that this stunning island vacation destination should be taken off any gay travel lists. There has been violence against gay people trying to enjoy a pleasant vacation in Maldives, and being gay is technically illegal.
TANZANIA
Tanzania is one of Africa’s top tourist destinations but, if you are gay, you should be aware that this area is not safe. The overwhelming majority of locals consider being gay as taboo, which is probably why it is still a felony offense.
BARBADOS
Though most gay travelers do not encounter issues here as long as they are conservative, laws from the British colonial era are some of the most severe in the western hemisphere.
BAHAMAS
Most gay locals here are still very closeted because of the discriminatory attitude. Violent crimes, murders, are not uncommon.
BOTSWANA
Though strides have been made against discrimination in this country recently, being gay can still be punished with up to 5 years in prison. The nation is very intolerant towards gay travelers.
DOMINICA
You may be subject to psychiatric treatment and a stint in prison if you are convicted of being gay in this popular travel destination. If you are on a cruise and this is one of your port calls, you may want to consider staying on the boat.
KENYA
This exotic travel destination has a lot to offer by way of culture and adventure. Equality is not a priority in this country, and being gay is punishable with up to 21 years in prison.
MOROCCO
To this day, people in Morocco are being tried and convicted for being gay. You may face a fine and up to three years in prison. It is best to skip this destination as you are traveling.
NIGERIA
The death penalty for men, whipping and imprisonment for women, are just a few of the punishments gay people face in the
African nation of Nigeria. As of 2013, it is even illegal to join gay clubs and organizations.
PALAU
Yet another island nation that is prettier on the outside than in. Palau has a national penal code that labels being gay as a. “abominable and detestable crime.”
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
All in the gay community should avoid this popular travel destination. Being gay is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, and the culture is generally discriminatory.
SAMOA
This country only labels being a gay man as “illegal.” Though there are many beautiful points of interests, gay tourists could face up to 7 years in prison.
SAUDI ARABIA
This nation has some pretty shocking punishments for those convicted of being gay. From 100 lashes to public stoning, they are some of the worst in the world. As you consider your next vacation, keep these antigay destinations in mind as places to avoid.
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BOOKREVIEW
ALWAYS OVERBOOKED
BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
So just make up your mind already.
The decision is very much in your control – or at least that’s how it’s supposed to be. It’ll be your future, your path, and seizing it may not just be necessary, but mandatory. It’s your life, and no one can live it for you. As in the new memoir “Devout” by David Archuleta, that goes for career and for love, too.
Born to parents who both had musical careers before they wed, David Archuleta remembers an early childhood growing up in a Hispanic Mormon community in Florida, where kin were always nearby. He was six when his parents moved the immediate family to Utah; the first thing he remembers about that is the snow, and how it was so cold, it burned.
Because music was in his blood, Archuleta grew up singing and dancing, often with his mother whom he calls “my rock.” It was his father, however, who encouraged him to perform; first, with a gentle push, then a shove toward a career Archuleta didn’t really want.
But he did want to make his father happy, so he went along with the contests, embarrassing meet-and-greets with stars, and uncomfortable introductions. Slowly, though, performing became more fun, and Archuleta made friends.
Meanwhile, back home, everything was breaking apart. A “family friend” whom Archuleta refuses to name accused his father of abuse. He was exonerated, but it affected the family’s closeness and they stopped being affectionate.
That was a painful backdrop to Archuleta’s soaring career, his appearances on Star Search, friendships with other rising stars, his runner-up spot on American Idol, tours, and recording contracts. His father kept pushing him.
But there was one thing missing.
Since he was a boy, Archuleta had known that he was attracted to men, but his Mormon faith taught him that that was unacceptable. Kissing, his abuelita said, was wrong. He tried hard to date girls, in the most chaste way. Anything past that was against God – and anything at all with a man was unthinkable…
Though it absolutely favors his personal life and dwells on it a bit too much, “Devout” strikes an otherwise nice balance between that, author David Archuleta’s career, his sexuality, and his faith. The latter two are loaded with controversy.
You don’t need to be Mormon to fully understand the faith part; Archuleta offers non-Mormons a brief education, so readers can see the importance of the Church’s teachings in his life and why he felt
the need to abandon it as his understanding of his bisexuality grew. It’s emotionally raw and honest, but also so respectful that it almost bears re-reading. Such candor and the heart-on-his-sleeve tone you’ll sense are features in the entire book, alongside Archuleta’s family’s struggles and his learning to strike out alone.
It’s harmonious in more ways than one, and fans will be happy. So, too, will anyone who wants a unique memoir with a dose of faith, or someone who’s an American Idol watcher. Find “Devout” and be sure to share. You won’t mind.
“Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself” by David Archuleta c.2026, Gallery Books. $29.00 / 290 pages
FEATURE OUT IN THE VINES
BY SHANE GALLAGHER
The Charles Napa Valley is elevating the region’s thriving LGBTQ wine scene.
The opening of The Charles Napa Valley feels, at first glance, like the arrival of another beautifully restored boutique hotel in California wine country. But step inside the 1906 mansion and it quickly becomes clear that this isn’t just about design, history, or even luxury. It’s about visibility. And in a region long celebrated for its wine, that visibility is now shining a brighter light on Napa Valley’s quietly thriving LGBTQ scene.
For designer Charles Gruwell, who brings more than four decades of global hospitality experience to the project, the hotel represents a continuation of a vision first realized at The Charles
Pacific Grove. There, a 1904 Victorian mansion was transformed into an elegant, welcoming retreat that quickly earned a devoted following—particularly among LGBTQ travelers seeking both style and a genuine sense of belonging. In Napa, that same ethos carries forward, now intersecting with one of the world’s most iconic wine destinations.
Gruwell’s approach to design is rooted in layering: fabrics, wallpaper, antiques, and artwork sourced from a range of cultures come together to create interiors that feel both timeless and deeply personal. But it’s the philosophy behind the aesthetic that resonates most. Alongside partner Ryan MacCarrigan, Gruwell has built The Charles brand around what MacCarrigan calls “authentic inclusivity,”
supported by the company’s proprietary C.H.A.R.L.E.S. Method—a structured approach to hospitality training that ensures every guest, regardless of identity, feels seen and welcomed.
That intention arrives in Napa at a moment when LGBTQ travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer more than scenic beauty. They want connection, community, and spaces where they can fully be themselves. Napa Valley, it turns out, has been quietly cultivating exactly that.
Just a short stroll from the hotel, downtown Napa offers a vibrant starting point. Deuce’s Market buzzes with energy, serving as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. It offers a wide
range of hydration and gourmet food stuffs, all sourced locally and globally from artisan brands. It also regularly hosts LGBTQ meetups and social events.
The Q Restaurant & Bar offers a casual dining destination rooted in Southern fare, a lively bar, and genuine hospitality. Nearby, the Napa Valley Wine Train provides a nostalgic, immersive way to experience the region’s vineyards—an experience that has increasingly embraced inclusivity in both its marketing and guest programming.
Beyond the town center, a growing number of wineries are helping redefine Napa’s cultural landscape. Ashes & Diamonds
FEATURE
Winery, known for its mid-century modern aesthetic and progressive ethos, has become a favorite among LGBTQ visitors for its welcoming atmosphere and thoughtfully curated tastings. Meanwhile, Clif Family Winery pairs organic wines with a strong commitment to sustainability and community—values that resonate deeply with many LGBTQ travelers.
There are also organizations like Out in the Vineyard, whose gatherings (ranging from vineyard parties to winemaker dinners) have helped transform Napa into a destination where LGBTQ culture and wine culture intersect in meaningful ways.
While Napa may not yet have the overtly queer branding of destinations like Palm Springs or Provincetown, its appeal lies in something subtler: a sense that LGBTQ visitors are not just accommodated but organically woven into the fabric of the experience.
The arrival of The Charles Napa Valley amplifies that momentum. By situating an explicitly LGBTQ-friendly hotel in
the heart of downtown, Gruwell and MacCarrigan are not only providing a place to stay; they’re creating a hub. The hotel’s daily social hour, featuring local wine and cheese, echoes the successful formula of its Pacific Grove predecessor while offering guests an easy, convivial way to connect.
It’s a small detail, but one that speaks volumes. In a region where experiences often revolve around private tastings and curated itineraries, The Charles introduces a communal element that feels distinctly queer: open, social, and rooted in shared experience.
This isn’t about reinventing Napa Valley, but about revealing a dimension that has long existed just beneath the surface. Yes, it remains a place of world-class vintages, Michelin-starred dining, and postcard-perfect landscapes. But increasingly, it is also a place where LGBTQ travelers can arrive not as outsiders, but as part of the story.
For more information, go to www.visitnapavalley.com and www.thecharlesnapavalley.com
THURSDAY
BRANDON WOLF
HARVEY MILK DIVERSITY BREAKFAST
The Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Coalition invites you to take your seat at the table where progress begins. This isn't just a breakfast; it’s a powerful gathering of leaders, allies, and advocates dedicated to the relentless pursuit of equality. Come honor Harvey’s legacy and help us fuel the next chapter of the movement.
JUDI & DENNIS SHEPARD
Harvey B. Milk Legacy Award
Advocate for LGBTQ+ civil rights and gun safety. Survivor of the tragic 2016 mass shooting at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub.
ON SALE Tickets
Advocates for parents’ unconditional love for their LGBTQ+ children. They lost their 21-yearold son, Matthew, to a hate-motivated murder.
ONTHEWEB THE HOST WITH THE MOST
BY STEVEN ARASA
BateWorld.com, the world’s largest online masturbation community for men, is celebrating May’s “Masturbation Month” with the highly anticipated fifth season of its hit reality series, The Great BateWorld BateOff!
Parker Woods hosts The Great BateWorld BateOff: Slick Studs, the new season features five ‘bators competing for the goony title of Master Bator.
Presented in partnership with the Free Speech Coalition and available for all who are 18 and over, a new free episode will
debut each Friday in May on BateWorld.com. The winner will be revealed during a live-streamed finale on June 5.
Season 4 winner Parker Woods returns to host, bringing his signature flexibility to the series. We spoke with him from his home in Los Angeles.
Congratulations on being selected to host the new season of The Great BateWorld BateOff!
Parker Woods: Thank you! I’ve wanted to host this competition for quite some time, and I knew winning was my way in. I’m really
HOST PARKER WOODS - PHOTO BY ALEX CAMPOS
excited to come in with a fresh approach and do what I can to elevate the series. BateWorld has given me full-range to really explore the role of the host and make it my own, and I’m so excited for what that will bring.
Season 5 is titled Slick Studs. What’s the inspiration behind the name, and how does it shape this season’s vibe?
PW: The overall goal this year is to make everything feel more cohesive. We chose a theme that was easy for everyone to follow while still unifying the cast. Edward, my co-producer, and I spent some time brainstorming themes, and the second we said “glossy & oily,” we knew that was the one.
How are you approaching your role as a mentor to this new group of contestants?
PW: I try to have a more hands-on approach with these guys by checking in with them, being their tech support, and just being here when needed. I try not to give too much direction or guidance because I don’t want to influence or stifle their creativity. I want them to stay authentic to their own masturbation styles. This season isn’t about me. It’s about them and their experience.
The weekly challenges sound wild—from “Hands Free” to “Mirror Bate.” Which one are you most excited to see play out?
PW: I’m most excited to see the POV and JOI (Jerk off instruction) challenges. As a content creator, I love to come up with interesting angles that showcase pure creativity.
Beyond the steamy challenges, what can viewers expect this season?
PW: Viewers can definitely expect to see a new approach in the hosting segments. I’m in a very unique role this year because I’m coproducing, editing, and hosting the series. So, I get the opportunity to
make the hosting segments feel like a cohesive part of the episodes, rather than generic drop-ins. I’m really excited about creating episodes that feel less like slideshows and more like… well, episodes.
This season’s cast is impressively diverse, featuring bators from across the USA, Canada and even Serbia.
PW: This season also highlights a range of ages, and we’re very proud of that. Rather than a bunch of young guys in their twenties, we’ve got some silver foxes in the group, and that makes me really excited to grow older and be as sexy as they are. They’re a great example of what we can all look forward to.
How does The Great BateWorld BateOff! help to foster connection and celebrate self-pleasure?
PW: The BateOff shifts masturbation from the idea of private taboo into something reminiscent of sports—where you can be proud of your favorite players and cheer them on in a semi-public forum. It’s never been about competing. It’s more about normalizing something we all do and allowing us a safe space to celebrate masturbation in a fun and interesting way. And no better time than May which is Masturbation Month to make that clear!
What advice would you give to someone considering auditioning for next year’s The Great BateWorld BateOff!?
PW: Upload quality content! We had so many nominations and auditions this year coming from profiles that had one or two photos on them. In casting, we need to know what to expect from you. We’re not looking for the best package or the fitness influencer body. We’re looking for well-produced content that tells us you’re ready to be naked in front of our whole community.
For more information, visit BateWorld.com and follow on BlueSky @BateWorld.com and on Instagram @bateworld_official.
RESOURCE THE CENTER’S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC ADDRESSES LONELINESS AND ISOLATION IN LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
BY BARRETT NEWKIRK
This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert is encouraging LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing loneliness or isolation to contact its behavioral health clinic to explore support options.
Social isolation and loneliness are growing concerns in the United States, with about one in three adults reporting feeling lonely, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of loneliness and social isolation compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. The same is true for other behavioral health challenges such as anxiety and depression, which is why it’s important that the LGBTQ+ community has access to supportive services with professionals who acknowledge their unique experiences and affirm their strengths.
The Center’s Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic offers individual, couples, and family therapy with fees based on a sliding scale, as well as no-cost and low-cost support groups on topics such as bereavement, sleep support, setting healthy boundaries, and transgender experiences.
The clinic’s sliding scale means an individual therapy session can cost as little as $25 for the lowest-income clients. Individuals with annual incomes of $100,000 or higher pay only $100 per session, much lower than what is typical for individual therapy. The clinic recently started accepting IEHP insurance and works with everyone so that no one is unable to access the care they’re seeking.
Surveys of support group participants show strong outcomes: three out of four reported feeling lonely or isolated when first joining a group. After participating, 83% reported feeling less lonely or isolated, and 91% reported feeling more connected to their community. As one participant shared, “It’s a great way for me to get to know people.”
“The services at the Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic are critical to The Center’s effort to end isolation and loneliness in the LGBTQ+ community,” said Dr. Sean Ferri, a licensed clinical psychologist and the clinic’s senior manager of clinical support. “All of our clinicians are trained in LGBTQ+-affirming care that helps clients feel less alone, building healthy relationships, and gain an overall greater quality of life.”
Each client is assessed using the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (RULS-6), a six-question measure that generates a score from 6 to 24, with higher scores indicating greater levels of loneliness and isolation. Based on these results, clinicians work with clients to determine appropriate interventions and incorporate them into individualized treatment plans.
Among individual and couples therapy clients, the average RULS-6 score at intake is 18, indicating high levels of loneliness across gender identities, racial and ethnic groups, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Following therapy, average scores drop to 7, and 82% of clients report an improved quality of life.
The Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic, named after former Rancho Mirage City Councilmember and Mayor Scott Hines, opened in 2016, the same year The Center moved to its current location on North Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. The staff of about a dozen behavioral health professionals now handle about 6,400 interactions with clients over the course of the year.
Along with the behavioral health clinic, The Center offers a wide range of programs for learning, enrichment, and social connection at
its community centers in Palm Springs and Coachella. The Center’s Community Food Bank in Palm Springs distributes fresh and free groceries to more than 500 area households through its weekly food distribution. All of these activities help to reduce isolation and loneliness in the LGBTQ+ community.
The Center’s welcoming and compassionate community spaces provide LGBTQ+ people with needed information, social activities, and mental health services that combat distress and contribute to their overall well-being. In one year, The Center counts more than 85,000 individual interactions across all of its sites and programs. This includes participation in classes, support groups, youth hangouts, social events, and every other time someone comes through its doors seeking resources or a safe, affirming space.
Anyone interested in learning more about The Center’s support groups, therapy options, or programs can visit thecentercv.org. The Scott Hines Behavioral Health Center can be contacted directly by calling 760-281-2613.
Details about the clinic’s current group therapy offerings are also available through the website.
DAPHEALTH
LEARN TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION FROM A DESERT EXPERT
BY KAY KUDUKIS
The daily TM practice is a simple, proven approach to calming your mind and reducing anxiety and stress. Palm Springs resident and certified TM instructor Tom Roth makes it his mission to teach you everything you need to know.
Rooted in ancient Vedic traditions of India, Transcendental Meditation (TM) got a glow up in 1955 from Maharishi Mahesh
Yogi, and by the late 1960s, the Beatles had introduced an already burgeoning movement to the rest of the world.
In 1973, writer-director David Lynch — who died last year, was nominated for four Academy Awards during his lifetime, and received an honorary Oscar in 2020 — learned TM, saying it gave
him “unlimited reserves of energy, creativity, and happiness.” So much so, in fact, that he established the David Lynch Foundation (DLF) to share TM’s benefits with those unable to afford the course.
In partnership with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, DLF researched the impact of TM on people living with HIV. Those who practiced TM for just three months reported lower stress levels and signs of a more stable immune response compared to those who did not.
Inspired by these results, longtime certified TM teacher Tom Roth created and established the HIV Wellness Initiative with grants from the David Lynch Foundation and the Chip Conley Foundation. The HIV Wellness Initiative offers TM courses to those living with HIV in the Coachella Valley (as well as to their caregivers) at no cost to them. Tom and I met face to face so I could ask him my most burning questions.
What exactly is TM and how does one practice it?
There are LOTS of different approaches to meditation, all called “meditation,” so it can be confusing! Transcendental Meditation is different. It is a simple, easily learned, mental technique, practiced for 20 minutes twice a day, sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. The technique allows the active thinking mind to effortlessly settle down to a unique state of “restful alertness” — the basis for the wide range of scientifically validated health benefits to mind and body.
How is TM different?
The TM technique is taught one-to-one and is carefully personalized by a certified TM teacher. Once you learn the technique, you will enjoy a lifetime of free follow-up and support anywhere you live.
o No trying to “clear the mind of thoughts”
o No monitoring of thoughts (mindfulness)
o No concentration or control
o Practiced sitting comfortably for 20 minutes twice a day
How did your TM journey start?
Many years ago, my brother [Bob Roth, co-founder and CEO of DLF] was home from Cal Berkeley for the weekend and my parents said, “Something’s great about you, what’s going on?” He said he’d taken a Transcendental Meditation class, so my parents piled my other brother and me into the station wagon, and off we went to Berkeley to learn TM. I was 13 at the time, and I loved it. It was fantastic for me through the challenges of junior high and high school. Then, following in my brother’s footsteps, I went and studied with Maharishi, and became a teacher of TM in 1974. I’ve been a volunteer with the organization ever since, first along with my research career, and now more full-time volunteering in retirement.
What are some of the proven benefits?
TM utilizes our consciousness to naturally dissolve the corrosive stress in our nervous system. When the mind becomes quieter through TM, the body becomes quieter, and when the body becomes quiet, it’s getting rest. Deep rest is the antidote to stress. Every building block of disease is associated with stress, so for a healthy body, we need to dissolve that stress. TM allows the mind to become calmer and find its “happy place.” The mind becomes quieter and more expanded, resulting in more mental energy, mental clarity, and creative spark through the day. Simultaneously, the body attains a deep state of rest that releases stress naturally.
Is there a wrong way to meditate?
There certainly can be, but you won’t learn the wrong way from me!
TOM ROTH
DAPHEALTH
When did you meet DAP Health CEO David Brinkman?
We met in 2016, when he took the TM course. He’s been practicing and enthusiastic about TM ever since. He’s read the research and feels that people living with HIV (and their caregivers) can really benefit from TM. He helped facilitate the HIV Wellness Initiative at DAP Health, now in our tenth year together. I can’t say enough good things about David.
Who can access the TM course through the HIV Wellness Initiative grant?
Grant funding fully pays the course fee for Coachella Valley residents living with HIV and their caregivers — no cost to them — whether they’re affiliated with DAP Health or not. There are no application forms, etc. It’s very streamlined.
Is the TM course available to others?
Yes definitely. EVERYONE who is interested — including DAP Health team members, volunteers, patients, and the public — are more than welcome to participate. The foundation has a scaled course fee structure, plus payment plans, found on TM.org. Or, if you need more help, we raise funds for scholarships. Just ask. Nobody is turned away from the course due to lack of resources. We make it work.
What does TM training with you entail?
It starts with an email to me at troth@tm.org, and I respond with an outline of the course and a link to stream a 30-minute “Info Session” video of basics — what TM is, what it isn’t, the benefits, and what’s involved. Then we meet live via Zoom (another 30 minutes), followed by your Transcendental Meditation course, which is about
one hour a day over four days.
Does everyone have to come to the one in-person training or can it all be done via Zoom?
Just one lesson — an hour by appointment in Palm Springs — needs to be in person. The other five sessions are available through our learning app and Zoom meetings. Plus, there’s a lifetime of follow up included in the course.
What
brought you to Palm Springs?
My husband and I found San Francisco somewhat cliquey. We never really made a lot of deep connections. We’d visited friends in Palm Springs a few times, but never really thought of living here. But during another visit, it clicked. Both of us just “got” it — the beauty, the community, the friendly attitude. We’ve lived here for five years now, and we absolutely love it. We spend a lot of our time outdoors, and volunteering.
And why have you made teaching TM your mission in life — how does that feed your own soul?
Teaching TM to people living with HIV through the HIV Wellness Initiative at DAP Health (and all others) has been the most rewarding experience of my life. To be able to share what has benefitted me for decades with others — it’s pure magic. I always thank my TM students for allowing me to teach them. I’ve enjoyed a very fortunate life, and I feel driven to use my time and expertise to help others.
If you have questions or are interested in the TM course, please email troth@TM.org. Visit DavidLynchFoundation.org/hiv for additional info.
THE 14TH ANNUAL HARVEY MILK DIVERSITY BREAKFAST
The Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast committee is proud to announce that Brandon Wolf will be honored with the Harvey B. Milk Leadership Award and Judy and Dennis Shepard with the Harvey B. Milk Legacy Award at the 14th annual event. The Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast will take place at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 8:30 AM for coffee hour and 9:30 AM breakfast and program.
Harvey B. Milk Leadership Award – Brandon Wolf
Brandon Wolf is a nationally recognized advocate for LGBTQ+ civil rights and gun safety, bestselling author, and survivor of the tragic 2016 mass shooting at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub. He appears frequently on MSNOW and CNN, and has bylines in Oprah Daily, The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and others. Brandon was named one of the Logo TV’s 30 LGBTQ Changemakers, Huffington Post’s 30 LGBTQ Influencers under 30 and Out Magazine’s 100 Most Influential LGBTQ People in America.
In 2019, he became the first Pulse survivor to testify before Congress and returned in 2022 to testify on the rise of anti-LGBTQ hate violence before the House Oversight Committee. Brandon was a national surrogate for Elizabeth Warren’s 2020 campaign and an advisory committee member for President Biden’s 2020 General Election bid. The organization he cofounded after the Pulse Nightclub shooting, The Dru Project, has given over $250,000 in college funding to LGBTQ+ youth since its inception.
Harvey B. Milk Legacy Award - Judy and Dennis Shepard
In October 1998, Judy and Dennis Shepard lost their 21-yearold son, Matthew, to a murder motivated by anti-gay hate. Matthew’s death moved many thousands of people around the world to attend vigils and rallies in his memory. Determined to prevent others from suffering their son’s fate, Judy and Dennis decided to turn their grief into action and established the Matthew Shepard Foundation to carry on Matthew’s legacy.
The Foundation is dedicated to working toward the causes championed by Matthew during his life: social justice, diversity awareness & education, and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.
Judy Shepard, Board President Matthew Shepard Foundation
Judy Shepard is the founding president of the Matthew Shepard Foundation Board of Directors, and served as its first executive
director as well, from 1999 to 2009. In her continuing role as board president, she travels across the nation speaking to audiences about what they can do as individuals and communities to make this world a more accepting place for everyone, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, or sexual orientation. Speaking from a mother’s perspective, Judy also authored a 2009 memoir, The Meaning of Matthew, exploring the family’s journey through the prosecution of Matthew’s assailants, the ensuing media coverage, and their continuing work to advance civil rights. On May 3, 2024, Judy Shepard was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honor. Originally trained as a teacher, Mrs. Shepard holds a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wyoming where she later pursued some post-graduate studies.
BRANDON WOLF
Dennis Shepard, Board Member Emeritus Matthew Shepard Foundation
Born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Dennis earned a degree in education from the University of Wyoming before marrying Judy in 1973 and settling in Casper, Wyoming, to raise their family. An oil industry safety specialist, Dennis worked for more than 16 years in safety operations for Saudi Aramco in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, before retiring from that position in 2009. He has served on the Matthew Shepard Foundation board of directors since the organization’s inception, and currently speaks to audiences around the country, particularly to victims’ advocacy organizations and law enforcement audiences about his experiences and the importance of equal treatment of LGBT crime victims and their loved ones. Judy and Dennis continue to make their home in Casper, Wyoming.
www.MatthewShepard.org
The breakfast honors the memory of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California and his legacy of groundbreaking inspiration in the struggle to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. The event is designed to strengthen coalitions among the many diverse community organizations that work toward equality in the Coachella Valley.
Tickets and sponsorships are available online www.HarveyMilk. us. Co-sponsor tables of eight are available from $750 to $2,500. Tables of eight may be donated for students for $750.00. Individual tickets are available for just $95.00.
Order tickets and sponsorship online www.HarveyMilk.us
2026 ARTHUR LYONS FILM NOIR FESTIVAL RETURNS ON MAY 7
The 2026 Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival offers a cinematic journey through restored classics, newly uncovered gems, and 35mm presentations on the Coachella Valley’s largest screen, complemented by special appearances from renowned film historians and writers.
Host-programmer Alan K. Rode returns for his 19th year at the helm of the festival, founded in 2000, and renamed in 2008 for the late crime novelist and Palm Springs City Councilman Arthur Lyons and executive produced by the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
“I am absolutely jazzed by this year’s line-up” enthused Rode. “In addition to screening several films that haven’t been seen on a theater screen for decades with several terrific authors scheduled as special guests, I’m thrilled to open this year’s festival on Thursday evening May 7th with the world debut restoration of a seventy-yearold classic noir”
Slightly Scarlet (1956) restored via funding by the Film Noir Foundation in conjunction with the Library of Congress and the UCLA Film and Television Archive is the first Technicolor and wide screen
restoration ever undertaken by the Film Noir Foundation, well represented for decades at the Lyons fest by founder and president, TCM Noir Alley host Eddie Muller and Rode, a charter director and treasurer. Adapted from James M. Cain’s novel “Love’s Lovely Counterfeit” Slightly Scarlet stars John Payne, Rhonda Fleming and Arlene Dahl. Directed by Alan Dwan and photographed by the great John Alton, the restored color and sound of this sparkling restoration “really pops” according to Rode who added, “I’m delighted to have Vincent Pirozzi of Roundabout Entertainment, who performed the restorative work on the film, scheduled to introduce it with me on opening night”
In addition to screening introductions by Rode and Muller, highlights of the twelve-film weekend include:
• On Friday evening, Peabody award winner Kirk Ellis will sign his new book They Kill People: Bonnie and Clyde, a Hollywood Revolution and America’s Obsession with Guns and Outlaws and introduce the classic Bonnie and Clyde (1967). “Bonnie & Clyde permanently changed studio
JUDY AND DENNIS SHEPARD
filmmaking while altering perceptions of movie violence. Kirk’s book is one of the most thoughtful chronicles of history, pop culture and Hollywood I’ve ever read,” said Rode.
• Saturday afternoon brings the atmospheric thriller I Walked with a Zombie (1943) to the big screen starring Frances Dee, James Ellison and Tom Conway with Dee and Joel McCrea’s grandson, actor-producer Wyatt McCrea scheduled to introduce the film.
• On Saturday evening, New York Times best-selling author Scott Eyman is scheduled to sign his latest tome Joan Crawford—A Woman’s Face and introduce one of Crawford’s best noirs, The Damned Don’t Cry (1950) filmed on location in Palm Springs. Eyman, the biographer of John Wayne, Cary Grant and John Ford among other screen luminaries, contributes creative insight and interpretive truth to his account of the iconic actress. “It’s an outstanding book—one of Scott’s best and that’s saying something,” averred Rode. “Joan Crawford has been serially misunderstood and ill-chronicled—at long last Scott has brought her into proper focus with a fabulous biography that reveals the woman behind the face.”
Other notable highlights include new digital restorations of Blake Edwards’ Gunn (1967) and Manhandled (1949) courtesy of Paramount Pictures and 35 mm print screenings of the ultra-rare City Girl (1938), The Mob (1951) with Broderick Crawford and Let Us Live (1939) starring Henry Fonda and Maureen O’Sullivan.
Event: 2026 Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival
Date: May 7-10, 2026
Location: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Tickets: https://www.arthurlyonsfilmnoir.org
CATHEDRAL CITY TAKES FLIGHT ON MAY 12 >>
The City of Cathedral City, led by Mayor Raymond Gregory, invites residents, business leaders, and community stakeholders to attend the 2026 State of the City luncheon, “Cathedral City Takes Flight,” on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
The annual event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Golf Resort from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the business expo, presentations and awards and luncheon. New this year is a special sponsor reception with a meet and greet with city officials at 10:30 a.m.
This highly anticipated gathering provides a comprehensive look at Cathedral City’s economic progress over the past year, showcasing the city’s best, brightest, and most innovative businesses while outlining key initiatives, developments, and priorities shaping the city’s future.
Mayor Gregory is the featured speaker and will deliver the State of the City address at approximately 12:30 p.m., with appearances by members of the City Council. The program will also feature a business expo and awards presentation recognizing outstanding contributions within the community.
Hosted by Emmy® Award-winning KESQ News Ch. 3 Chief Meteorologist and host of “Eye on the Desert Patrick Evans and produced by Hocker Productions, this dynamic and re-imagined event is designed to celebrate Cathedral City’s continued growth and momentum while fostering connections among civic, business, and community leaders.
PSP FOCUS
Tickets and tables for the 2026 State of the City - “Cathedral City Takes Flight” are now available at CCTakesFlight.Eventbrite.com, and early purchase is encouraged as the event traditionally sells out.
Sponsorship opportunities are available starting at only $1,000. Contact Jeff Hocker at jeffhocker1@gmail.com or 760-409-1530.
The City encourages all who are interested in Cathedral City’s
future to attend this dynamic and informative event.
Event Details:
What: 2026 State of the City – “Cathedral City Takes Flight”
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Golf Resort, 67967 Vista Chino, Cathedral City, CA
Tickets & Tables: CCTakesFlight.Eventbrite.com
PLAZA THEATRE OFFERS EXCLUSIVE BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR >>
The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation announced that it will offer an exclusive 90-minute immersive behind-the-scenes tour of the newly restored theatre. At 11 am on Mother’s Day Sunday May 10, participants will have the opportunity to partake in a special guided tour that will provide rare access to many areas of the iconic building that are typically off limits to the public. Prior to the tour, participants will enjoy a dazzling multimedia overview of the theatre’s rich history and its Hollywood connection.
“We are so pleased that the community has expressed such strong interest in the restoration of the Plaza Theatre,” said Board Vice Chair Kevin J. Corcoran. “Because the theatre has booked so many top-notch performances, the building is rarely available for tours. With that in mind, we put together this special guided tour to help share the story of how this iconic landmark went from its glamorous beginnings to its remarkable restoration. We are delighted to share the fascinating history of the Plaza Theatre and its role in Palm Springs culture and are confident that tour participants will be inspired by the unique story behind the Plaza Theatre Foundation’s restoration efforts. And, since the event is taking place on Mother’s Day, this presents a unique way for people to treat their mothers to a very special occasion.”
The day starts with an engaging journey through the rich history of the Plaza Theatre, presented by presented by Plaza Theatre Foundation Board Historian Jim Cook. He will share
how Palm Springs earned its reputation as the ultimate “Playground of the Stars” by recounting the many connections between Hollywood and Palm Springs. The visually stunning presentation will feature rarely seen videos, exclusive interviews, and captivating archival photographs from the Palm Springs Historical Society, Library of Congress, National Archives, California Library System and the Academy of Motion Pictures.
Next, tour goers will experience rare access to every corner of the theatre, including the newly restored auditorium and balcony, backstage areas normally off-limits to the public, the new green room for performers, and a peek at the dressing rooms where talent prepares to take the stage.
As a special bonus, tour guests will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase VIP tickets to upcoming Plaza Theatre events and performers before they are widely available. In addition, they will have the ability to purchase signed copies of Desert Dream to Silver Screen: The Story of the Historic Palm Springs Plaza Theatre. This newly published book shares the remarkable story of the historic theatre, from its glamorous movie-house origins to decades of live performances.
Tickets for this exclusive tour are only $20 and can be purchased at https://www.palmspringsplazatheatre. com/tours/
PLAZA THEATRE OFFERS EXCLUSIVE BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR
Come as you are, join comedian Shann Carr as she hosts a fun and funny, 90-minute bus tour serving “The Tea’ with Sugar and Shade.” Shann dishes about Marilyn Monroe and some of Palm Springs most iconic stories from Marilyn’s time, on her 100th Birthday. Shann weaves together humor and actual history, with gossip and sketchy-fact-filled stories with the ease and skills crafted through a life-long professional comedy career.
Carr headlined 40 years of queer comedy, on nearly 100 gay men’s cruises, thousands of queer conventions and at off-beat events world-wide. She has lived in Palm Springs for 28 years, working fulltime on the travel industry’s queer entertainment circuit for the first half of those years.
This May 31st “Marilyn’s Morning After SNARKitectureTour” is a custom design by Shann as a compliment to PS Pride’s “Marilyn 100-Guiness Book of Records” event on May 30th. Two, 90-minute tours will depart the following day, at 10am and 12pm, on Sunday
May 31st, from Museum Way, in front of the PS Art Museum. 20% of the proceeds from these “Marilyn’s Morning After SNARKitecture Tours” will go to support PS Pride.
HEALTH
THE SHINE THE LIGHT REPORT REVEALS URGENT NEED FOR INCLUSIVE AND EQUITABLE WORKPLACES FOR LGBTQIA+ PROFESSIONALS
BY JEFF DORTA
In today’s workplace, LGBTQIA+ employees often navigate environments where organizational norms do not fully reflect their identities. As workplace policies and public discourse continue to evolve, a new annual study underscores the urgent need for stronger career support, expanded mentorship pathways, greater leadership accountability, and more inclusive healthcare policies.
Sponsored by Be The Transformational Change Fund, The Shine the Light Report tracks both progress and persistent challenges in workplace inclusion, offering critical insights into the state of equity for LGBTQIA+ professionals.
The 2025 survey polled 1,386 LGBTQIA+ individuals across the United States—a 52% increase from 2024 (914 respondents) and more than double the 2023 sample (580 respondents). Among participants, 25% identify as transgender and 75% as cisgender. In terms of gender identity, 42% identify as male, 41% as female, and 17% as nonbinary or genderfluid. Additionally, 39% identify as gay or lesbian, 33% as bisexual, 5% as heterosexual, and 12% as queer or another orientation.
This year’s findings reveal both encouraging progress and ongoing challenges. Sixty-two percent of respondents reported being out to all or most coworkers—an indicator of growing workplace acceptance—
while nearly three in four (74%) said their workplace supports LGBTQIA+ employees, up from 68% in 2024 and 56% in 2023.
Workplace comfort is also trending upward. Sixty-nine percent of respondents said they feel comfortable dressing and expressing their gender identity at work, and 63% agree or strongly agree that they feel comfortable raising LGBTQIA+ concerns with leadership—a notable increase from 50% in last year’s study.
At the same time, significant barriers remain. Nearly half (49%) of respondents reported experiencing workplace discrimination, and only 53% of transgender respondents said they are able to use restrooms aligned with their gender identity.
Generational differences also emerged. Gen Z workers reported the highest levels of workplace discrimination, while millennials reported the lowest. Gen X workers also reported the highest levels of comfort expressing their gender identity at work, while Millennials and Gen Z workers reported the lowest.
By race and ethnicity, American Indian or Alaska Native workers reported the highest levels of workplace discrimination, while Hispanic or Latino workers reported the lowest. Black or African American workers reported the highest levels of comfort expressing their gender
identity at work, while White workers reported the lowest.
“More than half of respondents say their workplace would benefit from LGBTQIA+-focused anti-discrimination training,” said Evan Linett, MPP, lead researcher of the 2025 Shine the Light Report.
Respondents also emphasized the need for greater support in accessing health insurance benefits. While inclusive benefits may exist on paper, many LGBTQIA+ employees lack the guidance needed to fully utilize them. “I’ve had to find support outside of my workplace,” said a nonbinary Latinx participant employed at a public university in California.
For the third consecutive year, salary negotiation training ranks as the most valued job-search resource among LGBTQIA+ respondents, underscoring the ongoing need for support in navigating compensation discussions and advocating for pay equity.
Practical job-search resources—including interview preparation and résumé workshops—also ranked highly. As hiring processes increasingly rely on automated screening tools, respondents are seeking clearer guidance and hands-on preparation to stand out in a competitive job market.
The 2025 Shine the Light Report was made possible by 15 volunteers, including eight Advisory Group members and seven focus group participants, whose guidance and lived experiences helped shape the survey and deepen its impact.
Looking ahead, Linett encourages LGBTQIA+ professionals to seek out career-building resources, mentorship opportunities, and professional networks—particularly when internal support systems are limited. For employers, C-suite leaders, and human resources teams, they emphasized that advocating for inclusive healthcare policies, mentorship pathways, and leadership accountability is essential to supporting LGBTQIA+ employees.
“What we’re finding is that progress is real—more LGBTQIA+ employees are feeling supported at work—but the data makes it clear that policy alone isn’t enough. Employers need to make sure those supports are accessible and backed by leadership so people can actually experience inclusion in their day-to-day work.” Linett added.
Download the full Shine the Light Report at https://www.bethetransformationalchange.org/shine-the-light. For more information, visit BetheTransformationalChange.org.
2026 EVENTS
May 1 - 3
May 1 - 3
May 1 - 3
May 1
May 1
May 2
May 3
May 6
May 14
May 14 - 17
May 16 - 17
May 17
May 22
May 29 - June 1
May 29 - June 7
May 30
June 5
June 5 - 7
June 12 - 13
June 13
June 14
June 18 - 21
June 19
June 23 - 29
July 17 - 19
July 18 - 19
Aug 7 - 9 & 14 - 16
Aug 13
Sept 18 - 20
Sept 30 - Oct 4
Oct 16
Oct 29 - Nov 1
5 - 8
Palm Springs Hot Rodeo
Taste of Jalisco Festival
SunLit - Men of Color Retreat
Sebastian’s Rodeo Disco
High Desert Pride Prom: An Intergenerational Celebration
Sheryl Crow at The Show
Desert Winds Freedom Band “From Book to Stage”
Rock the Park: Listen to the Music (Doobie Brothers Tribute)
Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
Joshua Tree Music Festival
Long Beach Pride
Intl Day Against Homophobia / Transphobia / Biphobia
Pool Party for a Cause (Surf Club)
Marilyn 100
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
Riverside Pride
Pussycat Dolls at Acrisure Arena
WEHO Pride
Catalina Island Pride
Equality Wine & Food Fest
LA Pride
Tidal Wave 18: SPACE!
PS Surf Club KGAY / Gay Desert Guide Pride Night!
ShortFest Film Festival 2026
Gay Wine Weekend Sonoma - 15th Anniversary
San Diego Pride Festival
Splash House
Big Bear Romp
Gay Days Anaheim
The Dinah
Center Stage Gala
Palm Springs Leather Pride
Palm Springs Pride 2026 (40th Anniversary)
THE EASY FIX. OR IS IT?
BY JILL LANGHAM
I am just on my way back from my 16th Atlantis cruise, this time to the Mexican Riviera and what a grand time I had. I have mentioned before that I make it my goal to say hello to every person I come across on the ship and this time was no different.
I am lucky enough to be one of the few females on board, (outside of the staff), this time on the Virgin Atlantic ship, happily called the Brilliant Lady. Being in a huge minority makes it much easier for the guys to remember me than vice versa and I take total advantage of that.
Needless to say, I had a fantastic time and have many new acquaintances and a few new true friends.
I hope you are all well and enjoying the freedom that we have over the next few months now that the Coachella kids, Stagecoach attendees, and snowbirds are back home and we can begin to reclaim our town.
Over the last few months, I have been over-inundated with commercials for Ozempic, Wegovy, etc., the GLP-1 drugs being sold world but whose sales in the U.S., according to ChatGPT account for 60% of Wegovy’s and approximately 70% of Ozempic’s global revenue!
That tells me a lot! Does it tell you a lot as well?
In no way is this meant to be a shaming post but instead I am asking you to look at the implications.
Here’s what I believe. For at least the last 50 years, especially in America, where there are excesses of fortunes, food, and addictions, there has also been a huge movement to be skinny. Each decade there has been some new-fangled diet to “help” us, and especially women, to be ‘heroin chic! Think of Adkins, Weight Watcher’s, Jenny Craig, and the list goes on.
But, suddenly in 2017, Ozempic was approved to treat Type-2 diabetes. How fantastic is that? However, Type-2 diabetes of which there are about 5 main causes and only one that is genetic tends to be due to the lack of education from an early age as to how to take care of our bodies. We learn from our immediate families and caretakers how to eat. If obesity exists in a family there will most likely be obesity in the upcoming generations, combined with a
sedentary lifestyle, yo-yo dieting, contributing to excess weight gain and excess fat. On top of that if the person has poor sleep habits, and chronic stress you will see both hormonal and metabolic factors that create a situation referred to as insulin resistance all of which leads to obesity and eventually Type-2 diabetes.
In other words, this is very preventable if we take our health into our own hands. But we are not encouraged to do such. And this is when my temper starts to boil.
I am very afraid of this new fix. And I see is as the newest addiction unless the person is being taught and encouraged to change their lifestyle for the rest of their lives. It is not normal to “not,” have an appetite. And these drugs are artificially helping people to not be hungry, therefore they are eating less calories and unless what they are eating is healthy protein in proper amounts combined with healthy fats and a small amount of carbohydrates, the weight loss is primarily muscle and bone loss which will indeed
mean that the number of the scale goes down but so does the under structure of the body, i.e., the skeleton.
Now the scariest thing about these “helpers,” is that unless you stay on them FOR THE REST of YOUR LIFE, the weight you lost will come back!
I truly don’t know if this is sinking in.
Think about this, every week till your death, you will need to take a shot for something that just a tiny population who have genetic reasons for their obesity and require this drug, could be cured with proper knowledge and discipline. Imagine the cost that we are talking about if you do not actually have diabetes and are only using it for weight loss. Without strong insurance coverage it’s estimated that the cost is between $80- $125 a week or $41,600 -$65,000 for 10 years! Now imagine if we are talking 20, 30 or 40 years!!!
Again, I am not judging or criticizing anyone who chooses to do this, but throw in weekly testosterone shots, Growth Hormone injections, HIV drugs, BP medications, Statins for hyperlipidemia and
God knows what else and frankly, it’s alarming.
Further, as a woman who is on HRT, Hormone Replacement Therapy, I have at times had difficulty getting my prescriptions filled and think about how much Big Pharma and our own government want us sheep to become so dependent on these drugs that at any given moment they can stop production, interfere in out acquisition of our prescriptions, or raise the price so high that we can no longer afford this new addiction that they have created.
That is what really scares me.
So, my point is that I want to encourage every one of you who is choosing these drugs as solutions to weight loss to learn as soon as possible how to eat correctly, exercise regularly, take charge of your health and be the best version you can be so that you can slowly wean yourself off of these shots and maintain a healthy weight for the rest of your lives.
All my best, XOXO, Jill, your very concerned, DQ
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PLAYLIST KIESZA HEADS BACK TO THE DANCE FLOOR
BY ILICH MEJIA
Following the success of last month’s “Good Morning America” featuring KYLIE, electro-pop superstar Kiesza unveils the sensational follow-up track “When I’m Dancing,” which arrives with a lively music video driving home the song’s themes. The song takes inspiration from the artist’s time living in New York City, when she would go dancing by herself to unwind. With smooth, technically perfected vocals and steady, hypnotizing production, “When I’m Dancing” captures the universal sentiment of letting go of everyday struggles on the dancefloor. Along with releasing “When I’m Dancing,” Kiesza announces that Dancing and Crying: Volume 3, the final installment of the singer’s dance trilogy, will be available everywhere on May 8.
“I wish I could go back in time and tell my younger self how much there was to look forward to. That everything she was afraid would break her would eventually shape her and lead somewhere beautiful. Not only the woman who thought her dreams were over in a split-second car crash, but the girl fresh out of college, willing to bet on herself in a city that swallows both the dreamer and their dreams alive,” says Kiesza.
“The struggles and tears led me to find solace on whatever New York dance floor was speaking to me that night, solo raving through the doubts and uncertainty that words failed to comfort. ‘When I’m Dancing’ is about allowing your body to cry in ways that go beyond tears. Dancing has always been my crying, my refuge. I go back to that time in this song. In so many ways, dancing has saved my life,” she explains on the story behind the song. “This song is as much a gift to my listeners as it is a journal entry to myself, a torn page from the past that feels just as true today. I’m still dancing, still crying, still disappearing into the music and letting the movement sweep me away just long enough to remind myself that everything is going to be ok.”
As a final reflection, Kiesza adds, “The journey that led to this song is a testament to the path that brought me to this moment. None of it was created alone. Jess Cake and Bradley Spence began this track in the UK before it evolved further in their Toronto Airbnb basement suite, where the song was written. The production was later brought to life in the most inspiring analog studio, thanks to Al-P
letting us all go wild in his musical treasure chest. The song itself became a journey, mirroring the story embedded in the lyrics. The pain, the love, the hope, and the belief that our most fragile moments become the seeds of our greatest strengths. I can truly say that of all my songs, this is one of my favorites.”
The “When I’m Dancing” music video was directed by Shiraz Higgins and his team in Victoria, BC, and filmed on the traditional and unceded territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən, WSÁNEĆ and WSĺḴEM peoples, paying homage to and highlighting the culture of these indigenous tribes. With elaborate, over-the-top costumes, bright and colorful visuals, and energetic choreography, this incredibly Kieszacoded project is a masterclass in world-building.
Additionally, Kiesza will kick off the continuation to her Dancing and Crying Tour on May 20 in Atlanta, GA at Terminal West. The tour aims to bring the electric power of dance and joy to 15 cities across the United States and Europe. Kiesza will be joined by American rapper and singer Rye Rye in select markets.
Kiesza stormed onto the scene in 2014 with her impassioned hit “Hideaway,” which has accrued over a billion streams to date. The accompanying one-shot video was featured on several Best of the Decade lists. Her debut studio album Sound of a Woman topped charts globally and sold over a million units. With subsequent top tier collaborations including Jack Ü (Diplo and Skrillex), Deadmau5, and Francis Mercier, Kiesza has continued to evolve her sound and career independently, maintaining a strong and unique artistic profile despite a two-year hiatus following a serious car crash.
Her first independent album Crave received critical acclaim, paving the way for her most recent vision, a dance music series titled Dancing and Crying. In the summer of 2024, the single “I Go Dance” reached #1 on the US Dance Airplay Chart, marking another milestone in her career. With this achievement, Kiesza continues pushing the boundaries of dance music forward. A new era of female-driven dance music, crafted by the singer/songwriter from her Toronto home base, is in full effect.
PHOTOS CREDIT: KYLIE WATT
PLAYLIST
JESSE WARE ANNOUNCES SUPERBLOOM
BY RYAN TURRIN
Jessie Ware returns with her new album Superbloom out now via Interscope Records. Superbloom is an album rich in cinematics, shaped by womanhood, pleasure, intimacy, and connection. While earlier records found Ware reaching toward escapism, this one plants both feet firmly on the ground, trading fantasy for presence: the feeling of genuine human contact, and the quiet confidence of a woman who knows herself completely.
Featuring recently released singles “Automatic,” “Ride,” and “I Could Get Used To This,” each one has demonstrated how far Ware’s artistic vocabulary has grown. Ware’s influences run deep: the warmth of seventies soul, the irresistible pull of disco, and an unmistakably contemporary sense of authority.
Ware explains of the album and its inspiration: “I love dance music and still think this is a dance and groove record, but I was ready to write about connecting with real relationships and appreciate the love I have, and the fears I have of losing it.”
“Whether it’s the Garden of Eden or a garden of fertility and fecundity where goddesses play, the main inspiration here was the goddess Juno…I’m not saying I’m a goddess, by the way, but I wanted to embody one. I’ve been given so much confidence by fans who loved seeing me dress up, lean into characters and sing out whilst also allowing me to be myself and feel celebrated.”
As she has done consistently since 2020, Ware took the A&R reins herself, refusing to cede creative ownership to anyone else. Working once again with James Ford, she also brought in Barney Lister, Karma Kid, Jon Shave (Charli XCX), and Stuart Price, with mixing duties handled by Ben Baptie, whose credits span Sault, Little Simz, and Adele.
The album lands nearly three years on from That! Feels Good!
which broke into the UK Albums Chart at No. 3 and set a new personal best for Ware on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart. Critics from The Guardian, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and NME all united in their praise, while live performances at Glastonbury, Primavera, and the British Fashion Awards - alongside the breakout success of singles “Free Yourself,” “Pearls,” and “Begin Again” - confirmed her standing as one of contemporary pop’s most essential figures.
Superbloom doesn’t wander in search of an identity. It arrives with one already intact.
KEEANA KAE SPICES IT UP WITH WASABI
BY ILICH MEJIA
Lesbian pop artist Keeana Kee honors the beginning of Lesbian Visibility Week with the release of her latest music video “WASABI” featuring lesbian artist DJ Citizen Jane. Bursting with high-energy production and undeniable chemistry, the video captures the immediacy of attraction when emotional and physical connections collide.
Filmed by Alex Lay, the visual unfolds in a vibrant, anime-inspired world that blends a “spicy-cute” aesthetic with playful, provocative storytelling. From schoolgirl-inspired fashion to a surreal geisha-led setting, the video leans into bold colors, stylized characters and tongue-in-cheek moments. A sushi-making sequence evolves into a sensual metaphor for curiosity, connection, and discovering each other’s unique “flavor,” mirroring the track’s signature heat.
With lyrics that seamlessly blend English and Spanish like “catch me in the air con la miel en mi piel,” “WASABI” delivers global appeal from the first beat, pairing an infectious energy with an addictive feel that hits just as hard on the dancefloor as it does in your headphones.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the track, Keeana shares, “I wanted “WASABI” to feel like that instant spark you can’t ignore— the kind that surprises you, excites you, and pulls you in before you even realize it. It’s about being open to passion and letting yourself feel something intense and new.”
On releasing the song during Lesbian Visibility Week, she adds, “That week was about celebrating who we are, unapologetically. Releasing “WASABI” then felt powerful because it’s a love story between women that’s playful, confident, and full of joy. Visibility matters, and I want people to see themselves in moments like these.”
Keeana Kee is a New York–based pop artist defining her signature sound with what she calls Exotic Pop, blending cinematic storytelling with Afropop grooves, Latin heat, and emotionallydriven pop melodies. Her work lives at the intersection of music, fashion, and visual storytelling, creating worlds that feel as powerful as they are personal.
An openly queer artist, Keeana builds her music around themes of empowerment, identity, and emotional truth. From anthems like “GODDESS” to the cinematic depth of “Small Fragile Woman”
and “HEAL ME,” she continues to evolve as an artist who transforms vulnerability into strength.
Her single “TIK TOK” further defines this message: an empowering pop track about independence, self-expression, and the courage to make your own choices. Inspired by the pressure to conform and the fear of judgment, the song encourages listeners to take control of their lives and unapologetically be themselves. Through her music, Keeana creates space for people to feel seen, confident, and free.
CONNECT WITH KEEANA KEE Instagram TikTok YouTube / SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC
the3D’S DINE | DRINK | DANCE
TOWNIE BAGELS
KOFFI NORTH (3 Additional Locations)
515 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.416.2244
www.kofficoffee.com
BOOZEHOUNDS PALM SPRINGS
2080 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.656.0067
www.boozehoundsps.com
1501 UPTOWN
1501 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.320.1501
www.1501uptown.com
TAC/QUILA
415 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.417.4471
www.tacquila.com
650 E Sunny Dunes Rd #5 Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.459.4555
www.towniebagels.com
ON THE MARK
111 N Palm Canyon Dr. #155 Palm Springs CA 92262
760.832.8892
www.onthemarkpalmsprings.com
THAI SMILE PALM SPRINGS
100 South Indian Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.320.5503
www.thaismilepalmsprings.com
TRIO RESTAURANT
707 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.864.8746
www.triopalmsprings.com
SHERMAN’S DELI & BAKERY
401 E Tahquitz Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.325.1199
ZIN AMERICAN BISTRO
198 S Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA
760.322.6300
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
www.shermansdeli.com 849 849 N Palm Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.325.8490 www.eight4nine.com
www.pszin.com
LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO
200 S Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.327.5858
www.lulupalmsprings.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
CHILL BAR
217 E. Arenas Road
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.327.1079
www.chillbarpalmsprings.com
STREETBAR
224 E. Arenas Road
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.320.1266
www.psstreetbar.com
THE TOOL SHED
600 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.320.3299
www.toolshed-ps.com
QUADZ
200 S Indian Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.778.4326
ROOST BAR LOUNGE
68718 E Palm Canyon Dr #203 Cathedral City CA 92234
760.507.8495 www.theroostcc.com
ONE ELEVEN BAR
67555 E Palm Canyon Dr A103 Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.537.3111 www.oneelevenbar.com
RUNWAY
68300 Gay Resort Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.537.7800 www.runwayccbc.com
REFORMA
333 S. Palm Canyon #2 Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.902.6630 www.reformaps.com
DICK’S
301 E Arenas Road Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.327.0753 www.dicksps.com
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
TOAST’D
190 S Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
442-268-5525 www.toastedinps.com
BROKEN YOLK CAFE
155 S Palm Canyon Dr.B-21 Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-656-9655 www.thebrokenyolkcafe.com
TRILUSSA
68-718 E Palm Canyon Dr 201 Cathedral City CA 92234
760-328-2300 www.trilussarestaurant.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.
PHOTO REWIND
COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TONY PEREZ
PHOTO REWIND
COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TONY PEREZ
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