Greater Palm Springs Pride

With Palm Springs Pride taking place from Friday, November 4 through Sunday, November 6, the "official" Pride Season concludes in glorious form in the perfect weather of Coachella Valley.

Now the largest Pride Festival in Southern California, Pride is one of the many reasons why Palm Springs has become so popular. First, because the event is free to the public and second, unlike many Pride festivals set in fenced areas (necessary when charging admission), Palm Springs Pride is open, filling several streets and blocks in the center of downtown.

Pride still offers hundreds of vendors, multiple stages and eating and drinking areas, but the location's advantage means guests can also enjoy dozens of brick and mortar restaurants, art galleries, bars and retail stores within the Festival footprint, or close by. Have brunch and mimosas in the morning, catch some fun entertainment on the Festival stages, stop at the many boutiques and home accessory retailers, then have a coffee or light lunch at a local restaurant. Take a break poolside at your hotel, before dressing and heading out for dinner, cocktails and more entertainment, then finally hitting the bars or host hotels for an evening of dancing.

Pride in Palm Springs is about more than partying and having a great time too, it's also about serving and supporting the gay community. One of the country's "gayest cities" (based on number of LGBT residents, it's ranked among the top three), Palm Springs Pride works hard to give back to the community. The 2016 Pride Honors Awards Lifetime Achievement Awards are being presented first to Dr. Diane Ross, advocate for women's studies in higher education, a second to community leader and LGBT rights advocate Randy Lowe, and thirdly to actor/designer/drag queen, William Perez, also known as "Bijou."

2016 Advocate of the Year goes to The L-Fund founders Barbara Carpenter, Ruth Debra, Sharon Siegel and Kate Ullman. The Emerging Leaders Award goes to transgender activist Paulina Angel and the inaugural recipient of The George Zander Social Justice Award will be Kate Kendell, 20-year leader of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus will be honored with Organization of the Year and 2016's Friend of Pride Award is presented to Barbara and Jerry Keller, owners of Lulu California Bistro.

Community leader and volunteer Jeff Hocker will be recognized with the Spirit of Stonewall Community Service Award and author of Raising My Rainbow: Adventures in Raising a Fabulous, Gender Creative Son, Lori Duron, the 2016 Spirit of Stonewall Special Guest.

Grand Marshal for the Pride Parade include writer, director and producer Del Shores, with Community Grand Marshal singer-entertainer Nicky Ciampoli, acclaimed for his performances as Broadway star, Carol Channing. In recognition of the 49 victims of the Orlando shootings, all will be recognized as National Grand Marshals.

"We honor and remember the victims of the June 12 shooting and we will stand up for others who have lost their lives to anti-LGBT violence," said Ron deHarte, President of Greater Palm Springs Pride.

Associated Events

GEORGE ZANDER CANDLELIGHT VIGIL AND MARCH
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, ARENAS ROAD

In memory of all hate crimes.

Longtime Palm Springs LGBT advocate George and his partner, Chris, were
attacked in downtown Palm Springs. Zander died December 10th.

OUT PSP
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, EL MIRADOR PLAZA

Signature cocktails and tastings from Coachella Valley premier restaurants, bars and beverage purveyors.

STONEWALL EQUALITY CONCERT
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, US BANK STAGE

Celebrate Pride under the stars in beautiful downtown Palm Springs.

HOT, WET AND PROUD POOL PARTY
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, CCBC

California's biggest and best clothing-optional resort.

17TH ANNUAL HRC PALM SPRINGS GARDEN PARTY
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

(Location given with ticket purchase)

An afternoon of celebration and inspiration featuring an open cocktail
reception, silent auction and thought- provoking speakers, special celebrity
guests and honorees.

Support all the awesome gay bars located on Arenas immediately adjacent to the Pride Festival: Hunters, Chill Bar, SpurLine, Street Bar and Score.

Others not to miss: The Barracks, Tool Shed, Zeldas, the new Retro Room and of course, Toucans. Check websites or Facebook for their many Pride events. Or, better yet, just stop in!

Come to the desert and play and remember to have a safe and happy Pride!

For more information about Greater Palm Springs Pride,
follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/palmsprings.pride,
or go to pspride.org.