“Too much of a good thing is wonderful.” — Liberace
When you Google “best gay cities,” my results did not include one single listicle mentioning Palm Springs. What? People, our entire city council is LGBTQIA, and from Wikipedia’s entry for Gay Village: “An estimated 33 to 50 percent of Palm Springs, California, are gay male or other parts of the LGBTQ community; this statistic makes them the largest percentage community in the US.”
In 2016, Palm Springs received a final score of 100 points in the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index Scorecard. Our city exceeded the highest possible final score of 100 with a raw score of 109, and we’ve kept that score through their last report of 2020.
Speaking of the ’20s, 100 years ago, Palm Springs began its journey as a playground for celebrities and the LGBTQ+ community thanks to Dr. Florilla White and her sister Cornelia. The two “independent and eccentric women” (code: lesbian) purchased the Palm Springs Hotel and spiffed it up a bit. Rudolph Valentino spent his second honeymoon there (it was escandalo!), and Greta Garbo demanded the premiere of Camille be held at the new Plaza Theater while she stayed at the hotel. Side note: if it weren’t for the founding mothers of Palm Springs (the White Sisters, Nellie Coffman, Lois Kellog —she was a wild one! — and Pearl McCallum McManus), it might still be a dusty little town. And the Cahuilla likely wouldn’t be where they are today without the 1950s all-women tribal council. Historically, in Palm Springs, men beat the drum of awareness while the women quietly made history. Sisters, amirite?
Liberace.
Palm Springs is so gay Liberace, Rock Hudson, Tab Hunter, Barry Manilow and gay icons Cher and Carol Channing had/have homes here. Not to mention the other “maybe they were, maybe there weren’t” plethora of stars. Although there is speculation, it doesn’t really matter, because Palm Springs has always offered personal privacy. No one is getting “outed” if they don’t want to be out.
Courtesy of CV Independent
In the 1980s, two anti-gay and AIDS-related bills were soundly trounced and, according to a 2017 article in Palm Springs Life, in 1991 club owner Gloria Green opened the first gay bar on Arenas Road, A Streetbar Named Desire (now known as Streetbar). I qualify that with the Palm Springs Life article because most accounts attribute the bar to Dick Haskamp and Hank Morgan, who apparently purchased it in the same year. So something is a little sketchy about the origins — however, Arenas would soon build up to become an all-gay city block with clubs and stores catering to gay men.
Pride was first celebrated in Palm Springs with a showcase called Sizzle. It wasn’t well received or advertised, and Sizzle fizzled out until 1992. By 1997, The Desert Sun estimated 30,000 people watched the (now) Pride parade.
Our gayness isn’t limited to Arenas. Oscar’s is alive almost every night with gay-leaning entertainment and Sundays is all about celebrating your gayness at the T-Dance. You can hear the party from blocks away.
We have so many drag queens they could hold court for an entire generation of royals, and they’re damn fine. Late night entertainment at The Copa and Toucans include long-running drag shows that pack the rooms, and drag brunches abound in our exceptionally inviting cozy town.
The San Francisco establishment of transgender performers AsiaSF chose Palm Springs as its second home. They opened just before the pandemic, and I’m told will reopen again in November — maybe December — of this year. I went to the opening in early 2020 (before you know what): these ladies are hot AF.
Some of the finest dining in Palm Springs is brought to you by gay restaurateurs. Roly China Fusion, Tropicale, Eight4Nine, Trio, PS Underground (an exciting take on dinner theater), The Purple Room (supper club), and 533 Viet Fusion to name just a few not on Arenas.
Desert Rose Playhouse is the one and only LGBTQ theater company and venue in the Coachella Valley. Now in Palm Springs proper at the old Zelda’s Nightclub space, they produce, support and elevate LGBTQ stories, actors, playwrights, and musicians. I have never been disappointed by their productions. So far this year I have seen The Great American Trailer Park Musical and Rocky Horror, and have tickets to see Hedwig and the Angry Inch. It’s a great space with a great vibe and the shows are delicious.
We have an LGBTQ+ community center, PFLAG (for supporters), and a retirement community for gays called Stonewall Gardens. We have two gay radio stations, the Gay Desert Guide, and the Palm Springs Cultural Center, with a mixture of artsy blockbusters and showcasing gay-themed films.
If you check out our website (already sorted for you!), you’ll find we have 11 resort hotels catering to gay men, some clothing optional. The Warm Sands area is generously dotted with gay boutique hotels.
One of my favorite things that hasn’t yet returned in the pandemic is our star drag queen Bella da Ball (aka Brian Wanzek) reading stories to kids at the Palm Springs Library. Bella even has her own star on our Walk of Stars.
There’s DAP, Desert AIDS Project, a terrific medical establishment that not only caters to gays living with AIDS but also administers to MediCal patients. I was on MediCal for a bit and they provide stellar care (I was sad when my insurance switched). They also run the resale stores Revivals which have terrific bargains on gently-used items, and some brand-new stuff too. Profits benefit DAP.
And of course there is the big event, Palm Springs Pride.
Some “must” events sent to me by Bella Da Ball:
November 1, 6 to 7 p.m.: George Zander Candlelight Vigil and March, 101 N. Museum Dr.
Beginning at the new downtown park (Museum Way and Museum Drive), this rally and march is in honor of George Zander. Six years ago to the day, George and Chris Zander were attacked in downtown Palm Springs, resulting in George’s death on December 10, 2015. This remembrance of George’s life keeps his memory alive, so that no other individual falls victim to a crime of hate.
November 7, 5 to 10 p.m.: Effen Vodka main stage, near the Hyatt Hotel on North Palm Canyon Drive. Party. Huge stage. Special video screens.
But wait, there’s even more eye candy than the parade! On November 5 and 6, enjoy the West Coast premiere of Global Rainbow by American artist Yvette Mattern. Specially designed lasers project a large-scale abstraction of a natural rainbow (the same colors in Gilbert Baker’s rainbow flag) celebrating the diverse LGBTQ+ communities and symbolizing hope and peace. Beamed high above Palm Canyon Drive at Amado Road, as far as the eye can see, until finally diminishing to a colorful glow over South Palm Canyon.
Hitting the stage on November 5:
5:30 p.m. — Charles Herrera
6 p.m. — Steven Michael’s Dance Machine, dancers, flaggers, drag
6:15 p.m. — Jason Stuart
6:30 p.m. — Shannon
7:15 p.m. — Sassy Ross
7:30 p.m. — Jeanie Tracy
8 p.m. — Jody Watley
8:45 p.m. — The Perry Twins
The unadulterated joy and magic the Palm Springs LGBTQ+ community brings to our little town is unparalleled. That’s right, I said it: unparalleled.
Not gay? No one cares, we are a mecca for all who want to be included…unless you’re homophobic, then according to the website Abodo, you should vacation in Buffalo, New York.
See you at Pride!
It’s event season here in Palm Springs and the weather is beautiful. Our quaint town is buzzing with activity and fun events. Check out these must-attend upcoming LGBTQ events in Palm Springs.
February 8, 2020
The 26th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards
For 26 years, The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards has been honoring Humanitarians from all corners of the globe. They are people who radiate compassion – who seem to have been born for a higher purpose. The 26th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards will honor Hank Plante, Garry Kief, and Ambassador Deborah L. Birx M.D and feature entertainment from Kristin Chenoweth. The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards is attended by more than 2,000 of the Coachella Valley’s most fashionable humanitarians making red carpet arrivals and the after-party events unto themselves. This year marks the 26th year for Desert AIDS Project’s largest fundraising event which is named for one of DAP’s earliest financial supporters, the designer Steve Chase. Find out more here.
February 20-24, 2020
International Bear Convergence
The International Bear Convergence is the premier winter LGBT for bears and the admirers. This is a five-day event where the community can get together and enjoy activities that range from pool parties to live DJ performances. Find out more here.
March 21, 2020
Red Dress Dress Red
The Center’s Red Dress Dress Red on March 21 from 8 to 11pm at the Palm Springs Air Museum is not only the hottest dance party of the Palm Springs Season, it is THE party of the Season! Whether it’s a frock, fishnets, or a fantasy come to life, Red Dress Dress Red is an opportunity for you to harness your creative expression and to share that gift in a community of 1,500 other visionaries-to-be. Once you’ve arrived, your body will be sure to pulse to the beats by DJ Galaxy that will fill the Palm Springs’ night sky. With all that energy in the air, and Mt. San Jacinto as our backdrop, we’ll treat you to an open bar and tasty bites from area restaurants to round out this night of delight. Find out more here.
April 1-6, 2020
Club Skirts presents The Dinah
More than 15,000 women from all over the world will gather in Palm Springs for The Dinah, also known as The Dinah Shore Weekend by Club Skirts. This LGBT event has been in Palm Springs for 30 years and is the largest, most famous all girl event and music festival in the world. Enjoy comedy, pool parties, galas, theme parties and more, come and celebrate, unite, empower and live out loud. Find out more here.
“We’re not interested in being the most expensive resort in Palm Springs, but we are interested in being the nicest.” — INNdulge owner Jon Jackson
Warm Sands is a beautiful Palm Springs neighborhood with sprawling estates, their edges lined with walls of perfectly-manicured, oversized hedges requesting you respect their privacy. You often don’t know what’s behind them — is it one of the many private homes, or is it one of the many men’s clothing-optional resorts? There’s a lot of bush going on there, it’s hard to tell.
On that alone, INNdulge stands out.
From the classy stone marquee on the tip of the property and generous parking spaces, to the rainbow flag waving above the mid-century modern structure of steel and tinted glass that screams “I’m a hotel lobby,” the INNdulge resort is out and proud on the street.
But that’s only a perk if you are directionally impaired. What really makes INNdulge stand out is what’s through the door.
It’s entirely unexpected: A lobby that is the definition of minimalist, with a teak desk that’s functional art on marble tile flooring. Where there aren’t floor to ceiling windows, there is art. Gorgeous art.
The INNdulge lobby. Photo courtesy of INNdulge
Off the lobby is a retro bistro table next to an open wall of glass that lets the outside in, and that outside is so mid-century perfect that your mind’s eye can see Rock Hudson and Tab Hunter soaking up the rays on the lip of the pool, or maybe Cary Grant and Randolph Scott cheekily cavorting in the water.
It all has a sophisticated playfulness to it, something you’ll find sprinkled throughout the rest of the property. It’s one of the benefits of having an owner who has an intense passion for visual mediums.
Speaking of playfulness, it’s hard to miss the two large statues flanking the pool, both with very large Flintstone-esque feet.
This statue keeps watch over INNdulge. Photo courtesy of INNdulge
“It’s by an artist named Mavis McClure,” INNdulge owner Jon Jackson tells me, clearly as fascinated with the artist as he is the art. “We met her when she was a professor at Berkeley. She does both male and female figures with oversized hands and feet. She did these at Berkeley; the models were two cousins from Italy that were exchange students.”
Most of the art is by gay artists, but Jackson doesn’t discriminate. If he loves it, he buys it.
Unexpected art is scattered across the entire property, and every suite is not only clad in the mid-century modern aesthetic, but each has their own original paintings.
A room at INNdulge. Photo courtesy of INNdulge
Another thing that sets INNdulge apart from other men’s resorts is that with 31 rooms, it lands in the mid-sized category. At this particular resort, more people equals more fun, which is one of the reasons INNdulge has an 80 percent guest return rate.
“Everything is designed around the pool in such a way to encourage people to meet, and every evening we have a social hour,” Jackson explains. “It’s BYOB because of the California liquor licenses. But we do it to encourage people to foster conversation and friendships. That’s why people come back.”
Most of the suites are poolside, with only about 10 of them away from the pool, and those have quieter patios in case you’re looking to have a cup of coffee away from the bustle.
Poolside views. Photo courtesy of INNdulge
Speaking of coffee, INNdulge lays out a couple of fabulous spreads for breakfast. Yogurt, berries, croissants, ham and cheese, and of course juice, coffee, and tea.
There’s a lot to do in Palm Springs, and Jackson has found that first-time visitors often book themselves with activities every minute of every day, from modernism tours to tennis lessons.
“When they come back the second time, it’s just to hang out by the pool,” Jackson says. “Of course, they go out to dinner, but they sort of get in this vibe. I don’t claim that, it’s not INNdulge’s vibe, it’s the Palm Springs vibe. And we try to recreate that here.”
And nothing says Palm Springs like a soak in a 12-man whirlpool spa that is open 24/7, so if you can’t sleep and think some friendly bubbles might soothe you, just hop on in. The water’s the perfect temperature, and the desertscape at night is breathtaking.
“We do a major remodel of something every single year primarily for our repeat clients,” Jackson says. “We do that because they come to expect what they know — this is the best value in the desert.”
The INNdulge grounds. Photo courtesy of INNdulge
If you’re heading to Palm Springs for Pride Week, forget the big hotels and experience what community is all about. Palm Springs has dozens of charming, independently-owned boutique hotels that are just as unique as you.
And that’s important because Palm Spring Pride is like no other. Here, community is defined very broadly and allies are enthusiastically celebrated.
Proof in point: this year’s Pride Week theme, inspired by (and in support of) “youth-led movement-building efforts that are awakening critical conversations for social change,” is Youth Power for Change. In a profoundly symbolic gesture, the youth of Coachella Valley were collectively named Grand Marshalls of the 2018 Pride Parade.
The Palm Springs is unusual because it does not contain gay ghettos like most cities. Decades ago, when Palm Springs was drifting into oblivion like so many small desert towns, it was the gay community who infused it with new life, starting hotels and other businesses that set the course for the Palm Springs of today.
And to this day, many Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels are owned or managed by members and allies of the LGBTQ community.
Where to Stay
Case in point: For women who remember the Bee Charmer Inn, it is now called La Maison and under the gay-friendly new ownership of allies Cornelia and Robert. Voted one of the most romantic inns in the country by Trip Advisor over the past few years, La Maison provides a safe and welcoming haven for solo travelers and couples. Exceptionally serene and lush, La Maison prides itself on small touches of perfection that make guests feel cherished.
The woman-owned, Alcazar Palm Springs, is managed by the talented Robert Hunt. This stunningly beautiful contemporary hotel is conveniently located near some of the best restaurants and shopping in town. Known for its diversity and inclusiveness, The Alcazar enjoys bragging rights for its salt water purified pool and garden courtyard with fire and water walls. It’s even pet friendly.
If clothing-optional man space is your thing, there is no better place to celebrate Pride than at one of the men’s resorts on San Lorenzo Road. In one short block, you’ll find at least four of the best (and most beautiful) resorts owned and operated by and for men, including: The Triangle Inn Palm Springs, Santiago Resort, Tortuga del Sol, and Escape Resort.
Holy Ned, October is jamming! We’ve got Modernism Week Preview plus Palm Springs Leather Pride. If neither of those float your boat, there’s HALLOWEEN! It’s a huge holiday here in Palm Springs, and Halloween on Arenas is sick (in the best way possible). Costumes are off the charts creative, and the whole town is one big party.
And now that it’s cooling down, all of our venues are heating way up. Keep in mind many indoor events require a vaccination card and a mask. Hey, the world is a bit of a horror show these days, but Palm Springs knows how to be safe and party.
So now, without further ado, say hello to October events:
Jazzville Shows at Agua Caliente Casino Cascade Lounge
MFUO Featuring Jacques Lesure — Thursday, October 7, 7 p.m.
Rumproller Organ Trio at Jazzville Palm Springs — Thursday, October 14, 7 p.m.
Dan Delgado Sextet — Thursday, October 21, 7 p.m.
Agua Caliente Casino Caliente Comedy
Craig Conant — Friday, October 1, 8 p.m.
Pablo Francisco Comedy — Friday, October 8, 8 p.m.
Brian Scolaro — Friday, October 15, 8 p.m.
Tom Arnold — Friday, October 29, 8 p.m.
Lalo Guerrero Tribute Show — Thursday, October 28, 7 p.m.
Cultural Center – Camelot Theatres
Drag O Rama featuring Rosemary Galore
Sunday, October 3, 2:30 p.m. (repeating Sundays)
Tickets starting at $15
Presenting Drag O Rama
REPO! The Genetic Opera — special screening of the cult horror film
Thursday, October 7, 6 p.m. social hour, event at 7 p.m.
Chip ‘N’ Dru: Our Favorite Sings
Saturday, October 9, 6 p.m.
Multi-talented singer Dru Rutledge and veteran Broadway pianist Chip Prince present Our Favorite Sings. Featuring a multi-genre selection of songs in the style of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Debussy, Puccini, Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Broadway, Opera, Top 40 chart toppers, and more!
Martinis and Moxie: A Society Social
Friday, October 15, 6 p.m.
A “My Way” society revue celebrating the life and music of Frank Sinatra.
2021 Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival
Thursday, October 21, 7:30 p.m.
Founded in 2000 by the late mystery author and Palm Springs community leader Arthur Lyons, the popular Film Noir Festival includes an eclectic mixture of prestigious and obscure black and white B movies from the classic film noir period. The festival is known for unearthing and screening rare films, restored classics, and for the special appearances of the stars who were in them.
Tuesdays: Rose Mallett
Wednesdays: Michael Holmes and Darci Daniels
Thursdays: Sharon Sills
Fridays and Saturdays: Ticketed events
Sundays: The Judy Show
That’s Amore, an Italian feast set to music.
Saturday, October 2, 7 p.m.
Gospel Brunch featuring great music and Keisha D.
Sunday, October 3, 11 a.m.
Ovation! A Jazzed Up Sunday Brunch
Sunday, October 10, 11 a.m.
Death by Cheese, a ghoulishly cheesy Sunday brunch.
Sunday, October 24, 11 a.m.
420 Bank Dispensary and Lounge
Cheech Meet & Greet
Friday, October 1, 3 p.m.
Kottonmouth Kings with DLOC
Saturday, October 23, 9 p.m.
Rabbit Country
Friday, October 15, 6 p.m.
Open Mic Night
Thursdays — October 7, 14, 21
Saturdays: Mimosa Men (Brunch)
Sundays: Bitchiest Brunch
Sundays: World Famous T-Dance
Edie Las Vegas Showgirls: Unleashed (ticketed event) — Saturday, October 2, 7 to 9 p.m.
Sandra Bernhardt — Monday, October 4 and Tuesday, October 5
Remembering The Golden Girls — Wednesday, October 6
An Evening With Cameron Ross — Thursday, October 14
Melissa Manchester outdoor concert — Thursday, October 21 and Friday, October 22
Theater
Desert Rose Playhouse Presents Xanadu
Thursday to Sunday, through October 17
(Note: So far their season has been spectacular!)
Sordid Lives — Through October 3
Shrek The Musical — Beginning October 22
More options
Wind and Wine Paint Party
Saturday, October 16, 11 a.m.
Palm Springs Windmill Tours
Wine glass painting class and Windmill Tour
Paint Splatter at Superbloom Studios
Thursday, October 14, 6 p.m.
Starts at $150.00
The Gem Show at Palm Springs Convention Center
October 21 through 24
Modernism Fall Preview
October 14 through 17
Halloween
Palm Springs Cultural Center
Jazzville Creepy Cocktail Party
Sunday, October 31, 3 p.m.
Cinema Bizarro: Best of Retro Cartoon Halloween Specials
Sunday, October 31, 1 p.m.
Jazzville Presents The Jazz Cartel Halloween Special
Sunday, October 31, 5 p.m.
Hocus Pocus hosted by the Sanderson Sisters
Sunday, October 31, 5 p.m.
A screening of Hocus Pocus with special guests the Sanderson Sisters. Kids receive a (kinda) real magic wand from the spooky woods of Salem.
Zombie Burlesque Cocktail Party
Sunday, October 31, 6 p.m.
The Three Michaels playing the Halloween score live, plus private party
Sunday, October 31, 8 p.m.
An ode to John Carpenter’s Halloween with the musical score, scares, and skits performed live in front of an abbreviated version of the film projected on the big screen.
Dirty Little Secrets Presents Shock Theater Spooktacular
Sunday, October 31 8 p.m.
California’s longest running burlesque and variety show. From zombies to fire performers, this eclectic shock theater of sensational striptease will keep you laughing and howling all night!
PS Underground
BITE – a bloody vampire dinner
October 26, 27, 28, 31, 7 p.m.
Halloween on Arenas Road – The Queen Of All Halloween Parties
The party starts at 4 p.m. and goes until 11 p.m.. Take an Uber/Lyft, parking will suck, and you’ll likely get pretty boozy. There’s too much to talk about, so I’m just sending you to the link. Prizes up to $1,800!
For Gay Men Only
The Dirty Show with Skyler Gentry
Wednesday, October 6, 7 p.m.
$25 includes complimentary booze, snacks, pre-show and post-show party after every performance. The venue is outdoors with spaced seating.
Hot Uncle at the Barracks
Saturday, October 16, 9 p.m.
Palm Springs Leather Pride 2021: Unlocked: Full Release
Begins October 26 and runs through October 31. Multiple venues, starting at Eagle 501 bar. SO MANY EVENTS! Event packages (too easy) here. Need some leather? Try Gear and Rough Trade Gear.
That’ll do it for October. Don’t forget to shop and stay local. See you in November!
For Michael Green, the past two decades feel like they’ve gone by in the blink of an eye.
Michael and his husband Stephen Boyd own The Triangle Inn (https://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/stay/triangle-inn-palm-springs), a gay men’s clothing-optional resort, having purchased the property in January 2000. They bought the hotel after spending their careers in advertising, embracing the opportunity to try something new. Now, nearly 20 years later, Michael can’t believe they’ve been hoteliers for so long.
Michael and Stephen have created such a welcoming atmosphere that it’s inspired several guests to actually move to Palm Springs.
People often ask them if they’re tired of running their own business, or want to try something new. “To me, as long as we still enjoy it, we should keep doing it,” Michael says. “It’s great owning a small hotel. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a great lifestyle.”
The Triangle Inn was built in 1958, and Michael and Stephen are its fifth owners. They’ve been through renovations and upgrades, and are always doing something to enhance the property. Along the way, they’ve made tons of friends, and have created such a welcoming atmosphere that it’s inspired several guests to actually move to Palm Springs.
“It’s what happens when people come and fall in love with the hotel, fall in love with the city,” Michael says. “All of a sudden, they think, wow, we need to have a part-time place here, or retire here. That has really been a phenomenon that has fueled a lot of Palm Springs’ resurgence.”
Early evening, and the still-blistering heat of Palm Springs, California conspires with the cooling blue of an outdoor swimming pool. I consider downing my Martini, ripping off my dinner wear and diving in.
An older gay gentleman with the right idea comes walking towards me, palm outstretched, smiling widely.
By Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
The Triangle Inn Palm Springs offers guests a private walled enclave where they can relax and be themselves. We are not for people who want an anonymous vacation. When people stay with us, we get to know them, and they, in turn, get to know us, and the other guests.
Author: Andrew Schaeffer
I’m not an outdoorsy guy. I’m in my element when I’m lounging on the couch binging something on Netflix. But, I needed to change that habit and get out and get moving—and what better way to do so than by going somewhere with plenty of outdoor activities?
