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FROM THE EDITOR
TRAVELLING INTO SPRING
Spring is in full swing, with the days getting longer and temperatures getting warmer. So, our travel issue includes features on the Virgin Voyages LGBTQ group cruise to the Mexican Riviera with Expand Travel and GED Magazine, and the amazing Andalusian Coast of Spain for a gay getaway, just to start you thinking about planning some adventures. And speaking of warmer weather, that means pool party season is almost here, and the official start of summer with GED and LE Parties’ 4th Annual Sun Vibes Pool Party on Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday, May 23rd) at the Riviera Hotel and Spa Palm Springs. Visit GEDmag.com for Sun Vibes tickets and information.
GED also presents two charity bingos each month – Ethyl’s Place Bingo at The Roost Lounge on the second Sunday of each month, and Bow Wow Bingo at Boozehounds Palm Springs on the third Wednesday of each month. Click “BINGO” on the menu bar at GEDmag.com and you’ll get the full calendar of happenings and ticketing. As always, the GED Magazine Team
is committed to bringing you the best in LGBTQ entertainment, travel, and lifestyles. Sign up for our monthly insider newsletter. Insiders will automatically be entered into future drawings for trips, event tickets, dinners and more. And for all the updates on social media, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky @GEDmagazine.
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EATER LA’S RESTAURANTS
IS A BAR ONE OF IN PALM SPRINGS
Because where you shop matters
DINING OUT FOR LIFE RETURNS APRIL 23
TO SUPPORT HIV CARE IN GREATER PALM SPRINGS
The popular foodie fundraiser is presented locally by Desert Care Network, with the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce as community partners.
DAP Health invites residents and visitors across the Coachella Valley to participate in Dining Out For Life® Greater Palm Springs on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The event brings together restaurants, cafés, bars, and bakeries across the desert that pledge a portion of their day’s and/ or night’s sales — not just profits — to support HIV services and other health care programs provided by DAP Health.
Community members can participate by dining at participating establishments for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, late-night bites, or just by going out for drinks or coffee. Between 33% and 100% of each bill will benefit DAP Health at no additional cost to the customer.
“Dining Out For Life shows how local businesses and community members can work together to support access to care,” says DAP Health CEO David Brinkman. “By participating, diners help ensure people in our region have access to HIV prevention, treatment, and other essential health services.”
A LOCAL EVENT WITH INTERNATIONAL REACH
Dining Out For Life is an international fundraising event held in cities across the United States and Canada. Since its founding in 1991, the initiative has raised more than $100 million for local HIV service organizations, with funds remaining in the communities where they are raised.
In recent years, Greater Palm Springs has consistently ranked among the top three fundraising cities in North America. In 2025, 65 local establishments participated to raise nearly $240,000 from more than 20,000 hungry, humanitarian diners.
HOW THE EVENT WORKS
On April 23, participating restaurants will donate between 33% and 100% of their total sales for that day and/or night.
Palm Springs’ Townie Bagels has donated 110% of its sales during the event each year it has taken part. “From the day we opened in August 2015, the Greater Palm Springs community has supported us,” says Townie co-owner Bill Sanderson. “Participating in Dining Out For Life is one way we can give back to the community.”
With restaurants serving throughout the day and night, supporters are encouraged to visit participating establishments multiple times, and to invite friends, family members, and coworkers to join them.
SUPPORTING HIV PREVENTION AND CARE
Funds raised through Dining Out For Life support DAP Health’s services for people living with or affected by HIV, as well as other safety-net health care programs in the region.
THESE SERVICES INCLUDE:
• Free HIV testing
• HIV specialty care and treatment
• HIV prevention services, including PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)
• Mental health services
• Dental care
• Housing assistance and other supportive services
DAP Health serves nearly 80,000 patients across Riverside and San Diego
counties, including individuals who face barriers to care, such as lack of insurance, housing instability, and limited access to transportation.
RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT HIV PREVENTION, TOO
Organizers say Dining Out For Life also helps increase awareness about HIV prevention and treatment.
Today, effective medications allow people living with HIV to achieve an undetectable viral load, making it impossible for them to transmit the virus sexually to others — a concept known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
Preventive medications such as PrEP can help prevent viral transmission in HIV-negative individuals even if exposure occurs.
“With the tools we have today — education, treatment, and prevention — new HIV infections are preventable,” Brinkman says. “Events like Dining Out For Life help raise awareness while supporting people who need care.”
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Community members can participate by dining (or ordering takeout) at any participating restaurant on April 23.
SUPPORTERS
ARE ENCOURAGED TO:
• Make reservations early
• Share information about the event with friends and family, and on social media
• Visit participating restaurants multiple times throughout the day and night
For more information, including a list of all participating establishments throughout the Coachella Valley — or to learn more about how to become a participating location in 2026 — please visit daphealth.org/dofl.
POWERED BY COMMUNITY, BUILT WITH LOVE HOW
RED DRESS DRESS RED
BECAME THE COACHELLA VALLEY’S MOST JOYFUL NIGHT OUT
BY BARRETT NEWKIRK
On one magical night each year, the Coachella Valley turns red. Not just any red, but bold, playful, fearless red. It’s the night when thousands of people gather for Red Dress Dress Red, The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s signature celebration of individuality, community, and collective joy.
For many, RDDR isn’t just an event. It’s a tradition. A reunion. A runway for self-expression. And most of all, it’s a party with heart.
What began as a relatively small party for a few hundred people in 2012 has grown into a signature annual event for the Coachella Valley. More than 3,500 people attended this year’s RDDR at the Palm Springs Air Museum on Saturday, March 21.
It was an evening full of community joy and creative self-expression, with unique entertainment, popular local DJs, food samples from area restaurants, and jaw-dropping outfits everywhere you look.
Husbands Bob Iles and Eric Rudoph were in attendance that first year and have gone back repeatedly.
“One year we did red tuxedos with red neon bowties,” Iles said. They looked so good and felt so comfortable, they are thinking of resurrecting the look this year.
The first RDDR was a much tamer event than what it is now, Iles remembered. There were cocktails, appetizers, and a costume contest, but no dancing.
“At the first one, a lot of people weren’t really sure what this was all about,” Iles said. Lots of men donned dresses that first year, but there were others who showed up with just a red necktie or red vest.
As time passed, the outfits got more extravagant. Attendees now start planning their looks a year in advance. Local clothing shops choose their inventory and prepare their window displays to draw in customers looking for that perfect something in red.
“I think word got out after that first year that, ‘Oh my god, this is a lot of fun. You get to cut loose and be somebody different,’” Iles said. “Everyone
loves a mascaraed party where you get to be someone else for the night.”
Longtime attendees know there’s loving and playful magic in the air at RDDR. It’s in the way strangers become friends over compliments on the dance floor. It’s in the laughter, the music, the photos, and the feeling that for one special night you are exactly where you’re meant to be.
For many people, especially those who don’t always feel safe or visible in other spaces, RDDR offers something powerful: full permission to be yourself, loudly and proudly, in community.
RDDR in Palm Springs sprang from a concept that originated in Portland more than two decades ago and spread to other cities as a way to celebrate while raising money and awareness for causes including HIV/AIDS.
As dazzling as RDDR has become, it continues to serve a deeper purpose. The event is a catalyst for The Center’s mission of creating vibrant community while helping LGBTQ+ people along their way. At RDDR, the community celebrates together while raising resources and strengthening relationships that propel The Center’s work across the Coachella Valley forward.
Center CEO Mike Thompson first attended RDDR in 2013 while he was considering a move to the Coachella Valley. Standing among the guests gathered at the Spanish colonial Sand Acre Estate in Palm Springs, Thompson immediately saw the potential to make the event something bigger.
The following year, RDDR moved to the Ace Hotel, and “that’s when it started to feel special,” Thompson said.
RDDR eventually landed at the Palm Springs Air Museum starting in 2018. Aside from 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a postponement and eventual cancelation, the museum has served as an ideal event space, giving attendees indoor and outdoor experiences, a gorgeous nighttime view of the mountains and desert sky, and plenty of room to dance – a critical component to RDDR’s joyous vibe.
“As queer people, we love creative expression and dancing,” Thompson said. “There’s liberation that comes on the dance floor.”
Thompson credits RDDR’s success to the collective efforts of volunteers, sponsors, businesses, and Center staff. Playing major roles are the local restaurants who provide free light bites that night and the loyal fans who return year after year.
Shann Carr helped put on some of the earliest RDDRs while working at The Center, and she still loves attending. She even brough her mother one year. “It’s one of the most fun evenings I’ve had with my mom,” Carr said.
In those first years, people debated whether the original name – Red Dress Party – turned off potential revelers. Over time, in an effort for more inclusivity and diversity, there was a shift to consistently calling it Red Dress Dress Red.
“In some ways the lesbians made it feel more open, because they weren’t going to wear a dress,” Carr said.
Her costumes have included a hummingbird feeder, a rose garden, and the crushed red pepper in a group “spice rack” costume.
As The Center’s volunteer coordinator, Carr one year ordered 12 red satin robes and encouraged her volunteers to personalize them. She fondly remembered how it helped bond the team and created relationships built around community service that still endure.
The event’s growth and success, Carr said, was due to some smart decision-making by The Center, including efforts to draw in a more diverse crowd. She also thinks the changing demographics of Palm Springs have helped fuel interest.
“The town is getting younger,” she said. “Red Dress Dress Red was one of those things that, for locals, felt like something we could only get somewhere else.”
Carr’s tips for getting the most out of your RDDR evening include wearing comfortable shoes and knowing there’s no such thing as too much red.
“People going for the first time will not know their little bit of black is going to stand out in the room,” she said. “You don’t do it again.”
Of course, embracing the fun spirit and over-the-top vibe of RDDR is all it takes to make the night unforgettable.
“For the average joe, it’s the most interesting party they’ve been to,” Carr said. “It feels like a high-end, world-class experience.”
THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT HARRY PILLION STAR
HARRY MELLING
TALKS ABOUT HANGING OUT WITH THE GAY BIKERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB AND BRINGING A COMPLICATED QUEER CHARACTER TO LIFE BY STEVE GOTTFRIED
There’s an oft-quoted statement by Alfred Hitchcock that 90 percent of a director’s job is choosing the right actors. And nowhere is that clearer than the on-screen pairing of Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård. The film’s success hinges on the striking contrast between Skarsgård, the strapping Swede, and Melling, the unassuming, doe-eyed innocent who discovers the thrill of submission. But despite all the promise of leather, latex and kink, this film takes the viewer on a quite an emotional rollercoaster that probes how emotions are navigated between master and pillion.
Skarsgård turns in a restrained and compelling performance as the ubercypher Ray while Melling portrays the rather meek and nondescript parking enforcement stiff Colin who comes alive when Ray comes into his life. Colin is the emotional center at the heart of this lopsided romance. Melling conveys so much with his expressive face that he evokes qualities reminiscent of silent screen icons of days long gone by. While Ray is unreadable (by design) Melling’s emotions are visible for all to see which makes the tension between them all the more palpable and begs the question as to who will succumb to the other’s will.
I caught up with Harry for a Zoom chat to talk about the film and how he immersed himself in this role.
Did you ever imagine that you’d be a romantic lead opposite Alexander Skarsgård.
It was always a dream of mine. And I’m very happy to say I’ve done it. Every job that comes my way, I’m kind of amazed that I’m involved and get an opportunity to play these fascinating creatures.
How did your casting come about for this film?
Harry Lighton (the director) wanted to cast my role “Colin” first. So he asked me to read the script, and I completely fell in love with the material and this character. I thought his writing was just exquisite. I was fascinated by this subculture as well as the familiar sort of relat-
able aspects of the story in terms of first love and what that means, and the coming-of-age story. Luckily, I didn’t have to audition. I just immediately said yes, I’d love to do it. And then very quickly after that, Alex came on board, which was just incredible. And we started to build this movie from that point, really.
Was there a long gestation between the time that you came on board and the start of filming?
Yeah, I was offered the role about a year before we started principal photography, which personally I love. Give me all the time to try and sort of mull on the character and who they might
be. I get quite sort of panicky if it goes too quickly. I was very happy to have some time to really think about Colin and to look at the book which the film is based on – Box Hill. I also spent a lot of time researching the character with the GBMCC, the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club in the UK.
Have you played gay roles before?
I haven’t. I did a really weirdly wonderful movie called Please Baby Please, where I played this sort of androgynous, confused character who you could describe as being sexually ambiguous. But that would be the closest thing I’ve done to playing a queer role.
In terms of researching the gay biker subculture, had you had any exposure to this subculture prior to coming on this film or were you a complete novice?
It was all really new to me in terms of being introduced to the GBMCC. Within that community, there’s some people that are part of the kink scene as well. So I got to meet these incredible individuals who were so generous with their time and information, offering all sorts of support and pretty much their life story, in terms of why they’ve chosen to express themselves in this manner. They were quite overwhelmingly generous. Because I would imagine, having an actor come in, who’s trying to probe them for secrets, or information about what it is that they do in their spare time or why they choose to express themselves in this manner, could be very intimidating. And it was the absolute opposite. They were unbelievably generous in volunteering information. And a lot of the bikers in the movie are from the GBMCC and they really were a pivotal part of this
“THE THING THAT I REALLY CONNECTED WITH COLIN WAS HIS CURIOSITY, AND I GUESS IN A STRANGE WAY, HIS BRAVERY.”
movie. And what’s so great about them being on set all the time was, if ever there was a question that we wanted to try and work out – like in the orgy scene, what would your physicality be, they were on board to help us out. When we premiered at Cannes, a lot of them came to the premiere, and seeing their faces, they seemed really happy with the finished product. Happy that their lives have
been given this platform for the world to understand and see. And that was just a wonderful thing to be a part of. And in lots of ways, I think we kind of made the movie for them. They really were pivotal in the DNA of the movie.
What would you say was the biggest myth or misconception that was busted open after getting to know them.
What I found really fascinating on my first outing with them – I rode pillion (passenger seat) up to Cambridge in the UK from London where I live. And I remember we took a stop-off at this tiny little tea hut in this field somewhere. And we all had a cup of tea, sat around this little hut and spoke about something mundane like the weather. Not that I thought everything would be sort of loud and big, or even like they would always be sort of channeling their kink personas or what have you, but actually the mundanity of it was something that I found fascinating. You know, the fact that we are just having a cup of tea, talking
about the weather, as we’re riding these big, loud bikes to the Pride Festival in Cambridge. And I think in lots of ways, those two things are very much present in the movie. Those sorts of mundane, everyday things sort of crashing up against an orgy in the woods. Those two things being adjacent and often running alongside each other is what makes it so intriguing as a movie. And what I think grounds it in some sense of normalcy. So that was I think the big discovery for me, was they’re not just talking about puppy masks and leathers. It’s actually nice cozy conversations with a cup of tea around a little tea hut in the middle of a park somewhere.
What did you draw on personally from your own relationships to inhabit this role.
I think with every character you play, you’re playing a game of working out what things feel very close to you and connected to you, and things that might not be, that might need a bit of understanding and reaching for. The thing that I really connected with Colin was his curiosity, and I guess in a strange way, his bravery. When I walk into a room, I don’t think I’m the person that takes up the most space, which is very much like Colin. But doing what I do as an actor, there’s an act of bravery in there. To try and communicate these lives to people. So those two things were things that I felt very sort of in line with me as a person. Every role that you play, there’s things that you sort of draw on. And I also think we human beings are multifaceted. There’s lots of things that might not be apparent on first seeing someone that might surprise you. And that’s the joy of acting, is the ability to channel all these aspects of yourself and bring them to the screen or to the stage.
There were a handful of scenes which had a very powerful impact and allowed the audience to get inside the psychology of this character. I’m thinking of the scene where you deliberately burn your hands by grabbing the pot while cooking dinner for you and Ray on your birthday. My interpretation was that this was
his way of getting Ray’s attention. I was curious what was going on inside your head as the actor playing that part.
I think you’re right. I think it’s probably a combination of a few things. I think obviously his mom has just passed away and he’s trying to understand what that is, that grief, that loss. I think there’s
do this, adhere to this strict dom/sub regimen 24/7. There has to be some kind of negotiation in terms of how it’s gonna work. Actively pressing his hands against the hot pan is a cry for help, and a cry to be heard. I think it’s all those things combined that were going through my head as I was playing him.
“ WE WERE VERY MUCH TRYING TO WORK OUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN THE SCENE, IN THAT MOMENT. AND HOPEFULLY IT MADE FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS QUITE ALIVE AND REAL.“
something about Colin burning his hands which is about feeling something. He’s still trying to keep up the illusion that everything’s fine, that he’s happy in this dynamic, this relationship. But somewhere deep inside him, there’s a scream that is wanting to come out, and maybe if I burn my hands, it might be allowed out. That was my thinking. But also I think the loss of his mother is definitely the catalyst in terms of deciding that he wants more from this relationship. He wants more from Ray. He can’t
I was very moved by the dynamic between you and your mother. Your mom wanting to be protective of you and call Ray out for what to an outsider might appear uncaring or borderline abusive. On the one hand, your parents were very open-minded, but I loved how blunt she was when confronting Ray. She knew she had limited time left on this earth, and she didn’t mince words.
That dinner scene is I think my favorite scene in the movie, just a collision of all
these different viewpoints, all crashing together. I think it’s fantastic. And I love the way that Douglas and Leslie play those roles. I think they were so wonderful. They’re so supportive at the beginning. Almost too supportive. Overly sort of in Colin’s grill. Like you say, they’re so protective of him and wanting him to have a happy life. Yeah, I loved doing those scenes.
The other scene that stuck with me was the rebellion scene, where you defy Ray and take off on this joyride with his cherished motorcycle. There’s a potent mix of fear and reckless abandon as Colin does something totally out of character and turns the tables on Ray. It sort of reminded me of Nora in Ibsen’s classic A Doll’s House. What was it like to perform that scene?
It was great. I was always fascinated with Colin. I spoke a lot about it with Harry Lighton (the director), about the moments of him cracking. And obviously holding onto a hot pan is definitely a cracking moment. But this is another one where he’s just had enough. And he does this thing that he hasn’t really thought through. It’s not pre-planned. It’s a big Fyou to Ray. I’m off. I’m gonna show you that I mean business. That sequence was very much Colin feeling empowered and really growing up and listening to what
he needs and what he wants.
In terms of your relationship with Alexander, as an actor, when you guys were off-camera, did you maintain your dom/sub vibe, or did you just go back to being two actors.
We very much went back to just being two actors on the set. There was no Method acting on this job.
After seeing him host Saturday Night Live, I was really surprised how funny he is. He’s not a brooding Swede. No, no, no. There’s a beautiful mischief to Alex as a person. And I think you see that in Ray. For someone who is very dominant, there’s a twinkle in his eye, that I think Colin sees as well. Colin wants to crack that. And I think Alex plays it beautifully. Getting to work with him was really wonderful. He’s a very generous scene partner. We didn’t have much time before shooting anything because Alex was working on something else. So he flew in and we pretty much got going. But in a way that was a wonderful thing. Because it meant that we were discovering things on set on camera. We weren’t talking about things into the ground. We were very much trying to work out what was happening in the scene, in that moment. And hopefully it made for something that was quite alive
and real. I loved working with him.
Was this your first time going to Cannes.
It was my first time at Cannes, yeah. My first Cannes film festival, which was great. We had a fantastic screening there; it was really lovely. I’ll never forget that screening for sure.
Do you enjoy some of the perks of fame? People have this perception of actors leading a glamorous life. So after you’ve put in all this work, it must be nice to unwind a bit and soak in the acclaim at Cannes for this prestigious international film festival.
Yeah, I guess so. It’s definitely not the reason why I wanted to act. I’ve always been obsessed with stories and people and trying to work them out, how they operate. When you get the opportunity to celebrate a movie at an incredible festival like Cannes, of course it’s a joy. And dressing up is always fun. But I quickly think to myself I would much rather be working on something than get caught up in the superficial aspect of fame. I’m truly happy when I’ve got a script and I’m trying to understand why people are doing what they’re doing and who this person might be and trying to help and facilitate a director with his vision. That’s my happy place.
LOVE! VALOR! COMPASSION! Palm Springs – This hit comedy won the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Play when it opened in 1995. It was written by Terrance McNally, perhaps the most famous and successful gay playwright in history, so it has solid credentials.
The setting is a lakeside summer vacation house two hours north of New York City where eight gay friends get together for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. The house belongs to Gregory, a successful Broadway choreographer and his twenty-something lover, Bobby. Each of the guests at their house is connected to Gregory’s work in one way or another. Arthur and Perry are business consultants. John Jeckyll, a sour Englishman, is a dance accompanist. Die-hard musical theater fanatic, Buzz Hauser, is a costume designer and the most stereotypically gay man in the group. Only John’s summer lover, Ramon, and John’s twin brother, James, are outside the circle of friends. Ramon, however, is outgoing and eventually makes a place for himself in the group, and James is such a gentle soul that he is quickly welcomed.
Vincent Canby in his review in the New York Times wrote: “… it’s utterly contemporary; its one-liners are sometimes hysterical and are slammed home with style…It has genuine pathos that’s only slightly tinged with sentimentality, and as a singular talking point, it offers more male nudity than has probably ever been seen in a legitimate Broadway Theatre.”
The comedy is being presented by Dezart Performs, long recognized as one of the Coachella Valley’s finest production companies. For the past 14 years they have presented excellent work in one of the most depressing venues in the desert: The Pearl McManus Women’s Club. Now they finally have their own home. It’s a mid-century building which was previously a church at 605 S. Riverside Drive, Palm Springs. I highly recommend the play, and visiting the new theatre building is an extra bonus. Dezart Performs 4/9 – 19.
“THE SETTING IS A LAKESIDE SUMMER VACATION HOUSE TWO HOURS NORTH OF NEW YORK
CITY WHERE EIGHT GAY FRIENDS GET TOGETHER FOR MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, AND LABOR DAY.”
FLOWER DRUM SONG: Los Angeles – After amazing hits like Oklahoma!, Carousel; South Pacific, and King & I, Rogers & Hammerstein’s 1958 production of Flower Drum Song was only a so-so success, clocking around 600 performances. Unlike its predecessors, it is rarely performed by schools or community theatres because it features an all-Asian cast of singers and dancers – a combination of skills that small communities can rarely deliver.
The musical tells the story of parents who migrated from China but retained their native values. Their American-born offspring have little time for their parents’ old-fashioned clothing and values and are attracted to the glitz and glamor of the American lifestyle. The contrast is displayed when a young woman raised in China with traditional values is brought to San Francisco, ostensibly to marry the son of the older couple. He has little time for her simple ways and is instead smitten by a hottie who dances in a night club. .
In 2002 it was revived with an entirely new script by Chinese/ American playwright David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly, Yellowface). Although the Rogers & Hammerstein Library expressly forbade him to change any music or lyrics, he had free reign with the book. He cut several songs from the show, reinstated one that had been cut during previews, and imported a couple of other songs from R & H shows that had not been successes. I saw that production which opened at LA’s Mark Taper Forum, a 700-seat auditorium with the audience on 3 sides of the stage. It blew my mind, but alas, the staging did not transfer well to Broadway and a traditional stage.
Now Hwang has revisited the show and conceived of yet another new version. It will be produced this month by Los Angeles’s East/West Players, a long-established west coast company that produces shows by or of interest to Asians. Some of the works they have staged have been successes elsewhere including traveling to Broadway and it will be interesting to see if this new variation on the show will be picked up for New York. East/West Players 4/16 - 5/31.
“THE MUSICAL TELLS THE STORY OF PARENTS WHO MIGRATED FROM CHINA BUT RETAINED THEIR NATIVE VALUES. THEIR AMERICAN-BORN OFFSPRING HAVE LITTLE TIME FOR THEIR PARENTS’ OLD-FASHIONED CLOTHING AND VALUES AND ARE ATTRACTED TO THE GLITZ AND GLAMOR OF THE AMERICAN LIFESTYLE.”
PRISM THEATER: Palm Springs – There is a new entertainment hotspot in Palm Springs and it is already a hit. Married couple Lance and Ron Phillips, founders of Desert Theatreworks, previously produced a couple of gay themed plays at the Riviera and the audiences screamed that they wanted lightweight gay entertainment as an alternative to the city’s numerous drag shows. The result is The Prism Theatre.
Camp Morning Wood, their first show, is a two-act musical with seven actors and 14 songs. At the start of the show, Randy (Chad Heffelfinger) is sleepily driving a car through the woods and hits a deer. He wanders the woods looking for help, discovers a bed, and goes to sleep. When he wakes, he discovers he’s in an all-male clothing optional camp. The campers are a twink named Derek (Jeffrey A. Johns, a swing from the off-Broadway production); a bear (Matt LeGrande); the well-endowed Titus (e. Talley II); Jacques, a Frenchman who just can’t keep his clothes on (Jake Farnum); and Kincaid (Prince Alex), a sexy rapping dancer. Problems come to the camp when Senator Snatch (Barrett D. Cowell) decides to close the camp down, but like some real DC senators, he just can’t avoid the dark side. The show was cast and rehearsed in Hollywood so the producers had a much larger (and dare I say younger) collection of men to choose from. Director Lance Phillips fully plays up the gay stereotypes and the audience laps up every nuance and double entendre. We’ve had glimpses of many body parts already, but the final number, “Bare it All,” does just what the name suggests.
The Prism’s permanent home on Indian Canyon Drive wasn’t completed in time for Morning Wood which closed late last month. Hopefully their new theatre will be completed in time for The Book of Merman, their next production. If it’s anything like Camp Morning Wood, we’re in for a treat. Tickets and further information, including season passes, can be found at www.PSPRISM.com.
“THERE IS A NEW ENTERTAINMENT HOTSPOT IN PALM SPRINGS AND IT IS ALREADY A HIT.”
BRIGADOON: Pasadena – The creative team of Lerner & Lowe gave us evergreen musicals such as Camelot and My Fair Lady but probably their most beautiful score was for Brigadoon, where two American travelers lose their way in the Scottish Highlands and stumble upon Brigadoon—a mysterious village that appears for just one day every hundred years. One of the travelers falls in love with a girl who lives in the enchanted village. However, legend tells that Brigadoon will cease to exist if any of its residents leave. She can’t return to New York with him, and he doesn’t want to give up his successful lifestyle in America. But of course, in musical theatre, love always finds a way.
Lerner and Lowe have created songs that are recognizable by the general public, but the books (scripts) of their shows are largely out-of-date. Lincoln Center produced an updated Camelot three years ago with a new book by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, A Few Good Men), but it didn’t really work so it had a short run and no tour.
Now The Pasadena Playhouse, California’s State Theatre, is re-examining Brigadoon with a brand new book by Alexandra Silber. The production will be directed and choreographed by Katie Spellman who most recently choreographed The Notebook on Broadway.
I have seen quite a few revivals at Pasadena Playhouse. Some have been amazing, and frankly, a couple have been stinkers, but art can only grow when it has the freedom to explore. I love the score of Brigadoon and I love this award-winning theatre company, so count me in for this one! Pasadena Playhouse 5/13 – 6/14.
“WHERE TWO AMERICAN TRAVELERS LOSE THEIR WAY IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS AND STUMBLE UPON BRIGADOON, A MYSTERIOUS VILLAGE THAT APPEARS FOR JUST ONE DAY EVERY HUNDRED YEARS.”
SET SAIL ON THE BRILLIANT LADY’S
HISTORIC WEST COAST DEBUT
BY MICHAEL WESTMAN
f you’ve been waiting for the ultimate excuse to pack your favorite kaftan and head to high seas, the signal has officially been sent. This April, the Pacific Ocean is getting a major dose of high-concept glamour as Virgin Voyages’ highly anticipated newest ship, Brilliant Lady, officially makes her grand debut in Los Angeles.
To celebrate this historic inaugural season, GED Magazine is teaming up with Expand Travel and Virgin Voyages to host an exclusive LGBTQ+ group from Sunday, April 26th to Sunday, May 3rd. This isn’t just another cruise; it’s a seven-night, strictly adults-only voyage through the Mexican Riviera, meticulously designed for those who want to “Beat the Heat” in style, while surrounded by community, luxury, and a healthy dose of Vitamin Sea.
THE SHIP: REBELLIOUS LUXURY AT SEA
The Brilliant Lady is the crown jewel of the Virgin Voyages fleet, bringing Richard Branson’s signature “rebellious luxury” to the Pacific. For those who find traditional cruising a bit... stiff, Virgin is the antidote. There are no stuffy dining rooms with assigned seating times, no screaming children at the pool, and absolutely no “Captain’s Night” formal wear required (unless, of course, that’s your vibe).
Instead, the Brilliant Lady feels like a floating boutique hotel in Ibiza. The ship features world-class design by some of the world’s most renowned creative firms, Michelin-star-curated dining, and an atmosphere that leans into the sophisticated yet playful. From the Squid Ink tattoo parlor to the Redemption Spa, complete with a thermal suite and mud room, this ship is built for the modern traveler who wants to indulge.
THE ITINERARY: SUN, SAND, AND SOPHISTICATION
Setting sail from the iconic Port of Los Angeles, this seven-night journey hits the “Greatest Hits” of the Mexican Riviera with an itinerary that balances high-energy exploration with deep relaxation:
• Cabo San Lucas: Known for the dramatic “El Arco” rock formation and a nightlife scene that rivals any world capital. Whether you’re whale watching or beachclub hopping, Cabo delivers.
• Mazatlán: A perfect blend of colonial history and golden Pacific beaches. Take a stroll through the Centro Histórico or hike up to the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the coastline.
• Puerto Vallarta: The undisputed crown jewel of gay Mexico. The ship stays late, giving the group plenty of time to hit the Zona Romántica, sip margaritas at Blue Chairs, or shop the local boutiques.
• Three Luxurious Sea Days: These are the “recovery” days. With three full days at sea, you’ll have ample time to detox in the sauna, re-tox at the Aquatic Club pool, or find a hidden cabana to finish that book you’ve been meaning to read.
THE “EXPAND TRAVEL” EXPERIENCE
While Virgin Voyages offers an incredible experience on its own, joining the GED Magazine and Expand Travel group unlocks a curated layer of commu-
nity. You won’t just be a passenger among thousands; you’ll be part of a “cruisewithin-a-cruise.”
Traveling as part of an LGBTQ+ group removes the guesswork. You’ll have:
• Exclusive Meetups: It all starts before you even board with a pre-cruise “pre-game” hotel stay and meetup in Los Angeles. Once onboard, enjoy private happy hours and designated areas at the ship’s legendary nightly theme parties (don’t forget your red outfit for Scarlet Night).
• Curated Dining: One of the best parts of travel is the conversation. The group hosts nightly dinners at the ship’s 20+ worldclass eateries—from the refined Italian of Extra Virgin to the experimental “test kitchen” vibes of The Test Kitchen.
• Onboard Personal Support: The Expand Travel team is with you every step of the way, ensuring your vacation is seamless, social, and stress-free.
THE VIRGIN VALUE: WHAT’S INCLUDED
One of the most refreshing aspects of sailing with Virgin is the transparent pricing. They’ve done away with the “nickel and diming” that plagues the cruise industry. Your fare is remarkably inclusive:
• All Gratuities: Tips for staff are built into the rate.
• Dining Everywhere: Every single restaurant is included. No
“upcharges” for the best steak on the ship.
• Essential Drinks: Soda, sparkling water, coffee, and tea are all on the house.
• Stay Connected: Basic Wi-Fi is included, so you can post those sunset selfies in real-time.
• Fitness & Fun: All group fitness classes (yoga, HIIT, spin) and all world-class entertainment are part of the package.
Plus, by booking through this specific group, you’ll score extra Sailor Loot onboard credit you can use for premium cocktails, high-end spa treatments, or a shopping spree at the onboard boutiques.
DON’T MISS THE BOAT
Inaugural sailings are legendary for their energy, and with the Brilliant Lady being the newest ship on the West Coast, cabins are moving fast. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking to make new friends, a group of besties, or a couple looking for a romantic-yet-rowdy getaway, the Mexican Riviera is calling. Ready to set sail? Visit tinyurl. com/ExpandTravel for full info, cabin pricing, and booking details. Grab your sunblock, pack your best look, and let’s make some waves.
MOVIES ARE SO GAY!
IT’S RAININ’ MOVIES , SO SLAP ON YOUR RUBBERS AND ENJOY THESE APRIL RELEASES !
BY KEVIN PERRY
It’s a month full of fools, flowers, blooms, and showers. And rhymes! April floods the zone with springtime cheer, whether you’re ready or not. A deluge of titles are flowing their way into theaters in hopes of washing away those hoity-toity Oscar flicks, not to mention the despair we see on the news every damn day.
We don’t mean to be callous or flippant. We care so much about the plight of our fellow humans that it threatens to drive us mad sometimes. That’s why we crave the escape of cinema. It restores our faith in community, it distracts us from the unrelenting unreality of our current cultural climate, and it’s full of hunky MMA fighters, hunky Shakespearean princes, and even hunky animated plumbers.
So, press play, shout hooray, and get gay!
APRIL 1ST
One of the queerest icons from the 1980s is bopping his way back to the big screen in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Don’t believe us? Welp, he has a porn ‘stache, slurps mushrooms by the mile, and cleans pipes for a living. Closetcase closed! In the psychedelic sequel, Mario’s beard, Princess Peach, is in peril, a bunch of furries join the fray, and the universe seems to grow gayer by the minute. Mamma mia, indeed!
APRIL 3RD
Here’s a fun-ish game: what’s the worst thing you’ve ever done and why would you never, ever, nebittyNEVER tell your loved one about it on the eve of your gosh darned wedding?!? Btw, the worst thing *we’ve* ever done was write ‘nebittyNEVER’ and ‘gosh darned’ in the previous sentence. Back to the game: Zendaya and Robert Pattinson play superstar-crossed lovers in The Drama, a morality rom-com about loving someone’s cold heart simply because they’re way hot. We get it and we don’t judge. Flip a coin, because that’s the only way to determine if Fantasy Life will be a heartfelt indie gem or a painful pile of pretension. Judging from the trailer, neuroses are charming and childcare is a hoot. Everyone wears sensible off-white ensembles while going to therapy or coming home from therapy. That’s all these characters do. End of list. We do love Amanda Peet though. Heads you win, tails you waste $16 on a movie ticket.
APRIL 10TH
Hate to burst your bubble, but films aren’t real. Y’see in movies, when you travel to Italy, you find sexy Bridgerton actors in the corner of every castle. You also find random engagement rings and farce aplenty, as you’ll see in You, Me & Tuscany. If this were reality, however, you might stumble across a dirty five-dollar bill while hooking up with a server behind the dumpster of an Olive Garden. Both scenarios are legitimately romantic; bravissimo for getting some nookie, however it’s served.
Call us EMOsexual, ‘cuz we’re rooting for the brooding in Hamlet, starring the ravishing Riz Ahmed. The lead character loses his dad, returns home for the funeral, and discovers that his uncle is boffing his mom. Straight people are sickos, y’all! Now get ready for our rapid-fire take on Shake(speare): the costumes are fay, Ophelia is cray, and we’re gay for Riz A!
Riddle time! What’s hawter than two grunting, greased up goliaths going at it in the ultimate fighting ring? Answer: two grunting, greased up goliaths going at it in the ultimate fighting ring while Russell Crowe watches. And comments. And strokes his salt and pepper stubble. Are you not MENtertained? Beast is our aggroalluring pick of the week!
APRIL 17TH
One of our favorite lies that straight people tell is that kids are great! Oh, you’ve just gotta adopt or find a surrogate or order a fetus from Amazon. They’re so precious! Yeah, we’re not buying it. Exhibit A: Lee Cronin’s The Mummy. Little Katie disappears in the desert (how precocious!) then turns up decayed and demonic eight years later (they grow up so fast!) and she starts biting grandma and tearing off her own skin (rambunctious, party of one!). So, book a date night to experience this gooey gore-fest and leave the kids at home (please!).
If you think you can’t dedicate an entire movie to the construction of one garment, then you’ve never been to the Red Dress Party. Obsession, contempt and couture collide in Mother Mary, a sumptuous revenge fantasy about a pop star who reunites with her designer to make the ultimate concert gown. Crank up the cattiness, indulge in intrigue, and look devastating at the theater.
QUICK CUTS: Quirky corruption is just so American, isn’t it? That’s the vibe of the action/crime/noir release Normal. And some of the funniest people on the planet collab to capture Lorne, a documentary about the driving force behind Saturday Night Live. So, if you can’t find anything to watch this week, you need to read this article harder!
APRIL 24TH
In our latest chapter of misguided fables, we have Original Sound, a story that’s head scratchingly WTF. The trailer feels like the editor threw a few rom-coms, rise-to-fame music biopics, and a watered-down crime exposé in a blender and set it to tepid. The plot focuses on a wannabe songwriter who discovers that his work was stolen by a pretty pop singer… so then he falls in love with her? Hmm, guess crime does pay. At the risk of quoting ourselves from the previous paragraph: so American, isn’t it?
Let’s get that offbeat, offkey nonsense out of our ears and end on a high note: Over Your Dead Body is a blast of dark humor, twisted heart, and murder, murder, murder! Scratch that: *attempted* murder, murder, murder. Jason Segel and Samara Weaving play inept assassins who repeatedly plot to kill one another, but they can’t seem to seal the deal. It’s a metaphor for the way we hurt the ones we love the most… or maybe it’s just a guilty pleasure peppered with passion and drenched in malevolence. See this sinister sleeper with that special someone in your life. Y’know, the one you secretly wish death upon. Pro-tip: wait until a particularly tense yet hilarious scene, then whisper into their ear, “That’s so you.” They’ll think twice before eating the last bagel again!
Here’s hoping you survive your significant other, rise above the rain, and blossom all month long (and beyond). Once you do all that, remember to treat yourself to a movie, you springtime sexpot, you. Sprinkles and smooches!
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Ah, the Costa del Sol. Sunny, stunning, and sensational – and we’re not just talking about the weather!
This glittering stretch of the Andalusian coast is a prime playground for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking a sophisticated escape, and Marbella, with its mix of upscale glamour and laid-back beach vibes, is the crown jewel. And this spring, there’s a new (or rather, revamped) reason to visit: the iconic Hotel Don Carlos Marbella has reopened its doors after a truly breathtaking $55 million renovation.
Stepping into the newly renovated Don Carlos is like entering a world of refined Mediterranean luxury, reimagined for the modern traveler. The renowned interior designer Jaime Beriestain (trust us, the man is a genius) has breathed new life into the iconic hotel, seamlessly blending its timeless elegance with contemporary sophistication. The results are stunning.
Picture this: 308 completely redesigned rooms, including an exclusive presidential penthouse suite (for when you really want to live your best life) and 24 gorgeous residences. The overall feel is light, airy, and effortlessly chic, drawing inspiration from the beautiful natural surroundings – think cool blues, earthy tones, and touches of Andalusian charm.
But Don Carlos is about more than just luxurious accommodations. The renovation has truly transformed it into a holistic destination. Let’s talk about food, shall we? Because let’s face it, great food is an integral part of any great trip! The hotel features three distinct signature dining venues:
• Los Naranjos: For those who appreciate classic elegance and refined Andalusian flavors. Think sophisticated dining under the stars.
• Sol y Sombra: Offering a more casual vibe, perfect for all-day dining and enjoying fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
• Break Point: A great spot for a relaxed bite or drink with stunning views.
A GAY GETAWAY
ON THE ANDALUSIAN COAST
BY MICHAEL WESTMAN
cabopino beach
5 DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: THE GRAND ARRIVAL & GOLDEN HOUR
• Morning: Check into the newly renovated Don Carlos Marbella. Spend your first few hours wandering their tropical gardens.
• Afternoon: Head down to the hotel’s private slice of Elviria Beach. For a chic lunch, grab a table at Sol y Sombra for fresh Mediterranean gazpacho.
• Evening: Drive 10 minutes to Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo). Dinner at The Farm, known for its farm-to-table vibe and inclusive atmosphere.
• Night: Kick off the trip at Fénix Marbella, the city’s premier gay cocktail bar. It’s sophisticated, intimate, and perfect for meeting the local “glamazon” crowd.
DAY 2: DUNES, DREAMS & DRAG
• Morning: Drive east to Cabopino Beach (Artola Dunes) This is the region’s most famous gay/nudist beach. The dunes provide a stunning, wild backdrop for sunbathing.
• Afternoon: Lunch at a local chiringuito (beach bar) like Andy’s Beach Bar—very welcoming and famous for its “Espetos” (sardine skewers).
• Evening: Back to Don Carlos for a sunset session at Nikki Beach. It’s world-famous for a reason—the music, the white décor, and the “see-and-beseen” vibe are peak Marbella.
• Night: Visit Maxtur in central Marbella. It’s a local gay staple that often features fun drag bingo or karaoke on weekends.
photo courtesy don carlos marbella espetos eden
And let’s not forget about the sun and sea! The Don Carlos sits in the heart of a massive 40-square-mile private estate, surrounded by fragrant pine woods and 20,000 square meters of lush tropical gardens. This natural paradise leads directly to the beautiful Elviria Beach.
Craving that exclusive beach club experience? Don Carlos has you covered with access to not one, but two fabulous options:
• Nikki Beach: The legendary name needs no introduction! Expect high-energy parties, great music, and plenty of opportunities to see and be seen.
• Lucia: For a more relaxed but equally chic beach club experience. Think chilled beats, delicious cocktails, and pure relaxation.
If you’re in need of some serious self-care (and aren’t we all?), the stateof-the-art indoor spa is an absolute must-visit. They offer Natura Bissé treatments – the ultimate indulgence for your skin and soul.
For those who like to keep active, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre is located right on site. It’s a fantastic facility, offering world-class coaching and courts.
More exciting leisure and dining experiences are slated to open throughout 2026. This is a property that is truly redefining Mediterranean luxury, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!
While it’s tempting to simply unwind and soak up the luxury at Don Carlos, the surrounding area has so much to offer.
• Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo): Wander through the charming, narrow streets, explore the beautiful Orange Square (Plaza de los Naranjos), and get lost in the authentic Andalusian atmosphere. This is a great place to discover local art, unique boutiques, and charming tapas bars.
• Puerto Banús: The famous marina is just a short drive away. This is the place for high-end shopping, luxury yachts, and fantastic people-watching. It’s
leña by dani garcía
DAY 3: THE TORREMOLINOS TAKEOVER
• Morning: Take the 30-minute drive to Torremolinos. Head straight to Eden Beach Club, the only 100% LGBTQ+ beach club in the area. Rent a Balinese bed and enjoy the DJ sets.
• Afternoon: Lunch at El Gato Lounge. It’s a gay institution right on the promenade—order the tapas platter and a pitcher of sangria.
• Evening: Check out the historic Pasaje Begoña, once a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community during the 60s. Have a pre-party dinner at Casero for authentic, home-cooked Spanish food.
• Night: Enter the “Gayborhood” of La Nogalera. Start at Vida Bar for terrace drinks, then head to Centuryon for a fullscale dance party experience.
DAY 4: HIGH-END GLAMOUR & PUERTO BANÚS
• Morning: Sleep in! Enjoy a late brunch at Los Naranjos at Don Carlos.
• Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Puerto Banús. Walk the marina to see the superyachts and shop at the high-end boutiques. For a late afternoon cocktail, the rooftop at Amàre Beach Hotel offers the best panoramic views of the coast.
• Evening: Dinner at Leña by Dani García. It’s one of the most beautiful restaurants in Spain (literally—it won design awards). It’s chic, expensive, and very popular with the international queer elite.
• Night: If you have energy left, head to Mikonos Gay Bar in Marbella’s port for pop anthems and a young, high-energy crowd.
paraiso beach club gay beach
marbella
a great spot for an upscale dinner or a night out.
• Málaga: A vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Don’t miss the stunning cathedral, the Picasso Museum (Picasso was born here), and the Alcazaba fortress. Málaga also has a fantastic, growing LGBTQ+ scene with great bars and clubs.
• Chiringuitos and Tapas Bars: You can’t visit Spain without indulging in tapas! There are countless charming chiringuitos (beach bars) and authentic tapas bars scattered throughout Marbella and the surrounding towns. Don’t be afraid to explore and try new things!
The Costa del Sol is generally a very welcoming and inclusive destination. While it doesn’t have a huge, concentrated
“gay village” like Sitges or Ibiza, you’ll find a diverse and friendly community scattered throughout. Málaga and Torremolinos have the most dedicated LGBTQ+ nightlife, but you’ll find gay-friendly bars, restaurants, and clubs in Marbella as well.
The overall vibe in the region is one of openness and acceptance, making it a comfortable and enjoyable destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Plus, with the sheer volume of international visitors, the Costa del Sol is a true melting pot of cultures and perspectives.
So, if you’re looking for a gay-friendly getaway that offers sun, sophistication, and a touch of the legendary Andalusian charm, look no further than Marbella and the Costa del Sol. And when you go, make sure to check out the breathtaking new Don Carlos Marbella. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!
DAY 5: RECOVERY & REFLECTION
• Morning: It’s “Spa Day.” Indulge in a Natura Bissé treatment at the Don Carlos Spa to recover from the Torremolinos nightlife.
• Afternoon: One last dip in the Mediterranean or a session at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre if you’re feeling athletic.
• Late Afternoon: A final lunch at Lucia Beach Club for a more relaxed, bohemian end to the trip.
• Departure: Head to Málaga Airport (AGP), only 35 minutes away.
MUST-SEE HIGHLIGHTS
• Cabopino Dunes: The natural beauty here is unmatched.
• La Nogalera (Torremolinos): Even if you aren’t a big “clubber,” the sheer density of gay businesses in this square is a sight to behold.
• Marbella’s Orange Square: The heart of the Old Town, especially beautiful when the orange trees are in bloom in May.
photo courtesy don carlos marbella
BARS & CLUBS
AKBAR
4356 W. Sunset Blvd
Silverlake, CA 90029
323.665.6810 akbarsilverlake.com
BEACHES WEHO
8928 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.360.0395 beachesweho.com
FIESTA CANTINA
88565 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.652.8865 fiestacantina.net
FUBAR
7994 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
323.654.0396 fubarla.com
GYM SPORTSBAR
8919 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
424.313.8202 gymsportsbar.com
HAMBURGER MARY’S
8288 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
323.654.3800 hamburgermarys.com
HEART WEHO
8911 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069 heartweho.com
HI TOPS
8933 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069 hitopsbar.com
MICKYS
8857 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.657.1176
mickys.com
ROCCO’S
8900 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
424.343.0123 roccosweho.com
LOS ANGELES DIRECTORY
SAINT FELIX
8945 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.275.4428
saintfelix.net
THE ABBEY
692 N Robertson Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.289.8410
theabbeyweho.com
THE CHAPEL
692 N Robertson Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.289.8410 theabbeyweho.com
THE EAGLE
4219 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
323.669.9472 eaglela.com
REVOLVER VIDEO BAR
8851 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
424.382.1108 Revolverweho.Com
STACHE
8941 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.402.0770 Stacheweho.Com
THE BAYOU
8939 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.273.3303
Thebayouweho.Com
TRUNKS
8809 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.652.1015
west.hollywood.trunksbar.com
CLOTHING & LEATHER
BLOCK PARTY
8853 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 blockpartyweho.com
665 LEATHER & FETISH
20810 Lassen St Chatsworth, CA 91311
818.678.9193 665leather.com
BRICK & MORTAR
8713 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.652.6605 shopatbrick.com
CIRCUS OF BOOKS
8861 Santa Monica Blvd and West Hollywood, CA 90069 323.337.9555 circusofbooks.com
LOVE CONNECTION
8244 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046
ROUGH TRADE LEATHER
3915 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029 323.660.7956 roughtradegear.com
THE PLEASURE CHEST
7733 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046 323.650.1022 thepleasurechest.com
HAIR SALONS
BLADE
801 N. Larrabee St, Ste #1 West Hollywood 310.659.6693
SHORTY’S BARBER SHOP
755 N Fairfax Ave West Hollywood 323.297.0554 shortysbarbershop.com
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
HEALTH/COUNSELING
AID FOR AIDS AFA
8235 Santa Monica Blvd #200 West Hollywood, CA 90046
323.656.1107 aidforaids.net
AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION/MENS WELLNESS CENTER
• 6255 W Sunset Blvd, 21st Fl Los Angeles, CA 90028
888 AIDS CARE
• 1300 N Vermont Ave, Ste 407 Los Angeles, CA 90027
866.339.2525, 800.367.2437 inspotla.org
AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION PHARMACY
8212 Santa Monica Blvd The David Geffen Center West Hollywood, CA 90046 323.654.0907 ahfpharmacy.org
APLA HEALTH
CLIENT & COMMUNITY SERVICES
The David Geffen Center
• 611 South Kingsley Drive Los Angeles, CA 90005 213.201.1600 213.201.WALK (9255)
• 3743 S. La Brea Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90016
323.329.9900
• 5901 W. Olympic Blcd. #310 Los Angeles, CA 90036
• 1043 Elm Avenue #302 Long Beach, CA 90813
562.247.7740 apla.org
BEING ALIVE PEOPLE WITH HIV/AIDS ACTION COALITION 621 N San Vincente Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.289.2551 beingalivela.org
LA FREE CLINIC
• 5205 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90038
323.653.1990 – appts 323.653.8622 – admin lafreeclinic.org
• 6043 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
• 8405 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
LA Public Health reallycheckyourself.org
OUT OF THE CLOSET THRIFT SHOPS
• 8224 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046
323.848.9760
• 3500 East Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA 90804
562.494.0340
PALM SPRINGS DIRECTORY
• 1726 East Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91106
626.440.1719
• 360 North Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.934.1956
PROJECT ANGEL FOOD
922 Vine St
Los Angeles, CA 90038
323.845.1800 angelfood.org
THE TREVOR PROJECT
9056 Santa Monica Blvd #100 West Hollywood, CA 90069
310.271.8845 thetrevorproject.org
VALLEY COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE
6801 Coldwater Canyon Ave North Hollywood, CA 91605
818.301.6314 - HIV testing
818.301.6390 - Medical Services smarthealthla.com
LEGAL
LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE & EDUCATION FUND INC.
Western Regional Office
3325 Wilshire Blvd #1300
Los Angeles, CA 90010
213.382.7600 lambdalegal.org
NATIONAL G & L TASK FORCE
5455 Wilshire Blvd #1505 Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.954.9597 thetaskforce.org
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ATTRACTIONS
THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS
47900 Portola Ave
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760.346.5694 livingdesert.org
PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM
745 N Gene Autry Trail
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.778.6262 palmspringsairmuseum.org
PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM
101 Museum Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.322.4800 psmuseum.org
PS AERIAL TRAMWAY
1 Tram Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
888.515.8726 pstramway.com
BARS & CLUBS
BLACKBOOK
315 E. Arenas Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.832.8497 blackbookbar.com
CHILL BAR
217 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.327.1079 chillbarpalmsprings.com
DICK’S ON ARENAS
301 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.327.0753 eagle501bar.com
HUNTERS
302 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.323.0700 hunterspalmsprings.com
ONE ELEVEN BAR
67555 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.537.3111 oneelevenbar.com
OSCAR’S
125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 108 Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.325.1188 oscarspalmsprings.com
QUADZ
200 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.778.4326 Spurline.com
STREET BAR
224 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.320.1266 psstreetbar.com
REFORMA
333 S Palm Canyon Dr Unit 2, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.902.6630 reformaps.com
THE ROOST LOUNGE
68718 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.507.8495 theroostcc.com
TOOL SHED
600 E. Sunny Dunes Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.320.3299 pstoolshed.com
TOUCANS TIKI LOUNGE
2100 N. Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.416.7584 toucanstikilounge.com
CLOTHING OPTIONAL RESORTS
CASA OLIVER
535 S Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264
760-323-7505 casaoliverhotel.com
DESCANSO
288 E. Camino Monte Vista Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.320.1928 descansoresort.com
DESERT PARADISE
615 S. Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.320.5650 desertparadise.com
EL MIRASOL VILLAS
525 Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.327.5913 elmirasol.com
INNDULGE PALM SPRINGS
601 Grenfall Rd Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.327.1408 inndulge.com
SANTIAGO RESORT
650 San Lorenzo Road Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.322.1300 santiagoresort.com
THE HACIENDA
586 S. Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.327.8111 thehacienda.com
TRIANGLE INN PALM SPRINGS
555 San Lorenzo Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.322.7993 triangle-inn.com
TWIN PALMS
1930 S. Camino Real Palm Springs, CA 760.841.1455 twinpalmsresort.com
VISTA GRANDE RESORT
574 S. Warm Sands Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.322.2404 vistagranderesort.com
CLOTHING & LEATHER
EL TUGGLE
388 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.880.4338 eltuggle.com
GAYMART
305 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.6436
GEAR LEATHER & FETISH
650 E Sunny Dunes Rd #1 Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.322.3363 gearleather.com
ROUGH TRADE LEATHER
321 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.699.7524 roughtradegear.com
PALM SPRINGS DIRECTORY
GIFTS
DESTINATION PSP
170 North Palm Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.354.9154 destinationpsp.com
GREETINGS PALM SPRINGS
301 N Palm Canyon Dr # 102 Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.322.5049 greetingspalmsprings.com
JUST FABULOUS
515 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.864.1300 bjustfabulous.com
MISCHIEF CARDS & GIFTS
226 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.322.8555 mischiefcardsandgifts.com
PEEPA’S
120 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.318.3553 peepasps.com
PS HOMEBOYS
108 S. Indian Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.318.7388 pshomeboys.com
Q TRADING COMPANY
606 E Sunny Dunes Rd Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.416.7150
HAIR SALONS
CUT BARBER
1109 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.322.2999 cutbarber.com
DADDY’S BARBERSHOP
192 S Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.537.1311
daddysbarbershop.com
MEN’S GROOMING SPOT
68487 E Palm Canyon Dr Suite 43 Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.992.0028 mensgroomingspot.com
PS FINE MEN’S SALON
750 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 3 Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.904.0434 psfinemenssalon.com
REALTORS
3 BEARS REALTY
2905 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.699.6175 3bearsrealty.com
PALM SPRINGS HOME TEAM
Conrad Miller (DRE #01973983)
760.464.9559
Brandon Holland (DRE # 01986968)
760.413.1220 Palmspringshometeam.com
RESTAURANTS
1501 UPTOWN GASTROPUB
1501 Uptown Gastropub 1501 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, 92262
760.507.1644 1501uptown.com
BLACKBOOK
315 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.832.8497 blackbookbar.com
BOOZEHOUNDS PS
2080 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.656-0067 boozehoundsps.com
EIGHT4NINE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
849 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.325.8490 eight4nine.com
FARM
6 La Plaza Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.322.2724 farmspalmsprings.com
JOHANNES
196 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.778.0017 johannespalmsprings.com
RICK’S DESERT GRILL
1596 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.325.2127 ricksdesertgrill.com
THE SOCIAL CAFE AND PLAY LOUNGE
2825 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Bldg C, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-808-8588 thesocialcafeps.com
TRILUSSA
68-718 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234
760.328.2300 trilussarestaurant.com
TRIO RESTAURANT
707 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA. 92262
760.854.8746 triopalmsprings.com
WILMA & FRIEDA’S
155 S Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.992.5080 wilmafrieda.com
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
DAP HEALTH
1695 N. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.323.2118 daphealth.org
DESERT CARE NETWORK
760.561.7373 desertcarenetwork.com
DESERT OASIS HEALTHCARE
275 North El Cielo Road Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.325.DOHC (3642) mydohc.com
EISENHOWER HEALTH
39000 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760.340.3911 eisenhowerhealth.org
PALM SPRINGS
ANIMAL SHELTER
4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.416.5718 psanimalshelter.org
PALM SPRINGS FRONT RUNNERS & WALKERS frontrunners.clubexpress.com
PALM SPRINGS TEST
140 N Luring Drive, Ste D Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-299-6487 healthypstest.org
STONEWALL GARDENS
2150 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.548.0970 stonewallgardens.com
LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE DESERT
1301 North Palm Canyon Dr, 3rd Floor Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.416.7790 thecentercv.org
SAN FRANCISCO DIRECTORY
BARS & CLUBS
440 CASTRO
440 Castro, San Francisco, CA the440.com
BEAUX
2344 Market St., San Franciso, CA beauxsf.com
HI TOPS
2247 Market St, San Francisco, CA
415.551.2500 hitopsbar.com
LOBBY BAR
4230 18th St. Unit A, San Francisco, CA lobbybarsf.com
LOOKOUT
3600 16th St., San Francisco, CA
415.431.0306 lookoutsf.com
MAC’S CLUB
39 Post St., San Jose, CA
408.288.8221
MIDNIGHT SUN
4067 18th St., San Francisco, CA
415.861.4186
midnightsunsf.com
MOBY DICK
4049 18th St., San Francisco, CA
415.294.0731
OASIS
298 11th St., San Francisco, CA
415.795.3180 sfoasis.com
RENEGADES
501 W Taylor St., San Jose, CA
408.275.9902 renegadesbar.carrd.co
SF EAGLE
398 12th St., San Francisco, CA 415.200.2002 sf-eagle.com
SPLASH
65 Post St., San Jose, CA 408.292.2222 splashsj.com
THE CINCH SALOON
1723 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 415.776.4162
THE MIX
4086 18th St., San Francisco, CA 415.431.8616 thesfmix.com
WHITE HORSE BAR
6551 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 510.652.3820
HAIR SALONS
HEALING CUTS
2350 Market St., San Francisco, CA
415.286.2970 healingcutssf.com
SPUNK SALON
4147 19th St., San Francisco, CA 415.701.7865 spunksalon.com
THE CASTRO BARBER LOUNGE
2265 Market St., San Francisco, CA 415.678.5942 thecastrobarberlounge.com
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
HEALTH/COUNSELING/SUPPORT
API WELLNESS CLINIC
726 Polk St. SF LGBT Center 1800 Market Street San Francisco, CA apiwellness.org
BILLY DEFRANK
LGBTQ CENTER
938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 408.293.3040 defrankcenter.org
LYRIC CENTER FOR LGBTQQ YOUTH
127 Collingwood St (@ 18th St), San Francisco, CA 415.703.6150 lyric.org
OAKLAND LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER
3207 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland, CA 510.882.2286 oaklandlgbtqcenter.org
PACIFIC CENTER FOR HUMAN GROWTH
2712 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA 510.548.8283 pacificcenter.org
QUEER LIFESPACE
2275 Market St, San Francisco, CA 415.358.2000 queerlifespace.org
RAINBOW COMMUNITY CENTER
2380 Salvio St., Concord, CA 925.692.0090 rainbowcc.org
SF AIDS FOUNDATION
470 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 415.437.3400 strutsf.org
SF LGBT CENTER
1800 Market St, San Francisco, 415.865.5555 sfcenter.org
STONEWALL PROJECT
1035 Market St, #400, San Francisco, CA 415.487.3000 stonewallsf.org
THE TREVOR PROJECT
866.488.7386 Text: 678.678 thetrevorproject.org
UCSF ALLIANCE HEALTH PROJECT
1930 Market St, San Francisco, CA 415.476.3902 ucsf-ahp.org
LEGAL
AIDS LEGAL REFERRAL PANEL
1663 Mission St, #500, San Francisco, CA 415.701.1100 alrp.org
OASIS LEGAL SERVICES
1900 Addison St, #100, Berkeley, CA 510.666.6687 oasislegalservices.org
TRANSGENDER
LAW CENTER
510.587.9696 transgenderlawcenter.org
HOTLINES
THE GLBT HOTLINE OF SAN FRANCISCO: 415.355.0999
GLBT NATIONAL HOTLINE: 1.888.843.4564
GLBT NATIONAL YOUTH TALKLINE: 1.800.246.7743
TREVOR PROJECT HOTLINE (Queer Youth Suicide Prevention): 866.488.7386
CALIFORNIA AIDS, STD, & HEPATITIS HOTLINE: 1.800.367.2437
SEXUAL ASSAULT - COMMUNITY VIOLENCE SOLUTIONS: 800.670.7273
CONTRA COSTA CRISIS CENTER for Suicide & Crisis Intervention: 800.273.8255
