GED
FROM THE EDITOR
THE SUMMER TRAVEL ISSUE
Welcome to GED Magazine’s Annual Summer Travel Issue — from the sun-bleached mysticism of Joshua Tree to the intoxicating cobblestones of Sitges and beyond, this issue is your permission slip to go somewhere extraordinary — and your guide for doing it exactly as yourself.
But let’s start with the cover. Honey Davenport is International Mr. Leather 2026! In May, over Memorial Day weekend in Chicago, this West Philadelphia-born, Palm Springs-transplanted, RuPaul’s Drag Race season 11 alum made history by becoming the first drag queen ever to claim the IML title — one of the most prestigious crowns in the leather community, an institution that has been shaping queer culture since 1979. As Mr. Palm Springs Leather, Honey walked onto that IML stage and did what they have always done throughout a career spanning drag, DJing, activism, music, and fashion: they spoke their truth, and the world responded. Honey talks about what it means to hold two worlds — drag and leather — not as separate chapters of a life but as one continuous, radical act of self-definition. As a drag mother to the legendary Monét X Change and an activist who has spent years fighting for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ representation, Honey Davenport carries a crown that is so much larger than any single title. We are honored they chose to share their story with us. Now: let’s talk about where we’re going this summer.
New York has Fire Island. Barcelona has Sitges Tucked along the sun-drenched Costa Dorada just 40 minutes south of Barcelona by train, this small Catalan beach town of fewer than 30,000 residents is one of the most completely, unapologetically gay destinations on the planet — not a gayborhood within a city, but an entire town that belongs, joyfully and entirely, to us. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, with 17 distinct beaches, and more than 23 gay bars all within easy walking distance of each other, Sitges operates at a frequency that feels designed specifically for people who want to be fully seen and fully relaxed at the same time.
Spain in 2026 is one of Europe’s most welcoming destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers — vibrant, gorgeous, politically progressive, and deliciously, unapologetically itself.
Closer to home we have Joshua Tree. Because here’s the thing about Joshua Tree that our community has known for years while the rest of the world is just catching up: it is magic. The high desert has always drawn artists, seekers, and people who need to be somewhere that asks nothing of them except presence. It is also, increasingly, one of California’s most quietly LGBTQ+-welcoming destinations, with a thriving community of queer homesteaders, artists, and innkeepers who have built something genuinely special out there among the boulders and the twisted trees. Our feature delves into this magical destination.
Our arts and entertainment pages are overflowing with new summer films and southern California theatre productions, and we discuss the only California preliminary contest for Entertainer of the Year with Vanity Halston of One Eleven Bar in Cathedral City.
California’s LGBTQ+ community has always known how to travel. We move through the world with a particular kind of awareness — hyper-attuned to welcome and to danger, alive to beauty, grateful for safety, hungry for connection. This magazine was built for that adventurer.
And as always — thank you for reading. This magazine exists because of this community, for this community, by this community. That has been true since the first issue and it will be true as long as we are fortunate enough to keep publishing.
Now go somewhere wonderful.
— MICHAEL WESTMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
MARKETING
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michael Westman
Cesar A Reyes
Christopher Jackson
Daniel Hirsch
Kevin Perry
Michael Westman
Stan Jenson
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HEPATITIS 101
July 28 is World Hepatitis Day. Below, please find everything you ever wanted to know about the various forms of this common viral disease.
BY DANIEL HIRSCH
World Hepatitis Day is observed every July 28. It’s an occasion to raise awareness about the spread, prevention, and treatment of viral hepatitis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that almost 300million people live with chronic hepatitis B or C globally. More than 1.3 million people die each year, and there are two million new cases reported annually. Finally, roughly 4.5 million premature deaths could be prevented by 2030 through education, reduction of stigma, vaccination, testing, and treatment. Given all these stats, hepatitis is an important thing to know about.
I spoke with DAP Health Director of Infectious Diseases Dr. Shubha Kerkar about what can be done to slow the spread of hepatitis, and why some forms of it are dubbed “the silent killer. “With more than three decades of experience fighting infectious disease, Kerkar is intimate with the complex factors involved in ending pandemics.
Why is hepatitis serious?
Untreated viral hepatitis B or C causes three things: liver failure, liver cirrhosis (permanent liver scarring), and liver cancer. Almost always, the number one reason for liver cancer or liver transplant in the U.S. — up until very recently — was hepatitis C-related cirrhosis. It can also lead to symptoms that go beyond the liver, from fatigue to earlier cardiovascular disease. Untreated, hepatitis B or C can be fatal.
There are many types of hepatitis — A, B, C, D, E — why focus on types B and C?
Since 1982, hepatitis B has been preventable via a vaccine administered to children before they are two years of age. Still,we have 254 million people living with hepatitis B today. There are certain medicines to control it, but it can still lead to liver cancer, and we still don’t have a cure, so vaccination is essential. We need to get more people vaccinated, but people have developed tremendous distrust in vaccines over the last few years, so there are challenges.
Hepatitis C was a bigger pandemic until 2015 or so. We are now rapidly able to cure hepatitis C. The burden went down, but currently, 50 million people still live with hepatitis C.
So, of these two viruses, C is curable, and B is preventable. That’s the bottom line.
How does hepatitis C spread?
Primarily through contact with infected blood, which means intravenous drug users are at especially high risk.
However, about 50 to 60% of people who have hepatitis C may not even know it because they’ve never been tested — and there are often no symptoms initially. Over two to four decades, it then slowly scars the liver. Symptoms of liver failure occur when the liver decompensates, and a cure may not save the need for transplant. That is why it’s known as “the silent killer.”
Because the test was only developed in 1992, hepatitis C has spread all over the world. So regardless of risk factors, babyboomers have a five-fold higher risk of unknowingly having hepatitis C. They need to get tested to see if they have it. Then, we can cure them.
The other thing about hepatitis C is that you can get reinfected after being treated and cured.
And hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted through sexual contact but can also spread through contaminated food or water.
What can be done to stop the spread?
I have been treating and trying to cure hepatitis C since 1996. From 1996 to 2015, there was a 35 to 45 % cure rate. However, since the newer medications — which are easy to tolerate without any side effects — the cure rate is nearly 100%. So, the easiest part of treating hepatitis C is getting people tested so they know they have it, then linking them to care.
Hepatitis B is preventable via vaccine, yet I do manage several patients who have hepatitis B. It is treatable but prevention is best.
To eliminate hepatitis, we need education, prevention, screening, and linkage to care. DAP Health has been doing a lot of free testing. We also provide harm reduction services so if a patient is struggling with substance use, they can access clean needles.
For both hepatitis B and C, elimination and cure are the goals. Eliminate hep B by vaccination. Eliminate hep C by widespread testing and linkage to care, and cure those who have it with treatment.
The ABCDEs of Hepatitis
While education efforts largely focus on hepatitis B and C, each type has unique transmission methods, symptoms, potential for chronic infection, and prevention strategies. “Hepatitis A can cause severe liver disease, but it’s most often self-limiting,” says DAP Health Medical Director of Specialty Programs Dr. Jason Halperin. “Though if you already have hep B or C, it could be lifethreatening.
“Hep D is crazy. It only lives within hep B. It’s a virus that cannot live alone, so folks with chronic hep B are at risk. Hep E is only seen outside of the USA, specifically in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. It’s especially difficult during pregnancy.”
Below is a full rundown on each type of hepatitis.
Hepatitis A (HAV)
• Transmission: Fecal-oral route, often through contaminated food or water.
• Chronicity: Does not become chronic.
• Prevention: Vaccination and good hygiene.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Transmission: Blood, sexual contact, and from mother tochild during childbirth.
• Symptoms: Acute and chronic liver disease. Can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
• Chronicity: Can become chronic.
• Prevention: Vaccination.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
• Transmission: Blood, primarily through sharing needles or blood transfusions.
• Symptoms: Often asymptomatic initially, can lead to chronic liver disease.
• Chronicity: Often becomes chronic.
• Prevention: No vaccine but avoid sharing needles and ensure safe blood products.
Hepatitis D (HDV)
• Transmission: Blood, like HBV; requires HBV for replication.
• Symptoms: Like HBV but more severe liver disease.
• Chronicity: Can become chronic.
• Symptoms: Acute illness with jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and fever.
• Prevention: HBV vaccination (since HDV requires HBV to propagate).
Hepatitis E (HEV)
• Transmission: Fecal-oral route, like HAV, often through contaminated water.
• Symptoms: Acute liver disease with jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain.
• Chronicity: Rarely becomes chronic.
• Prevention: Good sanitation and hygiene practices; vaccination in some regions.
THE SHOWGIRL MUST GO ON STARRING
BY KEVIN PERRY
t’s easy to be empathetic when your life is going great. Beautiful millionaires bathed in sunshine and puppy dogs are the first to brag about what empaths they are.
IBut once a bitch tests you, your true colors erupt.
As it turns out, Vanity Halston’s colors are heartfelt, harmonious, and rainbow-hued through and through. “I had somebody in my audience a couple weeks ago who came in not knowing what the club was and then started yelling that we were all mentally ill,” recounts Halston, Entertainment Director and General Manager at One Eleven Bar. “Then he was escorted out by the group of lesbians that were in here. Before any of the staff could get to him, the lesbians were on him. But I took that as a learning opportunity not only for the staff, but
the audience and myself. Like, you know what? He doesn’t know any better because he doesn’t know us. He only knows what he’s been taught. Maybe he had a bad experience that made him think the way he does. We don’t know.”
Welcome to the church of Vanity. Preach!
“When people are afraid of something, it’s because they don’t know about it, they haven’t experienced it. I’ve always been aware that you might not like me. And you might disrespect me. But if you’re scared of me, then there has to be a reason: you don’t know me. And so, I feel like you have to combat those moments with empathy and a little bit of strength and let them know that, ‘Hey, I’m not the person to fear. And let’s figure out why do you fear me? Why do you not like me? Why do you come into this space and think that you can command the attention?’”
Silly bigots - the spotlight belongs to Vanity. When she’s not commanding it on stage, she’s directing it from behind the scenes.
“With the drag shows, I’ve always said that it’s my job to make sure that you forget what’s going on outside of the room for at least an hour. I think that right now, because there are so many of us under attack, it’s more important than ever to provide somebody with a little bit of levity in this life. There needs to be a little bit of light and there needs to be some laughter, because there’s so much fear happening outside of these walls - and sometimes inside these walls. We must band together. For an audience to see somebody who’s performing on stage who’s not afraid, visually, it empowers them to be stronger as well. And to know that there is some sort of community and backbone among us.”
We all stand a smidge taller thanks to Ms. Halston. Her outreach uplifts us and her commitment inspires us. Under Vanity’s perfectly contoured, smoky, watchful eye, One Eleven Bar has become a launchpad for legends and laypeople alike. RuPaul champs mingle with karaoke kweens and kings in this wehappensng hole where magic happens on the daily. “We are the only preliminary pageant, or contest, for the National Entertainer of the Year (EoY) title,” explains Halston. “As of right now, we’re the only California prelim. And that will be in July. It’s a wonderful regional title, so anybody in the surrounding states can also apply to represent California Entertainer of the Year.”
The reigning EoY is the megatalented Morgan McMichaels, so SoCal is hoping to retain the crown in 2026. Luckily, contestants are in good hands with the great leadership of Vanity Halston.
“My influences have always been music artists. Patsy Cline was a huge inspiration to me. Her voice resonated with me.” Halston continues, “I just take influence from a little bit of everything and everyone that I watch. Judy Garland, of course, but I listen to music, and I listen to singers, and I watch their performances, and then I feel - I can *sense* what they’re trying to feel and what they’re conveying.”
There’s that eternal empathy again. It’s like a lighthouse whose beam pierces the fog of our current cultural climate and shines the way to a better reality. But is the future bright? Or can we harvest happiness from our history?
Vanity, for one, finds solace in the past. Her Lucille Ball impression is iconic, right down to the meticulous black and white makeup effects. Protip: bring a small pillow because your jaw WILL drop. “It’s kind of surreal in the fact that I’m bringing so much nostalgia to the audience but also introducing a character that the younger audiences might not even know about. And to see people of all ages, even people who don’t know who she is, laughingit’s quite an exhilarating feeling.”
“I’M DEDICATED TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR COMMUNITY HERE IN THE DESERT, EITHER ON STAGE OR OFF STAGE.”
And her Vitameatavegimen regimen is paying off. Halston has channeled Lucy so thoroughly and so convinc ingly that she’s now a comedy queen in her own right. “I’m going to be, in July or August, featuring my third one woman stand-up comedy special,” she announces. “When I hosted my shows over the past two years, everybody kept saying that I needed to do standup comedy and I was like, ‘I don’t do stand-up comedy. I just talk. I don’t script anything or write anything.’ And then I finally did one and it was such a hit that I did another one and it was another hit, so I’m going to do it again this year.”
She is comedy, she is community, she is drag royalty - but wait, there’s more!
“There is one other thing I would love to men tion. I am starting my own theater company in the Cathedral City area later this year. I am fundrais ing for it, but have some productions planned for the fall.”
The stage is set for Vanity to conquer the world. But of all the roles she rules, the one she seems to cherish most is mothering.
“I’ve worked in Palm Springs for the last 24 years. It’s just overwhelming the amount of love and sup port that not only myself, but the One Eleven Bar has gotten. I’m dedicated to the success of our commu nity here in the desert, either on stage or off stage. I’m so grateful for everybody that comes and supports me and the bar and my entertainers.”
All the feels. All the love. All Halston. To catch our emcee of empa thy in her element, check out oneelev enbar.com - cheers!
OUR EXCLUSIVE WITH THE INFINITELY INCLUSIVE
HONEY DAVENPORT LET’S LEATHER TOGETHER
BY KEVIN PERRY
veryone has their own vision of paradise. For some, it’s the serenity of sprawling meadows and babbling brooks. For others, it’s swimming naked in butterscotch pudding with David Harbour.
But Honey Davenport’s heaven is full-tilt, full-volume fierceness, and full of love. They ruled the Drag Race runway. They just earned the title of International Mr. Leather (IML). And now they’re asked to define Utopia - drenched in diversity and dipped in Honey.
“I don’t think I would have the answer to that question if you asked me a few months ago,” they admit with a warm chuckle. “But I just experienced it. I had a wonderful opportunity to DJ at EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival) the week before IML, which is crazy that I went from a weekend at EDC Las Vegas and had one day in the middle, just literally one day until I had to fly out for IML. I competed the entire time at IML without removing my EDC bracelet because I had to remember what I was fighting for. Half a million people were on a racetrack in Vegas, and our only concerns were that we knew that for all of us to have a great time, all of us had to have a great time. And that meant that we were all looking to love, support, respect, and honor each other. I have never existed in a more diverse space where people’s only
goal was to have fun and make sure that everybody else was having fun because our fun was contingent upon that. And that kind of empathy shared between half a million people is tangible. You can taste it in the air. So I guess my utopia would be a world where we all realize that the only way that our lives are going to be happy, and the only way that our lives are going to be fair and fruitful, and our experience will be the greatest, is if we have enough empathy and concern for everybody. Because we won’t make it to that moment if we’re solo focused on ourselves. That success will only come if we acknowledge that we only get there together.”
Teamwork is a pillar of Honey’s hive. After all, the road to IML is paved with collaboration. “There was so much preparation,” they explain. “My class
from Mr. Palm Springs Leather, all of my brothers did their own part in prepping me. One of my brothers trained me for five months straight to make sure that my body looked like I wanted it to look like on stage. Even though IML doesn’t have body requirements, I had body desires for how I wanted to look there. I had brothers organizing events with me and creating content with me and just keeping every part of the train going. Really, my class of Mr. Palm Springs Leather, once I was announced as the local winner, unified behind me to help me achieve this goal. The really, really, really cool thing that I had in my back pocket was Rough Trade Gear. As Mr. Palm Springs Leather, I got a small sponsorship from Rough Trade Gear. But when they found out that I had big ideas, they were like, ‘what if you just sit down and
bring all your ideas to me and we figure out what we can do?’ They literally took a dream that I had and made it come true. So having that support, that’s why I won.”
Training for IML was intense, but nothing could prepare Honey for the winner’s circle… Well, nothing except their beautiful mind.
“I gave myself a gift leading into this competition, right? I had heard from so many people that I didn’t really have a chance of winning because of many factors, one being that the last winner was from Palm Springs, as if that would affect my scores. One being that I do drag, I’m known for that, as if that would affect my scores. I definitely had support, but I had naysayers, right? And I had to choose what to listen to. But especially for the three months leading up to it when I went into like hyper, hyper, hyper focus, every day I was going to just tell myself that I am international Mr. Leather of 2026, unless otherwise was told to me. That was a conversation I was going to keep having with myself every day. And so right before we were called out to go to the stage to announce the winners, I was standing in the wings and I thought, you know, I might not be able to tell myself that anymore after this moment. I thought, you know what, with every second that I can, up until the last moment, I’m going to tell myself that I am International Mr. Leather 2026 until they say somebody else’s name behind the title. Every single moment, I wanted to give myself that gift, I wanted to know what that feels like. Even if that’s not the reality I walk away with, I will have had several months of living that possibility and really allowing myself to believe it. And then guess what? They didn’t announce somebody else’s names. So, it really felt like a super powerful manifestation.”
Or, one might say, it’s a radical realization: living your truth so loudly and proudly that the world can’t deny it. Wonderful, right? But it’s not a new phenomenon. Honey is inspired by the leather community as a whole, a group that wears their bravery like a second skin and lets everyone in.
“SO I GUESS MY UTOPIA WOULD BE A WORLD WHERE WE ALL REALIZE THAT THE ONLY WAY THAT OUR LIVES ARE GOING TO BE HAPPY, AND THE ONLY WAY THAT OUR LIVES ARE GOING TO BE FAIR AND FRUITFUL, AND OUR EXPERIENCE WILL BE THE GREATEST, IS IF WE HAVE ENOUGH EMPATHY AND CONCERN FOR EVERYBODY.”
“A lot of leathermen, especially ones who have presented as masculine through the generations, have such a beautiful relationship with leather expression. That gives them space to be who they are in a world where they didn’t feel like there was space for them to be masculinepresenting queer people. And I think that through their voices about it being okay to be who you are and queer, there’s now space for every kind of queer identity to exist within the leather community.”
Lifting that brilliant baton, Honey continues, “Because of the space that these people created, there is now a space for me. I am not in opposition to the things that they desired or fought for; I’m the product of it… I’m completely honored by that - me just existing as who I am and participating in IML authentically started conversations around what it is to be a leather person. What an honor is it that I was the conversation starter? Like, little old me.”
But conversations are like bridges. Sure, they connect us and move us forward, but they also attract a fair share of trolls.
“There were loud voices that had negative things to say, but for the majority, this conversation ended in celebration, as people posted pictures of themselves in both drag and leather, which celebrated the fact that we all contain multitudes. And to think that me existing, just as I am, would start a conversation. Thinking the haters would be canceled and we’d have a celebration of who we are authentically, that wasn’t on my 2026 bingo card.”
What started locally has flourished globally. Honey Davenport is the ambassador of understanding, a responsibility they carry from the heat of Palm Springs to the heart of LGBTQ+ culture.
“My work starts at home, right?” Honey asks rhetorically. “And that’s obviously why I’ve been meeting with the Human Rights Commission. Palm Springs is of the perfect size to start some real conversations that could even shift microaggressions and where they come from and how people can cut them out of the society we are living in right now, right? Because it’s so ingrained in our culture. So, what I’ve been focused on in Palm Springs is creating education and resources for
people experiencing discrimination or for people who just want to do better. And providing that education is how we dismantle hatred. So doing it in a city the size of Palm Springs, I think, will provide us with some different models for ways this could work in larger communities. I’m hoping that as I travel, I’m not only working in my city to create change, but I’m traveling and showing results of that work to people who have the same platform that I have, the same leather titles or drag races in 30,000 countries, and they see that with the platform that they’ve been given, that they also have space to create change.”
It’s a bold blueprint for the future, but Honey is eternally inspired by the trailblazers of yesteryear.
“I’m really grateful for the leather community in Palm Springs because we’re so rich with queer forefathers from our history in Palm Springs. So many people who started our movements, especially leather, and even drag, live in that space, that’s where they retired. So, with a wealth of those people, I was able to do things like go to dinner with DJs who were leather bear DJs in the ‘70s and ‘80s and collect stories and talk with leathermen who were at the first IML. I had fruit right from the stem. So that was a really important part of my journey.”
And where does that voyage veer next, you may ask? Fear not, Honeyheads - your queen bee is buzzing their way to the stage very soon.
“I’m kicking off my new cabaret show called Made Like You and it’s opening in New York City and then touring. It’s coming to Coachella Valley - it’ll be at Club One Eleven on August 23rd. It’s a show about my journey from drag to leather, but it’s also about the power of persistence. It’s about hope and it’s about unity and it’s a good f***ing time. And I think it really is like a true drag - slashleather performance. So, for everybody who is questioning how those two things fit together, you’ll see.”
Drag and leather. Beard and bodice. Glamour and grit. Honey is a joy of juxtapositions. But perhaps their greatest juggling act is striking a balance between entertainment and activism.
“I don’t know that I’ve ever successfully *tried* to be an activist,” clarifies Honey. “I’ve always *been* an activist just because I’ve been existing. The ways and the spaces in which I’ve existed have led me to have platforms to create change. And I’ll use every opportunity I can to move the needle for experiences of people like me in a positive direction. What I will say is, these are things that I’ve learned along the way: first off, aggression is very rarely the right resolve. It very rarely gives a result, other than more aggression. A lot of the spaces where I showed up as an activist have been because I, without aggression, endured some kind of hardship and waited until I had the response to shift the experience. Whether that was creating a song from it or meeting with the Human Rights Commission, it’s all just been how I uniquely could deal with these issues. I think the
best advice I can give to anybody looking to be an activist is that you’re the best activist when you’re using your own unique power, your own unique skill set. My mother taught me growing up that our uniqueness, our special skills and things that we have about ourselves, they’re not only our power, but they’re also our tools to dismantle discrimination.”
That’s the social movement we’re here for. Determination, not drama. Empowerment instead of infighting. Grassroots rather than scorched earth. We hold the keys to kumbaya, y’all - we just need a bit of ignition.
Be mindfulness in motion. Be the reason why the next generation of queer, Black, amazing humans succeeds. Be a utopia in progress. And don’t forget to add Honey.
JOSHUA TREE, CALIFORNIA DESERT MAGIC IN THE HIGH DESERT
BY MICHAEL WESTMAN
There is a distinct kind of magic that happens when you cross into the High Desert of California. The air thins, the sky stretches into an impossible blue, and the surreal, twisted silhouettes of the Joshua trees begin to dot the landscape. Long a haven for artists, musicians, and free spirits, the Joshua Tree region has evolved into a premier destination for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking a mix of outdoor adventure, eclectic culture, and deep relaxation.
Whether you are looking to hike alien landscapes, explore old Hollywood relics, or just lounge by a luxury pool with your chosen family, here is how to craft your perfect queer desert escape.
INTO THE WILD
The crown jewel of the region is, of course, Joshua Tree National Park. Spanning nearly 800,000 acres where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, it looks less like Earth and more like a beautifully curated sci-fi film set.
For an unforgettable day in the park, hit these essential spots:
• Arch Rock & Skull Rock: Accessible via short, easy walks, these massive monzogranite (geological rock) formations are perfect for exploring, bouldering, or posing for the ultimate travel photo.
• Keys View: Drive up to this ridge for a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault, and on a clear day, all the way down to Mexico. It is the premier spot in the area to watch the sunset.
• Cholla Cactus Garden: Walk the brief loop trail through thousands of densely packed, fuzzy-looking cacti. Pro tip: Keep your distance; they are nicknamed “jumping cacti” for a reason!
STEP BACK IN TIME
Just a short, scenic drive up the mountain from the main highway lies Pioneertown. Originally built in the 1940s by Hollywood investors, including legendary actors Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, this functioning town was designed to serve as a live-in 1880s Wild West movie set.
Today, its dirt-paved “Mane Street” is lined with independent artisan boutiques, vintage shops, and pottery studios. It feels wonderfully surreal to stroll past old jailhouses and saloons while browsing contemporary desert art.
Pioneertown is also home to Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. Part legendary barbecue joint, part world-famous live music venue, Pappy & Harriet’s has hosted intimate, surprise sets from mega-artists like Paul McCartney and Lizzo. It is incredibly welcoming, deeply eclectic, and an absolute must-visit for great drinks, smoky ribs, and great tunes.
DESERT FUEL
The High Desert culinary scene punches way above its weight class, offering everything from vegan comfort food to upscale dining.
• The Joshua Tree Saloon: Located right on the main strip in town, this is the area’s unpretentious, high-energy watering hole. It features an expansive outdoor patio, cold craft beers, solid pub grub, and famously rowdy weekend karaoke nights where the local queer community turns out in full force.
• Natural Sisters Cafe: The go-to morning spot for hikers and health-conscious travelers. Stop by for killer organic espresso, fresh-squeezed juices, and massive vegan and vegetarian sandwiches to pack for your park adventures.
• La Copine: Located a bit further down the road in Flamingo Heights, this queer-owned oasis is a true culinary destination. Serving up inspired, globally inflected New American brunch and lunch
dishes, it feels like a chic, minimalist bistro dropped right into the desert sand.
THE ULTIMATE QUEER OASIS: THE JOSHUA TREE RESORT
When it comes to where to drop your bags, the High Desert offers a property that is redefining the luxury vacation rental game for the LGBTQ+ community. The Joshua Tree Resort (www. thejoshuatreeresort.com) is an exclusive, privately owned, fully loaded LGBTQowned oasis designed specifically for groups, couples, and retreat seekers wanting complete privacy without sacrificing five-star resort amenities.
• Accommodations: 4-Bedroom Main House + Detached Casita.
• Vibe: Secluded luxury with expansive 20-foot sliding glass doors framing views of the park.
What sets this property apart is its incredible roster of private outdoor amenities. Instead of sharing a crowded hotel deck, you and your guests have exclusive access to a literal desert playground:
• The Lazy River & Hot Tub: Float through the afternoon heat in your own private, winding lazy river pool, then heat things up under the desert stars in the oversized hot tub.
• Entertainment Central: The property features a fully converted garage game room equipped with a pool table, classic arcade
games, and a massive 86-inch TV. Outside, you’ll find a private putting green and a ping-pong table.
• Zen & Wellness: Start your morning with a group stretch on the dedicated outdoor yoga deck or find your grounding in the beautifully landscaped Zen garden.
• Epic Desert Nights: Cook meals in the professional private outdoor kitchen, then gather around multiple sleek fire pits to enjoy some of the dark-sky territory’s spectacular stargazing.
Inside, the luxury continues with top-of-the-line Thor kitchen appliances, modern earthy decor, and massive glass doors that erase the boundary between
the stylish interior and the raw beauty of the desert. Because it is fully queerowned and operated, guests can truly let their guards down, relax in style, and enjoy a deeply authentic, inclusive hospitality experience.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
• When to Go: Joshua Tree is a wonderful year-round destination for hiking and exploring. Spring (March to May) and Fall (October to November) offer the most pleasant temperatures.
• Getting Around: You will definitely want a car to navigate the sprawling roads connecting the park, town, and Pioneertown.
• Dark Sky Etiquette: Joshua Tree is a designated International Dark Sky region. When staying at your resort, turn off outdoor lights when not used to get a brilliant view of the Milky Way.
From its otherworldly rock formations to its vibrant, welcoming community, Joshua Tree reminds us that the desert is a place of infinite possibility. It is a sanctuary where you can disconnect from the noise of daily life and reconnect with
nature, art, and community. Whether you are finding your footing on a boulder at sunset, dancing under the stars at Pappy & Harriet’s, or lounging with your favorite people by the lazy river at The Joshua Tree Resort, this magical pocket of California offers a uniquely restorative experience. Pack your bags, leave the ordinary behind, and come discover the inclusive, captivating spirit of the High Desert—it has a beautiful way of changing everyone who visits.
JOSEPH AND THE TECHNICOLOR DREAM COAT: Long Beach – Before gaining international attention with Jesus Christ Superstar (1970), Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice collaborated on Joseph and The Technicolor Dream Coat in 1968. However, it wasn’t commercially recognized until after the success of Superstar Joseph opened in the West End in 1973. By 2008, more than 20,000 productions had been staged by schools and amateur-theatre groups.
Based on a story in the Book of Genesis, Joseph is perhaps the most G-rated musical ever staged. However, this month Musical Theatre West is presenting it with a modernized twist. Director Larry Raab told us, “When Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote Joseph in 1968, he filled the score with references to the popular artists and sounds of that era.” In the upcoming Long Beach production, Raben has embraced that same creative spirit, updating those influences for modern audiences through subtle references and performance styles inspired by artists such as Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Adam Levine, and other contemporary superstars.
Joseph will be played by Broadway performer and viral vocal sensation Brian Justin Crum. “Joseph is every kid who’s ever stood in front of a bedroom mirror imagining they were a superstar,” said Raben. “Brian captures both the charisma and heart of the character in a way that feels incredibly relevant to today’s audiences.” Crum came out as gay during elementary school and was bullied by his classmates, an interesting similarity to Joseph being shunned by his 11 brothers. The show’s music is enjoyable and immediately hummable (if a bit bubblegummy), and Crum is sure to deliver some powerhouse vocals, as well as a bit of eye candy. Produced by Musical Theatre West and performed at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the CSULB campus from 7/10 – 26.
NORTH BY NORTHWEST: San Diego – It’s a common practice to use a recognizable existing title for a new musical or play, but this month San Diego’s venerable Old Globe Theatre has taken that practice to a new level. They are presenting Hitchcock’s 1959 masterpiece North by Northwest onstage, but before you try to imagine Mt. Rushmore being recreated on stage, it’s best to acknowledge that the movie is just a jumping off point for this production. This North by Northwest is a hilarious mash up of dialogue, music, sight-gags, dance and staging. The campy production was adapted from the movie by Emma Rice, who also directed the world premier last year at York’s Theatre Royal. She is also directing the North American premiere at The Old Globe.
The project takes a cue from Patrick Barlow’s campy take on The 39 Steps, another Hitchcock thriller that became a 2005 West End and Broadway play that features a small cast taking on a myriad of roles to comedic effect.
A previous production adapted and directed by Ms. Rice is The Red Shoes, based on a 1948 British film. That film’s plot is convoluted, but her stage adaptation was equal parts drama, dance, and captivating staging including an onstage proscenium with a red velvet curtain. The proscenium could revolve onstage to allow for scenes “onstage” with a ballet company and “front of house” with the non-dancing characters promoting the plot. The clips I have seen of the British North by Northwest include two gigantic revolving doors that propel people and scenery on and off the stage. Though not technically a musical, there is a musical score that plays for much of the performance with some scenes carried out by dance, or more accurately, “rhythmic blocking.”
I’m always looking for something new and different, and this one is a must-see for me. 7/3 – 8/2. www.TheOldGlobe.org
PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS: Laguna Beach – Summer is a super time to be entertained outdoors and Laguna Beach’s classic Pageant of the Masters is a great opportunity to visit one of California’s great beach cities and to partake of a world-famous piece of entertainment. With annual summer stagings since 1932, it is arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world.
This 90-minute performance brings famous works of art to life on stage. Audiences are amazed by the incredibly faithful re-creations of classical and contemporary works of art, with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces.
The planning for the next summer’s production begins almost as soon as the current production closes. They start with a theme. This year it’s GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). Then a committee selects pieces that complement the theme. Next, the artists and craftspeople start construction. All sets, props and costumes are made and painted on site. Models are selected and trained to channel their counterparts in the original artworks. Often their makeup looks freakish in the dressing room but makes perfect sense when included in the setting. The result is an evening where classical and contemporary masterpieces are transformed into breathtaking living pictures through theatrical illusion, live narration, and original music, performed in the 2,600-seat Irvine Bowl amphitheater under Laguna Beach’s starry summer sky.
Up to 500 local volunteers work as models, hair and makeup technicians, stagehands, and ushers, all sharing a rich sense of community. Starting some 90 years ago with 8 performances, they now present 56 evening shows per summer, starting at 8:30 p.m. nightly 7/9 – 9/4. www.foapom.com
GODSPELL: Long Beach – Godspell has gone through several permutations since it opened as a student project at Carnegie Mellon University. Music and lyrics were by Steven Schwartz, a Carnegie student, and it was actually presented as a master’s thesis by another student, John-Michael Tebelak, who wrote the book to the musical. It was next seen at the legendary La Mama Experimental Theatre Club, an off-off-Broadway performance space in New York’s East Village. Audiences were enthusiastic so it was re-scored and moved to off-Broadway where it opened in 1971. It became a long-running success. It did eventually make it to Broadway in 2011. “Broadway” delineations are actually based on the number of seats in the auditorium, not the physical location of the theatre. The show is usually set in a playground where eight people have gathered. Together, they tell stories from the New Testament through songs and dialogue. The people who have gathered adopt the identities of various biblical characters, including Jesus. The song styles are varied, from folk songs with guitar accompaniment to rowdy burlesque tunes. For me, the show seems to be a collection of Sunday school lessons which has always struck me as odd because Schwartz is 100% Jewish. This is the first time we have written about the Long Beach Playhouse, even though it is where I met my husband over 23 years ago when we were both cast in the same show. It is a community theatre that was founded in 1929 and has operated continuously since that time. The mainstage seats close to 200 in a thrust formation; i.e., seats are on three sides of the stage. There is also a studio theatre upstairs that usually presents edgier works. The Studio is currently playing Kimberly Akimbo through 7/3, and A Doll’s House Part 2 opens on 7/18. Godspell plays on the mainstage through 8/2. www.lbplayhouse.org
THE SONG STYLES ARE VARIED, FROM FOLK SONGS WITH GUITAR ACCOMPANIMENT TO ROWDY BURLESQUE TUNES.
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MOVIES ARE SO U.S.GAY!
JULY 1ST
BY KEVIN PERRY
TOH SAY CAN YOU SEE THESE PATRIOTIC PICTURES IN THEATERS? YES! his month, we celebrate the birth and untimely death of democracy. Welp, she had a good run. America is in a scary spiral, so it’s fitting that July’s biggest blockbusters feature spiders, monsters, minions, Hades, and a confused old king who can’t find his damn way home.
We’re pretty sure you’re looking for Florida, sir.
But before we get to BROdysseus, let’s salute what it really means to be free. Love whomever the heck you want. Check. Call out the haters and claw out their eyes (metaphorically speaking). Check. Crank up the fireworks scene from Brokeback Mountain and be as queer and colorful and cowboy-swarthy and mid-mod-sassy and run-on-sentence-y as you wanna be. Check, check, and sextuple check. Teehee, ‘sex’ - but enough titillation. It’s showtime!
No less than three Oscar winners lent their pipes to Minions & Monsters, an animated throwback to the silent era of filmmaking. Our yellow antiheroes set out to make a creature feature, but their production whizzes out of control when a giant orange blob threatens to consume them all. Sigh, enough with the political commentary. JK - bring it on, banana squad! Drag that dastardly dictator. The Minions will make you GRINion straight through - oops, *gayly* through the holiday weekend.
JULY 3RD
You know that a film will be an unholy mess when it comes from Angel Studios. Their catalog is giving us flashbacks to the 99-cent bin at Ye Olde VHS Shoppe. Religious cartoons? Uplifting sports dramas? Dean Cain? Barf-o-rama. Well, the puke pile is about to spilleth over, because Angel Studios is releasing Young Washington, a whitewashed retelling of the founding father as a pouty, sinewy, yet totes not gay pretty boy. We cannot tell a lie: this movie SUCKS.
JULY 10TH
Palate cleanser time! Evil Dead Burn is a spicy blast of gore that revolves around a mourning family who makes a deal with the Deadites. They hope to reanimate their departed son by perusing the Necronomicon… What could go wrong? Oh, just everything. The whole damn fam gets possessed and attacks the man’s grieving widow at the dinner table. Hmm, a bunch of cis-het white people prioritizing their warped beliefs over your right to love who and how you want? That’s so gay!
Gotta confess: the animated version of Maui gave us plenty of Polynesian pleasure. So now, we’re queer-curious to see how his flesh and blood counterpart lights up the screen in the live action version of Moana Dwayne puts the ‘Johnson’ in pop culture - his beefy bod flexes every tatt and creates hella thirst traps in this reimagining of the supes successful franchise. You’re welcome. If you prefer your sex symbols with a side of Hamm, check out Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass. When the title character catches her fiancee boffing his semi-famous crush, she vows revenge - hot, nasty, and silly AF. After trekking to Hollywood, Gail tracks down Jon Hamm to even the ‘score’ (pun intended). The creative team behind The State, Reno 911! and Wet Hot American Summer amplifies the absurd to bring you a much-needed escape from reality. Get some!
JULY 17TH
Fair warning: if The Odyssey doesn’t release a collectible swine-head popcorn bucket or 3D goggles shaped like a big, ugly Cyclops eye, we ain’t going. The epic film stars a bewitching Charlize Theron, a perpetually crying Anne Hathaway, and a straight outta Boston Matt Damon. Judging by his accent, Odysseus must be from South Ithaca. Thoundth like a thweet thity! All snark aside, the visuals look sumptuous, the action will be off the Homeric hook, and the homoeroticism throbbing through the throngs of salty seamen pairs deliciously
JULY 24TH
Her Private Hell sounds like the fate of any film going up against The Odyssey’s 2nd weekend. In actuality, it’s a low tempo thriller packed with bored expressions and murky strip club lighting. Yup, good luck with that Odyssey 2nd weekend thing.
On the brighter side of the release calendar: Hell! That’s right, the Tonywinning play Hadestown gets a theatrical release that will beguile your senses and bolster your faith in musicals. The narrative is set against the backdrop of a world so bleak that Eurydice would rather toil in Hades than starve on earth. How timely! But the power of romance compels her lover Orpheus to venture into the underworld, serenade an evil king, and rescue Eurydice. Hmm, and my partner won’t even share his onion rings. Tangent over - have a heck of a time in Hadestown!
If you want - nay, NEED - to see every pervy bad guy from Law & Order: SVU in one place, then look no further than Motor City. It’s got pervy gangsters, pervy cops, and pervy mustaches by the mile. Smooches! Alan “Reacher” Ritchson ignites our prison fantasies as an unsuspecting and irresistible patsy with chiseled features framed by feathered hair. Turn on the Farrah Fawcett cuz it’s hawt in here!
JULY 31ST
The queer clown of cinematic chaos, Gregg Araki, unveils his latest Sundance darling I Want Your Sex. As of press time, there wasn’t a finalized trailer for the film, so we’ll just wildly guess what it’s about. A ragtag group of lovable misfits team up with a talking dog to find buried treasure and learn the true meaning of Flag Day in the process. Shrug. Who gives two turds what this movie is about? It’s up against… Spider-Man: Brand New Day! Our favorite British pound cake, Tom Holland, stars as the titular hero, but when the film opens, nobody can remember who he is. That’s because he hasn’t been in a movie for two whole weeks (Holland also stars in The Odyssey). See, Spidey patched a wormhole in the space/time continuum at the end of 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home to protect his loved ones from certain annihilation. Basically, the multiverse is like current events - always teetering on the brink of destruction and best when blotted from our brains. So, grab a brewski if you’re straight, grab a cosmo if you’re not, grab your partner’s hand (or lower), and grab onto the last vestiges of America before it’s sold for parts. Dibs on Hawaii! Stay safe, stay hopeful, and stay bracingly gay!
Sitges, Spain is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places on the planet. Located a short 25-minute train ride south of Bareclona, there is an effervescent magic to this coastal Catalan gem that effortlessly blends historical charm with an unapologetic, free-spirited queer energy. Whether your itinerary is packed from dawn till dusk or your grandest plan is doing absolutely nothing at all, Sitges welcomes you with open arms.
A typical day here is beautifully predictable: days filled with fresh sangria and takeaway sandwiches on the beach, followed by a 5:00 PM post-beach cocktail for some world-class people-watching in Plaça de la Indústria. Then, a short siesta, pre-dinner cocktails, a fabulous dinner at 10:00 PM, and an after-dinner drink around midnight before tumbling into bed.
DO YOU SEE A THEME HERE?
If you want to stay up and dance the night away, you absolutely can—the legendary dance clubs don’t even open their doors until 3:00 AM. Spain is fiercely inclusive, and Sitges stands as a massive, glittering melting pot of international LGBTQ+ travelers.
To help you navigate this queer paradise, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the spots you cannot miss.
THE GOLDEN RULES OF SITGES
Before we dive into the fun stuff, a quick “dad speech” is in order. Sitges is incredibly safe, welcoming, and open to everyone. However, because it is a bustling tourist haven, pickpockets do operate here.
• Watch your belongings: Never set your phone or wallet down on a café table. Keep it on your person.
• Keep an eye on the sand: Don’t leave your beach bag unattended on your towel when you go for a dip.
• Travel light: Leave the expensive jewelry at home and never leave your drinks unattended.
Now that the safety briefing is out of the way, let’s talk logistics. Stay in the main Old Town area. Everything is entirely walkable, and the joy of Sitges is wandering from bar to beach without a care. While there are some gorgeous hotels further out, relying on taxis breaks the spell. We love walking everywhere, and you will too.
BY MICHAEL WESTMAN
SUN & SAND: GAY AND NUDE BEACHES
Sitges boasts some of the most famous gay and clothing-optional beaches in Europe, each with its own distinct vibe.
• Platja de la Bassa Rodona: This is the main, hyper-popular gay beach located right in the center of town along the promenade. It’s packed with rainbow flags, gorgeous sunbathers, and a lively social scene. If you want to be in the heart of the action, rent a lounge chair here.
• Platja de Balmins: Located just a short walk past the church and Sant Sebastià, Balmins is a stunning, crescent-shaped cove. It is clothingoptional (predominantly nude) and has a mixed but heavily gay crowd. The backdrop of the cliffs makes it incredibly scenic, and there’s a great little beach bar (chiringuito) on-site.
• Platja de l’Home Mort: For the adventurous, this is Sitges’ legendary, strictly gay nude beach. Located further south out of town, behind the railway tracks, it requires a scenic 30-to-45-minute hike along the cliffs. The trek keeps the crowds intimate, and the rugged, clothing-optional environment is pure paradise.
THE DAYLIGHT CHRONICLES: SIGHTSEEING & SHOPPING
When you aren’t working on your tan, the town itself demands exploration.
Sightseeing
• Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla: This iconic 17th-century church is perched right on the water’s edge. As the ultimate symbol of Sitges, it’s a lovely walk down the main seaside promenade, Passeig de la Ribera, to get there. Climb the steps to enjoy amazing Mediterranean views and get lost in the maze of narrow, ancient walkways behind it. Here, you’ll also find the original Bacardí plant, local museums, and hidden artisan shops.
• Platja de Sant Sebastià: Continue walking past the church, and you’ll emerge above this beautiful beach, lined with excellent seaside dining spots and a more relaxed, local vibe.
• Passeig de la Ribera & Passeig Marítim: The main seaside promenade is dotted with public sculptures, cafes, and palm trees. Make sure to stop at El Chiringuito along the avenue. Founded in 1913, it is widely recognized as the very first beach bar in Spain.
• Plaça de la Indústria: The undisputed center of the Sitges universe. It’s the
Photo courtesy of Hotel Calipolis
perfect square for people watching at any hour, but it becomes electric in the late afternoon as everyone streams off the beaches.
SHOPPING
The narrow, winding streets of Sitges are packed with independent boutiques, queer fashion labels, and local design shops. The main shopping arteries are Carrer Major, Carrer de Parellades, and Carrer de Sant Francesc. Because most shops stay open quite late, the cooler late afternoon hours are the prime time to hunt for swimwear and summer threads.
AFTERNOON TO MIDNIGHT: GAY BARS & COCKTAILS
The nightlife in Sitges builds like a crescendo, starting with open-air terrace drinks and moving into high-energy bars.
• Parrots Pub & Terrace (Plaça de la Indústria): This is the absolute mustvisit spot for a cocktail. Its massive outdoor terrace is packed from late afternoon through midnight. It is the premier vantage point for checking out who has just arrived in town.
• Queenz Bar & Ruby’s Terrace (Carrer Bonaire): Located on the infamous “Sin Street” (Carrer Bonaire),
Queenz Bar is a riot of music, drag, and campy sing-a-longs. The outdoor terrace directly in front is called Ruby’s Bar, run by a incredibly friendly British bloke named Ben (who also performs as Ruby). If your trip aligns with a Lady Diamond night, do not miss it—she is Sitges royalty.
• Bar Pay Pay (Carrer Montroig): A delightfully fun, tiki-themed spot that offers a cozy indoor vibe and great street-side tables for watching the evening crowds pass by.
• Central Bar Café (Carrer Joan Tarrida): Another staple of the queer scene, boasting a gorgeous garden terrace courtyard that is perfect for escaping the direct street heat with a chilled glass of cava.
• The Bear Scene (Carrer Joan Tarrida): If you are looking for the bear and leather community, head straight to XXL or El Horno. These bars are legendary for their welcoming, masculine, and high-energy atmospheres, usually spilling out into the streets by midnight.
• Hotel Calipolis Poolside: If you want a dip in a pool instead of the sea, head to the Hotel Calipolis. You can enter
the pool area directly from the street, grab drinks and eats poolside, and take a refreshing dip.
FUELING YOUR FUN
From cheap eats to fine dining, Sitges is a culinary playground.
• Queenz Dinner Show (Carrer Espalter): You cannot visit Sitges without experiencing this. It includes a fantastic three-course meal followed by a hilarious, high-energy cabaret and drag show. The crowd is always a joyous, mixed, incredibly friendly room of travelers from all over the world. You must book weeks in advance online at queenzdinnershow.com. The owners, Dick and AJ, are two delightful Dutch men who also own the Queenz Bar.
• Alfresco (Carrer d’en Pau Barrabeig): Tucked away in a magical, romantic courtyard, Alfresco offers incredible ambiance and a unique, upscale menu. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but worth every euro for a special night out.
• Pic Nic (Passeig Marítim): Positioned right on the beach opposite the Hotel Calipolis, this is the go-to casual lunch spot for fresh seafood, paella, and beach views.
• Restaurant L’Oca (Carrer Parellades): You literally cannot miss this place—it’s the one with the row of mouthwatering rotisserie chickens spinning at the front window. It is simple, delicious, inexpensive, and some of the best chicken you will ever taste.
• Fragata (Passeig de la Ribera): Nestled right at the steps below the iconic church, this is a beautiful, sophisticated fine-dining experience with impeccable Mediterranean cuisine.
• La Salseta (Carrer Sant Pau): A fantastic choice for traditional, slow-food Catalan cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
• Port d’Aiguadolç (The Marina): If you are up for a scenic 15-minute walk past the Old Town, head to Sitges’ stylish marina. It has a completely different energy—think sleek yachts, quiet docks, and an excellent row of waterfront seafood restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to escape the central crowds for a long lunch or a classy sunset cocktail.
• La Cantonada: Do you love fries? This is a brilliant walk-up fry shack just up from Parrots Pub on the corner of Carrer Parellades. It’s the ultimate quick snack to grab and eat while wandering the cobblestone streets.
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
When midnight turns to 3:00 AM, the bars wind down and the legendary Sitges club scene wakes up.
• Club Trailer (Carrer Àngel Vidal): Located right in the heart of the Old Town, Trailer is the epicenter of gay nightlife in Sitges. It features incredible DJs, light shows, and high-energy pop and house music. It is famous for its legendary foam parties (Fiesta de la Espuma) where the dance floor turns into a massive sudsy celebration.
• Organic Dance Club (Carrer Bonaire): The true after-hours heartbeat of Sitges. Organic gets packed late and stays open until the sun comes up. It’s dark, loud, features incredible house and techno beats, and plays host to an international, diverse crowd of circuit boys and partygoers.
WORTH THE JOURNEY: DAY TRIPS
If you can tear yourself away from the beach for a day, the surrounding region offers incredible escapes.
PENEDÈS REGION
Sitges sits right next to the gorgeous Penedès wine region, the historical birthplace of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine). You can easily catch a 20-minute taxi ride through the rolling countryside to visit boutique wineries like Llopart or Codorníu.
However, the grandest of them all is the Torres Winery—which we affectionately call the “Disneyland of Wine.” Torres is the largest wine producer in Spain, and the high-tech, immersive tour here is spectacular. Fun fact: Marimar Torres, the sister of this long-stand-
ing wine dynasty, moved to California and established her own incredible vineyards in Sonoma County (Marimar Estate)!
If you prefer urban exploration over vineyards, Barcelona is incredibly accessible. A quick, comfortable 25-minute train ride from the center of Sitges lands you right in the middle of the Catalan capital, making it a seamless option for a day of Gaudí architecture and shopping.
Pack your favorite swimwear, leave your worries behind, and prepare to fall in love with Sitges just like we did. ¡Salud!
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
