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FROM THE EDITOR
WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?
February is a month of widespread themes – Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, and Modernism Week to name a few. Our team has worked diligently to curate content that resonates with these themes, so we hope you enjoy reading this issue.
We are also excited to announce our media partnership with Cathedral City LGBT+ Days, with the 10th Annual event taking place March 3-8, 2026, with many new and enhanced events over the course of multiple days, including: Cat City Drag Race on Tuesday, March 3rd; PRO-Rally and Opening Ceremony on Friday, March 6th; Saturday March 7th Festival inside the Cathedral City Amphitheater with food and drink, vendors, and entertainment all day, including headliner David Archculeta; Sunday March 8th Bed Races with VIP Breakfast and Vendor Marketplace. Please visit cathedralcitylgbtdays.com for ticketing and more information.
We are also planning ahead to the Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest on June 13th at the Hyatt Palm Springs, named one of the top LGBTQ Food/Wine/Spirits festivals in the US by Wine Enthusiast! You can visit equalitywinefest.com for Pre-Sale
tickets and more information. As always, the GED Magazine Team is committed to bringing you the best in LGBTQ entertainment, nightlife, travel, and lifestyles. Here’s to a year of discovery together through the lens of California’s premiere LGBTQ+ magazine. Visit us on the web at GEDmag.com and sign up for our monthly insider newsletter. Insiders will also 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 TikTok @GEDmagazine and tag us in your photos - #GEDmag. GED MAGAZINE is here for YOUR entertainment!
— MICHAEL WESTMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ADVERTISING INQUIRES sales@gedmag.com
DISTRIBUTION Pride In Media
Because where you shop matters
LISTENING, LEARNING, AND SHOWING UP IN SERVICE OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
AS THE LONGTIME PALM SPRINGS-BASED COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER WELCOMES 2026, IT CONTINUES TO LOOK OUTWARD, GUIDED BY THE VOICES, NEEDS, AND LEADERSHIP OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY IT WAS FOUNDED TO SERVE. AND IT ALL STARTS WITH THE CHASE ON FEBRUARY 21.
A DAP HEALTH:
s DAP Health enters 2026, it finds itself doing what it has done for more than four decades: listening, learning, and responding alongside the local queer community. From its earliest days, the nonprofit has understood that meaningful health care is not delivered from the top down, but built in collaboration — shaped by lived experience, trust, and mutual accountability — especially within LGBTQ+ populations.
Founded in 1984 by volunteers responding to the AIDS crisis, DAP Health emerged from grassroots activism and collective care. What began as a lifeline for gay men dying of AIDS and their loved ones has grown into one of the nation’s most respected community health centers, now serving tens of thousands of patients across Southern California, a scale that brings both opportunity and responsibility to get care right.
That growth has brought valuable lessons about how systems must evolve while staying accountable to the communities that built them. It has been about responsibility — to adapt, to expand, and to better meet the evolving needs of the diverse communities that have come to rely on us.
Early 2026 reflects that ongoing commitment. A series of events, programs, and service expansions are underway not as milestones to celebrate in isolation, but as opportunities to deepen partnerships, raise critical resources, and ensure care remains affirming, accessible, and responsive.
THE SEASON BEGINS WITH THE CHASE
DAP Health’s year will open with the 32nd Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, affectionately known as “The Chase,” on Saturday, February 21, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Presented by Desert Care Network, the gala
returns to its historic February timing — a reminder of the event’s origins and the community spirit that has sustained it for more than three decades. The first-ever annual fundraiser was known as Heartstrings and debuted on Valentine’s Day 1994. Proceeds from The Chase — including raffle ticket sales for the chance to win a diamond bracelet valued at $50,000, generously donated by El Paseo Jewelers — directly support DAP Health’s medical and support services, from HIV specialty care and sexual wellness to mental health, primary care, and gender-affirming services. This year’s Community Service Award will honor former Palm Springs mayor Lisa Middleton, whose leadership has long reflected values DAP Health holds close: inclusion, housing stability, and public service grounded in integrity. Headline entertainers The Temptations will add a celebratory note, all while underscoring the event’s deeper purpose — to sustain care that saves lives.
DAP Health CEO David Brinkman at 2025’s The Chase photographed by Lani Garfield.
Named for the late Steve Chase, the openly gay interior designer and philanthropist whose generosity helped DAP Health survive its earliest years, the affair is less a showcase than a gathering point — one that invites the community to come together in service of one another.
DINING OUT FOR LIFE TURNS MEALS INTO MEDICINE
Shortly after The Chase, DAP Health’s focus will turn to Dining Out For Life Greater Palm Springs, taking place on Thursday, April 23. Now in its 22nd consecutive year locally, the international campaign transforms everyday meals into direct support for people living with or affected by HIV.
Restaurants across the Coachella Valley partner with DAP Health by donating 30% to 110% of their day’s total sales, a model rooted in collective action and shared generosity. Diners, business owners, team members, volunteer ambassadors, and media partners all play a role — reinforcing the idea that community health is a shared responsibility.
In 2025, 65 participating establishments raised nearly $300,000, with every dollar staying local to support HIV prevention, education, and care. The success of Dining Out For Life belongs not to DAP Health but to the restaurants, volunteers, diners, and advocates who continue to show up in full force to turn the one-day annual occasion into care for their neighbors in need.
PRIDE AS HEALTH CARE
For DAP Health, participation in Pride celebrations is guided by listening to LGBTQ+ leaders and organizers who understand that visibility, joy, and affirmation are essential to health. Research supports what the community has long known: connection and belonging are protective factors for mental and physical well-being.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, DAP Health has strengthened partnerships with Pride organizations throughout Southern California. That includes proudly participating as Platinum Sponsor of Cathedral City LGBT+ Days this coming March 6-8.
At each event, DAP Health shows up at the invitation of community partners — sharing resources, offering education, and listening to feedback about how care can be improved. The goal is not visibility for its own sake, but fostering continued trust, accountability, and ongoing dialogue.
EXPANDING SEXUAL WELLNESS AND OB-GYN SERVICES
Listening to community needs also drives
DAP Health’s clinical expansion plans. In partnership with the North County LGBTQ Resource Center in San Diego County, a new sexual wellness clinic and pharmacy will open on their Oceanside campus in early 2026 — extending services shaped by years of patient input and community collaboration.
The clinic will reflect years of patient feedback and community input, offering care designed to reduce barriers rather than replicating traditional models. Services will include free HIV and STI testing, free STI treatment, free PrEP and PEP (including long-acting injectables) for HIV prevention, free DoxyPEP for STI prevention, and care always delivered without stigma or shame.
DAP Health is also expanding access to inclusive OB-GYN services. Its Palm Springs Family Health practice is relocating to the Sunrise campus, where providers trained in culturally competent care will serve a large swath of the local population, including lesbians and pre-operative transgender men — communities that have consistently shared concerns about discrimination and barriers in traditional health care settings.
These changes reflect lessons learned directly from patients: that preventive care works best when people feel safe, respected, and understood.
HONORING THE PAST WHILE
SHAPING THE FUTURE
DAP Health’s approach to the future
remains rooted in remembrance. Each year on World AIDS Day, the organization partners with artists, advocates, and peer organizations to honor lost lives and acknowledge the work still yet to be done.
Recent observances included its December 1, 2025, display of AIDS Memorial Quilt panels honoring late queer activists Pedro Zamora of “MTV’s The Real World” fame, pop artist Keith Haring, and others.
A candlelight vigil, plus national virtual programming developed in collaboration with Philadelphia’s Mazzoni Center, also attracted many community members. These moments were about the organization’s responsibility to carry history forward with humility and resolve.
MORE THAN SERVICES, A SHARED ECOSYSTEM
Progress happens because of organizers, volunteers, providers, and advocates who often work behind the scenes, holding DAP Health accountable and pushing it to do better. From Pride organizers and restaurant owners to health systems and LGBTQ+ organizations, progress is made together.
In 2025, DAP Health joined a national consortium of fellow AIDS service organizations and LGBTQ+ health centers to share advocacy strategies and mutual support during this challenging political climate where so many from the queer community feel shunned or outwardly attacked.
Internally, many of DAP Health’s 1,000 team members identify as LGBTQ+, ensuring lived experience continues to inform care. Community support also flows through the nonprofit’s four Revivals thrift stores, where 100% of proceeds are reinvested into services shaped by community need.
Housing, too, is part of this shared ecosystem. Vista Sunrise I and II on the Sunrise campus provide stable, affordable housing for people affected by HIV/AIDS and chronic illness — reinforcing DAP Health’s long-held belief that health begins with dignity and security.
A CLEAR THROUGH LINE
From The Chase to Dining Out For Life, from Pride partnerships to expanded clinical services, DAP Health’s early 2026 activities share a clear through line: listening, learning, and building alongside the LGBTQ+ community.
For DAP Health, the work ahead will be measured not by scale or recognition, but by whether community members feel heard, respected, and better served. That work continues, guided by listening first and acting with humility.
2026 Community Service Award recipient Lisa Middleton photographed by Brandon Harman.
DIVERSITY IS SERVED
MEET CHEF ANDRE JONES
BY KEVIN PERRY
ood doesn’t discriminate. A mouthwatering morsel doesn’t care what color you are, where you come from, or whether you’re straight or gay.
FAnd let’s face it: us gays have great taste.
We demand the damn best, and Andre Jones is serving it up as the Sous Chef at Riviera Hotel & Spa in Palm Springs. “Food fosters powerful relationships by being a bridge across cultural divides.”
As a proud member of Brothers of the Desert, Chef Andre builds bonds by breaking bread. “February being Black History Month, we will be doing quite a few specials from different parts of the country and the world, meals that have made their mark on Black Culture and beyond.”
The mealtime maestro spends a great deal of time planning ahead, but he also draws inspiration from his past.
“I’m pretty sure most chefs say this, but growing up watching my grandmother and mom cook is when I first discovered my love for Culinary Arts. At the age of 15, I started my first job as
a dishwasher and studied my peers that were working at the stations on the line from afar, which I found very exciting. I fell in love with what I had seen and then thought to myself that being a chef is what I wanted to be for the rest of my life. After graduating high school, I joined the United States Marine Corps for four and a half years, then continued my journey in the Culinary Arts.”
Chef Andre earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Georgia before ramping up his robust education at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.
Ooh la la, indeed!
His Parisian palate will be right at home at the reimagined Riviera. “We are becoming a luxury resort after our renovation,” narrates Chef Andre. “Our main focus at the moment is to research and develop our menu items for the reopening after our renovation. But there are always specials that we will be running in our restaurant Circa 59. So, feel free to make a reservation and come try some old classics with some new, exciting, and bold flavors.”
Discovery and diversity go hand in
hand. Chef Andre’s adventurous nature pays off on the plate, creating unexpected, unbelievable gastronomical landscapes.
“I like to go different routes with certain dishes. For instance, I would take a little of the Latino flavors and use them with some Asian flavors or take some of the Caribbean flavors and mix them with Southern flavors. These are just some of the tricks of the trade that I’ve learned over my career. Cooking is more of an art form to me; I like to keep the classical way of cooking and also think outside of the box.”
Ironically, it’s this very willingness to harvest disparate ingredients that brings diners together so compellingly. “You can gain knowledge from - or even be - someone different from everyone else without being judged because of who you are or who you want to be.”
His ambitious appetite for inclusion has set the proverbial table for the chef’s grateful guests. “Food creates social opportunities for shared experiences. It also promotes teamwork as well as communications through different cultures and communities.”
Like a wonderfully gooey cheese or a mighty meringue, Andre creates a cohesive camaraderie that holds his crew together. He has formed a fabulous foodie family, and he relishes his role as an industry leader.
“Being a chef comes with a lot of responsibility, not just for yourself but for the people surrounding you.”
Chef Jones’ diligence has delivered delicious dividends. “The culinary world has been very generous to me, and I enjoy giving back to my community,” he beams. “Over my years in this field, I have had some tough times and good times, but what I enjoy the most about my field is that people will always have that urge to eat, no matter what time of day. Just watching the expression on people’s faces when they take their first bite or the last bite of their dish just never seems to stop amazing me.”
And amazement awaits you, too. So, grab a seat at Riviera Hotel & Spa, dig into indulgence, savor solidarity, and just nosh on some next-level noms, for gosh sake! Compliments (in advance) to Chef Andre Jones.
7TH ANNUAL
WELLNESS SUMMIT:
BUILDING OUR COLLECTIVE RESILIENCE
ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS TO BE ANNOUNCED
Brothers of the Desert is proud to announce our 7th annual Wellness Summit focusing on Black gay men and our allies in the Coachella Valley and beyond in-person on Saturday, March 28, 2026, for the first time at the Renaissance Palm Springs in Palm Springs from 8:30 AM4:30 PM.
It is important for us in this moment to harness our power and share our strategies for thriving in challenging times. “Building Our Collective Resilience” is the theme of our summit. Join us as we offer the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of health and wellness experts and each other on inspiring ways to protect our health.
The one-day event will feature dynamic keynote presentations and innovative workshops on a range of topics, such as spirituality, relationships, mental health, aging considerations, advocacy, physical health, communication, healthy
Saturday, March 28 2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
sex, and creative expression as a means of healing. Everyone is welcome to attend.
We are happy to announce new featured presenters: New York Times best-selling author and political commentator, Keith Boykin, founder of the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM), Yolo Akili Robinson, political journalist Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey, and CEO of NMAC (National Minority AIDS Council), Harold Phillips. Returning this year will be our host Nathan-Hale Williams and presenters, Dr. Leo Moore and Dr. Imani Woody. Space is limited, and registration is required. Lunch is provided and we suggest a $30 donation and any amount given is appreciated. Tickets are available here: wellnesssummit2026. eventbrite.com.
YOLO AKILI ROBINSON
DR NII-QUARTELAI QUARTEY
KEITH BOYKIN
DR LEO MOORE HAROLD PHILLIPS
FEATURED PRESENTERS
Keith Boykin
VAN GOTH IS A WORK OF ART
CELEBRATE THE SINISTER SCISSOR SISTER WHO JUST WON CANADA’S DRAG RACE
BY KEVIN PERRY
Conjure up the coolest characters in the history of film and literature. They’re twisted, they’re dark, they’re fascinating… They’re villains, right? Now think about the goody-two-shoes heroes who swoop in and save the day. Boring!
We crave conflict, and Van Goth served it up week after week on Season 6 of Canada’s Drag Race. “If you think about it, I was the main character of every single episode, one to nine, and then I took the crown.”
Despite her reputation, Van doesn’t say these things in a malicious way. Instead, she’s just spitting facts. Fact: she dominated every design challenge. Fact: she racked up more wins than anyone in the history of CDR. Fact: she appreciates every damn moment of her rise to the A-list of drag royalty.
Forward thinking and visualizing victory are essential ingredients in Van’s playbook, and she attributes her success to her athletic upbringing. “I grew up playing sports my whole life. I started playing rugby when I was 10 years old. And my parents were just really big into sports, so I feel like in sports, it’s all about practice, practice, practice. So then when game day comes, you’re ready to go. I think that’s just like the mentality I’m taking in life all the time, which is like, I may not get it the first time, but I will work so hard to get it.”
Van’s armor is fierce, but it’s her vulnerability that makes her a true warrior. In one pivotal scene from S6, she revealed her HIV status to the other queens, and her resilience echoed all the way from the Werk Room to her showstopping finale number. “It was scary for me. I think that comes across in my conversation in
the Werk Room. I was terrified. And not only terrified, but I had all this guilt and shame that I was holding. And I felt like when I got to talk about it on the show, I got to release a lot of it there. I think to show people that, yes, it happened, that’s unfortunate. I think there’s ways that you can keep pushing past that and not let that one thing hold you down or define the rest of your life.”
One of the most engaging arcs of the series had to be Van’s relationship with runner-up Eboni La’Belle. “We were just always in each other’s orbits. I think that that’s so special. And I think fans really love that about us, because in a lot of ways, too, we are so opposite. We’re so polar opposites. But yeah, we found this like common ground together in the competition. And not only that, I think we were each other’s support systems throughout it. I think that’s why what you saw in the finale episode was so intense, because it just felt deeper than what the competition was. And that’s really what you saw. You saw real friends having an argument that we found a way to push past that.”
While she’s out here giving shoutouts, Van takes the opportunity to thank the first person she called to publicize her win. “My partner. We’ve been together for five years.” Softening her demeanor, she continues, “I started dragging a year before we started dating. He’s seen my drag evolve and go through phases. He’s seen me audition year after year after year, and I finally get on and then to win the whole thing, it’s like, I mean, he just couldn’t be prouder of me.”
Well, get ready to keep the pride flowing, mister, because Van Goth is just getting warmed up. “Eboni and I are actually working on a show together, and we’re hoping to tour Canada in the coming months, and then hopefully around the world. I mean, that’s always gonna be my sister.”
Van concludes, “Season 6 was iconic. And I could not have been happier to be there with this cast of 11 other amazing drag artists that are so unique and I am so honored to be the winner.”
All hail your not-so-evil Evil Queen. Being bad never felt so good. Congrats, Van Goth!
DEVEN AND NED
A WONDERFULLY WITTY WORLD
AT CATHEDRAL CITY LGBT+ DAYS, BINGO, TRIVIA, AND MORE, MORE, GALORE!
BY KEVIN PERRY
Music and humor go together like booze and lower-back tattoos. For starters, both words feature a jaunty, long-U sound as their first vowel. Ooh! But beyond that superficial similarity, comedy and chords share some profound commonalities. Songwriters hook you with an engaging rhythm and then tickle and tantalize you with crescendos, key changes, and symphonic surprises aplenty. Not to be outdone, great humorists begin with relatable material, then veer into the absurd to get you chuckling before going in for the kill with a well-timed punchline that you never saw coming.
Nowhere on gawd’s gay earth is the synthesis of humor and music more giddily, goofily, gosh-darn satisfying than in the fertile collab between Deven Green and Handsome Ned Douglas.
Separately, they are unique geniuses. Deven has racked up millions of views with her hysterical Welcome to My Home viral videos, forever changing the way we celebrate our collective ‘vagine’ - she even spun it into a gut busting political satire called Welcome to My White House Marvel at ‘Mesopotamia’ Trump as she mispronounces her own name, lauds the hideous decor of a once great residence, and slowly turns the people’s house into the people’s festering brothel. And don’t sleep on Deven’s alter ego, Mrs. Betty Bowers, America’s Best Christian. Feeling a little too good about yourself? Don’t worry, Betty will knock you down a pious peg.
Ned Douglas is a musical maestro. He engineers, produces, programs and creates material for every media imaginable. From the stage production of Ghost to films like Alfie and Charlotte’s Web to scores (pun intended) of tv projects, his harmonic expertise knows no bounds. Oh, and Handsome Ned has also worked with a few up-and-coming acts you may recognize like Annie Lennox, Mick Jagger, Stevie Nicks, Ringo Starr, Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani, and Céline éffing Dion! Together, Deven and Ned are a tsunami of sass, a hootenanny of hilarity, and an avalanche of awww yeah. So, how do their superlative sensibilities swirl together so seamlessly?
Everything we do makes perfect sense to us—and it almost always begins with humor. The characters from our books live inside the acrylic images we create and sing the songs we perform onstage. If it doesn’t make us laugh, we don’t pursue it.
Deven: (Laughing) But we do put out… a lot.
That’s a whole lot of awesome to deconstruct, so let’s dig in! The prolific pair has created beaucoup coffee table books, most of which have titles we’re too shy to mention. There’s B**** Face, Everyone F*** Off and Too Much, D***! just to name a few. The creators juxtapose im-
possibly gorgeous portraits with caustic captions like “I appreciate you f***ing all the way off” and “I have all the time in the world for revenge.” The result feels like propagandistic parody, as if Rosie the Riveter and Uncle Sam humped and birthed an eternally irascible boomer baby.
The same midcentury mod aesthetic shapes Deven and Ned’s series of acrylics, magnets, and aggro luggage tags that read, “You stupid c*** - not your bag.” It’s this in-your-beautiful-face vibe that earned Deven the following compliment from RuPaul herself: “She-larious!” In fact, Ms. Green served as a guest judge
“WE LIKE TO EXERCISE EVERY PART OF THE AUDIENCE’S BRAIN—MEMORY, MUSIC, MULTIPLE
CHOICE, VISUAL ROUNDS, AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION,
AND MORE.”
on Drag Race and she and Ned teamed up with some of the world’s top drag performers.
We love working with smart, energetic professionals who have a clear vision. Whether we’re writing comedy, creating original music, adding vocals, or producing video, we tailor the work specifically to the artist. We’re fortunate to collaborate with truly exceptional performers.
Rubbing elbows with royalty is so Deven and Ned. When asked to share an anecdote that truly screams “show business,” the dazzling duo had the following responses.
Deven: I once sang at a very prestigious event, dressed in a formal gown—and found myself performing next to a horse.
Ned: I was working with Stevie Nicks at her home studio when her toilet wouldn’t flush. So… I fixed it.
In addition to their plumbing prowess and fancy equestrian shenanigans, Deven and Ned are also flexing their fabulous entertainment chops. Most recently, they delighted crowds at CV Rep, performing and singing five original songs in One Man, Two Guv’nors
We have enormous respect for theater performers, so being part of this production has been a joy. CV Rep always produces incredible work and plays such a vital role in the community. Being involved has been truly meaningful - and yes, we fully expect to mount our own musical one day.
The show wrapped February 1st, but fear not! You still have plenty of chances to catch the bonkers magic that *is* De-
ven and Ned. Let us count the ways… MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA, 7PM @ THE CASCADE LOUNGE, AGUA CALIENTE CASINO PALM SPRINGS
Get ready to put your mind-goo to good use. Finally! This is unlike any bar trivia you’ve ever attended, leaning less on obscure factoids and more on instinct, intuition, and inventiveness to the max. Sample games include identifying musical mashups, guessing the film from the trailer’s audio, and assessing how sexy certain animals are. Rawr!
Nerds and ne’er-do-wells mingle in the soft lighting of their sensual, smartypants surroundings. Whether you’re a deep thinker or as shallow as a nun’s vagine, you’ll paint the town red, work your gray matter, and make your friends green with envy.
Just take it from the quizmasters themselves…
We like to exercise every part of the audience’s brain—memory, music, multiple choice, visual rounds, audience participation, and more. That way, no one dominates every category. It’s designed for laughs … and you will laugh. If you’re a Type A personality who must always be right, our Monday trivia show will gently relieve you of the burden of perfectionism. More importantly, we want people to feel connected and a part of something. Whether you’re a local or an out-of-town guest, we want our Agua Caliente Casino trivia night to be a highlight of your stay.
Can’t make it Monday night? Boo! But check this out: Deven and Ned are hosting another weekly wonderland of whimsy. Yay!
just party hosts; they’re fervent fans of the festivities! When asked which part of the weekend they’re anticipating most excitedly, the talented two agree.
The Bed Races, without question.
Allow us to explain. Every year, the Bed Races burst into Cathedral City like a glorious, unhinged dream. Contestants decorate their respective beds to express their creativity, couture, and kookiness. For example, one stand-out submission featured a drag queen dressed as Regan MacNeil from The Exorcist. She flailed, cursed, and charmed her way through the streets to make it a bed race to remember.
The proceedings are *kinda* a metaphor for gay rights. Y’see, we’ve spent countless decades trying to get conservatives out of our bedroom, but they simply won’t listen, so now we’re bringing our bedroom to them. Convenient, right? Considerate, definitely. Past races have welcomed celebrity riders like Leslie Jordan and recent winners include the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. After all, it wouldn’t be a Pride event without a healthy dash of rainbow-colored rebellion.
To us, every day is Pride. We’re not fighting for tolerance—we’re fighting for full acceptance.
And it’s a fight they’ve waged tirelessly. Deven has performed in Pride festivals spanning the continent, including cities like Atlanta, Portland, Green Bay, Austin, Anchorage, and Seattle. As advocates, Deven and Ned champion a who’s who of hoo-boy! Just a smattering of their worthy causes: The Trevor Project, APLA Health, Gay and Lesbian Center Los Angeles, NorCalAIDSCycle, Desert AIDS Project, True Colors Fund (benefitting LGBTQ homeless youth), SafeToBe.org, Tom of Finland House, Southern Queer Alliance, Transgender Law Center, and Winnipeg’s Rainbow Resource Centre.
As a byproduct of scouring the globe as ambassadors, allies, and all-around amazing peeps, Deven and Ned have gained a powerful perspective. They see community as a concept, not a commodity. We can’t be confined; instead, we must be cultivated.
This is our community, too. No one thrives in isolation. Especially in an
older community, optimism is essential. Our goal is to create spaces where no one grows older feeling lonely. Their artistry is a fountain of youthful exuberance mixed with sly maturity. There’s a knowing naughtiness infused in Deven and Ned’s portfolio, and their work delights Coachella Valley with every punchline and power ballad.
We want to thank the community for supporting our endeavors. That support is what helps make these desert cities some of the most unique—
and most fun—places in the world. And the desert thanks them right back. This is where dry humor, hot beats, and warm and fuzzy social consciousness flourish into an uproarious, uplifting, up-do clad movement. So, bust out a sensible blouse, knock the nasties out of your knickers, and trim those bangs, for the love of Dorothy Hamill! Now you’re ready to party at full volume. If you need a venue for your boisterousness, boogie on over to DevenGreen.com and enjoy miles of mischievous mirth. You’re welcome.
THIS PAGE
PHOTO BY DEVEN GREEN
DAVID ARCHULETA
HERE LIES LOVE – Los Angeles: “And now for something completely different” as the expression goes, try to wrap your brain around a love child of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim. And just to send it right over the top, make it a musical about Imelda Marcos, the Philopena politician best known for her addiction to shoes. All of this and more will be onstage this month at the 700-seat Mark Taper Forum.
Here Lies Love has been around since David Byrne presented it as a song cycle in Australia in 2007. The concert then became a concept album, was workshopped as a musical in 2012, and played off-Broadway 2013 – 2015. It was staged as if in a disco, so most seats were removed and a DJ provided the tracks. When it opened on Broadway in late 2023, all of the ground floor seats were removed and that area became a dance floor for the 90-minute production, with the front row of the mezzanine becoming the front row of seats. That production ran for about half a year.
Now the Los Angeles Center Theatre Group has developed an all-new concept which they are presenting this month at the Mark Taper Forum, a thrust stage with curved rows of audience surrounding about 2/3 of the performance area. They describe it as “a transformative experience combining disco beats and adrenaline-fueled choreography.”
The show goes beyond Imelda’s near-mythic obsession with shoes to explore true questions of authoritarian rule and responsibility. It is a story fueled by greed, power, and disco that feels as timely today as ever. Center Theatre Group’s Mark Taper Forum 2/11 – 3/22.
MAN OF LA MANCHA – Long Beach: Long Beach’s Musical Theatre West’s roots trace back to 1952 when they produced two musicals each year in a Whittier high school with tickets starting at $1,25 per person. The quality, frequency and ticket prices have all grown in the ensuing 74 years, especially since they moved to the Karen and Richard Carpenter Performing Arts Center in 1997.
This month they return to the musical theatre classic Man of La Mancha. The musical tells the tale of Don Quixote, but with a unique twist. It starts with Quixote’s author, Don Miguel de Cervantes, being thrust into a dingy prison during the Spanish Inquisition. The other prisoners start to hassle Cervantes and his manservant (and every prisoner should have one!). Cervantes says, “Before you take my goods, let me tell you a story. I shall impersonate a man.” The man, of course, is Don Quixote, and his manservant plays Quixote’s sidekick Sancho.
As they start to tell the tale, they engage other prisoners as characters. Quixote of course fights windmills and loses. He then journeys to what he perceives as a castle where he meets an incredibly beautiful and chaste woman. To the rest of us, the “castle” is a flea-bitten inn, filled with rowdy muleteers, and the chaste Dolcinea, as he dubs her, is in fact pretty unsavory. She sings “One Pair of Arms is Like Another,” and she’s mystified that Quixote sees her as something different. The musical highlight is “The Impossible Dream,” but the entire score is inviting and enjoyable. I’ve seen the musical quite a few times and must confess that I have always had tears streaming down my face at the end as Cervantes learns his fate. Produced by Musical Theatre West at the Long Beach Carpenter Center 2/13 – 3/1.
“THE SHOW GOES BEYOND IMELDA’S NEAR-MYTHIC OBSESSION WITH SHOES TO EXPLORE TRUE QUESTIONS OF AUTHORITARIAN RULE AND RESPONSIBILITY. IT IS A STORY FUELED BY GREED, POWER, AND DISCO THAT FEELS AS TIMELY TODAY AS EVER.”
“THE MUSICAL TELLS THE TALE OF DON QUIXOTE, BUT WITH A UNIQUE TWIST. IT STARTS WITH QUIXOTE’S AUTHOR, DON MIGUEL DE CERVANTES, BEING THRUST INTO A DINGY PRISON DURING THE SPANISH INQUISITION.”
STRADDLE – San Diego: San Diego’s Diversionary Theatre, founded in 1986, is the nation’s 3rd-oldest gay theatre company. I have seen numerous productions there and none have been less than excellent. This month they are presenting a world premiere, and I haven’t been able to find out much about it. Their tease is that “It’s Dodie and Vita’s anniversary again. And this year’s celebration feels an awful lot like last year’s. And the year before that. In this sexy new play from Harrison David Rivers, one couple asks: how do you keep things hot when it’s all been done before?”
The playwright is, a black queer man who has had more than a dozen plays and musicals produced across the United States, including most of the major LGBTQ+ theatres. The synopsis of Straddle certainly references a female couple and the entire cast is two women, but the playwright is obviously a man. For me, that opens up an interesting perspective -- does a gay man see a lesbian relationship the same way gay women do? The play was co-conceived and directed by Sherri Eden Barber, so there is indeed a woman’s touch involved, and my interest is definitely piqued. I give a recommendation simply based on the quality of work always presented by this theatre company and the track record of the playwright. San Diego Diversionary Theatre 2/29 – 3/15.
MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT – Various: Monty Python’s Spamalot is a comedic musical “lovingly ripped off” from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Like the film, it is a highly irreverent parody of the Arthurian Legend, but it differs from the film in many ways, especially in its sendups of Broadway Musicals. On the other hand, it maintains such moments as the knight who continues to fight as he gets his arms and legs cut off, and the much-loved “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” – which now has tap dancing added to it – and “He is Not Dead Yet!” Eric Idle, a member of the Monty Python television team, wrote the musical’s book and lyrics, and collaborated with John Du Prez on the music I believe it is part of the performance contract that the voice of God has to be a track that Idle first recorded for the Broadway production.
The script actually has areas where the cast is encouraged to improvise, so not only will each production be different; each performance might have new lines and new laughs. The playwright in the script encourages the performers to try to work in current events from time to time.
The musical won three Tony Awards including Best Musical when it opened in 2005. It has been playing more-or-less continuously since then, with numerous revivals around the world. Like all Monty Python material, it is pure nonsense but also pure fun. This tour is a pretty brisk visit to California, but the show is worth catching. Plays Costa Mesa Segerstrom Center 2/17 - 22: San Francisco Golden Gate 3/3 - 22; and Hollywood Pantages 3/24 - 4/12.
THEIR TEASE IS THAT “IT’S DODIE AND VITA’S ANNIVERSARY AGAIN. AND THIS YEAR’S CELEBRATION FEELS AN AWFUL LOT LIKE LAST YEAR’S. AND THE YEAR BEFORE THAT. IN THIS SEXY NEW PLAY FROM HARRISON DAVID RIVERS, ONE COUPLE ASKS: HOW DO YOU KEEP THINGS HOT WHEN IT’S ALL BEEN DONE BEFORE?”
MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT IS A COMEDIC MUSICAL “LOVINGLY RIPPED OFF” FROM THE 1975 FILM MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL. LIKE THE FILM, IT IS A HIGHLY IRREVERENT PARODY OF THE ARTHURIAN LEGEND, BUT IT DIFFERS FROM THE FILM IN MANY WAYS, ESPECIALLY IN ITS SENDUPS OF BROADWAY MUSICALS.
the national treasure “Hearst Castle”) because William was not fond of her color. She was the most majestic animal, all white with pink eyes. When I was very young, I thought she was a unicorn…just missing the horn, lol. I of course had my own horse, rather a spotted pony named “Cookie”. The picture of that little boy out on the ranch in his darling fringe jacket makes my heart just smile. And, thanks to my mother, I still have that little cowboy jacket hanging in my closet, as she saved it over the years. When I wasn’t riding my pony, I was usually hanging with my four Nubian goats named Heidi, Casey, Billy, and Lucy.
How long have you been involved with the Gay Rodeo Association?
BY ETHYLINA CANNE
Howdy Partner! This is your newly crowned 2026 Miss Palm Springs Hot Rodeo!!
That’s right, she threw her hat into the coral and rode out into the desert sunset with a crown atop her 10-mile-high hairdo!
Now, for those of you who know me and even the ones who don’t, you might be asking themselves how and why I chose to compete for a rodeo title? Well, I was literally born for this crown and it’s pure destiny.
I was born and raised on a 20-acre ranch, 3 1/2 miles out of town, in the beautiful city of Morro Bay on the Central Coast of California. I grew up with many animals around, and horses of course. My grandfather had the most beautiful Palomino horse, whose name was Elka. She was albino and he purchased her from the Hearst Ranch, (yes…the one and only William Randolph Hearst who built
I also grew up with country music coming from the TV, the radio, and live concerts. Alabama, Eddie Rabbit, The Oak Ridge Boys, Tammy Wynette, Crystal Gale, Loretta Lynn, and who can forget the Barbara Mandrell Sisters? I even had the opportunity to see Dolly Parton and Kenny Rodgers sing “Islands in the Stream” LIVE AND IN CONCERT! (One of my most cherished memories.)
If all of the above wasn’t enough to qualify me to run for Rodeo Royalty, the fact that I would be falling in the footsteps of two of my dearest sisters, Adrienne Alexander and Jayla D. Foxx, was reason enough.
If you have never attended the rodeo for the Greater Coachella Valley, then this is the year to attend. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the current President of the Rodeo Association, Eri Nox, to have him tell us all about his journey to the rodeo and more.
I grew up in the Bay Area and moved to Palm Springs in 2022 from NYC. At some point in NYC, I heard there was a gay rodeo in Palm Springs and, just from the words “gay rodeo”, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. The term “gay rodeo” itself genuinely surprised me. Growing up, rodeo was something I associated with a very rigid concept of masculinity and culture, and I never felt like there was room for someone like me in that world. When I moved here and realized there was a community bucking that narrative, I knew I wanted to join and experience it for myself. I volunteered at the rodeo in 2023 working the chutes, then got involved in fundraising, and was elected President in 2024, so I’ve been involved for going on 3 years now and have been President about half that time.
Were you a cowboy or “Little Cowpoke” in your youth?
Not really… I was a “little shit” in my youth, as my grandma used to say. I’m from an outdoorsy family with roots in the midwest, so I grew up going to rodeos, county fairs, and demolition derbies, but mostly when visiting cousins. I was more a city kid growing up: if I had my druthers I went to the theater. And for most of my life I’ve worked in theater. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve begun to seek out nature in a way I didn’t when I was younger, and especially being around animals. While the uniqueness of gay rodeo drew me in initially, it’s my love of horses that
has kept my interest in rodeo in general. That, and, as a theater kid… gay rodeo is delightfully dramatic.
So no, I think when I was young, I thought being a cowboy was an exclusively straight person’s arena, that maybe I was too flamboyant? It’s ironic thinking that now, as I see western culture as incredibly camp. I remember the first time I wore a cowboy hat, around 17 years old, my dad said, “Don’t wear that the wrong place, someone might punch you in the face…”. There’s a lot of gatekeeping around what a “real” cowboy is. Some of that makes sense, it is a real job that people work incredibly hard at, and there’s a culture and history spanning hundreds of years, built on Spanish and Mexican vaquero traditions and shaped by Native, Black, and white working-class ranching culture. And while Yellowstone may have re-mythologized the Wild West and made the lifestyle mainstream, it’s also a reminder that “cowboy” has always been both a profession and a cultural symbol. But what gay rodeo showed me is that there actually is room: to respect the work, the animals, and the history, and still make space for people who haven’t traditionally been seen in that world. My belief? You’ve got one life, be whatever you wanna be. If you wanna wear a hat and boots, then wear them. If you don’t, don’t. A hat and a plaid shirt don’t make you a cowboy, and being an effete theater kid from the city doesn’t make you not one either. Just be true to yourself, be kind, and enjoy life.
What do you love most about being a part of the Rodeo Association? Horses. Being around animals. Did I mention horses? The people are great too, I’m gonna name drop a few: Sylvia Mower and Rosie Sierra have been longtime members that keep the organization going and keep us all upbeat and positive, Sammy Van Galder is our core facilitator and a wealth of knowledge who’s a champion bull rider and has produced gay rodeo for 30 years (and looks damn fine in a pair of Wranglers), and our VP, Buck Beal, lovingly keeps us involved and active in our local community. We’ve got great riders like Dan Guevara, Troy Christensen, Andy Epperson, Bob Bayne, and of course, our 2026 Ms. Hot Rodeo Natalie Gibbs (who’s competing in something like 14 rodeos this year!) We’ve got members far away that come in to help every year, like our amazing volunteer coordinator Sunnie Rose, and longtime locals who return to teach the next generations year after year like Ed Thompson and Keith Heisz. These folks, and the many more who make up our chapter, are just the friggin kindest, most passionate, and caring people you can imagine, and it’s a pleasure to work with them on all of our programming.
You moved to the Coachella Valley a couple of years ago, and you started as a volunteer for the rodeo. You are now the
President of our local chapter. How did you move up the ranks so quickly and what accomplishments are you most proud of that got you there?
In my 20’s, I worked as a professional fundraiser for an off-Broadway theater and later worked as a nonprofit consultant, collectively raising more than $3.1 million for various organizations. When I arrived in Palm Springs, what the rodeo needed most was fundraising. In the 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s, gay rodeos around the country attracted thousands of spectators and raised huge amounts for local charities in one weekend, but in the past few decades the community has turned up in smaller, yet still very passionate, crowds. This has changed the nature of our organization dramatically, from our programming funding out charitable endeavors to us needed to fundraise in order to offer our programming.
So when I joined our by-laws hadn’t been updated in a while, we hadn’t been hosting monthly fundraisers, and our royalty program needed rejuvenating, so as a team we got to work modernizing our organizational structure (expanding the board, updating the logo, and streamlining the volunteer roles) while working to build community partnerships that allowed us to raise the money we needed to put on our charity rodeo, the proceeds of which benefit our community. And I’m happy to say that after our membership’s hard work over the past couple of years we’ve moved from deficit territory into surplus territory, which is probably what I’m most proud of in my time with the organization.
If someone has never been to the rodeo, what can they expect to see and be a part of?
My first year volunteering I made so many friends, maybe because it’s such a niche community everyone in it is so welcoming to newbies. There’s genuine excitement for sharing the sport and culture with others. It’s welcoming, campy, and unpretentious. If you’re coming for the first time here’s some tips: if you want to make new friends, sign up to volunteer; if you’re coming with friends, sign
up for Goat Dressing. Wear whatever makes you feel fabulous. Some tips for timing: rodeo starts at 10am, but the “opening ceremony” or Grand Entry, is at noon (try not to miss it, it’s really neat!). Saturday is the most crowded day, but Sunday is a bit cheaper for tickets. If you buy the weekend pass it includes both days and many of the auxiliary events. And if you’ve got money to spend, darling, well then invite me to hang out with you and also purchase some VIP tickets which offer an open bar, table service, and great views and gossip during the rodeo!
The actual rodeo takes place in Banning, but there will be many events over the weekend of May 1st-3rd, 2026. Tell us about those and the other fundraising events happening leading up to the annual rodeo.
It’s a whole weekend of fun! Things kick off on Thursday with our dance contest at Toolshed, with folks competing to win a buckle in line dancing (all welcome!). On Friday morning we’re offering our first rodeo school, for new contestants who want to learn rodeo sports. That’s followed by our pool party in Palm Springs from 1-5pm, think cowboys, karaoke, and lots of beer. Then at night we have our Registration and Kick-off Party at Tool Shed, then an afterparty just for the cowgirls later on Friday. The rodeo is Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm, and on Saturday night is our biggest party: Dancing Under the Stars at Oscar’s downtown. The weekend winds down on Sunday with our awards ceremony at Revolution Stage Company.
Goat dressing is an actual event at the rodeo, which I am personally very excited to witness. What does this specific competition entail?
Girl… you might be participating rather than witnessing. The goat is usually held on a rope by royalty, so get ready! A drag queen or other royalty sits in the arena holding the goat on a rope. Two contestants (either official contestants or spectators… we invite audience members to participate in this event) run from one side of the arena to the goat, one of them lifts the goat’s two hind legs while the other one slips a pair of tightywhities onto them, then they both run back to the starting point to stop the clock. It’s a fun, kitschy event and one of my favorites because anyone can participate. Several of our events fall under the category of “Camp Events”, which don’t usually take place in traditional rodeo, and they tend to be some of my favorite events to watch.
I hope to see y’all at this year’s rodeo! It’s gonna be a rootin tootin good old time!
For more information head to www.psrodeo.org
Happy Trails, Ethyl
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MOVIES ARE SO GAY!
GET COMFY, GET FLIRTY, AND GET A FRONT-ROW SEAT TO THIS MONTH’S RELEASES…
BY KEVIN PERRY
Some people express their affection with chocolates, others with candlelight dinners, but we prefer popcorn, thanks! There’s nothing more romantic than staring up at that brilliant big screen and feeling the flutter in your belly as you swoon with the hunks and heroines cavorting in the frame. Sure, that flutter may be caused by an excess of junk food, but we choose to believe that it’s love, dammit. So, pass the popcorn, consult your gastroenterologist, and join us at the theater for a February full of nauseatingly next-level treats!
FEBRUARY 6TH
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s month without a juicy three-way, so let’s serve up a trio of terror! That’s right, three horror flicks kick off the month, starting with The Strangers: Chapter 3 Um, didn’t they JUST release Chapter 2 like four months ago? Lionsgate is churning out crap faster than the occupants of a Chipotle restroom. That’s a spicy sequel!
Whistle sounds promising. It revolves around an Aztec artifact and a bunch of super-smart characters who just can’t wait to put it in their mouths. Every time they blow the titular whistle, it summons death to their humble high school, like some kinda goth girl pep rally. What’s next, a killer kazoo? A pair of murderous maracas? Bagpipes that make you want to die? Hmm, guess that’s redundant. Moving right along…
Finally, a film about vampires! Dracula bites into the box office with some bats*** crazy visuals, courtesy of Luc Besson. The director of La Femme Nikita and The Fifth Element brings his quirky sensibilities to this gothic tale of loss, longing, and legitimately weird stylistic choices. It looks like an undead Cirque du Soleil drenched in butter and draped with pretension. You almost expect Chris Tucker to leap out of the Count’s crypt and yell, “Can you hear the words that are comin’ outta my fangs?!?”
For true starpower, gaze upon Pillion, a subversive gay romance starring Alexander Skarsgård as a delectable dom biker who takes an impressionable submissive under his muscular wing. The lucky fella struggles to come to terms with having such a hunky beau while navigating the complex world of BDSM courtships. Just when it seems like Skarsgård has the upper hand, his paramour makes the ultimate powerplay: pure love. Pillion is a must-see, yes sir!
FEBRUARY 13TH
Let’s keep the dark desires flowing for this week’s most anticipated premiere: Wuthering Heights. Brooding beauties Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi headline a reimagining of the classic novel, but the real star is director Emerald Fennell. She made us hump grave plots and slurp dirty bathwater in Saltburn, but that was just a taste of the yearning, burning passion she ignites in her latest opus. Bosoms heave, lips throb - and that’s just Elordi! We’ve watched him lick that wall in the Wuthering Heights trailer approximately a jillion times, so now we’re gonna need some kleenex and new wallpaper. Romance ruined!
Speaking of ruining stuff: AI, amiright? Rogue programs destroy civilization in the bonkers buffet that is Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die. A weirdo from the future ventures back in time to save us from our artificially intelligent overlords, but we’re too damn busy making sharks dance on ChatGPT to care. It’s a battle of innovation vs. selfpreservation and we’re so here for it… until we’re all annihilated, that is.
Another comedy/doomsday hybrid roars to life this weekend - Liam Neeson stars in Cold Storage, the fun(gus) movie about mushrooms running amok and reanimating everything they infect. What a mess! Ooh, that reminds us - gonna watch the Wuthering Heights trailer again. A little privacy, please?
FEBRUARY 14TH
OK, What About Love looks like a total cheese-fest. Star-crossed lovers? Schmaltzy music? Sharon Stone? All the cheesy elements are there. It’s practically a film fondue! So, why are we getting teary-eyed watching the gorgeous leading man grasping at memories of his whirlwind affair as he recovers from a sexy accident? Could it be that we’re getting soft? Time to rewatch the Wuthering Heights trailer.
FEBRUARY 20TH
There’s nothing more precious than family… especially when your family is worth 28 billion dollars and they die easily. That’s the premise of How to Make a Killing, the story of uber-rich softies succumbing to the lethal gyrations of a disgruntled, disinherited outcast played by the always yummy Glen Powell. He’s healthy, they’re wealthy, word to the wise: get out of his damn way.
If you loved Se7en but thought it was too light, then you’re in luck! You’re also insane. Anywho, cart your crazy ass to the theater to check out Psycho Killer, the heartwarming tale of a shirtless, satanic rascal who executes an innocent man and then torments his widow mentally, physically and emotionally. Valentine’s Day is officially over!
FEBRUARY 27TH
This weekend brings Baz Luhrmann’s found-footage concert documentary EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert to adoring fans everywhere. It will compete with Dreams, a hypnotic thriller about one woman’s obsession with her muscular young lover and his eager, engorged–[vibration] Hmm, sounds like an incoming call. Better pick it up… [growled in the style of Ghostface] “What’s your favorite pop-culture phenomenon?” Ours is the Scream franchise (obvi)! The 7th film in the saga stabs its way into theaters and secures its place in the horror pantheon of all-time bad guys (and/or gals). Sidney Prescott is out there just trying to live her life like there’s no masked serial killer on her trail, but then BA-BLAM! He finds her and stalks her daughter for old times’ sake. Scores of familiar faces return for S7, forcing Sidney to navigate their twisted motives until the whole screen is drenched in bloodred nostalgia… and it all starts with a simple phone call.
Ring-ring! The movies are calling. And they’re so scary, very gay. Enjoy!
A QUEER GUIDE TO VALENTINE’S DAY
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S SWEETHEART SPOTS
BY MICHAEL WESTMAN
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you’re celebrating with a long-term partner, a new flame, or your friends, Southern California offers a dazzling array of options for a romantic or fun-filled day. From the bustling cityscapes of LA to the friendly establishments of San Diego, there’s a perfect spot for every kind of love story. So, ditch the traditional roses and chocolates if you want to, and let’s explore some fabulous SoCal locales that are particularly welcoming….
First up, Los Angeles! The City of Angels truly has something for everyone. For a classic romantic evening, consider a stroll along the Venice Canals, followed by a delightful dinner in one of Abbot Kinney’s chic restaurants. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, explore the exhibits at the Griffith Observatory, then take in the breathtaking views of the city at sunset. Head over to Perch LA for their special 4-course Prix Fixe Valentine’s Dinner. Effortlessly classy, Perch LA is a French-inspired bistro located on the 15th and 16th floors of the Pershing Square Building in downtown. It offers panoramic 360-degree skyline views, featuring outdoor fire pits, live music (jazz/DJs), and a lively, romantic atmosphere. If you’re looking for a high-energy alternative, Out & Abt LA is hosting a massive Valentine’s party at Los Globos on Sunset Boulevard later in the month (February 27), perfect for those who want to keep the love fest going well past the 14th. If you want more sparkle, West Hollywood is always a fantastic choice, where many bars on Santa Monica Boulevard will be hosting themed parties.
LOS ANGELES:
KIMPTON LA PEER HOTEL
Nestled in the heart of West Hollywood’s Design District, Kimpton La Peer is just steps away from the legendary queer nightlife on Santa Monica Boulevard. Kimpton has a long-standing reputation for authentic LGBTQ+ support, and this particular location feels like a chic, private sanctuary. For Valentine’s Day, you can enjoy their rooftop lounge or a dip in the courtyard pool. If you’re looking for something with a bit more Hollywood history, the Andaz West Hollywood (formerly the “Riot House”) offers a legendary rooftop pool and incredible views of the Sunset Strip.
Kimpton La Peer
Perch LA
Just a short drive south, Long Beach offers a charming and laid-back vibe that’s perfect for a relaxed Valentine’s celebration. Take a romantic gondola ride through the canals of Naples, mirroring the romance of Venice right here in Southern California. Afterward, explore the vibrant Retro Row on 4th Street for unique gifts and vintage finds. For a truly unique and cozy date, check out The Wicked Wolf. This queer-friendly, “forest-themed” cocktail lounge in the Wrigley neighborhood offers a moody, romantic atmosphere and exquisite craft drinks that feel like a secret escape from the city. While they are a go-to for craft cocktails, they are also hosting a “Bridgerton” themed tea and watch party around the holiday—ideal for the Regency-romance-obsessed couple. If you’re looking for something more handson, Roxanne’s in Long Beach is hosting a “Paint Your Partner” event on Valentine’s Day at 3:00 PM, where you can share a drink and a canvas with your sweetheart before heading out for a sunset dinner. Long Beach’s inclusive spirit makes it an easy and comfortable place to celebrate love in all its forms, whether you’re grabbing coffee on Retro Row or enjoying the waterfront views.
LONG BEACH: HOTEL MAYA
For a date that feels like a tropical getaway without leaving the city, Hotel Maya is a standout. This waterfront resort offers a “Latin-American chic” vibe with stunning views of the Long Beach skyline and the Queen Mary. It is widely recognized for its inclusive atmosphere and often hosts diverse local events. If you prefer to stay in the heart of the “Gayborhood,” The Westin Long Beach is a very popular choice; it’s centrally located near the Broadway corridor bars like The Falcon and Mineshaft, making it easy to walk home after a night of celebrating.
The Wicked Wolf
Hotel Maya
Heading inland, Palm Springs is an absolute gem for a romantic getaway. Known for its mid-century modern architecture and stunning mountain views, Palm Springs is an ideal escape. Book a stay at one of the many boutique hotels with luxurious pools, perfect for relaxing and reconnecting. For a sophisticated Valentine’s dinner, look no further than the Purple Room Supper Club
This legendary desert haunt is hosting its “Valentine’s Weekend Jazz Dinner” on Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14 - a luxurious three-course meal accompanied by the seductive live jazz of the Andy Fraga Combo. The menu features classics like Filet Mignon, Seabass, and their signature Chocolate Molten Cake. It’s an intimate, “Rat Pack” era experience that perfectly captures the mid-century glamour Palm Springs is famous for. Be sure to book early, as this is one of the most sought-after queer-friendly reservations in the Coachella Valley. If you prefer something more high-energy, the Arenas Road district is packed with bars like Blackbook and Hunters that keep the party going all night.
PALM SPRINGS: SANTIAGO RESORT
Palm Springs is famous for its men’s clothing-optional resorts, and Santiago Resort is arguably the crown jewel. It’s an upscale, mid-century modern men-only oasis that feels incredibly private and high-end. For a more traditional hotel experience, but very LGBTQ-friendly, The Riviera Resort & Spa, steeped in Palm Springs history, has the largest resort pool in Palm Springs. For a romantic touch, book a couple’s massage at Sante Spa and toast each other at Circa 59 afterward. Walkable to the Uptown Design District, it offers a wonderful location for getting around town.
Purple Room Supper Club
Santiago Resort
SAN DIEGO: HILLCREST HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST
For a truly intimate Valentine’s experience, skip the big chains and book a room at Hillcrest House B&B. This 1910 Craftsman-style home is located right in the heart of the Hillcrest gayborhood. It’s charming, quiet, and inclusive, offering a “home-away-from-home” feel within walking distance of all the best queer bars and restaurants. If you want a more modern, high-design vibe, Andaz San Diego in the Gaslamp Quarter is a “TAG Approved” hotel (meaning it meets specific LGBTQfriendly employment and community standards) and features a stunning rooftop pool and bar perfect for a midnight toast.
Finally, down south in San Diego, you’ll find a beautiful blend of city life and stunning beaches. Start your day with a romantic walk along the historic Coronado Beach before heading to Balboa Park to explore the museums and gardens. When evening approaches, make your way to Hillcrest, the heart of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ scene. In the heart of Hillcrest, insideOUT is the place to be. Located in the Eitol Towers, this “urban oasis” features a special Valentine’s menu curated by Chef Johnny Duran. Expect a thoughtful, multi-course feast with unique dishes like crudo, twice-fried duck fat potato stacks, and a signature tiramisu. The setting—with its open-air atrium and reflecting pool—is arguably the most romantic spot in the city. If you’re looking for a party instead of a sitdown meal, Gossip Grill is hosting its famous “Sapphic Saturdays” on Valentine’s night starting at 9:00 PM. It’s the ultimate woman/queer club experience with a vibrant dance floor, and the community-focused energy that makes Hillcrest legendary. Check online for cover charges.
Hillcrest House B&B insideOUT
Open Daily at 4pm
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
• 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
