METROSOURCE JUNE/JULY 2026

HISTORY IS SPEAKING TO US THIS PRIDE SEASON

Every year, when June arrives, I sit down to write this letter and find myself searching for the right word. Not just for the season, but for the feeling — that particular electricity that moves through our community the moment the calendar flips and the city starts stringing up its rainbow flags and the air itself seems to shift into something that feels, against all odds, like possibility.

This year, that word came to me quickly … Necessary.

Pride 2026 is necessary. More necessary, perhaps, than it has been in a long time — and given what this community has weathered over the past several decades, that is saying something. The legislative landscape facing LGBTQ+ Americans right now is sobering. Bills targeting trans youth. Rollbacks of hard-won protections. A cultural conversation that too often treats our existence as a debate rather than a fact. The headlines have been relentless, and I know many of you have felt the weight of them. I have too.

And yet, here we are. Still here. Still making art, falling in love, building chosen families, walking into rooms and refusing — absolutely refusing — to make ourselves smaller to accommodate anyone else’s discomfort. That has always been the miracle of this community. We are extraordinarily good at persisting.

This issue of Metrosource is built around that persistence — and around the undeniable, irrepressible joy that coexists with the harder work of being queer in 2026.

Inside, you’ll find our exclusive interview with Anna Camp, star of Pitch Perfect, Bride Hard, Scream 7, and many other noteworthy projects, who is unapologetically herself. We have spotlights on top LGBTQ travel destinations, as well as some great queer theater and movie outings for you! Metrosource SCOPE has five essential cultural moments for our community right now, from Casey McQuiston’s rapturous new tennis romance The Open Era to Kim Petras’s triumphant, hard-won album Detour — music made by an artist who had to fight her label and fight the world just to release it on her own terms. If that isn’t a Pride Month metaphor, I don’t know what is. We’re also pointing you toward AMC’s The Vampire Lestat, the gloriously queer third season of Interview with the Vampire, and the stunning Looking for Langston installation at MoMA — a reminder that Black queer artists have been making transcendent work and demanding to be seen for over a century, and that our cultural inheritance is deep and luminous and worth protecting.

But perhaps most importantly - we are pointing you toward each other.

Because that is what this month has always been about. Behind the parties and the parades and the perfectly coordinated lewks, it’s about showing each other that we’re still here. It’s about the young person standing on a sidewalk watching the march for the first time, not yet fully out, not yet sure, looking at the crowd and feeling — maybe for the first time — like there might be a place for them in this world. It’s about the elder who remembers when being visible meant real danger, watching a new generation carry the flag forward with an unshakeable sense of self. It’s about all of us, together, in the particular and irreplaceable way that only happens when we gather.

This is a complicated moment for our community — politically, legislatively, culturally. The news is not always good. The fight is not over. Some days, the fight feels harder than it has in years. Which is exactly why showing up matters more than ever.

Go to your local Pride. Go to the march. Bring your people. Wear what you want. Take up space. Remind yourself and everyone around you that visibility is not a luxury — it is, and has always been, an act of resistance. When we gather in our thousands and our hundreds of thousands and our millions, we are saying something that no legislation can un-say: We are here. We have always been here. We are not going anywhere.

The 57th Annual NYC Pride March falls this year on June 28 — the exact anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. That is not an accident of the calendar. That is history speaking directly to us, asking us to honor it by refusing to retreat. I hope you’ll answer.

However you celebrate this month — whether it’s at the march in New York or Chicago or San Francisco or your own small town, whether it’s at a drag brunch or a quiet dinner with chosen family or alone in your apartment finally, finally reading that book you’ve been saving — know that you are part of something larger than yourself. Something that has survived worse than this. Something that has never, not once, stopped being beautiful.

We made this issue for you. All of you. The ones who have been out for decades and the ones who just figured it out last week. The ones who march at the front and the ones who watch from the curb, still getting used to the feeling of being seen. The ones who are tired and the ones who are energized and the ones who are, like most of us, somehow both at once.

You are, as you have always been, exactly the point. Happy Pride. Go be magnificent.

Michael Westman Editor-in-Chief

Cesar

Christopher

Daniel Vaillancourt

Kevin Perry

Mark

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June/July 2026 | VOLUME 37, NO. 3

CULTURE

07 Scope

Discover Casey McQuiston’s anticipated new novel The Open Era, AMC’s captivating The Vampire Lestat, and Kim Petras’ powerful independent album Detour. Explore groundbreaking queer art at New York’s Museum of Modern Art and experience the energy of NYC Pride Week. From books and entertainment to travel and events, this collection celebrates queer creativity, visibility, and joy during Pride Month and beyond.

TRAVEL 30 XOXO Palm Springs Transforms the Desert into a Citywide Cultural Playground

46 Costa del Sol A Gay Getaway on the Andalusian Coast

ENTERTAINMENT 42 Movies Are So Gay! VIEWS

EDITOR’S LETTER

is Speaking to Us This PRIDE Season

MICHAEL WESTMAN

THE OPEN ERA

BY CASEY MCQUISTON

AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INDIEBOUND, YOUR LOCAL LGBTQ+ BOOKSHOP

PRICE: $28 HARDCOVER

$14.99 EBOOK

IF YOU’VE EVER WATCHED TWO MEN BATTLE IT OUT ON A TENNIS COURT AND THOUGHT, THERE IS SOMETHING UNDENIABLY CHARGED HAPPENING HERE, THEN CASEY MCQUISTON HAS WRITTEN THE BOOK OF YOUR SUMMER. Hot off the phenomenal success of Red, White & Royal Blue and I Kissed Shara Wheeler, McQuiston returns this Pride Month with The Open Era, a swoony, sun-drenched sports romance that is equal parts grand slam and heart slam.

The premise is irresistible: Austin is a rising tennis pro who becomes the first openly gay man to compete in a Grand Slam tournament a historic, terrifying, and wildly public moment. The spotlight is scorching, the pressure is immense, and the last thing he needs is a complication. Enter Diego, the world’s number-two ranked player, handsome and infuriating in equal measure, who seems to be everywhere Austin turns. What begins as competitive sparring on the court slowly and then all at once becomes something neither man had planned for.

What makes The Open Era more than a delicious romance is its surprising emotional depth. McQuiston doesn’t shy away from the complexity of being out and visible in professional sports in 2026, when representation still carries real stakes. Austin’s journey is funny, nerve-wracking, and deeply felt as much a story about the courage it takes to be seen as it is about falling in love. The banter crackles. The chemistry smolders. And the tennis scenes are so vividly written you’ll swear you can hear the thwack of a serve echoing across your reading chair.

This is a perfect Pride Month read: celebratory, queer at its core, and utterly transporting. Pick it up at your local independent bookseller (support your queer bookshops!), or grab it at

bookshop.org, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble. The ebook and audiobook are also available on release day for those who prefer to read poolside which, honestly, is where this book belongs.

THE VAMPIRE LESTAT

(INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE, SEASON 3)

NETWORK: AMC & AMC+

(WEEKLY, SUNDAYS AT 9 P.M. ET/PT)

DARLINGS, LESTAT DE LIONCOURT HAS OFFICIALLY BECOME A ROCK STAR —AND HE IS EXACTLY AS INSUFFERABLE AND IRRESISTIBLE ABOUT IT AS YOU’D EXPECT.

AMC’s Emmy-nominated adaptation of Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles has returned for its most audacious season yet, rebranded under the delicious title The Vampire Lestat. If seasons one and two were Louis’s melancholy, confessional story, season three belongs entirely to Sam Reid’s Lestat — who,

furious at being portrayed as a villain in Daniel Molloy’s bestselling book Interview with the Vampire, has decided to set the record straight in the most Lestat way imaginable: by forming a band, going on a world tour, and seizing control of his own narrative.

The premise is pure camp genius. Lestat as a leather-clad, long-haired rock god touring through the ‘80s haunted by muses from his centuries-long past, navigating a mysterious surge in the vampire population called “the Great Conversion,” and being absolutely insufferable to everyone he loves is exactly the show queer audiences have been clamoring for. The season shifts from Louis’s retrospective heartbreak to Lestat’s kinetic, spotlight-hungry energy, and it is an electric change of pace.

Sam Reid is magnetic all dangerous charm and wounded pride beneath the swagger. Jacob Anderson returns as Louis, their relationship still the gravitational center of the universe no matter whose story is being told. And newcomer Sheila Atim ( The Woman King) joins as Akasha, the Great Mother, Queen of the Damned, bringing a terrifying regality to a role that could become iconic.

This show has always been one of the most beautifully queer things on television centering gay desire, immortal love, and the politics of who gets to tell whose story. Season three doubles down on all of it. Catch new episodes every Sunday. And if you haven’t seen seasons one and two, both are streaming now on Netflix and AMC+ — start immediately, you have two weeks.

THE STORY OF KIM PETRAS AND DETOUR IS, BEFORE YOU EVEN PRESS PLAY, ALREADY ONE OF THE MOST RESONANT LGBTQ+ NARRATIVES OF 2026. The German-born transgender pop star the first trans woman to win a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, back in 2023 spent years fighting her major label, Republic Records, for creative control over her own art and her own life. In January, she went public, posting that her album had been finished for months while the label stalled, refused to release it, and declined to pay her collaborators. She asked to be dropped. She self-funded. And then she dropped Detour on her own terms, on her own label, with a listening party that brought her fans around the world to tears. All of that context makes the music hit even harder and the music, to be clear, hits extremely hard.

Detour is a tightly constructed, 36-minute

triumph of electropop ambition. The opening three-track runs the title track into the pulsing “DTLA” into the MySpace-era nostalgia of “I Like Ur Look” announces immediately that this is a Petras operating at full creative voltage. But the emotional centerpiece is “Brutalist,” a devastating mid-album track ostensibly about her architect father’s grief over demolished buildings that reveals itself to be about something much more personal: her transition, and the way some people perceived it as destruction rather than creation. “Again and again, didn’t come back a man / I guess I ruined it,” she sings, over gleaming synths and rock-inflected percussion, with a quiet defiance that breaks and rebuilds you simultaneously.

Rolling Stone called the album “a path forward with new producers and a clear vision.” Pitchfork praised it for “swerving between noisy club bangers and newly

KIM PETRAS DETOUR

STREAM ON SPOTIFY, APPLE MUSIC, AMAZON MUSIC, YOUTUBE MUSIC OR PURCHASE AT ALL MAJOR DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND AT KIMPETRASMUSICSTORE.COM.

subtle pop gems.” And fans, many of whom have stood by Petras through label battles and public scrutiny, are calling it a masterpiece. They’re not wrong. This is pop music made with full creative freedom by an artist who had to fight like hell for it and every beat, every lyric, every risk-taking production choice feels like proof of what she’s capable of when nobody’s standing in her way.

Stream it now. Better yet, buy it and put some money directly in her pocket.

GALLERY 510: LOOKING FOR LANGSTON AT MOMA

THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART 11 WEST 53RD STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10019

THURSDAY–TUESDAY 10:30 A.M.–5:30 P.M.;

CLOSED WEDNESDAY

ADMISSION: ADULTS $30 | MEMBERS FREE FREE FOR NYC RESIDENTS ON FIRST FRIDAY EVENINGS MOMA.ORG

IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN NEW YORK THIS PRIDE SEASON —AND WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU DO — MAKE TIME FOR ONE OF THE MOST QUIETLY ESSENTIAL QUEER ART EXPERIENCES CURRENTLY ON VIEW IN THE CITY. Tucked into Gallery 510 on the fifth floor of the Museum of Mod-

ern Art is an installation anchored by Isaac Julien’s luminous 1989 film Looking for Langston, accompanied by photographs, prints, and books that together map the intersection of Black identity, queer desire, and artistic expression across time.

Julien’s 46-minute film is a landmark of what critic B. Ruby Rich famously named the New Queer Cinema: a dreamlike, lyrical homage to poet Langston Hughes and the gay men of the Harlem Renaissance whose sexuality was both central to their lives and forcibly erased from their legacies. Shot in exquisite black and white, the film moves between a clandestine 1920s nightclub where men drink, dance, and love freely, and more intimate scenes of queer longing in private spaces — all overlaid with

voiceover by Stuart Hall, Essex Hemphill, and Toni Morrison. It is haunting, beautiful, and radical in the quietest possible way.

The surrounding installation expands its scope, featuring work by photographers and image-makers who have shaped the representation of Black and queer life from the Harlem Renaissance to today. It’s the kind of gallery experience that feels less like looking at art and more like being held by it.

MoMA held a special free Pride Celebration event in June featuring gallery talks in this very gallery alongside DJ sets, the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus, and art-making activities — but the gallery itself remains open through the summer for museum visitors. For ticketing and full visiting information, head to moma.org.

THE 57TH ANNUAL NYC PRIDE MARCH — AND THE FULL WEEK OF EVENTS

NYC PRIDE WEEK: JUNE 22–28, 2026

THE MARCH: SUNDAY, JUNE 28TH AT 12:00 P.M.

BEGINS AT 26TH STREET & 5TH AVENUE; PASSES THE STONEWALL INN; CONCLUDES AT 15TH STREET & 7TH AVENUE

PRIDEFEST: JUNE 28TH FREE STREET FAIR

ALONG THE MARCH ROUTE

TICKETS AND INFO: NYCPRIDE.ORG

THERE ARE PRIDE CELEBRATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY THIS JUNE — AND WE’LL GET TO THOSE IN A MOMENT — BUT THIS YEAR, THE GRAVITATIONAL CENTER OF THE QUEER UNIVERSE IS UNDENIABLY NEW YORK CITY, WHERE THE 57TH ANNUAL NYC PRIDE March falls on June 28, 2026: the exact anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising that sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. That is not a coincidence. That is history rhyming with itself, and the pull of it is something every member of our community should feel.

This is the year to go, if you’ve never been. The Pride March begins at noon at 26th Street and 5th Avenue, moving down through Midtown and the Village before passing the landmark Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street still standing, still sacred and dispersing near 15th Street and 7th Avenue. This year, over 600 registered groups will march: community organizations, activist contingents, chosen families, and yes, corporate sponsors too. The official NYC Pride March and PrideFest street fair (the largest LGBTQ+ street fair in the United States) are both free and open to everyone.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK INCLUDE:

Youth Pride (Friday, June 27) at South Street Seaport a safe, joyful space for LGBTQ+ young people, with performances, food, and community, expecting over 5,000 attendees.

The Dyke March (Saturday, June 27) an independent, grassroots march through the Village that remains one of the most powerful and politically vital events of the weekend.

The Drag March (Friday evening, June 27) starting in Tompkins Square Park, this beloved tradition floods the streets with drag performers, fans, and fabulous chaos.

Re-United Pride (Sunday, June 28, 3 p.m.

at HK Hall, 605 West 48th Street) NYC Pride’s official women and non-binary celebration, featuring two floors of DJs, live performances, and dancing from $25–$40 per ticket.

The Queer Liberation March (Sunday, June 28 at 2:30 p.m.) organized by the Reclaim Pride Coalition, this corporate-free, protest-focused alternative march departs from a separate location for those who want their Pride unapologetically political.

And if you can’t make it to New York? Chicago Pride runs June 27–28. San Francisco Pride Weekend is June 27–28 at the Civic Center Plaza. Los Angeles Pride returned to West Hollywood for the second weekend of June, and dozens of regional celebrations from Atlanta Black Pride to Philadelphia Pride to Da Bronx Pride Festival offer community, joy, and resistance in every corner of the country.

This is a complicated moment for our community politically, legislatively, culturally. Which is exactly why showing up matters more than ever. Go to your local Pride. Go to the march. Bring your people. Wear what you want. Take up space. You are, as you have always been, exactly the point.

For more, visit

THE ULTIMATE QUEER GUIDE TO SITGES

BY MICHAEL WESTMAN

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 take-away 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.

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 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 singa-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-standing 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! ■

NOV 2026

Local restaurants, food trucks, and artists come together for an evening of music, food, and fun. Tuesdays from 5:30pm7:30pm. (NOV 3 - DEC 1)

NOV

2026

12th Annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival will fill the skies, and get up close for tethered rides and experiences. (NOV 20-22)

MAR 2027

The 11th Annual LGBT+ Days is three days of fun with live entertainment, music, food, and drinks - featuring Saturday FESTIVAL and the famous BED RACE on Sunday. (MAR 5-7)

ANNA CAMP I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM WE ALL SCREAM FOR

BY KEVIN PERRY

QUEER PEOPLE DON’T JUST HAVE ONE LIFE STORY; WE HAVE TWO. There’s the usual fare that everyone swaps during small talk: where we grew up, how many siblings we have, what we studied in school … And then there’s the spicy part: how we came out, the family fallout, our first gay bar, first hookup, first love (all usually in the same night).

Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community is a daily dose of dazzling duality, and nobody carries that balance more brilliantly than Anna Camp.

She is Veronica Lake meets Veronica Mars Her swoop of platinum hair conveys glamor and mystique while framing a face that delivers comic flair, sinister intrigue, and a ravishing range of every genre imaginable.

“I like pushing myself and challenging myself,” Camp declares.

And her screen credits concur. Camp has vamped it up in True Blood, mixed it up with Oscar winners in The Help, and cranked it up in projects as varied as Bride Hard, The Good Wife and The Office. But her recent stint on the Netflix series You delivers double the drama for scores of Anna fans (we are legion).

“It’s literally been a dream of mine,” beams Camp. Depicting treacherous twins in You gives her the chance to be bloodthirsty and beleaguered, often simultaneously. As the Lockwood ladies, Camp battles herself for control of the family business, and it’s a war of wits, will, and well-coiffed looks. “Not every actor gets the opportunity to tackle two roles like that. It’s such a wonderful exercise for me mentally and physically to get to embody two characters at the exact same time who, yes, look the same. But it’s like a puzzle piece, like a game, to me to see how different I can make them.”

No matter how deep she dives into her character work, audiences will inevitably identify Camp as Aubrey, the oh so uptight singer and judger from Pitch Perfect. “It really holds up. It’s crazy.” Camp is aca-amazing in the trilogy, and she holds its harmonious humor in her heart forever more. “It still blows me away how many younger people, older people, all races, all genders, really responded to that movie. I mean, that movie changed my life in such a dramatic way. It really, really put me on the map and I got so many things from Pitch Perfect. It’s so interesting because I don’t think any of us knew it was ever going to be as big as it got. So, I always see some people trying to shy away from the roles that got them where they are or don’t want to talk about them, but I’m like, I am so grateful, and so thankful for the Bellas, and Aubrey Posen, and just getting someone at an airport yelling, ‘Aca-scuse me’ at me. You know what I mean? Because that’s why I’m an actor, right? It is to make someone laugh, make someone feel something. To connect with people. I’ve never been in it to be famous. I’ve never been in it to

I REALLY DO FEEL LIKE I’M GENUINELY |MYSELF AND I’M JUST EXCITED TO EXPRESS TRUTHFULLY WHO I AM AND SORT OF TAKE AWAY THESE MASKS THAT I’VE BUILT FOR MYSELF.”

really make money. I just love acting.”

And we love her right back! The gays have always been cuckoo for Camp, and our admiration for her kicked into overdrive when she recently unveiled her bisexuality to the media at large. “It’s been a really rewarding time of my life, to be honest.”

Understatement is just one of the many art forms that Camp has mastered. ‘Rewarding’ doesn’t begin to describe the triumphant trajectory her career continues to take. This year’s highest grossing horror film features Camp in a stab-tastic role, but before we continue, we must issue a warning…

SPOILERS AHEAD!

“Doing Scream 7 , my character Jessica Bowden, who ends up obviously being Ghostface at the end of the film, it was not necessarily written that she was queer or in love with Sidney Prescott.”

She’s dishing. We’re dying for it. Pass the popcorn, please!

“I definitely built that into the character because it gave me an obsession, right? And it gave me this sort of undying love for this other woman. I really kind of layered that in on my own and was happy to do that in a really exciting way.”

Camp intimately understands the delicate dance between marginalization and monsterhood. As LGBTQ+ people, we are often made to feel deviant or wrong. It can destroy us or liberate us. Not only does Camp choose to celebrate her inner misfit, she brings us all into her journey and speaks to a longing that is both romantic and maddening. In short, she turns alienation on its head by breaking barriers and inviting her queer family along for the ride.

“If someone else had played that character, they might not have added that layer, right? So it was cool that I got to play it like that. When they cast me, they didn’t cast me knowing I was going to do that. So as the artist, you get to come in with all of your life experience. That’s what I

bring of myself - it’s everything.”

And the results shriek for themselves. Scream 7 quickly became the biggest moneymaker in the 6th largest horror franchise of all time. But aside from the epic success of the film, Camp gained some powerful personal insights as well.

“Being queer, I can now bring that into every role that I play and at least have that perspective. It’s just an exciting perspective that I can now share with the world. I’m just so very thrilled to be a part of the community in a way that I, I just feel very accepted, so it’s been wonderful.”

On the topic of future projects, Camp drops a juggernaut joy bomb: the possibility of another Pitch Perfect film. “I literally get asked about it all the time and I know that we would all do it if Universal Pictures came to us, so fingers crossed.”

You heard her, Uni Pics - get on the horn! But make it snappy because Anna Camp’s schedule is filling up fast. She just teased the release of her upcoming reality show, A Very Haunted Renovation on HGTV. “It is so, so fun” exclaims the host with the ghosty most. “So it’s these six designers from all over the country. They live in this actual haunted mansion. It’s Beale Manor, where all of these deaths happened. It was also an orphanage at one point. It was built in 1819. I mean, the footage that I saw of what was happening - it’s clearly incredibly haunted by some sort of paranormal entity. And the combination of that and these designers’ incredible work and skill, they have to honor the history of the home, but they have to also make it modern. It’s gonna be a great, fun, scary, such a joyful show to watch, so I can’t wait for people to see it, and that airs September 18th.”

Mark your calendars and set your goosebumps to max!

As Ms. Camp speaks, she touts the gleeful gore of her catalog while remaining earnest and warm. Being out is the ultimate glow up, adding an ease to her edge and depth to everything she delivers. With a deliciously sinister snicker, Camp dissects how the horror she brings to the screen serves as a stylish suit of armor that allows her authenticity to flourish from within.

“I really do feel like I’m genuinely myself and I’m just excited to express truthfully who I am and sort of take away these masks that I’ve built for myself.”

Ooh, masks - we see what you did there. Inhabiting Ghostface has been profound for Camp. Her exploration of self and empowerment of spirit are nothing short of inspirational.

“I ALWAYS WANT TO SAY ALSO TO YOUNGER PEOPLE WHO ARE POSSIBLY AFRAID OF COMING OUT OR THEY’RE HESITANT: THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WHO WILL CATCH YOU. AND SUPPORT YOU. YOU’RE NEVER ALONE.”

The Scream franchise has become richer and more poignant thanks to Camp’s considerable creative contributions. Her character is a survivor-turned stalker, an extreme scenario to be sure, but Camp mines relatable emotions from even the most out-there narratives.

“I think over the course of my life, I’ve been domesticated and trying to protect myself, but I wasn’t really being me. And in order to live a truthful life, you have to let go of all of those protection mechanisms. And Jade has really

helped me embrace that. And it’s been just so beautiful.”

She’s referring to her partner Jade Whipkey, a stylist who has worked with such celebs as Lena Waithe, Destiny Rogers, and Keke Palmer. Whipkey is also an Insta-poet, heralding her relationship with Camp on social media in the most passionate way possible. Anna is seen gazing coyly off-camera as the following inscription flanks her classic features:

“Her smile is a poem

Her eyes are roses

Her laugh is music for dancing.”

Move over, Scream - it’s time to swoon.

Their relationship spools out on Instagram with the innocence of a schoolyard crush and the maturity of two seasoned souls. For example, when Anna announced the release of A Very Haunted Renovation , Jade immediately commented, “Haunt me next plz” followed by two ruby red heart emojis. These are major talents

with massive projects on the horizon, yet their banter is pure play.

Camp and Whipkey represent the complex elation of queer love. Their situationship has been simmering behind closed doors for a year and a half, but they just shared their status with the rest of us in March of 2026. It’s the age-old story of girl meets girl, girl wants a li’l privacy, but girl understands the importance of being out and proud as a pop icon.

“I was definitely nervous a bit to share that

part of myself with the world in some regard, but the majority of me felt like this should be normalized.”

What a perfect sentiment for Pride Month. Ever since the Stonewall uprising, our personal lives have been politicized, our sexuality has been scrutinized, and our LGBTQ+ family has been demonized. The only way to stay afloat in the current undercurrent of bigotry and fear is to swim ahead of the flow. Be brave yet loving. Listen out loud. Wrap yourself in every damn stripe on the rainbow flag.

In short: be PROUD.

“This is probably, I guess, my 2nd year that I’m going to be able to be a part of the Pride community in a way that I haven’t officially been before in my life.” Camp breathes in the weight of her reality and exhales a burst of community. “It’s just such a wonderful time to have a safe place to celebrate with people who are like-minded.”

It’s generous for Anna Camp to include us in her ‘like-minded’ realm, considering the fact that her brain is a wonderland of wicked whimsy. She can deliver a punchline with laser accuracy or elicit jump scares on tap. This is the vibrant variety of a queer force of nature, but she wields her power with an overwhelming air of inclusion.

“I always want to say also to younger people who are possibly afraid of coming out or they’re hesitant: there are so many people who will catch you. And support you. You’re never alone. I feel like I have this community now that I didn’t have before. And it’s, it’s hard to explain to people who aren’t queer, who don’t really get it, but it’s such a wonderful, warm community to be a part of. I just, I don’t feel alone. And I think that it’s great. I’m grateful for that.”

We have all waltzed with loneliness. It taught us grace. We have all worn masks. It gave our skin a chance to thicken. And we have all felt the scorn of a society that would rather fear us than understand us. It ironically gave us power. What we do with that power is up to each of us individually. Perhaps we should snarl at the night sky. Maybe we should make our haters laugh until they can’t breathe. Then there’s always the option to rise above it all and live a life so extraordinary that no amount of ignorance can tear you down.

Or if you’re Anna Camp, do all of the above. Thanks for your gorgeous guidance. ■

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.

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 LGBTQ-owned 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-theline 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 tempera-tures.

• Getting Around: You will definitely want a car to navigate the sprawling roads connect-ing 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. ■

SIP AND SAVOR: THE EQUALITY WINE & FOOD FEST

• When: Saturday, June 13 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Where: Hyatt Palm Springs

• Tickets: EqualityWineFest.com

Indulge your palate at one of the premier LGBTQ+ culinary events in the country. The Equality Wine & Food Fest celebrates top-tier boutique wines, spirits, and delicious bites from diverse regions. It’s a celebratory space highlighting LGBTQ+, women, and BIPOC winemakers and chefs, combining world-class tasting with a passionate community spirit.

BY MICHAEL WESTMAN

MIDCENTURY MARVELS: MODERNISM WEEK ARCHITECTURE TOURS

• When: June 12–13 & June 19–20 | 9:00 AM – Noon

• Where: Departures from the Palm Springs Visitor Center

While the full-scale Modernism Week takes over the desert in February and October, they are partnering with XOXO Palm Springs to offer exclusive, curated summer tours. Guests can board an expert-led mini-coach tour exploring the city’s world-famous midcentury modern landmarks.

THIS JUNE, THE DESERT IS TRADING ITS SIGNATURE QUIET SUMMER AFTERNOONS FOR A VIBRANT EXPLOSION OF ART, SOUND, AND STORYTELLING.

From June 11–22, 2026, the inaugural XOXO Palm Springs festival will bring the city alive, showcasing the profound creativity, unique narratives, and artistic spirit that define this world-famous desert community.

For twelve spectacular days, Palm Springs will transform into an immersive, open-air cultural playground. Events will spill out across the city—unfolding inside historic theaters and contemporary galleries, within the courtyards of intimate boutique hotels, and across outdoor stages and public parks.

Rooted on the ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, XOXO Palm Springs deeply honors the region’s historical roots while celebrating the contemporary visionaries, performers, and artists shaping its future. Whether you are drawn to worldclass architecture, live theater, immersive visual arts, top-tier culinary experiences, or live music, this inaugural festival invites you to explore Palm Springs through an entirely new creative lens.

To help you map out your itinerary, here are some highlights of events happening across the city during this milestone 12-day celebration:

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION: TINA TURNER TRIBUTE CONCERT BY DEBBY HOLIDAY

• When: Friday, June 19 | 7:00 PM

• Where: Palm Springs Downtown Park (by the Forever Marilyn statue)

• Admission: Free

Commemorate Juneteenth with an electrifying, soulful night under the desert stars. Supported by the City of Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department, 17-time Billboard Top 20 artist Debby Holiday will take the outdoor stage to channel the raw energy and timeless hits of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Gather at the downtown park for a highoctane tribute to Tina Turner that promises to have the entire city dancing.

LOCAL ART DISTRICTS & POP-UPS: TRUCK STOP ART FAIR

• When: June 12 & 13 | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

• Where: Palm Springs Downtown Park

The local visual arts scene will be on full display with specialized gallery walks throughout the Lofts Art District, SOTA (South of the Airport) Arts District, and more. A highly anticipated highlight is the Truck Stop Art Fair, where local creators will park near the Forever Marilyn statue to showcase and sell their hyper-surrealism, geometric abstracts, and screen prints directly from the backs of vintage trucks.

SCREEN AND STAGE: PALM SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER

• When: Daily throughout the festival

• Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center

The cultural center serves as a major hub for XOXO, hosting a dynamic lineup of theater, film, and interactive showcases. Highlights include daily screenings of the documentary Sinatra in Palm Springs, powerful independent queer cinema like Sabbath Queen, and live theater from The Bent presenting The Lincoln Debate (June 18–19).

TRIBAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCES: COLOR & DESIGN WITH CHANTEY REIDHAMMER

• When: Sunday, June 14 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Where: Agua Caliente Cultural Museum Immerse yourself in the living history of the desert. The striking, state-of-the-art Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is hosting an interactive afternoon celebrating Native art. Visitors can meet acclaimed Agua Caliente illustrator Chantey Reidhammer, complete custom coloring sheets she designed specifically for the heritage celebration and learn firsthand about the tribal stories and visual motifs deeply tied to the land.

PLAN YOUR CREATIVE ESCAPE

Between catching a live play at the Revolution Stage Company, attending a tribal storytelling hour at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, or enjoying one of Palm Springs’ iconic drag brunches, visitors are encouraged to soak in everything that makes the city unforgettable. Book a stay at one of the city’s independently owned boutique hotels, many of which are hosting their own pop-up performances and artist talks, and experience the relaxed desert vibe that has inspired artists from around the world for generations.

For the complete schedule, ticketing info, and a look at the full citywide lineup, visit the official festival hub at VisitPalmSprings.com/xoxo-palm-springs.

IT’S

RAININ’ MERMAN! VARLA JEAN

BY KEVIN PERRY

IN A WORLD OF BEIGE, BE NUCLEAR PINK. Face the wrong way in an elevator, thrash dance to muzak, and eat a whole damn pizza crustfirst. Straight people already think we’re ‘strange’ so let’s be mega, ultra, supercalafragilistically S-T-R-A-N-G-E!

“Sometimes being weird is amazing!” beams Jeffery Roberson, aka Varla Jean Merman, the love child of Ethel Merman and Ernest Borgnine. “But sometimes, weird just doesn’t work. You have to take a risk.”

Varla’s humble beginnings were a danger du jour. “I used to film videos on the streets; that’s how I started in New Orleans. I was filming John Waters inspired little videos and we would give them to the gay bars in New Orleans, and they would play that behind dance music because this is before MTV. So I would film people’s reactions, but now people are taught to fear drag in small towns. If To Wong Foo happened now, if they went to a small town, they’d all be murdered.”

Devastatingly dark yet eternally insightful, Varla traces the state of drag from her early days to the queer-and-now. “That’s what happens when something gets so popular - people wanna tear it down. So, I would not sell my videos on the streets in Florida because people would get angry. ‘Their team’ has been taught that drag is evil and it’s just so ridiculous. Drag queens are not pedophiles; don’t get me started. It’s just flippin nuts.”

With a hilarious aside, she quips, “Even though I love the people I know here, Florida itself is just - oh my God - it’s not ideal.”

You said a gator-sized mouthful, Varla! The convo ping-pongs playfully from era to era. “I just can’t believe that I get to do this for a living. It’s been a wild ride. I was in advertising in New York and I got into the Broadway show Chicago ‘cause I had a really high voice and I was doing a little bit of drag and then a woman from Provincetown saw me at Caroline’s Comedy Club. She said, “You should come to Provincetown. You’ll make more money in three months than you make in your advertising job all year long.’”

But the road to queer fame is never straight. Taking our discussion on a delightful detour, Varla recounts, “I was on a show called Karaoke Showcase in 1991 hosted by Bowser from Sha Na Na. I was just starting out and it was

I JUST CAN’T BELIEVE THAT I GET TO DO THIS FOR A LIVING. IT’S BEEN A WILD RIDE. I WAS IN ADVERTISING IN NEW YORK AND I GOT INTO THE BROADWAY SHOW CHICAGO ‘CAUSE I HAD A REALLY HIGH VOICE AND I WAS DOING A LITTLE BIT OF DRAG AND THEN A WOMAN FROM PROVINCETOWN SAW ME AT CAROLINE’S COMEDY CLUB.”

filmed at Universal Studios in Orlando and I forgot that in the green room, I put a piece of chicken in my bra because I thought I’d pull it out and eat it during my number, OK. I’m singing Like a Virgin and the chicken fell out from between my legs while I’m on stage and then I picked it up and ate it, but it’s a family show so as soon as the chicken leg falls out from my crotch, then they just cut to me singing the last note.”

Her appetite was whetted and her loins were even wetter. It was time for Varla Jean Merman to birth her big break: Girls Will Be Girls . “I remember reading the script where she says, ‘I’ve had more kids pulled out of me than a burning orphanage.’ This is before Family Guy so I thought ‘Oh my god, that’s too offensive.’”

Yup. Varla was oh so right about being oh so wrong. “When we went to Sundance, a lot

of high-powered people walked out, but then it becomes a cult hit. Two years after the movie, people would come up to me and say ‘Oh my god I saw your movie. I was the only one in the theater.’ I was in Provincetown, like 2005, I’m walking down the street, and someone throws a handful of candy at me and says ‘Take these for the ride, ya huge cow!’ And I’m like what the fuck, help me, and then I was like wait a minute that’s from that movie.”

Sweetly successful, Varla parlayed her plucky personality into mainstream projects like Project Runway, Ugly Betty and All My Children

In addition to the campy creativity she’s been flexing for decades, Varla has pragmatic advice for other up and coming kweens. “A lot of these girls, they’re not hanging around accountants,” she explains. “You gotta financially set yourself up because it is a career. It is a career. It’s not just

horsing around in your hometown making a few extra bucks. It is now a viable career, so you need to treat it like one. Girls, open a SEP IRA.”

Sage words from your fiduciary fairy godmother!

So, what’s the logical next step for a ‘stable’ career ‘woman’ who’s got it all? “I might be a little too old to have a baby, but you’ll have to come to the show and find out.” Color us intrigued. Do go on. “I wanted to do a show about motherhood. I don’t exactly have the best relationship with my mother… She’s never asked me what I did for a living, and I’m 56 - I don’t know if that’s a southern thing. It’s southern denial.”

But nurturing flows naturally from Varla Jean. After all, she learned from the best, even if they weren’t biologically bound to her. “I’ve had so many people in my life who have been so

maternal towards me and taught me things, and so this show is about motherhood, about all the people who have influenced me and raised me.”

The result? “I’m opening my new show June 13, Unlike a Virgin, after I workshop it in Palm Springs,” declares Ms. Merman. “That’s the great thing about Provincetown: I get the show really good and then I do it every night, every night. I do about 80 shows in the summer.”

The seaside hotspot is experiencing a drag renaissance, which is a far cry from its sapphic past. “When I first started in Provincetown, it was all lesbian comics because all the gay guys had literally died. So lesbians owned the town in the ‘90s. They bought the whole town up. And, you know, they sold it back to the gay guys,” Varla notes with a warm guffaw. “Now it’s like the Branson, Missouri of drag.”

To stand out from the sisterhood, Varla is bringing her odd fierceness full circle and getting maximumly weird again. Unlike a Virgin plays out like a pregnant fever dream featuring heartfelt stories, gender bending joy, and the most adorbsies scene stealer in showbiz: Varla’s pooch Jasper.

Ever the devoted dog-mom, the drag legend is lining up gigs through the end of the year to keep kibble on the table. “I’m gonna be in Palm Springs for Pride with Jurassic Drag, a whole different show. We did Jurassic Drag there a couple years ago with me, Miss Coco, Jackie Beat, and Sherry Vine, all of whom I totally adore. And I will be doing that at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.”

That brings Varla to the final ingredient in her recipe for success. In addition to financial planning, whimsical weirdness, and a heaping helping of crotch-chicken, she identifies the crown jewel in her reign of merry madness.

“You need obsessed gays. I get such a great audience, so I just thank the fans for coming to see me because it’s really given me just the best life ever. I can’t imagine how this has even been my life - to just come up with really stupid shit.”

One woman’s ‘stupid’ is another man’s sublime. Thank you, Varla Jean Merman, for swimming the seas of strangeness, and congratulations on your foray into motherhood. You’re vamping for two and camping it up for the masses.

JUNE 5TH

The line between comedy and horror is bloody ticklish. The absurdity of the hot-dogmunching same sex couple in Weapons, the garish gore of The Terrifier, and that ridiculous M3GAN dance routine are a real scream. That’s why they need to be skewered, Scary Movie style. Anna Faris, Regina Hall, and approximately 4,000 Wayans siblings are back to lampoon everything from Sinners to Final Destination in this poopoopalooza of scatalogical satire. You may call it juvenile, you may call it gross, just don’t call us late for opening weekend!

Stop trying to make Jared Leto happen! He’s already ruined The Joker, Tron, Hello Kitty and whatever the hell other franchises he’s scheduled to muck up - why must he also play Skeletor? Perhaps Leto is the ham to offset the cheese that is Masters of the

MOVIES ARE SO GAY!

…OR ARE THEY? LET’S JUMP INTO JUNE !

PRIDE MONTH! ACCORDING TO OUR GAY CALCULATIONS, GAY HOLLYWOOD SHOULD BE IN GAY OVERDRIVE PRODUCING GALLONS OF GAY CONTENT, RIGHT?

Wrong! There are no major studio releases centering on LGBTQ+ characters this month. What a kick in the khakis! But fear not and queer naughtily because we’re about to find every scrap of cinematic sass and magnify it through our rainbow lens. We’ll show you gay!

BY KEVIN PERRY

Universe. At first glance, the cast looks promising. Idris Elba? He’d be the perfect He-Man! Alas, swell-ba Elba is just a supporting player. To paraphrase the hero, “I have the power… to avoid this movie.”

Instead, see one of these offbeat offerings that round out the weekend’s releases. Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas get bromantic in the musical-esque dramedy Power Ballad Samara Weaving and Kyle Gallner get scantily clad and scandalously criminal in Carolina Caroline. And The Birthday Party transports viewers to an intriguing island, a f***ed up family, and a wonderland of misguided fashion choices. Or maybe it’s just set in the 1970s? Gotta watch to find out!

JUNE 12TH

Attention, straight people! We gays have walked among you for centuries. We look like you (except better) and we act like you (except saner), but we have a secret language to help us identify one another. Let’s have a kiki! Now replace ‘gays’ with ‘extraterrestrials’ and you have the plot of Disclosure Day , basically. Spielberg directs, aliens unite, and Colman Domingo dazzles. We’re way excited for a cosmic coming-out; it’ll be outta this world!

Back here on earth, RuPaul plays the mothertucking president in Stop! That! Train! What? Stranger things could happen. For example, our president could be a corrupt, dementia-drenched bigot who wages wars to distract from his sexual devia– Wait. Too real. Let’s get back to Stop! That! Train! The cast is a who’s-who of hoo-gurl! Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Charo, and a roster of Ru royalty hop aboard a loco locomotive of drag hilarity and disaster movie realness. Next stop: legacy!

Finally, O Horizon proves that intergenerational trauma doesn’t end at death. Oh hunny, you’re preaching to the queer choir! Abby’s father is reincarnated as a spam caller who harasses her romantic partners in a feature length film that, quite frankly, could have been an email. A junk email. A junk email philled with phishing scams. O, maybe wait for O Horizon on o’streaming.

JUNE 19TH

If anyone can save us from the cultural saturation of AI, it’s a digital animation mega blockbuster. Toy Story 5 tells the tale of trad toys teaming up against tech, most notably a tablet named Lilypad. Hmm, you can’t spell ‘Lilypad’ without ‘iPad’ - so this is a thinly veiled Apple vs. Disney catfight, right? Well, we sure hope they both make billions while the rest of us endure a dystopian IRL endgame of biblical proportions. But the toiz are soooo kewt!

In the toughest of times, we have myths to lift our spirits. For example, the medieval era brought us Robin Hood, a hero who attacked the rich and helped the poor. He was like a

proto Luigi Mangione without all the pesky murder. But now, even myths can’t cheer us up. The Death of Robin Hood retells the popular morality play, but now everything is awful and heroism doesn’t exist. Really? We’re officially bleaker than the freakin’ Dark Ages? Screw you, treacherous timeline! Finally, a lesbian coming of age drama starring… Zach Braff? Sigh, guess we’ll take what we can get. Girls Like Girls captures the betrayal of losing the one person you’ve ever loved to the scourge of heterosexuality. Never forget…

JUNE 26TH

DOUBLE finally, an unabashedly gay film packed with queer characters - Jackass: Best and Last is an orgy of man love, squashed scrotums, and robot prostate exams. That’s right, the docu-prank-stunt-stravaganza features a scene in which a cyborg sticks its girthy appendage up Steve-O’s consenting fun-hole to check his rectal health. So, the film is literally more helpful than our entire government rn. Admittedly toxic yet adamantly inclusive, the Jackass franchise has taken wounded masculinity out of the closet and into the limelight. These guys might be twisted, but they’re twisted together. If that’s not a perfect Pride allegory, we don’t know what is.

On the other end of the spectrum, Supergirl attempts to bring female empowerment to the masses, but there are automatically three strikes against it. One: um, why isn’t she called SuperWOMAN? Two: um, why isn’t

Jason Momoa chronically shirtless? He’s out here in the trailer looking like a constipated John Travolta from Battlefield Earth. Three: and this is a biggie - the entire plot revolves around placing a cute-ass dog in peril. The bad guys shoot Krypto with some sort of poison and our shero has three days to find the antidote. Leave our precious pups alone! But if there’s one thing DC Studios understands, it’s dead dogs. This stinker will join Shazam and The Flash on the pile of meh that passes for entertainment these days.

Rant over. Summer begins. So, get out there, get a little sun, then get out of the becursed sun to enjoy some quality theater time. Happy gay’ing!

SPRINGTIME IN SPAIN

THE COSTA DEL SOL HAS IT ALL FOR THE GAY TRAVELER

BY MICHAEL WESTMAN

AH, THE COSTA DEL SOL. SUNNY, STUNNING, AND SENSATIONAL – AND WE’RE NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT THE WEATHER! This glittering stretch of the Andalusian coast is a prime playground for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking a sophisticated escape, and Marbella, with its mix of upscale glamour and laid-back beach vibes, is the crown jewel. And this spring, there’s a new (or rather, revamped) reason to visit: the iconic Hotel Don Carlos Marbella has reopened its doors after a truly breathtaking $55 million renovation.

Stepping into the newly renovated Don Carlos is like entering a world of refined Mediterranean luxury, reimagined for the modern traveler. The renowned interior designer Jaime Beriestain (trust us, the man is a genius) has breathed new life into the iconic hotel, seamlessly blending its timeless elegance with contemporary sophistication. The results are stunning.

Picture this: 308 completely redesigned rooms, including an exclusive presidential penthouse suite (for when you really want to live your best life) and 24 gorgeous residences. The overall feel is light, airy, and effortlessly chic, drawing inspiration from the beautiful natural surroundings – think cool blues, earthy tones, and touches of Andalusian charm.

But Don Carlos is about more than just luxurious accommodations. The renovation has truly transformed it into a holistic destination. Let’s talk about food, shall we? Because let’s face it, great food is an integral part of any great trip! The hotel features three distinct signature dining venues:

• Los Naranjos: For those who appreciate classic elegance and refined Andalusian flavors. Think sophisticated dining under the stars.

• Sol y Sombra: Offering a more casual vibe, perfect for all-day dining and enjoying fresh, locallysourced ingredients.

• Break Point: A great spot for a relaxed bite or drink with stunning views. And let’s not forget about the sun and sea! The Don Carlos sits in the heart of a massive 40-square-mile private estate, surrounded by fragrant pine woods and 20,000 square meters of lush tropical gardens. This natural paradise leads directly to the beautiful Elviria Beach.

Day 1: The Grand Arrival & Golden Hour

• Morning: Check into the newly renovated Don Carlos Marbella. Spend your first few hours wandering their tropical gardens.

• Afternoon: Head down to the hotel’s private slice of Elviria Beach. For a chic lunch, grab a table at Sol y Sombra for fresh Mediterranean gazpacho.

• Evening: Drive 10 minutes to Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo). Dinner at The Farm, known for its farm-to-table vibe and inclusive atmosphere.

• Night: Kick off the trip at Fénix Marbella, the city’s premier gay cocktail bar. It’s sophisticated, intimate, and perfect for meeting the local “glamazon” crowd.

Day 2: Dunes, Dreams & Drag

• Morning: Drive east to Cabopino Beach (Artola Dunes). This is the region’s most famous gay/nudist beach. The dunes provide a stunning, wild backdrop for sunbathing.

• Afternoon: Lunch at a local chiringuito (beach bar) like Andy’s Beach Bar—very welcoming and famous for its “Espetos” (sardine skewers).

• Evening: Back to Don Carlos for a sunset session at Nikki Beach. It’s world-famous for a reason—the music, the white décor, and the “seeand-be-seen” vibe are peak Marbella.

• Night: Visit Maxtur in central Marbella. It’s a local gay staple that often features fun drag bingo or karaoke on weekends.

More exciting leisure and dining experiences are slated to open throughout 2026. This is a property that is truly redefining Mediterranean luxury, and we can’t wait to see what’s next! While it’s tempting to simply unwind and soak up the luxury at Don Carlos, the surrounding area has so much to offer.

• Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo): Wander through the charming, narrow streets, explore the beautiful Orange Square (Plaza de los Naranjos), and get lost in the authentic Andalusian atmosphere. This is a great place to discover local art, unique boutiques, and charming tapas bars.

Day 3: The Torremolinos Takeover

• Morning: Take the 30-minute drive to Torremolinos. Head straight to Eden Beach Club, the only 100% LGBTQ+ beach club in the area. Rent a Balinese bed and enjoy the DJ sets.

• Afternoon: Lunch at El Gato Lounge. It’s a gay institution right on the promenade—order the tapas platter and a pitcher of sangria.

• Evening: Check out the historic Pasaje Begoña, once a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community during the 60s. Have a pre-party dinner at Casero for authentic, home-cooked Spanish food.

Craving that exclusive beach club experience? Don Carlos has you covered with access to not one, but two fabulous options:

• Nikki Beach: The legendary name needs no introduction! Expect high-energy parties, great music, and plenty of opportunities to see and be seen.

• Lucia: For a more relaxed but equally chic beach club experience. Think chilled beats, delicious cocktails, and pure relaxation.

If you’re in need of some serious self-care (and aren’t we all?), the state-of-the-art indoor spa is an absolute must-visit. They offer Natura Bissé treatments – the ultimate indulgence for your skin and soul.

For those who like to keep active, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre is located right on site. It’s a fantastic facility, offering world-class coaching and courts.

• Puerto Banús: The famous marina is just a short drive away. This is the place for high-end shopping, luxury yachts, and fantastic people-watching. It’s a great spot for an upscale dinner or a night out.

• Málaga: A vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Don’t miss the stunning cathedral, the Picasso Museum (Picasso was born here), and the Alcazaba fortress. Málaga also has a fantastic, growing LGBTQ+ scene with great bars and clubs.

• Chiringuitos and Tapas Bars: You can’t visit Spain without indulging in tapas! There are countless charming chiringuitos (beach bars) and authentic tapas bars scattered throughout Marbella and the surrounding towns. Don’t be afraid to explore and try new things!

The Costa del Sol is generally a very welcoming and inclusive destination. While it doesn’t have a huge, concentrated “gay village” like Sitges or Ibiza, you’ll find a diverse and friendly community scattered throughout. Málaga and

• Night: Enter the “Gayborhood” of La Nogalera. Start at Vida Bar for terrace drinks, then head to Centuryon for a fullscale dance party experience.

Day 4: High-End Glamour & Puerto Banús

• Morning: Sleep in! Enjoy a late brunch at Los Naranjos at Don Carlos.

• Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Puerto Banús. Walk the marina to see the superyachts and shop at the high-end boutiques. For a late afternoon cocktail, the rooftop at Amàre Beach Hotel offers the best panoramic views of the coast.

• Evening: Dinner at Leña by Dani García. It’s one of the most beautiful restaurants in Spain (literally—it won design awards). It’s chic, expensive, and very popular with the international queer elite.

• Night: If you have energy left, head to Mikonos Gay Bar in Marbella’s port for pop anthems and a young, high-energy crowd.

Torremolinos have the most dedicated LGBTQ+ nightlife, but you’ll find gay-friendly bars, restaurants, and clubs in Marbella as well.

The overall vibe in the region is one of openness and acceptance, making it a comfortable and enjoyable destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Plus, with the sheer volume of international visitors, the Costa del Sol is a true melting pot of cultures and perspectives.

So, if you’re looking for a gayfriendly getaway that offers sun, sophistication, and a touch of the legendary Andalusian charm, look no further than Marbella and the Costa del Sol. And when you go, make sure to check out the breathtaking new Don Carlos Marbella. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget! ■

Day 5: Recovery & Reflection

• Morning: It’s “Spa Day.” Indulge in a Natura Bissé treatment at the Don Carlos Spa to recover from the Torremolinos nightlife.

• Afternoon: One last dip in the Mediterranean or a session at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre if you’re feeling athletic.

• Late Afternoon: A final lunch at Lucia Beach Club for a more relaxed, bohemian end to the trip.

• Departure: Head to Málaga Airport (AGP), only 35 minutes away.

Must-See Highlights

• Cabopino Dunes: The natural beauty here is unmatched.

• La Nogalera (Torremolinos): Even if you aren’t a big “clubber,” the sheer density of gay businesses in this square is a sight to behold.

• Marbella’s Orange Square: The heart of the Old Town, especially beautiful when the orange trees are in bloom in May.