San Francisco Dykes on Bikes®️ Women’s Motorcycle Contingent to Ride in Palm Springs for the First Time and Special Unit to Highlight the 71 countries that Criminalize Homosexuality.

Greater Palm Springs Pride announced today the live return of the colorful Palm Springs Pride Parade with the theme You Are Included. Known for its crystal blue skies and year-round sunshine, the city of Palm Springs and Palm Canyon Drive will come alive during the annual Pride celebration on Sunday, November 7. Spectators will gather along palm tree-lined streets to cheer and support local organizations, activists, marching groups, and themed floats.

The Parade is set to step off at 10:00 a.m., on Sunday, November 7, in the Uptown Design District on N. Palm Canyon Drive at E. Tachevah Drive and travel south to downtown ending at the entrance to the Pride Festival at Amado Rd. Enjoy emcee commentary as parade contingents move along Palm Canyon Dr. and pass by official reviewing stands. The Parade usually lasts two hours and is a free event.

President of Greater Palm Springs Pride Ron deHarte said, "Our Pride Week calls on the community to gather and embrace our diversity, our resilience, and raise awareness of the collective power of the LGBTQ community. Parade participants help raise awareness of important issues, including immigration reform, racial justice, access to health care, violence against transgender members of our community, and mental health awareness. The Pride parade is an opportunity to gather in celebration and use the platform that Pride provides to peacefully resist hate, discrimination, intolerance, racism, and bigotry added deHarte."

A special parade contingent will highlight the 71 countries1 that outlaw same-sex relations between consenting adults as a way of demonstrating how far the fight for LGBTQ rights has come and how much work there is still to do for full equality. Seventy-one flags in the Parade will represent a country where it's illegal to be LGBTQ. These include large parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, with a high intolerance of homosexuality. Being gay in Afghanistan, Brunei, Mauritania, Yemen, Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran is one of the most significant "crimes," and "offenders" face death. In countries where homosexuality is banned but not punished by death, "offenders" face being flogged or imprisoned. They are also stripped of their human and political rights and treated as third-class citizens.

A surprise parade entry includes the Executive Board of the San Francisco Dykes on Bikes®️ Women's Motorcycle Contingent, who will roll into Palm Springs for the organization's first time in its 45-year history. The throttling engines, loud pipes, and cheering passengers will greet spectators and welcome all motorcyclists who ride in solidarity with the iconic, rebellious, independent women. The queer motorcyclists will be welcomed with thunderous rallying cries, making for a sight to see.

Unique entries in the Parade include LGBTQ supportive businesses, organizations like Brothers of the Desert, PFLAG, Free Mom Hugs, DAP Health, Palm Springs city councilmembers, employees, and the Human Rights Commission. The Desert Winds Freedom Band will return for their 21st year. This year will be the fifteenth appearance of the Palm Springs High School Spirit of the Sands Band and Visual Corps and the tenth appearance for Desert Hot Springs High School "Golden Eagle Regiment" Marching Band.

The Palm Springs Pride parade is known for the significant number of youth marching groups participating from the region's Gay-Straight Alliance organizations. Up to 500 students representing 56 GSAs are expected to march and represent their school.

COMMUNITY GRAND MARSHAL

Streetbar is recognized for having a positive impact in the region through many years of support to community organizations and fundraising efforts, large and small. On the 30th Anniversary of Streetbar, the first Gay Bar on Arenas Rd in Palm Springs is celebrated as the 2021 Community Grand Marshal.

PARADE STAGE AND REVIEWING LOCATIONS

The Parade Stage is hosted by nationally syndicated radio show personality Alexander Rodriguez, Southern California Diva and comedienne extraordinaire, Miss Rusty Waters and Jack Dyer, Mr. Toolshed Leather 2020, and former Porn Bear Daddy.

Parade Stage is located at Granvia Valmonte and N. Palm Canyon Dr.

Broadcast Reviewing Stand is located near Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge at 849 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Host and Emcee Nicholas Snow.

The Deaf Pride reviewing stand is North of Amado at N. Palm Canyon Dr. and features Sign Language Interpretation. Seating is available for the Deaf community on a first-come-first-served basis.

HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTICES

Recent reporting indicates the impact of the pandemic continues to be manageable, allowing for the safely reopening of events with appropriate safety measures. After being canceled entirely in 2020 due to emerging COVID-19 concerns, health and safety practices for 2021 will be aligned with current CDC guidelines, as well as local and state government protocols.

ABOUT GREATER PALM SPRINGS PRIDE

Greater Palm Springs Pride (www.pspride.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community enhancement organization founded to promote the public education and awareness of individual rights and civil liberties of the LGBTQ community and to promote its history, diversity, and future prosperity. Palm Springs Pride has been a tireless advocate for equality and diversity since the first Coachella Valley Pride event in 1986.

The organization brings together diverse communities through programs that include the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, Pride Honors Awards, OUT PSP, OUTstanding Voices Palm Springs, the Pride Parade, Pride Festival, Cesar Chavez Breakfast, and the Community Leadership Council.

Palm Springs Pride Week is scheduled for November 1-7, 2021. For more information about Greater Palm Springs Pride, visit www.pspride.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/palmsprings.pride.

#PALMSPRINGSPRIDE

#ILOVEGAYPALMSPRINGS

#ILOVEGAY

#VISITPALMSPRINGS

#PSPRIDE

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Human Rights Watch, June 15, 2021, #OUTLAWED: The love that dare not speak its name, https://features.hrw.org/features/features/lgbt_laws

Countries that criminalize same-sex conduct are Afghanistan, Algeria, Antigua & Barbuda, Bangladesh, Barbados, Brunei, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Cook Islands, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guyana, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nigeria, Occupied Palestinian Territory (Gaza Strip), Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Saint Kitts, and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, and The Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Countries that criminalize forms of gender expression are Brunei, Kuwait, Malawi, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, Tonga, United Arab Emirates.

Countries that maintain the death penalty as punishment for same-sex conduct are Brunei, Iran, Mauritania, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen.

Countries that explicitly criminalize sex between women are Algeria, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Brunei, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Dominica, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Grenada, Iran, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Senegal, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Yemen Zambia.

Countries that use vague language that could criminalize sex between women are Bangladesh, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lebanon, Myanmar, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Gaza Strip, Pakistan, South Sudan, Syria.

October 5, Palm Springs, CA – Greater Palm Springs Pride announced today the Community Grand Marshal for the annual Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade is the pioneering Arenas Road business Streetbar. The Pride organization recognizes a Community Grand Marshal for having a positive impact in the region. Streetbar is honored for supporting community organizations and for their fundraising efforts that span 30 years.

In August 1991, Streetbar was the first Gay bar in Palm Springs and is now the longest-running LGBTQ bar in the Coachella Valley. When Dick Haskamp and Hank Morgan, founders of Streetbar, opened on Arenas Road, they paved the way for the Arenas Road business district.

Streetbar has a longstanding tradition of bringing the community together with events. Since its opening, the staff and customers of Streetbar have raised funds for local charities, including the Aids Assistance Program (AAP), The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert (The Center), and the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. For many years, the organizations benefited from Streetbar's two major fundraising events, the Holiday Wreath Auction and the ArtWall Project.

Dick Haskamp passed away on March 4, 2018, and his vision of charity work as a core value of Streetbar continues. Ron deHarte, president of Greater Palm Springs Pride, said, "As Streetbar celebrates their 30th Anniversary, Dick's legacy of philanthropy and community support continues lives on. I think he would be beaming with pride seeing Streetbar today. We are delighted to honor Streetbar for embracing and supporting the local community."

David Farnsworth, current co-owner of Streetbar, reminisced, "Dick always said it was the best staff, a good drink and a friendly atmosphere that garnered Streetbar the loyal customers and its great success." Farnsworth added, "Even after a difficult and treacherous past year, what remains clear is the remarkable people that stand behind that bar every day providing a friendly smile and excellent service, as well as the longtime behind-the-scenes support staff that clean, maintain the bar, and keep things moving that have made it possible for Streetbar to prevail and persevere for 30 years."

The Pride Parade on Sunday, November 7, will celebrate Streetbar as Community Grand Marshal. The parade is a free community event and steps off on N. Palm Canyon Drive at E. Tachevah Drive at 10:00 a.m.

Third Eye Blind Headlines.

35th Annual Palm Springs Pride Festival Includes Diverse Slate of Artists.

Festival Returns to Arenas Rd. and Palm Canyon Drive with Downtown Event Zone.

Third Eye Blind, Jody Watley, A Flock of Seagulls, The Robyn Party, Shannon, and Jeanie Tracy top the 35th annual Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival. The Festival will celebrate and embrace the region's diverse LGBTQ community as part of Pride week November 1-7 in downtown Palm Springs on Arenas Rd. and Palm Canyon Drive. The annual worldwide Pride theme is You Are Included.

Alternative rock band Third Eye Blind headlines the Festival and sets the stage for an unprecedented and diverse group of LGBTQ and allied performers in the Palm Springs Pride lineup. Third Eye Blind will play a 60-minute set Saturday, Nov 6. The Festival will be free (with a suggested donation) and include 70 pop, drag, rock' n' roll, country, and Broadway-style performances over three days.

The Festival will occur in outdoor venues and include three days of dancing in the streets on Arenas Rd between Indian Canyon and Calle Encilia. On Palm Canyon Drive, the Festival will be between Amado and Tahquitz and the surrounding area of the new City Park (Museum Way and Belardo Rd). There will be open-air beverage lounges, food vendors, a festival marketplace, T-Mobile Youth Zone, and a Children's Garden for the kids.

There's something for everyone at the most significant annual LGBTQ street party in Palm Springs. Festival highlights include the Art of Pride with LGBTQ artists, free health resources, including COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and HIV testing sites. Take your photo with Diva, the 20' tall pink poodle, or Arty, the 20' tall cuddly leather bear. Weekend hosts include Bella da Ball, Jason Stuart, Shann Carr, Scott Nevins, and Ben Patrick Johnson.

"After the stress, uncertainty, and isolation of the pandemic, this is a significant time for our community to come together. Pride will be a coming-out celebration of our beautiful community, an opportunity to honor those we have lost and give a voice to the power of self-expression, inclusiveness, and love," said Ron deHarte, President and CEO of Greater Palm Springs Pride. "We celebrate and use the Pride platform to resist hate, intolerance, racism, and bigotry. Together we affirm our fight for immigration reform, access to health care, and trans rights."

"This unprecedented entertainment lineup has been made possible by the support from the City of Palm Springs, PS Resorts, Effen Vodka, Bud Light, and the Lighthouse Dispensaries."

Palm Canyon Drive Comes Alive with Art Installation

In addition to the entertainment lineup, the Festival will boast a spectacular art installation. American artist Yvette Mattern’s Global Rainbow, a laser light sculpture, presented by Lighthouse Dispensaries, will be a featured attraction during the Pride weekend festivities. The large-scale public art light installation aims to celebrate our diverse communities and symbolize hope and peace, beams seven rays of laser light representing the spectrum of the seven colors of a rainbow. The same colors are found in the Gilbert Baker rainbow flag, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. The exhibition’s west coast premiere will run two consecutive nights, beginning November 5, 2021.

The artwork will utilize specially designed lasers to project a large-scale abstraction of a natural rainbow. Originating from high above Palm Canyon Drive at Amado Rd, the seven parallel beams of laser light will hover above Palm Canyon Drive as far as the eye can see until they finally diminish to a colorful glow over South Palm Canyon.

The lineup and performance times are subject to change and include:

Performers will come together on four stages, including the Effen Vodka Main Stage on Palm Canyon Drive at Amado, Park Stage presented by DAP Health in the new City Park, the Alaska Airlines Altitude Lounge on Belardo between Museum Way and Tahquitz, and the Arenas Stage hosted by Channel Q on Arenas Rd at Calle Encilia.

Third Eye Blind - The band behind hits "Semi-Charmed Life" and "Never Let You Go" will headline the Palm Springs Pride Festival at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov 6, on the Main Stage.

The musical journey that has brought us "Jumper," "How's It Going to Be," and the 2018 EP of cover songs "Thanks for Everything" finds Third Eye Blind collaborating with Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells ("Screamer"), Ryan Olson of Marijuana Death Squad, and Poliça ("Who Am I" and "Got So High"), and the album's musical consigliere, Billy Corgan.

The Robyn Party - This Party is Killing You! The original and longest-running tribute dance party to the Swedish pop icon, Robyn. The DJ and Party trio ADVENTURE[s] include Russ Marshalek, Marley Magaziner, and Christopher Choyce. Friday, Nov 5 at 7:00 p.m. Arenas Stage.

A Flock of Seagulls - Grammy® award winner, A Flock of Seagulls, led by 80s legend Mike Score, will take you on a stroll back in time and relive those awesome 80s radio and MTV video hits "I Ran (so far away)," "A Space Age Love Song," "The More You Live, The More You Love," and " Wishing (if I had a photograph of you). Sunday, Nov 7 at 4:30 p.m. Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Jody Watley – Grammy® Award winner and R&B dance artist will headline the Palm Springs Pride Coming Out Celebration. Friday, Nov 5 at 8:00 p.m. Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Shannon - International queen of dance known for her 1984 hit "Let the Music Play," which reached No. 8 on the pop charts and topped the dance charts. The song is recognized as a founding force for modern-day pop electronica. Shannon will appear Friday, Nov 5 at 6:30 p.m. Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Jeanie Tracy - The soulful Dance Diva and top ten Billboard artist, Jeanie Tracy is known for recent club hits "The Power," "Cha Cha Heels," and "Party People." Tracy is a two-time Grammy® winner for her songs on Carlos Santana's SUPERNATURAL cd and the Titanic Soundtrack. Other hits include "Livin' for Your Love (Your Love)," "I'm Your Jeanie," "Sing Your Own Song," and "Can I Come Over And Play With You Tonight." Friday, Nov 5 at 7:30 p.m. Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Beth Sacks – Direct from New York! International acclaimed house artist has been working with international circuit remixer and Producer DJ Aron since 2012. Hit tracks play around the world at many major circuit parties include "Let's Burn It Out," "I Came To Work," and anthems, "Voulez Vous," "What's Up," and "Imagine." Saturday, Nov 6 at 5:35 p.m. Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Trans Chorus of Los Angeles - The premiere all Trans-identified chorus in America. A Chorus of transgender, gender non-conforming, gender non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals. Sunday, Nov 7 at 1:00 p.m. Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Delta's All-Star Drag Race Invasion - Features RuPaul's Drag Race celebrities A'Keria C Davenport, All-Stars 6, Jasmine Masters, All-Stars 4, Mariah Paris Balenciaga, All-Stars 5, Mayhem Miller, Season 10 and All-Stars 5 along with All Stars 6 Special Guest Jiggly Caliente. Palm Springs' favorite, Delta Work, RuPaul's Drag Race season 3, two-time Emmy Award winner for her work as a producer on RuPaul's Drag Race, will host the girls. Saturday, Nov 6 at 7:20 p.m. Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Traffic - Pride Edition - Precinct DTLA resident favorites mikeetcetera, Stacey Christine, and David O'Bryan, bring their DJ set mixing classic Pride anthems with memories of past, present, pressing, and hopeful future to the Pride Altitude Lounge presented by Alaska Airlines. Saturday, Nov 6 at Noon to 6:00 p.m.

The Perry Twins - Doug and Derek Perry, the Los Angeles-based, chart-topping, identical twin DJ duo bring their number one Billboard Club Play Chart and Billboard Dance Chart songs to the Palm Springs Pride Effen Vodka Main Stage. Friday, Nov 5 at 8:45 – 10:15.

Matthew Pernicano, Resident DJ at Sex Cells-LA, Saturday, Nov 6 at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Arenas Stage hosted by CHANNEL Q.

DJ Alex D, Friday, Nov 5 at 10:00 – 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, Nov 7 at Noon – 2:00 p.m. Arenas Stage hosted by CHANNEL Q.

DJ Lisa Pittman, Saturday, Nov 6 at 8:30 – 11:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov 7 at 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Arenas Stage hosted by CHANNEL Q.

DJ Jeffree, Sunday, Nov 7 at Noon – 2:00 p.m. Pride Altitude Lounge presented by Alaska Airlines.

DJ Vaughn Avakian, Sunday, Nov 7 at 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Pride Altitude Lounge presented by Alaska Airlines. Saturday, Nov 6 at Noon-1:00 p.m. and 1:45 – 2:00 p.m. Effen Vodka Main Stage.

DJ Paul Cowling, Saturday, Nov 6 at 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Pride Altitude Lounge presented by Alaska Airlines.

DJ Michael Carerra, Saturday, Nov 6 at 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Arenas Stage hosted by CHANNEL Q.

DJ Ernesto, Saturday, Nov 6 at Noon – 2:00 p.m. Arenas Stage hosted by CHANNEL Q.

DJ Madevza, Sunday, Nov 7 at 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Pride Altitude Lounge presented by Alaska Airlines

DJ Sugarfree, Friday, Nov 5 at 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Arenas Stage hosted by CHANNEL Q.

Luna Negra is the DJ duo Edgar Cano Leyva and Karla Galaviz. The highly danceable modern and classic goth, synthwave, body music will be found in the Altitude Lounge presented by Alaska Airlines. Saturday, Nov 6 at 11:00 to Noon and Sunday, Nov 7 at 11:00 – Noon.

Jennifer Corday - is a rocker with passion, from her heartfelt originals to singalong rock n roll anthems Sunday, Nov 7 at 1:00 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus - Saturday, Nov 6 at 4:10 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Ninja Twins - Singing and dance duo act from Season 15 of America's Got Talent. Sunday, Nov 7 at 3:40 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Novul - Pop. Saturday, Nov 6 at 5:15 p.m. Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Popstar Nima - Saturday, Nov 6 at 6:05 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Charles Herrera – Friday, Nov 5 at 5:30 p.m. Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Angelique VaGorgeous - Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:25 p.m. Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Jesse Jones (Drag King) - Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:35 p.m. and 4:50 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Sassy Ross - Friday, Nov 5 at 7:15 p.m., Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:45 and 4:55 p.m., and Nov 7 at 1:40 and 2:45 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Sheena Wolfe - Sunday, Nov 7 at 1:30 and 2:40 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Steven Michael's Dance Machine - Friday, Nov 5 at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, Nov 7 at 3:00 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Cheer LA - Saturday, Nov 6 at 3:30 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health and Sunday, Nov 7 at 3:20 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Probe 7 - Saturday, Nov 6 at 6:00 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Anita Treadmill’s Divas on the Dance Floor - Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:55 p.m. and Sunday, Nov 7 at 1:55 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Miss Bea Haven - Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:55 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Anita Cocktale - Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:55 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Jayla D. Foxx - Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:55 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Queen Duvet - Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:55 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Cadillac DeVille - Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:55 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Pearl O'Wisdom - Sunday, Nov 7 at 1:55 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Clammy Faye - Sunday, Nov 7 at 1:55 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Aura - Sunday, Nov 7 at 1:55 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Dusty Porn - Sunday, Nov 7 at 1:55 p.m., Effen Vodka Main Stage.

Anita Treadmill’s Divos on the Dance Floor - Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:05 p.m. Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Allan H. Jensen - Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:05 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Kevin Miller - Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:05 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Randell McGlasson - Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:05 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Tommy Dodson - Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:05 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

JB - Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:00 p.m. (Singing the National Anthem. Saturday), and 2:05 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Jason Hull - Saturday, Nov 6 at 2:50 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Tony Romano - Saturday, Nov 6 at 3:10 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Larry Bennett - Saturday, Nov 6 at 3:45 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Kippy Marks - Saturday, Nov 6 at 4:05 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Eclectic Hue - Saturday, Nov 6 at 4:20 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Johnny Baby - Saturday, Nov 6 at 4:55 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Tanya Tassi - Saturday, Nov 6 at 5:15 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Algorhythm - Saturday, Nov 6 at 6:40 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Leonardo Martinez - Saturday, Nov 6 at 7:30 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Daddy Dawg - Sunday, Nov 7 at 1:30 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Eve Holmes - Sunday, Nov 7 at 2:00 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Allan Jensen - Sunday, Nov 7 at 2:30 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Bonnie Gilgallon - Sunday, Nov 7 at 3:00 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Stephen Knill - Sunday, Nov 7 at 3:30 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Aunduh Estemated - Sunday, Nov 7 at 4:00 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Yasmine Vine - Sunday, Nov 7 at 4:30 p.m., Park Stage presented by DAP Health.

Greater Palm Springs Pride announced today the recipients of its 2021 Palm Springs Pride Honors Awards. The prestigious awards honor individuals for their work advancing the causes of LGBTQ individuals and their allies.

Six awards celebrate extraordinary voices in the community, a leather icon, an internationally recognized artist, a celebrated musician, a compassionate business owner, a chef, and someone with forty years of service to LGBTQ organizations. The awards announcement marks the approach of Pride Week in the region under the worldwide theme of "You are Included."

Entrepreneur and sought-after chef Betty C. Berrysmith is the Spirit of Stonewall Volunteer of the Year. A founding member of L-Fund and board member since 2013, Betty offers her culinary skill and talent to raise funds for lesbians in need. Betty has cooked and served her award-winning gumbo for thousands at the original L-fund gala fundraiser known as the Gumbo Gala.

Leather culture legend Race Bannon is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award. Race has elevated awareness of the leather community's contributions toward LGBTQ liberation for nearly 50 years. As a writer and activist, he has ensured the broader progressive community discourse includes leather, kink, and BDSM.

An accomplished artist, a feminist, and a groundbreaker, Nancy Worthington receives a Lifetime Achievement Award. For forty-five years, Nancy's art has been a social commentary of life. She has covered many different topics, including police brutality, the environment, feminism, human rights, and scathing politics. Her unique visual language has brought her international attention, and her work is in permanent collections around the world.

The 2021 Friend of Pride is Keisha D, a champion for the LGBTQ community, humanitarian, singer-activist, and advocate for performing arts in education. For decades Keisha has given her time to perform at charity events and community galas, and fundraising events, all in the name of love and passion for helping others. When not on stage, Keisha mentors high school students and directly supports under-served minority students to pursue an education in music and the arts.

Motivated by gay trailblazers to stand up and not be afraid to tell his own story, Jim Hollenbeck is the Spirit of Pride Award recipient. Jim's first Pride experience in San Francisco, when he was 22 years old, opened the door to four decades of providing his public relations and communications services to many LGBTQ groups and nonprofit organizations. Jim has attended and supported events and fundraisers across the country that advance equality and celebrate the strength of the LGBTQ community.

The Spirit of Stonewall Community Service Award recipient is a faithful socially-minded business owner, Cliff Young. Driven by compassion and kindness, Cliff supports urban revitalization projects, mentoring, and work training programs for at-risk youth. Additionally, through his coffee company, he established the Warming Souls program, where he offers laundry services to local homeless and provides them with new socks and personal hygiene kits. Since 2017, in Desert Hot Springs, Cliff has done an average of fifteen weekly loads of laundry for people experiencing homelessness.

"Learning of the honorees and of the many ways they give back is inspiring. They each have lived their life helping others, and our community is better because of their leadership," said Ron deHarte, president of Palm Springs Pride. "As in years past, the honorees are not people who seek attention or accolades for what they do. They quietly serve, and we are grateful for the profound impact they have had and continue to have in our community."