TheStandard_Vol11_Issue10

CONTENTS

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 10

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TRIO PALM SPRINGS REIMAGINES WITH STYLISH DÉCOR AND A CHEF-DRIVEN, FARM-INSPIRED MENU

EATS PAGES 42-43

Volume 11 Issue 10

COVER

PALM SPRINGS PRIDE

DRAG NOW. DRAG FOREVER

COVER PRESTIGIOUS PRIDE HONORS AWARDS

RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTORS

COVER DRAMA QUEEN

IDINA MENZEL HEADLINES PS PRIDE

FEATURE

THE STARS ARE OUT

IN HONOR OF NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

MUST SEE NEXT GOAL WINS

A NEW FILM BY TAIKA WAITITI

TRANSCENDANCE

AN INCLUSIVE FUTURE

WELCOME JACQUELYN JAMES TO THE STANDARD MAGAZINE FAMILY

MUSIC

JOHN DUFF

AMBIGUOUSLY NOT-NOT STRAIGHT

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COMMENTARY

The Standard Magazine

400 N Sunrise Way #263

Palm Springs CA 92262 760.831.4869

NINO EILETS Publisher

LUCIANO McNULTY Editor

MAYA KALABIC Art Director

PHOTOGRAPHER

David A. Lee

CONTRIBUTORS

Timothy Dunn, Lissa Gruman, Danilo Fonseca, Bob Bogard, Ilich Mejia, Martha Tang, Larry Olsen, Trevor Garrison, Jeff Dorta, Stacy Holmes, Greg Stillwell, Dann Foley, Jill Langham & Terri Schlichenmeyer

www.thestandardps.com

EDITORIAL CREDITS : BrandPoint, Huffington Post, LGBTQ Nation, Project Publicity, MSN, Reuters, NBC News, Artsy, Forbes, Time.com, xtramagazine & ITV

The Standard Magazine is published monthly. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of the Standard or its staff, advertisers or readers with exception of editorials. Publication of the name or photograph of any person, business or organization in articles or advertising in the Standard is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person, business or organization. The Standard disclaims any responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Advertising rates are subject to change without notice. The Standard reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject any advertisement for any reason including, but not limited to poor taste. It is the policy of The Standard that we only publish letters to the editor that are signed by the author and verifiable by phone number. We can reserve the right of anonymity upon request. The letters need to be original, in good taste and free of libel as well as edited for clarity and grammar. Letters are subject to editing by The Standard that also reserves the right to decline print. Please forward your letters to: info@thestandardps.com The views expressed is not necessarily those of The Standard. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. No portion of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed consent of the publisher.

DRAG NOW. DRAG FOREVER.

Drag is not a crime. Drag is art. Drag is entertainment and has existed for hundreds of years and is part of everyday life. Performers can rest knowing they will be judged by their look and personas and celebrated for serving realness, elegance, and glamor, not just by wit and originality. Drag Queens will be judged by their ability to bring the community together and for their contributions to our city.

A year-round eleganza extravaganza, Palm Springs celebrates all. We embrace the authentic and support tea-free and shade-free zones. We declare, for all those who are under attack, including straight allies and entertainers, that in this anti-drag, anti-LGBTQ+ era, this city, in this day, in this time, will be a city of sanctuary and freedom of expression of all forms.

Palm Springs Pride president and CEO Ron deHarte said, ‘Drag Now. Drag Forever.’ is a theme that calls on the community to unite and support the drag community. Drag is not a crime. Our country has a rich history of drag as an artistic expression, standard of activism, and the backbone of fundraising in the community. We call on everyone to support the drag community and fight all antiLGBTQ+ bills that threaten the freedom and equality of all.”

“Facing a legislative landscape of increased attacks on members of the LGBTQ+ community coupled with physical violence, we must gather to support one another and be unified against fear and intimidation. The fight for freedom continues,” added deHarte.

Pride Week, presented by the City of Palm Springs, is the largest annual event in Palm Springs. It’s also the largest multi-day gathering of LGBTQ+ people in the Coachella Valley. In 2022, official Pride Week events attracted 200,000 attendees and generated a $38 million direct economic impact for area hotels, shops, restaurants, and other local businesses.

A traditional slate of Pride events to celebrate the power and resiliency of the LGBTQ+ community is scheduled for the 37th annual LGBTQ+ celebration on November 3 – 5. The Pride Parade and Festival will return to downtown Palm Springs, featuring multiple stages of live entertainment and an exhibitor marketplace.

Details for Pride Week activities can be found online at www.pspride.org

PS PRIDE 2023 PARADE GRAND MARSHALS

GRAND MARSHAL - JAMES “GYPSY” HAAKE

By 1978, Disco was widespread, and the cabaret audience faded. Gypsy moved to West Hollywood, and by 1981, he was the Master of Ceremonies in a new cabaret that opened in Beverly Hills called La Cage Aux Folles. The show was hugely successful, and Gypsy soon became a household name amongst movie producers and actors. After a few years, Mel Brooks, with his wife Anne Bancroft, discovered Gypsy, and at the age of 51, he was cast in his first feature film, To Be or Not To Be.

With his outrageous dress and humor when hosting the cabaret, Gypsy became besties with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. By the time La Cage Aux Folles closed in 1993, he was cast in numerous film and television shows, including The Morning After, Troop Beverly Hills, Clifford, Married With Children, Dynasty, Baywatch Nights, Making of A Male Model, Hollywood Wives, Max Headroom, The Fall Guy, Webster, Tanner 88, and Mike Hammer: Murder Takes All.

After years touring with a female impersonator company, Gypsy, at the age of 68, was called to the stage by producer Dan Gore (Oscar’s Palm Springs). Gypsy hosted Gore’s successful Carnival Cabaret in Lake Tahoe from 2000-2004. Gypsy continued to work with Gore on traveling shows and events and reopened the Lake Tahoe show in 2008 until he retired in 2009. In 2014, Gore called on the 82-year-old Gypsy to come out of retirement to host a female impersonator show at Oscar’s, which ran until 2019.

Under the Palm Springs Pride theme, Drag Now. Drag Forever. one of the oldest living drag queens in the world, James Gypsy Haake will be recognized as the 2023 Grand Marshal.

Haake started as a chorus boy on Broadway in 1951, and for the next sixteen years, he danced in road tours. Dancers traveling from show to show are called gypsies. While touring, Chita Rivera would call him “Gypsy,” and the nickname stuck.

He lived a poised hetero life, and by the time he was 30, he was too old to dance and wasn’t getting any work. He was a waiter in a New York cocktail bar until 1968 when he entertained again in a new Upper East Side cabaret called “Gypsy’s.”

During the run in Palm Springs, he caught the eye of Miley Cyrus and appeared in her hit music video, “Younger Now.” At 88, Gypsy returned to the stage and hosted Oscar’s 2021 New Year’s Eve with another generation of queens, Varla Jean Merman, Sherry Vine, and the late Heklina. Gypsy was featured in the 2022 book Legends of Drag, and recently, appeared in the Studio One Forever documentary, telling his stories of the Hollywood nightclub.

James Gypsy Haake was Born in Morristown, New Jersey, on February 14, 1932. At 91, Gypsy remains active and continues entertaining folks in his home community of Westchester in Los Angeles.

CELEBRITY GRAND MARSHAL - TRIXIE MATTEL

Trixie Mattel is an American singer, actor, drag queen, and recognized “Skinny Legend.” Trixie is the winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” season 3. She is also a Billboard Heatseekers #1 charting recording artist (One Stone, 2018), a wildly successful touring act, and one half of a comic duo with Katya on YouTube.

In 2019, Trixie worked the festival circuit as the subject of a bio documentary, Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts, debuted her cosmetics company Trixie Cosmetics, and released her Skinny Legend comedy special. She also released a New York Times best-selling book with Katya called Trixie and Katya’s Guide to Modern Womanhood and started a podcast called The Bald and the Beautiful with Katya.

Since then, Mattel has partnered with Fender, worked with Integrity Toys to release the “Trixie” doll, was nominated for a Critics Choice Award for her One Night Only comedy special, and appeared as one of the judges for the hit Paramount+ Queen of the Universe singing competition.

In 2022, she starred in her Discovery+ reality renovation show, Trixie Motel. She released her double LP, The Blonde and Pink Albums, to acclaim from Rolling Stone, Billboard, People, Vogue, NPR, and more, as well as performance slots on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and at Austin City Limits. 2023 saw Trixie perform at the Stagecoach Festival, get nominated for two GLAAD Media Awards as well as two Critics Choice Awards, unveil the Trixie and Katya Live livestream, grace the cover of Los Angeles Magazine, and release multi-million-viewed video content via her YouTube channel.

PS PRIDE 2023 PARADE

COMMUNITY GRAND MARSHAL - ETHYLINA CANNE

She started in San Francisco in the mid-90s at the legendary San Francisco drag club Trannyshack rebranded as the T-shack in 2014. Ethylina Canne is an actress, hostess, comedian, entertainer, and officiant who has appeared all over the globe for the past 30 years. She has graced the stages of the world-famous Laugh Factory and co-hosted the Equality Awards and Steve Chase Awards with funnyman Leslie Jordan. She’s an avid supporter of DAP Health, Alliance for Housing and Healing, HRC, and many other organizations that help communities and their members in need.

Ethylina’s community work has been recognized with honors that include “Best in Drag” 2016, the DAP “Everyday Hero Award” 2018, and GED Magazine’s “OUTstanding Drag Diva” 2020. She is the creator of the monthly drag bingo “Ethyl’s Place,” which has raised over $30,000 since it began 18 months ago for different charitable causes.

On her 50th birthday, the Mayor and City Council of Cathedral City declared July 9th, 2023, “Ethylina Canne Day” with a city proclamation.

Ethylina is also a Tupperware Lady who resides in sunny Palm Springs.

PARADE GRAND MARSHALS

IDINA MENZEL HEADLINES PS PRIDE 2023

One of the biggest names in the music world, Tony-awardwinning actress and singer Idina Menzel, will perform songs from her new album Drama Queen at the Palm Springs Pride Festival on November 4. The sure-to-be energetic main stage performance is free to attend on Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs.

Known as “the queen of Broadway,” Menzel started playing Maureen in “Rent,” one of the first musicals to depict lesbian characters on stage. She won her first Tony playing Elphaba in “Wicked” and has since starred in the film adaptation of “Rent” and Disney’s “Frozen.”

Menzel’s dance project, Drama Queen, released on August 18, showcases her powerhouse vocals through soaring anthems, discoinfused beats, and just the right amount of drama. Menzel worked alongside global hitmakers Nile Rodgers, Jake Shears, Justin Tranter, Sir Nolan, and more to create a body of work that is a departure from what she’s put out in the past. Harnessing the same unforgettable presence on the stage and the big screen, Drama Queen is the latest project in which Menzel employs her greatest superpower.

Drama Queen is Menzel’s seventh studio album. Menzel said, “I am a Drama Queen…I’m dramatic, emotional, and passionate. I love the stage and the spotlight. I love the attention and the roar of an audience. I have big feelings. I sing my ass off through tears of joy, heartbreak, anger, and sadness. This project is the most fun I’ve ever had writing and recording an album. I want everyone to move and sing with me and embrace their inner Drama Queen.”

“I’m thrilled that the first single, the dance heavy “Move,” came out during Pride Month. It’s a celebration of love in all its forms. Watching LGBTQIA+ community friends and fans live courageously and authentically has always inspired me.”

She understands why the song connects to the LGBTQIA+ community because “it’s about having to find my self-esteem and empower myself to get up every day and be who I am authentically, which is honestly what I’ve learned from all my friends in this community. I probably wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t learned to be myself in this world and if it wasn’t for the LGBTQIA+ community.”

“So, from this Drama Queen to anyone and everyone who wants to join me in celebration, I’ll meet you on the dance floor, at the stage door, or wherever you will have me. This album is for you.”

#1 Regional Hospital plus quality awards in 20 specialties.

On behalf of Eisenhower Medical Center, we say thank you. To U.S. News & World Report, for the honor and recognition. To our care teams, for their drive and dedication. And to all of you in our wonderful community who choose us for their care. Besides being ranked as the Inland Empire’s Best Regional Hospital and ranked as the 12th Best Hospital in California, we were recognized for high quality care in the following categories:

• Aortic Valve Surgery

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Colon Cancer Surgery

• Diabetes

• Geriatrics

• Heart Attack

• Heart Bypass Surgery

• Heart Failure

• Hip Fracture

• Hip Replacement

• Kidney Failure

• Knee Replacement

• Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma

• Lung Cancer Surgery

• Neurology & Neurosurgery

• Orthopedics

• Pneumonia

• Prostate Cancer Surgery

• Spinal Fusion

• Stroke

In the coming year, we pledge to keep doing our best to be the best, delivering compassionate, high-quality, leading edge care to the Coachella Valley. Thank you, one and all. You are, and always will be, our inspiration to reach new heights.

Learn more about our accreditations and recognitions at EisenhowerHealth.org/Awards

October 19-22

Our October Festival features more than 50 events

Tickets and Information modernismweek.com

Choose from Six Unique Bus Tours

Daily Tours October 19-22 | Various Times

Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour

Legendary Palm Springs Commercial Architecture Bus Tour

The Homes That Define Palm Springs Bus Tour

Charles Phoenix Super Duper Double Decker Bus Tour

Twilight Bus Tour

Bella da Ball’s Celebrity Homes Bus Tour

Albert Frey’s 1931 Aluminaire House and Its Influence on American Modernism

by Leo Marmol

October 21 | 1–2 p.m. | Palm Springs Convention Center

In anticipation of the Palm Springs Art Museum’s permanent installation of the Aluminaire House, architect Leo Marmol will explore the impact this structure had on American Modernism design.

Modernism Show Preview Party

October 20 | 6–8 p.m. | Convention Center

Lizzy & The Triggerman

October 21 | 7:30–9:30 p.m. | Annenberg Theater

Interested

Palm Springs Art Museum

50 LOCAL ARTISTS TO PERFORM ON PRIDE COMMUNITY STAGE AT PALM SPRINGS PRIDE

Greater Palm Springs Pride announces a lineup of 50 artists scheduled to perform on the Pride Community stage on Saturday and Sunday, November 4-5, at the 37th annual Greater Palm Springs Pride Festival. The stage located in downtown Palm Springs, on Palm Canyon Drive, north of Tahquitz Canyon Way, will be hosted by Bella da Ball.

“Including community artists in the Pride celebration fosters authentic representation and creative expression, enriching the event’s atmosphere with diverse perspectives and narratives. Their involvement not only empowers LGBTQ and ally voices but also creates a more inclusive and vibrant celebration that resonates deeply with attendees, “said Ron deHarte, President and CEO of Greater Palm Springs Pride.

The Pride Community Stage features performers who identify as gay, lesbian, straight, gender non-binary, male, female, transgender, royalty, and more. The diverse artists identify as Black, Native American, Latin, Asian/Pacific Islander, and White communities.

“The wide range of performances presented on the Pride Stage is always a community favorite. Those appearing inspire others and give back to the community throughout the year. This is a great way to celebrate each performer and thank them for all they do in the community,” added deHarte.

Bella da Ball will host the Pride Community Stage on both days. Suitcase travel magazine describes Bella as “an unmistakable mascot for this Californian desert city built on good times, good looks, and good people. Drag queen, tour guide, and the beating heart of Palm Springs.”

Drag personalities celebrating the Pride theme Drag Now! Drag Forever! include Miss Long Beach Pride 2023 and Miss Broadway in Drag 2017 Sheena Wolfe; Vanity Halston; Le Khoa; Jackette Knightley; Aura Van Dank; Angelique VaGorgeous with Barbie Girl Mix; Mx. Long Beach Pride 2023 bearded queen JJ; Anita Treadmill and The Divas on the Dance Floor (Jacqueline Chantry, Pearl O’Wisdom, Dolly Pardon Me, Lady Chilane, Mutha Chucka); CC LaBrie, bearded drag performer from North Carolina singing live, including These Boot Are

Made for Walking; Mareeka, a one-woman drag illusion performance honoring the late Selena Quintanilla.

Vocalists/artists/dancers include the 16-voice men’s vocal performance group, A Cabbello; Carol Kamenis; Keisha D and The Hearts of Soul (Philly Joe Little, Leon Bisquera, Phillip Pallerano, Moyes Lucas, Rick Taylor, Lewis Jones, Dee Dee Star) with a special The Essence of Tina Turner tribute; Jason Hull; Jeffrey Chan; DMGD; Teddy Martin; Larry Bennett; Cat Lyn Day as Marilyn Monroe in a special tribute; Allan H. Jensen (doing the national anthem on Sunday); Anita Treadmill and Divos on the Dance Floor (Allan Jensen, Tommy Dodson, Randell McGlasson, Clarence Franks, James Tennessen, Jeremiah Clark, Kai Brothers); Kippy Marks, high energy fusion acoustic/electric violin with his new CD; and Jaime Adrian, high energy dance music.

Others included in the Pride Community Stage lineup are comedian Quincy Bazen, DJ Mod girl.

Additional headliners will be announced leading up to Pride Week. Performers will come together in four venues, including the Hornitos Main Stage on Palm Canyon Dr at Amado, the Pride Community Stage on Palm Canyon Dr and Tahquitz Canyon Way, the Oscar’s Stage on Tahquitz Canyon Way and Indian Canyon Dr, and the KGAY / White Party Global Stage in the Arenas District.

Pride Week has been made possible by the support from the City of Palm Springs, PS Resorts, Hornitos, La Crema, Nutrl, and Nissan. The three-day Festival will be free to attend. Donations can be made with Gateless Tickets. Gateless Tickets are a great way to give back by donating to the local nonprofit Pride organization. Donations help keep Pride free and accessible to everyone.

Palm Springs Pride Week is scheduled for November 2-5, 2023. For more information about Greater Palm Springs Pride, visit www.pspride.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ palmsprings.pride

PRESTIGIOUS PRIDE HONORS AWARDS

Greater Palm Springs Pride announced recipients of the annual Pride Honors Awards, a beacon of recognition for outstanding contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Award recipients will be celebrated at a ceremony on Monday, October 16, 2023, at the Hilton Palm Springs. The awards announcement marks the approach of Pride Week in the region under the theme of “Drag Now. Drag Forever!”

The prestigious Pride Honors Awards are presented annually to individuals to recognize their work and efforts in raising awareness and furthering the causes of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals and their allies. Recipients are the public ambassadors of Pride, representing the mix of individuals who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.

With the help of past honorees and community input, the Greater Palm Springs Pride board of directors selects organizations and individuals to honor.

“This is not a group that seeks attention or applause. They quietly serve and we are grateful for the profound impact they have had and continue to have in our community,” said Ron deHarte, President and CEO of Greater Palm Springs Pride.

“The awards ceremony promises to be a night of inspiration and celebration, bringing together LGBTQ+ activists, allies, and supporters from all walks of life. Recipients embody the spirit of Pride, and their work has created positive change. We are proud to honor these champions of diversity, unity, and love,” added deHarte.

SPIRIT OF STONEWALL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

DONALD BECK

At a time when healthcare and social service providers were slow in responding to the HIV epidemic, Donald, was one of eight staunch supporters who took the bold first steps to establish an AIDS support and educational organization that would become known as the Desert AIDS Project. The vision Donald and the other founders had to create a place where people could find emotional support in a society that was essentially fearful of AIDS and scornful of those who had it continues today as DAP Health.

SPIRIT OF STONEWALL ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR

BROTHERS OF THE DESERT

Established in 2017 by a group of Black gay men in response to shared feelings of isolation and disconnection, the Brothers of the Desert has thrived in their mission to nurture and support Black gay men and allies through education, advocacy, social networking, volunteerism, philanthropy, and mentorship.

Community engagement includes an annual Wellness Summit, Brothers Got Talent, a quarterly social event; publishing Drumbeat, a monthly newsletter; and hosting a speaker series. They also host events for Martin Luther King Day, Black History Month, and Juneteenth. They have also dedicated more than $10,000 in support of four scholarship programs for Black and LGBTQ+ student success and created a member support fund, and a discussion group series for Black gay men over 50.

The 75-member organization includes Black men who identify as gay, queer, bisexual, or samegender loving and allies of any race, gender, or sexual orientation who support or contribute to the well-being of Black gay men.

SPONSORS: The Pride Honors Awards have been made possible by the support from the Desert Care Network, Hilton Palm Springs and La Crema Wines. Tickets: Tickets for the October 16 awards reception are available at www.pspride.org under the events menu.

#PALMSPRINGSPRIDE #VISITPALMSPRINGS #PSPRIDE

SPIRIT OF STONEWALL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

MISS PATSI

Since the early 1980s, Miss Patsi, an illusion of Patsy Cline, was created by Thommy Kocan to raise funds for charity. Patsi has won multiple royalty titles within Gay Rodeo Circuits, and funds she raised supported rodeo events for the LGBTQ+ Communities.

Having retired, Patsi now invites hundreds of guests for dinner at various restaurants for Dinner with Patsi. By collecting “spare change” from attendees, Miss Patsi has raised $100,000 for local charities. This year, the official Cathedral City choir asked Miss Patsi to help lead the effort to raise funds needed to send the high school choir to Ireland. Patsi rallied the community and raised the $80,000 the choir needed.

SPIRIT OF STONEWALL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

BEVERLY SWEIGART

As a teenager, lacking strong family relationships and raising herself, she learned even small acts of kindness could change a person’s life. Her passion has always been volunteering to help those in need. Beverly’s first charity fundraiser was in 1984 for the family of a gay friend who passed away from AIDS. She’s organized and hosted a variety of events, to raise funds for animal shelters, the homeless, senior centers, youth organizations, community theater, and muscular dystrophy, HIV/AIDS, and cancer-related organizations.

Even after Beverly was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, she never wavered from her quest to help others. For the last seven years she has supported local charities through her organization Palm Springs Crave. Beneficiaries include L-Fund, Well in The Desert, Palm Springs Sanctuary, Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival, HRC, DAP Health, and Palm Springs Pride.

STONEWALL SPIRIT OF PRIDE AWARD

JASE NAGAIA

Jase Nagaia is a native Californian whose passion for fitness, dedication to serving the community, and inclusivity are helping to change the landscape of wellness in Palm Springs.

Jase, a recognized fitness instructor, saw the need for an inclusive fitness environment and created “Endeavor with Jase,” a unique and free low-impact cardio class. His experience overcoming hurdles in the fitness industry profoundly influenced the development of his classes. He created a haven where individuals from all walks of life could embark on their wellness journey without inhibitions and feel seen, heard, and valued.

As a person of color and a member of the LGBTQ community, he uses the wisdom of overcoming adversity to foster a fitness environment that empowers participants to focus without the hindrance of self-doubt or exclusion.

SPIRIT OF STONEWALL FRIEND OF PRIDE

GREG BARTON AND DEE DEE WILSON BARTON

Greg Barton and Dee Dee Wilson Barton, co-founders of Barton, CPA, opened their Palm Springs accounting firm in 2007 to bring their expertise in registered domestic partnerships to the LGBTQ community and to serve clients across the United States. Inclusivity and human rights are the core values of the firm. True allies Greg and Dee Dee have long supported their teen, now 22-yearold daughter, through a positive introduction to living life as an LGBTQ individual. Their community and philanthropical focus are on the LGBTQ community, women, children and education, medical assistance to low-income individuals, people experiencing homelessness, and food insecurity.

Over the last five years, their commitment to the LGBTQ community has included being the top sponsor of the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast. Year after year, they are moved and inspired as 300 young people are bussed in to learn about Harvey Milk.

Dee Dee has served as Chair of the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission and as a board member of The Foundation for Palm Springs Unified School District. The Bartons also support The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.

INDESIGN FALL INTO PRIDE

BY DANN FOLEY

Two of my very favorite things at one time; Pride and Fall. Growing up in suburban Philadelphia, fall can be a magical time of crisp weather and turning leaves. Sundown comes earlier and Halloween is on the horizon with the rest of the holiday season in tow. Pumpkins, cornstalks, mums and Indian corn are the order of the day for outdoor decorating. I still enjoy all of those elements of fall (even some trees lose their leaves here) and, now I have Pride to layer on the joy of the Fall Season here in our Valley.

Growing up and subsequently coming out as a young man in Philadelphia felt like a mine field of emotions. The onset of Pride parades, events and nationwide festivities to celebrate LGBTQIA Pride was almost overwhelming to a young suburban gay man at the time. My first Pride parade was actually in New York. What a thrill. To stand on crowded streets, see the participants, hear the noise, and be a part of the celebration of life was and is amazing!

Looking up all around me and seeing people in the windows of apartments having parties to share Pride in a more intimate setting was an epiphany for me. Though I wanted to be a part of the bigger story, I also wanted to surround myself with dear friends from our community and our supporters. I wanted to put my personal stamp on the celebration on Pride. What better way than to throw a fabulous brunch (Gay Lunch)!

Entertaining at home is a lot easier and can be much more fun than you think. It also has the added value to personalizing the experience for your friends and loved-ones. I wax poetically in these pages each month about sharing your home, this is the perfect moment and it doesn’t mean you have to redecorate…you just have to have some fun and think PRIDE. But, does that mean everything has to be covered in paper rainbows? Of course not! Let me give you some simple and sophisticated ideas to help you create a memorable Pride brunch that can easily become a yearly ritual.

As with any project, I begin by making a plan. The plan keeps you focused and on track. It is the difference between success and frustration (in this case, also known as failure but, we don’t like that word). There are three simple headings for your plan; invitation, décor and menu. Let’s begin and the beginning…

Invitations: There has never been an easier time to create and send fabulous personalized invitations than today. I go to www. evite.com and find a plethora of invitation styles for every occasion. In fact, I am giving evite a shout-out here because they even have

an entire section of invites dedicated to Pride. Give them a try and when setting up your free account, you can store all the guest’s emails for later so you can easily send more invitations again for your next party.

Décor: This is obviously a biggie. It’s Pride, we are gay. Let’s face it, there is a lot at stake here. My idea for this year is, keep it simple. I like balloons. The color selection should be a rainbow, of course. And did you know that you can easily purchase a helium tank and balloons at many stores, including Target (my go-to)?

A brunch may be a daytime event but that doesn’t mean you cannot use candles. I love votives! I use them for every party, day or night. One way to give them a pride effect is to add colored water to your votive cups, then drop in a floating votive candle. You can create a rainbow with the water and with the white votive you have just created a simple and memorable Pride centerpiece for your table. My own little spin on the idea is to run a single line of candles down the center of my table, where the votive cups are touching in a straight line. I think it makes the most impactful look if 2 or 3 of each cup in a row is filled with the same color. It makes the rainbow bolder.

As for the rest of you table. Why not make it all white!? I intend to use a white cloth and napkins, white dishes, white serving pieces and clear glass stemware. The intensity and glow of the all-white table punctuated by the rainbow votives will be stunning. Did you notice something there? No flowers! I told you I would keep it simple and easy, not to mention cost effective.

Menu: One of the reasons I enjoy doing brunches is because it simplifies the menu. Many of my own brunch recipes are makeahead and that keeps my prep time in the kitchen to a minimum. I keep the bar simple too. It is the desert, it is sunny and warm so I serve Champagne, Mimosas and Sangria. Colors, bubbles and fresh fruit, who could ask for more!?

Dessert has to be just as memorable. I take dessert very seriously, so I call in the big guns. There is a new pastry chef in town, Yamir Perez of Cake & Cakes ( www.cake-cakes.com ). His creations are not only delicious but. they are so artistic and so beautiful that you will want to display them. His combinations of flavors and ingredients are as gorgeous as his presentation. Give him a call and he will help you to create a totally unique desert that your guests will be talking about for years to come.

Here are a few of my favorite make-ahead brunch recipes from the good folks at:

www.Foodandwine.com

https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/lemony-crepecasserole This casserole is reminiscent of a bread pudding, just more fabulous!

https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/overnight-french-toast

This French toast dish is so easy to make and then you just pop in the refrigerator for 12 hours and bake it before you serve. The recipe calls for Challah bread but, it works equally as well with fresh sourdough as well. Here’s another little hint, you can make it up to 3days in advance and let it sit covered in your refrigerator.

https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/potato-bacon-andcheddar-tart What is a brunch without some bacon? I always like to add items are that both sweet and savory and this one will thrill your guests. It is vitally important that you use fresh potatoes and thinly sliced bacon. Hit our local famer’s market for the potatoes and have your grocer’s butcher slice the bacon for you.

Happy Pride Everyone! Live Well!

Designer Dann / Foley & Stinnette Interior Design

Dann@FoleyStinnette.com

Designer Dann:

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THE STARS ARE OUT IN HONOR OF NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

BY MARK DAWSON

2023 has been an undeniably transformative year in Hollywood, with celebrities breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for increased acceptance and representation for all sexual orientations and gender identities.

One of the most notable figures to come out this past year was 27-year-old Lukas Gage. Famous for being rimmed by Murray Bartlett in The White Lotus and, more recently, being urinated on in You, the actor came out publicly following rumors that he was dating his now husband Chris Appleton. He opened up further in an interview with the New York Times, detailing the pressure he faced to be honest about his sexuality and how he at first resisted because, earlier in his career, an agent criticized him for dyeing his hair and wearing nontraditional clothes. He added that he was happy to finally be out because “representation matters, and voices need to be heard”.

British actor Joe Locke, best known for his role as Charlie Spring in Heartstopper, also came out as gay in 2023. The 19-year-old plays an out teenager in a relationship with another boy at his school (played by Kit Connor) and was long assumed to be queer. However, he did not acknowledge his sexuality until a recent interview with Teen Vogue, sharing that he has been openly gay since he was 12 and that he loves starring in an inclusive series that encourages young people to be true to themselves.

Another actor in an inclusive series is Graham Parkhurst. He stars in the Netflix series Glamorous, playing the onscreen love interest to trans actor Miss Benny. In the show, Parkhurst and Miss Benny engage in several romantic and intimate scenes that would have been unimaginable in a mainstream series even just a halfdecade ago.

While on the subject of steamy series, Richard Armitage came out publicly this year during an interview with The Evening Standard where he confirmed that he had a male partner. Armitage plays the lead character of William Farrow on the Netflix thriller Obsession and he explained to the British paper how he and his partner had conversations prior to his full-frontal nude scenes. “I reassured him that it was all going to be fine, and we were being well looked after.”

Armitage went on to discuss his thoughts on the new generation of Hollywood stars coming out. “I love the idea that whatever gender

or sexuality, the fluidity of who you love and how you identify, is not fixed. That was always a thing: if I declare who I am and my sexuality, then I’m saying it’s fixed and I don’t know that, or if I might feel something for somebody further down the line. I doubt it, but I don’t know.”

Fluidity is something rapper Lil Nas X has been giving consideration to, as well. This year, he switched his LGBTQ status from gay to bisexual.

FEATURE

Alexander Lincoln, who was actually the first celebrity to come out in 2023, is undeclared about what letter of the alphabet he is. The actor best known for his role in the British soap opera Emmerdale Farm and his portrayal of Mark Newton in the gay film In from the Side, simply stated on his socials that he was part of the community and “not straight”.

On the other hand, Ncuti Gatwa, who plays the role of Eric, a gay teenager whose storyline on Sex Education revolves around his love journey, disclosed earlier this year, that he, like his character, is gay. He admitted it has been a process for him to come to terms with his queerness. Of Rwandan heritage, he had never met

another gay Rwandan person until at Manchester Pride where met a Rwandan lesbian. Realizing he was not alone gave him the courage to embrace his true identity.

Ncuti Gatwa and all of the Hollywood stars that fearlessly opened up about their sexual orientation in 2023 deserve praise. Their courage and authenticity have not only reshaped the conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood but have also served as a source of inspiration for countless individuals to stand up and declare they are here, they’re queer… and they’re not hiding it from anyone.

MUST SEE NEXT GOAL WINS

BY DANILO FONSECA

Taika Waititi has cast Kaimana, a fa’afafine or non-binary person in his upcoming sports film “Next Goal Wins,” based on a 2014 documentary, stars Michael Fassbender and Elisabeth Moss. It tells the true story of the American Samoan soccer team’s fight to redeem itself after having the biggest losing streak in international soccer. Kaimana, who uses one name, will portray Jaiyah Saelua, the first non-binary player to compete in a men’s FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Kaimana, who is making their acting debut in the film, identifies as fa’afafine, a person who does not identify as male or female. It is considered a third gender in Samoan culture and often referred to as transgender or non-binary.

Waititi tells Variety that he never thought of considering cisgender actors for the role. “It was vital,” he said. “There was no way we would have approached it in any other way.”

He explained that New Zealand and Polynesia’s fa’afafine community is “very respected.” “It’s an accepted part of the culture and of life,” he said. “It’s very inclusive.”

“I’ve just started production on my next film, ‘Next Goal Wins,’” Waititi said in a statement announcing the start of production. “We have such an amazing cast and crew behind this film, and I’m stoked to be partnering once again with the lovely people at Fox Searchlight Pictures.”

ABOUT JAIYAH SALELUA

Born male, Saelua is one of Samoa’s “fa’afafine” – roughly translated as way of the woman – a third gender that is commonplace in Polynesian culture.

In November 2011 Saelua, known as Johnny in official football documentation, took the field for American Samoa in Oceania’s first round of World Cup qualifiers for Brazil 2014. She played an important role in helping American Samoa – once branded the world’s worst team after a barely believable 31-0 defeat against Australia – to an unlikely breakthrough win; their first in international football.

Written by

Waititi

and Iain Morris, “Next Goal Wins” began production last month in Honolulu. Waititi is teaming up again with

The tiny Pacific territory is a collection of islands and coral atolls, and is small even by the standards of Oceania, comfortably FIFA’s

Fox Searchlight, the studio behind “Jojo Rabbit,” his Nazi satire that has generated Oscar buzz.

smallest confederation. The entire population of American Samoa numbers just 60,000 – a mid-sized town in most western nations – and football is hardly a common part of daily life in the sleepy capital of Pago Pago.

The nation’s size is reflected in their football record. Seventeen years, 30 defeats and 229 goals conceded – including that infamous world record defeat against Australia in 2001 – were American Samoa’s bare statistics since making their international debut. However, Saelua worked her way into the starting side after a lengthy apprenticeship, and helped her team achieve a World Cup win over Tonga.

The result, and Saelua’s story, received global recognition thanks to Next Goal Wins, a documentary released in 2014. Travelling extensively to promote the documentary, Saelua now finds herself somewhat unwittingly cast as a role-model and spokesperson for transgender sportspeople. It is, however, a role she was happy to fill.

“It was a life-changing experience for me to go to all these wonderful places around the world – first time in New York City, in London, in Paris, in Sydney – and that I am able to educate the world about inclusion, and provide a little glimpse of Samoan culture,” she says.

MUST SEE

Saelua had, in a sad indictment in the western world, not suffered discrimination until she travelled away from her homeland. In fact, she laughs at the very notion when asked if she had ever suffered discrimination prior to leaving American Samoa. “No, none at all, there are lots of fa’afafine in American Samoa that play soccer, and other sports, and even in other national teams in other sports. We are all given an equal opportunity to play sport.”

That experience quickly changed when she moved to Hawaii, trying out for a University of Hawaii men’s team. “Fifteen minutes into the warm-up, the coach called me over and said he doesn’t want to put the rest of the team into an uncomfortable position and sent me home. That was my first major experience [of discrimination].

“On the international pitch I was called names a few times just to put me off my game, but I just tackled harder,” Saelua says with a smile. With a warm and engaging personality, Saelua seems to fit seamlessly into the role that has serendipitously come her way. But does she enjoy it? “I do, but in some ways it has taken me by surprise. I wasn’t really prepared so it has been a little overwhelming. I had to do some research to see how people perceive transgender people in sport. There is still a struggle [globally] with homophobia, and here I am jumping into transphobia when it is unheard of yet.”

Saelua went on to represent American Samoa in a lot of matches and has often been commended for her crunching tackles. She later coached the American Samoan boys team Leone Lions during the 2018–2019 ASHSAA season and won the 2018–2019 J-V title for which she received the “Coach of the Year Award” from the American Samoan football federation.

THE 2023 DAP HEALTH EQUITY WALK FUNDS CARE FOR THOSE LIVING WITH HIV

BY DANIEL VAILLANCOURT

The Desert AIDS Walk may have been renamed the Health Equity Walk this year, but the fight against HIV/AIDS will forever be at the heart of the nonprofit’s work. Earlier this year, DAP Health — the internationally renowned humanitarian health care organization and federally qualified health center (FQHC) whose goal it is to protect and expand health care access for all people (especially the marginalized, regardless of who or where they are, their health status, or whether they have health insurance) — made a successful bid to acquire the Borrego Health System, enabling it to now serve more than 100,000 patients of all populations, genders, and ages (from newborns to seniors) at a total of 25 Southern California clinics located within 240 rural and urban zip codes from the Salton Sea to San Diego.

To some, this expansion signals that the organization — founded as Desert AIDS Project in 1984 by a group of community volunteers determined to provide support, care, and treatment options to gay men with HIV who had been ostracized by the mainstream and abandoned by their government — is drifting from its initial mission.

In truth, HIV prevention, testing, and treatment remains as central to DAP Health’s work as it ever has been and will forever remain so.

Indeed, it is precisely thanks to the nonprofit’s nearly 40 years of experience and proven success in the field of HIV/AIDS that it

has been able to thrive and grow as it has. The agency’s hard-won expertise in providing health care to one marginalized community has permitted it to transfer its unique, patient-centered model of care to a vast array of other such groups, including women, people of color, the poor, the undocumented, those with substance use disorder, and more.

By standing on the shoulders of all those lost to HIV/AIDS, and all those living and aging well with the virus today, DAP Health’s broadened mission remains perfectly in line with that of its founders, whose singular goal was to provide for those dismissed by the mainstream. Expanding health care access is just one of the ways DAP Health honors the memory of those lost to HIV/AIDS.

“While I may consider myself to be somewhat of an open book, I realize most people don’t know I once experienced the stigma and shame of being gay, that I live today with HIV, that I once was unhoused, and that I long ago faced mental health issues,” says DAP Health Chief of Community Health C.J. Tobe. “I am a survivor who is as thankful as I am excited about the tremendous impending expansion of our community health department. I believe it is my and my team’s duty and privilege to advocate and fight daily on behalf of every

member of our diverse communities — but especially for those who are LGBTQ+ and/or living with HIV — so that they may get the second, third, and fourth chances I received, which enabled me to see my bright future and to live my happiest and healthiest life.”

Just some of the ways in which DAP Health daily confirms its commitment to those living with HIV — while honoring the memory of the millions who have succumbed to the disease in the last four decades — include:

• Providing free HIV testing and treatment (such as Rapid StART antiretroviral therapy) plus free access to preventive measures (such as PrEP and PEP) not only at its sexual wellness clinics in Palm Springs and Indio (and soon at the Stonewall Medical Center in Cathedral City) but via its mobile clinic’s presence throughout the Coachella Valley.

• Delivering primary, mental health, and HIV care to people living with the virus.

• Offering a host of client wellness initiatives and other social services — including affordable housing at its 81-unit, oncampus Vista Sunrise complex at DAP Health Sunrise — to clients with HIV/AIDS.

DAPUPDATE

• Serving as the co-presenting sponsor of the Positively Aging Project, the eighth annual Coachella Valley conference on HIV and aging, which was presented as a hybrid gathering (in person at the Mizell Center and virtually via Zoom) on September 23, 2023.

• Donating $50,000 to the AIDS Memorial Sculpture created by acclaimed artist Phillip K. Smith III, which will be prominently displayed at Palm Springs’ Downtown Park located at Belardo Road and Museum Way.

At its 2023 Health Equity Walk — which kicks off at 9:00 a.m. at Palm Springs’ Ruth Hardy Park on Saturday, October 28, 2023 — DAP Health will honor long-term HIV survivors and those lost to AIDS via:

• A special tribute performance by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus.

• The observance of a minute of silence.

• A memorial pavilion where Health Equity Walk participants and supporters can display photos of loved ones living with, or lost to, HIV/AIDS.

• The display, at the pavilion, of two AIDS quilts, one of

which is made of 20 vintage Desert AIDS Walk T-shirts.

• A keynote address by DAP Health CEO David Brinkman about what loss has taught us.

• A ribbon-cutting by DAP Health’s Community Advisory Board, made up of long-term HIV/AIDS survivors.

“The mission, vision, and purpose of DAP Health’s Community Advisory Board (CAB) is to advocate for its clients and patients while considering diversity, equity, and inclusion,” says CAB Co-Chair Michael O’Neill. “We CAB members congratulate the organization’s staff and leadership on its 2023 Health Equity Walk, which continues the commitment to existing and identified needs while expanding the lens throughout Southern California. This act of ‘paying it forward’ includes those often ignored or forgotten, giving everyone a place to be honored and embraced. We stand completely by this greater care and respect for all, marching alongside DAP Health with pride.”

For more information about DAP Health’s efforts on behalf of all those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, please contact Chief of Brand Marketing Steven Henke at 760.656.8401 or shenke@ daphealth.org

ONE NIGHT ONLY RETURNS “LAS VEGAS: THE GOLDEN AGE, 1950-1970”

Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center announces the return of “One Night Only” for the 17th year at the McCallum Theatre produced by Michael Childers with returning director Scott Coulter and musical director Todd Schroeder along with choreographer Jonathan Sharp. This year’s theme is “Las Vegas: The Golden Age, 1950-1970.”

“One Night Only” is being held Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the beautiful McCallum Theatre. Tickets are $85, $105, and $195 and go on sale Wednesday, September 6, 2023, and can be purchased through the box office at www. McCallumtheatre.com or call 760-340-2787. Premium theatre seats including the VIP dinner are available only through sponsorships and a limited number are still available. Contact the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center directly by calling Laura Rogers at 760-773-1636.

“On behalf of the children that we serve, both here in the Coachella Valley with treatment, and globally through our child abuse awareness and prevention program, I want to thank Michael Childers, the Honorary Chairs, the Sponsors and of course the performers and production staff for what is going to be another blockbuster “One Night Only” at the McCallum Theatre. The generosity of all is allowing the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center to continue to provide our necessary services,” said John E. Thoresen, Director/Executive Officer, Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center.

Much of the success of “One Night Only” is attributed to the continued dedication of the honorary co-chairs: Helene Galen, Garry Kief and Barry Manilow, Harold Matzner, and Steve Tobin and Johnny Krupa and the event co-chairs Barbara Fromm and Terri Ketover.

Legendary singers and actors and actresses along with Tony® Award winners and nominees have always been a part of “One Night Only” and this year, continues the legacy.

Patrons will take a step back in time for “Las Vegas: The Golden Age, 1950-1970” starring Debby Boone, Clint Holmes, Jennifer Leigh Warren (all 3 pictured) Klea Blackhurst, Billy Stritch, Carole J. Bufford, Jason Graae, Valarie Pettiford, , Nita Whitaker, Seth Sikes, Nicholas King, Kelli Rabke, Gary Shaw, Scott Coulter, Julie Garnye’, Alex Getlin, Tamika Lawrence, Aaron Lazar, Debbie Gravitte, Jessica Hendy, Daniel LeClaire, Chris Mann, Lesli Margherita, Anthony Murphy, Jonathan Sharp, James Snyder and Nickerson-Rossi Dance.

“When the guys persuaded me to present Las Vegas, I said I’d do it, but only if I can do MY favorite period of Vegas, the 1950s and 1960s – Classic Las Vegas, before 1970. There were so many

ichael C PRESENTS ONE

BENEFITING

Musical Direction by SCHROEDER

Honorary Co-Chairs

HELENE GALEN GARRY KIEF & BARRY MANILOW HAROLD MATZNER STEVE TOBIN & JOHNNY KRUPA

Event Co-Chairs

BARBARA FROMM TERRI KETOVER

STARRING

`

KELLI RABKE

JONATHAN SHARP GARY SHAW SETH SIKES JAMES SNYDER BILLY STRITCH JENNIFER LEIGH WARREN NITA WHITAKER NICKERSON-ROSSI DANCE APPEARANCES SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

FOR

INFORMATION CALL (760) 773-1636

great talents in the world of entertainment then, some of which are showcased tonight,” commented Michael Childers, Producer “One Night Only.”

“This is always a glorious night every year. So much talent, on one stage, in one show. You’ll see all the glitz and glamor from that era in Las Vegas. All to support Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center,” said Debby Boone.

Founded in 1986 by Barbara and Frank Sinatra, the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, located on the internationally acclaimed Eisenhower Health campus in Rancho Mirage, California, is dedicated to ensuring every child’s right to a normal, healthy and secure childhood. For more information visit their website at www.barbarasinatrachildrenscenter.org

TICKETS $85, $105 & $195 ON SALE AT WWW.MCCALLUMTHEATRE.COM

PSP FOCUS

THE PALM SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES ART OF DRAG ART EXHIBIT PLUS THE RETURN OF DRAG STORY HOUR!

The Palm Springs Public Library is happy to be hosting “Slay: The Art of Drag” art exhibit in the Library by artist Craig Mann. “Drag has been in the news for brunches and bans. It’s also a misunderstood art form that has been in existence since William Shakespeare’s choice of men to play female roles”, said Mr. Mann. Exploring drag as art, Craig Mann celebrates local drag artists who bring joy and entertainment to their audiences. Twenty portraits of local queens are on display, the exhibit is viewable at the main Library during regular hours and will be on display through November 18, 2023.

In a happy coincidence, the Library will once again be hosting quarterly Drag Story Hour events with Bella da Ball, with the first one occurring on Tuesday, October 24 at 6:00 p.m. during the art exhibit. There will be a craft, then Bella will read a few stories and then we’ll all dance in celebration. Everyone is welcome; it is a fun time to celebrate all families.

Drag queen and performer, Bella da Ball will be our story reader and hostess. Bella is a local icon known as the beating heart of Palm Springs. “It’s been since before COVID that we’ve had a Drag Story Hour and we are excited to have it back!” said Jeannie Kays, Director of Library Services. “Our Library is a welcoming

place for everyone.” Other Drag Story Hour events are planned for January and March of 2024.

The Palm Springs Public Library offers a varied and comprehensive collection to the community. The Library is located at 300 S. Sunrise Way, on the corner of Sunrise Way and Baristo Road. For more information about the Library call 760-322-READ (7323) or log on to www.pslibrary.org. Follow the Library on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, become a subscriber to the Library’s YouTube channel and sign-up online to receive the monthly e-Newsletter.

THE PS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES ‘OUT ON THE WALK’ IN COLLABORATION WITH THE LGBTQ+ HISTORY & ARCHIVES OF THE DESERT

The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking addition to the prestigious Palm Springs Walk of the Stars. In collaboration with the LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert, a special designation will be introduced to honor LGBTQ+ trailblazers who have left an indelible mark on the city’s vibrant history. The result of their joint effort, the ‘Out on the Walk’ exhibition, is set to open its doors on October 11th, 2023.

Since its inception in 1992, the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars has celebrated over 460 luminaries, including entertainers, humanitarians, civic leaders, architects, artists, authors, athletes, and veterans. These honorees, while recognized for their outstanding achievements, have varied in terms of recognition throughout their lifetimes. The new ‘Out on the Walk’ exhibition aims to spotlight notable LGBTQ+ figures who have played a pivotal role in shaping the welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community that defines the greater Palm Springs area today.

Nona Watson, the CEO of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to see this exhibition coming to fruition! The team at LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert have worked extremely hard to make this special for Walk of the Stars and our community.”

Out on the Walk Exhibition / Celebrating the LGBT Honorees on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars. Opening Ceremony is Wednesday, October 11th, 2023, at 3:00 pm / October 12th through November 12th, 2023 / Thursdays – 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Friday, Saturday, Sunday – 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. / Village Green Heritage Center, 217 S. Palm Canyon Drive

MODERNISM WEEK OCTOBER OFFERS FOUR DAYS OF TOURS AND EVENTS

BY BOB BOGARD

Modernism Week, the annual festival that highlights midcentury modern architecture, art, interior and landscape design, and vintage culture in the Palm Springs area of Southern California, will offer Modernism Week – October from October 19-22, 2023. While smaller in scope than the 11-day festival held annually each February, the October event will offer nearly 50 events over four days, including many free and low-cost programs.

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“We are very happy to once again present Modernism Week – October with a full, four-day event schedule,” said Lisa Vossler Smith, CEO of Modernism Week. “This year we are offering new tours and events and bringing back many of the most popular tours from previous years. We locals and visitors alike enjoy the exciting line-up of home tours, iconic architecture, and entertaining parties.” A full schedule of events and to purchase tickets visit www. modernismweek.com

A FEW OF THE MANY EVENTS INCLUDE:

Architectural bus tours are one of the most popular programs offered during Modernism Week. In addition to the three new bus tours (Legendary Palm Springs Commercial Architecture Bus Tour, The Homes That Define Palm Springs Bus Tour, and Albert Frey’s Palm Springs Bus Tour),

Frey

House II Tour + Museum Day Passes (10/19 – 10/22, $75)

Hosted by Palm Springs Art Museum, these self-guided tours are a rare opportunity to see the residence of modernist architect Albert Frey.

Frank Sinatra’s “Twin Palms” Estate Tour (10/19, $50)

The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation will host a tour of Frank Sinatra’s storied “Twin Palms” estate, designed by modernist architect E. Stewart Williams in 1947.

Once again, the Palm Springs Historical Society will offer unique and compelling walking tours, showcasing the rich architectural and historical nature of the city. Offered each day of the festival, these tours include Celebrity Haven: Unique Boutique Resorts, Frank Sinatra’s Neighborhood: The Hollywood Elite, Giants of Architecture, Golden Era Hollywood Homes, Heart of the City: Pioneers to Playground of the Stars, Hidden Paradise: Show Biz Legends’ Hideaways, Inns,

Architecture and Glamour, Modernist Treasures: Lush Living on the Links, Rat Pack Playground: Modernist Homes, Shangri-La of the Stars: Midcentury Showcase, Stars of The Movie Colony, Boomtown: Revel in the Revivals, and Twin Palms Estates Exteriors Walking Tour: Krisel with the Alexanders Ushered in a New Design Era.

Preview Party for Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show (10/20, $95)

Beat the crowds and enjoy a festive wine reception and early buying opportunity at the Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show. Preview party tickets include return entry to the show all weekend. The show opens to the public on October 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and October 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily show tickets are $25 and include return entry.

Modernism Yard Sale (10/22)

This annual outdoor sale of unique and affordably priced vintage furniture and accessories has become one of Modernism Week’s most popular free events. Complementary donuts and coffee will be provided while supplies last.

Modernism Week’s signature 11-day festival will take place February 15-25, 2024. Tickets will be available starting November 1 at 12 p.m. PST and may be viewed online starting October 25. To receive updates, visit www.modernismweek.com and sign up to receive the free M-Weekly newsletter.

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Musical Direction by SCHROEDER

Honorary Co-Chairs

HELENE GALEN GARRY KIEF & BARRY MANILOW HAROLD MATZNER STEVE TOBIN & JOHNNY KRUPA

Event Co-Chairs

BARBARA FROMM TERRI KETOVER

STARRING*

`

KLEA BLACKHURST DEBBY BOONE CAROLE J. BUFFORD SCOTT COULTER JULIE GARN Y E

ALEX GETLIN JASON GRAAE DEBBIE GRAVITTE JESSICA HENDY CLINT HOLMES

NICOLAS KING TAMIKA LAWRENCE AARON LAZAR DANIEL LECLAIRE CHRIS MANN

LESLI MARGHERITA ANTHONY MURPHY VALARIE PETTIFORD KELLI RABKE

JONATHAN SHARP GARY SHAW SETH SIKES JAMES SNYDER BILLY STRITCH

JENNIFER LEIGH WARREN NITA WHITAKER NICKERSON-ROSSI DANCE

*APPEARANCES SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

BENEFITING FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (760) 773-1636

THE GAY VIBE PART 1

BY JILL LANGHAM

It’s almost season here in Palm Springs and I, for one, feel very hopeful that we are finally back on our path of re-stimulating the Gay Vibe that so strongly existed in the early 2000’s.

When I first came upon the scene back in 2004 there was a sexy element at play. The happy hour scene was not a loud, blaring scene, but instead was more like a beehive with a palpable energy that somehow connected us all. The music being played was more of a background experience which allowed us to talk amongst ourselves, gearing up for whatever came next. It

consisted of locals and out of towner’s, reasonably priced drinks and a DJ, whose music supported us but was not the main focus of the happy hour. I watched people mingle and talk and at the same time move to the rhythm of the music. The energy and the connections were so fun and strong that if you already had dinner plans with your peeps, you’d invite the new friends to to join in or you’d spontaneously make new plans in the moment and now had new friends.

I began to feel that same energy earlier this summer when we once again came together at the pool party at the

Zozo. Unfortunately, due to a number of circumstances that were out of our control, the party came to a screeching halt. The party may have been on hiatus for the rest of the summer, but the energy lived on.

The same group of creative people who gave life to the pool party, including one of our most popular DJ’s and a Drag Queen host extraordinaire worked throughout the summer and the party moved to a new venue. The pulse that I named the Gay Vibe back in 2016 – a life-giving force that I believe has been the missing from Palm Springs for some time – was to be reignited.

PERSPECTIVE

I was asked by the creator of this event to contribute my “party starter” energy. I gladly agreed to this request but, much to my surprise, learned a great deal about my relationship to you, my loves, and felt the need to share with you, the newest part of me that has evolved over the last 18 years.

When I first landed here, I could do nothing, but hear music and be drawn to the dance floor with an energy that was completely out of my control. I literally could not have a conversation, a drink or even stop for a hug because I was so moved by the Vibe that you all brought to a venue. I had to be on the dance floor, dancing either alone or with whoever else was present.

But as the vibe has changed, so has my ability to dance for you. Some of you may have noticed that I have stepped into the shadows oftentimes at dance parties. It’s as if I’m back in Buffalo – so many years ago –playing the wallflower – but still feeling the ghost of the Gay Vibe and keeping the beat with my knees or my feet.

By now, many of you know one of the things I am not, is a pretender. If my spirit is it not drawn in by the music or the vibe, I am literally unable to dance!

Spiritual experiences are difficult to capture in words, but I’ll do my best. In this case, what is missing for me is an organic experience of connection. When this connection happens, the DJ is a conjurer who draw us into their journey and the Disco Ball is our guiding light. My sense is that in recent years, I’ve been distracted by other activities on the dance floor that have prevented me from tapping into and lending my own energy to the Vibe.

Now before anyone wants to accuse me of being anti this or anti that, I am not blaming, shaming or antagonizing anyone or anything. What I am sharing with you is my own personal experience, based on the years that I participated in and actually opened the dance parties on many dance floors.

I found the following definition of a dance floor on the Internet:

“An area of floor in a nightclub, disco or restaurant that is reserved for dancing.”

Here is a definition of dancing from the Internet: TO BE CONTINUED NEXT MONTH

ALWAYS OVERBOOKED

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Auditions are always nerve-wracking. Will the part be yours?

You sure practiced enough before you were judged – and that's what an audition is, a judgment. Can you handle the lines? Are you a fit for the part you want, or would you be better at a walk-on? Being someone else in a play is fun, but not always easy. Neither, says Jim Fielding in his new book "All Pride, No Ego," is being someone else at work.

Born in Toledo into a big extended clan, Jim Fielding says that it looked like he was a member of "the perfect, nuclear family." The truth was, though, that "vulnerabilities and dysfunctions were numerous" and that included homophobia, which was a problem: when he was six years old, Fielding realized he was gay.

To cover for it, he became an overachiever with a lack of selfconfidence and an abundance of insecurities. To help him to conquer his weaknesses, he built a great support system but still, "I wish I had a book like this when I was starting out in my career."

His first point here is his mantra: "Control the controllable but leave space for the possible."

Color "within the lines" if you must but do it at "a company whose ethics and values align with your own." If you're in control, set clear goals, "hire people who are smarter than you are" and get to know them well.

"Never stop learning." Accept that you can forgive without forgetting transgressions. Remember that if the job is right, you won't have to change who you fundamentally are. Learn to "define FAMILY however it works for you..." Know the difference between want and need. Trust your intuition, tamp down impulsiveness, but be flexible – which will help you attract and keep the best team possible. Know that selfishness is a righteous thing sometimes.

Strive always for "cultures of excellence."

And always "leave [your] corner of the world a better place than [you] found it." Donate. Volunteer. Do good.

In his preface, author Jim Fielding says that he wrote this book because he "realized that my leadership style and success... are completely dependent on my personal journey." Those words should alert readers that "All Pride, No Ego" is preponderantly a memoir, which isn't a bad thing, but it bears mentioning.

If you don't have the patience it takes for rambling stories, you won't like this book at all, in fact. Fielding is a storyteller, and he smartly uses his experiences to show, not tell, in a way that's pleasant and relatable for anyone who's ever struggled at work. Yes, the workplace tales mean that business advice is sometimes embedded, sometimes apparent, and sometimes down a rabbit hole for you to follow but for most readers, it'll be a useful scavenger hunt.

While this book is perhaps best for the person who's looking for a first job or who just found one and is sweating to fit in, "All Pride, No Ego" is worthwhile for anyone. Enjoy the memoir, find the helpful parts.

"All Pride, No Ego: A Queer Executive's Journey to Living and Leading Authentically" by Jim Fielding c.2023, Wiley

$28.00 / 213 pages

TRIO

PALM

SPRINGS REIMAGINES WITH STYLISH DÉCOR AND A CHEF-DRIVEN, FARM-INSPIRED MENU

BY LISSA GRUMAN

TRIO commemorates a 14-year milestone with a full interior renovation, alongside a menu designed to energize a new culinary adventure.

When Tony Marchese opened TRIO in 2009, Palm Springs held a reputation as a seasonal vacationer’s paradise for sun and fun. Fast forward to 2023- the city and the community have grown and evolved with more full-time residents, year-round tourism, and sophisticated hotels and restaurants. Says Tony: “This significant anniversary motivated me to make the change; to bring a fresh approach to the community with a style of service that fosters connection and engagement around the table with friends and family. Now is the perfect time to reimagine, bring renewed life to TRIO, and celebrate the next 14 years in our fantastic city.”

Palm Springs is renowned as a haven for mid-century modern design, and TRIO is no exception. The notable building, with travertine exterior, was built as Security First National Bank in 1962. The original interior safe remains near the entrance. With deference to a Modernism sensibility, the space has been restyled with the inclusion of light grey walls, warm woods, and contemporary lighting fixtures to reflect the design sensibility of the era. “When we opened, Palm Springs was about being bright and bold with color and lots of panache,” says Tony. “We still have pops of color, we cannot give up our signature TRIO orange, but the space is subtle, warm, and more muted.”

The heart and soul of TRIO’s menu is firmly rooted in California; shining a light on the beautiful ingredients grown in the region’s

vibrant farm scene and the products found from land to sea across the state. The menu is guided by Executive Chef Jeremy Loomis. A Michigan native, Jeremy moved to San Diego in 2011 where he spent the past eleven years. He worked with Chef Brian Malarkey (Seersucker, Herb & Wood), Top of the Market seafood restaurant, then as corporate chef for the six restaurants of Fish Market Restaurants Inc. A transplant to the Coachella Valley in 2022, Jeremy’s cooking is focused on locality and seasonality to showcase the array of high-quality ingredients gleaned from California’s prolific ranchers, farmers, and fishermen.

His vegetable forward menu reflects the great melting pot of the State’s cultures and cuisines presented in a modern, yet approachable fashion.

Jeremy intends for dishes to be shared around the table to weave an interactive experience. The meal kicks off with starters like house made biscuits, Kampachi Crudo, A5 Beef Carpaccio, Crab Croquettes. Meat and seafood mains (Tomahawk Pork Chop, Jidori Half Chicken, Scottish Salmon, Diver Scallops, Wagyu NY Strip Steak) build the framework. House made pastas (Bucatini, Crescenza Triangoli, Chittara, Gemelli) and of-the-moment vegetables (Japanese Eggplant, Sweet Corn 3-ways, Romano beans) make complementary additions.

TRIO is in the Uptown Design District at 707 North Palm Canyon Drive. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 4pm-9pm, Friday and Saturday, 4pm-10pm, Sunday 4pm-9pm. Closed on Tuesday until October 1. Happy Hour is offered daily from 4pm-6pm daily. (760) 864-8746. CHEERS TO 14 YEARS!

Our

mission is to provide an open and welcoming environment for all members of the LGBTQ family.

CHAPPELL ROAN RELEASES THE RISE AND FALL OF A MIDWEST PRINCESS

BY MARTHA TANG

Midwestern darling and Gen Z’s favorite new “thrift store pop star” Chappell Roan serves up an auspiciously timed new anthem today, “HOT TO GO!”—the latest single and video in a slew of irresistible tracks teeing up her highly anticipated debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess out September 22 via Amusement / Island Records. Channeling the spirit of cheer, Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO!” is instructive, indelible, and iconic, carrying the singalong charisma of Toni Basil’s “Hey Mickey” and Roan’s signature uninhibited and clever songwriting. The accompanying music video for “HOT TO GO!”’ finds Chappell at home in Willard, Missouri bringing her lyrics to life with a dance while instructing others to follow her lead. “I wrote this song so I could live out my cheerleader fantasy!” Chappell says about the song. “I just wanted to make something simple and silly that I could do with the audience because I’m a huge fan of audience participation. Also, selfishly (and shamelessly) wanted to bounce around on stage singing a song about being hot.” Watch the official music video for “HOT TO GO!”

With bold hooks, powerhouse vocals, and theatrical flair, the magnetic and unapologetically candid singer-songwriter has built up a cult-like fanbase over the past year across releases like the booming, dancefloor-ready “Red Wine Supernova”, her breathtaking self-written ballad “Kaleidoscope”, and last year’s cinematic fan favorite “Casual”. Her synth-pop smash breakthrough, 2020’s “Pink Pony Club”, set the tone for Chappell’s evolution into her own version of pop stardom: a small town rhinestone cowgirl delivering euphoric, heartfelt bangers, and a queer icon for a generation. The album was co-written and produced by Daniel Nigro (Olivia Rodrigo, Sour, Guts).

This fall, Chappell will embark on an expansive North American headlining tour that will scale up her intoxicating live show experience across the US and Canada—The Midwest Princess Tour, already sold out in 12 cities including two Brooklyn Steel shows, kicks off in September with tickets on sale at iamchappellroan.com/tour. Additionally, a limited number of tickets will be awarded as show “scholarships” for fans facing financial difficulties in an effort to keep attendance affordable and shows accessible across the wide-

spanning tour. An electrifying performer, Chappell wrapped her debut headline Naked in North America tour in March, selling-out all tour stops including New York (Webster Hall), Los Angeles (The Fonda), San Francisco, Chicago, Toronto and more. Often featuring opening sets from drag queens, each night incorporated a different dress theme (like “homecoming dance” and “goth, grunge, and glitter”). The ecstatic shows earned universal praise for Chappell’s exhilarating performances and for creating a “glamorous safe space,” and “disco dance party where everyone can feel like the most fun, the most free version of themselves,” in rooms bursting at the seams with energy.

Chappell Roan continues to connect with her growing fanbase by championing open and honest expression of identity and unapologetic sexuality. Through her music, art, style and spirit, she has already earned press nods from Pitchfork, NPR, MTV, Vulture, Billboard, V Magazine, Rolling Stone, Teen Vogue and more. This year, Chappell was named Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Artist of 2023. Earlier heralded releases “Naked In Manhattan,” and the “deliciously vindictive “My Kink Is Karma” received well-deserved traction in both the digital and live music world paving the way for The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess and more live shows coming this year.

JOHN DUFF IS AMBIGUOUSLY NOT-NOT STRAIGHT IN “SOMEBODY’S DAUGHTER”

BY LARRY OLSEN

In “Somebody’s Daughter,” his crooning ballad about unattainable and momentarily-rewarding sexual relationships, out artist John Duff turns the tables on gay baiting music artists like Harry Styles, Charlie Puth, and Nick Jonas. “Honestly, every artist today is gay baiting and LGBTQ+ media eats it up,” he says. “Maluma took off his shirt; give it a grid post! As though every freaking gay isn’t posting shirtless pictures every day. It’s exhausting. That’s why I’m going against the grain in my new song and video - I’m straight baiting. Maybe, now, I can be fetishized too.” John Duff’s “Somebody’s Daughter” is being distributed independently and will be available Friday, September 1 on Apple Music, Spotify, and all digital platforms. Its video will available on YouTube.

“You see, when you start out gay in the industry, you’re reduced to being a niche artist or comedy act,” John Duff asserts from his Los

Angeles home. “I have been told over and over that the themes of my music aren’t ‘for everyone,’ so I wrote a super misogynistic song that now ‘everyone’ can enjoy.”

Produced by John Duff, Alex Delicata, Eren Canatta, and Luke Moellman, “Somebody’s Daughter” is about a phenomenon many young people, gay and straight, face today. They want love but then devote all of their energy on heated one-night hook ups, rather than on relationships with substance.

The visual, directed by Shawn Adeli (who also directed John Duff’s “High Heels” video), reflects on the song’s theme. It spotlights a couple that are clearly not right for one another but takes the story a step deeper by exploring the underground world of adult porn and social media platforms like OnlyFans where users pay

influencers for access to exclusive, often salacious, content.

Duff was inspired to take this direction for the video when the respectability of his work was questioned by another gay music artist. “I felt judged for my overt sexuality. He said, ‘audiences want a spiritual connection, not sex.’ I told him that’s code for: no one wants to see you naked.”

“My spirit is wild, fun, and free and as a performer, I am shameless,” John Duff continues. “As far as I’m concerned, shamelessness in your body and sexuality is a step toward enlightenment. Not away.”

He views porn as an art form ¾ “Sex is theatre and bodies are sculptures” ¾ and champions freedom of sexuality. It’s why he

has decided to bust out of the closet as not-not straight. “Like how Diplo is not-not gay,” he explains. “I can’t confirm or deny, I’m just saying I’m not-not and seeing how that goes over when I spin it the other way.”

As far as the kissing scene with actress Nellie Salisbury, his costar in the video, John Duff insists it wasn’t his first experience with a female. “To paraphrase Diplo, I’m pretty sure I hookup with women all the time.”

John Duff’s “Somebody’s Daughter” is being distributed independently and is available on Apple Music, Spotify, and all digital platforms. Its video is available on YouTube.

Follow John Duff on Facebook and Instagram @ iamjohnduff

QUEER MUSIC ARTIST JOHNNY MANUEL BURNS IT UP WITH RELEASES “MOLOTOV”

BY ILICH MEJÍA

Prolific queer artist Johnny Manuel has released “Molotov,” the latest single from his upcoming second EP, Blue, out October 13. Johnny has also released the music video for the song. “Molotov” celebrates moving forward and new beginnings without any negativity from the past. The energetic track features confident live instruments and Johnny’s signature dynamic vocals. The song was written by Johnny Manuel, Aidan Laprete and Mischa Mandel and produced by Laprete.

Of the meaning behind “Molotov,” Johnny shares: “‘Molotov’ is about rebuilding after you’ve burned it all to ashes. However, that looks and feels for you. It’s about building a new life, a new mode of thinking, a new career, a new business, a new relationship with yourself. It’s about ridding yourself of the negativity and rebuilding yourself anew. I had to burn down my past trauma, and the doubt and pain other people had created in me throughout the years. I had to burn down all my past resentments, frustrations and disappointments before I could start constructing this new version of myself.”

About the creative inspiration behind the song, Johnny says: “Sonically the directive was “celebratory yet aggressive”. For me the duality was essential, in order to match the emotion of the lyrical content, and Aidan (Laprete), as always, made it exactly what it needed to be. I think ultimately the live instruments really drove the point home, which were added later in the creative process at the suggestion of my creative team. I am endlessly proud of ‘Molotov’ and I’m so happy to have it out in the world.”

The simple yet experimental music video for “Molotov” finds a fashionable Johnny conveying the powerful lyrics of the song through dance. The provocative visual effects and sleek black and white aesthetic celebrate a future without limitations. The music video was directed by Atypical Beings, Johnny Manuel’s longstanding creative team.

With a career that spans 20 years, Johnny Manuel has shown many different sides to his artistry: a powerhouse singer, a gifted songwriter and a passionate musician. Johnny discovered the joy of

performance and musicianship at a young age while in the church choir. A prolific performer, he has opened for *NSYNC and even competed in Eurovision, honing his skills and building an international fan base along the way.

Defining his own artistic vision across multiple projects with creative collaborators such as Grammy-winning artist/producer Nick Littlemore (PNAU and Empire of the Sun), London-based artist/ producer T. Priestly, and his go-to LA-based producer Aidan Laprete, Johnny’s new sound finally allows him to be his authentic self with swirling R&B melodies and massive vocals mixed with dance beats that fill any dancefloor. Johnny is continuing to show the world why he is an artist to watch!

Earlier this Pride month, Johnny Manuel released “End of the Night,” the lead single from Blue. Featuring stunning live strings and drums, the upbeat track is a relatable love story you can dance to. The song was written by Johnny Manuel, Aidan Laprete, and Mischa Mandel and produced by Laprete. The music video for “End Of The Night” finds a stylish Johnny dancing in various nightclub settings. The fantastic, moody lighting and Johnny’s sleek dance moves depict the feeling of getting lost and living in the moment.

Connect With Johnny Manuel Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

TRANSCENDANCE AN INCLUSIVE FUTURE

BY JACQUELYN JAMES

In recent years, discussions surrounding transgender rights and inclusivity have gained significant momentum. The transgender community faces numerous challenges and issues that demand our attention and support. In this column, we will explore some of the current issues affecting the transgender community and emphasize the importance of fostering understanding, acceptance, and equality.

Transgender individuals often experience discrimination and marginalization in various aspects of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and housing. Discriminatory practices and attitudes hinder their access to equal opportunities and contribute to social and economic disparities. It is crucial for society to actively combat discrimination and create a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.

Transgender individuals face unique challenges in accessing appropriate and affirming healthcare. Many encounter barriers when seeking gender-affirming treatments, including hormone therapy and gender confirmation surgeries. Policies and healthcare systems should be designed to address these disparities, ensuring that transgender individuals have access to the comprehensive care they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Tragically, violence against transgender people remains a grave issue. Transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color, face disproportionately high rates of violence, including hate crimes, harassment, and even murder. It is essential to address this issue through comprehensive legislation, education, and support services to ensure the safety and well-being of transgender individuals in our communities.

While progress has been made in advancing legal protections for transgender individuals, there is still work to be done. Advocacy efforts should focus on promoting legislation that safeguards transgender rights, including anti-discrimination laws, legal recognition of gender identity, and policies that protect transgender youth. By enacting and upholding these laws, we can create a more equitable society for all.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, it is imperative that we actively engage with the issues faced by the transgender community. By addressing discrimination, healthcare disparities, violence, and legal challenges, we can work towards a more inclusive society that fosters acceptance and equality for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. Let us stand together in support of transgender rights, celebrating diversity and promoting a future that is truly inclusive for everyone.

We would like to welcome Jacquelyn James to The Standard Magazine family. Her monthly column on issues facing the transgender community will be a refreshing & insightful addition to our publication.

STAGE

COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY ANNOUNCES 2023-2024 SEASON

BY TIMOTHY DUNN

Coachella Valley Repertory Executive Artistic Director Adam Karsten has announced CVRep’s 2023-2024 Season. Karsten said, “Our 23/24 Season is going to be a great adventure. The shows represent everything we want to offer Coachella Valley audiences: fun, irresistible classics, familiar works examined for new insights and relevance, plus all new works that reflect the interests and ideas in our world today. I am so grateful to CVRep’s family of donors and sponsors who make it possible for us to produce the quality productions that our community has grown to expect of us and deserve.”

The Fantasticks: A Love Story Reimagined

West Coast Premiere

Book and Lyrics by Tom Jones

Music by Harvey Schmidt

Directed by Craig Wells

Dates: November 1 – 12, 2023

This bold new reimagining of The Fantasticks has only been seen once before and is bound for Broadway following its exclusive West Coast premiere at CV Rep. The Fantasticks is a theatrical phenomenon: it is the longest running musical in the history of the American stage and one of the world’s most loved and produced works ever. This inspired new setting of The Fantasticks is a collaboration between Tom Jones and Michigan’s Flint Repertory Theatre and remains true to the show’s soul. In an interview with Playbill’s Andrew Gans, Jones said, “Rethinking the show through the lens of two young gay men reveals so much about first love, identity, and self-discovery.” All of the original songs remain, including “Try to Remember,” “Much More,” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain.” It’s fun, beautiful and deeply touching.

Summer Sessions With The Bones Brigade

By Kirby Fields

Directed by Adam Karsten

Dates: December 6 – 17, 2023

Coachella Valley Repertory presents the World Premiere of

the first work selected from the company’s new works development project, Origins. Summer Session With The Bones Brigade was written by writer/playwright Kirby Fields, artistic director of University of Pennsylvania Theater Company and Up Theatre company in Manhattan. . His plays and films have been produced and developed in theaters and festivals across the country.

Summer Session With The Bones Brigade explores universal themes such as the often-painful process of passing from teen to adult, evolving friendships, and trying to make sense of inexplicable change and loss. Set in the Mid-West during the summer of 1988, the play relates the story of four teenagers with dreams of becoming competitive skateboarders and their two female friends. When one of them mysteriously disappears, the gang fears the worst and directs their guilt and shame against one another.

Cabaret (1998 Version)

Book by Joe Masteroff

Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood

Music by John Kander Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Directed by Adam Karsten

Dates: January 24 – February 4, 2024

“Pertinent to the world we live in.” – John Kander

In an immersive, one-of-a-kind production, you will step off the street and into a world you could only imagine. From the minute you enter CVRep, you will be transported to a wild nightlife; a dangerous time in an unstable country; and take a journey unlike any you’ve risked before. What would you do? Cabaret is the musical that asks just that.

POTUS: Or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying To Keep Him Alive

By Selina Filinger

Directed by Courtney Young

Dates: February 28 – March 10, 2024

A first rate, modern day political farce fresh from Broadway and just in time for election season! Just another day in the Oval Office, the vortex of world order: Chief of Staff Harriet and Press Secretary Jean are trying to minimize the damage after the President called his wife an unprintable name in front of foreign diplomats and the press. Unexpected visitors include the President’s pregnant mistress, his convicted felon sister, and a seasoned reporter with the proverbial nose for news.

Nice Work If You Can Get It

Lyrics by Ira Gershwin

Music by George Gershwin

Book

by

Joe DiPietro

Dates: April 10 – 21, 2024

Nice Work If You Can Get It will be the biggest production ever

mounted on the CVRep stage. A classic Broadway blockbuster filled with actors, singers, dancers and beloved Gershwin tunes, including “Sweet and Lowdown,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” and many more. Nice Work If You Can Get It is a classic family, endlessly entertaining show boasting 10 Tony nominations and two wins.

Coachella Valley Repertory is a non-profit, professional regional theater. It is the only theater in California’s Coachella Valley that has Small Professional Theatre (SPT) status with Actor’s Equity. CVRep produces professional theater and educational programs that present thought provoking theatre of substance. It also offers professional level theatre training for young people and adults in its Conservatory, Writing Competition, and other meaningful, socially, and culturally relevant children’s outreach programs. As a member of the Coachella Valley community, CVRep is committed to enriching the quality of life for all residents and to providing memorable experiences for the Valley’s many visitors.

Subscription renewals and new subscription are available now. Ordering may be completed online at www.cvrep.org, by calling (760) 296-2966, ext. 201, or at the CVRep box office located at 68510 East Palm Canyon Dr., Cathedral City. Box office hours are noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. It is currently closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday. In order to better serve audiences, patrons requesting accessibility assistance are encouraged to speak to a ticket representative while purchasing their season subscriptions. For more info visit www.cvrep.org

PHOTO REWIND

CINEMA DIVERSE OPENING NIGHT

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A LEE

PHOTO REWIND

CINEMA DIVERSE OPENING NIGHT

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A LEE

Evening Under the Stars – Genesis –

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 5:30 PM

A GARDEN/COCKTAIL PARTY AT THE HOME OF BRAD LAMPLEY & RIGO LOMELI (Formerly known as ‘Houston South.’ Address to be provided upon purchase.)

SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE BY THE LEGENDARY LILY TOMLIN

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS HONORING LORI & AUBREY SERFLING AND NELDA LINSK

Tickets for the benefit are available at $200 per person and include hosted bar, abundant hors d’oeuvres by Eight4Nine, entertainment, and valet parking. For tickets and more information call 760-325-8481 or visit aapfoodsamaritans.org

PRESENTED BY

PHOTO REWIND

BURNING MAN 2023

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A LEE, RAND LARSON & FRIENDS

PHOTO REWIND

BURNING

MAN 2023

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A LEE, RAND LARSON & FRIENDS

PHOTO REWIND

BURNING MAN 2023

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID A LEE, RAND LARSON & FRIENDS

DATE EVENT

Sept 10

Riverside Inland Empire Pride Festival 2023

Sept 20 2023 Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs

Sept 20–24 Club Skirts Dinah Shore

Sept 21-24/28-Oct 1

Sept 22-24

Sept 23

Cinema Diverse

Gay Days Anaheim

8th Annual Aging Positively Conference

Sept 28-Oct 1 The Desert Jazz Festival

Sept 29

Planned Parenthood's 60th Anniversary Cocktail Reception

Oct 5–8 Joshua Tree Fall Music Festival

Oct 6 Singing with the Desert Stars

Oct 7 Pride Under the Pines 2023

Oct 7 2023 PS Mod Com Preservation Awards

Oct 7 House Party PS : Margarita Madness

Oct 7 SAND STARS AND GUITARS: Ty Herndon

Oct 8 Coachella Valley Filipino Festival

Oct 11

CVEP Economic Report & Breakfast

Oct 11 Out On The Walk/LGBTQ Archives Project

Oct 13-14 Pride on the Page

Oct 14

Oct 14

Oct 19–22

Oct 20

Oct 21

Evening Under the Stars - Genesis

Paint El Paseo Pink 2023

Modernism Week - October

Center Stage - LGBTQ Center Gala

Palm Springs Aerial Tram Road Challenge

Oct 21-22 57th Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival

Oct 26–29

Oct 28

Oct 29

Oct 29

Nov 3–5

Nov 4

PS Leather Pride

DAP Health Equity Walk

Halloween Palm Springs in the Arenas District

Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade 2023

Palm Springs Pride

Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk 2023

Nov 8 Michael Childers' One Night Only

Nov 11-12

Nov 17-19

Nov 19

Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival

Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon & Food Truck Fest

The L-Fund Annual Golf Tournament 2023

Dec 3 14th Annual Men of the Desert Fashion Show